tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740044687026723126.post5258962314758818271..comments2024-03-27T09:36:58.464-07:00Comments on Los Angeles Theatres: Variety Arts Theatre: history + exterior viewsBill Counterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645345101104270656noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740044687026723126.post-52914815855126272952019-04-13T12:10:46.859-07:002019-04-13T12:10:46.859-07:00On October 7, 1991, Procol Harum played the old 1,...On October 7, 1991, Procol Harum played the old 1,100-seat Variety Arts Theatre on Figueroa at 9th St in Downtown LA. I reviewed the concert for the Pasadena Star-News, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune & the Whittier Daily News (collectively, the San Gabriel Valley Newspsper Group) <br /><br />Of course, it was a great show!<br /><br />Afterward, we were invited to the post-concert reception in the private club on the 5th floor that used to be run by a wonderful old English character actor, Alan Mobray (you've seen him in countless movies, including 1946's "Sherlock Holmes in Terror By Night" in which he played Professor Moriarty's right hand man, Colonel Sebastian Moran, who was on a train trying to steal the Star of Rhodesia Diamond).<br /><br />Group leader Gary Brooker manned the door greeting everyone. What a pleasure to meet the great man! He worked the room so we chatted for a minute or two & then he left for the evening.<br /><br />My buddy Randy& I ended up hanging out with keyboardist Matthew Fisher and the band's lyricist Keith Reid for a couple hours, partaking of the open bar & discussing music and baseball with the guys. Reid moved to the States & fell totally in love with The Great Game - so we had an absolute blast with those guys!<br /><br />We were the last four in the pace around 2am. Matthew Fisher had the keys to both the 5th floor club & the theatre and after he locked the place up we all said what a pleasure the evening had been & we all bid each other a good night.<br /><br />What a memorable night!Steve Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00906029099636927259noreply@blogger.com