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Four Interesting Places You Wouldn’t Expect to See Some Really Cool Art

NoHo - North Hollywood
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Art has so many wonderful benefits, both for individuals and cultures. It’s important in schools and it’s important as we grow older. However, when you think of art, you probably imagine taking a trip to the local art gallery.

There’s no doubt that you can get your fix in an art museum, but that isn’t the only place you can find work from the masters. As a matter of fact, some of the coolest art around can be found where you would least expect to see it.

Electronic Cigarettes

We all want to stick out from the crowd in our own way. One great way to do that is with art. That’s why it has permeated our lives and our culture in ways we never could have expected.

From custom laptop skins to cell phone cases, backpacks, and more, art is all around us. Well, it’s on electronic cigarettes too!

From swirling colors to partnerships with artists, smoking and vaping has never been more stylish.

On the Street

Even if you don’t go to the museum to see some art, you probably expect to see it indoors. That isn’t necessarily the case with these cool art installations that can be found outside:

  • Yarn bombing: The art of covering or wrapping outside objects in yarn and crochet patterns.
  • Street sign mods: From painted handicap parking signs to street signs, artists are adding their special touch to the signage we see every day.
  • Murals: Unlike any graffiti you’ve ever seen, modern art murals use the details around them to interact with their environment.

Under a Microscope

As surprising as some art is for being unexpected or downright gigantic, there is plenty of artwork out there that takes a different approach. Take Willard Wigans for example.

This innovative artist creates the kind of artwork you have to squint to see. It’s even better if you have a microscope. That’s because his creations fit on the head of a pin or inside the eye of a needle.

Scientists are getting in on the action too and releasing microscopic images of a beautiful, tiny world that many of us don’t realize exists.

Inside Dilapidated Buildings

Residents of large cities understand that dilapidated buildings are a waste of space, so why not use them if no one else is?

Many buildings that are doomed for demolition become pop-up art galleries that require a special invitation to view. Others serve as a single artist’s hideaway, while still others are completely modified to serve a different purpose. Next time you wander by an abandoned building, you might do well to wonder what’s inside.

So many of us are stuck with a narrow view of exactly what art looks like. But the truth is, art is around us all the time! Just open your eyes a little wider the next time you’re out in the world and you will be surprised to find art everywhere you look.

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Creating an Acting Plan – Part Two

Fran Montano
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Creating an Acting Plan – Part Two

This is part two of managing your contact list. Last month  I talked about creating your guest list. I’ll repeat briefly what I said for those who missed it.

I also encourage you to go to the archives and review it if you didn’t’ read it in full.

As actors, performers, musicians, comedians, or artists of any sort, you all have one thing in common.  You are in the business of creating your art, mastering it, getting it seen, promoted, and ultimately sold.   You need to continually work on your craft, take chances, risks, and be willing to fall on your face and fail. We all know that stretching yourself is the way to grow as an artist and in your work. You need to push your limits, and take chances to expand your performance and emotional range. That is how you develop confidence as a performer.  Experience is the key.

Also, you need to promote yourself and get your “art” seen.

That means you need to get industry people to see your work.  I see many actors trying to do both things at once, and they can cancel each other out if not handled properly.  This is a particular issue for Los Angeles actors as those two ventures and venues can coincide.  Therefore, they need to be handled differently. That’s why I say you need to have two “guest” lists and strategies,  meaning  – who do you invite to see your work?

Ok, so last month your homework was to create both your guest lists.

Hopefully for those following, you have them and have a total for each. This is important to do so you can see how your lists grow as you move forward and evaluate yourself.

The big question I get from most actors is this. “How often should I contact my Industry list?  I can contact my friends all the time as they are my friends and they love me so I know they won’t  be bothered”.  This is a personal choice and one that you need to get comfortable with as ultimately it represents you and is your energy being put out there.

Here’s one way to think about it. 

I tell people to look at their emails that come into their inbox.  How often do you get emails that you just delete and more importantly, how often do they come in?  I get a lot of emails from people and organizations. It’s usually in a newsletter format so it doesn’t require me to respond. I like that. Sometimes when I keep getting a lot of them, I might get tired of them and delete them or maybe read just one, and if it’s not that interesting, I delete them as they come in.  When I get one not too often, I tend to take a quick look through it. Look at other organizations and newsletters that come in and see for yourself.  How do you respond and what do you like and do regarding emails that come to you?  That’s a good way to see what you might want to do.  I find when I get one a month, I tend to take a look at it. When I get one every week, I see it but don’t necessarily read it unless it’s a group I’m very involved in. So your work is to find the “sweet spot”, the frequency that keeps you on their “radar”, and interested but not you ”pestering” them. How does it work on your end?  Put yourself on that side of the equation with your own personal email coming in to help you to “feel” what works for you. What emails do you simply delete and which ones do you look at?  That’s the magic you want to find.  Keep in mind that actors are in the business of keeping their industry contacts updated so industry people get a lot. They also want and expect to be informed, but don’t like being aggressively pursued. You want them to know about you, but not be pestered by you. This takes some thinking and experimenting. There are social media experts out there that have great strategies. It’s worth researching them.   I won’t get into Facebook, twitter, snapchat, linked in, and all the other choices as that is not my expertise and I can’t even keep up with it myself.  I do think a personal website is very important.  Because when you do something of interest, you want a link that people will want to go to, to get more information. So as you get a new reel, photos, or any more information you want that on your website.

In summary, my message here is to create your two lists, notice and keep track of the totals, and work towards increasing them, so you can monitor the marketing aspect of your career.  That’s part one.  Part two is to then find your format and frequency to communicate; email, postcards, facebook, linked in, twitter, etc.  Simply put, you want to stay on their radar. I suggest you find your system and stick with it as opposed to bouncing around with many. You want to be consistently present with you audience. You can reevaluate later.

As far as industry, I’d say contact them once a month to let them know you exist.

Find something interesting and creative to say so you stay in their consciousness. Ask friends for their opinions and what they are doing. The most important thing is to put this into motion and keep at it.

Finally, be consistent, be constant, and be organized. It will serve you. Whether you have 30 or 3000 contacts, a system of communication and follow-up is important.  I’ll see you here next month.

NoHo Fringe Festival 2017!

Lisa Bianconi
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NoHo Arts District and Surrounding San Fernando Valley Neighborhoods to Hold Third Annual NoHo Fringe Festival in North Hollywood.

As an area with one of the highest concentrations of live performance theatres outside of New York City, the North Hollywood (NoHo) and surrounding San Fernando Valley communities offer a wide variety of entertainment options for theatre-goers looking for everything from classics to new works to the completely unpredictable.

This fall, the theatre and artistic community comes together to again highlight their productions, performances, and talents in the 2017 NoHo Fringe Festival from October 19 through November 19.

Stage plays, one-person shows, sketch, improv and stand-up comedy, storytelling, musicals, dance, and Halloween-themed shows are all welcome as part of the festival – and audiences love every bit of it.

Nancy Bianconi is the publisher of NoHoArtsDistrict.com, the official website of the NoHo Arts District that serves as the primary hub of online activity and promotions for the area, and is the official media partner of the festival.

“We have a vibrant and fun artistic community, and we’re fortunate to have the support of so many patrons who come to see shows and enjoy the restaurants and shops near the theatres. The Fringe Festival increases the visibility of our entertainment offerings and helps bring new audiences to events here,” says Bianconi.

The festival began in 2015 as a grassroots effort to showcase the great work that is routinely part of quality productions in the NoHo and surrounding Valley areas. As it grows, organizers hope the festival will evolve to include more venues, more productions, and more performers from other places.

Festival director Dan Kane says “We chose the ‘Fringe’ concept because there’s such a long history of fringe fests around the country and around the world where the focus is much less about the structure of the event and much more about performers and audiences just coming together to enjoy the experience, whatever it may be. It’s the freedom to present performance art without wondering if it ‘fits in’ with the festival – because everything fits in.”

“We’re proud and thrilled to have the support & participation of so many for whom the NoHo and Valley area is an artistic home, and at the same time we welcome producers, performers, and patrons from other places to join us in discovering all that the NoHo community has to offer,” added Kane.

Registration is now open for productions of any size or number of performances, at www.NoHoFringe.org, where the online Fringe Guide will list all performance and venue information during the festival.

For more information, please visit the NoHo Fringe Festival site at www.NoHoFringe.org.

WHEN:

October 19 – November 19, 2017

TICKETS>>

 

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

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NoHo News: Fat Dog’s Dogs. Urban Death. NoHo Farmers Market. The BIG Theatre Issue.

Lisa Bianconi
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Here’s your NoHo arts community update!

We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood. Click on the image and to see the online version of our NoHo News…ENJOY NOHO!

NoHo News: Fat Dog's Dogs. Urban Death. NoHo Farmers Market. The BIG Theatre Issue.

Follow NoHo News with Bloglovin

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

 

Get to Know ‘818 Empire’

Luckie
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Get to Know ‘818 Empire’

As each generation navigates through and beyond their prime years in the dance industry, a select few get the yearning to structure development programs that help prepare and produce the next wave of talented dancers.

Currently dancer/choreographers like Tovaris Wilson, Lisette Bustamante, Chonique Sneed, Rhapsody, and Willdabeast have started training programs that offer a carefully crafted regimen that will undoubtedly cultivate a dancer’s physical, mental, and spiritual strength in a short amount of time by tackling industry and personal adversities head-on. This allows them to be more focused on maintaining a thriving career.

The two guys that I’ve interviewed are following in those footsteps! Not only are they going through the trenches of starting their own careers, they’ve also formed a company called the 818 Empire that molds and gives an outlet to young dancers from the San Fernando Valley. With all the imports from different states and countries flocking to California, often times we forget that there are superstars living right here in Los Angeles County.

When I first met Steven Lopez, I could tell that there was a calling on his life to not only be dynamic in his own right, but to help guide others with an endearing, patient, and an authentic charisma. After doing numerous workshops, dance videos, and performances with him, I’ve been able to experience his hard work and dedication firsthand. No matter what the project is or what I need from him, Steven shows up ready to show off! I took a moment to speak with him and Walter Moran who is his co-founder co-director of 818 Empire.

“As our careers began to blossom, we felt we needed to create an opportunity for other dancers that would help them navigate the dance industry and connect them to other choreographers and dancers.”

Where are you from and how were you introduced to dance?

WM: I’m from Sun Valley and I was introduced to dance in high school.

SL: Originally from West Covina but living in Fontana now.

What do you love about the area of North Hollywood?

WM: I love that the studios are so close by each other. It feels like everyone there is buzzing with creativity.

SL: There’s everything here; food, studios, entertainment, parking & I feel safe.

Tell me about how you began connecting and dancing professionally.

SL: It all started when I joined Show Off Dance Company. I was a new up and coming dancer who wanted a career out of it but didn’t know how to get started and had never been trained before. I started as an extra for music videos & films. My first credit would be appearing in a music video for Ally Hernandez Brooke from Fifth Harmony. At the time,  she was a new solo female artist before becoming a member of the group. As years passed I continued to focus on my commitment to training hard as a member of SODC. That’s how I met other industry choreographers like G. Madison, Evan Moody, Kendrick Clevor, Gerald Gee Scott, Trey Rich & Luckie. I met each of them through Show OFF Intensive Workshops. Moving forward, I got to work on projects/gigs and grew to be good friends with them. The rest just happens as I brand myself including putting in more work, training myself in different studios/instructors like Brooklyn Jai and meeting other dancers. I just want to keep sharing my passion for dance and having people trust me to be a part of their vision.

What made you want to start your own Dance Company?

WM: I wanted to start my own dance company because I wanted to continue helping the 818 community by positively influencing those who come from low income families to get their foot out there in the dance industry.

SL: I always wanted to have my own team but never thought I could or even knew how. But Walter gave me an opportunity to work with him to start our own dance company together. 

What is the goal and mission behind 818 and who what type of people do usually recruit?

WM: One of our goals for 818 members is to prepare them with an understanding and knowledge of the industry. We teach them how to do their resumes, dance reels & and help navigate getting quality headshots.

SL: To have 818 members develop into working professional dancers through our personal and professional resources. Its always amazing to work with industry choreographers/artist who want to have 818 in there projects and gigs. We’re open to any type of person. We recruit anyone who really wants to be part of the 818 family. We don’t judge. We give all the love, support and encouragement to all our dancers.

Tell me about a few performance opportunities, videos that 818 has been a part of. 

SL WM: Kidz Carnival” was one of our biggest events we ever performed at. That showcase helped us put our names out there in the Summer of 2016. Since then, 818 Empire has been in a few music videos as backup dancers for young new artists.

Where do you rehearse and why?

Our rehearsals are usually at the Basement Dance Center because it’s in the heart of North Hollywood. It’s great space to hone in and work hard without any distractions.

What do you see for the future of the company?

WM: I see 818 as a company traveling together, teaching workshops, performing in different cities.

SL: The same, but also having our own dance studio.

Whats one of the greatest life lessons you’ve learned?

WM: I’ve learned to stay strong by running a business. It’s not easy! We realize not everyone is going to support us so my strength to continue feeds off the dancers who are want to soak in all the knowledge they can from every experience.

SL: You can’t please everyone so be more patient with yourself. Just keep going and continue to invest in the ones who put in the work and have a great attitude. That shows how much they’re taking their craft seriously. 

Who would you say inspires you the most?

WM: College Dance Teacher, Marianne Weiser. I’d never seen someone dancing at such a late age. She’s about 87 now and still doesn’t let anything stop her. It really gave me a different perspective.

SL: My coach, teacher, mentor would be who continues to inspire me the most. She’s been the biggest influence on my dance career since I started in 2012. I’ve learned so much from her just by watching her through the years as coach and teacher. I admire her work ethic. Such a free spirit person motivated & puts on a smile every day. That’s something I have to learn for myself as a young coach/teacher and a professional dancer/choreographer. 

What’s one of the things you like most about being able to utilize social media in promoting and connecting 818 with the world?

SL: Social Media is like our very own timeline diary of all our adventures, moments & memories of how we first started til now.

WM: To show people what 818 is all about. It helps us brand 818 by sharing videos on Instagram & YouTube of our work, classes, concept videos, behind of scenes and including what 818 members do outside of the company as working dancers. 

What’s one of the hardest challenges dealing with younger kids?

SL: Lecturing them between personal life & professionalism on how to make sacrifices. Listening & understanding of what’s right and whats wrong.

WM: Biggest issue about dealing with younger kids is commitment & being responsible. They sometimes dont really know how much determination it takes to swim through it all until they’re already in the water.

What do you want your 818 members to learn while under your direction?

SL:

– Be humble

– Always stay top of your game.

– Be ready for anything that comes at you.

– Keep going for more & more opportunities.

– Never doubt yourself.

– Stay positive

– and LIVE YOUR LIFE

WM: Stay true to who you are, never change, be humble & always stay passionate throughout their journey through dance.

4 Ways to Save with Frozen Donor Egg

NoHo - North Hollywood
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 4 Ways to Save with Frozen Donor Egg

donnar-egg.jpg

Starting a family is already one of the most emotional, life-changing decisions a couple can make. With an infertility diagnosis, the issue becomes even more complicated. Many would-be parents become consumed by grief, anger, or depression when faced with infertility. However, all hope is not lost, as there are many options to consider to create the family of your dreams.

When it comes to Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) like donor egg IVF, using frozen donor egg can offer considerable benefits and savings over fresh donor egg. Having a solid financial plan is the foundation of a stable family, so considering all of your options is vital before deciding on a course of action. When deciding between fresh or frozen donor egg, one needs to consider the cost-to-benefit ratios, not only in terms of finances, but also in time and emotional stress.

Choosing Donor Egg: Fresh or Frozen Cycles?

Donor egg IVF is an infertility solution for women in their late 30s or 40s who cannot conceive using their own eggs, and may have previously experienced unsuccessful IVF treatment. Donor egg IVF offers a great chance at conception for individuals who believe pregnancy is no longer a possibility.

Between the different donor egg IVF options, frozen or fresh eggs, frozen donor egg cycles are much more affordable in many ways – let’s explore the savings potential in choosing frozen donor egg over fresh.

  1. Eliminate legal expenses

When using fresh donor eggs, extensive legal aid is required to help sort out the legalities regarding donor rights. Drafting a solid contract wherein the donor’s parenting rights are fundamentally relinquished is a costly affair. Depending on your place of residence, it could cost several thousands of dollars.

In a frozen donor egg cycle, however, the egg bank has already established a contract with the donor beforehand – this saves the recipient a countless amount of money, time, effort, and especially the stress of visiting an attorney.

  1. Cut travel costs, donor medical costs, and avoid donor disqualification

Donor medical costs and travel expenses – if the donor is not local – are an added expense to the recipient, which further inflates the final price of a fresh donor egg cycle. The exact travel cost may vary depending on distance, mode of transportation, and possible accommodations needed.

Additionally, each potential egg donor must pass an extensive, rigorous testing process to be declared physically, emotionally, and psychologically fit to provide donor eggs. The tests include physical and psychological examinations, a meeting with a geneticist, and extensive infectious disease testing, just to name a few. The potential donor can be disqualified at any time if she doesn’t meet the necessary criteria, which means that the recipient must restart the process all over again with a new fresh donor egg prospect. When choosing a frozen donor egg, you know the donor has already passed all the necessary screening.

Prepping the donor for egg donation is a laborious process in itself, including several steps such as menstrual cycle syncing with the recipient and controlled ovulation triggering. Each step requires special medication for the donor, all of which are added to the recipient’s final fresh donor egg cycle bill.

Compared with a fresh donor cycle, all screening, medical, medication and legal expenses are already factored into the price of a frozen donor egg cycle. This makes frozen donor egg significantly more cost-efficient and affordable than fresh donor egg. As a bonus, it also significantly widens the donor pool from which the recipient can choose from, as frozen donor cycles don’t require the donor to be physically present — the eggs can be shipped across the US and internationally to your fertility clinic.

  1. Get pregnant on your own schedule

Frozen donor egg is perfect for those who don’t have time to wait for menstrual cycle syncing, or can’t handle yet another disqualified fresh egg donor. When you pick the perfect frozen egg donor, her eggs are simply retrieved from storage and shipped to your fertility clinic at your convenience. Your doctor prescribes medication to prep your uterus for the IVF cycle, and the frozen donor eggs are thawed and fertilized with your partner’s (or a donor’s) sperm. After three to five days, the embryos are implanted during a simple outpatient procedure via a thin catheter. The entire process can take as few as 4 weeks to complete!

In contrast, fresh egg donors need to be actively involved throughout the process, and the time needed for testing, cycle prep and syncing, and a trial transfer can take over a month before the actual retrieval and implantation happen. Other unpredictable factors can delay the process, such as the donor contracting an infection, which may extend this period considerably and add further expense to the cycle. An unexpected life event for you or for the donor may mean restarting the process from square one.

  1. Comparing Final Costs – Fresh vs Frozen Donor Egg Cycles

The final cost for single donor egg IVF treatment can vary depending on multiple factors, including your place of residence and which type of cycle (fresh or frozen) is chosen. However, rough estimates are that a single fresh donor egg cycle may cost upwards of $30,000 or more, while frozen donor egg cycles are significantly less, ranging around $18,000.

While fresh donor egg cycles are still more common, the lower overall cost and amazing technological advancements made in the field of cryopreservation make frozen donor egg cycles a more affordable choice for those who seek to fulfill their life-long dream of having a child of their own.

Is Frozen Donor Egg Right for You?

Frozen donor egg offers an affordable, time-efficient solution to achieve the pregnancy and happiness you’ve longed for. The choice between using fresh or frozen donor egg ultimately lies in your hands, but investing in your future family doesn’t have to break the bank.

Make sure you get the most out of your holiday experience

NoHo - North Hollywood
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Make sure you get the most out of your holiday experience

Preparing for a holiday can be a stressful experience. Whether you’re booking last minute transfers, finding cheap airport parking sites or shoving your entire wardrobe into a suitcase, you can sometimes feel like you need a holiday from you holiday. The stress can be so much that it’s difficult to take a step back and actually make the most of your holiday, but we’ve gathered together a few tips on how to make the most out of your break.

Don’t cram too much in

Don’t overschedule your days, or you’ll quickly find that you’re not taking in anything that you’re actually going. Trying to fit in a weekends worth of activity into a single day can mean that you miss out on little details. You won’t remember everything that you’ve been doing simply because your brain can’t take on that much information all at once. You won’t be able to immerse yourself in what you’re doing. Slow down and take a breath. You’ll get far more out of your experiences that way.

Try and avoid the ‘work sandwich’

If you can, try and book a day or two off either side of your holiday. It’ll give you the chance to relax before you go, and after you come back. It may take up more of your holiday time at work, but it can make your holiday feel far more relaxing than if you sandwich your holiday straight in-between work with no chance to get excited or recover from being away.

Take holidays you genuinely want to take

Make sure you go on a break you actually want to go on, and not just what was the cheapest at the time. If you want to go to Greece, there’s no point booking a holiday to Cornwall and spending the entire break wishing that you could be somewhere else in warmer sunshine. Take a holiday you want to take, and not one that other people want to take. Don’t try and impress people with how far away you can go if you’d actually just prefer to go to the next country over, or even stay somewhere in your own country. If you want to be there, you’ll take more in and you’ll enjoy yourself so much more.

Be prepared

Be prepared before you go. Pull together checklists, make sure you have everything you could need for every eventuality. Whether it means bring your swimsuit and a raincoat, or sandals and hiking boots, being prepared is definitely one way to enjoy your holiday more. It’ll take away from the stresses of having to find somewhere that sells something you need, or trying to think up quick, makeshift solutions to not having something that turns out to be essential. Check reviews from the place you’re going, and use them to your advantage. After all, people that have been there are going to know what you need to take.

Try something new

Doing something completely new and outside of your comfort zone is the most sure-fire way of getting the most out of your break. If you try something that you’ve never tried before, you’re going to remember it whether you enjoy it or you end up deciding it’s not for you. Whether that’s learning a new language, learning a new skill or even just partaking in a new culture’s traditions, stepping outside of the norm and doings something new will make it all worthwhile.

What To Do If You Have An Accident On The Way To Work

NoHo - North Hollywood
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What To Do If You Have An Accident On The Way To Work

If you’re involved in an accident on the way to work, particularly if it’s a road accident, then there are a few things that you’re going to need to make sure you do. Firstly, you’re going to need to stop, even if the accident is just a minor one, and no damage has been caused. There are a number of different things that can happen at any time of day, but in rush hour with everyone rushing on the way to get to work at a certain time, erratic driving can cause a number of minor to major accidents. Here, we’re taking a look at the top things that you should do if you’re involved in an accident on the way to work.

Exchange Details

Whether you’re the cause of the accident or not, you’re going to need to ensure that you swap names and addresses with the other driver. Whether you decide to make a claim through insurance or not, there are a huge number of different reasons why you should still make sure that you swap details. If no offense was committed, no animals were involved in the accident, no injuries occurred and there was either minor or no damage, then exchanging details is all you need to do. If no other driver was involved in the accident and you simply hit a parked car, for instance, you should make sure that you leave these details on the car’s windscreen.

Call Emergency Services

If someone has been injured in any way, you should ensure that the police and an ambulance are called. It is also important to ensure that you call the police if your vehicle(s) are blocking the road as they can help to navigate the traffic and deal with the situation as soon as possible. If the police do not attend to the scene due to the accident being minor and their presence is not necessary, then you should still ensure that you head to a police station within 24 hours. Calling the emergency services doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to be in any form of trouble, particularly if the accident wasn’t your fault. It simply helps to ensure that there is a record of it.

Make A Claim

If the accident you were involved in wasn’t your fault, or it occurred in a work car park and was a cause of company negligence before you even walk into the building, then you might consider making a claim. Whether this is through your insurance company, or you’re seeking compensation claims, then you should ensure you know all of the details relating to the accident. You will need to write down or make note of the time and place of the accident, who was involved, how the accident occurred, the weather and traffic conditions at the time of the accident, any particular road markings or signals that may be in place at the time, and if there are any cameras around the area that may have caught sight and recorded the incident. Any witnesses may also help with your claim. Once you have all of this information, you may then be able to make a valid claim for compensation. 

Time As Activity – David Lamelas and Bernd & Hilda Becher

Raleigh Barrett Gallina
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Time As Activity – David Lamelas and Bernd & Hilda Becher

Time as Activity exhibition at

Sprüth Magers is a gallery where you could wear the cookiest outfit and be accepted into the fold of the art world. You’d probably even get a compliment! In a teasing way, what I’m getting at is that Sprüth Magers is a well-established gallery with a nose for what’s hot in the art world.

Specializing in modern and contemporary art, Sprüth Magers is an international gallery with cornerstones in Berlin, London, and Los Angeles.

Sprüth Magers tries to keep intimate rapport with its roster of German and American artists. Sprüth Magers understands well what the 21st century in each society is anxious about, and what Germans and Americans have a fascinated nostalgia for in the 21st century.

Personally, I’ve long had a fascination with spaces inhabited by people, and spaces where people come together either by chance or intention. David Lamelas’ exhibition, Time As Activity, satiates a facet of my fascination with inhabited spaces throughout time.

When I say Lamelas interrogates space throughout time, I mean that Lamelas’ work spans across the ages as a whole, but his work also spans the minutes of daily life in commonspaces.

For example, Lamelas explores Dusseldorf between 11:25am to 11:29am, 3:00pm and 3:40pm, and in another space, Lamelas selects twelve minutes from twenty-four hours of city activity. The intention of Lamelas’ work isn’t geared towards any aesthetic end, but Lamelas’ work simply shows time in the city where actions take place and are conditioned and limited by the city.

What’s most meta about the exhibition is the space that Lamelas creates within the delegated exhibition area.

Lamelas’ exhibition consists of projections of daily life in various cities, ranging from political plazas and TV news broadcasts of today, to black and white film of parking lots of German cities.

All of Lamelas’ projections are done on old film projectors. Most of Hollywood is cringing that I don’t know the type and speed of the film projectors, but my concern isn’t with the equipment, but the atmosphere the lay-gallery-goer would take in. Afterall, I am just a lay-gallery-goer. I’m seriously considering wearing a crazy outfit next time I go though. Anyways, I digress.

My very expensive and highly professional iPhone 5s photography equipment couldn’t capture the video projections David Lamelas cast on the gallery walls. However, in the photo below, you can see that one of the projections is, and it was one of my favorite. The mural-sized painting by Pablo Picasso, Guernica, was projected onto a slightly smaller scale than the actual painting. At the exhibition opening, you could watch people watching people watching art. The brilliance of Lamelas is that he not only captures the macro of time and space in cities, but Lamelas also emphasizes the microcosms which have sprung from city society, and in fact recirculate and promote cultural-specific inhabited spaces.

The downstairs exhibition which runs parallel to Time As Activity is Bernd and Hilda Becher’s exhibition.

I would say that Bernd and Hilda Becher’s work compliments, or segways into Time As Activity, but both exhibitions truly stand strong as individual exhibitions with an obvious theme of time and space.

Bernd and Hilda Becher’s exhibition consists of a series of architectural photographs with architecture as the subject.

Featuring water towers, grain elevators, coal tipples and factory facades from both the U.S. and Germany, the Bechers’ exhibition walks the audience through abandoned sites of industry. Cleverly, the water towers speak to an age gone by in Los Angeles, yet Angelenos are very familiar with the modern studio water towers which are hallmarks of an industry still booming.

The Bechers argue that photography provide a precision in representation that other mediums wouldn’t.

I argue that photography is the only medium which captures the fascination and nostalgia with which the 21st-century industrialized nation-state societies have with industrialization. Industrialized, European societies capture the past in old-timey prints, and frequently put these photographs in spaces where they can be viewed by contemporary society (museums). This is where the poetry of Bernd and Hilda Becher’s exhibition gets going, in a highly meta-format.

Bernd and Hilda Becher’s exhibition is both an intellectual and personally indulgent exhibition.

While Sprüth Magers is an established gallery with refined taste, the beauty of the exhibitions are in their accessibility on all levels: from the art plebeians to the art bourgeoisie.

Exhibition:
Time As Activity – David Lamelas and Bernd & Hilda Becher

Where:
5900 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
[Right across from the LACMA! No, not the LA Fitness..next to LA Fitness.]

Hours:
10am – 6pm Tu-Sat ; Closed Sunday and Monday

Artists:
Bernd and Hilda Becher ∙ David Lamelas

When:
September 07 – October 21, 2017

Do You Want To Be A Dancer? 5 Things Good Dancers Do Differently

NoHo - North Hollywood
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Do You Want To Be A Dancer? 5 Things Good Dancers Do Differently

You have a love for music and you seem to come alive when you dance. You have taken some classes and you think this might be for you. You could be right. You may be one of the elite that was born to dance. But before you decide to set that goal, you need to be very honest with yourself. You have only seen the top layer, and like the icing on a cake, it is lovely. But the work that went into baking that cake was intense.

Let us look at a few things a good dancer does differently than the average dancer. At the end of it all, if you feel challenged and even more determined and sure of yourself, then you may become the dancer of your (and our) dreams.

  • Never make or accept excuses

Becoming a good dancer takes hours and hours of practice. Practice is gruelling and desperately hard work. Like any athlete, you will have to get at the top of your game at every call, and that means practising without fail and without exception.

  • You look yourself in the eye

You may be giving it 100%, but if your move is wrong, you are simply perfecting a failure. You have to use mirrors, recordings, and photographs to catch that one twist, turn, or reach that is imperfect. Unless you are willing to look at your imperfection, you will never reach perfection.

  • The clothes you work in are critical

Dance uniforms, leotards, dance slippers, and other dance attire play a major role in the success of a dancer. There are a few reasons for this. On the side of the obvious, dance uniforms are made to allow perfect movement, while allowing the body to breathe and movements to flow. A dancer’s body is their tool, it must be cared for and nourished. While training for dance, we push our body beyond its comfort zone. Another important reason to wear the correct clothes is safety. When a dancer is concentrating on a jump, turn, or step they cannot be concerned with their clothes causing them to trip and fall. You do not have to endlessly shop, you can find what you need on line at places like Just For Kix.

  • Follow instructions

The restrictions and rules a dancer places on herself can make them inflexible. They do not follow the crowd but we cannot let that overflow into other parts of our lives. Perhaps your sister is getting married. You are asked to perform during the reception, and you accept that high honor, that does not give you the right to put demands the bride.

If the bride wants to wear this trendy black dress for her wedding, but you wanted to wear black for your performance, you must wear the color she chooses for you. A good dancer can perform in any color and you have no right to take her spotlight.

  • Listen to their body

A good dancer knows their body. When there is an unusual pain or problem, they do not wave it off. They seek professional help. They do not ignore any signs of injury and push through it unless they know it is safe to do so. The instructor has a keen eye and will know when even the slightest thing is amiss. But it is ultimately the dancer who must be so in tune with themselves that they know how to prevent a minor issue from becoming a major injury.

A good dancer is self-focused yet self-less. She is strong but flexible. She is balanced as part of the universe, but she knows she is not the center of it. She is the definition of beauty.

The Fat Dog’s Dogs for CA Firefighters

Lisa Bianconi
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The Fat Dog is serving up some hot dogs for California’s firefighters the entire month of September.

The www.nohoartsdistrict.com motto really should be:

“NoHo is only as great as its people.”

One of the special things about the NoHo Arts District is the unique businesses that call our neighborhood home. The Fat Dog North Hollywood is one of these unique and community minded restaurants.

The Fat Dog is serving up some hot dogs for California’s firefighters

Did you know?

The Fat Dog in North Hollywood  (and their Fairfax restaurant) has created a special promotion for the month of September that will donate a portion of proceeds from each hot dog sold back to the California Fire Foundation to support Firefighter Appreciation month. The Foundation provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect. The public is also encouraged to support their local firefighters by donating at CAfirefoundation.org/thankafirefighter or by texting FIRE to 707070.

The Fat Dog is serving up some hot dogs for California’s firefighters

“We are honored to a part of this worthy cause, they deal with potential tragedy on a daily basis, our lives and the livelihoods of others that patron our establishment regularly, are dramatically affected with on going fires that jeopardize our community in North Hollywood,“ says The Fatdog owner and chef John Gladish. “Without these courageous men and women, our homes, businesses and communities would greatly suffer. We are also, grateful that our Fairfax location can also be a part of this great cause.”

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WHEN:

September 2017

WHERE:

The Fat Dog
11050 Magnolia Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 985-DOGG
info@fatdogla.com

 

The Fat Dog is serving up some hot dogs for California’s firefighters

You can also say hi over here too:

TWITTER  | INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK 

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

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Top US cities for an arts holiday

NoHo - North Hollywood
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Top US cities for an arts holiday

Museums and art galleries can be found across the world and the US is no exception to that. Not only will you learn more about the history of the portraits hung in front of you, visiting these kind of places are a grey way to spend time with the people you visit with. If you’re thinking about travelling to the United States of America soon, make sure you apply for an ESTA Visa. Applying for an esta visa is easy; simply enter your details and make your payment to determine the eligibility of your travelling to the United States under the USA Waiver Program. Find out the top US cities for an arts holiday below.

  1. Crown Fountain, Chicago 

The Crown Fountain found in Chicago is one of the largest pieces of public art and video-embedded sculptures found in Chicago’s Millennium Park. The attraction includes a number of elements including the use of water, glass and light to create a quirky space.  You can also find The Cloud Gate Sculpture, otherwise called “the bean”, designed by Anish Kapoor at the heart of Millennium Park. 

  1. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City 

Home to 5,000 years-worth collected from around the world, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is perfect for everyone to enjoy. Experience the world of ancient Egypt shrines including the Temple of Dendur – the main attraction. Once a temple built by the Roman governor of Egypt, the Temple of Dendur can now be enjoyed in NYC. 

  1. Storm King Art Center, New York State 

Nature and art is combined at the Storm King Art Centre. More than 100 modern strategically placed sculptures can be found around the open-air museum in Mountainville. As one of the leading sculpture parks, no wonder it has attracted visitors from over the world. Enjoy a day of engaging exhibitions and educational talks whilst valuing the beauty of the environment and large-scale sculptures. 

  1. National Gallery of Art, Washington DC 

Home to over 120000 pieces of art from the past to the present created by more than 13000 artists including the likes of Mary Beale and Rogier van der Weydon, the National Gallery of Art located in Washington DC is an art museum to not be missed. 

  1. Museum of Modern Art, New York City 

Otherwise known as MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art located in Midtown Manhattan houses is home to some of the most admirable collections of modern art. Amongst the 150,000 are pieces hung proudly on the walls, you will find the famous work of Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, “The Starry Night”. 

Get ready to be taken back in time at some of the top US cities for an arts holiday. The value of arts continue to inspire, educate and engage people from across the world bringing them a step closer to what life was like back when. Have you embarked on an arts holiday before? Now is the time!

Review of MEDEA playing at the Archway Theatre in NOHO

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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Archway Theatre presents “Medea” playing through October 1 at The Archway Theatre in the NoHo Arts District

Directed by Steven Sabel.

Ah Medea, the bane of every strong, scorned woman’s life, the standard by which all we “Exes” are bound to be judged. 

It’s a particularly high bar she set, but then, as I said at the end of the play to my husband, “he really should have known what he was getting into…”

So the story, if you are not familiar, is this.  Jason, of the Argonauts fame, met Medea when he was off on one of his adventures and needed her help to get the Golden Fleece. She agreed to help him if he married her, but first, she had to escape her father which she did by killing her brother to cause a distraction…nice.

They then married and had several children together and then many years later he met Glauce, daughter of Creon the King of Corinth and abandons Medea and their children…typical!

Anyone else would probably have slunk away, hurt, angry and blaming themselves, but not Medea…oh no.  Medea conjures up diabolical spells and wreaks havoc, brings death and horror and ultimately fully embodies (and some) the over used  term, “a woman spurned.” 

So, now you have the story straight let’s get to the telling of it.  A play adapted from the works of Seneca and Euripides, Medea is an honest to goodness Greek Tragedy, complete with chorus and togas.  But for all the drama of the ancient world, even surrounding Medea, it could be a bit stale, or tame by our ‘modern’ standards or gore…although it’s pretty graphic.  However, The Archway Theatre company has efficiently avoided all those cliches and has created a performance worthy of the the masters who wrote them.

I love a good Greek Tragedy…all fire and passion and revenge!  And this wonderful production of Medea is a really good example of how a love for the masters can shine through on stage.

Archway always go all the way, never holding back on the gloriousness of a classic style.  Every actor is true to their roles, some flamboyant, some unsure, some muscley and all of them terrific!  They wove and smoldered and wept their way so adeptly through this morbid, sorrowful tale, never once missing a beat.  Well done all, and also Director Steven Sabel.

With a play like this the only way to truly understand it is if you to take it seriously.  Sure there are men in skirts, sure there are some crazy moments, but the art of Greek Tragedy is in those moments when everything pivots on love or hate or death.  So the actors must also make this story totally real for themselves, otherwise, for an audience it could never be.  But that is why this production works so well for me.  We are on a small dark stage in North Hollywood. With sets and actors in costumes baring their souls and it all feels completely real.  Every moment of action is a moment shared by the audience.  We feel as if we are standing there with them, in the heat, 350 BC, watching the world change. It’s really, really that good.

So book your tickets folks.  It’s not often you have the chance to see a play written almost 2,500 years ago anywhere in L.A., and this small, perfect and continually surprising Archway Theatre has been gracious enough to provide you with a more than excellent window into the ancient world, where you will quickly realize that very little has really changed.

Archway Theatre presents “Medea” playing through October 1st at The Archway Theatre, 10509 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood.

http://www.archwayla.com 

CAST

Sara Davenport, Jason DeWitt, Melissa Virgo, John Eddings, Annie Freeman, Angela Dobson Robbins, Jennifer D Hawkins, Kei’la Ryan, Alex G. Smith, Summer Branham

Review of STOP KISS @ Theatre Unlimited, NoHo

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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Nasty Theatre Company presents “Stop Kiss” at Theatre Unlimited, playing through September 24.

Written by Diana Son
Directed by Kaylee Johnson

This is a play about falling in love…and becoming the person you have always been, even though it might be very, very hard.

“Stop Kiss” follows two characters, Callie and Sara, who live in New York.  Callie works for the local news station as a traffic reporter, and Sara, fresh from St Louis, is an elementary teacher on a special placement in The Bronx. 

2 stop kiss

The two are thrown together when Callie, a friend of a friend, agrees to watch Sara’s cat while she finds a place to live that will accommodate him.

But it’s clear from the outset that there is something powerful going on between them.  Both are in ‘kind of’ relationships with men, Sara left her long-term boyfriend, Peter, when she moved to New York and Callie has George, a friend with benefits, who she thinks she will eventually end up with.

So neither of them are expecting to fall in love, with anyone, let alone with another woman.  There is such a sweetness and an innocence to this story.  While what has probably prevented both of them from pursuing gay relationships in the past has been the stigma, or the concern about what people might think, ultimately it is their love that is beyond reproach and their almost comical avoidance of the obvious keeps us in suspense until that fateful first kiss.

However, this play is not as simple as that. It weaves in and out of two timelines, taking us back and forth between what begins with love and ends with disaster.  The play opens simply enough, at Callie’s apartment where Sara brings her cat, but then we are quickly brought forward in time to a hospital and aftermath of a terrible attack in a park at 4 am, the night of Sara and Callie’s first kiss.

3 stop kiss

I won’t go into any more detail, it’s an important part of the play that you do not know what’s to come. But I highly recommend that you find out!

Both the leads are exceptional. Callie is played with wry humor and self-deprecating glamour by the brilliant Clare Liz Phillips. Sara is played by Brooke Culbertson whose sweet endearing nature is so perfectly wrought and balanced with her tomboyish and earnest desire to help the kids in her school. Ms Culberton is truly fantastic.

The supporting roles are also excellent and this cast is really beyond reproach, all deftly handling this brilliantly written play.  I thought the director Kaylee Johnson does a particularly wonderful job of bringing all these quite complicated timelines together, transitioning the story flawlessly and without compromise to the authenticity of the characters.

This is quite a long play and has no intermission, so be prepared, but honestly, I totally understand why they chose this arrangement.  The story and these wonderful actors are so compelling I can’t imagine where or how they could suddenly take us out of this place and into the brash house lights of trips to the bathroom or 10 minutes of Facebook. So I was happy to stay in the world of “Stop Kiss” for as long as it took…I’m sure you will be too.

This play is only on the Theatre Unlimited stage for a few weeks, so don’t dawdle. This is such an excellent production, I absolutely LOVED it!   The play is set in the 90s, which is not that long ago, so we might consider ourselves to be “enlightened” but we need to remind ourselves that there are many people even now who aren’t and they are closer than we might like to think.

And on that note, on opening night, The Nasty Theatre Company donated half of their ticket sales to the National Center for Lesbian Rights, an organization dedicated to LGBT rights and protection through litigation, legislation, policy and public education.

TICKETS>>

Cast:

Callie – Claire Phillips

Sara – Brooke Culbertson

George – Evan Holtzman

Peter – Anthony Marquez

Detective Cole – Garland Scott

Mrs. Winsley/Nurse – Debba Rofheart

George (understudy) – Colin Conrad

Production:

Director – Kaylee Johnson

Lighting Design – Liz Nordenholt

Light Board Op – Amanda Wright

Dressers – Nicole Burton, Augusta Abene & Lauren Dewey

NoHo News: Chef Sho (say that 5 times). NoHo Farmers Market. The LaLas. Stupid Kid. Lenny Bruce. Maria Calas

Lisa Bianconi
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Here’s your NoHo arts community update!

We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood. Click on the image and to see the online version of our NoHo News…ENJOY NOHO!

NoHo News: Chef Sho (say that 5 times). NoHo Farmers Market. The LaLas. Stupid Kid. Lenny Bruce. Maria Calas

 

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**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

A Weekend in the “American Riviera”

Jack Witt
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A Weekend in the “American Riviera”

A Weekend in the “American Riviera”

Santa Barbara is the beach town that all other beach towns should be. In just a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles, you’re in the “American Riviera”. 

Whether you’re new to Santa Barbara or returning for the 100th time, you realize it just has all the traits to admire about ideal California living: mountains, beaches, vineyards, a cultured urban center, and wonderful weather.

Friday evening: 

For a great time out, one place you’ll not want to miss is the Funk Zone.

It’s over adjacent to the Amtrak Station between the Ocean and the 101 Freeway. The Funk Zone has become a solid favorite in recent years. Converted warehouses and buildings decorated with graffiti murals and contemporary art pieces set the tone for this hopping section of Santa Barbara. If you’re a beer lover (and/or in my case want to start your weekend vacation with beer because you’ll know you’ll be wine tasting the next day), head on over to Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company’s Taproom with indoor and outdoor seating, and catch one of their live bands performing.

Saturday:

In the morning, head over to Cajun Kitchen Cafe A classic breakfast and lunch restaurant with a southern twist.
Ready for some wine tasting now? If you don’t have a designated driver use Uber Wine  a program being introduced by Uber in Santa Barbara, which lets riders request a specialized Uber driver who will take them on a tour of the region’s famous wine country, which is just a 40 minute drive from downtown, and features a valley that has perfect conditions for world-class cool climate wines .

Start at Sunstone Winery , perhaps the most beautiful vineyard and winery tasting room on California’s Central Coast

Kalyra Winery where Jack meets Stephanie in the classic academy award winning movie “Sideways” is a great choice for your second winery, brought to you by Australian born winemaker Mike Brown.

Ready for some lunch, and maybe a couple more wine tastings?

Head over to the charming, quaint and ramble friendly 5-block town of Los Olivos. Over 50 wine-tasting rooms have set-up here along with art galleries and restaurants, and some in historic buildings that are 100 years old. Some of the wine tasting rooms have yards with live bands playing, and games to keep you and your friends entertained and active for hours. (This was one of my favorite stops and could even deserve an entire day.)

Sunday: 

Go to Santa Barbara’s most famous avenue, State Street, which cuts through downtown and leads right onto Stearns Wharf. It’s always lively with its shops, art galleries, theaters and museums such as the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

Most travelers wouldn’t think of visiting a courthouse for sightseeing, but the Santa Barbara County Courthouse epitomizes the Spanish-Moorish architecture that is found across the city.

Completed in 1929, the complex impresses visitors with its intricate tile mosaics, colorful gardens and a sweet view of the city and ocean below.

Make sure to get lunch at La Super Rica Taqueria, made world-famous by chef, author and TV personality Julia Childs. Yes, there is always a line for these legendary tacos, but it’s worth the wait!

Now let’s hit the beach! There are three major beaches in Santa Barbara: Leadbetter, West and East. While Leadbetter has the harbor and West Beach is home to the fireworks on the Fourth of July, East Beach is recommended for fun in the sun without too many crowds.
Work-off all those weekend calories by grabbing a jog or bike ride along the paved waterfront path. And finally, opt to stay a little longer and watch the sunset over the ocean before heading back home.

Oh Santa Barbara – you’re a place that always feels like the first time.

Cheers,
Jack Witt, MS, CPT
Fitness and Health Coach
Individuals / Groups / Corporate
310.562.5629 Cell / 818.760.3891 Main
Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube 
Save the Date! Cuba Adventure February 22 – March 1, 2018. Click here for details.

Chef Sho Joins The Federal

Lisa Bianconi
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Yep, there’s a new chef coming to town. Let’s give a big NoHo welcome to The Federal North Hollywood’s new head chef, Chef Sho.

“There’s no better chef than mother nature, but it’s our job as humans to take what she gives us and make it great.” – Chef Sho

On Friday, September 15 from 7-9PM, Chef Sho will offer a seven-course “pop up dinner” tasting at The Federal North Hollywood.

“It’s all about the experience and creating memories,” he explains. “I also like to push the boundaries.”

And in pushing the boundaries, he wants his tasting dinner to be different from what people are accustomed to. He also wants people to question what they’re eating, which will lead to conversations between diners generating the memorable experience in which he seeks to create.

Space is limited and guests are priced at $65 per person.

Please call 818-980-2555 or drop a note to viv@thefederalbar.com to reserve your spot at the tasting. 

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The “pop up dinner” tasting menu will include:

1st Course

Oysters, Prosecco & Fennel
Tomato Tea

2nd Course

Pasta Infused with Sweet Peas with Pan Seared Scallops – tomatoes squid ink beurre blanc Arugula & Tarragon Salad

3rd Course

Braised Lamb Shank Toast – Mediterranean spiced lamb shank with sourdough, carrots and chives

4th Course

Scorched Earth (Pallet Cleanser) – scotch, sweet vermouth, basil, orange bitters

5th Course

Kombu Wrapped Chicken Breast – over black lentils and harissa jus

6th Course

Pan Seared Salmon – over preserved herb rice, tomatoes, asparagus tips, curry beurre blanc

7th Course

Chocolate Samosas – white and strawberry, dark chocolate and blackberry

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

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Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre Presents BEST OF KHACHATURIAN

Lisa Bianconi
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0

Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre presents BEST OF KHACHATURIAN at the Alex Theatre on Sunday, September 17, 2017.

The Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre, under the direction of Natasha Middleton and Ruben Tonoian, will present “The Best of Khachaturian” on Sunday, September 17, 2017 at the beautiful Alex Theatre. The afternoon will include selections from such famous ballets as “Spartacus,” “Gayane,” “Masquerade” and a new ballet by Natasha Middleton, “Remember” dedicated to the memory of the Armenian Genocide.

Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre presents BEST OF KHACHATURIAN Spartacus www.nohoartsdistrict.com
Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre presents BEST OF KHACHATURIAN  “Spartacus”

“This show is dedicated to the Armenian Genocide,” says co-artistic director Natasha Middleton. “We chose Aram Khachaturian because he is Armenia’s preeminent composer. His ballets “Gayane,” “Masquerade” and “Spartacus” are the most famous. Our principle ballerina for “Masquerade,” Alina Bormotova (North Hollywood local) originally danced with the Moscow Festival Ballet and the Russian National Ballet. She will be dancing with Grigori Arakelyan, principle dancer from the Opera and Ballet Theatre of Armenia and Alexander Fost, finalist in “So You Think You Can Dance.” “Spartacus” will be danced by Inga Demetryan and Eduard Sargsyan also both from the Opera and Ballet Theatre of Armenia. “Gayane” will be performed by principle dancers Elen Harutyunyan (another North Hollywood local) from San Francisco Ballet and National Ballet of Armenia and Edgar Nikolyan of the Staats Opera Ballet in Vienna, Austria.”

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WHEN:

Sunday, September 17, 2017 – 5PM

WHERE:

The Alex Theatre
216 No. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203

TICKETS:

alextheatre.org | 818-243-2539

Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre presents BEST OF KHACHATURIAN Gayne www.nohoartsdistrict.com
Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre presents BEST OF KHACHATURIAN  “Gayne”

Soviet-Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian is known worldwide for his ballets, “GAYANE” and “SPARTACUS,” the symphonic suite, “MASQUERADE” and his “CELLO SUITE IN E-MINOR.” The creation of these pieces not only raised Armenian national ballet to the world level, but also noticeably enriched the treasure house of the world musical-dramatic art. Khachaturian’s music is noted for its modal, harmonic, melodic and orchestral generosity, all of which are connected with a broad gamma of thoughts and feelings in his scores.

“GAYANE” means happiness and is a celebration of life events in which composer Aram Khachaturian wanted the folk songs and dancing melodies to be integrated and inseparable from the whole of the ballet. “GAYANE” is the story of a young Armenian woman whose patriotic convictions are in conflict with her personal feelings upon discovering her husband has committed treason. The “GAYANE” score includes the famous Saber Dance. The late filmmaker Stanley Kubrick used the Adagio from “GAYANE” for his film, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Likewise, filmmaker Joel Coen used music from “GAYANE” in his film, The Hudsucker Proxy.

The well-known tale of “SPARTACUS” is written in modern language, with application of contemporary methods of the musical-theatre form. The main characters in the ballet are represented with specific and repeated musical themes. The storyline concerns the ultimately unsuccessful revolt of the slaves led by Spartacus, a Thracian slave and gladiator, against the Roman Empire in the years 73 – 71 BC. Music from Khachaturian’s “SPARTACUS” was heard in the film, Ice Age: The Meltdown.

“MASQUERADE” was written for the 25th anniversary of the Russian Revolution. It is a symphonic suite in the tradition of lavish classical Russian music. Natasha Middleton will stage the piece to enhance the fantasy and put a modern face on this elaborate party, featuring eccentric costuming. The plot concerns a missing bracelet and a woman named Nina who is falsely accused of giving the bracelet to Prince Zvezditch. As a result, Nina’s husband, who thinks she is cheating on him, poisons her at the end of the ballet, only to realize she was innocent. The bracelet had actually been stolen by the Baroness and given to the Prince, who later gave it back to Nina. Natasha Middleton said: “Theatergoers who enjoy Phantom of the Opera, will enjoy “MASQUERADE” as there are similarities in style.”

Aram Khacaturian wrote his “CELLO CONCERTO IN E-MINOR” in 1946. It was the last of the three concertos he wrote for individual members of a renowned Soviet piano trio. The Concerto was premiered on October 30, 1946 in the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, with dedicatee Sviatoslav Knushevitsky as soloist. The work is said to be representative of Khachaturian’s painful experience of wartime and contains many allusions to folk material and dance rhythms such as the ashoug.

Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre presents BEST OF KHACHATURIAN www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre, originally named Media City Ballet, announced its formation on September 30th of 2001. Over the past decade, the company has gained a notable following and has grown to become one of the major dance companies within the greater Los Angeles area. Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre attracts first-class talent from around the world, including Armenia, Asia, Russia, Mexico and Spain. Company dancers possess credentials of study and performance from such companies as Armenian National Opera Ballet, the Bolshoi Theatre Ballet, the Kirov Opera and Ballet Company, the Korean National Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and Cirque du Soleil. Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre boasts a large, varied repertoire and produces several major programs annually. Educational outreach programs and performances to enrich our sponsored youth ballet.

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

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Kissinup to Mr. Bliss – Summer Playwright’s Lab

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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Madness, Mayhem, & Other Stimulants… When Women Write!  Summer Playwright’s Lab

“Kissinup to Mr. Bliss” by Susan C. Hunter Dates Sept 9-10, 15-17  

I greatly enjoyed the new farce “KissinUp to Mr. Bliss” this afternoon at the cozy Brickhouse Theatre in the NoHo Arts District. 

“Kissinup to Mr. Bliss” is the second in the well-produced series produced by John Lant with Michael Eiden, Susan H. Hunter, Linda Rand and Rochelle Perry. 

The very funny, very entertaining, two-hour, two-act original farce was inspired by a true story when Ms. Hunter’s teenage son and nephew competed years ago for the same part in an acclaimed director’s movie. 

Susan
(Left to Right) Cruz-William Castillo, Matt Pick

In this version, 17 year old first cousins/best pals Freddy Harland (Aaron Stall) and Ben Bennett (Michael Aghasaryan) compete for the same role in a gritty new film from acclaimed artsy and egotistical director Brando Bliss ( stylishly played by British actor Matt Pick).  The young actors are very funny as the competitive cousins.  The audition was arranged by zany yenta Uncle Bruce (Jeffrey Paul Morgan) after he has come to the rescue of Mr. Bliss caught up in a precarious situation.  It was fun to see the action unfold as the once friendly cousins get very competitive with each other as do their well-meaning parents – Sheila Bennett well played by Nicole Picard as Freddy’s Mom and Stuart Bennett well played by David Scott Carroll as Ben’s Dad. 

kissup to mr bliss

Adding to the mayhem is the fact that Ben’s parents are separated and on the verge of reuniting – his Mom Linda Bennett is played by pretty Ashley Ledbetter who is hysterical when she enters the picture.  David Scott Carroll and Ashley Ledbetter are very touching as the story moves on.  Funny Grandmother Gammy is well played by Kathryn L. Hunter who lends much no nonsense practical and mature wisdom to the proceedings.  The mysterious young and pretty Ozzie (Jaylene Iannini) pops up frequently and is very funny in her various appearances and characters.  Added to the pathos is the character of Diaz X. McKenna (Cruz-William Castillo) who gives a strong performance as a bumbling hiccupping pizza man/domestic terrorist out for fame.  Rounding out the cast is driven, strong-willed and calculating TV reporter Cassandra Claussen played by feisty Carla Valentine who is a standout.   

 Kudos to writer Susan C. Hunter for creating the very amusing scenario with such a lively, colorful bunch of characters for the actors to sink their collective teeth into.   

CAST

FREDDY HARLAND – Aaron Stall

BEN BENNETT – Michael Aghasaryan

SHEILA HARLAND – Nicole Picard

STUART BENNETT – David Scott Carroll

BRUCE BENNETT – Jeffrey Paul Morgan

GAMMY – Kathryn L. Hunter

OZZIE – Jaylene Iannini

LINDA BENNETT – Ashley Ledbetter

BRANDO BLISS – Matt Pick

DIAZ X. MCKENNA – Cruz-William Castillo

CASSANDRA CLAUSSEN – Carla Valentine 

 

Produced by John Lant with Michael Eiden, Susan Hunter, Linda Rand & Rochelle Perry 

Lighting Design/Sound Design by Ken Cosby 

Associate Producer/Stage Managed by Jonathan Harrison 

Graphic Design by Rochelle Perry 

www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3070482  800-838-3006  www.writeactrep.org

www.facebook.com/writeactrepertory

 

 
 
 

 
Production Still #2
(Left to Right) Cruz-William Castillo, Matt Pick
 
Production Still #3
(Left to Right) Nicole Picard and David Scott Carroll prove that sibling rivalry has no age limit in Kissinup to Mr Bliss

 

The Group Rep’s “LOST IN YONKERS” – a hit!

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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The Group Rep presents “Lost in Yonkers” at the Lonny Chapman Theatre playing through October 22 in the NoHo Arts District.

“LOST IN YONKERS”

Written by Neil Simon

Directed by Larry Eisenberg

Producer for the Group Rep is Doug Haverty

The Group Rep’s latest play is a winner, full stop!!!  Neil Simon’s “LOST IN YONKERS” gives us everything we want in a play. 

LtoR BrentAnthony BennettSaltzman h photoByDougEngalla

With a great script full of humor, poignancy, and tenderness, director Larry Eisenberg has brought all these wonderful qualities together with a great cast and stunning direction.

Neil Simon is an amazing playwright and storyteller, and “LOST IN YONKERS” has Jay and Arty, teenagers who have been told they must move in with Grandma (Loraine Shields) so their father, Eddie (Patrick Burke), can go find work to pay off a loan shark.  Jay (Bennett Saltzman) is the bold, older brother to Arty (Brent Anthony/Ethan Rockwell).  Grandma is that stern, German grandmother who is emphatic that she doesn’t want her grandsons moving in with her.  Enter Eddie’s sister Bella (Roslyn Cohn).  Bella is happy, kind, spirited and simple-minded.  And Bella is the one who brings this wacky, yet very normal family together.  Louie (Van Boudreaux), is Eddie’s mobster brother, and Gert (Julie Davis), their sister who brings a bit of normality to the family, or maybe not.  Don’t we all have families with wacky relatives?  That’s what makes families normal.

The cast’s performances are amazing. 

LtoR LoraineShields RoslynCohn photoByDougEngalla

Roslyn Cohn is outstanding!!!  Loraine Shields is outstanding!!! Bennett Saltzman is a newcomer to the Group Rep and outstanding, and hopefully, we will be seeing more of him.  Patrick Burke, Van Boudreaux, Julie Davis and Brent Anthony (who was in the opening) are all fantastic.  As usual, GRT has great sets by Chris Winfield, great costumes by Angela M. Eads, great lighting and sound.  Everything about this play is wonderful.

I thoroughly enjoyed this play.  In fact, I loved it!!!  I laughed, I cried.  It left me wanting more.  We are so fortunate we have such wonderful theatre in North Hollywood.  “LOST IN YONKERS” is a MUST see.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!

Cast:  Brent Anthony, Van Boudreaux, Patrick Burke, Roslyn Cohn, Julie Davis, Ethan Rockwell, Bennett Saltzman and Loraine Shields.  Understudies:  Michele Bernath, Anna Gion, Stephen Rockwell

Director:  Larry Eisenberg

Producer for the Group Rep:  Doug Haverty

Assistant Director:  Patrick Burke

Dialect Coach:  Glenda Morgan Brown

Production Stage Manager:  Natalia Santamaria

Set Design:  Chris Winfield

Lighting Design:  Addison Calvin

Costume Design:  Angela M Eads

Hair & Wig Design:  Judi Lewin

Sound Design:  Steve Shaw

Prop Master:  Tianka McAdory

Public Relations:  Nora Feldman

Graphic Design:  Doug Haverty + Art & Soul Design

Marketing:  Cynthia Howe

Program:  Drina Durazo

The Lonny Chapman Theatre

10900 Burbank Blvd

North Hollywood, CA 91606

818-763-5990

www.thegrouprep.com

Runs:  September 8  –  October 22, 2017

Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm;  Sundays at 2:00 pm

Talk-back Sundays:  September 17th and October 8th 

Tickets:  $25;   Seniors/Students w/ID:  $20;    Groups 10+:  $15

Buy Tickets:  www.thegrouprep.com  or  info@thegrouprep.com

Reservation Line:  818-763-5990

Running time:  Approximately 125 minutes plus 15 minute intermission

Appropriate for ages 6 and up

www.facebook.com/thegrouprep

www.twitter.com/thegrouprep

www.instagram.com/thegroupreptheatre 

KCON LA 2017 @ The LA Convention Center

Caroline McElroy
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KCON LA 2017 @ The LA Convention Center

The KCON LA 2017 event teemed with 85,000 attendees at the L A Convention Center on August 18 – 20 and for these three days it was all things Hallyu.

This year’s KCON LA had several panels about maintaining social networking platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, and how to manage a professional presence on your social networking sites.

The panels featured social networking luminaries such as Edward Avila, Edward Zo, Hey It’s Feiii, Ivan Lamb and Yuki Bomb. The most important piece of advice offered up is to be consistent. This is a common thread throughout K-POP fandom and making it a profession…consistency. Post at least once a week in order to keep up your rating and to grow your fan base. They all advised their audience to not go into it expecting to make it big, go into it because of your passion for K-POP. An important piece of knowledge imparted was to make sure to place your work on Pinterest as this will be sure to show up on Google searches where Twitter and Instagram might not. I did check this out and they were right. Pinterest did place while Twitter and Instagram did not. YouTube will also come up on a Google search. The panel also imparted the knowledge that your brand needs to be consistent throughout your social network.

It was interesting to see how a vast majority of these successful social networking stars began as beauty bloggers/vloggers.

A few also vlogged/ blogged about Korean food and traveling to South Korea. They then expanded their base into the music of K-POP. The panelists also stressed that you need to be proud of what you’ve done so don’t post things that do not reflect your brand in its best light.

A lot of social media consumers have blog sites, vlogging sites which use photos and videos of themselves. These visuals are important to a person’s presence on social media and they cautioned that if you shoot a bunch of professional photos and videos be sure to make wardrobe changes for each segment and don’t post them all at once. Space the posts of the photos and videos out as this will make it easier to maintain a consistent presence. Be sure to curate your photos carefully such as creating a black and white theme and use quality shots. Be mindful of what you post.

The panels also advised to have a book of ideas to draw from and to formulate a schedule/agenda to aid one in their putting together quality product for their sites. These social media vets stated that an important ingredient in posting photos and videos is to be your authentic and genuine self because it will make it easier to decide what goes up and what doesn’t make the cut. Don’t compare yourself and don’t allow numbers define who you are.

Another important tip that I was not fully aware of its value are hashtags. Use lots of hashtags so that your product will pop up more frequently during searches.

According to the panelists everyone has experienced “haters” and that one should ignore them and just let them go. One panelist laughed about it and said that she must be doing something right for them to come to her site and troll.

“Whatever you are doing there is a market for it…find it!” chimed Edward Zo.

This writer has Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google, Youtube accounts, two blogging sites and found the majority of the info offered up very useful.

One of the most technical and interesting panels that I attended was presented by LDN Noise/London Noise which are a platinum selling songwriting and music production pair that have worked with such notable K-POP acts as EXO, SHINee. F(x), Taeyeon, Sistar and American artists Nick Jonas and Chris Brown.The pair work for S.M. Entertainment out of London, England and have won many K-POP music awards. For this panel the pair dissected the song “Forever” by EXO by breaking down the digital components that make up the layered track platforms of music. This whole presentation was encapsulated on their laptop and demonstrates just how digitally savvy this pair is.

Upon hearing the breakdown, it was interesting to hear a layer that gave this listener a strong sense of Missy Elliott’s “Get Ur Freak On” from a few years ago. The instrument used to create the unusual sound on “Get Ur Freak On” is called a Tumbi and is a Punjabi traditional instrument. My guess is that EXO used this instrument on their cut “Forever.”

Given the fact that K-POP music is gaining fan momentum in the over age 30 demographic it was gratifying to see that “The Secret Life of K-POP Fans Over Thirty” panel was being offered again by a panel of experts in this field who turned their passion into a profession that has gained them notoriety. Among the seasoned fans turned experts are Young Ajummah, Zombie Mama, Lisa Espinosa, Mama B-K-POP Mamas and Stephanie Kurze.

The panel addressed the audience with their journey into K-POP and what was their “gateway” into it such as anime or K-Dramas. Their stories made the audience laugh and become sad when the more negative side of K-POP fandom rose such as family and friends criticizing their choice of K-POP music over the more mainstream American rock choices. This panel garnered a sense of “we are not alone” among the audience.

This panel addressed the negativity that they have found themselves in deftly and with a mature attitude. These panelists also use social media to enhance their range and exposure to their brands.

Sadly, there was no presence from the Korean Indie faction and little was offered up in the way of panels featuring directors and producers of K-Dramas on panels.

Among the K-POP acts to maintain a presence at KCON were Vixx, Seventeen, Astro, Girl’s Day, Got 7. There were new acts introduced such as Cherry Bomb and I Am Not. According to the host on the Expo Hall’s Convention Stage I Am Not are the latest thing to come out of South Korea. Time will tell.

See you all at KCON LA 2018 friends!

From Treviso to NoHo, Meet Nicola

Lisa Bianconi
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The www.nohoartsdistrict.com motto is:

 

“NoHo is only as great as its people.”

We always like to spotlight our local folks whether they live, work, enjoy NoHo or all three. We especially like to highlight individuals who chose to come to North Hollywood to pursue their art. Meet Nicola Tombacco,  he’s come from another continent to pursue his acting dreams and now calls NoHo and Theatre 68 home.

What’s your background?

I was born in Vittorio Veneto, Italy, but I’ve lived my whole live in Treviso, Italy, a wonderful medieval city just thirty minutes away from Venice. In Treviso I attended the “scientific” program at the Pio X High School.

What brought you to Los Angeles?

Although my background as a student was all about science and math, throughout the years of high school, I’ve started nurturing this passion for acting. One morning there was the chance to skip two hours of class to attend an acting workshop presentation. In my mind I thought “skip two hours? Let’s go!” However, when I got there, I started listening to the acting teacher…really listening. At the end of the presentation my friend next to me asks me “Nicola, do you wanna do it?” and I said “Yes, actually…” Since then, I’ve been acting in five different plays as a leading man. Acting became such an addiction that after going to the NYFA twice for its summer program, I’ve decided that I wanted to come to America to study acting and what a better place to start than the Capital of Entertainment.

NICOLA coat

Where did you do your BFA?

I’ve got my Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy here in Los Angeles.

Why did you join Theatre 68?

Unfortunately, being an actor means being jobless most of the time and living in a city like Los Angeles can alienate you from the rest of the world pretty easily.

After graduating from college, I needed to find a community of artists that would keep my actor’s energy going even when I wasn’t booking any gig. One of my friends from AMDA told me he was performing at Theatre 68 for one of their shows. He started bragging about this theatre company so much that as soon as they were holding auditions I didn’t think twice. Now I’ve been a member of the 68 Cent Crew for over nine months and let me be honest, at Theatre 68 I’ve found a new home, a community of artists that support each other no matter what, a bunch of new friends, a getaway from the harsh “real-world,” a place where I can be free to be myself and cherish that.

What projects are you working on?

Right now I am performing at Theatre 68 for its One Act Festival. It’s running every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday at 8PM until September 14th. So hurry up!!! All the One Acts have been written, directed and produced by the members of Theatre 68, and let me say that I’ve had people coming to me really impressed by the quality of these original pieces.

In addition, I’ve recently wrapped a feature film, “The Roman,”directed by AMDA’s President David Martin, which is still in production and will probably hit a few movie theaters in Los Angeles. So keep an eye open for it!

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What are you doing now?

I am applying for the artists visa in a couple of months. Fortunately, AMDA gave me the opportunity to work as an actor after graduation for a whole year, so I had a little time to build up my resume. One of the most interesting projects that I’ve been a part of was “Poison,” a world premiere play written by John Patrick Shanley, which has been produced at Theatre 68. However, honestly, being a young Italian actor in Los Angeles didn’t quite work as I’ve expected. The accent has always been an issue for me. I am working on it but I’ve been able to master this new language only a couple of years ago. It takes time. In a world were being diverse means so much, I’ve mostly found rejection. Also, without a theatrical agent that could put me into the right casting room, it’s difficult for me to get the right chances—the ones that I could book in a second because they are perfect for me. So if there was something that I wanted to highlight it’s this: I am a talented young Italian actor always hungry for work, so if you, by reading this, think could use me for one of your projects, don’t be shy to contact me because I would be more than happy to collaborate with you and make art. Grazie.

Nicola Tombacco spotlight www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Get in contact with Nicola

IMDB | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

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MARION BRIDGE @ Son of Semele Theater

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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Son of Semele presents “Marion Bridge” now playing through September 24th at the Son of Semele Theatre, 3301 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90004

“Marion Bridge” is a play about three sisters, all leading very separate lives, who come together again as their mother is dying and find that what connects them most deeply is not their less than perfect parent, but each other.

Three more different people you could not expect to meet.  A nun, a TV obsessed sexually ambiguous tomboy and an alcoholic failed actress.  And yet they are a family, as real and as believable as any written.  I do wonder how the writer Daniel Maclvor conjured them, but however he did, I am grateful as these disparate, oddly sympathetic and infinitely relatable characters stole my heart…as they found theirs again.

The title “Marion Bridge” refers to a place not far from where they grew up. The girls’ mother always referred held it up to be a place of pure perfection, a “one day we will go there and be happy” kind of place…aspirational, idyllic.  A place they only went to once as children and were very disappointed to find it was just the same as any other place, at least for them.

As their mother slowly and painlessly slips away in a room somewhere upstairs, cared for by them in turn, she is unable to speak anymore, instead, she makes requests of them in coded post-it notes.  The notes become a kind of puzzle of their lives together, a disjointed road map of their relationship.  Moments caught in brightly colored pieces of paper with hard to translate wiggles and letters with almost indecipherable connections to what mother wants – a comical, visceral imprint of their mother in vivid lime green squares.

The eldest sister, Agnes, is the one who fled the furthest, living as an actress in New York, unsuccessful of course and damaged by a terrible loss early in her life.  A loss she blames her mother for and seeks to escape in her booze.  The middle sister, Theresa, has found God and lives as a nun on a farm and the third, Louise, lives at home with her mother, unable to find a place in the world that satisfies most people understanding of ‘a life.’  So here they all are, awkwardly thrown together for a reason anyone would dread and yet hopeful somehow and full of love for each other and a yearning to make sense out of their wildly different lives.

I won’t tell you all the ins and outs, I would definitely spoil it for you if I did.  Suffice it to say that I was touched and surprised by these women and the journey they took together in this funny and compelling play.  Although death plays a large part in the story it’s not really about that at all.  “Marion Bridge,” named after a place that meant much more to their mother than any of them could understand, is about finding your own truth in this world and holding on to it hard despite what anyone else might think of it.  

I have two sisters, we are all very different and have trod very different paths in life and yet we are all fiercely connected in ways that only sisters can be.  We have lived through loss and we are stronger for it. When parents die, although the loss is profound, it’s also a kind of release.  Not a child anymore, there is no more reason to be anyone but yourself and this is where these three women find themselves.  Facing a life where no more excuses are present to keep them from their destinies, however painful and scary and exciting they may seem.

I loved this play.  The director Don Boughton has deftly created a space where these wonderful actors can play to the simplicity of the ideas and the complexity of the characters and the freedom with which they find themselves and each other.  Each actor was brilliant, all bringing their own quirky truth to the role, not pushing for familiarity with each other, but really showing us how to be sisters in all of its complications, rivalry and fierce acceptance and love.  

This is a play about so much more than a death.  It’s about getting over the fear, the heartbreak and the judgement we put on ourselves and finding our own version of a life, however strange and potentially awkward that might be for those around us. We only get one chance to be authentically ‘us’ after all so we might as well get on with it!  

I highly recommend “Marion Bridge” at Son Of Semele.  It’s rare to find a play where women are celebrated like this, all flaws and fears and beautiful manias.  You will see a little of yourselves. I guarantee it! This is a very short run so don’t dawdle, get your tickets right away I have a feeling that every night might be sold out! 

TICKETS>>

CAST

Agnes MacKeigan – Amy DeBourget

Theresa MacKeigan – Carolyn Reese Crotty

Louise MacKeigan – Sarah Boughton

CREW

Director – Don Boughton

Lighting Designer – Brandon Baruch

Sound Engineer – James Ferrero

Set Design – Jacquelyn Gutierrez

Stage Manager – Hannah Beehler

Much awaited movies for release on 8 September

NoHo - North Hollywood
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Much awaited movies for release on 8 September

Gun Shy

Gun Shy is an action drama film expected to be in theatres on Friday 8 September. The movie is written by Simon West and is directed by Simon West and Mark Haskell Smith. The storyline is about Turk Henry, a bassist for a rock band and his wife. They are on an exotic luxury holiday in Chile. His wife gets kidnapped by a group of shipless renegades trying to raise money to buy a boat. The challenging situation makes Turk embark on a rescue mission, taking him from the back streets of Santiago to the jungles of South America. It stars Antonio Banderas, Olga Kurylenko, Ben Cura, Mark Valley, and Aisling Loftus. This is a great movie to watch after visiting Cancasinos just to relax your mind. The movie plays for 1 hour 26 minutes.

Home Again

Home Again is a comedy drama written and directed by Hallie Meyers-Shyer. It stars Reese Witherspoon, Michael Sheen, Lake Bell, Candice Bergen, Nat Wolff, and Robb Derringer.  It is about a recently separated mother Alice (Reese Witherspoon) and her husband (Michael Sheen). Alice chooses to start a new chapter in her life by moving back to the place where she grew up (Los Angeles) with her two youthful girls. During a night out on her 40th birthday celebration, Alice meets three young upcoming movie producers who happen to need a place to live. Alice agrees to let them stay in her guest house for a short while. However, things started to turn up in more surprising ways than real money casinos. Alice starts enjoying her life with the new family she got. In the middle this, the new romance comes to an end her ex-husband shows up at the door with suitcase in his hands.

The comedy is expected to be in US theatres on the 8th of September. It is rated PG-13 because of some sexual material. The film is distributed by Open Road Films. Home Again screenplay runs for 97 minutes.

What Can a Dollar Buy? Depends on Where You Live

Lillian Appleby
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What Can a Dollar Buy? Depends on Where You Live

What Can a Dollar Buy? Depends on Where You Live

You know that $25,000 car you’ve had your eye on? In just 10 years, it could cost almost $34,000, assuming prices rise by a mere 3% per year.

That’s the reality of inflation, which is commonly understood as the increase in the price of any product or service.

While the consumer price index (CPI), which is based on a monthly survey by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, serves as the standard measure of inflation nationwide, prices on all sorts of goods and services — from a gallon of gasoline to a house — can vary widely by region, state, and even within states.

Such variations are captured by Regional Price Parities (RPPs), which measure the differences in the price levels of goods and services across states and metropolitan areas for a given year.1 RPPs are expressed as a percentage of the overall national price level (gleaned from the CPI) equal to 100.2

For instance, if an area’s RPP is greater than 100, it means that goods and services are more expensive than the national average; if an area’s RPP is less than 100, goods and services are less expensive than the national average.2

In July the Bureau of Economic Analysis published RPPs for 2014. The data showed that the District of Columbia’s RPP at 118.1 was greater than that of any state. States with the highest RPPs — and lowest “real value” of a dollar — were Hawaii (116.8), New York (115.7), New Jersey (114.5), and California (112.4).1 States with the lowest RPPs — hence, the biggest bang for your buck — were Mississippi (86.7), Arkansas (87.5), Alabama (87.8), South Dakota (88.0), and Kentucky (88.7).1

How do these price differences play out in real dollars and cents? The same gallon of regular gas that costs $2.74 in Hawaii might run you $1.82 in South Carolina.3 Or, viewed another way, if you had $100 to spend at a store offering a range of goods at national-average prices, in Hawaii, that $100 would feel more like $85.60, while in Mississippi the national-average $100 would be more like $115.30.3

The Bureau of Labor Statistics asserts that in areas where goods and services are more expensive, wages tend to follow suit — but that is not always the case.2

Be a Savvy Shopper — Wherever You Live

Regardless of where you live, consider some simple dollar-stretching tips.

  • Cut back on nickel-and-dime items. You might be surprised at how much you can save by reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Instead of indulging on a “designer” cup of coffee, purchase a regular coffee. The amount saved can add up fast.
  • Save on books, music, and movies. Visit your neighborhood library to check out books and music instead of purchasing your own.
  • Brown bag meals. Work days can be hectic, but instead of buying breakfast or lunch out, carry it in. If you spend $8 per day on lunch, you could free up $160 per month for your long-term financial goals.
  • Seek travel values. By traveling off-season or during the shoulder season — the periods just before or after the peak tourist season — you can receive discounted rates on lodging and airfares, which can cut your vacation expenses.
  • Practice energy efficiency. By turning the thermostat back in winter while you’re at work or sleeping, you can save on your heating bills. Same for the air conditioner in hot summer months.
  • Be creative. Can’t imagine skipping your daily trip to the vending machine? Don’t fret. The main point is to look for effective ways to stretch a dollar — and then do it. Over time, you might find that a little savings can make a big difference when it comes to funding your bigger ticket financial goals.

1The Bureau of Economic Analysis, news release, “Real Personal Income for States and Metropolitan Areas, 2014,” July 7, 2016.

2The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Monthly Labor Review, “Purchasing power: using wage statistics with regional price parities to create a standard for comparing wages across U.S. areas,” April 2016.

3The New York Times, “What $100 Can Buy State by State,” August 8, 2016.

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Under the Jello Mold

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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“UNDER THE JELLO MOLD” plays Saturdays, now through November 12, 2017 at The Whitefire Theatre.

Jennie Fahn’s “UNDER THE JELLO MOLD,” now playing at The Whitefire Theatre, is an energetic reminiscence of a mother, part philosopher, part yenta, who dotes and pries on Jennie throughout her life. 

Ms. Fahn is a compact dynamo, holding us rapt for an hour and a half with anecdotes of her experiences with her Mom, taking both roles of herself and Mom with aplomb. 

The set is bare and simple: two wooden cubes down left and right, and a big film screen up center upon which images are projected.  The first image after the title dissolves is that of a big high heeled backless and strapless shoe, called a mule.  Ms. Fahn then launches into a factual story of Mom’s vast collection of mules.  It’s quite amusing as Fahn then segues into Mom “putting on her face” to go shop at N.Y. City’s Waldbaum’s supermarket.  Other anecdotes present Mom as both crude but truthful.  At times Mom will go off on hilarious tangents but somehow makes sense of them.  Always an influential force in Jennie’s life, the anecdotes can both endear you to this colorful character or make you think “feh!, what a witch of a mother!” 

007 (2)

The anecdotes lead up to Mom’s death.  Seems she left complicated instructions placed under the jello mold in the kitchen of what to do in the event of her passing.  Jennie discovers more than just burial orders under that mold! 

Being with her mother could be somewhat of a frightful tornado but Jennie manages to find the humor in every situation.  She throws in a charming song and dance number to boot. 

The segment when she discovers that Mom has passed is done with taste and strikes a nerve in the viewer.

Winner of the 2017 Hollywood Fringe Festival! 

UNDER THE JELLO MOLD 
Saturdays, through November 12, 2017 

The Whitefire Theatre
13500 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA. 91423. 

There are 2 special Sunday perfs on Nov.12th, 3pm & 7pm.  

For tickets call 800-838-3006 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3053655     

Writer/Star: Jennie Fahn

Director: Tom Cavanaugh

Choreographer: Melissa Fan

Composer: John T. Mickevich

Lighting: Derrick McDaniel        

NoHo Remembers September 11

Lisa Bianconi
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On the 16th anniversary of September 11, Councilmember Krekorian, the North Hollywood Neighborhood Council and the LA Beautification Team are hosting a remembrance ceremony in North Hollywood Park.

“September 11 is a day to remember, to remember the tragedy of lives lost and those who mourn them, and to remember the bravery and resilience of the nation.” Nancy Bianconi, www.nohoartsdistrict.com publisher

The event will commemorate the lives of those who were lost on that terrible day, and pay tribute to the brave first responders who risk their own safety and lives to serve the community. All community members are invited to attend.

WHEN:

Monday, September 11 at 7 pm

WHERE:

North Hollywood Park South
Magnolia Blvd. and Tujunga Ave.
11455 Magnolia Blvd.
North Hollywood 91601
(Southside of park on Tujunga at the 9/11 Memorial)

For more information, call the council office: (818) 755-7676.

North Hollywood 9/11 Memorial

Did you know?

We have a September 11 memorial monument in North Hollywood Park that lists the 78 Californians lost in the attacks on the U.S. on September 11, 2001. 

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**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

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All For Art @ The Sherry Theatre North Hollywood

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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ShoWorks Entertainment presents “All for Art” now playing through September 24 at The Sherry Theater in the NoHo Arts District.

Directed by Gretchen Goode

Produced by ShoWorks Entertainment

 

 

“All for Art” is a darkly comic and thoroughly entertaining one act.  An ode to the many of us who struggle to describe what we actually do on our tax returns and stubbornly figure out a way to justify our nominal tax bill as we furiously list our “artistic” deductions…

The play revolves around a couple of artists, one a poet/professor and the other, his wife, a struggling actress with a penchant for expensive costumes and trips abroad.

On the day we meet them, returning from yet another shopping excursion, they are finally cornered by a particularly tenacious tax inspector who, after trying in vain to reach them via phone, has turned up at their door. Oh, the horror!

In a panic, the couple rearrange their apartment to mimic the “office” layout their return describes and reluctantly face the IRS inspector and her odious task…to catch them in their own web of lies.

God how we all hate doing taxes. My husband “allows” me the privilege each year, and I juggle with it for weeks trying to get the formula just right.  How many square feet is your home office, how much did you spend on office supplies, what percentage of your mileage is for work, etc, etc, etc…and so it was with a great deal of empathy that I watched as the couple squirmed and wriggled and improvised their way around every obstacle the terrible Mrs Pajapati threw in their direction.

But, as we discover, Mrs Pajapati has struggles of her own and as the play unfolds and the chaos develops a life of its own, we see the parallels in all the characters on stage, the poet, the actress, and the tragic IRS agent, as well as parallels of our own.

I won’t spoil the fun for you, and this play is an awful lot of fun, but suffice it to say that karma works in all directions, and the universe does its thing as it will do.

I particularly loved the characters in this piece.  The relationship between the couple, Fiona and  Philip was hilarious and rang pretty true to me. My husband is a writer…Philip’s indignant insistence that a12-dollar income from poetry was perfectly acceptable, Fiona’s narcissistic obsession with extravagant roles she will never play… just wonderful!

Mrs Pajapati was also a brilliant character, full of comic reality and the sweet struggle of conscience that a women, or man for that matter,  has in any profession where performance is measured in the number of heads that roll.

This is a one-act play that feels like a much bigger production.  No skimping on the staging or thrown together music.  ShoWorks Entertainment certainly shows a lot of pride in their productions, and I truly appreciated the care and attention to detail that they took with what could have been produced with much less effort. 

If you have an hour free and you like a great farce, and I certainly do, then you will love “All for Art.”  I highly recommend it, but get your tickets fast, it’s only running for three weeks!!

September 1 – 24, Friday Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm

The Sherry Theatre, 11052 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood

https://www.showorksentertainment.com/all-for-art

Cast

Fiona – Jo Galloway

Chandra Pajapati – Vee Kumari

Philip – Chris Worley

Production

Director – Gretchen Goode

Stage Manager – Darren Portilla

Assistant Stage Manger = Shai Terece

Lighting Design – David Carreno

Producer – Vee Kuman

Producer – ShoWorks Entertainment

NoHo News: The LaLas. Rooftop Band Battle. Madness, Mayhem…Art for All

Lisa Bianconi
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Here’s your NoHo arts community update!

We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood. Click on the image and to see the online version of our NoHo News…ENJOY NOHO!

NoHo News: The LaLas. Rooftop Band Battle. Madness, Mayhem...Art for All www.nohoartsdistrict.com

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**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

Somewhere in The Middle

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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“Somewhere in The Middle” theatre review now playing at Crown City Theatre in the NoHo Arts District extends to October 22.

Written and Directed by Gary Lamb

“Somewhere in The Middle” is a story of a family. 

A regular, middle American family, blended Jewish and gentile, with a couple of nearly grown kids and a mother – or mother-in-law, depending on what side of the family you are.  The eldest daughter is coming home for a visit from college and the place is a buzz with excitement. Even the younger brother is looking forward to it,  though for him at least it’s more of an excuse to hilariously and ruthlessly comment on the expanding chaos.

LaurenComfortsRoz
Saige Spinney (Lauren), Cynthia Kania (Roz)

What starts out as a funny homecoming drama develops into something far more interesting and challenging over the two acts. 

The story begins traditionally enough, who’s picking her up? Did they get the right cereal? Why is everyone so happy…or unhappy?  But shortly after the daughter’s unexpectedly early arrival, things take a turn.

I don’t want to give too much away, or I will spoil the unravelling, but I can tell you this…often it is our foreboding of a situation that will do all the work of preparing us for the worst of people, all without any expectation of the best of them.

This play covers a lot – religion, race, ageism, sexism and the universal, terrifying rush to judgement of which we are all, at one time or another, equally guilty.  I suppose it’s a cross between “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” and “Argo” but without the death threats and the gunfire.

RozAndJamalShowdown
Pictured left to right Adam Simon Krist (Adam), Saige Spinney (Lauren),Richard Van Slyke (David), Luke King (Jamal), Julie Lanctot (Sarah) and Cynthia Kania (Roz)

There has been a great deal of care spent on this first production of this play by Gary Lamb, who also directed it.  The performances are clearly very well prepared and perfectly balanced and the actors are all to a fault committed, engaged and very, very good. This is a play with a lot of words, which might sound like a strange observation given that words are usually expected in a play, but what I mean is that the words used are important, very precise and all fraught with meaning.  I think the point being made is that there are many, many misconceptions flying around, some of which even the audience are guilty of making, so what is being said must be listened to carefully, by the characters, by the audience, by us all, which is a lesson.  These characters, this family, that know each other so deeply are also capable of totally and utterly missing each other’s points, almost to the edge of deliberately at times, just like every family I know.  They react to each other without truly listening…a bad and potentially destructive habit, and one of which even I am accused, from time to time. But then, aren’t we all?

Here at least, on stage in the lovely Crown City Theatre, there is a safety to these dramatics. It’s just a play, these people are only characters and yet their struggles seem real and truthful and a genuinely intimate and timely mirror to our lives, to our worlds.

If you are expecting some lightweight family comedy then you may well be happily content at first but with the added twist of a serious and contentious argument on the ever expanding platitudes of pseudo education and our own narrow-minded rigidity and the general and habitual testing of our ‘cool’. 

I was ready to laugh and indeed I did, a lot.  But I was also challenged and forced to re-examine and to mull, for quite some time afterwards in fact, which was nice and surprising.  The play echoed quite a bit with me, which is the direct result of the power of not only the fine actors but of the words they spoke. It is all in the writing as they say. In short, I loved it!!

“Somewhere in The Middle” runs 

September 2 – October 22

Fridays and Saturdays 8pm, Sundays at 2pm

Crown City Theatre, 11031 Camarillo Street, North Hollywood.

https://www.crowncitytheatre.com

Cast

Adam – Adam Simon Krist

Lauren – Sage Spinney

Roz – Cynthia Kania

David – Richard Van Slyke

Sarah – Julie Lanctot

Jamal – Like King

Production Staff

Set/ Prop Designer – Joanne McGee

Costume Design- Amanda Walter

Lighting Design/Stage Manager – Had Potter

Rehearsal Stage Manager – Madison Cole Garfinkle

House Manager – Michael Pammit

Producers – Crown City Theatre

Artistic Directors – Gary Lamb & William A. Reilly

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