Friday, December 28, 2007

A Holiday Visit to the El Capitan....


...where they still do movies right. And, perhaps, the old proper holiday spirit of the Radio City Music Hall has been transferred 2400 miles to the left. Because, indeed, going to a Christmas movie there is very much akin to what I remember from my days trooping down to 50th Street and Sixth Avenue. Only true New Yorkers call it Sixth Avenue. The undeducated and the tourists regard it as Avenue of the Americas. So, much more evidence that time has changed.

At the El Capitan on Hollywood Boulevard, there are no gangly Rockettes. But, that might be the only piece missing from this holiday buffet of the senses. It is a true movie palace with an orchestra and a balcony. The place is full of Christmas decorations. An organ pipes songs to the rafters before the show and then disappears into the stage. And there's even a line outside waiting for the next showing.

"Enchanted" was ideal and, with my eyes closed, I was sitting with relatives of yore. In lieu of a stage show that, in the past, has featured an ice skating Mickey and Minnie, Disney has erected a hall in the back that is dedicated to the princess of "Enchanted" as well as all the other Disney princesses that have gone before. There are tons of games and activities for young and old. One exhibit featured all the wonderful "Enchanted" in-jokes and embedded references to other famous Disney movies.

The best part is there are several boothes where you can have your picture taken in front of a Hollywood green screen, which later becomes a scene from the movie. Below you will see me and two good friends flying back to our childhood.

If only we could...



Dinner last night: Risotto with sausage at Fabiolus prior to a Cinerama Dome presentation of "Sweeney Todd."

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful way to remember a "Day in the Life" and a great picture!