The Fountain Theatre has announced a second and final extension for the Los Angeles premiere of Opus by Michael Hollinger through September 26. Opus has been enjoying sold out houses and solid word-of-mouth since if first opened last June to rave reviews, but must make way for the opening of the U.S. premiere of Athol Fugard's newest play, The Train Driver, on October 16.
Opus is a smart, funny and insightful portrait of the fictional Lazara String Quartet. As the foursome prepares for a high profile performance at the White House, tensions mount and personalities clash. When their brilliant, but unstable, violist disappears, the others must seek someone new to perform with them. Will the talented young woman they select fit into a group of men with a complex history? With only days left to prepare, the musicians must navigate the creative, yet often disharmonious, path of creating a masterpiece. Violist-turned playwright Michael Hollinger skillfully establishes how four very distinct personalities must, in the pursuit of artistic excellence, synthesize with one another to create one seamless sound.
The Fountain Theatre production has received unanimous praise from reviewers including a "Critic's Choice" in the Los Angeles Times, a "GO!" in the LA Weekly, and "Critic's Pick" in Back Stage. Reviewplays.com shouts "Bravo!", StageSceneLA says "Wow!", the Santa Monica Mirror raves "pitch perfect," BroadwayWorld cries "Brilliant" and the Beverly Press calls Opus "perfection."
On Sunday, September 12 at 4:30 pm, the Fountain presents Los Angeles-based string quartet Quartetto Fantastico for a live chamber music concert following the matinee performance of Opus (separate admission; discount available with Opus ticket stub). Quartetto Fantastico (Chris Woods and Paul Cartwright, violin; Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, viola; Peter Jacobson, cello) is known for the skill of its members in the art of improvisation on themes or "quotations" from classical pieces, as well as from jazz, Indian ragas, hip hop, and world music.
Opus is directed by Simon Levy and features Daniel Blinkoff, Jia Doughman, Gregory G. Giles, Christian Lebano and Cooper Thornton.
Performances of Opus continue on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through September 26. Tickets are $25 on Thursdays and Fridays and $30 on Saturdays and Sundays. On Thursdays and Fridays only, students with ID are $18. and seniors over 62 are $23. Admission to the live concert with Quartetto Fantastico on September 12 at 4:30 pm is $30; a $10 discount is available with presentation of an Opus ticket stub.
The Fountain Theatre is located at 5060 Fountain Avenue (at Normandie) in Los Angeles. Secure, on-site parking is available for $5.00. The Fountain Theatre is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. For reservations and information, call (323) 663-1525 or go to www.FountainTheatre.com.
