Hollywood Monthly Magazine

APRIL 2011

CHER SPEAKS OUT ABOUT ELEPHANT CAPTIVITY

JULIA CLANCEY Spring & Summer Fashion

Cover photo: Dimitri Halkidis

PLUS!

ZETA GRAFF Flower Power & Diamonds

FITNESS AND POLITICS:

ARE YOU POLITICALLY FIT? Andrew Ackerman explains...

Four Seasons Punta Mita A Celeb Escape

EmmaRidley British Fitness Guru

Takes onTinseltown HOLLY WOOD M O N T H LY

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MONTHLY

HOLLYWOOD PUBLISHER/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Prather Jackson OPERATIONS Erskine D. McSwian (1991-2000) VICE PRESIDENT Bernice Harris VP MARKETING Michael D. Coxson DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Launy Rhem DISTRIBUTOR Newsways LIFE & STYLE EDITOR Niki Shadrow PHOTO EDITOR Dimitri Halkidis

SENIOR EDITOR Sean Borg EDITOR Jenny Werth ART DIRECTOR & WEBMASTER Ron Lucarelli CONTRIBUTORS Louise Ashby Andrew Ackerman Nina Prommer Justin Ball Julia Clancey Deborah Anderson Zeta Graff Catalina Guirado Brandon Blair Doué Adler Shane Ellison, M.S. Sid Fish Steve Zall

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY® is a monthly publication wholly owned by Jackson Publishing Company. © 2011 Jackson Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any content without written permission of the Publisher is expressly prohibited.

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Senior Editor’s Note

W

ow, this year is certainly in full swing, now that spring is in the air… Who knew when I was making my new year’s resolutions one-second past midnight on January 1st 2011, I’d be here just couple of Talented friends: Catalina Guirado, me & April’s covergirl Emma Ridley months later writing my editor’s note for April’s edition of Hollywood Monthly.

As someone who comes from a gossip news background, I was particularly impressed when I discovered that this magazine has a ‘No Gossip - Strictly Entertainment’ policy... How refreshing I thought.

Sure, we all secretly like to know what’s going on behind the scenes in celebrities’ lives, but we don’t have to be the ones digging the dirt!

For my first issue as senior editor I have chosen to feature some people who have inspired me along the way, mostly of the non-celebrity variety, but connected to showbiz in some way or another. Some might say Sean Borg has just found a platform to put all his friends in a magazine, this is true, but I am fortunate enough to know many talented people within arms reach, and I wanted you to know them too!

Personally, I believe the coming together of creative people can be truly fantastic and rewarding if blended correctly. is is something I have learned along way.

Now hopefully, by my own standards, I might have just perfected the mix.

I particularly love the courage expressed by Magic of the Mask, author Louise Ashby, who explains how she was forced to face herself aer a life-altering incident back in 1992, which changed her destiny. Justin Ball explores gym culture in Hollywood, describing how the fitness industry in Tinseltown has evolved over the years. is month also features the vivacious fashion designer and Hollywood ‘scene queen’ Julia Clancey, bringing us her stunning new Spring/Summer creations in a beautifully shot six-page spread by the incredibly talented photographer Deborah Anderson. Zeta Graff’s exquisite taste in jewelry presents a classy edge with ‘Flower Power’. Ms Graff oozes sophistication, and I was proud to have her as part of my team.

And last but by no means least, Emma Ridley, who I chose as our cover girl because she stands for survival; a girl full of good energy and someone I have known for almost twenty-three years. Her story could have been so different. But today she is a successful fitness guru living out her dream in Hollywood. Emma puts a capital ‘S’ underlined in bold in the word ‘Survival’! is issue is full of fresh, interesting people who have interesting lives, and so I dedicate it to the word ‘fitness’… Fitness of the mind, body and soul!

Enjoy reading it!

Sean Borg - Senior Editor

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APRIL 2011 British Fitness Hollywood ‘Emma’lution

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Once Britain’s most talked about celebrity, reformed Wild Child Emma Ridley has reinvented herself as a fitness guru living in Los Angeles... she tells Hollywood Monthly how!

Gym-Biz Gym-Biz of Show Biz

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A profile of fitness gym’s culture in Hollywood. eir influence on the fitness industry and how it has evolved over the years.

� � � � � � � Social Activism Elephant Activists Speak Out

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Cher shows her support for Elephant’s In Captivity at Sunset Gower Studio’s red-carpet affair.

Hollywood Inside Out Louise Ashby

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Aer being facially disfigured from a near fatal car accident, coach, author and activist Louise Ashby explains how she was forced to face herself from the Inside-Out. Today Hollywood stars come to Louise for guidance on how they too can do the same.

Nothing Personal...

It’s Only Fashion!

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Spring is on our doorstep and Zeta Graff brings us diamonds....In the shape of flowers...

Loving theWay

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You Look...



MONTHLY ®

Fashion Fitness:

Relationship Guidance LA Matchmaking

How to find love in a city full of twists and turns. ese famed matchmakers guide us in the right direction.... and we all need that!

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Op-Ed Fitness & Politics

How important is fitness when it comes to politics. Are we putting too much emphasis on our politicians’ appearance?

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Restaurant Round-Up Riot House Elegance!

Foodie, Justin Ball visits the Andaz on Sunset Strip. e swanky Riot House restaurant in West Hollywood boasts an unrivaled collection of wine from South West France and the Napa Valley while offering fun cocktails.

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Travel Escapes Punta Mita, Mexico

e Four Seasons Punta Mita- an incredible excursion into luxury and relaxtion. Just close your eyes and inhale the fresh ocean air as you relax on your hammock. Ahh, the good life.

Photo Fitness Out in Hollywood

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With red carpet Queen Nina Prommer snapping some of Hollywood’s A-list.

Beauty, Fashion, Life!

Cat Talks

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Not just a fad, this month Catalina Guirado talks about diets that actually work.

Theatre LA Theatre Beat

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A peek at Los Angeles’ best theatre shows this spring.

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BRITISH FITNESS

B r i t i s h Fi t n e s s G u r u

Emma Ridley’s

Hollywood “Emma-lution”

by Sean Borg

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mma Ridley was once one of the most talked about celebrities in British tabloidsthink Paris Hilton and you’ve got it. Everywhere she went there was a hungry pack of paparazzi chasing behind her.

At only six-months-old, Ridley became the ‘darling’ of the modeling and

TV commercial industry being cast as the famous Gerber baby. At four-years-old, she was cast as the daughter of old-schoolHollywood’s Anthony Franciosa and Carroll Baker in Jackie Collins’ feature film e World is Full of Married Men. en at only six-years-old, she was chosen as one of 22 lucky ballerinas selected from five thousand hopefuls to join the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London. She continued her studies and love for ballet and had even earned a solo spot by elevenyears-old at the White Lodge Royal Ballet School. Soon aer, she went on to perform with the Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet theater appearing in many stage productions including Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers.

Continuing to act, the child-star landed the part of ‘Ozma’ in the cult classic movie Return to Oz; a Disney sequel to the Wizard of Oz. And by the late 80s in a strange twist of fate the media labeled

As Rider Strong’s girlfriend ‘Becky’ in ABC’s Boy Meets World

the ballet-dancing-Brit: “London’s original Wild-Child.”

She was thrust on almost every front page in the United Kingdom aer participating

in headline grabbing antics like driving underage, and getting drunk at some of the top showbiz parties in London with her mother. ink of her as the Li-Lo of the 80s and youТll appreciate how much she had the media a-gasp, not to mention the public obsession with everything in her outrageous life.

because I was not old enough to join in the dance classes.”

Now, a little over 20-years and three kids later, the sexy blonde is an entrepreneur and Los Angeles dance fitness guru with her very own chain of schools, Goddess Fitness Dance in Southern California.

Aer becoming a mom, Ridley found the rigorous demands of motherhood and neglecting her regular fitness routine had taken its toll on her both physically and emotionally.

She had gained a lot of weight and suffered various illnesses due to becoming unhealthy.

At 15-years-old, Ridley stunned the world again by marrying a Las Vegas nightclub boss 15-years her senior. However, the marriage lasted only a few years before Emma moved on to become the queen of showbiz Never one to give-up, she soon nightlife. Even Larry set out to explore her own path King’s replacement, to healing by incorporating CNN talk show host homeopathy, Eastern medicine Piers Morgan, then a philosophy, and reading budding entertainment Dubbed Wild Child: Emma back in the late 80s self-help books by author news columnist, hounded and metaphysical healer, Louise Hay. She Emma almost everyday to get the scoop on became a self-proclaimed ‘Jesus freak,’ and her. even dabbled in Scientology, which she liked. She eventually recognized a familiar But what did Emma Ridley do to acquire feeling of comfort when she began to teach such a title? She tells Hollywood Weekly, classical ballet and yoga to young children “I just danced. I innocently climbed up and grown women. She navigated toward on a stage at a well-known night club this type of fitness class as at the time there in London and danced my fricking ass were seemingly only mundane, boring and off in front of everyone, and suddenly I most definitely masculine classes being was blinded by paparazzi flashbulbs.” It offered. seems she was oblivious to fact that it was actually her half naked cavorting at the top London establishment, the ‘Limelight Club,’

“It took me nine months to lose over a 100 lbs using my Goddess Fitness Program, and now at 38 I am in the best shape of my life.

I feel fabulous!”

where she stripped down to her bra and underwear that really caught everyone’s attention. But as fate would have it, it was dancing that ultimately led her on her amazing journey to where she is today.

“I found my passion for dance while still in diapers!” She says. While most children were crying because they did not want to leave their mother’s side, I would cry

Aer a life long quest for knowledge in health, weight loss and dietary choices she

set out to create her own program through self-discovery. is worked well for her and she soon invented the ‘Goddess Makeover,’ a program to improve health and well-being that worked for everyone.

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Photography: Dimitri Halkidis • Hair & Make-up by: Mary Kolacinsk

“I created Goddess Fitness Dance to reconnect with my dancing. It was something I had to do to feel fearlessly feminine — empowered and beautiful and ultimately get into shape.”

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“ItТs too easy to get bored of the same gym sessions,” says Ridley. But with the Goddess Makeover program we mix things up with ‘Yoga-licious,’ Burlesque and Pole dancing, Belly dancing and Circus fitness. As long as you commit to three or more classes a week and keep moving, youТll feel and look amazing and never get stuck in an exercise rut.”

As an expert in yoga and dance with over 20-year’s experience, she opened her first studio in Santa Clarita in the May of 2005. en shortly aer in January 2006 it had grown so much that she moved to an even larger location and ultimately relocated a final time in January of 2009 to cope with the demands of her successful business.

“I call it ‘Emma-cise,’ not exercise; it’s free movement of meditation in motion. It’s a very Zen-like experience and a great emotional release while getting the most incredible workout!”Today the Goddess Fitness Dance Studio runs over 90-classes a week, and last July Emma opened her second location in Woodland Hills. She also has a third planned to open later this year on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood and even a fourth in Santa Barbara by summer 2012. “I created Goddess Fitness Dance to reconnect with my dancing. It was something I had to do to feel fearlessly feminine-empowered and beautiful and ultimately get into shape,” she explains.

Emma and Goddess Fitness Dance now offer fun dance fitness and circus for the whole family through her Emmanuel Healing Arts programs.

“We dance in the dark,” Emma says,“by the gentle light of candles and chandeliers. It’s slow and easy but very effective fun dance fitness; all for non-dancers and dancers alike!”

She states quite confidently,“It’s not what we look like, itТs how we feel. I have yet to meet a women who isnТt a Goddess.”

Despite her formal training, Emma’s philosophy is simple: you donТt need to be a pro to see the results. УWith our makeover program I give you the ‘dance doctor’ prescription and a personalized food plan, she says. When you dance with your heart, your body will follow; its just movement. As long as you’re moving you’re doing it right.”

As an all-around entertainer, Ridley’s currently putting the finishing touches on her self-titled music album,‘Emma-lution.’

e album will feature songs she has written, and a rock-pop music video of the hit song ‘Amazing Grace.’ When she released the song last summer, it triumphantly received over 100,000 hits in its first week on YouTube.

Drawing from her own experiences, she has created her own fitness DVD available on her website goddessfitnessdance.com. e site offers all her own dance moves, and a book with the “Goddess Make Over”in the pipeline.

“I have taken the work Сout’ of working out, and brought back the power of sensual slow movement. It empowers you from the core of your soul while at the same time giving you an amazing dance core workout. is is not just a physical workout; this is an emotional self-discovery of healing through movement. Dance is my therapy, she says with a smile. We get out of our minds and

into our bodies and we lose weight with sheer sensual sweat!”

“It took me nine months to lose over 100pounds using my Goddess Make Over Program, and now at 38-years-old, I am in the best shape of my life. I feel fabulous!”

Now, it’s her plan to help other women feel fabulous too!

“Goddess Fitness is the most fun you’ll ever have in fitness- come in and see for yourself!,” she beams.

Goddess Fitness Dance Studios are located at:

19855 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91364 Phone: (818) 348-6000, & 26635 Valley Center Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91351 Phone: (661) 251-2831

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GYM-BIZ 12

The Gym-Biz

H O L LY W O O D MONTHLY

A Prole of Gyms in Hollywood and their Inuence on the Fitness Industry

of Showbiz:

by Justin Ball

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he old expression “sex sells” is more prevalent in showbiz than in any other industry. Sexuality is woven into nearly every stitch of modern entertainment. Hollywood, as the undeniable center of the increasingly visual entertainment industry, is inundated with actors, singers, models, and wannabes who are oen literally valued for their exterior beauty and outer sex-appeal. e pressure to look good has pushed these attention-seekers to exploit every possible way to make their physical assets as eye-pleasing as possible. Consequently, ancillary businesses, offering commercial services ranging from yoga to cosmetic surgery, have emerged in Tinseltown, profiting from entertainers’ need to maintain movie-star-looks from head to toe.

Flaunting a hot body is definitely a fundamental factor for exhibiting shallow beauty and sex-appeal. Naturally, the original beauty business in Hollywood was the fitness and bodybuilding industry. Blessed with consistently temperate weather and diverse topography, Southern Californians are innately predisposed to being physically active by way of outdoor pastimes such as surfing, swimming, and hiking. e Hollywood crowd is no exception, but hitting the nearest or most fashionable gym or yoga studio has also become a favorite exercise trend in the entertainment capital.

Today, Miami, St. Tropez, and Rio De Janeiro are probably better known for their beach bodies, but Hollywood has certainly contributed to the canon of sexy bodies and the beach, Muscle Beach to be precise, is where the star-making town’s celebrated gym culture originated. Aer the Great Depression of 1929, audiences, desperate for amusement, flocked to movie theaters and the resulting increase of ticket sales combined with the addition of recorded sound to film gave rise to what is now known as the Golden Age of Hollywood. Film studios began releasing thousands of films per year and with the expansion of showbiz came the expansion of the greater Los Angeles infrastructure.

In 1934 a municipal park, complete with gymnastic equipment, was built on the beach near Santa Monica, California. is unique outdoor recreational facility promptly gained popularity and attracted athletes eager to show off their talents and physical prowess. In due time, this beach locale became the original trendy Hollywood

gym where people would go to see and be seen. Acrobats, circus performers, gymnasts, stunt people, weightliers, and wrestlers could all be seen at this beach on any given weekend and the site became known as Muscle Beach. e venue boasted the most impressive bodies on the planet and became world famous for bodybuilding competitions, beauty contests, and other events. For various reasons, the City of Santa Monica ultimately disbanded the beachside spectacle, but a sign marking the site of the original Muscle Beach still stands. Eventually, a new replacement outdoor exercise and recreation facility was erected in nearby Venice Beach that is still in use, but Muscle Beach Venice unfortunately never achieved quite the same popularity as its predecessor partially because of competition posed from a new generation of gyms popping up across town. Muscle Beach ignited a health and fitness culture that caught on like wild fire and that is still a part of Hollywood and the world today. e careers of many notable individuals including Gold’s Gym founder Joe Gold, late celebrity fitness guru Jack LaLanne (who founded what ultimately became Bally Total Fitness), and 50s and 60s silver screen heartthrob Steve Reeves can all be traced back to the original Muscle Beach.

One of the gyms that siphoned patrons from Muscle Beach Venice was Gold’s Gym, founded in Venice, California in 1965 by a body-builder named Joe Gold who would go on to found another chain of gyms called World’s Gym in 1976. Before going into the gym business, Gold toured in a live variety show with legendary Hollywood actress Mae West. Speaking with Flex magazine in 2002 about creating Gold’s Gym, Gold said,“…I think for bodybuilders it was the best-built gym in the world at that time.” e original Gold’s Gym became further intertwined with Hollywood lore aer it was featured in the famous 1977 documentary Pumping Iron about bodybuilders, including Lou Ferrigno and Arnold Schwarzenegger, striving to win the 1975 Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition. Both Ferrigno and Schwarzenegger trained at the original Gold’s Gym in Venice and both propelled their bodybuilding careers into prominent Hollywood acting careers. Ferrigno is best known for playing the fictional super-

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hero e Hulk on the late 70s television series e Incredible Hulk while Schwarzenegger is most recognized as the titular cybernetic assassin in the popular series of Terminator action films. Both Gold’s Gym and World’s Gym have become two of the most successful fitness center chains worldwide and both originated in the land of movie stars. roughout the 1960s, around the time that the first generation of modern gyms were founded, weightliing and bodybuilding continued to be almost entirely dominated by men.

Mainstream society discouraged women from participating in the so-called masculine sport. Jack LaLanne, who gained fame as the star of his long running exercise program e Jack LaLanne Show, is widely credited as a pioneer in advocating women’s fitness and was one of the first to encourage women to exercise regularly. As times changed, female athletes became increasingly accepted by society and by 1980 the first official female bodybuilding competitions took place. In Hollywood, stars such as Jane Fonda, Olivia Newton-John, and eventually Madonna were widely celebrated for their beauty and svelte female figures. Men loved to look at them and women loved to look like them. By the late 70s and early 80s, serious female fitness had become a standard fact of life in Hollywood and across America.

most recent gym-du-jour in Tinseltown, according to most accounts, is Equinox in West Hollywood. Nestled at the base of the Hollywood Hills on the Sunset Strip, stars from Lindsay Lohan to Jodie Foster can be spotted working up a sweat at this exercise hot-spot. However, it is only a matter of time before Equinox’s fieenminutes-of-fame are eclipsed by the new gym on the block.

In many ways, the origin and growth of the fitness industry has paralleled the course of the entertainment industry over the years and this reciprocal development is evident throughout Hollywood’s relatively short yet illustrious history.

Today, the commercial exploitation of fitness continues to evolve right alongside showbiz and it is anyone’s guess as to where these intertwined industries are headed. e only provision that continues to be persistently predictable is that as long as audiences worship toned and trimmed bodies on screen, or in other words as long as sex continues to

Jack LaLanne... was one of the first to encourage women to exercise regularly. As times changed, female athletes became increasingly accepted by society and by 1980 the first official female bodybuilding competitions took place.

With women joining the fitness movement, traditionally maledominated commercial exercise facilities began catering to both male and female fitness markets. Gyms began offering and promoting a wider variety of more feminine forms of exercises like step-aerobics classes, dance classes, and yoga classes. Eventually, entire new fitness center franchises such as L.A. Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, and Bally Total Fitness were established and designed with women clientele in mind. ese new facilities differed from the old-style gritty weightliing gyms of the past in that they were cleaner, more brightly lit, and offered a wider array of cardiovascular exercise equipment such as swimming pools, counterbalanced weight-machines, and spinning bicycles.

Hollywood is now packed with all types of gyms, it seems there’s one on nearly every corner. ere are more gyms than there are movie theaters. Just like the entertainment industry, the competition to be top-dog in the gym business is fierce. e latest trendy gym in Hollywood changes as fast as a celebrity’s popularity comes and goes. Several gym brands including Gold’s Gym, Easton Gym, and Crunch Fitness have all had their time to shine. e

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sell, the gym culture of Hollywood is here to stay.

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SOCIAL ACTIVISM

The LA Zoo’s New Elephant Exhibit Outrages Elephant Activists throughout Hollywood!

Hollywood’s Sunset Gower Studios holds red-carpet affair to share the disheartening truth about elephants held in captivity

Kat Kramer and Cher host the event

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by Jenny Werth

H O L LY W O O D MONTHLY

e’ve all heard the proverbial term ‘the elephant in the room,’ and we all know that means there’s a huge ‘animal’ of an issue that everyone in the room is trying to avoid discussing. But thanks to the efforts of some highly concerned A-list celebrities and animal activists, there is finally an elephant in the room that is being exposed. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of elephants who suffer needlessly as they’re held in captivity in zoos and circuses around the world.

Perhaps not everyone is aware of the crisis, but Kat Kramer is ensuring that changes through her powerful documentary Elephants and Man: A Litany of Tragedy.

zoos to close their elephant exhibits and move the animals to much larger sanctuaries.

another form of torture.

To watch an elephant be whipped by its trainer so they can learn how to do ridiculous circus tricks is heart breaking.

It is beyond words. It is horrific.

e campaign’s leader, Melya Kaplan, who is also the documentary’s A pioneer in animal executive producer rights, Tippy Hedren and founder of the said,“Parents should non-profit Voices know not to take for the Animals their children to see Foundation, joined elephants in zoos and forces with film circuses. ere’s nothing producer, Kat educational about seeing Kramer and director an elephant standing up Jacek Kropinski on his legs.”

Some of Hollywood’s most iconic stars to chronicle the Mariana Tosca and Ken Davitian Do we really need to history of watch elephants in circus elephants in captivity. For Kat acts standing on their hind legs? Is this Kramer’s third installment really a form of entertainment, or are we of her Films at Change the merely mocking these creatures’ nature by World series she carefully training them to do outlandish tricks. chose Elephants and Man: A Litany of Tragedy. Kramer Cher is another committee host who is wanted to bring attention to outraged at the treatment of elephants. the controversy surrounding “(Imagine if) you were taken away the new $42 million elephant from your family and keep in solitary exhibit that just opened at the confinement… it’s miserable. And the LA Zoo in December 2010. elephants in zoos and circuses are kept While the exhibit is larger, alone because if they were all together, it provides only three acres Billy Bob Thornton, Lily Tomlin, Melya Kaplan, Kat Kramer, Tippi Hedren and for the elephants to roam.

Chris Gallucci But being confined to the ‘freedom’ of three or even ten came out to Sunset Gower Studios acres doesn’t even come close to solving the recently for the world premiere of the problem of elephant confinement in zoos. documentary that’s shedding some very Especially when you consider an elephant’s ugly light on an oen ignored topic. Host committee members for the film, including natural instinct can be to walk up to one hundred miles per day.

Vincent de Paul and guest

Cher, Billy Bob ornton, Lily Tomlin and Tippi Hedren all spoke out about their involvement in a campaign to persuade

“I wanted to create a think tank and get activists and the media together to have a forum,” Kramer explained about the debut of her documentary. “(Films) can inspire us to think and explore social issues. e Cove made such an impact and I hoped to create something else that would create the same impact,” Kramer said. Indeed she has created a work of genius. Aer viewing the documentary, the picture becomes crystal clear that keeping these endearing creatures in the confines of captivity is simply

Lily Tomlin, Ed Begley, Jr., Kat Kramer, and guest

(the trainers) wouldn’t be able to control them.” She hopes the public learns the truth about these endearing creatures. “An elephant is like a very large child, it has the mentality of an eight-year-old. ey want to live with their moms and sibling and aunts. Children wouldn’t want to see them anymore if they knew that they were going to be alone forever without their family and

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“

It does so much damage just to put them in this confinement when there’s really no reason for it. Something else could be done just miserable.”

Cher explained that elephants love their relatives the same way humans do. Indeed, they also mourn and miss their loved ones like humans do. “It does so much damage just to put them in this confinement when there’s really no reason for it. Something else could be done,” |Cher said.

director Stanley Kramer spent most of his film career on our Sunset Gower lot during its run as Columbia Pictures. Many of his socially conscious films, including Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner, were filmed on our sound stages. His daughter Kat Kramer is continuing the tradition of bringing attention to our social conscience through her Films at Changed e World screening series. Last year at this time, we

Humans and elephants have feelings, this is a fact. e question is whether we choose to acknowledge that animals do feel. It’s comforting to know that at Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood a revolution of change is well underway.

“Our studios take an active role in supporting filmmakers by hosting screenings, events, and networking opportunities. e eminent producer and

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Tehmina Sunny

helped her bring attention to a little known film called e Cove - which later earned an Oscar and brought worldwide attention to the slaying of dolphins. And now, we had a successful red carpet turnout for Elephants and Man: A Litany of Tragedy.

Having Cher, Lily Tomlin, Billy Bob ornton, Ed Begly Jr., Tipi Hedren and so many other talented celebrities come out and support this documentary brought its filmmakers significant media attention,” Terri Melkonian, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Sunset Gower Studios and Advisory Board member of Films at Changed e World said.

For more information or to help the campaign, please visit www.vtfafoundation.org or call 310-3925153. As the voice for animals, they are devoted to creating respect and empathy for animals through education, rescue, advocacy, and legislation. ere are many ways to volunteer for the foundation. But the change starts with you, please tell your animal-loving friends to stop the insanity and allow these animals their inherent right to enjoy their lives in freedom, instead of being conned in jails for our ‘viewing enjoyment.’

Photography: Dimitri Halkidis • Hair by: Barry Halkidis • Make-up by: Mary Kolacinsk

”

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H O L LY W O O D I N S I D E - O U T

“It shouldn’t take a 23-yearold fame-hungry reality star ten surgical procedures in one day to realize she’d made a mistake. “

by

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Louise Ashby

A

s a trauma, life, and goal coach I work with spirituality, creativity and intention-asking. I ask those that I assist to be open and trust in their process while remembering that nothing is too big or too small to overcome.

It shouldn’t have taken a near fatal car accident that crushed my face into the back of my head for me to realize what I was really capable of. I was only 21-years-old and had been in Los Angeles for three weeks when fate intervened on the night of October 5th, 1992. Aer picking up my friend for a night of movies and Chinese take-out, unbeknownst to me, my already salvaged vehicle was hit head on by a monster Buick that was driving on the wrong side of the road. In that split second my life was never the same. My dreams, my face, my vision, smell, brain chemistry, career, everything as I knew it was changed. I was disfigured but I was still me. It took twelve years, 22 surgeries and 230 metal bolts and plates to rebuild me to where I was socially acceptable. I had to grow up fast and weigh the pros and cons of my life; my character and what mattered to me. I’d just lost my mother to a five-year battle to cancer but I wasn’t lost. I was filled with determination and I knew dreams were for the taking. I knew life was short and that acting was my goal. My plan was to go for it. I was soon shown the incredible gis to be learned from staying present to losing ones’ face and identity and adjusting to life as you knew it.

It shouldn’t take a 23-year-old fame-hungry reality star ten surgical procedures in one day to realize she’d made a mistake. is reality star’s procedures included a nose job, brow li, chin reduction, fat injections in cheeks and lips, breast augmentation, Botox, liposuction on waist and thighs, ears pinned back, buttock augmentation and neck liposuction.

Around the world, talented and unique individuals strive to make it to Hollywood to be recognized for their differences and star quality. Many train at the top drama academies and win prestigious awards while others come from wealthy families willing to pay their way to the top. en there are some who come from the pure and deep love for words of the likes of William Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams, and Neil Simon. It’s in this literature that their lives take form. It isn’t about the super-stardom and ability to jump to the front of the line, get freebies and be chased down the street by the paparazzi. Rather, they should hold on to who they really are and what initially drove them to their goal while reflecting on their life’s circumstances. ey need to draw from that which makes their character choices something that could one day be Oscar-worthy. Actor’s can touch a viewers life with their portrayal of a character in such a way that a life can be changed and a lesson learned. e pressure to keep working and looking good can become stressful enough that a talent may lose perspective of what really matters. ey risk becoming sucked up into the façade of appearances that mean everything for too many people.

With success under their belt, many of our rich and famous can get anything they want at anytime. is has led to the detriment of Hollywood losing their most gied stars. “Yes men” are everywhere and then a grieving family follows. e world grieved as Michael Jackson took his last breath as he struggled to find a way to sleep to keep up with his grueling schedule and his

impetuous perfectionism. Why do some stars feel a need to escape their lives by drowning themselves in bottles of pills and booze?

Some even hide out in hotel rooms with strippers and anything else that numbs their real feelings instead of simply asking for help? Some say if they ask for help the tabloids will stalk them and they’ll fear ‘looking weak’ or anything less than a superstar?

Is this why Brittney Spears shaved her head rather than just as publicly seeing Dr. Phil? ere isn’t a class for stardom let alone super-stardom. ese are people with talent trying to live life. ey are surrounded by temptation. People who have a talent and have been put on a pedestal oen lose touch with normalcy.

In 2001 as my book hit the shelves, sharing my tools on living through disfigurement, I was termed a ‘Superwoman.’ is was a term I strongly disagreed with. A term I felt was perhaps fit for a mother of five, but not someone whose human condition is to survive that which was put in their path. In this period in time a young actress approached me at a small Hollywood soiree gently nudging me into a corner, “I had my fake boobs taken out because of you,” she said. “I realized I was using them to make me feel better about who I was rather than going within and seeing what it was I was really uncomfortable with”. e way people can work on themselves present themselves in gyms on every street corner. en there are diet trends that try to get you the ‘quick fix’ such as the latest fad diet called “e amputation diet” (another time I’ll explain.) Also popular are the latest cosmetic procedures and ways in which to nip-and-tuck without going under the knife.

Time has caught on. We are in the new age. It is no longer shunned upon to spend your Tuesday night in a town hall on Fairfax listening to the words of motivation speaker and author, Marianne Williamson. And, of course, to tell your girlfriends about it aer. Rhonda Byrne became an instant success when she came out with the DVD and book entitled “e Secret” a couple of years ago, which basically says everything in our lives is a result of what we’ve manifested from our thinking. Some people understood this and others became scared straight and blamed it on ‘gaga’ thinking.

Look at all of our beloved stars who have come back from addiction, losing their children, being in prison and coping with the feeling that their life had no purpose. Many have done some solid work on their insides and they came back bigger and better. ey are proof that it can be done. Whatever you believe, and whatever you know you can do is what you can do and is real for you. Why waste your time running away from what you are capable of? I don’t want to know that I’ve wasted time hiding from what I’m really worthy of. At the end of the day it’s up to me, but today, I leave it up to you!

To nd out more about Louise go to: www.louiseashby.org

HOLLY WOOD MO N T H LY

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J U L I A C L A N C E Y FA S H I O N

Photography by Deborahandersonphoto.com Stylist - Anita Patrickson Stylist Assistant - Jesse Selchow Makeup by Anthony Merante at AIM Artist using MAC Cosmetics.

Model - Alicia

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A Masquerade’s Vision in Perfect Pink

H O L LY W O O D MONTHLY

Shot on Location at Andaz Hotel West Hollywood 8401 West Sunset Boulevard West Hollywood, CA 90069 (323) 656-1234

Loving theWay

You Look...

Looking the Way You Love!

Sultry and Sizzling

HOLLY WOOD MO N T H LY

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An Enchanting Allure with a Cherry

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H O L LY W O O D MONTHLY

A Grecian Goddess Saunters By...

HOLLY WOOD MO N T H LY

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She’s Their Only Dream Worth Having

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H O L LY W O O D MONTHLY

They Must Wear Shades to Admire Her Beauty Photography by Deborah Anderson, Deborahandersonphoto.com Stylist - Anita Patrickson Stylist Assistant - Jesse Selchow Makeup by Anthony Merante at AIM Artist using MAC Cosmetics Model - Alicia Shot on Location at Andaz Hotel West Hollywood 8401 West Sunset Boulevard West Hollywood, CA 90069 (323) 656-1234 To nd out more visit: www.andaz.com

HOLLY WOOD MO N T H LY

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H O L LY W O O D MONTHLY

Nothing Personal...

It’s Only Fashion!

by Zeta Graff

Christian Dior Enamel gold ower rings (girl is wearing these) 309 North Rodeo Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210-5105 (310) 859-4700

Van Cleef between the ngers pivoine ring in white yellow and pink diamonds price on application 300 North Rodeo Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 276-1161

Solange Azagury Partridge Yellow gold and enamel daisy ring 340 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills (310) 276-4500

DeGRISOGONO Diamond and orange sapphire ring and earrings 824 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10065-4904 (212) 439-4220

Prepare for a spring and summer of retro flower style romance. The amazing floral jewels are paired with 1970’s bohemian clothes that dominated the Spring/Summer 2011 catwalks.

Sexy ‘boho’, with a hint of attitude, is to be expected this summer, so don’t be left in the dark for too long this winter: Get some flower power!

Chanel Diamond and aquamarine camelia ring 400 North Rodeo Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210-4502 (310) 278-5500

Flower Power

HOLLY WOOD MO N T H LY

29



Body



BEAUTY & FOOD FITNESS

 Spring must-haves Eyes

Update your look with this spring eyeshadow selection from Sonia Kashuk.

These colors dene your eyes in a sweetly spring way. target.com

Lips These body butters will blow you away!

Truly, this body cream will leave your skin as soft as a baby’s behind. $20 -- santasleftovers@gmail.com This smashbox liner leaves eyes ready for a sexy night out, or a sizzling dayin. Find it for less at QVC.com

“Eye” care Sonia Kashuk makes it easy to have kissable lips with this gloss. $8.99 -- target.com

*Editor’s Choice

This anti-aging eye roller will leave you looking refreshed and rested!

Just roll out the puffiness and ne lines. Only $16.99 ulta.com

Hair Oribe’s hair products have a celeb-cult following. This super moisture masque leaves your hair in A+ fashion. p A rich indulgence! $59 -- oribe.com

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H O L LY W O O D MONTHLY

The always beautiful Shay Mitchell from CW’s Pretty Little Liars enjoying the 100% natural, air-popped chip’ins.*

*A celebfavorite!

Hallelujah for this divine Carrot Butter cleanser The organic option for a awless face.

This honestly leaves your face soft and hydrated without any harsh chemicals!

Approx. $40 -- www.theorganicpharmacy.com

......Step out in Spring Style Ladies! milk & honey shoes can design any pair of shoes your happy feet desirep Just visit their site and be walked through the simple process of designing fabulous shoes Prices start approx. $200 -- milkandhoneyshoes.com

*chip’ins available at Wal-Mart for $3.99

CAT TALK

A

B e a u t y, Fa s h i o n , Life!

s a former supermodel and TV host, I have always been extremely conscious of what I eat and how much weight I put on, but aer the death of my father last summer, I suddenly didn’t care. e consequence, my clothes got tighter and I looked chubby in photos.

Not good! e crunch came over the holiday season when I weighed myself at the gym alongside the hubby and we weighed the same!

Yes, he is regarded as having the skinny rock-star-look (he is one!), but that doesn’t make it okay! Conclusion: Find a diet that works!

A friend in London had told me about a French diet called the ‘Dukan Diet,‘ the latest fad that all the ‘it’ girls were doing. Indeed, supermodel Giselle lost all her baby weight on the diet.

To begin, you enter your details online and find your true weight. e dietician then creates a specialized program for you that consists of the following stages:

The Attack Phase:

is phase consists of essentially eating pure proteins such as fish, red or white meat, low fat dairy products, and eggs over a short period of time to trigger the weight loss.

The Cruise Phase:

is phase alternates between With one day of eating pure protein and one day of eating protein and green vegetable. e Diet is from France, so you there are plenty of recipes on the Dukan web site showing you how to make delicious meals including deserts such as cheese cake, replacing sugars, fats and starches with low fat fromage frais, oats and coco powder. Who knew being healthy could be delicious too!

Catalina Guirado

Consolidation Phase: You are

allowed to eat new foods, fruits and celebration meals.

Stabilization Phase:

Essential to keep obtained results: You will have to eat pure proteins every ursday FOREVER!

I am happy to report that I lost 14 pounds in the first month! I’m now fitting into my skinny clothes while getting camera ready for my new role as art heiress at my father’s art retrospective in Los Angeles and London.

Find out more at dukandiet.co.uk

HOLLY WOOD MO N T H LY

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R E L AT I O N S H I P G U I DA N C E

Spotlight on Los A An insider’s peek into the art of finding love in the big city…

Q. Why did you become a matchmaker?

Did you have any interesting jobs before you became a matchmaker?

A. I met my husband in 1990 through the dating service I joined. My sister Julie Ferman

Elove.com

met her husband there too, and it’s been a natural payback for me to help single people find each other and connect ever since.

Q. What is your favorite success story/ couple your company has fixed up? Also

what’s the total number of couples you’ve fixed up?

A. I’ve been keeping track on our Success Story List since 1990, and we have currently 1147 marriages (or live-in loves since not everyone wants to be married).

Who knows how many babies have been born! My favorite success story is hard to pick.. but, I’d have to say my sister and her husband. I like to take full credit for their two amazing, beautiful children.

Q. Do you like fixing up certain ages other then others?

Do you set up all ages?

A. I love working with clients of all ages. I’ve been doing this work since I found my own husband through a matchmaking company at the age of 29. I’m now 50 and feel very, very comfortable working with each demographic in our client base. Typical client age average tends to hover around 45 for both men and women. Interestingly, everyone these days tends to be gravitating toward dating “younger” -- men AND women -- gone are the days where only men think their ideal match is 5 -10 years younger. It’s a wild world out there...

Q. Do you think it’s hard to be single in LA? What’s your advice for single Angelenos?

A. Sure, it’s hard being single in LA or anywhere else… e best advice I have is to be happy, loving,

giving, and no whining! No one likes a grouch. Keep your chin up, your smiles ever at ready and have the courage to be proactive. Now I have access to a database of thousands and thousands of personal matchmaking clients in 51 cities across the USA. It’s phenomenal, eLOVE is growing at a staggering rate. www.elove.com

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Q. Do you believe in love at first sight?

A. I believe it does happen, but it’s usually ‘lust’ at first sight, so

H O L LY W O O D MONTHLY

people should take things slow.

Sherri Murphy

Elite Connections

Q. How do you recruit men and women for your company?

A. Many people are referred to us or find us on their own. We go

to events, fundraisers, and social gatherings to meet new possible clients.

Q. Why did you become a matchmaker?

A. I was a single mother of two and working in another CA real-estate market crash. One of Fred

Sand’s top agents, I’d been single for 10 years living in a bedroom community (Westlake Village). I thought I’d be alone forever if I didn’t try something different. A matchmaker called me, I joined with her and I met Bill a week later (we’ve been married 12 years). I thought this is a safe way for people to meet and I started my own company shortly aer that. Two of my friends reminded me that I was matchmaking even in high school.

Q. What is your favorite success story/couple your company has fixed up? DO you know the total amount of couples you’ve fixed up?

A. I don’t know the exact number as they don’t always let us know. But we have about ten engaged

couples right now and have been to weddings from Scotland to Dana Point. One of my favorite couples are two people I worked with past their membership time.

I really liked them both but couldn’t put them together earlier because the man had been seeing someone. I walked up to her in a restaurant and handed her my card but she was a little shy and I didn’t think she’d come in. I thought of this match the day she joined, a light bulb went off over my head. ey hit it off quickly but took their time getting to know each other. ey were recently married in a four day fabulously fun wedding in Palm Springs. www.eliteconnections.com

ngeles Matchmakers

By Niki Shadrow

Q. Why did you become a matchmaker?

A. I became a matchmaker and started www.reeDayRule.com because

I love helping others find love! Ironically, my career in matchmaking started because I wasn’t meeting the right men when I was single. I would go on date aer date.

If the guy wasn’t for me, I would set him up with my friends. Eventually, I started Talia Goldstein & Val Brennan setting up friends and co-workers, and ree Day Rule their friends and co-workers and so forth.

I had so many success stories that I turned it into a full-time business: reeDayRule, Inc. Today, I am having the time of my life. It’s the best feeling in the world when a client tells you he/she is moving in with the person you set them up with! My clients become my friends and I am there for them every step of the way. I had five couples at my wedding that I successfully matched. I am so happy to be doing what I love!

Q. How do you recruit men/ women for your company?

A. I recruit 7-days a week all over L.A. and Orange County! I am always on the look-out for my clients, and

will approach anyone just about anywhere – at coffee shops, bars, concerts or networking events. I also attend professional conferences (finance, real estate, medical), educational lectures, and charity events. Once I meet someone who might be of interest to a client, I set up an hour-long meeting to get to know them, and if they may be compatible for our client, I will send them on a date.

Q. What would you say is your demographic/ specialty?

A. Our clients are male and female professionals who share two things in common:

1. ey are tired of online dating and realize a profile is nothing more than a social resume; and 2. ey want to meet a long-term partner or want to improve their dating life. We work with all industries, ranging from law to entertainment to the medical profession.

Clients range in age from the mid-20s to their early 50s. e median age is 32. My clients and I share a special bond, and more oen than not, we become friends through the process! In addition to matchmaking, www.reeDayRule.com provides dating and life coaching for those who might not be ready to get back on the scene.

Q. Why did you become a matchmaker? Did you do any

interesting jobs before you became a matchmaker?

A. I love helping people and have always been good at connecting

them. I turned my passion into my business. Before this, I was a flight attendant and a celebrity wardrobe Gina Hendrix stylist.

Exclusive Introductions

Q. Do you believe in love at first sight?

A. Q. What would you say your demographic is?

A. Well, I work with multimillionaires and billionaires. I find beautiful women who have good

No. I believe in lust at first sight,but that is not a good sign, necessarily.

careers and come from great families.

Q. Why did you become a matchmaker? Did you do any interesting jobs before you became a matchmaker?

A. I love helping people and have always been good at connecting them. I turned my passion into my business. Before this, I was a flight attendant and a celebrity wardrobe stylist.

Q. How do you recruit men/ women for your company?

A. It is only men that hire me and it is on a referral basis. I only work with 12 clients at a time. en it is my

job to go to the ends of the earth, if necessary to find the exact woman of their dreams.

Q. What is your favorite success story/ couple you fixed up? Do you know the total amount of couples you fixed up?

A. Oh, I’ve set up hundred, thousands..but, my favorite success story, was when I got to do a complete

make over on my client and he took all of my advice, was an amazing sponge... just soaked up all I was trying to do for him. And he found love. Exclusiveinla.com

HOLLY WOOD MO N T H LY

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AN OP-ED

M

Fitness

y assignment this week was to look at politics through the prism of fitness. If we look at the political landscape we see that most politicians feel they have to be looked at as most Hollywood celebrities. If they want to make the ‘big time’ then they have to look the part. If you are an overweight celebrity you are usually playing the part of the jokester and known for your humor in relationship to your weight. In today’s media world we are bombarded with images of beautiful people who are ripped and spend as much time on their body as they do on their cra. Yet the irony remains that oen in Hollywood, one may have an amazing body yet still load up on mass quantities of drugs.

is begs the question: are you really that fit?

Our current president Barack Obama is said to be a very fit man. He works out and plays basketball regularly, and definitely looks the part. Yet until recently he was a smoker and appears way too frail to be considered fit to me.

Are anorexic-looking men considered to be fit these days? Meanwhile, we have the Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, who truly excites the

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H O L LY W O O D MONTHLY

conservative base and could be a real tough opponent for President Obama in 2012. e problem is he is a big man, I am not going to say fat, although others certainly have.

MSNBC liberal talk show host, Chris Mathews, went on a rant about how large he was and said “Chris Christie is moon over New Jersey, he should not wear white shirts, I tell you that… I saw him the other day and I was amazed by it, he must be 300-plus, and that’s something he’s just gotta deal with because you’re not going to say,‘I’m going to cut the budget,’ well, how about starting with supper?”

Undoubtedly, these are the type of attacks he would take on as a candidate. Another potential Republican candidate in 2012 is former Arkansas Governor, Mike Huckabee. While he has lost a great deal of weight over the past four years, he is still a pretty hey fellow. In addition, Huckabee’s wife doesn’t look terribly fit either, which can present problems in the eyes of Americans as well. We all want another Jackie O, however, Mrs. Obama is amazingly fit and pushes fitness and healthy eating in our schools. She always looks the part and is as fit of a First Lady as we have ever had. Discussions about her fitness are never ending.

Now we can say the issues are the biggest priority when it comes to governing this country, but it rarely

comes down to who is the most qualified. An argument can be made that how you look in this media age should be important, as it is a reflection of America to the world. But what someone looks like should never take precedence over what they can do. In California, Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected governor. Here’s an example of ‘the ultimate body over brains scenario.’

Yes, he was a famous actor and celebrity,

but that all stemmed from his physical appearance in the first place. He was completely incapable of governing California even though he came across as a tough guy that would go into Sacramento and make a difference. His brawn got him nothing in politics and

& Politics he le office a failed governor.

However, the biggest cause for concern comes when we speak about women and fitness. We can take two wellknown women as examples. First lets look at Hillary Clinton. She is clearly not the fittest of women politicians out there, but she is undoubtedly the most capable. Whether you agree with her politics or not, she has certainly risen to the occasion since being First Lady and going through the embarrassment of her husbands exploits. Yes, she doesn’t look too smashing in a pants suit, and as I stated she also isn’t the fittest woman out there, but her hard work and accomplishments have made that seemingly less important as she continues to build her resume. Clinton is not at the point where anyone is whistling at her, but she has come a long way. Still when it gets down to the politics of it all, her looks and gender will always get in the way of judging her on her merits.

Now, Sarah Palin is a whole ‘nother kettle

of fish.’ She is an attractive woman and obviously incredibly fit. She has quite a following and is revered for her plain speaking conservative principles. e other side sees her as an embarrassment and it has generated some of the most denigrating statements that have ever

been made about a female politician. Clearly she is a polarizing figure and deserves the scrutiny any candidate/celebrity deserves, but with her it has gone completely over the line. Agree or disagree with her policy positions she is still a women and a mother. Her and her kids deserve to be spared the obscene treatment they have received from the media and citizens. I will be the first to say that on her policy and overall knowledge of issues, she does sound like she has just read some talking points and regurgitates it in a most awkward manner. But having said that, we need to take it a lot easier on Palin, Clinton and any other women who get into politics.

Whether they are fit or beautiful, or in our eyes neither; there is no reason to treat women harsher then we treat men.

Yet, we still do.

As our candidates keep getting wiser to the ways of Hollywood, image will continue to be more important in our politicians. We will have more Mitt Romney’s and less Newt Gingrich’s. We will have a more slick and polished type of candidate who will try and use their image to thrust themselves into the national spotlight.

But with the problems we have in today’s society, I think

by Andrew Ackerman

we better focus a lot more on substance then style. We cannot use magic and make-up to cover up bad policies anymore. America is in real crisis right now. Maybe in Hollywood it is okay to judge someone on how they look on the outside, but in politics we better focus on the content of their character if we want to maintain the America we all know and love.

Andrew Ackerman PoliticalBreakdown.com

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INSIDER FITNESS SECRETS

The Hollywood Body Insider Fitness Secrets

S

By Shane “e People’s Chemist” Ellison ometimes you need drugs. And when you’re in pursuit of the “the Hollywood body,” that time would be now. at was my first lesson at CrossFit Hollywood.

e Hollywood look isn’t your cliché, twig-thin model who hasn’t eaten in days or the “roided-out” bouncer wearing Oakley’s and a tight white t-shirt. Popularized

by Hollywood’s sexiest stars such as Brad Pitt in Fight Club and most recently Jessica Biel, the Hollywood look is dripping with lean, sexy muscle that makes people look twice.

And the secret is found in a 6 to 20 minute fitness routine at a gym known as CrossFit Hollywood…Oh yea, and some drugs, which you can get their too.

On the bleeding edge of scientific understanding is an adaptive response to physical stress that triggers our “internal pharmacy” to manufacture a “custom drug cocktail,” which alters our biochemistry to ensure that our physique is at its best.

Technically, it’s known as hormesis and harnessing its’ power at CrossFit Hollywood proves, “that which doesn’t kill you only makes you look better.”

Hormesis was first discovered via “the runners high.” In particular, pain-soothing, euphoria-inducing drugs known as endorphins (and many others) were found to be made by the body in response to physical stress. e same phenomenon is being taken to a whole new level by actors, elite athletes, cage fighters, and even soccer moms at CrossFit Hollywood. e CrossFit High Founded by Andrew ompson and Neil Mahoney, CrossFit Hollywood is at 3rd and La Brea. Just look for skin and suffering. Andy is an athlete extraordinaire and Neil a former Navy Seal. Both are quick to teach that,“Unlike the Standard American Gym (SAG), their CrossFit routines are designed to hurt, but not injure, and that’s why it works so well at producing results fast.”

A CrossFit routine works like this: warm up with a short jog, go over exercise techniques, then start the Work Out of the Day (WOD). A WOD is a circuit made up of constantly varied, functional movements executed at high intensity,

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H O L LY W O O D MONTHLY

designed to keep your muscles guessing and push you past your perceived limits. You’ll be amazed at what you can do physically and mentally. Forget about treadmills, bicep curls and the antiquated bench press. You’ll be challenged with exercises that will test your strength, stamina, drive and all out will to win.

As a chemist studying the effects of physical stress at the molecular level, the CrossFit routine appears to be one of the best ways to get the Hollywood body. Studies on full-body exertion show that a perfect balance of fat burning, muscle building and anti-aging hormones such as human growth hormone and testosterone are produced in response. ese are responsible for taking you from fat to fit, quick. e surge lasts for days too, which means you don’t have to live at the Crossfit gym. Most people get results doing it only three days per week.

My favorite part of the hormone surge is the pain meds. e full extent of suffering through your WOD isn’t played out on the surface, only internally. CrossFit pushes your strength and cardiovascular limits where they’ve never been before. As a survival mechanism, your body will give-in and start producing feel-good compounds known as opiates. Akin to some drugs you might find on Sunset and Hollywood, just healthier and safer, these internally made medicines numb the body. I began to call this the CrossFit High.

Making CrossFit Work e success of a CrossFit workout isn’t a phenomenon that operates independently of outside influence. As highlighted by the ongoing support and seminars offered at CrossFit Hollywood, proper eating is required. Like a meth lab is sure to stock ephedrine, you need to make sure your body has some basic nutrition on hand, which Crossfit Hollwood teaches is plenty of protein, amino acids and healthy fats – no fad-diets characterized by short term starvation, severe caloric restriction or whacky diet pills. Sticking to their nutrition principles ensures that the Hollywood body emerges in response to the WOD.

The Hollywood Body Continued from page 42

About the Author

Only the Strong Survive

Shane Ellison is an award winning organic chemist with a Master’s degree in organic chemistry and the author of Over-eCounter Natural Cures. He has been quoted by USA Today, Shape, Woman’s World, as well as Women’s Health and has appeared on Fox and NBC as a natural medicine advocate.

Learn how to take charge of your health with 10 lifesaving supplements for less than $10 by getting his FREE Natural Cures Watchdog at http://www.thepeopleschemist.com

No doubt, I was hooked on the Crossfit High.

And while those drugs keep me healthy and happy, they also prove that having a true Hollywood body is absolutely dependent on hormones, not Hollywood fads. No prescription required, you just have to have some guts to activate hormesis, even if it does hurt or stress your system in new ways – even if you have to redefine yourself. It’s biochemistry telling us that success lies beyond our comfort zones at CrossFit Hollywood and that; “Only the strong survive.”

This Sizzling

Latina Lovely

Is The Talk Of

The Town...

A E Q  A W M A

HM: Melissa, how long have you been modeling?

A: On and off for two years.

HW: How did you get involved with modeling? Were you approached by someone or did you go after it yourself?

A: I started off doing promotional modeling, and then just networked from there.

HW: How do you feel while modeling? Does the camera feel like a friend or is it intimidating?

A: Modeling is denitely fun and I enjoy it. It makes you feel really sexy too and condent.

HW: What are some of your favorite modeling shoots you’ve done so far and why?

A: My favorite shoot was shooting for OYE in Beverly Hills, I had a blast and I have always wanted to shoot for a Latin magazine since I am part Cuban and proud to be Latina. I also really enjoyed competing in the Tropic Beauty Model nals in Vegas. I met a lot of great girls and they put us up at the Mirage, plus it was great to participate. My favorite photographer I have worked with has been Quavondo from Portland, Oregon. He was really professional and our photos have been used for ads and online websites.

HW: What, in your opinion, makes for a successful modeling shoot?

A: In my opinion it’s all about showing that you are condent along with being really prepared. For example, before a shoot you have to make sure you’ve been eating right, have a nice manicure and pedicure and great make-up.

HW: What are some of your favorite things to model?

A: My favorites include lingerie, glamour and swimwear HW: Why do you feel people are so infatuated with magazine models?

A: I know men are infatuated with magazine’s because the girls are gorgeous and it is a fantasy for them (LOL!). I know women look up to the models in beauty and fashion ads because they want to look like them by wearing the makeup or brand they are wearing.

HW: What does it take to be a good, strong model?

A: I believe you have to have dedication and also be really motivated. It’s denitely not easy and it takes a lot of hard work and time. You always have to be cautious of what you are eating and work out. The most key important thing though is to have a great personality, and just have fun.

HW: Do you have any advice for aspiring models?

A: In whatever you do never give up- always go after your dreams. If no one believes in you, always believe in yourself and they soon will.

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RESTAUR ANT ROUND -UP

T Riot House: A Simple,

Elegant, & UniquePlace to Eat

by Justin Ball

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T

he Sunset Strip is one of the most celebrated and historic places in Hollywood. Bursting with restaurants, nightclubs, and hotels, the storied section of Sunset Boulevard continues to serve as the flashy center of nightlife, culture, and dining in Tinseltown. e overabundance of commercial outlets offering entertainment, lodging, and cuisine generates a competitive environment among local establishments vying for business from customers looking to spend a glamorous night on the town. One such establishment that continues to thrive in this high-stakes game of commercial wining and dining is Riot House, the swanky restaurant and bar housed inside the refined Andaz West Hollywood. e hotel built in the early 1960s was originally called the Gene Autry Hotel aer the revered singer and performer Gene Autry. e facility changed ownership a few years later and was renamed the Continental Hyatt House. Because of its close proximity to popular Hollywood music venues, the hotel became the home-awayfrom-home for many touring rock bands including Led Zeppelin, e Who, and e Rolling Stones. e insurgent rock ‘n roll crowd eventually dubbed the building ‘e Riot House,’ which is the source of the Andaz’s more recently established restaurant moniker RH.

and pig; however, the richness is balanced by the sensible portion sizes.

RH boasts an unrivaled collection of wine from South West France and the Napa Valley while offering fun cocktails such as the Mr. Plant, named aer Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant who allegedly yelled “I am a Golden God!” from a balcony of the building in 1975. Taking into account the upscale context and the superior quality of the culinary creations, the prices are considerably reasonable.

Ultimately, the RH experience is pleasantly simple, elegant, and unique. e restaurant provides a peaceful and tasteful refuge in the midst of the crowded hustle and bustle of Hollywood. Bon appétit!

Located at: Andaz Hotel 8401 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069 | Reservations: 323.785.6090

e restaurant fosters a sleek casual atmosphere bolstered by a cordial, attractive, and unpretentious staff. e discreet and sophisticated clientele consists of a wide variety of personalities including club-hoppers, hotel guests, and business people. e solylit minimalist décor is classically styled and distinctly emboldened with striking metal and marble accents. e enduring design evokes old Hollywood nostalgia, which is an impressive achievement considering the place is less than three-years-old. e visible kitchen adds lively energy to the dining experience as the kitchen staff arduously prepares ingredients in plain sight for all to observe.

Naturally, the most important element of any restaurant is its grub. RH offers an outstanding array of foods and beverages derived from a blend of contemporary French and Californian influences. Executive Chef Sebastien Archambault presents an assortment of options ranging from a classic black angus burger to an extraordinary escargot à la perigourdine, prosciutto la quercia. e menu is sprinkled with delightfully unusual items such as the poached egg with foie gras appetizer and the sautéed sunchokes side dish.

Sultrye and savory Sizzling entrée selections are a bit heavy with fish, duck,

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T R AV E L E S C A P E S

T H E

F O U R

S E A S O N S

R E S O R T

Punta Mita...

by Jenny Werth

A MEXICAN SANCTUARY BbyATHED IN UNSURPASSED SPLENDOR AND ENCHANTMENT

T

he Four Seasons Punta Mita sits like an ocean oasis at the base of a lush jungle blanketed with plant life in every hue of green. is Four Seasons resort is in a word, perfect. And it’s not a word I use loosely, if ever. is celebrity hide-away is as impressive as its 2,718-acre shoreline. It is fringed with over nine miles of pristine white sand dotted with jagged lava rock formations. Located on the northern tip of the Bahia de Bandera, one of the largest bays in the world, the resort is nestled within the middle of a spectacular 1500-acre nature

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reserve. Adding to the community’s unspoiled beauty are the jungle peaks that decorate the Sierra Madre Mountains in the background. And while the jungle is huge and mystifying, every resort guest develops an intimate understanding of its exquisiteness as they travel along the perfectly paved road that leads to the ultra-private resort. If you travel there during the summer’s tropical rainy season, between June and October, the jungle will be even more abundant with flourishing plants and tropical flowers unique to the region. e rain typically

stops in the early morning offering guests a sunny, warm day aer the occasional awesome thunderstorm debuts late at night.

With two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses, acres of private beach, challenging surf spots, tropical atmosphere, decadent dining and an ultra-attentive staff, the Four Seasons Punta Mita attracts the most seasoned of luxury travelers worldwide. From the moment you arrive, luxurious vacationing begins.

frustrations disappeared.

I traveled to the resort in August to discover for myself why it is considered one of the most coveted destinations in Mexico. e reasons are as broad as the smiles on the faces of the cheerful resort hosts who greet guests immediately upon arrival. Before even stepping out of the car, the welcome crew provided me with cool-wraps and water- a service I soon discovered is just one of many norms at this resort. Within seconds, my luggage was whisked away by a smiling man named Juan who declared he would be my resort ‘go-to’ guy for anything I needed. e lobby area welcomed me with its large and open pillared arches offering glorious views of the grounds and ocean. e word ‘relax’ seemed to whisper in the air as my eyes followed the expansive palmed palapas and flowering trees adorning the entire resort. Since I was in Mexico, I immediately acquired the no-rush or ‘manana-mentality’ customary among natives and envied

by Americans. Naturally, it was the ideal time to enjoy a fresh strawberry margarita in the lobby; soon all lingering Los Angeles traffic congestion

to find clusters of private lazy day-beds on stilts with flowing white curtains on each side.

Adding to the beauty is the tall cliff that protrudes out from the shore aptly referred to as e Rock. With waves splashing off its edges, e Rock offers an ideal romantic setting for dinners, receptions or a morning yoga session. In fact, later that night as I dined at the beachfront restaurant Bahia, I found out Beach front day-bed e Rock also serves as a unique place for wedding proposals. It seemed a bit invasive, but I couldn’t keep my eyes off the torch flames that surrounded a private dinner table on e Rock where a man popped the big question (she said yes.) Bahia is a contemporary restaurant and bar set amongst the huge manzanilla trees that line Las Cuevas beach. e relaxed vibe of the grill makes enjoying a majestic sunset from your table even more divine. e menu offers a large selection of fresh fish and meat. And three times a week during the “catch of the day” program, guests have the option to choose their evening’s seafood entrée from a variety of fresh seafood caught that morning on a local fishing boat. e next evening I headed off to Aramara restaurant, famous for its exquisite Asian cuisine and fresh sushi, which magically combines tastes from the Far East and Mexico. Aramara offers both indoor

While I immersed myself in my new leisure-land, Juan waited nearby until I was ready to hop into one of the resort’s many golf-carts to take me to my villa. Along the way I was given an enthusiastic explanation of the resort’s amenities and charms.

But nothing compared to the spectacular ocean-front villa itself.

Indeed, I quickly embraced the concept of “mi casa es su casa” as I gazed out at my private patio with incredible views of the smashing surf and private cliff alcoves. It also boasted an oversized infinity whirlpool, plush loungechairs and a swaying hammock ideal for observing the iguanas basking in the sun. e interior of the villa was equally impressive with a spacious living room, master bedroom, two bathrooms, loaded bar, state-of-the-art entertainment system and wireless Internet. at aernoon I set out to explore the resort’s massive and meticulous grounds. I headed off to the ocean front ‘Cuevas Beach’

and outdoor seating within a striking Zen-like interior.

Four Seasons Punta Mita - idyllic destination resort

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Tamai pool complex

e spacious outdoor veranda bar doubles as the resort’s nightlife locale with live music five nights a week. Every exotic drink and Cuban cigar you can think of is offered in this upscale bar, including the best tequila known to margaritas. To soothe the following day’s hangover, I visited the Apuane Spa for my specialty Punta Mita massage. Si senor, it’s an all-over massage that uses tequila (more?..uh-oh), indigenous sage oil and Mexican healing techniques to soothe the body, mind, and hangover. e spa also offers a full-service hair and nail salon, and beach-side or in-room massages. e massage le me so rejuvenated and relaxed that the only feasible thing to do aerward was to jump on a ra and enjoy a leisurely ride down the Lazy River. is relaxing river flows with a gentle current and is a resort favorite among families with young children. However, if you’re trying to stay clear of kids, or to have a day off from your own, there are baby-sitters right on site! In fact, the resort offers an entire children’s playroom with trained staff members to entertain and care for your youngsters.

I quickly got comfy in my poolside cabana complete with an impressive entertainment system, wireless Internet and a huge selection of DVDs for an aernoon movie. e cabana’s stacked refrigerator, large selection of fresh fruit, and friendly service from the restaurant staff didn’t hurt either. At the recommendation of my server, I enjoyed a hand delivered sushi lunch. And instead of

ere is also an adult-only pool, bar and cabana area called the Tamai Complex. is ultra-luxurious area offers two main pools, whirlpool, and poolside cabanas with pillow strewn daybeds.

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A golfer’s dream...

dessert, I opted for a back massage under the pool’s waterfall. And just when I was convinced it couldn’t get any better, a masseuse from the spa appeared to offer everyone a complimentary minifoot massage. is is of course in addition to the cool wraps and cold water offered to guests continuously throughout the day.

It’s a tough life in the Tamai Complex. Indeed, so ‘tough’ that the guilt of mastering the art of self-indulgence got the better of me… it was time to exercise. With that in mind, I walked (no golf cart ride this time) over to the main pool to participate in the water aerobics class. It was led by an athletic woman who looked at me knowingly, yet firmly handed me pool weights and turned up the energizing disco music for an hour of ‘pool boot-camp.’ Aer the bittersweet session, I retired to my room feeling quite guiltless and rejuvenated.

Perfection suggests there’s nothing le to desire. And at one point it occurred to me that when everything you could possibly desire is at your fingertips, you’re le to actually wonder if there is really anything else that could provide even more perfection. In a quest to figure this out, I sauntered off to the beach and asked the waves for insight. I found it didn’t take long for them to answer. For within moments a smiling man came up from the shore with complimentary Haagen-Dazs ice cream selections. Chocolate or vanilla? Decisions, decisions! Alas, yes, I suppose there is a way to put a cherry on top of ‘complete perfection.’ ere’s virtually no reason to leave a resort that defines nirvana.

Undoubtedly, that’s one reason huge celebrities such as Britney Spears and couple Tori Spelling and Matt Dermott from Home Sweet Hollywood escape off to Punta Mita when in need of a safe refuge. It offers a retreat from everyday demands along with as much privacy each guest requires. e Coral Suite housed Britney Spears and her family a few years ago. It’s a remarkable private residence where celebrities can literally disappear from the public eye. No expense was spared when creating this haven which is separate from the resort’s other guest rooms and facilities. It’s nestled securely behind a huge walled-in gate accessible from a private street made exclusively for the suite. It also has 24-hour guards along with its own stunning private ocean-front beach and large infinity pool that extends along its edifice.

Should a celebrity or guest desire some activities off the premises, the resort’s bilingual concierge can arrange all the details. One popular activity is an excursion on the 55foot yacht which guests may charter privately on a daily basis. e Italianbuilt ship beckons many guests to explore the beautiful Pacific Ocean coastline and the enchanting islands near the property. Also available for ocean-loving guests is sailing, seasonal whale watching, coral-reef

snorkeling and deep sea fishing. And for those who prefer to stay on dry ground, there are guided hikes, historical tours, beach walks and tennis clinics.

Within the resort you’ll also find great shopping, four restaurants, a fitness center, 24-hour business center, running trails, 24hour on-site doctor or nurse and other daily special activities.

Safety and seclusion is paramount in this resort. In fact, I certainly felt more protected within this sanctuary’s grounds than anywhere in Los Angeles. e irony remains that while the media screams that Mexico isn’t safe for travel, I was floating atop a little ra down the Lazy River sipping my pina colada, along with many other happy families. Cities such as Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita have had no violent instances and remain a safe haven in this beautiful region. With that in mind, make your reservations, pack your bags, get out your passport and bid your normal life adios!! e Four Seasons Punta Mita is 40 miles from Puerto Vallarta; it’s about a one hour drive to the resort from the airport.

For more information visit http://www.fourseasons.com/ puntamita/ To call from America or Canada: (800)-819-5053.

To call directly: 52-(329)-291-6000

Luxurious ocean-front villa

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O U T I N H O L LY W O O D

Out in

Rihanna launched her perfume ‘Reb’l Fleur’ at Macy’s and kept her fans waiting for 2 1/2 hours, when she nally showed up she was all excited and danced on stage

Colin Firth received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Helena Bonham Carter is certainly quirky when it comes to her outts, at the Weinstein after party she even wore different color shoes

Barry Gibb was a rare sight as he attended the Gday USA Australia Week LA Black Tie Gala, he brought wife with Linda Gibb and daughter Alexandra Gibb

Johnny Depp attended the premiere of ‘Rango’ in Westwood and spent a long time posing for photos and signing autographs for fans Elton John and David Furnish wear funny sunglasses at the Premiere of ‘Gnomeo & Juliet’

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by Justin Ball

H ollywood credit © Nina Prommer/Milestone Photo

with Nina Prommer

Anthony Hopkins smiles at the World Premiere of ‘The Rite’ - his new movie

Nicole Kidman was given the Cinema Vanguard Award Tribute at the Santa Barbara Film Festival

Diva Barbra Streisand walked the carpet at the Musicares event held just before the Grammys

Olivia Wilde looked stylish as she walked in her sparkling Marchesa gown at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel Julia Roberts joked with Tom Hanks at the andof Sizzling AmericanSultry Society Cinematographers 25th Annual Outstanding Achievement Awards

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore smile at the Premiere of ‘No Strings Attached’

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T H E AT R E

LA Thea Make this Easter a memorable one by checking out some of the excellent offerings at our local theatres, including: “Our Town” Set in a small New Hampshire town in the early 1900’s, it’s a simpler time when people live their whole lives in the place they were born and everyone knows everyone else. Two neighbors grow up together, fall in love, and complain about things they don’t have without ever stopping to appreciate the things they do have. Written by Thornton Wilder and directed by Sabina Ptasznik, it runs through April 16 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre.

For tickets call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

“A House Not Meant to Stand” Cornelius and Bella McCorkle have returned home late at night from the funeral of one of their sons.

Cornelius investigates some noises he hears upstairs, and discovers their other son, Charlie, having sex with his new girlfriend. While Charlie tries to comfort Bella, Cornelius frantically searches for some money, which he believes Bella has stashed away, and soon a secret is revealed that changes everything. Written by Tennessee Williams and directed by Simon Levy, it runs through April 17 at The Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-663-1525 or visit www.FountainTheatre.com.

“Broken Glass” In 1938 Brooklyn, Sylvia is obsessively following news accounts of events in Nazi Germany until she suddenly becomes mysteriously paralyzed. Her Jewish husband is regarded at work with increasing suspicion, and although he deeply loves his wife, they have never had sex, but Sylvia’s married physician nally breaks through her paralysis by reacquainting her with her own sensuality. Written by Arthur Miller and directed by Elina de Santos, it runs through April 17 at the Pico Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-821-2449.

“The Devil’s Advocate” The CIA is determined to capture ruthless Panamanian strong man Manuel Noriega. Accused of murder, drug trafficking and corruption, he has sought sanctuary with Vatican emissary Archbishop Jose Sebastian Laboa, but the Archbishop has his

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own agenda to follow, and a struggle between these two men ensues.

Written by Donald Freed and directed by Jose Luis Valenzuela, it runs through April 17 at Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 866-811-4111 or visit www.thelatc.org.

“Parade” A musical based on the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish man who was convicted in 1913 of the brutal rape and murder of a 13-yearold factory worker in Atlanta, Georgia. It is a riveting murder mystery, a gripping courtroom drama, a moving love story, and a searing social commentary. Written by Alfred Uhry and directed by Ben Lupejkis, it runs through April 23 at the Westchester Playhouse in Westchester. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“Rent: The Musical” This revolutionary rock opera tells the story of one year in the life of eight friends living the Bohemian life -- struggling to express themselves through their art and measuring their lives in love. Against the gritty backdrop of New York’s East Village, these friends strive for success and acceptance while enduring the obstacles of poverty, illness, and the AIDS epidemic. Written by Jonathan Larson and directed by Jerianne Banson, it runs through April 23 at the Hudson Backstage Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-7822 or visit www.plays411.com/rent.

“The Mercy Seat” Set on September 12, 2001, less than twenty-four hours after terrorists brought down the World Trade Center, two lovers, Ben and Abby, were supposed to have been working in the Twin Towers on that fateful day, but Ben was playing hooky with Abby, his mistress and boss. Suddenly the two see a new possibility for their future that didn’t exist just a day earlier if Ben doesn’t let his family know he’s alive. Written by Neil Labute and directed by Ron Klier, it runs through April 24 at the [Inside] the Ford Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-461-3673 or visit www.FordTheatres.org.

“Firehouse” Based on a true story, honor and loyalty clash with ‘doing the right thing’ in a South Bronx rehouse when a rookie reman saves a fellow reman instead of a 12 year-old girl also in the building, who dies as a result. The community is outraged and comes to a boiling point in this intense drama where race, the code

tre Beat

by Steve Zall and Sid Fish

of honor, and love all play a part. Writer by Pedro Antonio Garcia and directed by Bryan Rasmussen, it runs through April 29 at the Whitere Theatre in Sherman Oaks. For tickets call 323-822-7898 or visit www.theatermania.com.

she knows. Written by Jean Cocteau, translated by Anthony Wood, and directed by Dan Bonnell, it runs April 1 through April 24 at the Elephant Space Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-7863 or visit www.Plays411.com/humanvoice.

“Oh, Momma! & Obama” While President Obama is busy dealing with the Nation’s issues, his family and friends are busy with their own agendas wreaking havoc and mayhem on those they dislike.

Written by Derek Jeremiah Reid, Kenneth McLeod and Nicholas Zill and directed by Ian Gary, it runs through May 1 at the Fremont Centre Theatre in South Pasadena. For tickets call 866-811-4111 or visit www.fremontcentretheatre.com.

“Wait Until Dark” An independent blind woman unwittingly comes into possession of a doll lled with drugs, and then becomes a target for three ex-cons who attempt to retrieve the doll by deceiving her into thinking that her husband is implicated in the crime. A deadly game of cat and mouse ensues leading to a heart-stopping ending. Written by Frederick Knott and directed by David Colwell, it runs April 1 through May 8 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-700-4878 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

“Big River” This timeless classic musical sweeps us down the might Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful and heartwarming. Written by Mark Twain, book by William Hauptman, music by Roger Miller, and directed by Orlando Alexander, it runs through May 7 at the Glendale Centre Theatre in Glendale. For tickets call 818-244-8481 or visit www.glendalecentret heatre.com.

“Prisoner of Second Avenue” A corporate executive in charge of layoffs nds himself laid off as well, so his wife takes a job to tide them over, but she too is sacked. Noisy neighbors, a burglary, and the death of his psychiatrist, soon cause him a nervous breakdown. Written by Neil Simon and directed by Kiff Scholl, it runs through May 22 at the GTC Burbank in Burbank. For tickets call 323-960-7862 or visit www.plays411.com/prisoner.

“Goodbye, Louie….Hello!” A once famous comedian’s career is now over, so he decides to move from his New York apartment to a senior retirement community in Arizona, much to the consternation of his adult daughter and son. Written by Allan Manings and directed by John Gallogly, it runs April 1 through May 8 at Theatre West in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-851-7977 or visit www.theatrewest.org.

“The Human Voice” A woman is at the end of a long-standing, signicant relationship, when her lover leaves her for another woman.

Not content to placidly acquiesce and play the meek victim, the rst woman makes one last play to recapture her lover, using everything

“Silent Sky” At the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, a young woman joins a group of human “computers,” charting the stars for an astronomer who has no time for her probing theories. As she measures the light of distant stars, she must also take the measure of her life on Earth, and answer questions of love, family and the hope of heaven. Written by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Anne Justine D’Zmura, it runs April 8 through May 1 on the Segerstrom Stage at the South Coast Repertory Theatre in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-7085555 or visit www.scr.org.

“George Gershwin Alone” Hershey Felder brings to life the spirit and talent of the legendary composer and pianist, leading audiences through the fascinating rhythms of Gershwin’s legendary songbook, while telling the tale of his tragically short life. The show incorporates well-known songs such as “The Man I Love” and “Someone to Watch Over Me,” selections from An American in Paris and Porgy and Bess, and a complete performance of “Rhapsody in Blue.” Created and performed by Hershey Felder and directed by Joel Zwick, it runs April 12 through May 8. For tickets call 626-356-7529 or visit www.pasadenaplayhouse.org.

“Tiger Tiger Burning Bright” is about what occurs when dreams become delusions, sometimes through deliberate design, and what it means for a man and a family to live with the truth rather than what seems comfortable. Written by Peter S. Feibleman and directed by Sam Nickens, it runs April 14 through May 22 at the Stella Adler Theatre in Hollywood.

For tickets call 323-960-7740 or visit www.plays411.com/tiger.

Don’t be an April fool! Grab your friends and family, then hop on down as quick as you can go to see a show today. Happy Easter!

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