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Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark and U2

web@entertainmenttoday.net (BRAD AUERBACH) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:29:26 +0000

The much-maligned Spider-man production has been chugging along to fairly well-packed houses at the Foxwoods Theatre on Broadway. It will allegedly require a very long run for its investors to recoup their investment, but curiosity alone seems to be driving ongoing interest and ticket purchases.

Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark and U2

Truth be told, it is not as horrific as the rest of the press would make it out to be. You get what you’d expect: over the top special effects, lots of bold colors, and streamlined storyline. And if you are a U2 fan, you scratch your head about how Bono and The Edge brought their arena rock songwriting efforts to the stage musical. A few of the songs work fine, meaning they are most reminiscent of the Irish band’s sound. Most of the music requires far more linear storytelling than is the band’s wont. Indeed, in the liner notes to the original cast recordings, the songwriting duo coyly references the many variations the production had.

The very first notes played as the lights go down are The Edge’s patented guitar ripples. Soon the theme veers into the bombastic, but that certainly sets the tone for the rest of the evening. Best of all for sharp-eared U2 fans are the self-referential asides throughout the stage production. Early on, some pending mayhem by the bad guys is referred to as Sunday Bloody Sunday. When the chief bad guy Green Goblin tries to phone into the Daily Bugle newspaper to discuss his next havoc, he encounters Muzak on hold to the tune of ‘Beautiful Day.’ When the heroine is seen coming out from her stage premiere, it is called ‘The Fly.’ The least oblique U2 reference is during the nightclub/proposal scene, which features the verbatim recording of ‘Vertigo.’

U2’s manager Paul McGuinness is one of the many listed producers of Spider-man.

U2 has dabbled before outside their usual oeuvre when they composed the music for the short-lived London stage version of ‘A Clockwork Orange’ by the Royal Shakespeare Company, circa 1990. Some of the tracks eventually appeared as obscure B-sides, quickly gobbled up by collectors and droogs.

The clever oxymoron of the sub-title ‘Turn Off the Dark’ mirrors the Pop Art sensibility of the production. Although too long by 15-20 minutes, punters do receive full production value of the high priced tickets, with all the flying and leaping about.

Foxwoods, being one of the largest theatres on Broadway, has the benefit of allowing more flying space for Spider-man, but it comes with the downside of a requirement to fill more seats. Nonetheless, the production was the biggest selling Broadway play several weeks ago.

It will long remain uncertain how much of Julie Taymor’s original vision remains in the current production. Nonetheless, she is given an ‘Original Direction By’ credit, after the credit to director Philip Wm. McKinley. Certainly the opening sequence of ‘Behold and Wonder’ is the work of Taymor. An intricate weaving of bold ribbons is reminiscent of her breathtaking work on Lion King, and echoes the webs weaved throughout the play. But the recurring theme of Arachne as some sort of Greek mythology is the culprit behind the musical’s excessive length.

In the titular role, Reeve Carney balances well the geeky Science Club nerd, who was essentially a role model of all the Marvel fanboys who made Spider-man successful upon its 1962 comic book introduction. Carney shifts effectively into the buff Spider-man, and his singing is evocative.

Patrick Page plays the meek, good-hearted scientist Norman Osborne in the first two-thirds of the play, and then becomes a very impressive Green Goblin after undergoing his self-induced genetic mutation.

As the love interest, Rebecca Faulkenberry plays Mary Jane Watson as sufficiently multi-layered to be intriguing.

One of the sexiest images from the original Tobey Maguire Spider-man film is recreated when our hero descends upside down after saving the day, to be is caressed and kissed by his damsel formerly in distress.

Michael Jackson – The Immortal World Tour - Cirque du Soleil

web@entertainmenttoday.net (BRAD AUERBACH) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:22:39 +0000

Michael Jackson – The Immortal World Tour

Cirque du Soleil

We were in London in the summer of 2009 and the city was overtly curious if the forthcoming Michael Jackson near-residency at the O2 Arena would indeed be the King of Pop’s return to form after a 12 year hiatus. Health issues and stories of creative challenges in the rehearsals caused folks to gasp when the initial run was extended to 50 dates (and a three year world tour). No company would insure the tour past the first ten shows. By the time we got to Italy, it was Michael Jackson music non-stop everywhere, not even the gondolas in Venice were silent. Jackson had died less than a month before opening night, and any future concerts were never to be.

Already in the works was a production with Cirque du Soleil, and the result is the closest we’ll get to a Michael Jackson concert. Presently on tour, The Immortal World Tour delivers a satisfying interpretation of the spectacle that surrounded Jackson. Unlike the Cirque du Soleil productions based in Las Vegas, and like the other touring Cirque productions, The Immortal World Tour has an intermission.

The first half gets off to an unexpectedly slow start, relying on the audience’s inherent excitement to keep things moving. Several introductory numbers portray his Neverland fantasy-come-to-life existence and the overt robbery of his childhood. Not until “Wanna Be Starting Something” does the infectious rhythms get underway. Then comes the ideal segue into a Jackson 5 medley.

Cirque’s signature lithe gymnastics and razor sharp choreography weave through each scene. The impressive video and lighting effects heighten the experience, with moving scrims and screens and shifting stage heights. Costume designer Zaldy Goco wisely echoes Jackson’s signature look; rarely has a performer’s costumes been so tightly connected to specific songs. Goco designed no less than 252 costumes for the production.

Jackson has an inscrutable juxtaposition of love and violence, the latter admittedly cartoonish in “Smooth Criminal” and the machine gunnery of “Dangerous.” Another inexplicable juxtaposition is his quest for harmony and penchant for military stylings, the latter quite evident in “They Don’t Care About Us.” An army of jackbooted robots dances to Jackson’s song about tolerance, with buzzkill videos of street violence and childhood hunger. This is It, the documentary cobbled together from rehearsals of the ill-fated final tour of the same name, shows the evolution of “They Don’t Care About Us.”

A very clever scene is “Scary Story / Is It Scary” where a book comes to life. A contortionist writhes from the pages of a horror story. The first act winds up with “Thriller,” recreating the groundbreaking MTV clips of years gone by.

The far more impressive second act opens with the best scene, an aerial ballet to the tune of “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You.” Jackson’s iconographic glove and dancing shoes come to life next in “Beat It.” A searing guitar soloist duels with an electric cellist, who is intriguingly dressed in a bikini, undoubtedly affording her more limber movements. The basketball-centric “Jam” echoes the video of the dueling Michaels: Jackson and Jordan.

The evening builds to a climax with a stirring medley of “Can You Feel It / Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough / Billie Jean / Black or White.” A soaring team of acrobats on Swiss rings perform, and then dancers in LED-embedded costumes change colors as the mega-mix evolves. A phalanx of flag-bearers streams through the audience as the music builds to a climax.

The cast takes its curtain call to the tune of a very powerful “Man in the Mirror,” Jackson’s most fully-realized song. Of all the marvelous dancers, the crowd favorite is certainly the one-legged Jean Sok. As with all Cirque productions, an Everyman courses through the evening as a representative of the audience. For The Immortal World Tour, that role is fulfilled by The Mime, the evocative Salah Benlemqawansa.

The musicians perform live to the recorded Jackson vocal tracks, with musical director and longtime Jackson compadre Greg Phillinganes and drummer John ‘Sugarfoot’ Moffett undoubtedly most responsible for keeping everything on track.

Cirque du Soleil has thus far produced three music-based productions, and I found this Michael Jackson version far better than the Elvis Presley version, but short of the superb Beatles LOVE production. Once The Immortal World Tour winds down, it is scheduled to take residence in Las Vegas in 2013, in slightly altered form.

It is doubtful the world will push to the top of the charts another music celebrity to rival the Mt Rushmore of Lennon, Marley, Jackson, Presley, Hendrix and Morrison. Perhaps only with the death of McCartney or Bono will there be a global outpouring of emotion; there is simply no one on the musical horizon to rival these pioneers. Call it the diffusion via the internet, the death of the album or some other mystery.

In the interim, The Immortal World Tour blends the time-tested finesse of Cirque du Soleil with the inarguable (and sadly wasted) talent of Michael Jackson.

Ticketholder Awards 2011 (2 of 2)

web@entertainmenttoday.net (TRAVIS MICHAEL HOLDER) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:32:19 +0000

I am pleased to continue to honor of the best of the best in Los Angeles theatre over the past 12 months. Congratulations — and supreme thanks — to everyone who brought a much-needed infusion of art to our town this year despite all odds!

The 21st Annual Ticketholder Awards, 2011 - Part Two

[ Read Part 1 ]

Tom Jacobson, The Chinese Massacre (Annotated), Circle X Theatre Company

Tom Jacobson, House of the Rising Son, Ensemble Studio Theatre-LA

RUNNERS-UP: Tom Burmester, The War Cycle: Gospel According to First Squad, LA Theatre Ensemble; Steve Connell and Sekou Andrews, The Word Begins, Rogue Machine; Eric Czuleger, No. Saints Lane, Actors Circle; Melissa James Gibson, THIS, CTG/Douglas; Kathryn Graf, Hermetically Sealed, Skylight; Moises Kaufman, 33 Variations, Ahmanson; Ron Hutchinson, Moonlight and Magnolias, Colony; John Leguizamo, Ghetto Klown, Montalban; Padrraic Lillis, Lights Up on the Fade Out, Lillian; Johnny O’Callaghan, Who’s Your Daddy?, Victory; Morris Panych, Vigil, Taper; Yasmina Reza, God of Carnage, Ahmanson; Nick Salamone, The Sonneteer, LA Gay & Lesbian Center; Jacqueline Wright, Have You Seen Alice?, Theatre of NOTE; Lauren Yee, Ching Chong Chinaman, Artists at Play

Michael Michetti, The Comedy of Errors, A Noise Within

RUNNERS-UP: Joel Daavid, Baby Doll, Lillian; Christopher Hampton, God of Carnage, Ahmanson; Rick Sparks, I Love Lucy Live on Stage, Greenway Court; Steven Sater, Spring Awakening, Pantages; Jeff Whitty, Bring It On—The Musical, Ahmanson

Michael Michetti, The Comedy of Errors, A Noise Within

RUNNERS-UP: Ken Barnett and Larry Biederman, Stop Kiss, Lounge; Tom Burmester, The War Cycle: Gospel According to First Squad, LA Theatre Ensemble; Ron Canada, Lights Up on the Fade Out, Lillian; Joel Daavid, Baby Doll, Lillian; Steve Julian, No. Saints Lane, Actors Circle; Moises Kaufman, 33 Variations, Ahmanson; Peter J. Kuo, Ching Chong Chinaman, Artists at Play; Simon Levy, A House Not Meant to Stand, Fountain; Jeff Liu, The Chinese Massacre (Annotated), Circle X; Michael Michetti, House of the Rising Son, EST-LA; Gates McFadden, House of Gold, EST-LA; Tom Ormeny, Who’s Your Daddy?, Victory; Morris Panych, Vigil, Taper; Joel Polis, Hermetically Sealed, Skylight; Jon Lawrence Rivera, The Sonneteer, LA Gay & Lesbian Center; Fisher Stevens, Ghetto Klown, Montalban; Jenny Sullivan, Steel Magnolias, Rubicon; Matthew Warchus, God of Carnage, Ahmanson

Kristin Hanggi, Rock of Ages, Broadway/LA, Pantages Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Andy Blankenbuehler, Bring It On—The Musical, Ahmanson; Philippe Decouflé, IRIS, Kodak; Bill T. Jones, Fela!, Ahmanson; Diane Paulus, Hair, Pantages; Lucy Skilbeck / Michael Mayer, Spring Awakening, Pantages; Rick Sparks, I Love Lucy Live on Stage, Greenway Court

Danny Elfman, IRIS, Kodak Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Fela!, Ahmanson; David Bickford, The Comedy of Errors, A Noise Within; Amanda Gree, Tom Kitt, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bring It On—The Musical, Ahmanson; Bruno Louchouarn, House of the Rising Son, EST-LA; Meg Roe and Allessandro Juliani, Vigil, Taper; Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, Spring Awakening, Pantages

Rob Cookman, Come Fly Away, Broadway/LA, Pantages Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Kasey RT Graham, Spring Awakening, Pantages; Aaron Johnson, Fela!, Ahmanson; Wayne Moore, I Love Lucy Live on Stage, Greenway Court; Dave Pepin, Bring It On—The Musical, Ahmanson; David Truskinoff, Hair, Pantages

Bill T. Jones, Fela!, Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre

Twyla Tharp, Come Fly Away, Broadway/LA, Pantages Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Karole Armitage, Hair, Pantages; Andy Blankenbuehler, Bring It On—The Musical, Ahmanson; Kelly Devine, Rock of Ages, Pantages; JoAnn M. Hunter / Bill T. Jones, Spring Awakening, Pantages; Daphné Mauger, IRIS, Kodak

Jean Rabasse, IRIS, Kodak Theatre

RUNNERS UP: Beowulf Boritt, Rock of Ages, Pantages; Joel Daavid, Baby Doll, Lillian; Joel Daavid, The Eccentricities of a Nightingale, A Noise Within; Bruce Goodrich, Moonlight and Magnolias, Colony; Eric Henderson, I Love Lucy Live on Stage, Greenway Court; Richard Hoover, House of the Rising Son, EST-LA; Christine Jones, Spring Awakening, Pantages; Ken McDonald, Vigil, Taper; Derek McLane, 33 Variations, Ahmanson; Jeff McLaughlin, A House Not Meant to Stand, Fountain; Lucan Melkonian, Who’s Your Daddy?, Victory; William Moore Jr., Lights Up on the Fade Out, Lillian; Robert Selander, The Sonneteer, LA Gay & Lesbian Center; Mark Thompson, God of Carnage, Ahmanson; Sybil Wickersheimer, The Chinese Massacre (Annotated), Circle X

Philippe Guillotel, IRIS, Cirque du Soleil, Kodak Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Angela Balogh Calin, The Comedy of Errors, A Noise Within; Ann Closs-Farley, Have You Seen Alice?, Theatre of NOTE; Ann Closs-Farley, The Interlopers, Bootleg; Marina Draghici, Fela!, Ahmanson; Gregory Gale, Rock of Ages, Pantages; Dianne K. Graebner, The Chinese Massacre (Annotated), Circle X; Christina Haatainen-Jones, House of the Rising Son, EST-LA; Susan Hilferty, Spring Awakening, Pantages; Shon LeBlanc, I Love Lucy Live on Stage, Greenway Court; Shon LeBlanc, The Sonneteer, LA Gay & Lesbian Center; Michael MacDonald, Hair, Pantages; Leah Piehl, The Eccentricities of a Nightingale, A Noise Within; Michele Rede, Lights Up on the Fade Out, Lillian; Pamela Shaw, Steel Magnolias, Rubicon; Mark Thompson, God of Carnage, Ahmanson

Patrice Besombes, IRIS, Cirque du Soleil, Kodak Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Kevin Adams, Hair, Pantages; Kevin Adams, Spring Awakening, Pantages; Ken Booth, A House Not Meant to Stand, Fountain; Alan Brodie and Robert Hahn, Vigil, Taper; Bosco Flanagan, Stop Kiss, Lounge; Paulie Jenkins, Moonlight and Magnolias, Colony; David Lander, 33 Variations, Ahmanson; Jason Lyons, Rock of Ages, Pantages; Jeff McLaughlin, A Death in Colombia, Skylight; Thomas Ontiveros, The Chinese Massacre (Annotated), Circle X; Jeremy Pivnik, House of the Rising Son, EST-LA; Hugh Vanstone, God of Carnage, Ahmanson; Dan Weingarten, The Word Begins, Rogue Machine; Robert Wierzel, Fela!, Ahmanson

François Bergeron, IRIS, Cirque du Soleil, Kodak Theatre

Adam Phelan, The Word Begins, Rogue Machine at Theater/Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Acme Sound Partners, Hair, Pantages; Peter Bayne, A House Not Meant to Stand, Fountain; Ryan Brodkin, The Pity of Things, Theatre of NOTE; Joe Calarco, Double Falsehood, Coeurage Theatre Co; Joe Calarco, No. Saints Lane, Coeurage Theatre Co; Matt Frey, THIS, CTG/Douglas; Peter Hylenski, Rock of Ages, Pantages; Robert Kaplowitz, Fela!, Ahmanson; Bruno Louchouarn, House of the Rising Son, EST-LA; Peter McBoyle, Come Fly Away, Pantages; Cricket S. Myers, Vigil, CTG, Taper; Andre J. Pluess, 33 Variations, CTG, Ahmanson; Brian Ronan, Spring Awakening, Pantages; Dennis Yen, The Chinese Massacre (Annotated), Circle X

Eric Anderson, The War Cycle: Gospel According to First Squad, Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble

Olivier Simola and Christophe Waksmann, IRIS, Cirque du Soleil, Kodak Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Zak Borovay, Rock of Ages, Pantages; Drew Christie, Alexander Mirecki, and William R. Parks, House of Gold, EST-LA; Corwin Evans, The Word Begins, Rogue Machine; Aaron Gonzalez, Ghetto Klown, Montalban; Ali Murtaza, The Comedy of Errors, Peter Nigrini, Fela!, Ahmanson; ANW; Jeff Sugg, 33 Variations, Ahmanson

Chloe Peterson and Dominic Rains, Understudy Performers of the Year, Baby Doll, Lillian Theatre

Barney Burman, Special Make-up Effects, The Elephant Man, El Centro Theatre

Byron J. Batista, Wigs and Make-up, I Love Lucy Live on Stage, Greenway Court; Nathalie Gagné, Make-up Design, IRIS, Kodak; Marty Kopulsky, Hair and Make-up, Steel Magnolias, Rubicon; Galt McDermot, New Orchestrations, Hair, Pantages; Anne-Séguin Poirier, Prop Design, IRIS, Kodak; Diane Walsh, Pianist/Musical Director, 33 Variations, Ahmanson

My favorite tale since I started teaching: In a Text Analysis class, one of my fellow instructors asked her students to break down the scene between Laura and the Gentleman Caller in The Glass Menagerie. One of her students finished his analysis with, “And at the end of the scene, she passes out.” My friend said, “Passes out? No, I don't think that happens. How did you get that?” The student insisted it was right there in the script and opened the play to the page to show her. “See? It’s right here! At the end it says BLACKOUT.”

TRAVIS MICHAEL HOLDER has been writing about LA theatre since 1987 and for Entertainment Today since 1990. As an actor, he received the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Best Actor Award as Kenneth Halliwell in the west coast premiere of Nasty Little Secrets at Theatre/Theater. He has also been honored with a Drama-Logue Award as Lennie in Of Mice and Men at the Egyptian Arena, four Maddy Awards, a ReviewPlays.com Award, both NAACP and GLAAD Award nominations, and six nominations from LA Weekly. Regionally, he won the Inland Theatre League Award as Ken Talley in Fifth of July; three awards for his direction and performance as Dr. Dysart in Equus; was up for Washington, DC’s Helen Hayes honors as Oscar Wilde in the world premiere of Oscar & Speranza; toured as Amos “Mr. Cellophane” Hart in Chicago; and he has traveled three times to New Orleans for the annual Tennessee Williams Literary Festival, opening the fest in 2003 as Williams himself in Lament for the Moths and since returning to appear in An Ode to Tennessee and opposite Karen Kondazian as A Witch and a Bitch. Never one to suffer from typecasting, Travis’ most recent LA performances have been as Wynchell in the world premiere of Moby Pomerance’s The Good Book of Pedantry and Wonder and Frank in Charles Mee’s Summertime at The Boston Court Performing Arts Center, Giuseppe “The Florist” Givola in Brecht’s The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui for Classical Theatre Lab, Ftatateeta in Shaw’s Caesar and Cleopatra at the Lillian, Cheswick in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at the Rubicon in Ventura, Pete Dye in the world premiere of Stranger at the Bootleg (LA Weekly Award nomination), Shelly Levene in Glengarry Glen Ross at the Egyptian Arena, the Witch of Capri in Williams’ The Milk Train Doesn’t Stop Here Anymore at the Fountain, and Dr. Van Helsing in The House of Besarab, the spectacular new environmental adaptation of Dracula at the Hollywood American Legion Hall where Tamara held court for 11 years. Travis is on the faculty of the New York Film Academy’s west coast campus at Universal Studios and, as a writer, he is a regular reviewer for Back Stage, a frequent contributor to several other national magazines, and five of his plays have been produced in LA. His first, Surprise Surprise, for which he wrote the screenplay with director Jerry Turner, became a feature film released in August with Travis playing opposite John Brotherton, Luke Eberl, Deborah Shelton and Mary Jo Catlett. His first novel, Waiting for Walk, was completed in 2005, put in a desk drawer, and the ever-slothful, ever-deluded, ever-entitled Travis can’t figure out why no one has magically found it yet and published the goddam thing. www.travismichaelholder.com

Viola Davis - Woman of Style

web@entertainmenttoday.net (DAVID RIESS) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:03:03 +0000

To date, actress Viola Davis (The Help) has received a Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe Award nomination in the category of leading actress; and it is likely she will be going head to head with Meryl Streep for the Oscar. However, she received another award recently, when she was named, “Woman of Style” at the 20^th Anniversary of Divine Design.

Hollywood Beat

Viola Davis - Woman of Style

We were pleased to attend the Opening Night Gala that benefited Project Angel Food. This organization is dedicated to delivering nutritious meals to people with threatening illness, and this year, they have delivered more than 735,000 meals! America’s Top Model runway coach, J. Alexander welcomed the SRO crowd to the Beverly Hilton, looking like a fashion plate himself. His trendy black & white outfit featured a stand-up collar (to flatter his fab face, of course,) and a huge red AIDS ribbon pinned to his chest.

Others honored at the event included world-renown Chef Thomas Keller (French Laundry; and Costume Designer, Patricia Field (Sex and the City, The Devil Wears Prada) wearing sunglasses and a sequined jacket which set off her blazing red curls. Fields received the Iconic Fashion Visionary, and rightly so. The Emmy Award winning designer is credited with turning brands such as Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin into household names.

Kristin Chenowerth entertained the troops in her own inimitable style. The adorable blonde actress/singer announced that she would be starring in a new flick Outrun, written by her fiancé Dax Shepard, who will also co-star and direct. This action comedy, which will hit theatres on August 24^th features Bradley Cooper and another Kristen -- Kristen Bell.

Before heading over to the fashion extravaganza featuring an assortment of luxury fashion & beauty items -- all sold at a discount from 50-90% off, we dined on stuffed chicken breast, along with such celebs as the Cast from Mad Men, Pauley Perrette (NCIS) and Regina King (24). Then off to the six day charity shopping market place at the former home of Robinsons/May, to purchase some holiday gifts and help Project Angel Food. A most exciting experience indeed!

Kendra Wilkinson & husband, Hank Baskett at Divine Design, fundraiser for Project Angel Food

Chef Thomas Keller, Costume Designer, Patricia Field, Actress Viola Davis (The Help) honorees at Divine Design

J. Alexander, (American's Top Model) host of Divine Design

Harvey Milk Foundation Ball & Emeralds Never Fade

web@entertainmenttoday.net (DAVID RIESS) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:53:45 +0000

Harvey Milk’s dream for a better tomorrow with equality, and a world without hate, guide his Foundation, after his brutal 1978 assassination, as depicted in the Oscar winning film Milk, Harvey’s Nephew, Stuart Milk, carries forth the banner, along with Desmond Tutu, Heads of State, and our own President, Barak Obama.

Hollywood Beat

Harvey Milk Foundation Ball & Emeralds Never Fade

To celebrate the Holidays and raise funds for Milk’s Foundation, Czarina Liz Loren and Czar Drue of the Emerald Kingdom of Palm Springs hosted the 2^nd Annual Diversity Christmas Ball, which brought out a slew of celebs and socialites, including members of the Crown Jewels. Accepting the award for their participation were Westsiders Grace Robbins (widow of famed author Harold Robbins), Gloria Weintraub, whose late husband created the famed comic strip Archie, who is now married to Dr. Lewis Weintraub; philanthropist Annie Lehrer, and Gloria Levishon, whose husband, David, is lead cameraman on Dancing With the Stars.

Some of the performers who participated in the fabulous show included Peter Mac, whose impression of Judy Garland is world renown; Doug Graham, who appeared in Cats, A Chorus Line and Phantom of the Opera, and gorgeous Thea Gill, star of Queer as Folk on the hit Showtime series, who is making a name for herself as a cabaret performer.

Kudos to Dr. Danne King, and his alter ego, Czarina Liz Loren, who was breathtaking in several Fedor dazzling gowns,

We were pleased to attend another event celebrating publication of Emeralds Never Fade, the new novel by Stephen Maitland-Lewis, which honored the Actors Fund. The handsome English gentleman, married to philanthropist, Joni Berry, now resides in Beverly Hills. His new novel, is a tale of Jewish persecution and Nazi escape, and follows the lives of two Germans – one of them Jewish. Maitland says, “I was driven to write this book, as I am haunted by all that Nazi Germany represented.”

Some of the celebs in attendance at the exquisite eatery, Nonna in West Hollywood, included International acting sensation Mike Burstyn, who just completed starring as Al Jolson here in Los Angeles; Comedy Club owner, Budd Friedman, comedian Norm Crosby, marvelous Mitzi Gaynor, and George Sclatter, Producer of Laugh-In.

Stuart Milk & Nephew

Czarina Liz Loren with Actress Thea Gill

Director of the Actors Fund, Keith McNutt with Author, Stephen Maitland-Lewis & Joni Berry

Crown Jewels Accepting Diversity Award

Pelican Hill – Andrea Restaurant and the Villas

web@entertainmenttoday.net (BRAD AUERBACH) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:46:48 +0000

As various resorts jockey for the myriad ‘best of’ lists, Pelican Hill quietly reaches the top of various rankings. A prestigious accomplishment is the "#1 Resort in the United States" by the readers Condé Nast Traveler, a slot Pelican Hill now holds. In addition, Forbes awarded the Spa at Pelican Hill Five Stars, and golfers noticed when Golf Tips Magazine selected the Golf Academy at Pelican Hill’s Glenn Deck as one of the Top 25 U.S. Instructors.

Pelican Hill – Andrea Restaurant and the Villas

Attempting to quantify that which is ultimately a qualitative judgment is a classic conundrum, so it was important to have a firsthand visit to gauge for ourselves. We wanted to judge the family experience in the Villas at Pelican Hill, as well as the renowned Andrea Restaurant. Both exceeded expectations, and Pelican Hill has consequently risen to the top of our list.

The Villas are situated in an enclave adjoining the expansive resort, allowing access to the full Pelican Hill experience while ensuring a greater sense of privacy. The two, three and four bedroom suites provide a luxurious home away from home setting. For us it was more like a dream home, but I expect for many visitors it is a pleasant extension of their posh quotidian surroundings. The staff devoted to the Villas provides a welcome level of attention to all the details, extended to well before the guests’ arrival. Any particular pre-stocking of the kitchen or other nuances of housekeeping can be arranged. We could have made fuller use of the Sub-Zero refrigerator and the Wolf oven, had we stayed longer. But the well-equipped kitchen is an inviting setting for preparing some home cooking.

The 2 car garage adjoining our villa included a washer and dryer, had we been longer in residence. The lush foliage between the villas provided us a sense of seclusion. The spacious bedrooms offered high-quality linens on the huge beds. The similarly huge (42”) flat panel TVs almost seemed small compared to the 50” screen in the living room. But the best views were certainly out the broad windows, over the golf course to the Pacific Ocean beyond. We spent a lovely sunset on the patio, with an array of cheeses, fruits and wine. The calmness of the surroundings led to a very pleasant feeling of losing track of the clock.

The now-requisite complimentary wi-fi is part of the package, as is a range of audio-visual accoutrements. It was difficult to leave our Villa to explore the rest of the resort, but initially we only got as far as the pool reserved for guests of the Villas. Overlooking the ocean, the saltwater pool has an intriguing polygon shape. We found a spot under one of the vast adjustable umbrellas, and began our traditional round of travel games (Quirkle, backgammon and poker). My wife and I later needed a bit more of an aerobic session, and we slipped into the clubhouse for a nice workout on the state-of-the-art equipment.

The workout segued nicely to a stroll back to the Villa, and a luxurious bath in the spacious master bathroom. The huge towels and fluffy bathrobes made it hard to dress and leave for dinner, but a meal at Andrea is not to be missed.

Executive chef Jean Pierre Dubray draws on classic Northern Italian cuisine to provide a bounty of flavorful dishes. The exquisite Andrea menu, overseen by Chef Luca Cesarini, ranges across many dishes, each prepared with obvious attention to detail. Fortunately, we were a party of four and we were able to taste many of the preparations. The roasted Colorado lamb rack was delightfully prepared with Swiss chard, caramelized cipollini and thyme jus. Truffles were laced into many dishes for a lovely flavor. Andrea moves through the seasons with its menu, and January will feature a Tuscan wine and food festival. The traditions of northern Italy will be paired with southern California’s locally grown ingredients, providing tastes of central Maremma’s meats and Viareggio’s seafoods.

There was little question that this was one of the best meals we have had, leaving aside my grandmother’s marinara sauce of course. The accomplishment of the experience at Andrea was heightened by a special tour of the kitchen. The climate-controlled room devoted exclusively to pasta making was remarkable. The olive oil made from the fruits of trees on the Resort grounds gave us a sense of the local combined with the reach of the global.

The service at Andrea was impeccable; the staff was attentive but not intrusive. The suggestions of wine and food were spot on, and we were left with a sense of participating in something nearing the artistic.

Upon returning to our villa, the staff (was it our butler or the chambermaid?) had arranged for some nice sweets for the family. We sat on the patio, in the quiet of the evening and pondered how we could stay forever in that magical place.

"Jesus Christ Superstar" at La Jolla Playhouse

web@entertainmenttoday.net (BRAD AUERBACH) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:14:53 +0000

Jesus Christ Superstar

La Jolla Playhouse, Neil Simon Theatre

Des McAnuff has risen to the ranks of an esteemed genius in the theatre world. His productions with the LaJolla Playhouse have led to a bevy of artistic and financial successes. His latest effort is headed back to Broadway in the spring. ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is a crisp reinvigoration of the early 70s ground breaking rock musical. When Andrew Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber melded the rock and theatre idioms on the debut album, the result was a mixture of derision, envy and eventual acceptance. It was an era of innovative rock operas on vinyl: The Who’s ‘Tommy’ (which McAnuff has also tackled, with extremely satisfying results) and a couple ambitious efforts by Ray Davies and his Kinks.

With Deep Purple’s lead singer Ian Gillian in the titular role for the original ‘Superstar’ album, some rock fans could find a way into the traditional story. It was a tough sell when the album was released: rock fans thought the production too much of a musical, and latter fans cringed at the wailing guitars and thick backbeat. It was perfect for the burgeoning FM radio format, which is where I first discovered it. Eventually, the controversial nature of the production brought it sufficient attention to garner financial backing for a Broadway production. Nonetheless, devout Christians saw blasphemy, Jews saw anti-Semitism.

Direct from the esteemed Stratford Festival where it played this summer, McAnuff worked with designer Robert Brill to create a versatile set comprised of metal scaffolding and movable risers. The remarkable first act is a hard act to follow, and indeed the second act lags after the preceding energy. For those unfamiliar with this interpretation of the last week of Jesus’ life, most remarkable is the role of Judas. Portrayed here as far less a traitor and more as a protector of his friend Jesus, Judas wants to protect the success achieved by Jesus and the apostles. Also explored is the love triangle among Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdalene. As played by Josh Young, Judas is a tour de force. Jesus (Paul Nolan) is mostly in a reactive role, taking in that which transpires around him and only revealing his doubts in the moving finale of the second act.

The musicians are clearly rockers at heart, the guitarists shred in styles ranging from Pink Floyd to Jimmy Page. Musical director Rick Fox adroitly weaves acoustic instrumentation and horns to modulate the pace and tone of the score. My recollection of the triumphant theme song was that it was more pervasive, but it truly only appears in 3 short bursts. Apparently my recollection of hearing it on FM radio those decades ago was more indelible.

Modern touches, such as an electric news ticker, help guide the timeline. The book follows the last week of Christ’s life, drawing from the Gospels but adding some thoughtful political and social aspects.

Of the many notable productions McAnuff has produced (‘Big River’, ‘Jersey Boys’), he has tackled two rock-oriented productions with messiah-based themes. I prefer ‘Tommy’ for myriad reasons, but ‘JCS’ is a worthy effort. Pete Townshend wrote this about ‘Tommy,’ and it provides a likely glimpse into McAnuff’s attraction to the two productions:

It is the prime example of rock and roll throwing off its three-chord musical structure, discarding its attachment to the three-minute single, openly taking on the unfashionable questions about spirituality and religion and yet grimly hanging on to the old ways at the same time.

The production opens March 22, 2012 at the Neil Simon Theatre on Broadway.

Ticketholder Awards 2011 (1 of 2)

web@entertainmenttoday.net (TRAVIS MICHAEL HOLDER) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 01:09:24 +0000

The 21st Annual Ticketholder Awards, 2011 - Part One

[ Read Part 2 ]

Joining the workforce fulltime last January as an instructor in the acting department of the New York Film Academy’s west coast campus on the backlot at Universal Studios has cost me dearly over the last 12 months as a theatre artist and as an incessant theatregoer. Still, although I haven’t had anywhere near as much time as usual in 2011 to attend, critique, perform in, direct or write plays, what I have gained as a teacher has been wonderful nourishment to my lifelong passion for creating and encouraging art in any form. Who knew I had so much to pass on before I pass on?

My apologies, however, for the many great Los Angeles stage productions I couldn’t attend this year due to my increasingly more breakneck schedule at NYFA; many shows I missed might certainly have been included here in contemplation of my awardees. Notice that the pickins’ in the musical theatre arena even lack two productions to get to 10 choices and there are fewer runners-up in the other musical categories than in years past. That’s because if I have my choice (or unless I have been assigned to review a musical for Back Stage), my instinct is to gravitate toward drama and not worry about the problem of Maria or corn as high as an elephant’s eye.

That in no way means the following choices for honors this year are lacking in any way. To be sure, 2011 was a spectacular year for the performing arts in our quirky and often artistically puzzling desert oasis. Each of the winners and runners-up here mentioned deserve a standing ovation. Look for Part Two to arrive soon featuring the behind-the-curtain awardees.

1. House of the Rising Son, Ensemble Studio Theatre-LA

2. The Comedy of Errors, A Noise Within

3. The Chinese Massacre (Annotated), Circle X Theatre Company

4. The War Cycle: Gospel According to First Squad, Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble

5. House of Gold, Ensemble Studio Theatre-LA

6. Vigil, Center Theatre Group, Mark Taper Forum

7. The Sonneteer, Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center

8. Baby Doll, Lillian Theatre

9. Lights Up on the Fade Out, Lillian Theatre

10. The Interlopers, Bootleg Theater

RUNNERS-UP: Ching Chong Chinaman, Artists at Play at The Actors Company; God of Carnage, Ahmanson; Have You Seen Alice?, Theatre of NOTE; Hermetically Sealed, Katselas at the Skylight; A House Not Meant to Stand, Fountain Theatre; Moonlight and Magnolias, Colony Theatre; No. Saints Lane, Coeurage Theatre Company at Actors Circle; The Pity of Things, Theatre of NOTE; Sex and Education, Victory Theatre Center; Stop Kiss, Lounge Theatre; 33 Variations, Ahmanson; Who’s Your Daddy?, Victory Theatre Center; The Word Begins, Rogue Machine at Theatre/Theater

1. IRIS, Cirque du Soleil at the Kodak Theatre

2. Hair, Broadway/LA, Pantages Theatre

3. Spring Awakening, Broadway/LA, Pantages Theatre

4. Fela!, Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre

5. I Love Lucy Live on Stage, Greenway Court

6. Rock of Ages, Broadway/LA, Pantages Theatre

7. Bring It On—The Musical, Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre

8. Come Fly Away, Broadway/LA, Pantages Theatre

Paul Witten, House of the Rising Son, Ensemble Studio Theatre-LA

RUNNERS-UP: Sekou Andrews, The Word Begins, Rogue Machine; Marco Barricelli, Vigil, Taper; Alan Blumenfeld, A House Not Meant to Stand, Fountain; Steve Connell, The Word Begins, Rogue Machine; Jason Dechert, The Eccentricities of a Nightingale, A Noise Within; Matt Gottlieb, Moonlight and Magnolias, Colony; Paul Haitkin, The Sonneteer, LA Gay & Lesbian Center; Sean Hoagland, The Elephant Man, El Centro Theatre; Rod Menzies, House of the Rising Son, EST-LA; Trevor Peterson, The Interlopers, Bootleg; Darren Pettie, THIS, CTG/Douglas

Gigi Bermingham, Hermetically Sealed, Katselas Theatre Company at the Skylight Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: DaShawn Barnes, Tiger Tiger Burning Bright, Stella Adler; Julia Cho, Ching Chong Chinaman, Artists at Play; Valorie Curry, Double Falsehood, Coeurage Theatre Co; Elisa Davis, THIS, CTG/Douglas; Olympia Dukakis, Vigil, Mark Taper Forum; Maria Gobetti, Sex and Education, Victory Theatre Center; Roxanne Hart, A Death in Colombia, Skylight; Kelly Hill, Stop Kiss, Lounge; Diarra Kilpatrick, The Interlopers, Bootleg; Sandy Martin, A House Not Meant to Stand, Fountain; Regina Randolph, Tiger Tiger Burning Bright, Stella Adler; Stephanie Zimbalist, Steel Magnolias, Rubicon

Coby Getzug, Spring Awakening, Broadway/LA, Pantages Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Cody Green, Come Fly Away, Pantages; Paris Remillard, Hair, Pantages; Bill Mendieta, I Love Lucy Live on Stage, Greenway Court; Sahr Ngaujah, Fela!, Ahmanson; Christopher Wood, Spring Awakening, Pantages

Sierra Irwin, I Love Lucy Live on Stage, Greenway Court

RUNNERS-UP: Rebecca Faulkenberry, Rock of Ages, Pantages; Elizabeth Judd, Spring Awakening, Pantages; Taylor Louderman, Bring It On—The Musical, Ahmanson; Adrienne Warren, Bring It On—The Musical, Ahmanson

Steve Coombs, House of the Rising Son, Ensemble Studio Theatre-LA

RUNNERS-UP: Daniel Billet, A House Not Meant to Stand, Fountain; Mark Bramhall, Lights Up on the Fade Out, Lillian; Alex Davis, House of Gold, EST-LA; David Douglas, Match, Hayworth Theatre; Mitchell Edmonds, The Eccentricities of a Nightingale, A Noise Within; Glenn Fitzgerald, THIS, CTG/Douglas; Brendan Ford, Moonlight and Magnolias, Colony; Steve Hu, Ching Chong Chinaman, Artists at Play; Ed Martin, The Sonneteer, LA Gay & Lesbian Center; Ray Oriel, The Sonneteer, LA Gay & Lesbian Center; Hank Ostendorf, The Eccentricities of a Nightingale, A Noise Within; James Parks, Lights Up on the Fade Out, Lillian; Collin St. Dic, Tiger Tiger Burning Bright, Stella Adler; Scott Keiji Takeda, Ching Chong Chinaman, Artists at Play; Nicholas S. Williams, The Pity of Things, Theatre of NOTE

Jacqueline Wright, House of Gold, Ensemble Studio Theatre/LA

RUNNERS-UP: Jacque Lynn Colton, Baby Doll, Lillian; Emily Eiden, Moonlight and Magnolias, Colony; Cynthia Gravinese, The Sonneteer, LA Gay & Lesbian Center; Jill Hill, The Eccentricities of a Nightingale, A Noise Within; Elizabeth Ho, Ching Chong Chinaman, Artists at Play; Victoria Hoffman, The Sonneteer, LA Gay & Lesbian Center; Tara Karsian, The Interlopers, Bootleg; Virginia Newcomb, A House Not Meant to Stand, Fountain; Alina Phelan, Lights Up on the Fade Out, Lillian; Marta Portillo, Match, Hayworth; Julia Prud’homme, Hermetically Sealed, Skylight; Jennifer Weaver, The Pity of Things, Theatre of NOTE; Von Rae Wood, Steel Magnolias, Rubicon Theatre Company

Nicolas Womack, Bring It On—The Musical, Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Marshal Kennedy Carolan, Hair, Pantages; Matt DeAngelis, Hair, Pantages; Gregory Haney, Bring It On—The Musical, Ahmanson; Josh Lamon, Hair, Pantages; Darius Nichols, Hair, Pantages; Devon Stone, Spring Awakening, Pantages; Bret Tuomi, Rock of Ages, Pantages; Travis Walker, Rock of Ages, Pantages

Ryann Redmond, Bring It On—The Musical, Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Lulu Fall, Hair, Pantages; Melanie Marshall, Fela!, Ahmanson; Elle McLemore, Bring It On—The Musical, Ahmanson; Denise Moses, I Love Lucy Live on Stage, Greenway Court; Kate Rockwell, Bring It On—The Musical, Ahmanson; Kacie Sheik, Hair, Pantages; Amy Tolsky, I Love Lucy Live on Stage, Greenway Court

Annie Abrams, Gibby Brand, Christine Breihan, Abby Craden, Andrew Dits, Michael Stone Forrest, Sarah-lucy Hill, William Dennis Hunt, Jerry Kernion, Paul D. Masterson, Douglas Rory Milliron, P.J. Ochlan, Lauren Robyn, Rene Ruiz, Andy Stokan, Bruce Turk, Gwenmarie White; The Comedy of Errors, A Noise Within

RUNNERS-UP:

Richard Azurdia, Warren Davis, Anna Douglas, Elizabeth Ho, Ross Kurt Le, Jully Lee, Alex Levin, West Liang, Johanna McKay, Silas Weir Mitchell, Gary Patent, Jack Scochet, Lisa Tharps, Ryan Yu; The Chinese Massacre (Annotated), Circle X Theatre Company

Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini, Marcia Gay Harden; God of Carnage, CTG, Ahmanson Theatre

Meredith Schmidt, Kirsten Kuiken, Joe Calarco, Jeremey Lelliott, Adam Navarro, No. Saints Lane; Coeurage Theatre Company at Actors Circle

Don Amendolia, Jane Fonda, Zach Grenier, Greg Keller, Susan Kellermann, Samantha Mathis, Grant James Varjas, 33 Variations, CTG, Ahmanson Theatre

Trevor Algatt, Eric Anderson, John Brooks, Andrew Crabtree, Michael Hanson, Spencer Kramber, Joe Mahon, AJ Meijer, Josef Malonzo, Michael John Pappas, Jonathan Redding; The War Cycle: Gospel According to First Squad, LA Theatre Ensemble

IRIS, Cirque du Soleil at the Kodak Theatre

RUNNERS-UP:

Calli Alden, Nick Blaemire, Antwan Bethea, Dexter Carr, Courtney Corbeille, Ariana DeBose, Brooklyn Alexis Freitag, Shonica Gooden, Jason Gotay, Gregory Haney, Haley Hannah, Dominique Johnson, Janet Krupin, Neil Haskell, Taylor Louderman, Elle McLemore, Melody Mills, Michael Mindlin, Michael Naone-Carter, David Ranck, Ryann Redmond, Bettis Richardson, Kate Rockwell, Sheldon Tucker, Alysha Umphress, Adrienne Warren, Lauren Whitt, Nicolas Womack; Bring It On—The Musical, CTG, Ahmanson Theatre

Jamie Rea Billings, Aliya Bowles, Paris Bradstreet, Erin Burnston, Rachel Geisler, Coby Getzug, Jim Hogan, Elizabeth Judd, Sarah Kleeman, William J. Lewis, Michael Linden, Courtney Markowitz, Emily Mest, Jeff Ostermueller, Daniel Plimpton, Mark Poppleton, George E. Salazar, Devon Stone, Travis Stroessenreuther, Christopher Wood; Spring Awakening, Pantages Theatre

Nicholas Podany, Hermetically Sealed, Katselas Theatre Company at the Skylight Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: Christopher Leyva, The Little Dog Laughed, Smart Lips Productions at El Centro Theatre; Wolfie Trausch, Hermetically Sealed, Skylight

John Fleck, Mad Women, Katselas Theatre Company at the Skylight Theatre

RUNNERS-UP: John Leguizamo, Ghetto Klown, Ricardo Montalban Theatre; John Lithgow, Stories by Heart, CTG, Taper; Johnny O’Callaghan, Who’s Your Daddy?, Victory; Devon Stone, Spring Awakening, Pantages (a little inside joke there); Charlayne Woodard, The Night Watcher, CTG/Kirk Douglas Theatre

[ Read Part 2 ]

###

Kelsey Grammer is the “Boss” on dramatic new Starz series

web@entertainmenttoday.net (FRANK BARRON) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:10:22 +0000

Kelsey Grammer had an enduring and profitable comedy career playing Dr. Frasier Crane for 20 years on both Cheers and Frasier, long running NBC sitcoms. But now a whole new career has opened up for Grammer in Boss, the dramatic new series airing Fridays on the Starz premium cable network.

Kelsey Grammer is the “Boss” on dramatic new Starz series

A second season of Boss is announced already

And the five-time Emmy-winning actor is delighted that a second season has been announced by the Starz Network

As the title character on Boss, Grammer plays the corrupt Chicago Mayor Tom Kane, a double-crossing master manipulator committed to maintaining his power. Grammer compares his role with Iago, one of the greatest villains created by Shakespeare.

He explains, “Iago is one of the most liked characters in Shakespeare’s canon, and he’s the most evil, most extraordinary, manipulative person in history. He says the worst, most politically incorrect things, even for the time the play is set in, and yet audiences adore that character.”

Because he sees a kind of similarity between Iago and the ruthless Mayor Kane, Grammer says, “He has been great for me to play. It’s almost supernatural for me because I approach the text every day we go to work as though I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“The discovery of this man as I work through him has been a discovery of things I’ve never done or said before. And it’s been probably the greatest time of my life creatively,” he reports.

Although best known for his comedy, Grammer reveals he started out doing classical theater, “playing tragedies. That was my first love. I think, honestly, this story is a tragedy. So that character in the center must be heroic in some way so that we wouldn’t mourn his passing. It’s a complex manner of telling stories, but it’s certainly a fun and exciting way to spend some time.”

The time is being spent filming in Chicago, the seat of power for Boss. The completely different setting has been a big help to embark on his dramatic voyage in the Windy City. The 56-year-old says, “I just took a break for a while.”

He says, “There were a lot of reasons I did it, but in the last couple of years I decided I needed to make a life change. After what’s gone on in my personal life. And after my heart attack, which was three years ago, I spent the next several months sort of looking at my own life, and so I decided that it was time to make changes that involved my career as well as my personal life.”

Doing a drama started to make good sense because it took Grammer back to his roots. “Back to things I believed in, telling good stories. That’s what I love to do. I love my work, and I love telling good stories and I have been given the blessing of being allowed to tell them on television. I’ll never leave if I’m allowed to do this kind of stuff for the rest of my life.”

Looking back on his successful work in Cheers and then Frasier, he says, “We had very artful, very creative people that helped us make that journey.”

The folks behind Boss are very creative too. The cast includes Connie Nielsen as his wife, Hannah Ware as his daughter, and Kathleen Robertson and Jeff Hephner as his ambitious political confidantes and pawns. Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting) is the director and executive producer, along with creator, writer and executive producer Farhad Safinia. Grammer is also an executive producer, which really gives him the title of “boss” on the set.

My Fair Wedding party with David Tutera, & Masquerade party with Kathryn Joosten

web@entertainmenttoday.net (MARGIE BARRON) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 02:48:02 +0000

My Fair Wedding party with David Tutera, & Masquerade party with Kathryn Joosten

Fun Parties around L.A.

A spectacular “wedding reception” was held at the legendary Park Plaza Hotel, where celebrity wedding planner David Tutera played host to more than 1200 fans, VIPs, and brides for his fifth season launch of My Fair Wedding. Airing on WE TV, its popularity lies with Tutera’s knack for helping brides-to-be make their dream weddings come true. It is far from the Bridezilla-type of reality show, because David selects deserving women from the tons of tapes he gets from people asking for help with their wedding plans. And magically, he does it all in just a few weeks before the big event.

Tutera proudly explained, “I’ve enjoyed having successful seasons with shows about weddings and the transformation of brides. It’s still that story but it’s more now. Every episode this season is about women who have had challenges. I embrace them and I send them on their way, not only as new brides but as new women with new outlooks.”

Dozens of women who were turned into happy brides courtesy of Tutera were on hand for the lavish event. Many bridesmaids and a bunch of grooms were among the guests too. But none were beaming as much as Wendy and Rocky the couple featured in the screening of the new season’s first episode. The Kansas newlyweds got their dream wedding when Wendy’s 17-year-old son Ryan sought Tutera’s help through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Ryan thought his mom deserved something special after helping him through his cancer, which is now in remission. A marching band was part of their wedding celebration, and so the Riverside College Marching Tigers went strutting through the My Fair Wedding event. In addition, there was an exciting performance by Broadway star and Grammy nominee Frenchie Davis (best known for The Voice and American Idol).

At the reception after-party, a wedding band had guests dancing the night away. Seen enjoying the festivities were American’s Next Top Model’s Miss Jay, and the fabulous top designer Sue Wong.

What does Tutera think of his job? “It’s just little old me transforming lives, and that’s turned into great television,” he said. “People are watching my show around the world. Celebrities are tuning in too, and when they get engaged they call my office.” But every woman can get the star treatment from Tutera because he also designs bridal gowns that are now available.

My Fair Wedding with David Tutera heads down the aisle every Sunday night on WE TV.

Masquerade party for the SoHo Project

Rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of all the wonderful people who came out to join the party with the theme “Masquerade-- Unmasking the Face of Lung Cancer.” It was a festive event at the London Hotel in West Hollywood, which started with masked carnival performers creating a wild atmosphere as they greeting guests at the cocktail reception and silent auction bazaar.

It was enormously fun, but serious about raising funds for the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation. The SoHo Project (Sisters Offering Hope to Others) was behind the event, organized by sisters Lindsay and Kim Scheel. The evening had delectable faire from Chef Gordon Ramsay, and there was a French flavor in the tented rooftop dinning room when Can-Can dancers came out to perform. Other entertainment included singer Jared Lee, with Madison Hildebrand (Million Dollar Listing) and Kristina Guerrero (E! News) hosting.

The evening was as informative about the cause as it was entertaining. The two-time Emmy-winning actress and two-time lung cancer survivor, Kathryn Joosten (Desperate Housewives), was presented the Inspiration Award. Kathryn said, “I’m a survivor. I’m here because of the drugs developed to fight my cancer, and I want to help others and erase the stigma.” Edi Gathegi (Twilight, X-Men) presented the honor.

Reality star Kendra Wilkinson (Girls Next Door) and her husband, football player Hank Baskett accepted the Inspirational Philanthropist Award on behalf of Stand Up To Cancer co-founder Rusty Robertson. Baskett also shared touching words about his father’s cancer battle.

GBK Productions brought pizzazz to the Parisian event with the presenting sponsor Beaudry raffling off stunning diamond earrings. Plus De”Bite”Ful Cakes were sweet while showing off a Marie Antoninette cupcake gown, and the Masquerade handcrafted masks came from Cosmik Souls. GBK’s own fantastic founder Gavin B. Keilly supported the cause by conducting the auction, which featured luxury experiences such as Rock‘N‘Roll Fantasy Camp, and a walk-on roll in the next Batman movie. All for an important cause.

The Bestival Live 2011 - The Cure

web@entertainmenttoday.net (SCOTT OTTO) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 02:40:11 +0000

Yes, it's another live Cure album. This one's from their acclaimed Bestival 2011 date, ·their first official live release since 1993's Paris and Show, and it's a monster, a two disc, thirty-two song affair that culls the best known tracks from the band's formidable history

The Bestival Live 2011

The Cure

Yes, it's another live Cure album. This one's from their acclaimed Bestival 2011 date, their first official live release since 1993's Paris and Show, and it's a monster, a two disc, thirty-two song affair that culls the best known tracks from the band's formidable history. Starting with "Plainsong" from Disintegration and ending with "Killing An Arab" (sorry, but I refuse to say "Killing Another" since the damn song's about Camus and not murder, and anyway, political correctness is killing free expression) from their 1979 debut Three Imaginary Boys, the live set touches on tracks from every album in their history except for Wild Mood Swings from 1996 and 2000's Bloodflowers.

Throughout, the band sound energized, as if playing for more than just the fans (all sales proceeds of the album benefit the Isle of Wight Youth Trust ( www.iowyouthtrust.co.uk ) invigorated them. The readings of concert staples like 'Fascination Street,' 'Just Like Heaven,' 'Inbetween Days,' and 'The Walk' are as straightforward as ever, but there's a lightness in Robert Smith's voice, as if he's finally gotten around to enjoying the songs he's built a career on.

Production of the album is pristine. It's nice to hear Roger O'Donnell back in the band, as his keyboards really fill in a lot of the pieces that were missed (at least by this writer and longtime fan) on their 2008 all-guitar tour. Smith's vocals are, as usual, mixed so high he might as well be in your living room or passenger seat, and the guitars chime and the bass drones accordingly. The drums, strangely enough, sound a bit muted, just like on last year's remastered Entreat, but they're still audible and, though they don't quite groove, move the rest of the musicians along nicely.

In the end, these days, we know what we're getting from a live Cure release. There are few surprises, but it's still a fun listen. Fun? The Cure? Yes, and though there's nothing really too new here, save for a live reading of 'The End of the World' from their self-titled album, or 'The Only One' and 'The Hungry Ghost' from the otherwise unfortunate 4:13 Dream, this is still a worthwhile addition to casual and rabid fans alike. Plus, you'll know your money's going to a good cause.

The album is out in standard and digital formats on December 5th (6th in North America) via Sunday's Best Recordings. Check the setlist, and enjoy.

Ben Vereen to be Lauded by Coalition for At Risk Youth

web@entertainmenttoday.net (DAVID RIESS) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 02:29:06 +0000

He’s an actor, dancer, and singer who have appeared in numerous Broadway shows.· For more than 40 years, this versatile performer has enthralled audiences around the world, and is probably best known for his roles in the Broadway musicals Pippin and Jesus Christ Superstar, and the TV series, Roots.

Hollywood Beat

Ben Vereen to be Lauded by Coalition for At Risk Youth

He’s an actor, dancer, and singer who have appeared in numerous Broadway shows. For more than 40 years, this versatile performer has enthralled audiences around the world, and is probably best known for his roles in the Broadway musicals Pippin and Jesus Christ Superstar, and the TV series, Roots. However, Vereen has also suffered serious setbacks, including an almost fatal auto accident, where he had major head and internal injuries, and the discovery of his having type 2 diabetes.

However, nothing keeps this dynamo down, and he will be honored at the Coalition for At-Risk Youth on December 3^rd at the Beverly Hilton.

This all-volunteer organization, founded by Dr. Pearl E. Grimes has raised over $1 million in less than six years, to help thousands of foster kids. They sponsor hundreds of them at their unique sleep-away camp in Big Bear, Ca. where they are coached to develop self-esteem and build character.

Respected radio personality, Rick Dees will serve as Master of Ceremonies, for a show featuring Sheila E. and the Escovedo Family. Jennifer Lewis (Cars 2) helms the live auction.

Over 500 of Southern California’s most influential and social conscious supporters will attend, including Martin Lawrence, Magic Johnson, Jerry West and Todd Bridges. Others honored at this fundraiser include renowned attorney & children’s rights advocate, Debra Opri and Dr. Robert Mendez, co-founder of the National Institute on Transplantation. For ticket info, please call 323-402-0412 or go to www.foratriskyouth.org/galaevent.php

Ben Vereen who will be honored by the Coalition for At-Risk Youth

Respected Radio Personality, Rick Dees, will be Master of Ceremonies

Tyra, Jennifer & Ricki - Big Brothers / Big Sisters

web@entertainmenttoday.net (DAVID RIESS) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 09:40:58 +0000

Several dancing darlings, including Jennifer Grey (Dirty Dancing),Ricki Lake (currently appearing on Dancing with the Stars) and arguably the best pro dancer on the show, Derek Hough were on hand to honor the legendary award-wining director and choreographer, Kenny Ortega, at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of L.A. Rising Stars Gala. Ortega has worked with the biggest stars of all time, including Cher,Barbra Streisand and Madonna. Currently, he can be seen all over the tubes,· posing with the late super-star Michael Jackson.

Hollywood Beat

Tyra, Jennifer & Ricki - Big Brothers / Big Sisters

Several dancing darlings, including Jennifer Grey (Dirty Dancing), Ricki Lake (currently appearing on Dancing with the Stars) and arguably the best pro dancer on the show, Derek Hough were on hand to honor the legendary award-wining director and choreographer, Kenny Ortega, at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of L.A. Rising Stars Gala. Ortega has worked with the biggest stars of all time, including Cher, Barbra Streisand and Madonna. Currently, he can be seen all over the tubes, posing with the late super-star Michael Jackson.

For over two decades, Ortega was Jackson’s director and creative partner. He directed both the Dangerous and History world tours, and numerous videos and shows for Michael. He also collaborated on Jackson’s This I It, the two-hour feature film, which has grossed over $250 million

Tyra Banks presented the Sherry Lansing Award to Nancy Josephson, who is a partner in WME Entertainment. Josephson was the first woman to be named president at a major Hollywood talent agency,, and the first female president of the Hollywood Radio & TV Society.

The gala evening was hosted by Ricki Lake, a front-runner on Dancing With the Stars, who received some good counseling from former winner of the coveted trophy, Jennifer Grey. “Just be yourself, and enjoy the moment” good advice for us all!

Talk Show Host Sarah Purcell presented the Legacy Award to Sandy Bilson, President of the BBBS Guild. This is a volunteer group, comprised of prominent women from the community, who have raised over $8 million to support the mentoring programs of BBBSLA, who have been in existence for over 56 years. Their goal is to assist boys and girls in achieving their highest potential, by one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better. They have proven successful in creating and nurturing relationships between adults and children. Mentoring works – one young person at a time. For more info, please visit www.bbbsla.org

Jennifer Grey, Derek Hough & Ricki Lake at Big Brothers/Big Sisters Gala

Tyra Banks presented Award to Nancy Josephson & her "Little Sister"

Jennifer Grey with famed choreographer, Kenny Ortega

Come Fly Away: A New Musical

web@entertainmenttoday.net (BRAD AUERBACH) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000

A national touring production admirably brings together the multifaceted talents of choreographer Twyla Tharp and the sterling vocals of Frank Sinatra in a sparkling combination.

Come Fly Away: A New Musical

A national touring production admirably brings together the multifaceted talents of choreographer Twyla Tharp and the sterling vocals of Frank Sinatra in a sparkling combination. Although Tharp has dabbled before with the musical canon of others (Billy Joel with apparent success and Bob Dylan with sad results), Tharp has thrown herself headlong into the vibrancy of Sinatra’s catalog.

Southern California was the recent beneficiary of this production, with performances at the Pantages Theatre in LA and the Civic Theatre in San Diego. This is undoubtedly the only way to hear Sinatra accompanied by a solid band, which is sufficient cause for celebration. Conductor/pianist Rob Cookman leads his 13 piece band with aplomb, adhering respectfully to the classic arrangements by Nelson Riddle, Quincy Jones, Don Costa and others. These brilliant arrangers brought Sinatra’s vocal stylings to life, and secured their place in musical history.

Tharp has gathered a troupe of lithe dancers to interpret the songs. Standout performers include Christopher Vo, Anthony Burrell and Ashley Blair Fitzgerald. No doubt in an effort to bring a sense of musical structure to the brisk 80 minute show, the dancers are given character names in the Playbill program, but since not a word is spoken onstage, the issue is rather moot.

The set is a classic nightclub setting, perhaps the Rainbow Room. The band is arrayed against the far wall, with a bar and nickel sized tables arrayed at the edges. The dancers move back and forth among couples, the ladies alluring and often taunting. The men try to capture their attention and affection via dancing prowess. But any effort at a storyline is rather inconsequential.

The blues and ballad numbers (“Saturday Night is the Loneliest Night of the Week,” “I’ve Got a Crush on You,” “One For My Baby”) set the stage for the slower and more sensuous dance movements. The full throated songs (“That’s Life,” “Fly Me to the Moon”) let the band unleash their prowess, with the brass in full effect.

As the action progresses, the dancing gets steamier. At one point it looks like a possible Victoria’s Secret production, which is not a bad thing. “Making Whopee” is assayed twice, indeed. Of the several instrumental numbers, Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” is notable. While not in Sinatra’s canon (obviously), the tune is from Brubeck’s 1959 album Time Out and features the enigmatic quintuple (5/4) time. This gives drummer Paul Ringenbach a chance to shine.

As classic artists like Sinatra continue to recede further into the past, it is notable productions such as Come Fly Away which keep the legacy alive for succeeding generations.

PBS’ "America In Primetime & My Music" with the Monkees’ Davy Jones Hey, hey, PBS has a Blast from the Past

web@entertainmenttoday.net (FRANK BARRON) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000

PBS is examining TV with the four-part series, America in Primetime, airing Sundays through Nov. 20. The production of WETA and The Documentary Group, in association with the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation, examines today’s biggest television hits by going back to their roots in the shows of the past.

**PBS’ America In Primetime & My Music with the Monkees’ Davy Jones**

Hey, hey, PBS has a Blast from the Past

The focus is put on the archetypes of the characters and their roles on the TV shows, with episodes dealing with the Independent Woman, Man of the House, The Misfit, and The Crusader.

Tom Yellin, the executive producer of America In Primetime, emphasized that the series is not a show about the history of television. Instead he said it is “an attempt to explore the creative process that great artists who work in the primetime scripted entertainment medium go through to bring characters to the screen that bring audiences back week after week, year after year.”

The spectrum of comedies and dramas are covered by the talented experts such as Phil Rosenthal, creator-producer of Everybody Loves Raymond. Others who participated were Felicity Huffman from Desperate Housewives, plus Liz Brixius and Linda Wallem co-creators of Nurse Jackie.

It was Rosenthal who noted that the glut of reality shows we’re seeing “could signal something larger than just a trend-- and that’s the end of civilization.” That sounds funny, because Phil is a funny guy. But he could also be absolutely right. Rosenthal also has the DVD of his Exporting Raymond documentary. Also very funny.

There’s another show coming up that is a bit of history that will take you back in time, filled with music from the decade of peace, love, and profound social change. It’s called 60s Pop, Rock & Soul: My Music, airing Dec. 3 on PBS. It’s a show that will have you reminiscing with musical artists who perform the classics from the 60s.

The Monkee’s Davy Jones came to the television critics press tour to talk about the all-star lineup featured on the show. Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits will cohost the show with Jones.

And the all-new concert spectacular will feature the favorites from Paul Revere and the Raiders, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, The Kingsmen, The Ventures, Question Mark & the Mysterians, and Jefferson Starship. It is sure to resonate with certain graying generations.

Jones, a spry 65, reported that he still goes out on the road performing, everywhere from the LA Greek Theater last year to the Albert Hall in London, England. He loves to entertain.

Although Jones is best known for his days with The Monkees, he has a showbiz background. “I was on Broadway in Oliver when I was 15 years old, and was part of the Oliver cast that appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show the night the Beatles went on.”

Jones was nominated for a Tony Award for the Artful Dodger when he was 16. His background is theater, radio, BBC in England, and other TV programs there. “I have a passion for what I do. It’s been a pretty good life. It’s my 50^th year in show business.”

All his memories, he said are in three books he has written about “Happy, good, great times.”

Surprisingly, music isn’t his only love. A former thoroughbred jockey, he now trains racehorses. “It started when I was a practice jockey in England in the early ’60s, and some agents saw me and got me an audition in London for the Oliver part.”

But Jones had his jockey’s license and rode as late as 1996 in England, “and I won.” He admitted that he’s getting “a little more cautious. But that doesn’t mean that I won’t get up on a thoroughbred at this point in my life. I’m physically fit and pretty active, so I’m up early in the morning to workout with the horses, when I’m not doing concerts.”

Also keeping him busy is a musical he has written.

On the personal side, he said he has four daughters and grandkids, who are into the ’60s music. “It’s fun stuff and the kids listen to it. My grandkids are into it.”

The 60s Pop, Rock & Soul: My Music show should be a blast from the past for them.

"Grimm" on NBC gives Grimm’s Fairy Tales a new twist.

web@entertainmenttoday.net (MARGIE BARRON) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:53:17 +0000

Grimm is the hot new NBC series that turn the classic Grimm’s Fairy Tales into material for a contemporary crime drama. It follows a Portland homicide Detective Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli), who discovers he is a descendent of an elite line of “Grimms,” charged with keeping the balance between humanity and the mythological creatures of the world.

Grimm on NBC gives Grimm’s Fairy Tales a new twist.

Silas Weir Mitchell is not a Big Bad Wolf in Grimm Series

Burkhardt has a partner on the force, Hank Griffin (Russell Hornsby) and a fiancé, Juliette Silverton (Bitsie Tulloch), who get caught up in his new found calling as a “Grimm.” But it’s his reluctant new confidant Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell), sort of a reformed Big Bad Wolf, who helps Nick navigate through the ancient evil-doers of mythology.

Silas is familiar to fans of Prison Break, and has been seen in My Name is Earl, The Mentalist, and Burn Notice, among 100 other TV appearances. And he calls his Grimm role “awesome.”

The show has come along at a great time when it seems the horror genre is very desirable. Silas explains, “Everyone likes to be scared. It’s true. Everyone likes a thrill ride. I do think we are kind of going through a little bit of a dark time. It’s sort of a dark time in our country, with the economy.” And he thinks it’s not unusual to gravitate to horror when there’s real scary human stuff going on in the real world.

Silas says the essence of the show is a great crime drama, regardless of which fairy tale is being explored in the episodes. “I think that Hank is a good policeman, a detective of the first order. And I think it helps character development that Monroe helps Nick, working together to solve crimes.

Monroe is helpful because he knows all of the larger-than-life forces, such as Hexenbiests, Blutbads, and others in the mythology. As a reformed Grimm creature, it’s humorous to know that the “Big Bad Wolf” goes to church, does Pilates, and is a vegetarian trying to right his primal nature.

So was there a “Grimm” type story that Silas read as a child that really scared him? You bettcha! He recalls, “There was the cautionary tale about a little boy who was a thumb sucker, and his parents say, ‘don’t suck your thumb or Mr. Cut-your-thumb-off is going to come.’ They leave, and the kid sucks his thumb, and a guy runs in and chops his thumb off. That was kind of creepy and scared me.”

Silas likes that Grimm is filming in Portland, Oregon, because of the wonderful locations that add to the production. The producer David Greenwalt says, “Portland is like another character in the show. It’s spooky, it’s a little dark, and it’s misty most of the time. There’s beautiful moss on the trees, there’s rivers, and waterfalls. And there are woods close by with quaint homes that look like storybook houses.”

That doesn’t sound too grim, but it gives the show Grimm a scary fairy tale look.

Worthy Causes Have Fun Galas

web@entertainmenttoday.net (MARGIE BARRON) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:08:45 +0000

At the Fulfillment Fund’s 2011 Stars Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, honoree and chairman of The Walt Disney Studios Rich Ross was beaming.

Worthy Causes Have Fun Galas

Walt Disney Studios’ Rich Ross & Director Kenny Ortega honored at posh events

At the Fulfillment Fund’s 2011 Stars Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, honoree and chairman of The Walt Disney Studios Rich Ross was beaming.

Why? Because many of the brightest stars in the Disney family showed up to honor him. Everyone from Selena Gomez to Eva Longoria. But the favorite pair of the night was Jason Segel and Kermit the Frog sharing the hosting duties.

Jason Segel was really funny, but you might expect that from the co-writer, executive producer and star of Disney’s new The Muppets movie. His film’s amphibian co-star Kermit the Frog also showed off his sharp humor, saying the best way to honor Ross was to plug his movie.

Equally entertaining was the live auction conducted by the hysterically comic Sinbad, who enlisted special guest Eva Longoria to help him raise some money for the kids. He tried auction off just about everything he could think of, and even tried to get $200,000 for a date with Eva. But when she said, “Just a date, no sex,” there were no takers.

The star-studded evening featured a live performance by the theatrical cast of Disney’s classic The Lion King. More than 900 guests attended the event, co-chaired by mega-producer Jerry Bruckheimer, CAA managing partner Kevin Huvane, DreamWorks CEO Stacey Snider, and Disney Media Network co-chair and Disney-ABC Television Group president Anne Sweeney.

The Founders’ Humanitarian Award was presented to Madeleine and Tom Sherak. And one of the classiest men in Hollywood, Sidney Poitier was also on hand.

All supported the evening’s worthy cause. The Fulfillment Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to helping promising yet under-resourced Los Angeles students graduate from high school and complete college.

“At the Fulfillment Fund, we help Los Angeles students overcome obstacles to pursuing the dream of a life-changing college education,” said Andrea Cockrum, CEO of the Fulfillment Fund.

Big Bash for Big Brothers & Big Sisters

There was another wonderful night for The Big Brothers Big Sisters organization with their annual Big Bash. It celebrated making a big difference and changing young lives for the better.

There are always extraordinary honorees. This year is was Kenny Ortega, the award-winning producer-director-choreographer who has the In The Heights film and a Dirty Dancing remake getting ready.

Ortega said he was happy that his friend Jennifer Grey was making the presentation. Kenny was the choreographer for Jennifer’s iconic role in Dirty Dancing, long before she won the 11th season of Dancing with the Stars.

A current competitor on Dancing with the Stars, Ricki Lake was the evening’s special host. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles (BBBSLA) drew other luminaries to its Rising Stars Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Tyra Banks introduced Nancy Josephson, partner with the WME Entertainment company, who received the Sherry Lansing Award.

Sarah Purcell honored Sandy Bilson, BBBSLA board member and guild president, who received the Legacy Award. Honorary Gala Chairs included Roy P. and Sheri Disney, plus Melanie Cook, also Steve Soboroff and Sherry Lansing (who sent greetings from Florence, Italy).

Last year’s honoree Anne Sweeney, the head of Disney Media Networks, was there talking about her experience becoming a Big Sister mentoring a Little Sister.

Another Big Sister, Pam Dawber told the crowd that the awards recognize individual who are inspiring and positive role models for young people. Among the notables attending were Dancing with the Stars pro Derek Hough, delightful actress Jane Graves (The Muppets), Kate Linder, Charlene Amoia, Markie Post, and Leonard Maltin.

And Lionsgate Films co-COO and president Joe Drake was there, and got a shout-out from Ortega who thanked Lionsgate for supporting the event’s big cause.

When Ortega accepted the 2011 Walt Disney Man of the Year Award, he started out by thanking the Walt Disney company for their incredible association with the films and TV productions they’ve done together. Then he shared a story about a connection with Disney that went back much further.

Ortega explained, “When my father came out of World War II he was invited by Walt Disney to come out to Los Angeles to study to be an animator. He was the son of a family that had 14 children, and he couldn’t leave his parents because they needed him. So tonight I want to accept this on behalf of my father. It’s a dream come true for our family.”

He gave a nod to the mentors and teachers in his life saying “the men and women who took time out of their lives to nourish mine, to guide and steer and enlighten me along my way. Mentors like Gene Kelly, Raul Julia, Michael Jackson, Dawn Steele, and my father.” His mother Madeline Ortega was beaming when he spoke.

Of course the man who gave us the Disney Channel’s High School Musical franchise had to talk about how he and his talented cast “were able to have set visits and premiere parties that helped fulfilled wishes of some very brave children. This was only possible because of the loving support from the Walt Disney Company. I hope the years ahead keep us in each others company, and that our work together will continue to inspire young people to believe and act on the words of Walt Disney-- ‘If you can dream it, you can do it.’ And I believe that is what Big Brothers Big Sisters is all about.”

Magic, The Mayor & Mickey & Il Teatro Alla Moda

web@entertainmenttoday.net (DAVID RIESS) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 02:44:58 +0000

Hollywood Beat

Magic, The Mayor & Mickey & Il Teatro Alla Moda

Since Magic Johnson was recently inducted into the Boys & Girls Club Alumni Hall of Fame, it was appropriate that he presented the inaugural Nestle/Magic Johnson Entrepreneurial Award to Shomari Patterson and Genesis Mena, members of the Boys & Girls Clubs at their annualGreat Futures Gala at the Mariott Hotel at L.A. Live. Extra host Mario Lopez, Fitness Ambassador and Alumni Hall of Fame member, served as Master of Ceremonies, and actress/singer Susan Egan performed a medley of Disney songs – also appropriately – as L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa presented the Champion of Youth Award to the Walt Disney Company. As Roxanne Spillett, President of the Club stated “We are honored to celebrate the Walt Disney Company for their generosity, commitment and myriad contributions to our community.” Disney has been an enduring friend to the youth of America. In 2011, Disney helped raise more than $1.75 million dollars for the Club, and donate proceeds from the world premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides at the Disneyland Resort.

At another event, we attended the U.S. Premiere of Il Teatro Alla Moda (Theatre in Fashion) at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

This exhibit explores Italy’s famous couture designers, and their impact on the stages of opera, dance and theater. Over 80 costumes, sketches and drawings from Armani, Fendi, Ferretti, Mission and Ungaro (to name a few)

will be on display in Beverly Hills to celebrate the transformation of the Italian Renaissance B.H. Post Office into a distinctive performing arts venue.

The exhibit have a limited 4-week run (Oct 14-Nov. 13). While the Annenberg center is under construction, the exhibit will be on display at 253 North Beverly Drive, on the ground floor of the new MGM Place. Hours are Wed-Friday, noon-7 p.m. and Sat./Sunday, 11a.m. – 6 p.m. Tickets are only $10.00 per person, and Wednesday is FREE for all.

Seen enjoying the fabulous fashions at the opening were the always fashionable Candy Spelling, actress Frances Fisher (Titanic), and star of the hit TV series, Castle, sexy Stana Katic, who wore her own Valentino design for the occasion.

Mayor Villaraigosa, Jay Resulo (Walt Disney Co. CEO), Darnisha Victorain & Mickey Mouse at Boys & Girls Club

Mario Lopez & Magic Johnson at Boys & Girls club Awards

Actress Frances Fisher at Il Teatro Alla Moda exhibit

Candy Spelling

Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Executive Director, Lou Moore,
Actress Stana Katic (wearing Vintage Valentino) & Curator Massimiliano Capella

Stars for the Arts

web@entertainmenttoday.net (DAVID RIESS) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 02:32:00 +0000

The Broad Stage in Santa Monica was the perfect venue for the LA Music & Art School students to perform for the annual Stars for the Arts Benefit Concert.· The event starred Argentinean Soprano Fabiana Bravo, performing a program of arias, and zarzela; Tango masters Sandor and Parissa, and concert pianist Dr. Gideon Rubin. But the piece d’resistance was when the schools Youth Orchestra and Choral Ensemble performed the Carmen Suite by Bizet.

Hollywood Beat

Stars for the Arts

The Broad Stage in Santa Monica was the perfect venue for the LA Music & Art School students to perform for the annual Stars for the Arts Benefit Concert. The event starred Argentinean Soprano Fabiana Bravo, performing a program of arias, and zarzela; Tango masters Sandor and Parissa, and concert pianist Dr. Gideon Rubin. But the piece d’resistance was when the schools Youth Orchestra and Choral Ensemble performed the Carmen Suite by Bizet. These young musicians, who are students at the LA Music & Art School, are indeed fortunate to be mentored and supported in their academic and personal development by high-level instructors, who nurture and encourage their cultural needs.

We were welcomed to the event by gorgeous Isela Sotelo, Executive Director of the school, who stated, and “We are fully committed to our role as the premier youth arts organization in East Los Angeles.”

Sylvia Lopez News Anchor was the charming mistress of ceremonies, for the event, and humanitarians Edward and Alicia Garcia Clark received the Gold Star for their many years of support. They are founders of one of our favorite organizations, the Hispanics for the LA Opera, who are planning the Placido Domingo Awards on February 19^th, following the matinee performance of Simon Boccanegra. This is one event you won’t want to miss!

Kudos to The Walt Disney Company for sponsoring the benefit, and Jane and Lou Castruccio, who have been supporting the Music and Art School for 43 years. It is reassuring to see that classical music is alive & well in Los Angeles, and that the inner-city youths are privileged to have the unselfish dedication and commitment to foster and encourage their talent.

Tango Dancers- Sandor & Parissa

Opera Singer Fabiano Bravo who performed

Alicia Garcia Clark,(Honoree) with Nick & Elizabeth Juarez, who will be honored by Hispanics for the Opera

Andrea Catan (widow of composer, Daniel Catan) with Isela Sotelo, Executive Director

Wyland and Halls Receive Coveted Ocean Conservation Awards

web@entertainmenttoday.net (DAVID RIESS) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 02:11:04 +0000

The world’s largest marine conservation organization, the Reef Check Foundation presented this year’s prestigious “Ocean Conservation Awards” to marine artist Wyland and underwater filmmakers Howard and Michele Hall at the “Save the Reefs, Save the Oceans” charity Gala held on September 16, 2011, at the Jonathan Beach Club in Santa Monica, California.

Hollywood Beat

Wyland and Halls Receive Coveted Ocean Conservation Awards

Reef Check supporters include Cameron Diaz and Honorary Board Chair Leonardo DiCaprio, and previous honorees have included Jean-Michel Cousteau, Daryl Hannah and Dr. Sylvia Earle. The charity gala raised $100,000 to continue Reef Check’s work of saving reefs in California and in countries such as Haiti.

The Reef Stewardship award was presented to the marine artist Wyland who has communicated a conservation message to over 1 billion people using paintings and sculpture of underwater themes from whales to coral reefs. Wyland worked with Reef Check to raise ocean awareness in American Samoa during the International Year of the Reef.

The Poseidon Award was presented to underwater filmmakers Howard and Michele Hall for their work in films about reefs and the ocean such as Coral Reef Adventure that have been seen by millions of people throughout the world. In 1994 Howard directed the first underwater IMAX 3D feature, Into the Deep. In 1998 Michele produced and Howard directed the IMAX feature, Island of the Sharks, which was an enterprise of Howard Hall Productions. Prior to the presentation, the Halls showed never-before-seen footage from their films.

Founded in 1996 by marine ecologist Dr. Gregor Hodgson, the Reef Check Foundation is an international non-profit organization dedicated to conservation of two ecosystems: tropical coral reefs and California rocky reefs. With headquarters in Los Angeles and volunteer teams in more than 90 countries and territories, Reef Check works to create partnerships among community volunteers, government agencies, businesses, universities and other non-profits to achieve reef conservation. Reef Check has earned international recognition for its citizen-science reef monitoring program involving students, recreational divers, and local people in preserving reef ecosystems. www.reefcheck.org

Wyland receives the Reef Stewardship Award

Reef Check Board Chair Sue Chen, Honoree Wyland, Honoree Michele Hall, Honoree Howard Hall, Reef Check Executive Director Dr. Gregor Hodgson

Actress Kelly Hu introduces Reef Check divers
Photos by Eric Cheng