EL AY SEEN: "THE FIRE ROOM" SOUND/STAGE BY cARTel
Before TV, 3D and all the new fangled technology that makes using your imagination, well, just an option, there was radio. Families and friends would gather 'round their radios to listen to their favorite programs broadcast across the airwaves. cARTel, Collaborative Arts LA, has brought back the old idea of spoken theatrics and created 'Sound/Stage', a series of one-act plays read aloud to an audience.
We were invited to take part in this special evening for their Valentines Day themed edition, “The Fire Room” written by Meghan Brown and directed by Amanda McRaven. We weren't quite sure what to expect but we were certainly excited to find out what Sound/Stage was all about. cARTel requested that all attendees arrive in old Hollywood-inspired cocktail attire to help transport the evening back in time. Held at the historic, and very fitting, El Cid in Silver Lake, the Spanish tavern was built in 1900 by filmmaker D.W. Griffith and was the original sound stage for the screening of his controversial film “Birth of a Nation.” This little oasis was the perfect venue for a night of old world romance and paid homage to a piece of LA theater history.
Upon arrival, cocktail hour was held on El Cid’s charming courtyard patio. Cozy red booths beckoned guests to sit back and relax, strains of 1920’s jazz floated through the air and a red carpet photo booth encouraged everyone to show off their finest bowties and heels. The bar offered signature cocktails: The Sound, a saffron and cardamom infused vodka drink, and The Stage, a whiskey/basil/lemonade concoction. Another Valentine perk were the cartelegrams: personalized hand-made-to-order valentines available for purchase ahead of time, so a sweet surprise note would be waiting for your date in his or her seat.
cARTel gives a succinct description of “The Fire Room” as “ the story of Meredith and JW, two ghosts who have, at long last, found true love. But when Meredith's soul is involuntarily reunited with her husband's after he passes, JW finds himself adrift in the sea of those who 'died alone'. Ultimately, JW must choose between accepting his destiny... or getting the girl.” The story was compelling and the cast was absolutely phenomenal. Meghan Brown has a way of painting a picture with words, which proved the lack of traditional theater tools, like costume and set decoration, a non-issue.
Following the performance our friends Robin and Eddie from Whim Kitchen (read our interview HERE) provided a delicious complementary dessert in anticipation of their new restaurant, Corazon y Miel, opening on March 1st!
It was truly a pleasure to attend this event celebrating the Los Angeles arts community. cARTel does an incredible service broadening our creative horizons and bringing artists together, both onstage and off. In a time when we are constantly bombarded with special effects, it’s a breath of fresh air to experience the theatrical craft, stripped to its simplest form, and appreciate the power of the spoken word.