Entertainment Today - Media Influence since 1967

Disney�s "A Christmas Carol"

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:27:21 +0100

Dickens’ classic holiday tale has been told countless times, a testament to its durability. The most recent iteration is from Robert Zemeckis, who brings his admirable ‘no fear of technology’ approach to the forefront. Whereas his use of technology in the past rendered the technology rather seamless and invisible (think “Forrest Gump” or his “Back to the Future” trilogy), here the technology always seems to be on display. Zemeckis has assembled a notable cast and outfitted them with 3D motion capture capability. The result is an animated film with fluid life-like action, driven by the likes of Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Cary Elwes, Bob Hoskins and Robin Wright Penn.

The House of Besarab - the Legend of Dracula

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:25:56 +0100

In the inimitable tradition of the mega-hit environmental stage production Tamara, the world premiere of Terance Duddy and Theodore Ott’s The House of Besarab is sure to bring inventive theatrical life back into the Hollywood American Legion Post on Highland Avenue near the Hollywood Bowl, the imposing 33,000-sq.ft. Egyptian Revival-Moroccan Deco edifice where Tamara debuted in 1983 and broke all records by holding court there through 1994, selling out regularly and putting some 240 LA actors to work during its unprecedented run.

Mission Bay Staycation

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:24:32 +0100

San Diego is one of the nation’s great vacation destinations, and for those of us already living in Southern California, San Diego is wonderfully accessible. We decided to pack the kids and head to Mission Bay for a very long weekend.

KOOZA � Cirque du Soleil

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:23:28 +0100

The French Canadian troupe has become the standard of excellence when it comes to reinventing the circus. From its US debut as part of the 1984 Olympic Arts Festival, Cirque du Soleil now boasts twenty simultaneous productions all over the world.

Young Stars support Camp Ronald McDonald

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:50:48 +0100

An ultra-charming army of young Hollywood celebrities got dressed up in cute costumes to make a lot of kids happy at the Camp Ronald Mc Donald for Good Times’ 17th Annual Halloween Carnival. It was held on the backlot of Universal Studios, near the locations that the classic horror moviesFrankenstein, The Wolfman and The Mummy were filmed.

Let me off at Off and Off-Off-Broadway

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:47:10 +0100

There is nothing inherently wrong with movie and TV stars being big draws on Broadway, necessitating current top ticket prices of 140 bucks or so, along with seats in the mezzanine that are so narrow, they make you feel morbidly obese.

The Wedding Singer

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:42:23 +0100

It is becoming almost de rigeur for Broadway producers to tap into proven storylines as source material for new productions. Some fail miserably and others are surprising successes. Into the latter camp surprisingly landed “The Wedding Singer.” The Adam Sandler / Drew Barrymore film was a surprising success, with a pair of soundtrack albums that suitably encapsulate the frothy sounds of the 80s. On Broadway, the musical production garnered five Tony nominations.

The Tragedy of King Richard III

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:39:19 +0100

“Now is the winter of our discontent /Made glorious summer by this sun of York/And all the clouds that lour’d upon our house,/ In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.” describes perfectly the way actor Steve Weingartner swaggers in, with a limp leg, an awful hunchback and crippled fingers wrapped in a cast. By uttering these beginning lines, he sets the play’s tone and mood. As Richard, Weingartner is manipulative, as he is cunning, sexy and bold and executes his evil deeds with fineness that it’s hard not to believe anything he says.

Hollywood Beat, Oct 30, 2009

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:33:43 +0100

It was appropriate that Oscar winning actor Morgan Freeman was honored at the inaugural Noble Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Freeman received their Lifetime Achievement Award due to his tireless work and devotion to over a dozen non-profits. These include working with animals (Mississippi Animal Rescue League,) Cancer Research, and the American Red Cross. But the cause closest to his heart is Planit Now, which provides research and relief to support storm affected people in the U.S. Caribbean and Central America.

KOOZA

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:31:11 +0100

As a major fan and consistent correspondent frequently touting the prolific quarter-century run of that Montreal-based phenomenon Cirque du Soleil, I have seen and written about every glitzy, vibrantly multi-hued and multi-textured creation these folks have offered their grateful audiences since 1987, from those original touring tent spectaculars to their current five Las Vegas permanent attractions (and soon to be a sixth, the in-process Viva Elvis at City Center’s new Aria Hotel), to their other permanent productions in Biloxi and Orlando.

The End of Civilization

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:18:25 +0100

The End of Civilization, George F. Walker's nihilistic vision of society gone awry, had its Los Angeles premiere at the Skypilot Theatre Company's Sidewalk Studio Theatre in Toluca Lake on October 17. This one-act play is one of a series of six called Suburban Motel. All the plays take place in a motel room, simplifying sets, lighting and cost. Walker speaks to our worst fears during a year of job and home losses by framing a very dark comedy which has few moments in which to smile.

Hollywood Beat, Oct 24, 2009

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:11:10 +0100

The paparazzi were out in full force at the Beverly Hilton to greet Jessica Simpson her family who were honored by Operation Smile. Jessica is an Ambassador for this Foundation, which strives to heal children’s smiles, by repairing facial deformities. Wearing a sleek black halter jumpsuit, and the biggest smile in the house, the gorgeous superstar (who is always under scrutiny by the press) proved that she could strut the red carpet with the best of them. Wafer thin is definitely not in!

Halloween Horror Nights 2009 at Univ. Studios

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:54:18 +0100

The creative folks at Universal Studios Hollywood love to launch their Halloween Horror Nights with the annual Eyegore Awards. It is an event which honors the stars and filmmakers who have made a lasting mark in the horror genre. And everybody always has a screaming good time. This year the tradition continued with the denizens of fright flicks and mayhem movies walking the blood-red carpet in front of the Globe Theater at the Universal tour center where the ceremony took place.

Brian Eno: 70 Million Ideas

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:52:52 +0100

Brian Eno is one of the more intriguing folks inhabiting our cultural landscape. His early work as a keyboardist for the glam rocking Roxy Music belied his future as an author and producer of Talking Heads, U2, Bowie and Coldplay. But perhaps his most intriguing work is in the visual arts. He is intrigued with the interplay of his role as musician and light artist.

Luxury Bazaar Celebrity Style

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:51:45 +0100

At a private estate in Beverly Hills, “A Luxury Bazaar for the Senses” was presented by GBK Productions, a luxury lifestyle gift lounge and special events company that attracts the hottest fun-loving stars in Hollywood. American Idol’s super-nice guy Randy Jackson was there, along with stars from TV, movies and the sports world, such as boxing champ Sugar Ray Leonard. They all hooked up with their host, GBK founder Gavin B. Keilly and had “sweet time,” according to Sugar Ray.

J. LaLanne Celebrates 95 Years of Fitness!

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:50:49 +0100

At a celebration for his 95th birthday, the “Godfather of Fitness” Jack LaLanne looked like the poster boy for health and vitality. He claimed to have done 95 push ups earlier that day. No one would dare doubt it. “I still work out every day. That’s what you have to do to live life to the fullest. That’s what I do,” insisted the legendary LaLanne in a strong voice. “I can’t afford to die, it would ruin my image.”

Parade at Mark Taper Forum

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:49:09 +0100

In the case of Parade we have the prospect of the true story of a Northern Jew accused in 1913 Georgia of murdering a young girl, and told as a musical. But in the able hands of the cast and production team, the experience is gratifying. The book was written by Alfred Uhry, who has earned his mettle with Pulitzer, Tony and Academy Awards. His first play (and eventual screenplay) Driving Miss Daisy revealed his nuanced handling of race relations.

Superior Donuts at The Music Box, NYC

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:47:43 +0100

Tracy Letts has received deserved acclaim with his production of “August: Osage County” which is winding up its run at the Ahmanson and which last year won the Pulitzer and Tony Award for Best Play. With “Superior Donuts” he lightened his tone.

Hollywood Beat, Oct 16, 2009

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:46:01 +0100

Actor, activist and philanthropist Michael J. Fox received the Matthew T. Robinson Courage Award at HollyRod Foundation event, hosted by founders, author/actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, football great, Rodney Peete. Fox has inspired millions through his commitment to effecting positive changes to cure Parkinson’s disease, and actress Holly Robinson, who lost her Dad to Parkinson’s established the HollyRod Foundation in his honor.

August: Osage County

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:37:03 +0100

Every time I think life is really the shits, along comes an artistic event that keeps me breathing just a little bit longer. It’s no wonder that Tracy Letts, promising creator of Man from Nebraska, Killer Joe andBug, was honored with the Tony Award for Best Play and the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his incredible worldclass contribution to modern theatre history called August: Osage County.

Legs and All

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:34:40 +0100

It might be odd for a critic to quote the review of another, but whatthefuck. Here’s what Chloe Veltman of the San Francisco Weekly had to say about the world premiere of transplanted UCLA grads and former Westwood college roommates Summer Shapiro and Peter Musante’s absolutely riveting and brilliant performance piece Legs and All, which debuted this month at the Climate Theatre in SoMa as part of the annual San Francisco Fringe Festival: “I was entranced... Shapiro conspired to make the entire audience fall at her feet... a masterful, sweetly scathing performance.”

Hollywood Beat, Oct 5, 2009

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:30:54 +0100

Priscilla Presley has accomplished much in her life as an actress, producer and business woman, but one of her most valuable contributions is her work as an animal activist. She is a lifelong animal lover, with a particular passion for horses. In Graceland, she has established a safe haven for neglected horses that would otherwise be slaughtered. It was fitting that she was honored for her work with Animal Rescue at the Third Annual Bow Wow Wow event at The Lot in Hollywood.

Hollywood Beat, Sep 30, 2009

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:27:05 +0100

For its 27th year, the American Wine Food Festival, hosted by the Puck-Lazaroff Charitable Foundation, is serving up a world-class culinary celebration benefiting Los Angeles Chapters of Meals On Wheels. This star-studded food Festival taking place October 2 - 4, 2009, in Los Angeles, features world-renowned chefs, vintners and spirit purveyors at the most anticipated epicurean event of the year. The Festival features a spectacular spread of delectable dishes, superb libations, fantasy auction items and amazing entertainment in three events - each offering a different level of participation for culinary connoisseurs to contribute to the cause.

The Glee Geeks Poud of Their Gleekiness

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:06:17 +0100

The cast of Glee gleefully showed off their gleekiness during a chat at a Fox network party promoting the phenomenal feel-good show. The talented performers said they are proud to give a voice to all the so-called “misfits” that roam the halls of high schools throughout the world.

K� at MGM Grand

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:53:46 +0100

Back in the fall of 2008, a talent scout from Cirque du Soleil found a photo of LA actress Jeana Blackman on the Now Casting website and sent an email asking if she might be interested in auditioning for the role of the King of Rock’s beloved mother in their 7th Las Vegas production, the surely monumental upcoming Elvis Presley extravaganza set to open next year at the MGM/Mirage Corporation’s new Aria Hotel at the much-awaited City Center complex.

Charo: A Musical Sensation

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:50:04 +0100

Some 35 years ago when my partner was dancing with Liza Minnelli, our home away from home was often the once shiny-bright Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. It was a tremendously hot spot back then, full of people at least pretending to have a good time at perhaps the glitziest, busiest, lightbulb-iest hotel anywhere in town.

Los Angeles Staycation

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:47:28 +0100

Despite available airfare wars, many folks are keeping their powder dry and enjoying vacations nearer to home. This is first in a series of articles exploring nearby getaways.

The Jay Leno Show Has NBC's Hope

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:57:19 +0100

NBC has boasted that The Jay Leno Show marks a new era in television. Hosted by “America’s Favorite TV Personality,” according to the 2009 Harris Poll, the comedy-music-variety show is the first-ever entertainment program to be stripped, Monday through Friday at 10 p.m., across primetime on network TV. But Leno is unfazed by all the fuss. Why? “I’m rich now,” Jay said with a big laugh. “Save the network? The network is on its own, screw them.”

Zumanity at New York - New York

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:05:00 +0100

When Cirque du Soleil’s enduring adult-oriented extravaganza Zumanity first opened at New York-New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas six quickly fleeting years ago this month, I mentioned in my original coverage of the event that the show made me realize I’m not quite the incorrigible pervert I’d wondered if I had become.

Hollywood Beat, Sep 11, 2009

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

More than 900 guests were on hand for the Greater Los Angeles Zoo’s Beastly Ball, which raised over $1,226,000 to support the Zoo’s Botanical Garden’s work as an education resource for the citizens of L.A. Wearing our best safari outfits, complete with pith helmet and faux leopard leggings, we boarded the tram to Tiger Plaza, and feasted on delicacies from such restaurants as Il Fornaio, Typhoon, Celestino and Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs.

The Ahwahnee's "The Bracebridge Dinner"

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:55:55 +0100

The magic and splendor of the holiday season come to vibrant life again this year with the 84th anniversary season of The Bracebridge Dinner at The Ahwahnee, a full-service, AAA Four-Diamond hotel located in the winter wonderland of Yosemite Valley. Under the roof of the grand lodge, surrounded by a stunning, natural setting of granite cliff faces and snowcapped incense cedars, this remarkable American theatrical tradition transforms the hotel into a 17th century English manor for an elaborate feast of food, song and mirth for eight performances, December 13 through 25.

W. Puck�s �American Wine & Food Festival�

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:51:27 +0100

Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck and Barbara Lazaroff are once again hosting the annual American Wine Food Festival in Los Angeles. Many of the world's top chefs and wine and spirit purveyors will gather on the beautifully lighted back lot of Universal Studios, to raise a celebratory glass in support of the Meals on Wheels programs of Los Angeles.

Hollywood Beat � Aug 26, 2009

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:20:21 +0100

The Heart Foundation at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, dedicated to raising awareness of heart disease, honored celebrity chef, restaurateur, TV personality, businessman and philanthropist Wolfgang Puck with the Steven S. Cohen Humanitarian Award. The evening featured a spectacular culinary experience with dishes prepared by 17 guest chefs, and entertainment including a comedy performance by Dana Carvey(Saturday Night Live).

Legally Blonde

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:53:37 +0100

Omigod, you guys, Elle Woods has taken over Harvard Law School and the Pantages Theatre in the Los Angeles premiere of the multiple Tony Award nominated Broadway smash musical version of Legally Blonde—and though the production isn’t going to change the world, it certainly does a purdy good job entertaining it.

The Receptionist

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:51:02 +0100

Strangely, playwright Adam Bock has written The Receptionist about my late Aunt Jane. How he met her and why he decided to create an entire play around her is something of a conundrum, especially since there’s nothing in his bio about spending time hanging out with my aunt at her Lladro-stuffed condo in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Julius Caesar

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:46:00 +0100

It was a perfectly warm night at Theatricum Botanicum. Located on a top of the Topanga Hills, people brought their basket of goodies accompanied by the smoothness of Chardonnay or the down home taste of Heineken beer. On stage, the Senate huddles together to strategize the execution of their fearless leader. The audience immediately put down their warm paninis and cool drinks to focus their attention unto the magnanimous Julius Caesar (Carl Palmer).

Miley Creates Good, Bad & Ugly Controversy

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:10:00 +0100

The 2009 Teen Choice Awards had the fanzine favorites Jonas Brothers accepting some wild dares (if only they would have done them seriously). Plus tabloid queen Britney Spears made an appearance looking like her old sassy self (taking herself too seriously). And if that wasn’t enough, Twilight’s attention-grabbing stars were finally divulging their hook-ups (yeah, seriously, like we didn’t already know).

Inglorious Basterds and Flame & Citron

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:05:00 +0100

The splashier of the two films is “Inglorious Basterds.” Tarantino’s revenge fantasy is set ‘once upon a time in Nazi occupied France.’ After a bumpy opening at the Cannes Film Festival and after some likely judicious editing, the 152 minute film now delivers an impressive romp. Brad Pitt leads the titular posse of Jewish guerilla fighters, pulled from various corners of the USA and dropped behind enemy lines to kill some Nazis.

Louis & Keely Live at the Sahara

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

What started as an experiment has grown with the guiding hand of Taylor Hackford into an energetic production bubbling with life. Hackford’s no slouch when it comes to dealing with biographies of musicians (Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, Ritchie Valens). But without the sterling cast led by Vanessa Claire Smith Jake Broder, Hackford’s production would be as flat as week old champagne.

Mason Proper, Live at the Troubadour

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:19:53 +0100

First off, let’s recap. Last article written for this website: October 2008. Divorced from wife of almost 10 years, moved out of home of almost 10 years, new Jeep, new girlfriend. Still able to make killer pasta sauce. In other words, all is right with the world.