THE RICARDO MONTALBÁN THEATRE’S FALL LAUNCH PARTY
When I was a young “starlet,” just starting-out in the biz, Mr. X introduced me to Ricardo Montalban, with whom he was working at the time. A nicer gent you could not find. (Ricardo, not Mr. X, although he is pretty cool himself.) This was an icon I’d been watching in old movies since I was just a tot, and here he was, warmly shaking my hand! And he was so lovely to me!
A lobby display featuring many images of its namesake, Ricardo Montalban. Photo by Karen Salkin.
So, when this gorgeous Hollywood theatre was re-named for him several years ago, I was got on board from the start. But I have to be honest—most of their fare did not appeal to me. It was heavily geared towards the Latin community, which I applaud, but I don’t speak much Spanish, so it was not really my cup of tea. And it features basically “one-off” productions; I had been used to long-running plays and musicals, like the ones we find at the Mark Taper Forum and the Ahmanson Theatre downtown. So, I haven’t been to the Montalban much, except for a dance show here or there.
To the many others who felt the same way, I have to tell you–this is not your grandfather’s theatre anymore! I learned all about it at their interesting fete the other night.
An aerial view of The Rooftop Cinema Club.
The evening began with a visit to the re-vamped rooftop. I was amazed! I had been up there for a couple of hip-hop dance parties, and it was pretty barren back then. Now it’s been transformed into the Rooftop Cinema Club, complete with uniform blue-and-white beach chairs and attractive concession stands. (And the film projector is housed in a giant popcorn container!) [Note: There are a lot of stairs to get up to the top, so the roof is not the place for people with any type of physical challenges. But the theatre itself is ground level.]
The concessions kiosks. Photo by Karen Salkin.
My friend Jeanine and I loved the freshly-made popcorn, with tons of choices of flavored topping sprinkles. It’s actually pretty much all Jeanine ate that night! But I also tried a few of the Cafe’s cooked offerings–a chicken slider on pretzel bread, vegetarian nachos, and sweet potato fries with honey on the side! That substance made those fries extra-yummy.
Then the assemblage moved down to the mezzanine level, which used to be where the post-show soirees were held, but now it’s an independent film venue! Wow.
Patrick Lindquist addressing the crowd. (Or is it really Ryan Lochte?) Photo by Karen Salkin.
Gilbert Smith, the Executive Producer of the Montalban, apprised us of the slate for the upcoming season, which begins this month. They’re billing it as “multi-disciplinary,” and let me tell you—it is indeed that! With all the fabulousness coming to the Montalbán this month, I feel awful that I chose this time to finally go back to New York for a bit!
But, if you’re as much of a culture aficionado as I am, you need to check-out the schedule for yourself, right here: www.themontalban.com
And enjoy it for both of us!
[Note: I’m glad I’ll be back in time for a different musical take on Swan Lake. This time, it’s not a ballet, but a musical, written in part by an adorable Ryan Lochte look-alike, Patrick Lindquist. I guess it doesn’t take a genius to figure-out why I’ll be in attendance!]
