Overdressed and Underprepared

My husband and I went to see John Williams at the Hollywood Bowl last weekend. We have been in L.A. for two years, and we have never been to the Hollywood Bowl. So, I just assumed it was a high-class, fancy event and we dressed accordingly. We drove to Sherman Oaks and took the shuttle. On the bus, one of the ladies asked me if we brought food. I said ‘no’, but I found the question a little bit odd. It was not until we got there, that I realized what she was talking about.

People were wearing jeans, T-shirts, flip-flops, and carrying huge baskets of food. I was thinking “What? You cannot bring food into a movie theater, but you can do that at the Hollywood Bowl!” Well folks, that is the culture at the Bowl. People get there long before the show, they bring food, wine, snacks and have a picnic before the show. Or, you can buy your food right there. Or, if your wallet is giving, you can buy the seats with a table and have your own server.

Getting to the Bowl and watching the people before the show was a cultural experience in itself. Now, the show… well, the show was amazing. Indiana Jones, E.T., Star Wars…we heard and enjoyed his most famous soundtracks (except for Schindler’s List, which I personally think is his best work). When the orchestra started playing Star Wars, about 100 people pulled out their lightsabers to join Williams in conducting. Then, the special guest, Stanley Donen took us for a ride into the past and talked about Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, and the technical and political challenges he faced at the time. Donen is a very gifted storyteller that proved he can still dance at his age. The entire experience was definitely a treat that made us appreciate the present a little bit more and somewhat envy the past. It also taught us a lesson: next time bring food and wear jeans!