Netflix's 'A Star Is Born' Rehearsals Get Wildly Unconventional

The sprawling CBS Radford Studio Center in LA was abuzz with an eclectic mix of talent on Tuesday afternoon, two hours before one of Netflix’s most significant live events. In a cavernous soundstage, multiple individuals warmed up their voices to sing, while outside, aerialists dressed in black leather performed acrobatic stunts. Meanwhile, a 74-year-old standup comedian honed his set, an 11-year-old gospel singer practiced her vocals, and a dancing border collie got some serious moves under its collar. As the rehearsal space seemed to blur the lines between film, theater, and performance art, it became clear that Netflix’s upcoming “A Star Is Born” event was going to be unlike anything seen before. With a vast array of performers and talents converging on this one stage, it raised questions about what exactly would happen when the curtain finally drew open – and whether anyone involved truly knew what they were getting themselves into. The bizarre fusion of artistic disciplines seemed to mirror the creative chaos that often accompanies big-budget productions. It was as if Netflix had decided to create a living, breathing spectacle that defied categorization, where every performer could shed their usual roles and simply let loose in front of an expectant audience. For those who would have predicted a more low-key, behind-the-scenes production, this chaotic mashup of talents came as a delightful surprise – and only hinted at the kind of unconventional storytelling that “A Star Is Born” might bring to the table.