Kim T.
Yelp
Ever since I saw Pretty Woman, the Opera scene has always been one of my favorites. Finally, I got to see an Opera show (sans the pretty red dress, Richard Gere and jeweled necklace, lol!) at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Downtown Los Angeles.
My very first Opera was II Trovatore (Sunday, 2 p.m.): It was a beautiful, yet haunting, tragic love story. Two men (Count di Luna and Manrico) fighting over the love of a woman (Leonora). Towards the end, Count di Luna finds out that Manrico is his biological... (well, you got to go see the play for yourself)...
Yes, it's sung in Italian, but don't fret, there's a screen above translating it in English as to what the Actors and Actresses are singing about. I do wish they have some projection screens for the higher-level sections to view the Actors and Actresses' faces like they do at the Hollywood Bowl. Also, use the of their body languages and hand gestures speaks loud volumes. If you want to get an idea of the story, read the play (Summary Synopsis) beforehand. As you watch and listen along, you'll get lots of chills, excitement and goosebumps, especially when the Actors and Actresses hits and nails their high notes.
Play Time: Two hours and 45 mins + 25 mins intermission.
The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion itself is spacious, clean and nicely ventilated. A little rundown, especially, the restrooms needing a huge makeover. The gorgeous chandeliers are beautiful and great for taking photos in front (the 3rd floor has the best views of them). There are stairs and elevators (recommend taking the elevators if you're seated on the 3rd floor or above. You can climb them and get a good workout, but you'll be sweaty and possibly winded by then, lol!).
A few other logistics:
COVID-19 Safety Procedures: Staffers and patrons wore masks. Hand sanitizers are available and social distancing practiced. Before entering the show, you MUST show proof of vaccination card or negative testing. Afterwards, you're given a wristband to wear the remainder of your time there. The day before your show, you will get an automated call instructing you on what to do and bring for the COVID-19 Safety Procedures.
Parking: $9 Flat Fee - underground parking with multiple levels. Not gonna lie, I was worried that getting out of there was going to be like Dodger Stadium, post-game (with all the chaos and bumper to bumper madness). However, it was more like Angel Stadium (orderly, quick and with Staffers directing the way to get out). Also, after the show, I dashed out of there and followed this couple and my seat mate out this quick passageway instead of going through the main elevators and stairs like everyone else, lol! I was out of the underground parking lot within less than 5 mins, woohoo!!!
Dress Code: Business Casual (think of a business lunch or dinner night at Musso and Frank), though I did see some men dressed in t-shirts and jeans (which will guarantee you some side-eyes or dirty looks from the older folks, and this is regardless if you're male or female). Opening night tends to be more formal. I went to the Sunday 2 p.m. show and so, it was a little more chilled.
Food and Drinks: You are permitted bottled drinks inside as well as snacks (but please keep the crinkling of wrappers to a minimum). There's also a 25 mins intermission. Drinks and snacks are only sold on the first and second floors.
Photos and Videos: Before, during intermission and after the show, you are permitted to take pictures. During the show, photos and videos are not permitted.
Overall, I had a great time at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. I highly recommend checking it out. Until the next Opera show!