Festival of (short) Playreadings – SeedlingsFest

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Botanicum Seedlings Festival of (short) Playreadings goes for two days, November 19 & 20, 2011.

Theatricum’s new play development program, Botanicum Seedlings, continues to inspire growth by reaching out to a mix of emerging and award-winning playwrights for SeedlingsFest, its second festival of new plays. This Festival of short playreadings features two days of plays written on a theme, Certified Organic. SeedlingsFest takes place Saturday, November 19 and Sunday, November 20, at 1 pm. Admission is Free; donations gratefully accepted.

 Certified Organic  plays on both performance dates are:

  • About What Matters  by Jennie Webb – A play about priorities, boundaries, the value of certification and letting life get to you when weighing what’s real.
  • A Day in Eden  by Barbara Lindsay – A lush garden is the setting for a lifetime of love, loss and recognition, all over in the blink of an eye.
  • Between Siddhartha and the Angel  by Mary F. Unser – In February, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia falls to earth and in Hemphill, Texas, Rita remembers how to fly.
  • Black Tickets  by Julie Retzlaff – A retired doctor, confronted by the shortcuts he took in life, sees what lies ahead and considers the price of admission.
  • Beeing There by Isabella Russell-Ides – A poetical eco-disaster play in which a water girl answers apocalyptic weather with art, and a bee lady calls 911 when 10,000 bees are raptured.
  • The Old Salt by Katherine James – A comedy of tearful goodbyes and colorful introductions that proves true love takes many forms, in or out of uniform.
  • Around the Barn by Matt Van Winkle – An offbeat look at the inner workings of a relationship that sings a universal song of hopes, dreams and expectations.
  • Pop-pop Goes Bowling  by Ann-Giselle Spiegler – A play inspired by and set in the Hollywood Bowl about another great venue for live performance: parenthood.

DETAILS

  • Saturday, November 19 @ 1 pm
  • Sunday, November 20 @ 1 pm
  • The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA. (midway between Pacific Coast Highway and the Ventura freeway)
  • Free admission, no reservations necessary. Information: (310) 455-2322 or www.theatricum.com

The theater is outdoors; dress warmly, and, in case of inclement weather, please call for alternate performance times.

Discount Outlet Spa Wear Store Open Through Dec. 18, 2011 in Bonsall, CA

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Susan Dunn, considered by some to be America’s most sophisticated and successful designer for Spa Wear and Spa Accessories for the entire family as seen in the world’s Finest Stores, Luxurious Resorts and Private Homes, has opened a holiday gift outlet store for the holidays 2011. The outlet is located in Bonsall in North San Diego County, east of Oceanside and Camp Pendleton.

Susan Dunn’s Solace per Aqua Casual sport and spa wear with Classic European Elegance, made in the Americas, is being offered at amazing Below Wholesale Prices! Limited inventory so get there early for best selection.

Outlet open Oct. 21 – Dec. 18, 2011
5256 South Mission, Bonsall, Bonsall River Village, #820, Across from Fresco Grill
Thur-Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fri 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Special appointments available for groups. Call: (760) 631-2125 for special arrangements.

shopping at the special event helps raise funds for Fallbrook School of Arts and the Fallbrook Art Center, Fallbrook, CA. fallbrookartsinc.org

Newport Beach leads way in Southern California Hotel RevPar 2011

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The first eight months of 2011 found that for hotel owners in Newport Beach are enjoying Southern California’s highest growth rate in RevPar at 17.8% year over year, according to PKF, the lodging experts at Colliers. Newport Beach’s average room rates this year were up 9.5%, at $196.78. Hotel room occupancy has been 73.3% in 2011, up over 5% from 2010.

Top Southern California destination markets:

  • 1. Newport Beach
  • 2. Beverly Hills, up 17.3%
  • 3. West Los Angeles  16.5%
  • 4. West Hollywood 16.3%
  • 5. Downtown Los Angeles 14.2%
  • 6. Long Beach  13%

San Francisco Mission Tour and Mural Walk

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Join a special Mission tour and Mural walk  October 29, 2011 or enjoy a Chinese Banquet next month. Grace Ann Walden’s Mission tour includes donuts from Dynamo Donuts – think maple-bacon, saffron-chocolate; cheeses and sausages from local stores; extensive mural walk and a 3-course family-style lunch at Tio Chilo’s (seviche, chile relleno and two meats, rice & beans.) Besides the history of the Mission, she’ll talk about the traditions of the Day of the Dead.

Details: tour goes 11a-4 p.m. 10/29/11 $80 complete. Meets in front of the Walgreen’s at 24th and Potrero. Parking is nearby. Please call to reserve for the tour (415) 302-5898. Or email: gaw@sbcglobal.net

HOSEA NOVA: A JEALOUS AND VIOLENT MAN, Play

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Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group
4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood
818-202-4120

The premiere of Robert Riemer’s passionate new thriller takes place within a crowded insane asylum. There a ferocious Latin man has a hot-tempered quest to possess the love of a beautiful blind Saint-incarnate.

Who says the holidays have to be normal? Ground-breaking in its content and dynamics, the plays is directed by Zombie Joe. It features Vanessa Cate, Suzanne E. Fletcher, Sebastian Munoz, Josh Patton, Tina Preston, Adam Rutter and Tina Van Berckelaer.

SATURDAYS @ 8:30pm,
NOVEMBER 12 – DECEMBER 10, 2011.

ZJU Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood
Reservations: (818) 202- 4120
Tickets: $15
Zombiejoes.com

Third Wednesdays in Culver City, A Reason to Get Out and Celebrate Midweek!

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Wednesdays are the middle of the week where you are just trying to make it till Friday. Third Wednesdays provide a pick-me-up for those living and visiting in and around Los Angeles near Culver City. Each month new music, new give-aways, and new featured stores offer a variety of things to check out. Downtown Culver City is located just south of the 10 Freeway and east of the 405, between the intersection of Culver and Washington Blvds and Dusquene Ave.  Find updates on: downtownculvercity.com

MERCHANT OFFERS:

Akasha – “Sample Wines While You Dine” – wine specialist from Chambers and Chambers will be sampling 6 to 8 wines – limited availability
Bottle Rock – ‘Rush Hour’ menu and specials
City Tavern – FREE 6oz draft beer sampler with purchase of an entree
Cold Stone Creamery – $1 off any hot dessert item from 5 pm to 10 pm
Culver Hotel – Free “Culver Lemonade” during sunset hour (7pm – 8pm) with purchase of appetizer, music on patio, and raffle at 9pm where 5 lucky guests will get $10 gift certificates
Dr. Heidi Fahringer, Optometrist – 10% off Eye Exams scheduled, Sunglasses, Frames & Lenses, + Snacks & Refreshments
Fraiche – $5 cocktails, $9 specialty cocktails, $5 house white and red wine 50% off all bottle wine (except reserve selection)
Ford’s Filling Station – Paella, tapas, red/white/rose sangria, and wine from a perron, plus live music & dance with Walter Molina Flamenco
Honey’s Kettle – Buy a dinner, get one free (food only)
K – Z O – Complimentary shot of Lychee Fusion cocktail With Dinner
Kabob Bistro – Buy and meal and get samosa free
Kay ‘N Dave’s Cantina – Free margaritas (buy 2, we buy the third) and Oaxacan street food specialties
Kaizuka Sushi – 50% off any beer, sake, or wine including imports
Kirk Douglas Theatre – Sidewalk party featuring ticket giveaways to the Kirk Douglas Theatre, Mark Taper Forum and Ahmanson Theatre plus DJ Peter Krouse and free food samples from Mezza Mediterranean Grill
La Rocco’s Pizzeria – 10% off (eat in only), free cheese pizza samples, music on the patio with Frank Sinatra-sound alike and karaoke
Libra – Mention the name “Karina” and get a free dessert or a free glass of wine with purchase of a BBQ dinner
Lundeens – Free cocktails – Prizes every hour – 15% off entire store
Massage Garage – $10 off any future 60-minute or longer massage or facial… hot tea and goodies too
Meet – All you can eat mussels, $22.95, 10 different flavors
Melrose Mac – Vendor display from two top vendors that will do giveaways of iPad/iPhone accessories and external hard drives, 10% off all non-Apple items, and there will be iPads in stock! Free repair diagnostic coupons, water, mousepads and pens
MOKO – Slow roasted pork bao, herbaceous lettuces and smoked chli jang with a glass of Hite Lager – $6
Native Foods – Organic wine samples on our patio
Nextspace – Free Day Pass at the workplace for the new economy – Open house with drinks and nibbles 5pm-8pm, come tour our newly opened coworking space and receive a Day Pass to come back and work a day on us ($30 value)
Novecento Pasta & Grill – Free glass of cabernet or chardonnay with purchase of an entrée
Pacific Theaters – Free 46oz popcorn with every ticket purchased
Royal/T – 50% Off select wines, plus 20% off Baggu and other back to school utems in the shop
Rush Street – SUMMER PRIX FIXE DINNER DOWNSTAIRS – appetizer, entree, dessert – $25. SUMMER HOUSE PARTY UPSTAIRS – $6 House Margaritas & House DJs. Johnny James & Luis Miolaro 9:00pm – close in Rush Lounge
Le Saint Amour – Third Wednesday 3 course/$33 prix fixe special
Tender Greens – Half off bottles of wine
Timeless Treasures – Buy one, get the second free (equal or lesser value on 2nd item excluding Gold Room items)
Ugo An Italian Café – Spend $25 or more and get a free pint of gelato
Vanity Room – 10% off any full price jean
WWA Gallery – Check out the Shades of Ray Show: Color Ink Book’s 3rd Anniversary art show. Come in and sign up for a year subscription to Color Ink Book for a chance to win a $500 gallery gift certificate

Calista Flockhart, Gregory Itzin, JoBeth Williams Launch L.A. Theatre Works Season

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L.A. Theatre Works new venue, great actors for 2011-2012! The head cast of Ibsen’s A Doll House
at UCLA’s James Bridges Theater Sept. 22-25 features renown actor and actresses Calista Flockhart, Gregory Itzin and JoBeth Williams, recording A Doll House for broadcast on public radio stations nationwide. Six performances take place September 22-25, 2011, at James Bridges Theater on the campus of UCLA.

L.A. Theatre Works’ nationally syndicated radio theater series airs locally in Southern California on KPCC 89.3 every Saturday from 10 pm – midnight and can be streamed on demand at www.latw.org. Rosalind Ayres directs Henrik Ibsen’s classic drama, translated by Rolf Fjelde, which also features Tony Abatemarco and Jeannie Elias.

Nora Helmer has a delicious secret that saved her husband’s life, but if he finds out what she’s done, it might destroy their marriage. Blackmail and innocence, love and hypocrisy collide in A Doll House, one of the most celebrated plays in theater history. A Doll House was the first successful play of its era to affirm a married woman’s right to her own individuality – although Ibsen insisted that he did not consider himself a campaigner for women’s rights, but rather for human rights Groundbreaking when first published in 1879, A Doll House challenged the conventional norms of playwriting.

It remains one of the most controversial plays about love and marriage ever written, and still retains the power to shock an audience a century after its lead character opened a door to freedom. A 1997 Broadway revival was the winner of four Tony Awards.

Performances of A Doll House take place on Thursday, September 22 @ 8 pm; Friday, September 23 @ 8 pm; Saturday, September 24 @ 3 pm & 8 pm; and Sunday, September 25 @ 2 pm & 7pm. The James Bridges Theater is located in Melnitz Hall on the campus of the UCLA School of Theater, Film, Television at 235 Charles E. Young Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095 (enter UCLA from Hilgard just south of Sunset Blvd. and park in Lot 3 on the lower level). Tickets are $49; student tickets are $15 at the door. To purchase tickets, call L.A. Theatre Works at 310-827-0889. latw.org.

WHAT:
A Doll House – Calista Flockhart, Gregory Itzin and JoBeth Williams head the cast when L.A. Theatre Works records Henrik Ibsen’s classic drama. Nora Helmer has a delicious secret that saved her husband’s life, but if he finds out what she’s done, it might destroy their marriage. Blackmail and innocence, love and hypocrisy collide in A Doll House, one of the most celebrated plays in theater history. All performances will be recorded to air on L.A. Theatre Works’ syndicated radio theater series, which broadcasts weekly on public radio stations nationwide and can be streamed on demand at www.latw.org.

WHO:
Written by Henrik Ibsen
Translated by Rolf Fjelde
Directed by Rosalind Ayres
Featuring Tony Abatemarco, Jeannie Elias, Calista Flockhart, Gregory Itzin, JoBeth Willams
Produced by Susan A. Loewenberg

WHEN:
Thursday, September 22 @ 8 pm
Friday, September 23 @ 8 pm
Saturday, September 24 @ 3 pm & 8 pm
Sunday, September 25 @ 2 pm & 7 pm

WHERE:
James Bridges Theater
UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television
235 Charles E. Young Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90095
(enter UCLA from Hilgard just south of Sunset Blvd.; park in Lot 3 on the lower level)

HOW:
310-827-0889 or www.latw.org

TICKETS:
$15-$49

Out the Window Art Project on LA Metro Fall 2011

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Artist videos shown on Transit TV on 2,000 LA Metro buses with art throughout October and November  share  artists’  perspectives about Los Angeles. With a different video featured each day in October and November, the project links physical and virtual worlds through digital media.  60 art videos reflect a range of subjects and styles including performances in urban public spaces, background information about LA neighborhoods, animated scenarios, ruminations about nature and investigations of other art forms. The programming tells stories, shares creative impressions and offers critical insights about Los Angeles. out-the-window.org

Fall Concerts in Orange County, Calif. Help Food Bank

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Costa Mesa’s Orange County Market Place has teamed up with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County to help stock up local food pantries for yet another year in 2011. The 3rd Annual Fall Concert Series  kicks of Saturday, Sept. 24 and spans seven weekends, offering free admission to the music events with a canned or dried food item donation. An estimated 21% of Orange County residents are at-risk of hunger! 6,384 pounds of food were collected for Second Harvest Food Bank, in the spring 2011, providing 5,320 meals to those in need.

2011 Fall Concert Series
Sept 24 Blues & Harp contest, 3 bands –  noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Sept. 25 Noon & 2 p.m., Rod Piazza and his Mighty Flyers
Oct. 1 Blues & Harp Contes  t3 bands –  noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Oct. 2 Desperado Eagles Tribute band
Oct. 8 Blues & Harp Contest   3 bands –  noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Oct. 9 The Big Squeeze – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Accordion Festival, five stages
Oct. 15  Blues & Harp Finalists
Oct. 16 Abbey Road Beatles Tribute band
Oct. 22 – Blues, Top four bands battle it out at noon, 1 p.m. , 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Oct. 29 Gods of Thunder Tribute to KISS
Nov. 5 The Silver Bullet Band Tribute to Bob Seger with Turn the Page o
Nov. 6 Don’t Stop Believing Journey Tribute

Location: Orange County Market Place, every weekend at the O. C. Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive,  Costa Mesa. Hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Call: (949) 723-6660.  ocmarketplace.com

Rare revival of Tony-nominated musical The Robber Bridegroom in Long Beach, CA

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Appearing Oct. 14-Nov. 6, 2011, this funny, rowdy and sexy bluegrass fairy tale with book and lyrics by Alfred Uhry and music by Robert Waldman is performed at International City Theatre. Based on the 1942 Eudora Welty novella, The Robber Bridegroom is a comic, adult fairy tale that’s loaded with symbolism, innuendo and double entendre.

A charming gentleman bandit, the rich plantation owner’s daughter he loves, the wicked, sex-starved stepmother who wants her dead, and an evil thief who carries his brother’s head around in a trunk – all set to an infectious Broadway/bluegrass score, is described as Souther meets Appalachian.

The Robber Bridegroom originated at The Musical Theatre Lab in 1970, pioneering the workshop process during its developmental stages.That production established the career of playwright Alfred Uhry, who would later write the acclaimed Driving Miss Daisy and The Last Night of Ballyhoo, and catapulted the careers of its two stars, Kevin Kline and Patti LuPone, both recent graduates of Juilliard making their professional debuts. Following a successful national tour, a second Broadway run was mounted just one year later, earning Barry Bostwick the Tony Award for lead actor in a musical and another eight Drama Desk nominations.

Todd Nielsen directs the ICT production, and Gerald Sternbach is musical director. Chad Doreck of Off-Broadway’s Altar Boyz stars as Jaime Lockhart with Jamison Lingle as Rosamund. Also in the cast are six-time Helen Hayes Award nominee Michael Stone Forrest, Sue Goodman, Tyler Ledon, Tatiana Mac, Teya Patt, Michael Uribes, and Adam Wylie.

The Robber Bridegroom runs Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, October 14 through November 6. Tickets: $37 – $55. Preview performances take place on Tuesday, October 11; Wednesday, October 12; and Thursday, October 13 @ 8 pm. Preview tickets are $29. International City Theatre is the an award-winning Resident Professional Theater at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA. Box Office: (562) 436-4610. InternationalCityTheatre.org.

 

WHAT:
The Robber Bridegroom – A rare revival of the funny, rowdy, sexy Tony Award-nominated musical, a comic adult Southern fairy tale about a charming gentleman bandit, the rich plantation owner’s daughter he loves, the wicked, sex-starved stepmother who wants her dead, and an evil thief who carries his brother’s head around in a trunk – all set to an infectious Broadway/bluegrass score.

WHO:
Book and Lyrics by Alfred Uhry
Music by Robert Waldman
Based on the novella by Eudora Welty
Directed by Todd Nielsen
Musical Direction by Gerald Sternbach
Produced by caryn desai [sic] for International City Theatre

WHEN:
Previews: October 11, 12 & 13 at 8 pm
Performances: October 14 through November 6
Tuesday at 8pm: October 11 (preview)
Wednesday at 8pm: October 12 (preview)
Thursdays at 8 pm: October 13 (preview), 20, 27, November 3
Fridays at 8 pm: October 14 (Opening Night), 21, 28, November 4
Saturdays at 8 pm: October 15, 22, 29, November 5
Sundays at 2 pm: October 16, 23, 30, November 6

WHERE:
INTERNATIONAL CITY THEATRE
Long Beach Performing Arts Center
300 East Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach CA 90802

HOW:
(562) 436-4610 or www.ictlongbeach.org

TICKETS:
Opening Night: $55 (includes reception following the performance)
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: $44
Thursday: $37
Previews: $29