This fall, the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts transformed much of its campus into a lively Little Italy themed street party in celebration of For The Record: Scorsese - American Crime Requiem. The Wallis and For The Record-the acclaimed company that began in a small bar in East Hollywood in 2010 and whose performances have quickly become must see shows-combined forces to pay homage to the visceral world of Martin Scorsese in a new co production that revolutionized the musical theater experience and brought the legendary filmmaker's epic soundtracks to life in a new generation cabaret, from September 21 through October 16. From the moment audiences arrived at The Wallis, the immersive experience began with special pre-show festivities, continued through an exhilarating performance, and finished with post-show gatherings that featured specially curated entertainment. BroadwayWorld was at the final performance of the production, and caught some of the most exciting moments on camera.
"Scorsese's films are inherently theatrical, transporting us to another time and place through music, images and iconic characters," said Paul Crewes, The Wallis' Artistic Director. "Our co production will build upon these elements to take you inside a Scorsese film. As our audiences arrive at The Wallis, they can listen to live musicians while sipping themed cocktails, or enjoy pasta on the outdoor Promenade Terrace. The pre show performance, in and around the Bram Goldsmith Theater, illuminates the early work of the director. The experience continues after the show with cast members and surprise musical guests performing in The Bar @ The Wallis."
The theater's stage was turned into "Marty's Place," a towering four tiered venue, and the actors masterfully melded with audiences, creating a scenic journey that began as Travis Bickel from Taxi Driver manned a Lower East Side bar set in the orchestra pit. As the story continued, audiences were transported to an intimate, authentic New York Italian style restaurant, where the characters gathered around a large communal table, one not without conflict. Rising up, the restaurant seamlessly transitioned into the Goodfella's Copacabana Club and Casino's Tangiers Las Vegas. Housing the band, the top tier concert stage level rocked the audience with electric performances. A limited number of on stage seating placed theatergoers in the action interacting with the actors for a truly immersive experience.
Check out photos from the final performance below!
Carmen Cusack, Olivia Harris, Dionne Gipson, and Lindsey Gort
Lindsey Gort, Doug Kreeger, and Olivia Harris
B. Slade
Carmen Cusack and Justin Mortelliti
Doug Kreeger and Carmen Cusack
Doug Kreeger and Carmen Cusack
B. Slade
Zak Resnick, Lindsey Gort, Olivia Harris, and Jason Paige
B. Slade
Daniel Hartman and Carmen Cusack
Daniel Hartman and Doug Kreeger
Dionne Gipson and Justin Mortelliti
Zak Resnick and Justin Mortelliti
Zak Resnick and Justin Mortelliti
Standing Ovation
James Byous, B. Slade, Carmen Cusack, Lindsey Gort, and Doug Kreeger
Courtney Mazza, Director Anderson Davis, and Mario Lopez
Jason Paige and Charlie Paige
Zak Resnick, Edward Allen, Pia Toscano, Lindsey Gort, Jesse Vargas, and Justin Mortelliti
Pia Toscano, Doug Kreeger, and Olivia Harris
Wallis Annenberg Artistic Director Paul Crewes
Executive Producer/Creator Shane Scheel
Justin Mortelliti and Producer Siobhan O'Neill
Leah Lewis, Payson Lewis, and Shane Scheel
Director Anderson Davis with Zak Resnick
B. Slade and Carmen Cusack
Anderson Davis, Producer Siobhan O'Neill, and Shane Scheel
Justin Mortelliti and Edward Allen
Artistic Director Paul Crewes and Executive Producer/Creator Shane Scheel
Doug Kreeger and Carmen Cusack
Director Anderson Davis, Doug Kreeger, and Associate Director Sumi Maeda
B. Slade and Music Supervisor and Arranger Jesse Vargas
Daniel Hartman and Jason Paige
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