Chuck & Gena Norris

Almost 30 awards were given to movies that held family values and positive messages.  The Grace Awards were given for Inspiring Acting in Movies and Television, and the Faith & Freedom Awards for Promoting Positive American Values. The grace awards offers scholarshipsto aspiring artists and the Faith & Freedom award to individuals who exemplify leadership in civic duties. The Gala centers itself on film and television industries that provide  audiences with entertainment with messages of hope and positivity. This award show occurred recently at the Bevery Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Ca.  $300,000 in cash prizes, were given out, and the top 3 prizes  were sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation. The John Templeton

Ally Mills & Orson Bean

foundation seeks to promote understanding of what it means to be human through philanthropic research. Many of the movie industries most considerable people attended.

$100,000 Epiphany Prize for Most Inspiring Movie – THE BLIND SIDE from Warner Bros. Pictures.

·         $100,000 Epiphany Prize for Most Inspiring TV Program – GIFTED HANDS: THE BEN CARSON STORY, telecast by TNT and the Turner Entertainment Group.

·         $50,000 Kairos Prizes for Spiritually Uplifting Screenplays by Beginning Screenwriters:

1.    “The Good Doctor,” written by Dwight Carlson and Gregory Carlson, $25,000

2.    “The Shoebox,” by Sherry Cook, $15,000

3.    “Lion of the North,” by Johnny Davis & “The Translator,” by Alan Sproles and Lizanne Southgate, $10,000

·         The Grace Award for Most Inspiring Performance in Movies – Albert Hall for NOT EASILY BROKEN

·         The Grace Award for Most Inspiring Performance in Television – Kimberly Elise for GIFTED HANDS: THE BEN CARSON STORY

·         Best Movie for Families – UP from Pixar and Walt Disney Pictures

·         Best Movie for Mature Audiences – THE BLIND SIDE from Warner Bros. Pictures

·         The Faith and Freedom Awards for Promoting Positive American Values:

·         Film – (Tie) STONING OF SAROYA M. and INVICTUS

·         TV – BEDFORD: THE TOWN THEY LEFT BEHIND

Lita and Cable

In a Lincoln Center Theater production, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic, Tony award-winning Broadway musical “South Pacific” takes the stage June 2nd through July 17th at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles

Set on an island during World War II, “South Pacific” tells the story of two romances – one between US Navy Nurse Nellie Forbush and French plantation owner Emile de Becque, and another between Navy Airman Joe Cable and a young native girl named Liat. “South Pacific” explores the heavy tolls of prejudice and circumstance, weighed against happiness and love.

Previews will be staged Thursday, May 27th through Tuesday, June 1 at the following times:

Thursday 5/27: 2pm and 8pm
Friday 5/28: 8pm
Saturday 5/29: 2pm and 8pm
Sunday 5/30: 1pm and 6:30pm
Tuesday 6/1: 8pm

“South Pacific” opens on June 2nd at 8pm. Regular performances will continue thereafter until July 17th.

Tuesday – Friday: 8pm
Saturday: 2pm and 8pm
Sundays: 1pm and 6:30pm
Mondays: No performances

Exceptions: The June 12th evening performance will be at 8:30pm. Additional performances on Thursday, July 1 and Thursday, July 15 at 2pm, and Monday, July 12 at 8pm. No 6:30 performance on Sunday, July 4th.

For tickets, visit www.CenterTheatreGroup.org or call 213-972-4400.

Brian Geraghty, Frances Conroy and Martin Sheen in "The Subject Was Roses".

“Martin and I had been talking for some time about doing ‘The Subject Was Roses,’ and when it appeared that the timing for the production was perfect for the opening slot in the new Taper season, I was pleased that we could move quickly,” said Michael Ritchie, Center Theater Group Artistic Director. “Set in 1946, following World War II, this is a timeless, important play with characters so rich and believable that your heart goes out to them, wishing they could break out of old family patterns. These are people we can all identify with.  It makes for compelling theatre.”

Martin Sheen and Francis Conroy.

In 1965, “The Subject Was Roses” received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play, as well as the Outer Critics Circle Award and New York Drama Critics Circle Award. “The Subject Was Roses” is presented at the Mark Taper Forum in association with Estevez Sheen Productions as the opening of the 43rd season.

“Part of the beauty of this play is that the words that are unspoken are as important as the words that are spoken. This play is like a great river that looks calm on the surface, but underneath is where all the action is, where all the friction is, where all the tension is. …What is unique to the way that Frank Gilroy constructed The Subject Was Roses is that the audience can’t sit there and not be a part of it. Their imagination becomes part of the storytelling, it makes for compelling theatre”, explains Ritchie.

Martin Sheen Credits

Martin Sheen and Brian Geraghty.

Martin Sheen is perhaps best known for his performance as President Josiah Bartlett in the acclaimed NBC-TV series “The West Wing,” a role for which he won six Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor, and for the role of Captain Willard in the legendary film “Apocalypse Now.” He has worked for some of the most prominent directors including Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Oliver Stone, Richard Attenborough, Terrence Malick and Mike Nichols. His films include “Catch-22,” “That Certain Summer,” “Badlands,” “The Execution of Private Slovik,” “Gandhi,” “Wall Street,” “JFK,” “The American President,” “The Departed,” “Bobby” and “Catch Me If You Can,” among many others.

Frances Conroy Credits

Frances Conroy, whose role as the undertaker’s widow in the cult HBO series “Six Feet Under” brought her three Emmy Award nominations, is a veteran stage actress whose Broadway credits include Arthur Miller’s “The Ride Down Mt. Morgan” (Tony Award nomination and an Outer Critics Circle Award), Miller’s “The Last Yankee” (Obie Award), Edward Albee’s “The Lady From Dubuque” and “Three Tall Women,” and David Hare’s “The Secret Rapture” (Drama Desk nomination). For CTG, she has appeared in “The Dinner Party” at the Taper and “Pyrenees” at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. Her numerous films include “Manhattan,” “Crimes and Misdemeanors,” “The Aviator,” “Scent of a Woman,” and the upcoming John Curran’s “Stone” playing Robert DeNiro’s wife and Shane Dax Taylor’s “Provinces of Night” playing Kris Kristofferson’s wife.

“The Subject Was Roses” Author

Frank D. Gilroy, after serving in World War II and receiving his education at Dartmouth and the Yale School of Drama, began writing for television for such programs as  “Playhouse 90,” “Studio One” and “The U.S. Steel Hour,” among others.  His first stage play, “Who’ll Save the Plowboy?” at New York’s Phoenix Theatre, received the Obie Award for the Best American Play off-Broadway. “The Subject Was Roses” was next, followed by his other Broadway plays – “That Summer – That Fall,” “The Only Game in Town,” “Last Licks” and “Any Given Day.” His films include “Desperate Characters,” “From Noon Till Three” and “Once in Paris,” among others.

“The Subject Was Roses” begins Feb 23rd-March 21st, Mark Taper Forum.
8 PM Tues-Sat, 2:30 Sat, 1 PM/6:30 PM Sun

Ticket Prices: $20 – $65.

For tickets, call (213) 628-2772, in person at the Center Theatre Group box office or on-line at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.

From the annual Holiday Sing-A-longs which provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable family outing, to the jump, jive and swing of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on New Year’s Eve, Deck the Hall’s eclectic programming provides something for everyone during this special time of year.

Deck the Hall Highlights

• Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Swing in 2010 with Two Special New Year’s Eve Performances

• Handel’s Messiah, Features Les Violons du Roy, La Chapelle de Québec and Stellar Soloists

• David Prather Hosts Annual Holiday Sing-A-longs for the Whole Family

• Grammy winners Sweet Honey In The Rock Spread Holiday Cheer A Capella

• Preservation Hall Jazz Band Bring New Orleans to Los Angeles for the Holidays

• Chanticleer Return with Luminous Vocal Treats for the Holidays

• Organist David Higgs Presents the Annual Holiday Organ Spectacular

Tickets for Deck the Hall

Tickets ($25 – $175) are on sale now at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office, online at LAPhil.com, or via credit card by phone at 323.850.2000. Please note that the price range varies for each of these events. A limited number of $10 rush tickets for seniors and full time students may be available at the Walt Disney Concert Hall box office two hours prior to the performance. Valid identification is required; one ticket per person; cash only. Groups of 12 or more may be eligible for special discounts for selected concerts and seating areas. For information, please call 323.850.2000.

LA Phil

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under the exciting new leadership of Gustavo Dudamel, presents the finest in orchestral and chamber music, recitals, new music, jazz, world music and holiday concerts at two of the most remarkable places anywhere to experience music – Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to a 30-week winter subscription season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil presents a 12-week summer festival at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the Association’s involvement with Los Angeles extends to educational programs, community concerts and children’s programming, ever seeking to provide inspiration and delight to the broadest possible audience.

For more info and events for LA Phil, visit: www.laphil.com

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s co-production of the “Mary Poppins” musical is just what the doctor ordered in these times of economic worry and stress as the message of family before material wealth is magically conveyed by the original 2006 Broadway cast.  Perfect for a holiday gift or a way to entertain visiting guests, Mary Poppins runs through February 7th, 2010.

Mary Poppins: Practically Perfect

“Mary Poppins,” a co-production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, opened on Broadway on November 16, 2006.  Based on P.L. Travers’ cherished stories and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, “Mary Poppins” the stage play features the Academy Award®-winning music and lyrics of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.  The stage production has been created, in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh, by Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes, who has written the book, and the Olivier Award-winning team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, who have composed new songs and additional music and lyrics.

Award Winning Creative Team

Olivier Award-winning director Richard Eyre leads the award-winning creative team, with co-direction and choreography by Tony® and Olivier Award winner Matthew Bourne. “Mary Poppins” features eye-popping set and costume design by Tony Award winner Bob Crowley, co-choreography by Olivier Award winner Stephen Mear, lighting design by Howard Harrison, orchestrations by William David Brohn, and music supervision by David Caddick. The tour’s creative team includes Tour Director Anthony Lyn, Associate Choreographer Geoffrey Garrett, and Music Director James Dodgson.

Everybody Loves Mary

Consistently among the top-grossing shows on Broadway, “Mary Poppins” continues in its 3rd smash year at the New Amsterdam Theatre and recently celebrated its 1000th performance – a milestone reached by only a rare few number of shows in Broadway history. The Broadway production has grossed over $152 million to date and been seen by over 1.8 million theatregoers.

Simultaneously, the show’s popularity grows around the globe. Following a successful three year run (December 2004 – January 2008) at the Prince Edward Theatre on London’s West End, a UK tour of “Mary Poppins” commenced in summer 2008 and concluded its acclaimed run in Cardiff in April 2009. The Australian production of “Mary Poppins” will premiere in July 2010 at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne.

Mary Poppins Debuts in Holland

An open-ended run of “Mary Poppins” will take residence at the Circus Theatre in Scheveningen, Holland, outside of Amsterdam. The show will open in April 2010 at the Circus Theatre following “Tarzan’s” record setting run there. “Mary Poppins” will be produced in Holland by Stage Entertainment in association with Disney and Cameron Mackintosh.

Original Broadway Cast in LA

The Los Angeles engagement of “Mary Poppins” is by arrangement with Center Theatre Group and is part of CTG’s 2009-2010 season at the Ahmanson Theatre, located at the Los Angeles Music Center. The entire creative team has reunited to bring this magical story of the world’s most famous nanny to audiences across North America. Original Broadway stars, Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee, reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert, respectively. Joining Brown and Lee will be Karl Kenzler as George Banks, Megan Osterhaus as Winifred Banks, Valerie Boyle as Mrs. Brill, Andrew Keenan-Bolger as Robertson Ay, Ellen Harvey as Miss Andrew, Mary VanArsdel as The Bird Woman, and Mike O’Carroll as Admiral Boom. Performances in the role of Jane Banks will be alternated between Katie Balen and Bailey Grey. Performances in the role of Michael Banks will be alternated between Bryce Baldwin and Carter Thomas.

Mary Poppins Tickets

Ticket prices for “Mary Poppins” range from $20 to $102.  VIP/Premium Ticket Packages are also available at select performances for $135 and $150, and include premium seating and a complimentary souvenir program. Hot-Tix, priced at $20, are available and can be purchased in advance, or subject to availability, on the day of performance at the CTG box office (no checks). For the deaf community, call TDD (213) 680-4017 for tickets and information. Orders for groups of 15 or more may be placed by calling (213) 972-7231.

Tickets for “Mary Poppins” are available by calling Center Theatre Group Audience Services at (213) 972-4400, in person at the Center Theatre Group box office located the Ahmanson Theatre or online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.

For more information, please visit www.CenterTheatreGroup.org or www.MaryPoppinsTour.com.

Dangling by his feet, Magic Castle’s magician Jim Bentley performed Harry Houdini’s famed escape act, which was quite incredible! Check out this video shot by Julie Wolfson.

Magic Castle’s 100th Birthday Celebration on November 3rd was the place to be in Los Angeles. On this 100th Anniversary, magician Jim Bentley was assisted by the lovely trio of Tippi Hedren, Romi Dames and Jo Anne Worley into a vintage straightjacket (which was a show in itself!) and then hoisted 100 feet into the air by a crane.

Magic Castle's magician Jim Bentley was assisted by the lovely trio of Tippi Hedren, Romi Dames and Jo Anne Worley.

With good will and champagne flowing under the sunny California sky, Magic Castle originators Milt & Irene Larson and daughter Erika, Tippi Hedren, Jo Anne Worley, Fred Willard, Romi Dames, Rip Taylor, Rose Marie, Allison Arngrim, Kate Linder, Gloria Allred, Judy Tenuta, Dee Wallace, Ilene Graff, Luenelle, Lorielle New, Yuval David, Darcy DeMoss, Bill Dow, Jim Bentley, Andrew Goldenhersh, Christopher Rogers, Stan and Betty Freberg and many others turned out for this fun filled event!

A star-studded entourage celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Magic Castle. From Left: Jo Anne Worley, Fred Willard, magician Jim Bentley, Darcy DeMoss, Tippi Hedron, Irene Larsen, author Harrison Held and magician Andrew Goldenhersh. Photo credit Bill Dow.

Magical History

As explained to me by Magic Castle historian George W. Siegel, the Magic Castle, formerly know as Rollin Lane Mansion, was specially built back in 1909 for affluent couple Rollin and Katherine Lane. The Lane’s were originally from Wisconsin and moved to Redlands, California in 1896, until they relocated to Hollywood, where they were tremendous leaders in the growth of the Hollywood community.

Los Angeles landmark the Magic Castle

The Lanes passed away in the 1940’s with the manor changing ownership over the next several years. In 1961, it was acquired by television writer and magic-lover Milt Larsen and opened to the public as The Magic Castle, at 5 pm on January 2, 1963, gaining international acclaim ever since.

Comedy Queen Judy Tenuta gets the royal treatment from Magic Castle lifemember and retired doctor Christopher Rogers, aka The Tea Butler.

On Monday November 9th and Tuesday November 10th,  perennial favorite TV mom and performer Florence Henderson continued the celebrations with her show “All The Lives Of Me – A Musical Journey”.

Story and photos by Harrison Held.

For more info, visit: www.magiccastle.com.

What’s in a Name?

The name was based on a conversation held between the American playwright Sam Shepard and director Jacques Levy in which Shepard was in doubt of his abilities to produce a certain scene. Jacques suggested that if Shepard wanted an elephant to appear on stage, he simply needed to add it to his script. The company would ultimately capture an audience that would soon grow to immense capacities, thus creating a love for theater at its finest.

Elephant Size Success

Within the first two years, the company proudly presented 9 productions, including LA weekly recommended Holding Cell (Fall 1996) and Drama Logue Critic’s Pick Princess and the Peon (Summer 1997). As audience turnout escalated and production needs increased, the Elephant’s founding members came to a decision to expand, thus relocating to Hollywood, California during the summer of 1997.  Three of its original  members elected to move on to engage in new endeavors while David Fofi and Don Cesario continued to expand, enlisting additional members and constructing new stages: Lillian Theater (99 seats), Elephant Lab (70 seats),  and Elephant Space (99 seats). In its continuous effort to produce award winning independent theater throughout Los Angeles, The Elephant later opened the Elephant Asylum Theater (2003). Not only does the Asylum allow for the creation of notable playwright production, but generates opportunity for all things creative including artistic exhibits and recitals. It also provides a space to train aspiring artists, allowing them to learn via a hands on experience, as well as provide otherwise successful artists with a chance to enhance their abilities. The company also allows individuals the opportunity to co- produce productions within the Elephant company. Elephant crew members are also given the opportunity to assist outside companies as well. Those interested in such a position are urged to contact Elephant Stageworks (handles all business matters regarding the company) via email or telephone.

Fall 2009 Productions

Over a decade later, the Elephant continues to present Los Angeles with distinguished productions. It humbly boasts over its creation of more than 40 successful productions. Within the next two months, the Elephant will present five productions: Jitney (October 5- November 19), 24 Hour Rush (October15 and October 22), 7 Redneck Cheerleaders (August 4-October 21), Tape (October 27-November 19), and Eric Larue (October 20- November 19).

Nothing like an Elephant

Dr. Lyall Watson, writer and producer of Ethology themed works, wrote “If elephants didn’t exist you couldn’t invent one…there is nothing quite like an elephant.” The continued success of a play production company that stemmed from the minds of four men and grew too large for a 45 seat theater proves that an elephant can in fact be invented. A true original in it’s is own form, there is definitely nothing quite like The Elephant.

http://www.elephantstageworks.com
elephantstageworks@msn.com
Telephone (323) 962-0046

Written by Henry Jaglom. Directed by Gary Imhoff. Stars Tanna Frederick; also starring Julie Davis, David Garver, Jack Heller, David Proval, Diane Louise Salinger, and Harriet Schock. Produced by Alexandra Guarnieri.
                 
The Isaacs are a mostly Jewish extended family (there’s a little Irish, Italian and some Chickasaw thrown into the mix) of actors. George Isaacs (AKA Grisha), the patriarch, had been a third-generation star of the Yiddish theatre in his youth, before “crossing over” into English-speaking theatre as he grew up. His wife, Vivien Cooper, had also been a successful stage actress, but now mostly stays at home and looks after George. Vivien’s brother, Larry Cooper, is in a nearby dinner-theatre production of “Guys and Dolls” and therefore staying at the Isaacs’ house as well. Times are tough and theatre jobs are few, so they’ve also taken in a boarder, Sally Brooks, a fading character actress.
                 
George and Vivien have two grown daughters. Pandora (Panda), the younger, is happy she was born in a trunk and has gotten to live the actor’s life. But she has moved back into her parents’ crumbling home, just 45 minutes from Broadway, after a long-term romance collapses, the latest of several failed love affairs. Betsy hates showbiz and is uncomfortable with its inhabitants, and moved away to become successful as a “civilian”. She brings home her fiancé, Jimmy Halkin, to meet the family. Also a successful businessman (“mostly in real estate”), Jimmy is as seemingly normal as her family members are “weird”. That’s how Betsy sees them. She’s in for a surprise.
                 
They are all in for surprises. Betsy has been making plans that will affect all their lives, and not with their consent. Jimmy is not who he seems to be. He is surprised to find himself drawn to Panda’s genuineness and her determination to live life on her own terms. She’s also a ravishingly beautiful redhead. Uh oh!

Playwright Henry Jaglom’s other plays include the award-winning “Room 322″, “A Safe Place” — his debut theatre piece first written for the Actors’ Studio, later made into a film with Jack Nicholson, Tuesday Weld and Orson Welles—and “Always…But Not Forever,” his adaptation of his 1985 film of the same name (which premiered last year at the Edgemar). He is most known as a celebrated auteur of films that put women front and center (bucking the Hollywood trend) and that contain many scenes of people engaging in intelligent conversation (also defying Hollywood fashion). His movies as a writer and director include the current “Irene in Time,” “Hollywood Dreams,” “Deja Vu,” “Last Summer in the Hamptons,” “Someone to Love,” “Venice/Venice,” “Festival in Cannes,” and “Eating.”

Tanna Frederick stars as Panda. She is also the star of two Jaglom films, “Hollywood Dreams” and “Irene in Time” for which she has won rave reviews. She recently completed principal photography on Jaglom’s “Queen of the Lot” opposite Noah Wyle and Chris Rydell, which will be released next year.

Her stage credits include roles in “Always… But Not Forever” (last year at the Edgemar Center for the Arts), “A Safe Place” N. Richard Nash’s “Echoes,” “Toussaint: For The Love Of Freedom,” “Why We Have A Body,” “The Maids,” and more. Tanna was awarded the 2009 Maverick Award by the Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival. Also engaged in philanthropic pursuits, she is co-founder of “Project Save Our Surf” and founder of the Iowa Independent Film Festival.

Co-starring with Ms. Frederick in “Just 45 Minutes From Broadway” are an extraordinary roster of theatre artists: Julie Davis, David Garver, Jack Heller, David Proval, Diane Salinger and Harriet Schock, each boasting extraordinary credits of his or her own.

Gary Imhoff directs the new play. His other directing credits include the plays “Always….But Not Forever,” “The Devil and Daniel Webster” and  “The Dearly Departed,” as well as the upcoming films “Break,” “Scottish Dreams,” and “Wildflower.”

Also an actor, he portrayed Charlie Brown in the original production of “Snoopy!,” starred in “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” (L.A. and N.Y.), “Assassins” (West Coast Premiere), often appeared in films and frequently in television episodes of “Falcon Crest” and “Eight Is Enough.”

Edgemar Center For the Arts, on the Main Stage, 2437 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Parking is available (fee charged) in an onsite structure, and metered parking is available in nearby Lot 11, across the street from Peet’s Coffee.

Dates and Times

Show times:  Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 5 p.m.

Dark Thanksgiving Weekend, November 26 – 29.

Closes Sunday, December 20.

Admission: $25.
Reservations: (310) 392-7327.
Online ticketing: www.edgemarcenter.org

It was historic in nature, as G-VO, who released his second LP Zero & One on this night, stood on the same stage on which musical giants like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Ella Fitzgerald performed. The event was sponsored in part by the International Medical Health Organization, or IMHO, and was apart of the Ambassador Auditorium’s outreach and mission to support community-enlightening and significant endeavors. G-VO’s voice, a Sri-Lankan born voice, definitely is in line with this, and the people-packed Ambassador Auditorium was elevated in understanding, filled with the spirit of service through art.

G-VO stood tall on Saturday evening, representing his people with honor, but also with genuine, candid thoughts. The performance parts included: a DJ, a string quartet, a drummer, two guitarists, background singers, special guest performances, and as well, a poet. The voice of God even played a role, with G-VO conversing with God throughout the performance, likening it to the conversation Moses had with God prior to his following of God’s will in him being the one to lead the Lord’s children out of Egypt. G-VO’s music and performance showed that he is doing everything in his power to be a leader for God, to utilize his given talents to glorify the name of God, and take action in the world to represent a beacon of light and hope for others.

The event raised more than $20,000, all of which will be donated to support the IMHO’s efforts in Sri-Lanka. There were even two IMHO representatives in the audience who came on stage during the performance to provide an informative intermission, one that educated those in attendance about the realities of the conditions in Sri-Lanka. The IMHO has raised millions of dollars for those displaced peoples in Sri Lanka, and have been at the forefront of global issues for many years. The two representatives provided in-depth and gut wrenching accounts of what is currently taking place, including, but not limited to, overpopulated tents, lack of clean water, lack of appropriate rations of food, and even children being disconnected from the rest of their family members. G-VO’s performance was right on time, but in so many ways, overdue.

As told through G-VO’s music and commentary, as well as through the IMHO’s words, the audience (and I) learned about the conflict between the Tamil and Singhalese people as well, the integral reason for the current realities. This is apparently causing dire straits in the country, with wars and conflicts serving as a few of the fruits of this divisiveness, and as well, harsh distressing conditions in the camps that these displaced people live in. So many people in the country find themselves removed from their own homes, but still in their country. To be so close to home, but not be able to go there, is perhaps the most distressing reality of this situation.

His music is controversial, progressive, and clean. His musical tastes are of high quality, and this is no surprise as G-VO displayed multiple talents throughout the performance—singing, rapping, and playing the piano. G-VO is just as relevant to the needs of us here in America as he is to the issues currently happening in his home country. Hip-hop is in need of more leaders like G-VO. Those in Sri Lanka that are direct and indirect proponents of the strife in Sri Lanka could benefit from listening to him. G-VO is a dynamic and talented member of the Millenial generation, one whose ideas and words matter so much more now than ever.  We all would benefit from listening to G-VO, if only for a moment.

But the beauty of the One who directs the actions of G-VO, our Father in Heaven, is that a moment to Him is a lifetime. Let us pray that G-VO’s ideas, words, and efforts are heard, seen, and felt all the way to Sri Lanka. Historic things have happened in the illustrious Ambassador Auditorium, but until now, it had not yet worked to end a war, to assist in getting thousands of people back home. The Ambassador Auditorium, the IMHO, and G-VO all found a common thread on this evening, and hopefully the sounds of the performance reach the ears of the leaders in G-VO’s country, and with resounding power, creates peace.

SEE THE VH-1 SOBER HOUSE SCHOOL OF ROCK BENEFIT SHOW FEATURING PERFORMANCES
BY ACE FREHLEY (KISS),KYLE GASS (Tenacious D), STEVEN ADLER (Guns n’
Roses),MIKE STARR (Alice in Chains), and School of Rock All-Star Bands.

The show will be taped as a live concert event to benefit “Paul Green’s
School of Rock” community-based programs and will be shown by VH-1 as a part
of the Sober House series at a date to be announced.  You won’t want to miss
performances by Ace Frehley of Kiss and Mike Starr formerly of Alice in
Chains (current Sober house cast member) not to mention all the other
talented musicians.  The School of Rock All Stars Bands have performed with
Eddie Vedder, Alice Cooper, Ann Wilson, Peter Frampton and Perry Farrell and
range in age from 10 years old to 16 years old. All current cast members of
VH-1’s Sober House will participate in this Live event.

The tickets are complimentary — ABSOLUTELY FREE.  SATURDAY July. 25th from
7:30 PM until 11:00PM. You must be 18 years or older.

To join this exclusive audience, please rsvp ASAP.  Email
celebrityrehab@broadwayvideo.com with the following information in both
the subject line and the body of your email:

1. Rock Benefit
2. Your full name
3. The number of tickets you want (max.four  per request)
4. Your phone number
5. Your email address
6. Your age range (25-30, 45-50, 18-25 etc)
7. How you heard about the show i.e. email, website, your school, a friend,
Conscience Entertainment Group (CEG).

Example: Rock Benefit/Lisa Simpson/2/323-555-1212/musicgeniusLisa@aol.com
/18-23/CEG

We will respond quickly with a detailed confirmation via email. You should
hear from us at latest by SATURDAY, July 25th by 4PM. TICKETS ARE
COMPLIMENTARY! This is a live event.

VH-1 LOOKS FORWARD TO HAVING YOU IN THE AUDIENCE FOR THE SOBER HOUSE SCHOOL
OF ROCK BENEFIT SHOW!

EMAIL: CELEBRITYREHAB@BROADWAYVIDEO.COM

Patti LuPone and Mandy Patikin sing musical theater classics

You’ll be laughing, clapping and singing along with two of Broadway’s greatest performers, Mandy Patinkin and Patti LaPone, as they bring to life over thirty songs from different musicals in the show, “An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin” at the Ahmanson Theater of the Center Theatre Group in Downtown Los Angeles.  The two play out a romantic comedy story line by expertly stringing songs together from Sondheim to Rogders and Hammerstein to Irving Berlin and many other musical theater favorites.

LaPone and Patinkin make you feel like you’re watching them in their living room as they are completely comfortable, relaxed and playful during the performance.  Since this show originally debuted in 2007, practice makes perfectly unperturbed singers. Before that, LaPone and Patinkin co-starred with one another in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, where in 1980, Patinkin won a Tony award for his role as Che.

The pair work synergistically to create a harmonious performance, both sharing the limelight of the almost bare stage except for a few stylistic lamp stands of Thomas Edison light bulbs and a pianist and upright bass player. Dressed in all black with simple lighting and only a scarf and chairs for props, the night was solely dedicated to celebrating the classics songs of musical theater.

LuPone and Patinkin are perfect choices to give a tribute to American musical theater as they have more than sixty years combined career accomplishments that are as long as the Statue of Liberty is tall. Last season, LuPone won the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Actress in a Musical and the Drama League Award for Outstanding Performance of the Season for performance as Madame Rose in the critically acclaimed Broadway production of Gypsy.  Patinkin recently celebrated the 20th Anniversary of performing his critically renowned solo concerts, Dress Casual, Celebrating Sondheim and Mamaloshen, in rep with a two-week run at New York’s Public Theater, the very space he began his concert career 20 years ago.

Some of the audience’s favorite songs of the night were, Stephen Sondheim’s “Getting Married Today” from Company, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from Evita, Jule Styne’s and Stephen Sondheim’s “Everything is Coming up Roses” from Gypsy, and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “If I Loved You” from Carousel.

To get tickets for the musical theater lover in you, go online to: www.centertheatregroup.org.

Performance Days and Times:
Through Friday June 26th: 8pm
Sat June 27th: 2pm, 8pm
Sun June 28th: 3pm
Mon June 29th: 8 pm

Tickets: $20 – $90

Ahmanson Theatre at the Music Center
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA
213.628.2772

San Diego resident and American Idol forerunner Adam Lambert (27) is perhaps one of the best contestants that the American Idol franchise has ever had…this guy is the consummate entertainer. He is now poised to take the crown of American Idol. Lambert possesses all the ingredients that a mega star needs to be successful in the music business…originality, purpose, craft, individuality and pure talent. His awesome genius is something that Simon Cowell and his fans would recognize as the “It” factor. Something that is undeniably unique and pure. He has left the other contestants Danny Gokey, and Kris Allen floundering in the proverbial dust as he plays to the camera with his eye lined eyes and rock‘n roll swagger. He knows exactly who he is and he comfortable in his own skin.

Lambert’s vocal acrobatics revel those of established artists such as Axl Rose, Janis Joplin, and Steven Tyler who he played tribute on last Tuesday night on Idol by singing his version of “Crying”. His experience in musical theater has served him well with his comfortable stance on the Idol stage transferring over to filling arenas and other venues. Lambert definitely lives up to the hype emotionally crooning passionate songs like U2’s “One” and singing the legendary rocker by Led Zeppelin “Whole Lotta Love” both Lambertized. From his first appearance on Idols auditions it was Lambert that stood out from the crowd but his sincerity with the judges and overwhelming response with his fans he has sealed his place within the music business community.

Adam Lambert onstage on American Idol.

Lambert humble beginnings can be traced to musical theater where he played the slave Joshua in the 2004 multi-million-dollar flop, “The Ten Commandments,” with the movie star Val Kilmer in the lead. He also was a “Wicked” cast member and this Idol standout spent many an evening crooning songs in that expressive voice of his on the Upright Cabaret stage.

Lambert’s unique style creates a new sound to a song and can be instantly recognized as distinctively his own. Much like Frank Sinatra who could take each phrase of a song and create a specific mood or feeling that would evoke passion and also use his voice as an instrument Adam evokes similar disposition. His swagger has been compared to that of Elvis and justifiably so. Great artists all have genius. The genius doesn’t always come through in everything they do, but when they are “on” you know you have heard genius and Lambert embodies genius wholeheartedly.

The Season Finale airs Tuesday & Wednesday, 8/7c on FOX.

BritWeek2009 Events at a Glance

Thursday, April 16 The Race for Green held in the margins of the Long Beach Grand Prix

Tuesday, April 21 Formal start of BritWeek. Tony Blair Gala Dinner Benefiting Malaria No More

April 21-22 Jeff Beck Live at the El Rey Theatre

Thursday, April 23 The Organic Pharmacy / Smythson celebration in Beverly Hills

Thursday, April 23 Red-carpet Champagne Launch Reception hosted by the British Consul
General

Thursday, April 23 Joss Stone Live at Club Nokia

Thursday, April 23 UB40 Live at the House of Blues, Sunset Strip

April 23 – 30 UK Features at the Newport Beach Film Festival

Friday, April 24 Filmmaker’s Forum: Over There 

Saturday, April 25 Karen Millen In-store Event

Saturday, April 25 Music Industry Reception

Sunday, April 26 Sunday Roast at Palihouse

April 26-29 MUSEXPO 2009 Conference

Monday, April 27 British Astrophysicists Lecture at Griffith Observatory

Monday, April 27 Book signing by Oscar-winning film producer Michael Deeley

Tuesday, April 28 Poetry is in the Streets: Stunning wall art from around the world

April 28 & 30 Pub Darts Tournaments

April 29 – May 13 Alan Aldridge Opening Reception and Exhibition

Thursday, April 30 Sweet Live at the House of Blues

Friday, May 1 Emma Ferreira Gallery Artist’s Reception

Saturday, May 2 BritNight with the LA Galaxy Celebrity Soccer: Britain vs. the Rest of the World 

Saturday, May 2 Genlux Magazine Event

Sunday, May 3 British American Business Council, Orange County Garden Party

Sunday, May 3 Katie Melua Live at Hotel Cafe

Wednesday, May 6 Cool Britannia: From Classic to Contemporary, the BABC LA/BritWeek Party
at the Petersen Automotive Museum

Thursday, May 7 BABC OC Golf Tournament at Tustin Ranch Golf Club 

Thursday, May 7 Keith Emerson Live at the House of Blues

Friday, May 8 BAFTA/LA British Comedy Festival

Saturday, May 9 Cricket: Britain vs. Australia 

May 14-16 Classical Mystery Tour / Music of the Beatles

Blue October is a little more colorful lately. The hard rock musicians are glad to be making music and have a new album, “Approaching Normal“, set for release March 24, 2009. The emotionally-honest fivesome is already marking its territory on the music charts, and begin touring the U.S. this week.

While you might not know these boys from Texas, you may have heard their music. The group’s last album, 2006’s “Foiled,” was platinum plus-certified, due in no small part to the band’s deep, dark and heartfelt track, “Hate Me,” which ultimately reached the no. 2 spot on the Billboard Modern Rock Chart.

Their music has also apparently carried enough impact to motivate Stephenie Meyer, author of the best-selling “Twilight” books. Meyer has credited several of Blue October’s songs as providing inspiration for her while writing the popular book series.

One Bad Month Was All It Took

Blue October began life over a decade ago one October when singer-songwriter Justin Furstenfeld had a very bad month. He stated to Texas Music that “It’s like one of those months when you realize that you either have to change your act, get your shit together or you’re not going anywhere.” But to his credit, the young artist realized that it was “also a stepping stone. I knew I had to name this project after that.”

The band slowly grew in popularity. Their honest depictions of life set well with fans and they developed a loyal and passionate following. As luck would have it, Blue October was picked up early on by Universal Music, just to be dropped a few years later. Now back with Universal Motown Records, Blue October has been steadily making their presence known.

Joining Forces Creates Power Album

Their new studio album, “Approaching Normal”, is produced by multi-Grammy® award winner Steve Lillywhite, a powerhouse who has worked with U2, Peter Gabriel, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Morrissey. Their collaborative effort is already making inroads, moving up the charts while featuring a new side of the darkish band. The first single, “Dirt Room“, has an edgier, harder sound and demonstrates how the band has grown along the way. “Kangaroo Cry“, another release from the album, will be featured on the NCIS: The Official TV Soundtrack, along with artists like Bob Dylan, Oasis, Seether, and Dashboard Confessional.

On the Road with New Tour

Blue October is kicking off their new tour this week, with stops in Los Angeles Saturday, March 21 at Club Nokia, and Anaheim on Sunday, March 22 at the House of Blues. Feeling less blue, the band of pseudo-brothers are reaching out as artists, and are excited for fans to hear the new spin on their sound.

Says drummer/backup vocalist Jeremy Furstenfeld, “Not that many people have heard our new album yet. It’s nice to put a new piece of art out there!”

Blue October is: Justin Furstenfeld, CB Hudson, Ryan Delahoussaye, Matt Noveskey and Jeremy Furstenfeld.

Read LA’s the Place’s interview with Jeremy below.

Words from the Band

Before hitting the road, Jeremy Furstenfeld, drummer and backup vocalist, spoke to LA’s the Place about life on the road, their new album and on being Blue October.

LA’s the Place: When you formed the band, how did you know you were the right mix for each other? Was there instant chemistry or did you have to work through differences early on?

Jeremy Furstenfeld: Well, Justin (lead singer/songwriter) and I are brothers. We lived in the same bedroom, so we had to learn how to deal with each other. This lineup has been together since about 2001. We all get along. Like family.

LATP: When did you know you wanted to do music?

JF: I didn’t know! I had no idea. I graduated high school, went to college. I was going to do the college thing, get a 40-hour a week job. I had lots of fun in college, but I had no idea why I was there. Then I began hanging out at Justin and Ryan’s rehearsals. They said, “You’ve got rhythm, why don’t you try to play drums?” So I did. I never had any idea that I wanted to be a musician.

Drummer Jeremy Furstenfeld

LATP: Matt has said that one of the best parts of being in the band is being in studio and finalizing a song or an album, seeing it come to life. What, for you, is the best part?

JF: Making the record is great. For this album I loved sitting in control room, soaking up knowledge from Steve (Lillywhite)…being drawn into that creative state where you don’t even want to go outside. It was great.

But with the live aspect, there’s a mass of people singing the lyrics to your song passionately and that’s amazing. People come up to us all the time and talk to us about our music. With “Hate Me” Justin got a lot of, “Man, you really saved my life.” It seems like we are making a difference.

LATP: Your new album is a little different. It’s more of a collaboration?

Singer/songwriter Justin Furstenfeld

JF: Justin is our main writer. He bring songs to us in form of acoustic guitar or keyboard. With Foiled he had a vision for the album, for the concept. The vision was already laid out and he brought it to us like that. With this one, he brought acoustic guitar, piano, lyrics, and we built around that.

We were able to do that with Steve Lillywhite in the driver’s seat as a producer. He really let us do what we do best. Steve gave us direction, but it was our ship to steer. We grew as musicians, as a band and artists. If you can’t grow into music, what’s really the point anymore? We had a great time with this one. So much fun.

LATP: Do you remember the moment when you suddenly realized, “We’re Blue October.”..when you realized that you had “made it”?

JF: It gets a little bit like that when you’re driving down the road and then you hear your song over and over again on a radio station. Not just once, but repeatedly. That’s kind of surreal. “Wow, I am in that band.” This week, the audience for our new cut, “Dirt Room” was 4.8 million. This week that many people have heard our band. That’s cool.

LATP: Were there moments you doubted yourselves as a band? That you wouldn’t be able to accomplish what you set out to?

JF: Early on, some days we packed houses of 500-1,000 in some towns, and then in other towns only 50 came. That was disheartening at times. But the fans were always so passionate, so loyal. They believed in us and our music. Fans make their own meaning out of our songs. Something special is happening when we are on stage, so it doesn’t matter how many people are at the venues. We just kept on doing it.

We were signed by a huge label early in our career, but got dropped quickly because we didn’t sell. We did our own thing for a long time, touring around aimlessly, playing, scraping by. Then we made another record with Brando Records in Dallas. Got a wonderful management team which we still have. We put out a record and Universal came around and picked us back up again. This (Approaching Normal) is our third record back with Universal.

LATP: How do you stay sane and grounded in the crazy and hectic world of music?

JF: Besides making the record we’ve been home for about a year with our families. We come back from the road with lives and families. We live two completely separate lives. (On the road) people are getting stuff for you. It’s a whole different way to live. Waking up to a different city, different place, visiting three or four radio stations before shows. I sleep really well on the bus, though.

We are lucky that we have families. My wife and I have been together for years. She’s the one who had the job and supported us while I wasn’t making anything.

Rock life is not always all people think it is. We had rehearsal space at a warehouse. Our landlord stopped by and said, “You guys have totally blown my image of rock stars. You get here early, you rehearse your music.” (laughs) And my wife does a lot of charity work.

There’s a lot of self-promotion needed now. It’s so much harder to sell records. It takes work.

Lead guitarist CB Hudson

LATP: Which artist that you admire, who has a very different sound from yours, would make the most interesting collaboration with you if it were possible?

JF: Justin would say Lil Wayne or 50 Cent. We would have a blast doing something like that. Mixed mash of hip hop. We actually did a hip hop song on one of our B sides. We like exploring other places and keep moving forward as musicians. My choice would be Ray LaMontagne from Massachusetts. He has a soulful voice. A young dude that sings from his heart. Totally like the kind of Americana meets Soul meets Motown. Reminds me of a caucasian Ray Charles that plays guitar.

LATP: How was touring in Europe different from touring in the U.S.?

JF: We spent 12 days in Europe and this was our first real European start, so it’s like starting over, over there. We did small venues but they filled up. We had support from Universal’s European arms (France, Germany, UK and Holland). We are opening up a whole new part of the world. Americans are pretty sheltered over here. When touring there, we tried to look past bullshit…to stop and smell the flowers. The Europeans really liked our music. Fans were passionate, singing every word. There was a young girl – maybe 13 or 14 – in front row at a show crying – passing out – holding on to other people. Reminded me of Elvis or the Beatles. Weird that they are freaking out about Blue October. Our new album releases in Europe at the same time as in the U.S.

LATP: In closing?

JF: Our new album is coming out March 24. It will be in every store and on iTunes. We are playing a show in LA on March 21 (Club Nokia).

For more information on Blue October, including tour dates, visit www.blueoctoberfan.com

Concert photography by Helen M. Ryan

Blue October

Hip Hop fan with Janelle Monae backstage

To many who were once avid listeners and fervent lovers of Hip-Hop, it may seem like the music emerging from the genre of late has been full of rapper’s spitting the same punch-lines and boasting about “hood” scenarios that have been talked about time and time again.

Hip-Hop today is like a record that keeps skipping and repeating itself; it’s mediocre and at best lukewarm. Gone are the days of “hot sixteens” and rapper’s with a delivery so hypnotic and lyrically inspiring that you want to play their records over and over again until the CD starts skipping.

These days many emcees are lucky if their song even makes it 15 seconds without getting skipped. However, where there is darkness, there is always light and there are admittedly a few notable emcees who have survived the test of time, stayed true to their roots, and managed to continuously feed the craving Hip Hop fans incessantly demanding to be fed more and more good music. Those fans of Hip-Hop are comparable to Audry Junior, the human eating plant from “Little Shop of Horrors”, as they relentlessly scream, “feed me Seymour!”.

Daniel Samonas of "Entourage"

The Hip Hop 101 Festival, headlined by Common and Ludacris, last Saturday (February 21st, 2009) at the L.A. Sports Arena was supposed to be the answer to those screams. It was ideally designed to “educate” Hip Hop fans by presenting a special concert “course” that included performances by much respected lyricist, Common, ATL superstar Ludacris, former Beastie Boys DJ, Mix Master Mike, Keri Hilson, Janelle Monae, as well as live graffiti artists, visual arts installations, and a dance competition by Millennium Dance Complex. It seemed like Hip Hop Fans from all over the U.S. traveled to L.A. last weekend to see Hip-Hop embodied in all the scheduled performances. Columbus Short, The G-Girls, Daniel Samonas of “Entourage”, Etienne and Gerren of “Baldwin Hills”, Young Scrap, and Kel of “The Kenan and Kel Show” were all in attendance.

Kel and the G Girls

Hip Hop 101 was held in honor of Black History Month and was intended to convey the information and entertainment that transcended the music, giving fans a step by step tutorial on the origination of Hip-Hop and it’s accompanying culture. Unfortunately, the concert which was pumped up to be something much more than your average concert ended up being just that… average.

Although executive producer Ken Andrews probably had good intentions when he said, “Hip Hop 101 Music & Arts Festival is our way to acknowledge the achievements of every artist by creating a platform and embracing Hip Hop’s culture and unity through the expression of music, beats, graffiti, visual arts, performing arts and lyrics”, he probably didn’t factor in having one of his artists (Keri Hilson) be a no show. For excited fans of the Atlanta born singer, this put a serious hindrance on their exuberance for the show. Add that to the terrible sound quality of the venue and you’ve got one angry crowd.

However, when Common came on stage, it was like the entire atmosphere in the amphitheater changed. People stood up from their seats, they screamed, they clapped their hands, they went crazy! It was a truly monumental thing to see Common on stage doing what he does best, which is exciting the crowd and blessing them with real Hip-Hop. He even grabbed a girl from the audience and serenaded her as the audience rapped along.

Not to forget Janelle Monae, who wowed the audience with her performance and outstanding energy. She danced on the stage like she owned it and even transferred some of her energy into the crowd when she jumped down from the stage and marched into the audience, still belting out her tune. By the end of the night, no show Keri Hilson was forgotten and everyone truly seemed to enjoy themselves. In fact, many couldn’t stay in their seats and joyfully danced in the aisles while mouthing along to their favorite artists. Perhaps, these Hip Hop 101 students learned something after all.

New Year’s Eve 2008 in Los Angeles is going to be the best yet, with hot parties and celebrations all over town. How are you going to decide where to go? Here’s some choices to help with your delightful dilemma. And, please, don’t drink and drive! Happy New Year!

Ring in the New Year with DJ Donald Glaude at the Kress. With four floors of music, a premium open bar all night and a champagne toast at midnight, how could you go wrong?

The Kress: 6608 Hollywood Blvd, 90028
Pre – sale tickets are $125.00
VIP Roof/ All Access tickets are priced at $200.00
Pre – sale ends at 8:00 PM EST on December 31, 2008.
To order via mobile phone for the pre – sale or VIP Roof/ All Access text b8278 to 467467.
This party is presented by The Kress 
Must be 21 or over
www.wantickets.com/EventDetail.aspx?e_id=48707

Gridlock 2009, Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Matt and Sean Presents Gridlock 2009 – one of Hollywood’s most incredible New Years Eve bashes.
 
Matt and Sean brought it Held at the world famous Paramount Pictures NEW YORK CITY Studio Backlot in the heart of Hollywood featuring a live performance by Katy Perry! Pre – sale tickets are priced at $100.00 and VIP tickets are priced at $200.00.  Pre – sale ends at 5:00 PM PST on December 31, 2008.  This party is presented by Gridlock. Must be 21 or over.
http://www.wantickets.com/MattandSean

A nice dinner at Tengu to celebrate the New Year

Tengu in the West Village is offering a lovely four course with a choice of two dining options. Enjoy some great music, dancing and a midnight champagne toast to ring in the New Year! 
Tengue – The “House of Mischief” 10853 Indbrook Drive, 90024
Reservations are from 5:30 – 11:00 PM
Open until 2009
For more information call                      310 209 0071          
www.tengu.com

Robin Thick at Area!

Would you like to party at one of LA’s hotspots with a top recording artist? Robin
Thicke will help bring in the New Year at Area with a special live appearance! 
DJ Serafin
5 Bars
2 Smoking Patios
Large Dance Floor
Formal attire is requested
643 N LA Cienega, West Hollywood
For table reservations call:                      310 967 8107          
For more information email: nye2009@famela.net

Masquerade Ball with a Bebe Fashion Show at SkyBar

SkyBar is hosting a Black and White Masquerade Ball to celebrate the New Year. On Wednesday December 31, 2008, from 8:00 PM until 2 AM with an open bar and an exclusive fashion show by Bebe. 
Tickets are $175.00 per person for non hotel guests
Tickets are $150.00 per person for Mondrian Hotel guests
For tickets or table reservations email:

skybarla@morganshotelgroup.com

Ready for the Ball of the year? D.A.S.K. Production’s “New Year’s Eve Ball 2009″

Live performances, dance floors, lounges and party rooms, who could ask for more? D.A.S.K Productions is presenting “New Year’s Eve Ball 2009”, on December 31, 2008.  Do not forget to check this party out!
Chef Michael Richards Cuisine
Tickets are $100.00 in advance or $150.00 at the door.
For general information call:                      310 281 8440          

www.daskproductions.com

Looking for something Fraeche this New Years Eve?

Enjoy a champagne toast, party favors, dancing and entertainment!
Seating begins at 5:30 PM and continues much into the night!
Four Courses: $65.00 per person
Five Courses: $85.00 per person
Four Courses: $30.00 per person with Wine Pairing
Five Courses: $35.00 per person with Wine Pairing
Location: 9411 Culver Boulevard, 90232
Call:                      310 839 6800            to reserve your seats now!

Ringing in the New Year at Blvd 16

Blvd 16 is offering a variety of packages for everyone to bring in the New Year! Be sure to check out www.blvd16.comfor their variety of packages that will allow you to ring in the New Year!
Dinner begins at 5 PM
Dinner reservations are between $100.00 and $150.00
New Years Eve Party beings at 10 PM and goes until 1 AM

Flash Back or Flash Forward?

Come to Ninethirty’s “That Was Then, This Is Now”, New Year’s Eve party!

Enjoy a four-course menu with a variety of dishes from the 50’s to the present.
First Seating: 5:00 – 8:00 PM ($75.00 per guest)
Second Seating: 9:00 – 11:00 PM ($95.00 per guest)
Special VIP packages: 9:00 – 2:00 AM ($140.00 per guest)
Location: W Los Angeles, Westwood, 930 Hilgaard Ave. 90024
Call                      310 443 8211          

Come to the Little Door Restaurant and Wine Bar’s Starry Night to celebrate the New Year! Enjoy a six-course menu, champagne toast and some great DJ’s! They are open New Year’s Eve until midnight and New Year’s Day from 10AM – 9:30 PM! Visit: the www.littledoor.com for more details. 

Cherry Boom Boom, Travis Parker and DJ AM at NYE

Come to the Wiltern on Wilshire Blvd to bring in the New Year with people in various cities! Enjoy a 5-hour open bar, champagne reception upon arrival, champagne toast at midnight, various food stations and live performances by Cherry Boom Boom, Travis Barker and DJ AM!
Doors open December 31, 2008 8:00 PM
9:30 PM Cherry Boom Boom Performance
Tickets are available at www.newyearsnation.com 

Universal Studios CityWalk’s Free New Year’s Eve Bash!

Head over to Universal Studios this New Year’s Eve to ring in the New Year! Enjoy continuous music, thousands of pounds of confetti and amazing fireworks!
The party begins at 9:00 PM on December 31, 2008 with coverage of the New York City Time Square ball drop featured on giant screens! There are a variety of hot spots within Universal Studios to check out, which include: Café Tu Tu, Hard Rock Café, Jillian’s Hi – Life Lanes, Rumba Room, Saddle Ranch Chop and Howl at the Moon.  Leading up to New Years Eve, popular bands will perform live on stage at 7:30 PM between December 26 and December 30, 2008. For more information call:                      818 622 1111                    .

www.CityWalkHollywood.com 

How Lush are you this New Year’s?

Lush Entertainment invites you to ring in the New Year at West.  Hosted by the playmate of the year, Brande Roderick, enjoy an evening filled with fine dining and dancing until 2 AM! Tickets begin at $200.00 per person
Location: 170 N Church Lane, 90028
For general information either text:                      714 267 7218           or email luvship@gmail.com
There are also a limited number of tickets left for the Playboy Mansion party, email dht25@aol.comor text                      714 267 7218           for further information. 

Black and White Ball at STK

Ready to get dressed up and enjoy a lovely gourmet dinner at STK?
With a four-course menu, reservation seating and a divine champagne toast, how could you go wrong?
1st Seating tickets are $100.00
2nd Seating tickets are $175.00
For further information for to www.togrp.com

New Year’s Eve Austin Powers Style? Yeah Baby!

Enjoy a psychedelic New Year’s Eve bash at Coco De Ville!
755 N La Cienega Blvd
For inquiries contact                      310 659 3935          

NYE 2009

Enjoy a lovely black tie and lingerie masquerade ball this New Year’s Eve featuring Dagon!
Pre sale tickets are $100.00
General admission tickets are $125.00
$1500 premium bottle service
$2009 Opulence bottle service package
For table reservations call                      310 657 0111          

The Dolce Group and New Years!
The Dolce Group are offering a variety of places to dine this New Years Eve, prior to your big bash! Select one of the following restaurants and you will have definitely kicked off your New Year’s celebration in the right direction!

Bella Cuisine Italiano
1708 N. Las Palmas Ave, Hollywood, 90028
                     323 468 8815          
Dolce
8284 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, 90046 
                     323 852 7174          
Geisha House
6633 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, 90028
                     323 460 6300          
Ketchup
8590 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, 90060
                     310 289 8590          
For more information check out www.dolcegroup.com

Contributed by Ronit Zalik

Wildcats on Ice 

The High School Musical Ice Tour skates into the Staples Center in Los Angeles Thursday December 18, 2008, and ends its run at the Long Beach Arena January 4, 2009.  Audiences can celebrate the sounds, songs, jumps and spins in this extraordinary ice show starring a cast of world class skaters portraying the roles of East High’s own, Troy, Gabriella, Ryan, Sharpay, Chad and Taylor. They will perform to the chart-topping tunes with signature choreography made popular in all three High School Musical movies.

Bringing the Films’ Dance Moves to the Ice

High School Musical The Ice Tour was brought to life, and ice, by Emmy® Award-winning director  Kenny Ortega, award-winning choreographer  Charles "Chucky" Klapow and skating choreographer Cindy Stuart. Klapow, who choreographed all three High School Musical movies, worked with Stuart to fuse the dance and ice moves. They designed routines in which skaters perform the films’ dance steps with their upper bodies while executing skating techniques with their lower bodies.

 "I had never skated before, so it was really important for me to learn so I could be on the ice with the skaters alongside Cindy," says Klapow. "We began by teaching the entire cast the choreography from the films on the floor before we moved to the ice, to see what worked and what didn’t."

Friends, Fun and the Summer of Love

The storyline features friends from rival cliques who bond over school, sports and music while learning about love, the power of friendship and the wonder of being true to themselves.  East High’s hoops star Troy meets the beautiful and brainy Gabriella and they audition for the school’s upcoming musical. The skates start to fly when their friends Chad and Taylor think they should stick to the status quo, and the school’s wealthy theatrical siblings Ryan and Sharpay scheme for the lead roles. Their worlds and their school turn upside down when signature hip-hop moves meet dramatic skating. The Wildcats move on to summer vacation where Sharpay’s determination to steal Troy’s affection brings the Wildcats together at the Lava Springs Country Club.  The group’s summer dreams turn into their worst nightmares as Sharpay leads Troy astray from his friends. The summer talent show is a showdown for the coveted Star Dazzle award where Sharpay learns a new lesson in friendship, and the summer ends on a high note.

Tickets and Show Information

To order tickets by phone:                      (213) 480-3232           or                      (714) 740-2000          
For show dates, locations and tickets online, visit www.highschoolmusicaltheicetour.com.
Ticket Prices: $65.00 Front Row/ $40.00 V.I.P./ $25.00/ $20.00/ $16.00

About High School Musical’s Talented Team

Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour is produced by Kenny Ortega, the Emmy® Award-winning director of High School Musical,  High School Musical 2, and High School Musical 3: Senior Year, and father and daughter team Kenneth Feld and Nicole Feld.  They are supported by an amazing creative team, including Tony® Award-winning director Jeff Calhoun, writer Peter Barsocchini, Emmy® Award-winning production designer Jeremy Railton, lighting designer Patrick Woodroffe, Emmy® Award-winning costume designer Erin "Topaz" Lareau, Emmy® Award-winning choreographer Charles "Chucky" Klapow and skating choreographer Cindy Stuart.

Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour is Feld Entertainment’s 28th ice show and the company’s largest undertaking to date.  In the first year, the show traveled to more than 100 cities throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Australia and Europe and performed to more than 4 million people. High School Musical: The Ice Tour’s three separate touring units will have traveled to more than 25 countries worldwide, including: England, the United States, New Zealand, Sweden, Canada, Singapore, Italy, Colombia, Malaysia, Argentina and Spain by the end of 2008. Feld Entertainment is one of the worldwide leaders in producing and presenting live entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 55 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Doodlebops Live!

Versus Nightclub had its opening this past Saturday. Located in the historic Los Angeles Stock Exchange Building on Spring Street, this three-story megaclub is sure to put downtown Los Angeles on the map.  Nico Bacigalupo, Versus’ director of marketing, says that  they stand as more than just a nightclub, “we are looking to act as a catalyst for downtown L.A.”

Fit to hold over 1000 people, the club holds a wrap-around VIP balcony, a humongous dance floor, and an extra-exclusive, separate-entry VIP level on the 3rd floor. Described as an entertainment venue, Nico wants to host house night, fashion shows, urban nights, and many other events that will help revitalize the downtown area. They will be open Thursday though Sunday, and they are also available to host corporate events.

This past Saturday October 24 marked the opening with a extravagant red-carpet event hosted by model and Sunset Tan’s Heidi Cortez and headlined by rocker Dave Navarro and DJ Skribble. Over 600 invite-only guests and local celebs attended to celebrate the opening of the big brass doors. Club hosted an open bar lasting from 9-11pm that served up delicious specialty cocktails and shots. The hot cocktail waitresses carried trays filled with Hershey’s chocolate kisses and fresh strawberries. Bottles were popping on the 2nd level where patrons enjoyed Roberto Cavalli vodka delivered straight to their tables. On the dance floor level a 4 foot tall ice sculptor of Patron was used as an ice luge to provide shots of tequila to thirsty club goers. Neon lights, a fog machine, and a DJ Booth overlooking the dance floor all were special details adding to the spectacular production of the night.

In the future Versus is booking only the world’s best DJs and entertainers. With their grand interior space and A-list clientele they will soon become one of the world’s most reputable clubs. Versus sparkles as a big jewel in an area that has yet to see many nightlife options. Los Angeles residents have a new reason to venture downtown and we would advise you to arrive early, because their list to get in is definitely filling up fast.

Contact Info

The venue is an astounding 22,000 square feet and holds a capacity crowd of 1,800 people. Versus is located at 618 Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90014. Phone number is                      (213) 489-1555          . For more information or to book your next event, go to www.versusla.com

The Kronos Quartet, based in San Francisco, has come to be known as one of the most well rounded group of virtuoso string players in the world. For their performance on Friday, violinists David Harrington and John Sherba, as well as violist Hank Dutt and cellist, Jeffrey Zeigler, collaborated with  composers from around the world to bring Los Angeles “Awakening: A Musical Meditation on the Anniversary of 9/11",  a remarkable piece that the Financial Times says “alarms, terrifies, soothes and ultimately proposes a measure of hope”.

In the past I’ve seen Kronos play standard repertoire to stunned audiences across the country, but the concert on October 3rd at Royce hall was even more of a demonstration of the players’ virtuosity. For experts like these players, their instruments become an extension of themselves, and this concert allowed them each to demonstrate their flexibility as musicians. Making unusual repetoire accessible to the unfamiliarized ear is indeed the mark of a virtuoso, and on Friday one could sense the audience losing themselves in the distant lands Kronos presented through their playing.

The prologue to "Awakening" was an Adhans from the Middle East (sung in Turkey, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia), a traditional Muslim call to prayer. Arranged by the members of Kronos, the music evoked the dispersed voices of worshippers calling their prayers from all corners of a middle-eastern city. We begin to see that the "arrangements" the Kronos came up with are not just musical, they involve intentional ways of performing. By playing the Adhans in a spread apart nature, the musicians better evoke the separated sound of overlapped voices from different areas of the city. 

The program soon took off, rocketing us to unfamiliar destinations, the members of the Kronos using their instruments in unfamiliar ways. In the second piece, an example of an Iraqui Choubi, the Kronos evoked a festive style, using the wood of their instruments as a bright drum rolling underneath the music. Suddenly we were not in Royce Hall anymore but walking through a Middle-Eastern marketplace on a morning after a month of rain. In "Spectre" written by Canadian composer, John Oswald,  the quartet weaved a haunting tapping under the strains of modal music. The effect evoked a sleeping, prehistoric land being pelted for the first time by cosmic rain. We were transported again with the traditional Iranian Lullaby, arranged by Jacob Garchik.  I was lulled into visions of darkness settling over plains of sand, the instruments calling up apparitions in the desert moonlight.

As well as playing their own instruments in an untraditional style, the Kronos also demonstrated their abilities on untraditional instruments. These included world instruments like the Sarangi, a short necked lute from India, as well as some objects that aren’t usually classified as musical. Throughout the night, the members of the Kronos shuffled around the stage playing things like gongs, to thwacking hunks of metal and wood. Cellist,  Jefferey Zeigler even got up and used a motorized saw to cut through some plywood – sending sparks twinkling against the sound. The effect of the intentional "clamor" was a layer in music that we don’t often hear – the context in which it lives, where it might have been written or born out of.  Usually we hear music in a dark hall, among an audience reluctant to breathe loudly for fear of disturbing the performance. On Friday, the Kronos set the music in the world, a world of war, construction, progress, demise, and the singing of the strings seemed to rise authentically from the white noise of human life.

We ended a on a little more traditional note. With Terry Riley’s "One earth, One People, One Love From Sun Rings", 2002, we became witness to the globe we were sitting on, a large projected picture of the earth rising onto a screen above the players. And hence, Riley’s music became a sort of a soundtrack to our world floating in space. Next, we zoomed back in and landed in Sweden with a traditional piece of music "A Thousand Thoughts" arranged by the Kronos. Freeing in its beauty, I understand why it was included in the program. It brought us relief, a peaceful scene far from the reaches of war, the singing music  a reminder of what this awe inspiring planet can give us.

Throughout the concert, the members of the Kronos quartet brought a certain glimmering awareness to each mark on their score, and I believe awareness was particularly important for what they were doing last Friday. For their October 3rd concert they combined music from countries involved or touched by the tragedy of September 11th, and the musicians payed careful attention to the complexity behind the notes. The tremors of emotion in the playing was distinct, encouraging us all to remember, to be aware, and hopefully to take a step toward change in this all-important time.  

UCLAlive routinely brings world-class musicians from all over the world to the stage of Royce Hall. Their upcoming concerts in October include Cameron Carpenter, who the New York Times calls the "Maverick Organist" as well as the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. And that is just the beginning. Start here at www.uclalive.org to have a look at the exciting season ahead. UCLAlive only showcases the best ensembles and performers alive today- so you’re safe – whatever you choose, it will surely be phenomenal. 

One of LA’s secret charms is letting the local parks and domains play host to the best in live events for the community.  A bare stage, minimal lighting and dab of the starry night are all it takes to move picnic and performance from the ho-hum and into the realm of really magical.

And so it was in Barnsdall Park last weekend as the Independent Shakespeare Company (ISC), brought the Bard into the hearts and minds of the five hundred gathered on its hilltop and strewn across the grassy lawn before the open platform stage. This was just one program of three offered in association with the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles over a three-week period.

ISC was founded in 1998 as an actor-managed touring ensemble with the mission of illuminating the Bard’s greatest works for modern audiences. Great acting and a true understanding of the text in play bring a reverence to a production that is otherwise a blissfully casual and unaffected affair.

Evoking a sense of the Elizabethan, the company’s use of props, masks and costuming is delightful, adding the whimsy and entertainment factor that made Shakespeare a hit with its first intended public long before it became a staple fare for the aristocracy.

Co-directors Sanford Robbins and Melissa Chalsma allow the actors to rule, while we get to sit back and take sip of language from a time when it stirred our passions about life and love whilst savoring its every sound.

ISC is supported by donations and in part by The National Endowment for the Arts. 

2008 Free Shakespeare in the Park: Twelfth Night or What You Will, Dr. Faustus, King Henry The Fourth

Barnsdall Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood CA 90027 between Edgemont and Vermont
Shows run June 26-August 24, Thursday-Sunday at 7:30pm.

Reservations are free and strongly recommended as the space is limited. Reservation holders will be seated first. Free parking in park grounds, some seating available or bring your own blanket for the lawn. It gets cold after dark, so dress accordingly.

Special curtain-raiser shows begin at 6:30pm on Saturday August 16 & Wednesday August 20. As prelude to the play performance, Invertigo Dance Theater, known for their innovative and witty style, present ”Revelries and Reveries” choreographed around the themes of Twelfth Night. For more information and reservations contact the Independent Shakespeare Company at 323.836.0288
boxoffice@independentshakespeare.com

They say laughter can heal. And the legendary Groundlings offer another opportunity for you to strike gold with their new show “Your Body and You", which debuted to a sold-out house. Directed by Ted Michaels, the show’s themes bring back “the awkward pubescent years of cracking voices and training bras”. They explain, “The evening’s comedy hopes to remind you that the embarrassment of those mortifying moments still resides in your daily life…” And luckily, it’s funnier now.

Funny Bone

The show is divided up into 20 pieces, both sketches and improv scenes. Pacing is strong building to huge laughs and quirky character moments.  Almost every performer has a highlight, be it in a lead or supporting role.

The show opens with a couple dealing with double-booking themselves that evening. The best moment may be the last beat of the story. Lights cut to black and electricity fills the room. Let’s go!

Soon after, “Francisco Manor” already feels like a classic. Two hellish hotel clerks try to frighten a hotel guest with their wacky behavior. The comedy relies more and more on the clerks’ physical comedy. It just gets funnier as the two men start playing with it more and more. Needless to say, the more they play, the longer the laughs.

“The Lodge” has a crowded cast and they take a funny premise and keep going. It also employs something that many comedy lovers enjoy the most. When the players in the skit can’t hold back their own laughter. When it’s this good, no one can keep control.

Comic Showcase

Alex Staggs is fun and playful. He switches between characters with ease and delights the audience, having plenty of fun. He adds spice to each of the scenes he’s in.

Michael Naughton and Larry Dorf seem as though they can do no wrong when paired together. Great chemistry. They’re a natural team and you wish they were together more.

Kudos also to Jill Matson-Sachoff who proves she’s one of the guys, and wait ‘til she joins in the fun. By the end she’s made the entire audience laugh.  Good fun!

Who’s Got Funny?

Director Ted Michaels conducted laughs heard throughout West Hollywood. He casually asks the audience to pull out the most absurd ideas to let the comedians play with. He knows anything will work, but occasionally picks and chooses for the best.

The band chooses the perfect music to keep you moving and happy during every moment that you’re not laughing. Sometimes old-school, sometimes ‘80’s, the only consistency is their good-times vibe.

One More!

Jill Matson-Sachoff, with Steve Little delivers the perfect ending. It’s literally five minutes of non-stop laughter.  It only gets better.

Once again, The Groundlings hit a homerun for Friday night fun.  Sexy, funny, outrageous in the best of ways.  Find a date and go!

The Groundlings, Your Body and You: Friday 8pm and Saturday at 8pm, 10pm.
Tickets are $21.50; available at the box office, by phone, and website
Phone (323) 934-4747 ext. 37
Address: 7307 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA.

For more information, please visit: www.Groundlings.com
 

Shakespeare’s only domestic comedy is a cheerful delight. Story centers on Sir John Falstaff (Joe Hulser), a mischievous gentleman. Recently arrived in Windsor, he is inspired to woo a wealthy woman away from her stiff husband. Quickly enough he realizes, why only seduce one when two would be twice as fun. And so he begins seducing local women while padding his own pocket from their fortunes at the same time.

Unfortunately for Falstaff, the two women, Mistress Ford (Elyse Ashton) and Mistress Page (Victoria Hoffman), eventually compare love letters and realize they share the same lecherous love interest. Together, they scheme to teach Sir Falstaff a lesson in humility.

The wives’s respective husbands begin to suspect trickery, but react differently. Frank Ford (Stuart W. Howard), the jealous one, is concerned and plots to fool Falstaff into revealing his plans. George Page (Greg Baglia) on the other hand, trusts his wife.

In a Nutshell

As per the classic Shakespeare tradition, true love wins out.  But not before plenty of grief, shocks, gasps and a finale mix-up in the fairy garden of Windsor Forest.
Troy Dunn steals the opening moments. He has a Dick Van Dyke-quality that keeps him consistently appealing. His presence opens the show and warms the crowd.

Joe Hulser uses a blustering aggression to win over your heart. His movements begin with lumbering mobility, which makes his agile toe-tapping finesses by the end a true evolution.

Jean Gilpin has a Joan Allen-essence.  Her eyes dazzle and she’s delightfully passionate. Stephanie Kane delivers a strong and bubbly energy making her presence a joy.

Whipping it Up

Carey Upton’s direction is very ambitious and sometimes touch-and-go, but Upton’s stylized Windsor, with strong influence of Norman Rockwell’s Americana is memorable and brave. A very smart and dazzling choice.

Costumes are a direct result of this. Bright colors, pastel hues. It can’t help but put you in a giddy, celebratory mood. Designer Erin Tanaka overwhelms your senses. A visual delight.

Producer Annunziata Gianzero and stage manager Todd Silver have their work cut out for them, staging in a cobble stone and brick courtyard within a public park. Chances of distraction are expectedly high, but luckily there was next to nothing. No loud nearby noise and only one overhead plane in nearly 90 minutes. It seems the sky appreciates good Shakespeare as well.

Make it Happen

So here’s my suggestion: find a girl, find a friend and show off.  Let them see that you know even the hidden gems of this great city.  As the courtyard reveals itself halfway through the park, you’re gonna look “in the know” (“I didn’t know that was there”).

With free admission it’s an inexpensive date, a reason to get out of the house and you can even fake it and appear cultured.

Two last ideas. You’re outside. The sun’s gonna be in your eyes. Sunglasses aren’t enough. Throw on a fun hat. Second. It’s gonna get chilly. Bring two jackets. She’ll appreciate you all the more.

Show runs through August 3rd at Plummer Park.  Starting time is 5 pm.
Plummer Park’s Great Hall (7377 Santa Monica Blvd / Martel). It then continues August 9- 24 at West Hollywood Park, (647 N. San Vicente Blvd./opposite Pacific Design Center). Saturdays and Sundays at 5:00 PM
Again, the show is free, but the company accepts donations.
For more information or to reserve seating call                      323 960-5691           www.classicaltheatrelab.org

Live Nation taped the show in order to ensure that Paddy’s performance will live on well beyond the event. And legendary rock and roll photographer Mick Rock captured photographs to display in White Space shows in-property. Signature complimentary cocktails by Tava, a zero calorie sparkling beverage, were distributed among guests.

Paddy Casey, on top of being an 11 times platinum selling artist, is also a very genuinely humble person. His great success has definitely not gotten to his head. Apparently the best part about going 11 times platinum according to him was being able to purchase his own house in Ireland, thus enabling him to make music 24/7. “No one comes knocking on my door trying to shut me up anymore,” Paddy stated.

Paddy plays multiple instruments including but definitely not limited to drums, keyboards, xylophone, and guitar. He mentioned that though he can play many instruments he doesn’t think he’s very good at any. Apparently, with being the #1 artist in Ireland, he must be good at something. When pointed out that his music combines somber lyrics with upbeat tempos, he simply said that he tries to do something completely different with every individual song he writes. This definitely can be seen in each and every one of his tracks.

With his third, and what he believes to be his first “proper” album, Paddy was able to work with Eric Clapton’s drummer, Beck’s saxophone player, and had his own band involved as well. He has been named by Billboard and Entertainment Weekly as “one of the top emerging artists of the year” and is represented by Paul McGuinness of Principle Management who also manages legendary rock bad U2. Paddy considers himself very lucky to be where he is at, and to have worked with such great artists on his latest album. For more information on this up and coming soulful vocalist go to www.paddycasey.com. 

Story follows late-night radio host, “Barry Champlain” at an Ohio-based station. He wrestles with callers debating race, sex, drugs, politics and every other red-button issue a character mentions. Tonight, Champlain’s evening begins when he’s offered a syndication deal. He juggles the usual callers with extra pressure from his potential new bosses. The raging talker slowly unravels as the night continues. By sunrise, he may just be a changed man – for better or worse.

In 1988 Oliver Stone brought the play to celluloid where Eric Bogosian carried over into the lead role. Bogosian was as dynamic in the film as he was on stage, delivering a show-stopping performance.

In 2007, Liev Schreiber delighted Broadway audiences with his rave performance as “Champlain”. His work, combined with Bogosian’s, shows us that in the right hands, the project is a tour de force performance. 

The Met’s “Talk Radio” is a mixed bag. Adam T. Rosencrance leads the show as the radio host. He leaves much to be desired. His appearance lends more to a Tom Leykis vibe, yet his voice and delivery is far from the love-to-hate Leykis.

With Rosencrance there’s no dynamo, no seduction over the airwaves. He’s given a lisp that makes you question the reality — what station would hire a talk show host with a lisp?  He mumbles leaving the audience straining to hear. His lips contort and twist trying to keep up with the fast-paced dialogue. He’s like a musician who simply can’t hit the notes, and so listening to him for a ninety-minute concert is less than appealing.

On to the better

And yes, there is better. The real stars of the show are the silent performances in the background depicted by Tara Price and Adam Briggs. Most of the show they live through seemingly improv’ed mimicry. They flirt, they play, they work.  More often than not, they steal the show.

Around forty-five minutes in, Brigg’s “Stu” character comes forefront and delivers a monologue about meeting Champlain’s character years ago. Briggs is swift, gentle, nuanced and appealing. You quickly realize he may have been a better-suited “Champlain”. Give him some funky facial hair and a wig and you have a wiry host who’s compelling and stirs the audience into a fever pitch.

Too much time later, Price’s “Linda” comes to the forefront for her monologue about Champlain. She brings many positive things to her character, but the biggest flaw is her wardrobe. Yes, she’s dressed accurately for the time period (late 1980’s). But the bright red coat contrasts too sharply from her skin tone causing a major distraction. What she does perfectly is perform. Her gentleness and sensitivity reveals a new side of Champlain for the audience. As she explains their first night together, she does the impossible. She shows the slobbering beast as a likable gent.

Appreciating Barry

After the two monologues, you appreciate the Barry Champlain character, but not Rosencrance’s performance of Champlain. And that is the fatal flaw. While the production’s dialogue and story arc are dynamic, the lead performance leaves us dry and unaffected. There’s nothing the juicy supporting cast can do. Frankly, their efforts are what kept it from sinking further.

Supporting cast includes Mark Ian Sklar, Derrick Cole, Scot Shamblin, Valerie Finkel, the always reliable Parisa Fahkri, and Patrick Censoplano. Most have only a handful of words to deliver, but each does fine work.

A second saving grace is the direction, supplied by Ben Kusler. Kusler is an independent theater veteran who has refined his skills in small houses. He understands the stage and orchestrates his players well. It’s time for him to graduate to bigger venues, growing budgets and a larger audience.

Jacob Kile’s lighting is unevenly timed. The dimming, while certainly not original, works to create the needed claustrophobia. Dion Jackson’s sound was seemingly unsupervised.  At times the radio voices were distorted, others were acceptable. All of these things can be easily fixed with practice. Marc Ian Sklar’s costuming was noted earlier, he clearly had fun with the period work. At times, less is more.

The Met’s “Talk Radio” is a must-see for theater and film students. Truly. Experience how one weak element handicaps an otherwise fine production. The best education is learning from one’s mistakes. In your mind, imagine Briggs as Champlain. Or allow fellow Met alumni Eric Hailey to set the stage on fire with Champlain’s dynamite dialogue. Both alternate casting choices might have solidified the production into a stronger existence.

“Talk Radio” plays until July 27.
Thurs-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 7pm
Admission $20
Reservations (323)960-4429
Online ticketing: www.plays411.com/talkradio
For more information visit: www.TheMetTheatre.com