Hollywood Weekly Feb 2010 ARJ by Hollywood Weekly Magazine, LLC

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

cOntEnts

2010

february

COVER 04 The Answer To “Who Watches The Watchmen”

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 28 2 Dudes And A Dream 56 LA Theatre Beat

F E AT U R E D 15 Health & Beauty 41 Hollywood Weekly’s Top Picks For Acting Coaches

PUBLISHER, EDITOR IN CHIEF Prather Jackson VICE PRESIDENT Bernice Harris VP MARKETING Michael D. Coxson ExEC. ASSISTANT Danielle Dietrich

36 Galina Sobolev 38 The Bay + LA = Prodigy

WEBMASTER Autumn Hawarden PHOTOGRAPHY Edgar A. Santacruz LIFE & STYLE EDITOR Niki Shadrow

DIR. OF MARKETING Launy Rhem

OPERATIONS Erskine D. McSwain (1991-2000)

SENIOR EDITOR Pamela Spyrs

PRODUCTION MANAGER Hector Santacruz

ADVERTISING Danielle Dietrich

CONTRIBUTORS Anthony Calderon Leah Michele Yananton Sarah Klegman Adam Freeman Pockross Andy Nguyen Rachel Stuhler Leah Yananton Rayne Sieling Steve Zall Sid Fish Jeffrey Jaggers Iman Lyons

DISTRIBUTOR NEWSWAYS ASSISTANT EDITOR Jenny Werth ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anthony Calderon

FA S H I O N

STAFF WRITER Brea Tisdale

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Autumn Hawarden

Hollywood Weekly is a monthly publication wholly owned by Jackson Publishing Company. ©2010 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any content without written permission of the Publisher is expressly prohibited. Letters to the Editor may be sent to: Hollywood Weekly, 4221 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 290-06, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Email: editor@jacksonpublishing.com. For Advertising inquiries call: (323) 934-6397, or Online at: www.hollywoodweekly.net

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CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY R. J. MANUELIAN

The Answer To “Who Watches The Watchmen”

By Anthony Calderon

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? For Plato and Socrates the question was “Who will Guard the Guardians?” In 1st Century Rome the poet Juvenal asked “Who Will Watch The Watchmen?” And here we are now in the 21st Century, wondering “Who Will Protect Us From Those Assigned To Protect Us?”

lato’s answer to this dilemma was the “Noble Lie.” In short, lead our Protectors to believe that are “better” than the rest of us, so it’s their “obligation and duty” as our “Superiors” to always think of our best interest… Tell me again why we’re still reading Plato?

ou don’t have to read Sigmund Freud to understand that human beings have this thing called an “Ego,” which reacts to “Power” and “Authority” the way Gremlins react to water… Guardians will never “Monitor” themselves for abuse of power. It’s just not in our nature – as a

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whole… There are always exceptions to the rule. Generally speaking, different species don’t usually take care of each other, but we’ve all seen those cute pictures of a female dog nursing kittens, or a Gorilla cradling some duck that lost its parents to one of our Holidays… Those are, once again, the exceptions…

n our system of Government everybody has to be held accountable to somebody…but there’s a blind side that everyday citizens find themselves in every day… A place where abuse of power is not only commonplace, but thrives and flourishes

like some as yet undiscovered super virus…

he police are, of course, the most demonstrative example of abuse of power that we can talk about, but there are many figures in positions of authority who need to be “Watched,” because they’ve discovered a metaphorical blind spot that no office security camera can ever record… And it is here, in this damp, dark, scary place in which they proceed to rip and shred our humanity and our dignity for their personal satisfaction and gratification… Here is a “womb” conducive to the birth of a sadist…

ut let’s walk back in the light for a moment, and focus on the Hero of our story… Attorney R.J. Manuelian as many of you may remember from Hollywood Weekly’s previous feature story, is just a pit-bull of a Lawyer. A man born without a doubt with the combative gifts and talents for the art of the verbal fight. A man whose powers of persuasion are so strong he rivals only George Lucas’ “Jedi Mind Trick” in his almost supernatural ability to make you doubt yourself... In the end you realize he’s not a Jedi Knight at all, just a very sharp, smart man possessing the skill and aptitude to reduce you – with all your painfully laborious planning and preparation into a babbling idiot...

nd then came the case... A Criminal Defense case against a person the police portrayed as someone who essentially attacked them, the only problem was the photographs of the Officers who had

– “Something really wrong is going on here!” The accused had no police record. Absolutely no prior history of any incident involving breaking the law, and all of a sudden they decide to attack a police officer in a way that, mysteriously, left no

been “assaulted” had no marks or evidence of an altercation, and the “accused,” the person the City D.A. was going after, they were beaten so bad the pictures of them at the scene looked like a broken Ketchup bottle on a supermarket floor. Seriously. It was like, “Cleanup on aisle 12!”

visible marks on the Cop... This was a new kind of case... It awakened something in R. J. It brought out his humanity like no other case had ever done... He was angered and outraged at the sheer injustice of what had occurred. He felt a sense of guilt. He was a Lawyer working in a system that was supposed to protect people. This wasn’t merely a matter of not reading someone their Miranda Rights, this was a brutal beating at the hands of our City’s Protectors... So much for Plato’s “Noble Lie...”

nd, really, not to drill this point into the ground, but if you’re ever unlucky enough to find yourself on a witness stand being cross-examined R. J. Manuelian, pray for a “Perry Mason moment,” that would be a kind and humane way to go out, because R. J., it could be said, comes from the “Hannibal Lecture” school of cross-examination: complete obliteration...

kay, so, now we know he’s a nice guy... Actually, he is, but here’s the deal: you don’t need R.J. to be your BFF, you need him to win for you... So, circling back to our original story and landing in Act Two... R. J. is a successful Criminal Defense Attorney, because he takes cases he believes in... Cases where a person’s rights were violated, and as such, legally, they need to be exonerated... This was his first taste of “Watching The Watchmen...”

ho had watched the Watchmen...? Still, R. J. did his dudiligence and looked into the case. You can’t tell the whole story by a photograph. But the deeper R. J. dug the more he realized, to paraphrase Al Pacino in ...And Justice For All

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eedless to say R. J. won that case... It was, to put it mildly, an annihilation. It was such a humiliation for the arresting Officer that it was painfully clear to R. J. that a Civil Case against the Officer would be a slam dunk of Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant/Vince Carter proportions... R.J. called an Attorney on his floor, Glen Jonas, who took the case and closed the deal... Suddenly, from out of nowhere, a system seemed to fall into place...

. J. gets close to a hundred calls a month now from victims of similar abuses... Civilians mistreated and harmed by those in authority... It’s no longer about quantity with R. J., it’s quality... Out of those one hundred calls he will choose one case. A case that speaks to – and I’m going out on a limb here – to his heart... A case that moves him just short of tears by the sheer atrocity of it. And then he’ll take that case pro bono. And when he’s destroyed the individuals in power who injured his client, he’ll hand the case over to Civil Attorney Glen Jonas, who will drive the final stake in the coffin of Orwell’s “Big Brother...”

e’re now in Act Three... R. J. Manuelian started out as a hotshot Attorney with a golden tongue who devoured Attorneys in court like some Greek Mythological beast... He had more business than he could handle, and quickly became the embodiment of the successful L.A. Attorney. He moved into a high-rise office downtown with a view so spectacular that when I first saw it I had to seriously restrain myself from spreading my arms and yelling, “I’m the King of the World!” R. J. made his fortune fighting against injustice, yes, but he hadn’t yet found his true

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calling... Now he fights for humanity... There’s a difference...

. J.’s transformation is complete... He has finished his hero’s journey, and finds himself standing firmly on the grounds of principle and compassion, with an unwavering, steadfast devotion to ensuring that those responsible for our safety never exploit us, or betray our trust...

began my story examining a theory put forth by Plato and Socrates, which

centered on “Who will Protect us from the Protectors?” I will end with a comparison of two great Greek writers: Sophocles and Euripides. It is said that, in general, Sophocles wrote about people as they should be, while Euripides wrote about people as they truly are... I think Criminal Defense Attorney R.J. Manuelian’s view on society is a combination of both these ideologies: like Euripides, he sees the world exactly as it is, but he fights, everyday, to change things to the way they should be...

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species Vampires.

Or shall we declare them as Vampire rockstars, known as Vampires Everywhere! Debuting their fangtastic EP, “Lost in the Shadows”. Hostess and leading vocalist Michael Vampire is accompanied by guitarists Zak Night, and Aaron Graves, with keyboardist Jay Killa, bassist Alexandar Rogue and David Darko taking his role as percussionist. “Immortal Love”, the leading hit single sucking the lives out of every listener that consumes its musical possibilities, will instantly find themselves amused with laughter as the keyboards mixmatch against the guitars’ riffs that constantly overlap the vocal chords persuading this adrenaline rush of energy.

–Lost in the Shadows (EP)

Aside from that energy source, “Forever Forever”, promises to be the “Vampire Anthem” and possibly a considerable next single since it posses that “fist in the air” attitude of shouting at the top of your lungs “Bite Your Tongue!” While “The Embrace”, brings back that rushing feeling that can easily be described as blood rushing to your head.

Hollywood has served its right as being the Entertainment Capitol of California but now it’s delivered its right to a whole another

So next time you find yourself on the streets scared and alone, you’ll think twice before entrusting yourself to that shadowy figure standing in the mists of the darkness or perhaps you already have. By: Natalie Perez

Vampires Everywhere!

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H ollywood W e e kly- H e a lth & Beaut y By: Brea Tisdale

Don’t’ Grow Old, Just Grow! www.bodyalluredayspa.com Martha Weinstein just turned 85; in her mind she has a bright future ahead of her. She has had a life of rich diversity and many interests. Some of her applications of energy include writing a renowned Encyclopedia on beauty, raising children and being a television celebrity in Argentina for 16 years. She is beautifying women and restoring confidence regardless of age. Now residing in LA, she owns and manages a boutique day spa in Brentwood called “Body Allure”. She has embarked on starting the “Stay Young Revolution” and is about to have her book- “Growing Old is a Big Fat Lie!!” which will be published very soon. In addition to this she has created and designed “The Stay

Young System”- that includes skin care products and a procedure called Facial Toning (a non-invasive treatment that stimulates the body’s ability to stay youthful (most notably used by Madonna). Her machine debuted at a trade show in Las Vegas, soon to be distributed to aestheticians everywhere.

Martha recently started a school – the “Remar” Postgraduate School of Esthetics- where she will teach estheticians, from all over the world, the practical steps to utilize the facial toning machine and “The Stay Young System”, but more importantly support and empower them to move confidently in the direction of their dreams.

The new portable version of the system just appeared in the marketplace and is the condensed version of the professional one, - something like the “laptop” of Facial Toning- using Nano Technology to create a bio- identical form of current that revives the cells and rejuvenates the tissues. Maintaining a youthful face can- from now on- be everybody’s choice.

This is just one of the ways that Martha is a gleaming example and model of following your desire at any age. A documentary on the life of Martha Weinstein could truly serve as an inspiration and remind us all that there is no need to grow old, but rather just grow.

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Pamper & Refresh

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By: Danielle Dietrich

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By: Brea Tisdale

Getting Raw & Real www.organicspa.com Aging? It’s an inevitable, no matter how youthful we think we will always be, we are going to grow old. But why look old? Why let Mother Nature rain on our parade? The problem is figuring out which beauty products to get; there are hundreds if not thousands to choose from. So why choose something pumped with chemicals and side affects that might make you grow another arm? (okay I am being a bit dramatic, yes.. but you never know) So why not stick with the naturals? Go raw….go organic? The major thing I am noticing is that, spas need to be something more than just ‘a special treat”, with regular spa treatments and regiments we can take care of ourselves in a very real way. How does one do that without

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breaking the bank? Well, if you feel it’s time to get serious about holistic therapies, I recommend taking a trip down to Christopher Haas’s rA Organic Spa in Burbank. Located in Downtown Burbank, you will discover a true oasis in what has become urban overload. From the outside with beautiful stonework, to the inside, which is completely eco-friendly with bamboo floors, natural stone, nontoxic paints, they have the spa set up in different rooms with creative names that put you into the ‘zone’: Zen, Aqua, Serenity and Garden suites. Owner Chris Haas’s mission is to spread the word on the benefits of regular skin care and massage therapy. He does this by having the spa

focus on facials, body wraps, herbal foot care, Traditional Thai massage, Swedish/ Balinese massage and Shiatsu Deep Tissue massages. (ok all of that sounded good to me, if this is what I have to do to stop help myself look good… then put down the knife.. here I come!) For those of you that want to carry on at home with your new regiments they also offer their Organic Boutique, which features skincare products, bath and body, and unique gifts that were purchased both locally and around the world. Whether is pampering of anti- aging your after…both have affects on your health this new year… so why not get serious about taking it one step further? In a real way!

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www.trainumfitcorp1.com

ThE DIAMOND of FIT LIvINg After the holidays, do you find yourself saying “I’ll cut back after the New Year,” but in reality you may not know what to do, or where to go? Even if you run off to the gym, chances are you aren’t doing the correct workouts or getting the nutrition you need. Thank goodness, there are experts who can guide us, mentor us and help us loose that extra roll or two. Finding our inner diamond is TRAINUM FIT CORP; a revolutionized approach to health and fitness. TRAINUM FIT CORP. is an organization designed to afford the aspiring athlete the tools necessary in obtaining optimum performance in sports and fitness. Founder, Paul Trainum has created the “Transitional Sports” and “Shock Fitness” Training systems

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specifically concentrated on developing the key ingredients for reaching your next level in competition and healthy living. Paul, also known professionally as “P. Trainum”, found that he had a passion for helping others meet their best physical potential in fitness and athletics; so with the help of his wife, Melissa, dietician and personal trainer, “The Diamond of Fit Living” team was born. With Paul’s extensive background in organized sports combined with Melissa’s United States Naval training and nutritional health knowledge, the fitness powerhouse created an anchor for the TRAINUM FIT CORP. experience; a comprehensive and well rounded menu of services that will develop your strength, and wellbeing. The

By: Brea Tisdale

products they provide are not limited to sports and physical fitness, this mobile “phenom” offers a wellness package of Pilates, Massage Therapy, Physical Therapy, Weight Management and much more. TRAINUM FIT CORP. therapists will supply all these services to anyone at almost any home or venue. TRAINUM FIT CORP. is fast becoming L.A’s most sought after team of experts for their discrete all-inclusive services, and accessibility. The intimidation of the overcrowded and ineffective gym is replaced by exclusive health services delivered right to your door. Now is the time to give TRAINUM FIT CORP. a call and find your “Diamond in the rough.

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H ollywood Weekly- F i lm

2 Dudes and a Dream

The next “Swingers” or the next indy film nobody hears about? The independent comedy “2 Dudes and a Dream” debuted On Demand December 1, 2009. The story pokes fun at the beast that is Hollywood as it revolves around 2 aspiring stars that become best friends as they set out to conquer the trials and tribulations of making it in Tinseltown. Cole Payne, the producer behind the film gives us a look at what it’s like to be an independent filmmaker. A quote I read about your movie from Hollywire. com says “it has potential to become a cult classic, like Napoleon Dynamite,” do you think this is true? I wouldn’t try to say it’s like or the next anything, I’m just hoping people actually watch it... you know, people besides my parents. I finished a film that made it out into the world and thats an accomplishment in itself. Most of the people involved were first time filmmakers that had pretty high hopes for 2 Dudes right from the beginning, but now, a few years later I think they understand every small film that gets a few laughs doesn’t turn into a major theatrical release, but I think everyone is happy with what is going on with the film. So you don’t want to brag about the film at all? Of course I do, I’m extremely proud of the film and everyone that put it together with me. We did this thing for peanuts, well peanuts and favors, and in the end I think we got a great movie for what we had. Since we didn’t have any money we had to get extremely creative with the writing, the camera work, the...everything, which is satisfying to see on screen. Can you give me a for instance? One thing we did to make it stand apart from a traditional comedy was shoot it differently. The producing team, director, and cinematographer got together and decided to film it with a dramatic style to give the movie a different feel. Also, we had the writers really focus on incorporating broad and smart humor to make it appeal to a bigger audience, especially with our already somewhat limited audience in the regards that the story is very Hollywood based. We really tried to make it so the viewer doesn’t have to know anything about the entertainment industry to enjoy it. What does saying “we didn’t have any money” really mean? Exactly that, when we decided to film this

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thing we had nothing. We set a start date and ended up getting our first investment of $2,500 shortly after, from there investments ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 came in until we finally finished the film in 2009 at right around $100K. How long did the movie take and why did it take that long to complete?

How do you feel about how your film is being put out into the world? Do you think a big studio distributing it would have helped? I think everyone who goes into making movies wants to see their ideas and hard work up on the big screen, but I’m happy with the release 2 Dudes has. The On Demand or digital release for the movie is actually going through Warner Brothers, but they don’t really individually market the film so the views are based on the title and outside advertising, i.e.

DVD and Blu-Ray will be out on January 12, 2010 through Empire Film Group, you can pre-order on Amazon.com and Netflix. And finally, I’m excited about this deal because the digital release of today could be the same as the theatrical release of the past.

Shaun Twiddy

As an independent filmmaker, what do you think about the studio system? I think they should take more chances on up and coming filmmakers like they did in the 90’s. Some of todays most prominent filmmakers came from that era, so I don’t see why it can’t happen again today. Look at the Weinstein’s and Miramax during that time, they linked up with Quentin Tarantino his partner Lawrence Bender, Kevin Smith his partner Scott Moiser, and put Doug Liman together with Jon Favreau for “Swingers.” Columbia took some chances on some on up and comers during that time too, John Singleton for example. I’m not trying to compare myself to them or my films to theirs, but during these times of war and want studios could use filmmakers that live by pinching pennies and generating some innovative ideas. So where can I watch “2 Dudes and a Dream” right now? As I mentioned before it came out December 1 On Demand, you can also stream it from Netflix, Amazon.com, and iTunes. This part of the 2 Dudes distribution deal is through Gravitas Ventures that has an output deal through Warner Brothers. The

Hair color: black Eye color: brown Height: 4’ 6” Weight: 62 lbs

New Talent

Filming began at the end of 2006 so it took about 3 years to complete. We had to take a break in the beginning of 2007 because I had to go to Canada to produce another film “Downloading Nancy,” for which Maria Bello was just nominated for a Spirit Award by the way...anyways, we had to wait until I got back to pick up filming. Then after filming we had to put it together and make a movie out of it, so this is where a lot of those favors I’ve been talking about came into play. Basically we would talk friends or friends of friends into working on it for little to no money and when a real paying job came in 2 Dudes went to the back burner, and on top of that, we weren’t just going to settle for mediocrity, well..except on a few occasions, so we worked on it until we thought it was the best it could be, and with a few different views that proved to by quite time consuming. So finally December 2009 the film came out.

the filmmaker or hopefully cross promotion from another distributor putting it out in a different medium. A big studio doesn’t necessarily mean the best thing for a film, studios may not have the time to focus on a small film like this, plus all the marketing dollars spent to put it out have to be paid back, so in some cases it may be better that the distributor doesn’t have the extra money to spend. I think the marketing campaign just has to be tight no matter what the film is or who puts it out. You can sell anything to anybody, you just have to market it to them in the right way.

Aloha, meet 9-year-old Shaun Twiddy from Hawaii He is an actor, model, singer, ukulele player, bowler and aspiring director. By the first grade, he had already gotten a role as an extra on “Lost.” Shaun was very curious about how television shows are produced, and how the cameramen and director work. Shaun’s agent believes Shaun will be the next Ron Howard because of this. He also likes being in front of the camera and meeting new friends.

Cell: (808) 368-7993 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 29 jntwiddy@hawaii.rr.com

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A Fresh New Look

At publicists

To those who are familiar with the entertainment industry, and nowadays even to those who are not, the word “publicist” is likely to institute some sort of scoff, sneer, judgment, or for some, maybe even fear. Sure, one could always credit miserable past experiences, and it doesn’t help that some of the most popular TV shows, “real life” or scripted, often personify the publicist as a “bitch on wheels” who gets what she wants and actually prefers stomping on other people in the process.

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Life isn’t always Entourage, The City or Melrose Place though and Chris Detert, the owner and CEO of American Rebel PR, is shifting the paradigm of what people think publicists and PR companies are all about, adding a young, fresh, and dare we say, friendly approach to PR. Detert’s company, American Rebel PR (ARPR) is a boutique agency located in the heart of Hollywood. At American Rebel, branding begins with a company that understands how to represent a wide array of clients, and takes the time to understand and believe in a client’s purpose, passion and long-term goals, in order to achieve mutual successes. The young company also prides itself in being on the pulse of the next best thing, be it product, event, media or even a social or dining recommendation, ARPR knows how to balance a clients needs and take them to the next level. What started as an under-

process of engaging all these

getting an inside scoop of the in-

aspects of direct consumer rela-

terview process. I thought, why

tions. Last year, ARPR teamed up

not allow cameras in to capture

with rock stars Jacoby Shaddix

it on film?”

of Papa Roach and Josh Todd of Buckcherry for JVC Mobile’s viral video campaign, Turn Me On, which garnered over 5 million online views. “If what you want is a run-of-the-mill experience, then we’re not the agency for you. We specialize everything, and make your PR experience personal. You won’t be plugged into an equation,” says Detert.

ground, rock & roll-centric business based upon celebrity relationships and guerilla marketing, evolved into a full-service firm with high profile clients spanning a range of industries. ARPR utilizes a passionate team of individuals to offer services such as Media Relations, Strategic Consulting, Branding, Event Planning, Social Networking,

Celebrity

Product

Placement and more.

different. “2010 is all about bringing in variety at American Rebel. We are focusing on tapping into the female market, and branching out into more high-fashion,” explains Detert. “Our team right now is so strong in women’s fash-

such exciting approaches, and

expertise to help turn up-and-

fast.

comers into the next big thing.”

Detert’s company previ-

ously landed him on shows across A&E, Bravo and VH1, highlighting clients, and celebrity product placements. In Spring 2010, MTV is set to air a new show, and this time it gets personal, with Detert and the ARPR team searching for a new employee to join the help, and the process is always

comes out of their unique dev-

amusing. Not to mention, there is

il-may-care

so much for others to learn from

the

but also specialize in something

ion, and we want to utilize that

ranks. “It’s very hard to find good

only great in the media industry,

People are taking notice of

At ARPR, the true success approach

Detert’s approach to his business is to hire people who are not

Detert’s backyard project is now an integral part of the media and entertainment world, seen as a blueprint for creating exposure for brands through the use of celebrities and the mass media. His goals are not only to continue practicing public relations in all its forms, but also to change the perceptions of the industry, making it more accessible, and ultimately more effective.

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H ollywood W e ekly-F ash i on by Luke Huntington

FOR V LE E

O GAZIN B O S KLY MA A N I D WEE L A G LYWOO HOL

As one of the fashion industry’s leading designers, Galina Sobolev knows how to make women look and feel absolutely beautiful. As the designer of the clothing line Single, Galina’s passion runs deep, allowing her to incorporate her diverse set of life experiences into her chic designs.

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Born and raised in Russia, Galina first discovered her love of clothing and fashion as a young girl when spending time with her grandmother, an established dressmaker. Her grandmother saw the spark in little Galina’s eyes when she watched her create her dresses, and at that moment realized her granddaughter’s vibrant potential. She took Galina under her wing, and taught her how to sew, crochet, and create patterns. It was learning the technique from her grandmother, combined with a limitless dash of unbridled creativity, which encouraged Galina to pursue her dream of becoming a fashion designer. Galina attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where she cultivated her love of design while finely honing her craft. Galina graduated with high honors, and shortly thereafter relocated to England where she continued her studies and started her own line, Single. Galina considers her time living and designing in England to be one of the most influential periods in her life. A line for the modern, confident, sexy, and stylish woman, Galina truly designs for a woman’s body, as she is an expert on the female form. With pieces mostly made from silk, Single dresses possess the desirable qualities of longevity, vitality, and meticulous construction. These pieces are designed to last, and are almost like wearable art; created from Galina’s passionate mind, Single dresses are acquired by women all over the world with the zest of an avid contemporary art collector. The print on every Single dress is hand-painted

original artwork, a collaboration between Galina and a talented team of artists in Como, Italy. It is Galina’s hope that when a woman slips into a Single dress, she feels glamorous, incredibly confident, and fiercely independent. A collection known for its classic sensibilities, bohemian spirit, and exuberant European fabrics, Single features bold and daring pieces full of color, excitement, and movement. The prints on every Single dress is original artwork,

“One of the fashion industry’s leading desigers, Galina Sobolev”

Currently available in the dress departments of highend department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Lord and Taylor, and Bloomingdale’s, Single is also available at http:// www.shop.singledress.com and http://www.net-a-porter.com. First and foremost, Galina is a woman of power. In addition to being a highly sought after designer, she is also a wife, mother, active philanthropist, and star of the hot new Bravo television show “Launch My Line.” Since the show’s premiere, Galina has been able to connect with fans from all over who have expressed their love for both Galina and the Single line. Her goal is that through her designs, women will feel empowered to

http://www.shop.singledress.com http://www.net-a-porter.com. express their true selves and take on the world head first with verve, passion, and inspiration. As someone who constantly likes to push boundaries of expectation and express herself in new, robust ways, Galina is constantly searching for new projects and unpredicted sources of inspiration for both her life and her line. There is no telling what exciting projects the future will bring for Galina, but one thing is for sure… success is bound to follow!

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“The Bay + LA = Prodigy”

ibi o v an t a h K an eh Peyr i r A : h Wit : Mar jan w e i v Inter vie wed By Inter I n a time where every, oxygen breathing human being in college, is dreading D-day, or in other words graduation. We, the students, want to know if there is a silver lining in the clouds. With

the fall of the economy, do we have what it takes to make it in this industry? Especially now that some people are beginning to steer clear of designer labels and trying to keep their wallets full. Are we, aspiring Fashion Designers, Marketing and

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Product Development students going to overcome this hurdle? Is faith and hard work enough? Well, let’s take the perspective of a soon to be Entrepreneur, Arian Khatibi. I had the privilege of interviewing Arian, a very good friend of mine that I deeply respect and admire. Arian Khatibi is a 25 year old, ambitious, determined and coincidentally a recent FIDM graduate. He is into the extremes and not one to settle for what’s in between. Playing it safe or worring about what people say or think is not his approach. His style is all his own and he doesn’t seek out to fit in with all the new trends. It’s a guarantee and a bet I’m willing to make that whatever move Arian makes next in his career, people will be eager to find out who this young man is. He’s a Bay Area native but he’s already dug his roots deep in Downtown LA, in the heart and soul of Southern California’s Fashion District.

Marjaneh: Tell us a little about yourself: career, hobbies, interests…etc? Arian: I am a wholesale sales rep for a clothing line called Superdry. I’m originally from the Bay Area but [I currently] reside in Downtown Los Angeles. I am very spontaneous, hence, my move from the Bay to LA, at such short notice. I enjoy learning and experiencing the novelties in life, and I possess a deeprooted passion for fashion, as well as motorsports. I have a tendency to take an extreme approach to situations, such that if I intend to embark on something, I strive to excel at it all the while making a statement as I go along. Marjaneh: What does your current job entail? Arian: Basically, my job is to generate new accounts with retail stores, maintain these accounts, and also maintain the showroom. I participate in the purchasing aspect for the upcoming seasons in the US market, which gives me the opportunity to travel for trade shows and for meetings with potential buyers. The best part about my job is that I have some say in what goes on with the whole process, which is significant in the fact that a mixture of opinions are welcome and beneficial for the growth of the company. Marjaneh: Going back just a little, what made you decide to go to FIDM? Arian: I was really miserable just taking the standard GE classes. I wasn’t passionate

about anything I was learning and I knew right away that the conventional college life was not designed for me. It wasn’t until I started helping my cousin with some of his street art adventures that I actually discovered my calling, silk screening T-shirts. I was quickly drawn to the art after attending MAGIC that year. It was that very weekend that I decided that if I was to continue with schooling, I’d opt for a field that I’m fascinated with. Now that I had the “what to study” part down, the next step was “where do I go?” Since I decided to move to LA, FIDM seemed like the only logical choice. There I began studying fashion/apparel manufacturing.

I got an interview on the spot. Sometimes, opportunity doesn’t come knocking on your door, so you go out and pursue it yourself. I would tell other graduates to also be persistent and proactive. You have to act like a sponge and absorb as much information as you can. Also, plan ahead and es-

Marjaneh: In the next 5 years, what do you predict for the economy and where do you think you will be? Arian: I’m no economist, but I do predict the economy will be back to “normal” if not better than ever. You can only go up from here. As for myself? Ideally the world can witness the debut of Arian Khatibi, the creative director of a thriving brand, or I could possibly take ownership of my own company in this competitive apparel industry.

Marjaneh: Did you find after attending FIDM that many more opportunities came your way? Arian: In a way, yes. FIDM taught me how to apply my creativity and my natural business senses to start my own career. I learned how the industry really works in regards to a real-world setting, so once I graduated it was an easy transition. I also met a great deal of influential people in the industry who helped steer me in the right direction. Marjaneh: That’s wonderful! How did you get a job so fast after graduating? What advice could you give to others trying to get into a career like yours? Arian: Well, like most of my generation, I happened to graduate in the worst economy ever. I tried finding a job for a long time and I never got a quick response back, but I remained persistent and eager. I landed this particular position by randomly walking into the showroom and asking for a job.

Arian: I want to express myself in my own work and inspire other people to do the same. I really enjoy tailored clothing. I appreciate quality fabrics, hand-craftsmanship, and excellent fit. I would love to start my own brand and manufacturing company in the relatively near future, but I still have a lot of learning and expertise to acquire. I’m not in any rush.

tablish your connections early on. Talk to as many people as you can and when you actually go for it, do it 100% - go big or go home! Lastly, always be prepared and expect the unexpected: you never know when you’re going to be in an interview. Marjaneh: I love the way you think. After all that you’ve learned and knowing that this is the right field for you, where do you see yourself in the future? And do you have plans to start your own company or clothing line?

His outlook on the future doesn’t have a wrinkle of worry. Instead of dreading the inevitable, he opens his arms and welcomes any and every opportunity, whether it’s what he expected or not. With an attitude and spirit of an eager industrialist, Arian is always two steps ahead of himself. His back up plans, also have back up plans, and if it were up to Arian and the proper resources were readily available, he would already be on top of his game. In the years to come, I predict that with the mention of his name the reactions wouldn’t be of puzzled faces. Instead, it would be of impatient fans awaiting his next venture.

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Hollywood Weekly’s Top Picks for Acting Coaches

H ollywood W eekly- Art s

Your Artistic Community www.bhplayhouse.com

By: Brea Tisdale

As an actor, one is always looking for a trusted solid community one can be apart of. A community that will allow them to spread their wings, and grow as a person and as an actor. Unfortunately for some they fall in the wrong place and fortunately for others they fall into a place that is established and trusted, The Beverly Hills Playhouse. The BHP is one of Los Angeles’ oldest and most respected acting schools.

Founded by renowned director and teacher Milton Katselas, the BHP has for over thirty years offered ongoing intensive scene-study classes for both the professional actor and those who are looking to develop themselves into professional actors. The BHP trains actors in a down-to-earth fashion, with easily applied techniques to create full, believable performances that enlighten and entertain. In addition to its

approach to Acting, the BHP instructs its students in the areas of Career Administration and the proper Attitude that will help you survive and handle any negativity that comes up in the pursuit of a life in the arts. Breaking into the entertainment industry is hard enough, so don’t let the training and guidance you choose be a burden, trust a place that was trusted by so many others.

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Lesly’s

Non- Method www.leslykahn.com

Lesly Kahn & Company is not a conservatory program promoting love and passion for the craft of being unemployed! Most acting schools teach one of the several derivatives of Method Acting (like Strasberg, Adler, Meisner, etc) For those of you unfamiliar with it, Method is an acting technique originated by Stanislavski at the Moscow Art Theatre in Russia in the late 1800’s. It’s an incredible thing, but it’s also old. More importantly- it was created for the stage before film and television exsited. Method acting probably isn’t the reason an actor quites college/ the family business and/ or pissed off their parents/ dumped their high school sweetheart to do. So what do people come to Lesly Kahn for? They come to get

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an audition today and be able to book it tomorrow, to instantly figure out what the writer wrote and make it their own. To learn to immediately translate casting director “language” into actor “language”- so that you can execute the requested adjustments. Here you will also learn to survive the ups and downs of life as an actor and conquer. At LK and Company you will rarely hear about actions, objectives, substitution or sense memory. There will be no personal objects, no repetition or private moments. At Lesly Kahn they are teaching you to be prepared for real life situations you will face as an actor in Los Angeles in 2010. So ditch the method, because it won’t get you the job!

How to Ignite Your Acting Fire By: Brea Tisdale

www.kimberlyjentzen.com Acting Coach” in Los Angeles multiple times. Jentzen captures the essence of artistry in each individual, incorporating Chekhov, Adler, Strasberg and Meisner - she is THE expert in artistic creation.

In acting, we often hear CD’s, directors and coaches talk about listening, connecting and finding your center. Actors have to stay grounded and learn to navigate through life experiences, emotions and fears. We don’t come out of the womb prepared to go after a career in acting; we need someone to guide and direct us. We need a teacher who can help us tap into our creative force and access our inner-selves. Luckily, actors in Los Angeles have premier acting coach, Kimberly Jentzen. Jentzen has been coaching successful film, television and theatre actors for more than twenty years. She has been featured in numerous publications and voted “Favorite

Jentzen’s students have booked roles on hit TV shows such as Dexter, Lost, Flashforward, The Forgotten, Grey’s Anatomy, Madmen, Heroes and 24 and in feature films including The Notebook, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Flags of our Fathers, Zodiac and Resident Evil, to name just a few. Under her tutelage, her actors have also gone on to star in Broadway productions such as Rent and Mama Mia. Classes start with a warmup, a visualization exercise that connects actors internally and channels their imagination and concentration. She teaches techniques that build the actor’s process: scene work, monologues and cold readings as well as on-camera work, character development and script breakdown. Actors develop confidence and hone the skills necessary to book jobs and build successful careers.

Jentzen has created a unique series of Power Tools that enable actors to go beyond their limits to bring out their best performance. “The Jentzen Technique” generates consistently strong auditions and characters that stand out from the pack. “A career is built on one good audition after another,” says Jentzen. “When you consistently give better and better auditions, you generate the confidence to create professional breakthroughs.” She goes on to explain that a great actor doesn’t get caught watching themselves, but rather lives into the life of the role. Just by talking with Kimberly Jentzen, one will begin to feel empowered, feel that little acting light inside begin to flicker. Jentzen believes there is a fire inside all of us and that we must find the energy that ignites it. Her book, Acting with Impact: Power Tools to Ignite the Actor’s Passion will be available soon and is a must read for anyone wanting to find their fire.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

Discovering The Playground By: Brea Tisdale

www.theplaygroundlosangeles.com

They say kids are some of

explains teaching children is

young children, you get to see

the most honest people, they

unique because they absorb

them involve into the super-

haven’t been around long

so much, so you are inevita-

stars we all know them as.

enough to be “tainted” or jad-

bly making a large impact on

ed by society. They don’t un-

who they will become. Spatz

derstand tact, or the concept

explains that kids keep you

behind a “white lie.”

They

grounded, forcing you to be

are real, honest and define

a better teacher, more en-

the definition of living in the

gaged, conquering challeng-

moment.

es. You have to keep the chil-

For Gary Spatz, Director of the “The Playground”, this is exactly what he does. When I met Gary I walked into what looked like the most amazing place to hang out, play, discover and find my inner child. His studio consists of multiple rooms, with different types of sets, and “playgrounds.” Even though it was silent when I

they aren’t “skipping” out on you. So he is constantly updating his material and lessons, in fact he has a huge library scripts ranging from television shows, past and present, films and theatre. So there is always something for everyone, allowing a young actor to really expand his or her wings.

was there, I could tell these

Gary worked as an act-

walls were graced with the

ing coach and creative con-

presence of innocent creativ-

sultant on the Mickey Mouse

ity, laughing children and kids

Club, and he said it was such

learning what it is to be an

a pleasure to watch the kids

actor.

(which I think we all know who

Gary says it is his privilege to be working with children. He spends all his weekend down at the studio, running around “The

dren constantly involved, so

Playground”.

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Spatz

these very famous group of young ones are) stay on the path and continue their journey. I suppose that is one of the major benefits to coaching

The

challenges

Gary

and the teachers (who by the way are all actors themselves) find is that you have to keep everything playful. Gary says that acting is a child’s art form, adults have to give themselves permission to pretend, children on the other hand, are escaping reality at all times. They will trust in the reality that you tell them to be true. So when they escape to the moments on the script, they exist in this world, they are apart of it. Let’s be honest though dealing with children can be very difficult at times too, it takes a special person to be able to do the things Gary Spatz does. He has the essence of a child, the insight of an adult, and a heart of gold. The magic that happens over at The Playground you can tell is real, honest and empowering, if I wasn’t 25 years old I would have been down at The Playground myself!

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The World of Imagination By: Brea Tisdale

www.stuartrogersstudios.com

You don’t have to travel all the way to Russia to learn

Angeles; Theatre Tribe- www.

about some of the won-

Which

you will find yourself filled with

derful things to come from

he won an Ovation award

knowledge, experience, cre-

there (and no I am not talk-

for directing and has been

ative growth and chance

ing just about Vodka). Here

nominated for several Circle

to really enter the world of

in Los Angeles you can find

Awards.

imagination.

someone who is founded in the teachings of Stanislavski, Chekhov and many other incredible

Russian

acting

teachers, that set the foundation for what is know as “the method”. Locally, Stuart Rogers has his studio founded in the core and “imagination” of these great Russian acting teachers.

At Stuart Rogers studio

theathretribe.com

So what makes his teaching so special? The classes are no more than 26 people, and the students are put together not based on how long they have been there, or any sort of interview process. They are placed with people that are at the same level of them professionally. So you truly are surrounded by a group

Stuart is a third genera-

of your peers, meaning the

profes-

things that you are experienc-

sional; coming from a father

ing and going through pro-

who was a prominent theatre

fessionally, everyone around

producer. Stuart himself was

you in your class is going

an actor for 12 years and was

through the same thing. You

a member of the Circle Rep.

grow with your professional

Theatre; in fact he has been in

experience. Another thing I

over 50 equity plays. Not only

enjoyed about Stuart’s set-

did Stuart embrace himself

up was that all of the teach-

into the performance aspect

ers involved in the studio are

of things, he also put himself

not teaching because they

through the entire spectrum

couldn’t make it as an actor,

of the film and theatre; from

they all at some point made

sweeping the floors, to stage-

it as an actor and are teach-

managing, writing, directing

ing because they want to be

and producing. Eventually

teaching, not because they

leading him to have his own

have to.

tion

entertainment

theatre company here in Los

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Let’s Make Believe By: Brea Tisdale

www.aaronspeiser.com Let’s face it Los Angeles is home to the land of entertainment, dreams and endless possibilities. Many of us come here to try and “make” it. Trying to achieve what everyone back at home said was impossible, scary or “too risky.” The problem is discovering what is real and what is someone trying to take advantage of you? Especially for actors, where does one go to find a good mentor, someone who will guide them and teach them in an honest way? And when they do find these teachers, are they going to give them the tools to work professionally or are they only going to teach them how to rehearse and perform in a closed private classroom? Enter Aaron Speiser, a man who truly is inspiring and informative to listen to. I found myself getting off the phone with Aaron wanting to know more, learn more, discover more. Aaron has 15 years experience as an actor; he got his

MFA on the east coast, where he continued to perform in countless Broadway shows. He finished his studies at the Uta Hagen studio. Speiser made it his point to understand all the techniques out there on acting, because he believes techniques are a process to get you to living in the imagination in the script. He likes to minimize the faking and use the imagination, when talking and listening. Saying it’s about knowing how to make the imagination real, his bottom line is “make yourself believe.” The unique thing about Aaron is his specialty is film and television since we are located in Los Angeles, the hub of Film and TV. He believes this is the 21st century and that there should be no rehearsal, in fact he doesn’t let any of his students rehearse, he says that in the real world, you don’t have the luxury of multiple rehearsals. It is of up most importance to him that his students be pre-

pared for the real world, be prepared to be a working, paid actor. It’s also very important to him that every one of his teachers at the school are teachers, not “part time” actors. He says that if you are a teacher, than you are committed to teaching and to the training of teaching the craft. Most of Aaron’s students are with the studio for two years, and he says that when they leave they are ready for the professional world and not the world of class. Aaron knows the hard work and dedication it takes to being an actor and he knows how to harness, prepare and achieve results to get actors ready for the working environment.

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Exploring Your Voice

By: Brea Tisdale

www.dialectsandvoice.com www.methodsworkshops.com

Sometimes we let our nerves, feelings or just plain lack of knowledge get in the way of letting our true ‘voice’ come out. Understanding one’s voice and how to use it properly is the most important tool one has when giving a speech, communicating on a daily level or most importantly when acting. Actors are not only sometimes required to speak in different dialects; they must be understood/heard by the audience. To better do this one needs to explore how their breath works inside their body to produce speech. This can seem overwhelming to anyone who is thinking of working with the voice as a means to reach a deeper or different level of acting, however with the help of Amy Sue Fall this process can be much less daunting and perhaps even fun. Amy Sue is a certified Associate Teacher of Fitzmaurice voice work® and a certified Colaianni Speech Practitioner. She received her MFA from Roosevelt University Conservatory in Chicago & Linklater trained by a Master Designated Linklater Teacher. Amy Sue was introduced to Louis Colaianni when having problems with a dialect teacher. A friend of hers recommended him and put them in touch. Through Louis and his “phonetic pillow” technique, Amy Sue fell (even deeper) in love with voice and speech work. After apprenticing with him, she started teaching Louis’s work at universities across the US, but eventually the warmer weather called

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and she made the move to Los Angeles seven years ago. Amy owns and teaches out of Isis Studio just a few miles north of the No Ho Arts District. In addition, she is a dialects, voice and speech teacher at the Idyllwild Arts Academy and just finished coaching CSUN Opera, “Street Scene”. By combining Fitzmaurice with all that she has learned along her journey she has developed her own unique way to help students and clients access their emotions and bring those emotions onto text. Amy Sue strives for truth; so much so that what she works towards in her teaching is honesty. One can be truthful in what they say, but it may not always be honest. Amy Sue is constantly growing and learning herself, from other teachers and from working directly with people. She believes in the importance of constantly expanding and moving forward yet always staying in a very honest ‘space.’ To this end she has created the “Methods Workshops”. Here she gathers teachers from around the globe, from different English speaking disciplines (voice, speech, Shakespeare, movement etc.) to teach together in one week. This allows dedicated students an “all in one” studio training experience by working directly with Masters of a specific field. Amy Sue Fall believes in the power of the Voice and has the love, honesty and dedication to back up her extensive training and certification.

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H ollywood W e e kly- th eat re

LA THEATRE BEAT BY STEVE ZALL AND SID FISH

With the holidays over and the quick return of warm Southern California weather, you may be wondering what to do for entertainment this month, and our local theatres have the answer with such great shows as: “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso sit down at a bar in France to discuss the coming of the 20th century, and with the help of a special guest from the future, they realize that both art and science define and are defined by beauty. Written by Steve Martin and directed by Justin Gordon, it runs January 8 through February 13 at The Complex’s East Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-7714 or visit www. plays411.com/picasso.

“Ordinary Days” four young New Yorkers trying to find their way become intricately connected through a series of funny and fortuitous events that prove ordinary days can be simply extraordinary. Music and lyrics by Adam Gwon, and directed by Ethan McSweeny, it runs January 8 through January 24 at the Julianne Argyros Stage at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-708-5555 or visit www. scr.org. “Hellz Kitchen Ablaze” narcotics officers rendezvous in a warehouse to divvy up the loot they confiscated during a drug raid, but a detective is dispatched to retrieve the money arousing suspicions that one of them has betrayed them. Written by Tommy Carter and directed by David Fofi, it runs January 8 through February 6 at Elephant Space Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-7711 or visit www.plays411.com/hellzkitchen. “Camelot” is the story of a mythical kingdom in the middle ages ruled by a king and his knights, the best of whom has a covert affair with the queen thereby sacrificing his position and jeopardizing his life. Written by Alan Jay Lerner with music by Frederick Loewe, and directed by David Lee, it runs January 8 through February 7 at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-7529 or visit www.Pasadenaplayhouse.org. “11, September” an accident of fate changes everything in this provocative drama about coincidence, truth, denial, and the secrets we keep, where incredible circumstances bring two strangers together in a chance meeting that alters their lives forever. Written by Paul Kampf and directed by Gita Donovan, it runs January 8 through February 7 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 or visit www.11SeptemberPlay. info.

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“Six Degrees of Separation” a man posing as Sidney Poitier’s son cons his way into the home of a wealthy couple by claiming he was mugged and is their son’s classmate until the truth is discovered. Written by John Guare and directed by Don Schlossman, it runs January 8 through February 13 at the Westchester Playhouse in Westchester. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org. “Ray Bradbury’s Wisdom” actually two stories 200 years apart, the first explores an elderly man who visits his grandson and his companion to tell them about a special friendship he made one summer a long time ago, while the second is a musical where a husband and wife married 40 years each secretly buy android replicas of their younger selves as gifts for each other, leading to unexpected consequences. Written by Ray Bradbury and directed by Alan Neal Hubbs and Steve Josephson, it runs January 16 through February 27 at the Fremont Centre Theatre in South Pasadena. For tickets call 323960-4451 or visit www.Plays411.com/raybradbury.

“West” an unwilling gang member is chosen to be in a one-on-one fight against a rival gangs’ leader in order to avenge a slaying by the rival gang with no support from his friends, family or girlfriend. Written by Steven Berkoff and directed by Bruce Cooper, it runs January 15 through February 6 at The Electric Lodge in Venice. For tickets call 310-823-0710 or visit http://www.hellionpictures.com/west.

“Blood and Thunder” in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina this is the story of a con artist whose plan to ride out the hurricane in his Lower 9th Ward apartment is interrupted by an unwanted visitor, forcing him to face both the flood waters and the ghosts of his past. Written by Terence Anthony and directed by Sara Wagner, it runs January 8 through February 28 at the Moving Arts- Hyperion Station in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-666-3259 or visit www.MovingArts.org. “Shakespeare Unscripted” is an improvisational comedy created at each performance from the 16 comedies of William Shakespeare and a few suggestions from the audience to kick off the show. Directed by Brian Lohmann and Dan O’Connor, it runs January 10 through February 14 at Theatre Asylum in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-401-9793 or visit www.plays411. com/shakespeareunscripted.

“Riverdance” is a thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling millions of people around the globe. Composed by Bill Whelan and directed by John McColgan, it runs January 12 through January 24 at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 800-9822787 or visit www.broadwayla.org. “Baal” takes a hallucinatory slide on the downward spiral of a drunken, dissolute poet, into his journey of excessive, sensual experiences. Written by Bertolt Brecht with translation by Peter Mellencamp and directed by Ben Rock, it runs January 14 through February 20 at the Sacred Fools Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 310281-8337 or visit www.sacredfools.org.

“Orpheus Descending” a drifter arrives in a small town looking for work and the opportunity to renounce his wild ways where he meets a woman with a tragic past who longs for rebirth. Written by Tennessee Williams and directed by Lou Pepe, it runs January 15 through February 21 at Theatre/Theater in Los Angeles. For tickets call 800-838-3006 or visit www.BrownPaperTickets. com/event/92508. “The Sensuous Senator” A senator who has just announced his candidacy for President of the USA is running his platform on morality and family values, but he’s more devoted to monkey business than he is to the people’s business and winds up with a group of unexpected guests. Written by Michael Parker and directed by Ken Salzman, it runs January 15 through February 27 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

“Confusions” is a quintet of interlinked plays that illustrate the hilarious consequences of quirky, neurotic, self-important characters who are not listening to one another. Written by Alan Ayckbourn and directed by John Pleshette, it runs January 15 through March 7 at The Lost Studio in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-960-5775 or visit www.plays411.com/confusions. “It’s Criminal, The Comedy” recounts a lawyers courtroom adventures with dangerous clients, loony judges, sexy DA’s, and his own neuroses. Written by Murray Meyer and directed by Laurel Ollstein, it runs January 16 through February 13 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 323-960-7780 or visit www.Plays411.com/ItsCriminal. “On the Air” an actors’ murder during a live radio broadcast is covered up when the station manager quickly substitutes a “sound-alike” imposter, but police arrive to investigate and things turn chaotic. Written and directed by Shane Houston, it runs January 16 through March 6 at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks. For tickets call 323-960-4420 or visit www.plays411.com/ontheair.

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LA THEATRE BEAT “Loyalties” Set at the height of America’s war on terror, this play explores what happens when two couples’ long-term relationship loyalties are called into question as their sons enlist in the military. Written by Tony Pasqualini and directed by David Gautreaux, it runs January 16 through March 28 at the Pacific Resident Theatre in Venice. For tickets call 310-822-8392 or visit www.PacificResidentTheatre.com. “Who Is Curtis Lee?” an African-American bar owner who refuses to sell his business to a greedy white developer ready to use physical force against him is rescued by a powerful drifter who arrives on the scene and quickly falls in love with the owners daughter. Written by Ashford J. Thomas and directed by L. Flint Esquerra, it runs January 22 through February 28 at The MET Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-957-1152 or visit www.themettheatre.com. “The City” a man who is at the top of his world in a small town moves to the big city because he wants to play the power game in business and have a prominent career in politics. Written by Clyde Fitch, adapted and directed by Stan Mazin, it runs January 22 through February 28 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-700-4878 or visit www. thegrouprep.com.

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“Bobrauschenbergamerica” this kaleidoscopic play is a fantastical road trip through the American landscape as Robert Rauschenberg, one of America’s greatest artists, might have conceived it, through a collage of vignettes. Written by Charles L. Mee and directed by Bart DeLorenzo, it runs January 23 through February 28 at the [Inside] the Ford theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-461-3673 or visit www.FordTheatres.org.

It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears, it’s a world of hopes and a world of fears, so these plays that we share just to make you aware it’s a show world after all.

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A place safe enough for Couture By: Brea Tisdale I pride myself on being someone that is always finding really unique “one of kind” vintage pieces of clothing. The thing about buying these “unique” pieces is that you don’t always/can’t really wear them without having them cleaned first, because honestly who knows where they have been…(Really who wants to know)? But, I get really nervous about taking my stuff to the cleaners…who hasn’t had your favorite one-of-a-kind coat ruined or misplaced…. I sure have! Recently however, I found a place that is different then all the rest…. Beverly Crest Cleaners.

have time to be fooling around with their clothes. They are often expected to be wearing certain things at certain times or they might even be wearing something that is on loan to them… so they can’t afford costly mistakes. In fact, a good friend of mine owns a high-end boutique on Third Street and someone had come in to pull clothing for a photo shoot. Before returning it to the store they had it cleaned and the random “Joeblow” cleaners ruined the clothing… which is a loss of merchandise. My friend then started having everyone take the borrowed merchandise from her store to Beverly Crest and it’s as if the items never left.

Something else I witnessed while in Beverly Crest was a woman whose clothing had been around a lot of smoke from the fires and her clothing reflected that. At Beverly Crest they offer smoke damage cleaning which gets that ever lingering smell of smoke out of your clothes, so they They have been around since don’t have to be replaced. Another 1927. The current owners Harry and convenient thing I saw, is that they David have owned the place since offer pick up and delivery service of 1978. They are brother- in-laws that your items. They will come to your are both engineers, electrical and house or office to pick up what you need to be You can find Beverly Crest Cleaners at: 10301 cleaned and drop Santa Monica Blvd. West Los Angeles, CA 90025 it off.

or online at: www.beverlycrestcleaners.com mechanical. They saw an opportunity for a unique business and jumped on it. The thing I quickly discovered about what makes the way Harry runs his business different than the average “Joe-blow” cleaners you see out there, is that with “Joe-blow” cleaners you get “Joe- blow” service. Beverly Crest caters to upper estate/ celebrity clientele as well as studios. Which I know you are thinking so what, who cares…? Well I do and so should you frankly. As you may or may not know, most celebrities don’t

Also for the environmentally friendly person out there, they offer what they call “wet cleaning” where they don’t use any chemicals on your clothing… but if you are a germ-a-fob and really want to make sure to get the junk out of that jacket you brought in… you can rest assured they only use the best products out there. The reason I think this business works so well, is because they are solid from the inside out. Most of the employees have been with the

company for 10 plus years. In fact, a man who had worked for the company 9 years when Harry and David took over, continued working with them for another 20 years before he retired. The reason for this is because what I noticed from just being in there, you can see it’s a friendly lowpressure environment, where they are more about the quality than the quantity. What I mean by that is most cleaners have their employees doing 25 or 30 presses an hour where at Beverly Crest they do 7 or 8. This is because each garment is inspected before the cleaning and then inspected after the cleaning by a separate department to make sure there aren’t any tears/ discoloration or any damage. Volume doesn’t matter here, it’s quality. So, if you have a couture piece or are a production studio or someone like myself who really cares about your unique piece - this is the place to go. Every garment is treated and cared for as if it were their own personal treasure. And don’t worry about them losing anything because every item has a computer tag on it that allows them to track every movement of your piece, so they know where everything is at all times. Just ask James, who has been going there for 75 years…. Obviously they are doing something right!

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