![\"Photo](\"http:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/IMG_3570.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the big one at the top of the page.<\/p><\/div>\n
We began the festivities in the lobby bar in front of the Bram Goldsmith Theatre on the lower level of the edifice, (which in case you didn\u2019t know, is Beverly Hills\u2019 former grand Post Office.) There was a perfect assortment of passed hors d\u2019oeuvres, with plenty of vegetarian choices, which is always thoughtful of hosts to do. And they were teensy, as well\u2014the perfect size for a very mingly cocktail party. My favorites were mini potato pancakes with a tiny slice of caramelized onion on top, and bite-sized crispy veggie tacos.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Karen Salkin on stage at The Wallis! (The audience is behind her.) Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n
After just the right amount of time, we were invited into the auditorium for the program. When I asked Joel Hile, the\u00a0Director of Marketing & Communications\u00a0for the Wallis, if we choose our own seats, and he answered that we could sit in any chair\u00a0on the stage\u00a0<\/em>that wasn\u2019t in the first row, I thought that either I had misunderstood, or he was punking me. I said, \u201cYeah, right, sit on the stage.\u201d But guess what? I finally made my debut on\u2026the Wallis main stage! I wish I had paid a little more attention to the feeling.\u00a0 But I was riveted to the presentation. It was done really well, and moved right along.<\/p>\n Matt Gould (on piano) and Griffin Matthews. Photo by Rob Latour.<\/p><\/div>\n The unveiling of the coming season was kicked-off with a song from duo Griffin Matthews and Matt Gould, the creators of\u00a0Witness Uganda<\/em>, a documentary musical. They got everybody up for all that was to come next. I had expected to see dances and musical numbers from upcoming productions, but that would have taken waaay too long. Instead, participants from several of the creative endeavors gave us brief outlines about what to expect from their companies\u2019 performances. And they all spoke so well! Great to hear.<\/p>\n I really admire The Wallis for bringing us so much, and so many types of, culture. I repeatedly thank the powers-that-be over there, in print and in person, for featuring the most dance of any theatre in L.A. So I\u2019m glad to see that that policy will be continuing next season. And they\u2019ll be adding Cinema to their existing Dance, Music, and Theater programs. (When Artistic Director Paul Crewes told us that they were adding a fourth<\/em> category to their roster of events, I was so afraid it would be stand-up comedy!) [Note: Oh no\u2014now that I\u2019ve mentioned it, they may do it the following<\/em> season!]<\/p>\n Debbie Allen. Photo by Rob Latour.<\/p><\/div>\n A big treat was hearing from Debbie Allen about her free Dance Sundays classes outside The Wallis. If only my back was not fractured in three places, you know that I would love to join her for those! (But if ever they do a krump<\/em> class, Mr. X will be happy to help demonstrate that<\/em> art!)<\/p>\n When the season’s preview was all over, Paul Crewes said, \u201cNow let\u2019s go to the lobby and have a drink.\u201d I thought that was a charming way to end it, but I assumed that\u2019s all it was. But, when we got back out there, the bar was still open, and\u00a0 the amiable wait staff was already serving more appetizers!\u00a0 What a pleasant surprise. I\u2019ve never seen that done before. It was especially nice for the guests who couldn\u2019t make it on time for the cocktail party beforehand<\/em>, and had joined us for the stage program only.<\/p>\n Paul Crewes addressing the invited guests, with his back to the audience seats. Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n That extra part was really a treat, and not just for the snacks. Now that we guests had heard each creative person speak, it was really interesting to have the opportunity to chat with them in such a convivial atmosphere. I had met choreographer Jacob Jonas before, (guess where?\u2014at The Wallis, of course!,) so it was interesting to re-connect. I was also happy to chat with Benjamin Mitchell about his conductor-less orchestra, Kaleidoscope. I spent the most time with two adorable dancers, Jenna and Rebecca, from the Ate9 Dance Company. I\u2019m looking forward to seeing them perform later on in the year. (I asked them why that moniker, and they told me that the head of the company is not from America, so she loves the stupid [my description] kindergarten joke, \u201cWhy was six afraid of seven?\u201d \u201cBecause seven eight (ate) nine!\u201d Oysh. I\u2019m assuming her choreography is better than her taste in humor!)<\/p>\n If you want to learn more about next season\u2019s fun at The Wallis, just click here: www.thewallis.org<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" THE WALLIS FETE\u00a0TO UNVEIL NEXT SEASON’S SCHEDULE The Wallis Annenberg Center For the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills recently announced their line-up for next season in the most special way. \u00a0They treated a few dozen VIPs to a lovely reception\u00a0and presentation. What a novel thing to do! I was thrilled to be included among the<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a>