If the premiere show from the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is indicative of the quality of programming to come from the new center (coming in 2013), we’re all in luck. Il Teatro alla Moda — which is only in town through March 18 — showcases bejeweled, one-of-a-kind costumes designed by Italian master couture stars such as Missoni, Versace, Fendi and Capuccio. Staged in the MGM building on Beverly Drive (across from the Montage Hotel) while the Post Office area is being built, this show is not so much about the stage as it is about the superior craftsmanship of the world’s best clothiers. To see the cascading bust of a Versace gown with thousands of tiny crystals sewn on by hand is to marvel at the patience (and eyesight) of those who bring the vision of haute couture designers to life
Over the past few weekends, TFS subscribers were invited to art workshops with the Annenberg, which allowed parents and children alike to learn about the exquisite costumes in a close-up-and-personal way
We heard the inside scoop on bringing the show to the States, learned about the fabrics and theatrical sets by searching for clues and then played games with clues handed out by the Annenberg’s clever art educators.
The kids picked a word clue from each of three buckets to for a costume they had to create: Lara picked MYSTERIOUS, QUEEN, OPERA and set out to turn her mother into that character.
Ayla used pink fabric under tulle to get that soft-under coloring to work.
And Karen was turned into a Angry Judge (for the) Stage!
The docents did a fabulous job introducing the costumes to the kids, and the kids had a really fun time either dressing up their moms, or sketching the colorful costumes.
What fun!! This event portends great things for the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts which opens in the fall of 2013~
