If you are one of the many longtime fans of the legendary For the Record concert series in LA, or if you love movies and the soundtracks they engendered, are you in for a treat?
What began as a small, interactive concert event at a tiny bar in Los Feliz eventually grew into a full-on franchise of shows that grew bigger and bigger, eventually moving beyond Los Angeles to Vegas, London, and the high seas!
The concept of taking the soundtracks used by various directors in their classic films and creating a show based on that director’s work was a wildly creative and innovative way to showcase some of the most incredible singers and actors in the country.
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With shows featuring the music from the films of Scorsese, John Hughes, Baz Luhrmann, and even Garry Marshall, stars were born, careers were made, and an iconic show entered the Los Angeles lexicon.
Now, the series is back – this time in its own venue, which is as much of the star of the show as the actual stars!
The venue CineVita is a Spiegel tent – a Belgian structure crafted by the renowned Rick Klessens family. Sort of a fancy take on a circus tent, the structure features handcrafted wooden detailing, 3,000 hand-beveled mirrors, a balcony, and hand-cut stained glass windows. It’s truly a sight to behold. It can also be broken down and moved to other locations, which is the intent of the CineVita: to bring these beloved shows to locations across the country.
For the Record’s first show in its new venue is probably one of their most popular: Tarantino: Pulp Rock.
Revolving around the many cinematic treats of the uber-popular director, the songs from the soundtracks of his films come alive by a variety of incredible performers who not only sing the songs but also bring scenes from the films to life.
The show is crafted so that the various films are intermixed, so a knowledge of the director’s oeuvre is helpful but not necessary. To be fair, it can get a little confusing which film we’re moving in and out of, but it kind of doesn’t matter because the talent on stage surpasses any nitpick you could dream up.
Directed and adapted by Anderson Davis (one of the original founders along with Shane Scheel), the night is crazy, loud, inventive, dazzling, and truly a feast for all of your musical and visual senses.
With songs like “Son of a Preacher Man,” “Baby, It’s You,” “Bang, Bang,” “Satisfied Mind,” and many more, the cast that performs these iconic tunes is what makes the show itself something special. Ty Taylor, the lead singer of Vintage Trouble, is a powerhouse and brings down the house whenever a tune comes out of his beautiful throat. Cheyenne Isabel Wells (“Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies”) stops the show during her two numbers, James Byous (longtime For the Record alum) not only proves his chops as an actor, but tears it up with a powerful voice and a rock-star swagger.
Other cast members include Loren Lott (“The Young and the Restless”), Tara Lee (“Shetland”), Patrick Mulvey (Broadway’s “Billy Elliot”), Lord KraVen (musical artist), Derek Richard Thomas, Maeva Feltelson (“Rumi: The Musical”). Anika Braganza (Off-Broadway “The Great Gatsby”). Brian McKnight Jr., India McGee (“Spiderman: Turn off the Dark”), LJ Benet (“Dog with a Blog”), Ian Ward (“Gettin’ the Band Back Together”) and Emily Lopez (“Carrie: The Musical”).
The venue features drinks and food based on the films highlighted in the show and can be enjoyed before or during the show. Seating can be at round tables in the midst of the action, in banquette booths along the back wall, or a seat in the balcony overlooking all the action.
The stage begins at one end of the venue, but most of the action takes place in the center of the “big top,” allowing for a perfect view no matter where you are seated.
This is one of LA’s most popular attractions, made even more spectacular in its new home. It’s not just a show you won’t want to miss; it’s a show you must not miss! Whether you’re a longtime fan like myself or new to the experience, you won’t want to miss what will go down in LA history as one of the most iconic events in the city’s history.
