THE TURK IN ITALY

"What do you mean, funny?"

One of the responses I got when I described LA Opera's newest venture into the world of light-hearted, classically enthralling and humorous spectacle. Giachino Rossini's The Turk in Italy was put together more like a Broadway show than anything else. With a fun and bubbly style, 1950s wardrobe and sexual innuendoes aplenty, the three-hour show makes you think twice about going to the opera just so you can take a long nap in a dark and cozy, live music setting. The show was hardly a bore. It was more like an integration of today's most buzzed about trends in fashion, art, design and celebrity culture.

The fashion was 1950s through and through, complete with a Turkish twist (not the kind you would think to first off) but more like Tony Soprano vacation in Istanbul. Gold suits, masquerade outfits, Turkish bodyguards in all-black. The Italian characters, on the other hand were just plain snazzy: suspenders for the guys, fur coats and poodle skirts (without the poodles) for the gals. Add in a little grease and a comb for that slick pompadour-do and you've got yourself an A+ in style, not to mention: the whole greaser look is more than on it's way back into the hearts of fashionistas everywhere.

The set was simply done, but very intelligently crafted to hide surprises and fun shenanigans that would pop into view from time to time. Like the main character Fiorelli's hidden espresso machine or her 10-tier shoe closet. The opera begins with merely a small trailer set in the middle of the stage, from which the entire chorus (around 20 people) ascend! This definitely set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.

(Notice the couple on the right.)

If the fantastically talented performers, the clothing, the art direction, the music doesn't entice you, perhaps the story will. It is one that we know through and through: a wife is on her way to leave her husband for a sexy foreigner who promises her wealth and fortune. Now, why wouldn't you go to see what happens of that?! You wouldn't not go. So buy your tickets, put on your best suit, grab a date, and head Downtown. You've never felt so classy.

Afterwards, we recommend First and Hope Downtown Supper Club for dinner. Serving a range of American dishes from all across the 50 states, Supper Club focuses on dishes with unique textures, flavors, and ingredients. You could call it an avant-garde menu of sorts. First and foremost, this joint is about good, hearty meals. The appetizers may seem petite at best, but an entree will get you a decent-sized portion that'll take your taste buds on quite the journey first to savory, then to sweet, then back to savory; it's a trip. The pork chops covered in apple sauce are to die for, but I'd also have to recommend one of their many seafood options (the arctic char is heavenly). If you're in the mood for steak, the NY strip will leave you feeling satisfied. I won't even go into desserts - you really have to see for yourself! As usual, the cocktails menu takes its recipes from classic favorites, including "Blood and Sand," named after the Valentino film. You really have to check this place out (or check this "plate" out). It's one of those very expensive dinners you don't mind paying for. Stay for 2 or 3 hours. Wine and dine to your hearts content; the super-excellent wait staff is happy to assist you in all your fine dining needs for as long as you please. Take note of the chandelier as you enter (pictured above). I, myself, marveled at it for a while. Happy Dinnering.