Setting is a concept we hear much about in our English classes, and, of course, theater and film classes, too. What's around us, the era the items reflect, and the general milieu lend much to an experience.
We'll wager, though, that the setting in which we view a program like "Downton Abbey" is oh-so-modern: Magazines on the coffee table, ringing telephones in the kitchen, soda cans.
That'll change up, impressively, on Saturday, Jan. 3. The highest rated series ever on PBS -- and still a watercooler TV show as it goes into its fifth season -- will receive an advance screening at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in downtown LA.
Built as the United Artists Theater in 1927, the Spanish Gothic landmark has seen a few renovations in its time, but it holds onto that haute 1920s air, a setting well-suited to a viewing of the series which has reached the 1920s in its own timeline.
Even if your den at home is highly 1920s in style, we're betting the Ace's theater has an ace up its stylish sleeve in the authentic setting realm.
The afternoon screening of the premiere occurs a day before its public television debut, so you'll have that to brag about to your Downton-loving buddies. And "(a) spot of tea" will be served next door at Ace Hotel's LA Chapter following the premiere.
Will you dress up as Lady Edith? Or Cora or the Dowager? Just be sure to remove your over-sized garden hat once seated.
The Scene
Want to find new things to do in Los Angeles? The Scene's lifestyle stories have you covered. Here's your go-to source on where the fun is across SoCal and for the weekend.
If you can't make it to the Theatre at Ace Hotel for all of the '20s-era doings, there is one more SoCal premiere spot: Lido Live in Newport Beach.
As for watercooler-Downtown buzz: What was the watercooler equivalent in the time of the series? The front hall bannister? The servants' table? We'll go with one of those.
