Review: ‘Love Actually Live’ delivers on the film’s feel-good spirit. Just don’t think about the story too hard.
LA TimesPeople seem to be divided into two camps: those who adore writer-director Richard Curtis’ 2003 holiday rom-com “Love Actually,” and those who can’t abide the film’s heart-meltingly grand gestures, wryly feel-good vibe and bittersweet, ain’t-love-grand charms. But this much is true: If you’re a fan of “Love Actually,” you’ll probably feel right at home at “Love Actually Live,” the rousing, affecting production from those clever folks behind the film music-based theatrical series For the Record, co-produced with the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. “Love Actually Live” is billed as “a multimedia-concert celebration,” but it’s best not to think too deeply about the hybrid’s complex, impressive construction. There are many highlights over the course of 30-plus musical numbers, particularly the sexy “Smooth,” with its light-show antics; the deeply moving Joni Mitchell classics “River” and “Both Sides Now”; the happily infectious Pointer Sisters’ hit “Jump ” ; the Act One closer, Kelly Clarkson’s torchy “The Trouble With Love Is”; and a gorgeous and bluesy “White Christmas,” led by a soaring B. Slade. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ‘Love Actually Live’ Where: Bram Goldsmith Theater, Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills When: 7:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays ; ends Dec. 31 Tickets: $35-$125 Info: 746-4000, TheWallis.org MORE ARTS: L.A. Phil violinist Vijay Gupta is leaving the orchestra to play for the homeless and incarcerated Simon Helberg trades ‘Big Bang’ for George Bailey and ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Taylor Mac’s ‘Holiday Sauce,’ a madcap brew, extra spicy See all of our latest arts news and reviews at latimes.com/arts.