Hollywood Bowl: A history test
A CULTURE MONSTER POP QUIZ
Q: When was this photo of Hollywood Bowl taken?
A: (a) 1922; (b) 1945; (c) 1959; (d) 1974.
Yes, we should have told you this was going be on the test. If you answered (c) 1959, you get a gold star -- or maybe a platinum picnic basket. The first clue is the fact that, instead of the box seats that now surround the stage, the Bowl has a reflecting pool. From 1953 to 1972, the pool and the dancing waters of its elaborate fountain kept audiences entertained at intermission and wreaked havoc with moisture-sensitive musical instruments onstage.
As the Hollywood Bowl summer season enters full swing, it may be a good time to bone up on the history of the Bowl, which has been the centerpiece of Cahuenga Pass since 1922. This Los Angeles Philharmonic Web page offers a good nutshell history of the Bowl.
Three longtime Bowl-goers featured in my Monday Calendar story -- John Uphold, 61, Alyce Williamson, 78, and Charla Janacek, 84 -- all recall the reflecting pool, and much, much more. We thank them for sharing with us, collectively, more than 150 years of memories.
-- Diane Haithman
Photo: Hollywood Bowl in 1959. Credit: Los Angeles Times
I remember when there was a reflecting pool at the foot of the stage... with water AND gas jets... very cool.
Posted by: Mike Burk | July 06, 2009 at 10:50 AM