Just saw Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. It is a peek into Billie Holiday’s final club performance. This astonishing performance spurred me to comment on the theater itself. It is such a gift to the community. I have attended many fine performances here and even though I now live in La Verne, I will continue.

Wow…seeing Valentine’s Day at GMT during the film series really was what this trip was all about. I never saw it on the big screen, so this was close enough. Sadly, not many people showed up from the production, but I learned things I did not know—like it took nine years to get a green light and the movie made. The theatre is a treasure…I believe there is 130 seats, which makes it a wonderful venue to feel like you are part of what is going on. It really is a gift to a community to have theatre of this caliber and this one is a gem. I hope to visit again in the future.

If you enjoy great and intimate theater, check out the Garry Marshall Theatre, 4252 W Riverside Drive, Burbank. Their first production this fall is Real Women Have Curves about a group of women who work together sewing dresses. They do an exceptional job in their small space. You will be enthralled.

We have enjoyed this theater since 1999 or 2000 and have enjoyed more than I could count plays of quality. Mr Marshall was very nice and a real people person. He attended many of the plays we attended and had open talk night after the play. The new staff seems nice and friendly but it lacks the personal touch but this was their first season so just feeling their way. The performances were good but only 4 plays per season .

This theatre holds around 130 so it is small but mighty in talent. A friend of mine travels from Maryland each year with this theatre as her first priority. The box office staff extremely friendly and helpful. Volunteers are your ushers. Adds to the charm. This is where the “locals” go.