Norris Theatre
Published Thursday, August 20th 2009 - Updated Thursday, August 20th 2009A short drive from the cruise terminal in San Pedro is an area very much removed from the traffic jams and bustle normally associated with Los Angeles. The Palos Verdes Peninsula started as an equestrian community, and while it has grown over the years, horseback riding trails still intersperse neighborhoods.
To get there from San Pedro's port, forgo the freeway and instead head inland to Gaffney. More correctly, I should say you head west, but that seems counterintuitive since you know you're starting on a California cruise pier However, you're on the eastern side of a peninsula harboring your ship. Anyway, take a left on Gaffney to head south, and turn right on W. 25th Street, and you're on your way.
After you get out of San Pedro's little metro area, it becomes a pleasant coastal drive. It certainly is not a short cut to LAX, but it definitely will leave a better impression of California than simply staying on congested freeways. The winding road will take you past Trump National Golf Club, where you can enjoy an expensive brunch or round of golf. You'll at least want to stop and take a look around.
Get back on the road and wind around Portuguese Bend. You might want to take a gander at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park. Eventually, you realize you're on Palos Verdes Drive South, and if you continue on, you'll be on Palos Verdes Drive West without ever changing roads. It eventually will wind you around to Palos Verdes Drive North, where you'll find the Palos Verdes Golf Course, but for now, let's take a long detour. If you see any of that, then you went too far to find the Norris Center for the Performing Arts.
Before you would leave Palos Verdes Drive West, immediately after you pass Pointe Vicente Park, turn right at the next street, Hawthorne Blvd. Wind around on that until you come to Silver Spur, and then turn right. You'll see a nice shopping center where you can spend whatever dollars you have left before returning to the real world.
However, instead of simply shopping, you can enjoy a play at a wonderful little theatre. For only $25 per ticket, we had excellent seats a few rows from the stage for a performance of “West Side Story” on Sunday. It's best to buy tickets in advance (www.NorrisTheatre.org), because this is an intimate venue for community theatre. The young cast was headed by Matthew McFarland as Tony, who is the Romeo of the story. I've followed Matt's career for years, since he and my daughter Amy were in the same musical play together in middle school. I thought Matt was the second best performer in that production of “Once On This Island.” Needless to say, I thought Amy was the best.
Matt moved across the street from us a few years ago, and for a while, he would catch rides home from school with me. I always found him amusing, because he would not really even acknowledge that I was there. He would usually be chatting on his cell phone with his agent or checking his messages as he got in the car. It was like being a chauffeur to a young Matt Damon. He'd be distracted for the entire drive, and still be on his phone when we arrived at my house.
He went on to be in several high school productions as well as singing in the choir with Amy. He also participates in several talent shows at the high school, and I always enjoyed his animated performances and strong vocals. A year or two ago, we went to see him perform up in the big city in a show written by Jason Robert Brown, who Matt proclaimed to be his all time favorite. Amy and her friends saw quite a few more than me, including his hillarious portrayal of the Cowardly Lion in “The Wizard of Oz.”
We really enjoyed the show on Sunday. Matt turned in a solid, moving performance as the lead. Another notable star was Nicole Crisologo, who sparkled in the supporting role of Anita, the sister-in-law of Maria. I'd definitely watch for both of those names on a marquis. The sets were simple but well thought out and extremely effective creating a concrete jungle in which the action unfolded. I'd never even seen the movie, and I was surprised by songs that I didn't realize came from that show, although my favorite number was "America," which I knew came from it. That was the last performance of “West Side Story,” but I dare say you won't be disappointed if you pick any show that just happens to be playing when you're in the area. Convenient Free Parking make this a stress-free outing.
By the way, from the Long Beach cruise terminal, you just have to get over the Vincent Thomas Bridge to reach San Pedro, and then follow the same directions. Of course, when you're in Southern California, you're best bet is to have a navigation system in your car to keep you on track.
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