Black Beauty at The Wallis

I received media tickets to attend this performance, however all opinions, typos and grammatical errors are my own.

When I was in high school I was part of the theater program, and since then I love all things theater. When I got the media invite for Black Beauty at the Willis, I knew it was a play I wanted to see. Since it was my friend's birthday and she loves horses, it was perfect to treat her to theater in Beverly Hills.

About Black Beauty

​Red Bridge Arts & Traverse Theatre Company’s BLACK BEAUTY, a “five-star triumph” (The Guardian), gallops into the Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts with a story of hope, friendship and courage from Friday, April 26 to Sunday, May 5, 2019, in The Wallis’s Lovelace Studio Theater. Created by Andy Manley, Andy Cannon and Shona Reppe, this re-telling blends storytelling, music and puppetry, offering fun and adventure for fans of the book, the UK’s classic TV show and those brand new to the tale. From the cozy horsebox they call home, Andy and Andy take the bit firmly between their teeth to weave the classic tale, as it has never been seen before. The production, which includes audience engagement, is recommended for families with kids ages 5 and older. According to critics, Black Beauty is "fun, joyful and touching… a worthy recipient of the Black Beauty baton," (The List) and "very funny and deliciously unique" (Sunday Herald).

PHOTO CREDIT: courtesy of Black Beauty

I recommend arriving early to have time to park. Parking at the Wallis is underground, just around the corner from the main entrance. If you want to make it a outing event, have lunch or drinks in a restaurant near by. The Wallis does offer a concession stand, with a few snacks and some adult beverages, so that is a plus. 

PHOTO CREDIT: courtesy of Black Beauty

This funny performance is the Re-telling of Black Beauty and blends Storytelling, Music and Puppetry to keep everybody in the audience, specially kids entertained. It was a pleasant afternoon with friends that lead to a very nice dinner just a few miles away at Santa Monica Pier.

I recommend making the visit to The Wallis an afternoon of fun with family or friends. A play and dinner is a great way to enjoy the venue.

PHOTO CREDIT: courtesy of Black Beauty

Upcoming performances

• ​Jacob Jonas The Company: May 10 - May 11 | 07:30 PM The Company – led by its dynamic namesake – is gaining international acclaim for its honest storytelling, visceral performances and cutting-edge content creation – including the #CamerasandDancers visual arts movement. Whether you were lucky enough to catch The Company at the To the Sea festival at the Santa Monica Pier, their sold-out performances in our Lovelace Studio Theater this past October, or are new to their mix of contemporary ballet and acrobatic movement, you won’t want to miss their final performance with us this season, which includes two world premieres in the Bram Goldsmith Theater. ​
• ​Dance Sundays with Debbie Allen & Friends:Every Second Sunday of the month, beginning November 11th, from 12-2pm is a FREE, outdoor dance event at the Promenade Terrace for the whole family! All ages and levels are welcome.
• Story Pirates Live: May 11th at 2:00 pm. The Story Pirates aren’t your typical swashbuckling sailors. They don’t steal gold – they’re searching for kids’ wildest, most imaginative stories. The Pirates then adapt these tales into a musical sketch comedy show, performed by the best actors from the Groundlings, Second City and elsewhere.Recommended for ages 5+. 
• TheHitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: June 9-9th, 2019 Douglas Adams wrote TheHitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy as a radio play in 1978. With sharp wit and ironic style, it quickly became a worldwide cult classic. This vibrant production integrates puppetry, stylized movement, miniature sets and live music to bring the timely political satire to life.

Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
Lovelace Studio Theater
9390 N. Santa Monica Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
​310.746.4000