The Mark Taper Forum is a small 739-seat stage theatre, located in the downtown Los Angeles Music Centre. It opened in 1967 and debuted different plays like The Shadow Box, The Kentucky Cycle, and Water by the Spoonful. It has a unique circular building pattern designed by Welton Becket that is associated with a huge stage and a mural decoration on the exterior of the building. The Taper is run by the Centre Theatre Group and has received several awards, such as a special Tony award of theatrical excellence and is renowned for producing Pulitzer award-winning and Tony award-winning plays like Angels in America and Children of a Lesser God.
What Can You See and Do at the Mark Taper Forum?
Here are the five best things to see and do at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles:
- Critically Acclaimed Stage Productions: The Mark Taper Forum is known for innovative and award-winning dramas, as well as experimental theatre. It has been awarded with many awards, such as Tony Awards and Pulitzer Prizes for the Angels in America and The Kentucky Cycle shows.
- Premieres and Exclusive Events: premieres and other events like the Annual awards ceremony and End of year reflections held in this theatre. Its new award shows are “Here Lies Love and the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, which will be held in future.
- Post-Show Discussions & Workshops: Audiences have the opportunity to learn more about productions through the so-called Stage Talks, like a talk with the cast members and the creative team following a few performances. These interactive sessions provide the backstage information about the process of art.
- Architecture and History: The entire building, constructed by Welton Becket and launched in 1967. It was designed in a circular and drum-shaped form with an abstract concrete relief mural by Jacques Overhoff and a lobby with abalone shell tile wall by Tony Duquette. The visitors are able to enjoy the historic architecture and get to know about the history of the landmark.
- The Music Centre’s Outdoor Events: The Music Centre is a part of the Music Centre campus, which provides access to the outdoor event of Jerry Moss Plaza. The events, like the Day of the Dead, workshops, and other cultural events, are organised here.
How to Get to the Mark Taper Forum?
Here are the three best ways to go to the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles:
- By Metro: The Mark Taper Forum and Temple Street are across the west of Grand Park. The Metro A or E Line to the Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill Station is near to Mark Taper Forum. The cost for a metro ride is $3.50, and a reusable tap card used to pay for metro fare costs $2.
- By Limo and Car Services: Limousine service Los Angeles is the best and luxurious option to go to the Mark Taper Forum. The Forum has self-parking and valet parking in the main entrance of the garage at 135 N Grand Avenue.
- By Ride-Share or Taxi:
Ride-sharing options are available to go to the Mark Taper Forum, and it has an official pick-up and drop-off place at 218 N Hope Street on the corner of W Temple Street.
What Are the Entry Fees and Timings of the Mark Taper Forum?
The Mark Taper Forum has no entry fees. Mark Taper is a theatre that hosts many performances and shows. The ticket cost is $30-$90, depending on the show. Its evening shows start from 5 PM and end at 7 pm.
Where to Eat Near the Mark Taper Forum?
Here are the four best earring places at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles:
- Kendall’s Brasserie: Kendall’s Brasserie is located in the most convenient part of the Music Centre complex, underneath the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Kendall Brasserie is a French restaurant that serves traditional cuisine with California flair in a colourful and Parisian-themed environment. The menu is seasonally-driven, with classic French food such as steak frites, steak tartar and French onion soup, being served by chef Jean- Pierre Bosc. There is also a popular happy hour menu noted with Caesar salad and dirty fries.
- Cocina Roja: Cocina Roja is a new-Mexican place just opened on the first floor of the Music Centre. Its famous dishes are garlic steak, Pernil and Tacos.
- Grand Central Market: Grand Central Market is a historic downtown food emporium that has a vibrant and varied selection of food items sold by more than 40 vendors that have been open since 1917. It serves tacos at Villa in Villa Tacos, Mediterranean and Israeli at Miznon, and sandwiches at Ghost Sando. It also has another eating place, “The business model” is an open-concept food hall and has communal tables where customers combine various foods. It is a good idea to have a meal when there is a group of people with diverse preferences.
- The Patina Restaurant: Patina Restaurant is located inside the Music Centre and has fabulous vibes. It serves Sea Bass, Venison, Squab and Wagyu Beef.
