As you walk into the theatre, you arrive at an 80’s single mixer, a party organized on craigslist for Los Angeles friend-less twenty somethings. Suddenly the lights go down and so did all the party goers. The punch was spiked and a mysterious man (Conner Dechaves) is pulling the bodies out one by one.

Gabe and Sophie, who survived the punch-pocolypse, attempt to put together clues to piece the puzzle together: Who is responsible for this?!
Through several flashbacks of the party, we meet characters who may or may not be the reason everyone fell to their fate.

On Saturday, Miranda Wynne and Parker Wilmoth shined as Gabe and Sophie (roles are played by Steven Jones and Blu Hunt on Friday’s). Ryan Ransom plays charming creep Caleb, Brooke Culbertson is Ninja like Anna, and Tim Peck plays cult leader Julian with cool tempered ease. J.D. Brown is a wonderful Hayes treating Julian like an ignored son, but it was Sarah Jessica Bennett and Quinn Gasaway who stopped the show with her cult follower creepiness and his conversational humor.

This is a highly entertaining, fast and fun comedy of mystery and laughs. We recommend it, especially if you like 80’s theme parties.

Whitmore Lindley Theatre
Friday's and Saturday's in August at 8:00pm
Tickets: DefianceTheatreCompany.com
1hr. 30 min No Intermission (It may benefit from one, though)

Originally from Buenos Aires, Patricia Krebs already knew at a young age that she was born to be an artist—although the general advice of her family and friends was for her to build a more traditional safety net and become an art teacher instead. And so she followed her heart—and still does. She's never pressured by current trends or intimidated by the superior egos that can often make up our contemporary art world. Mostly, this soft-spoken woman has learned to calm even her own voices of adversity to hear only one—that of a long ago college instructor's and a phrase made famous by a sneaker company to just "do it." And indeed she does.

Magical best describes her work, which, if it has to be labeled, falls somewhere in between narrative and illustration. But Patricia's roots began in the unexpected world of puppetry, a place she most likely was able to express herself, having been so intensely shy. So, after she was conventionally schooled in painting, Patricia set off to become a paid apprentice of sorts and worked for a puppeteer, mastering puppet construction, which later gave birth to the beautiful and expressive characters she now sculpts and paints.

The inspiration for her 2 and 3-D paper clay actors is a cross between the monsters of Muppet world and the creatures from the infamous Where The Wild Things Are children's book. Yet, she has unearthed her own branding of characters that possess carefully studied noses and unusually expressive eyes for being so long and narrow. But what really makes them come alive is Patricia's music.

Patricia concurrently studied guitar and singing lessons along side her painting back in Argentina and has recorded Spanish voiceovers here in the states for major movies such as Corpse Bride, Happy Feet I & II, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. What really blew me away though were the music videos she made of two songs (seen here) on her soon-to-be-released CD, Amuzikanto, that she wrote and produced herself. I sat mesmerized as I watched and listened to Color, a song about red/rojo that Patricia beautifully performed with her puppets and remained in awe of the story and texture of the more professionally animated Sueno Que Suenas Un Sueno. No words better describe these two musical endeavors or the rest of her album than her own: "This project is a musical whim of the little girl I still am, and it is also a celebration of all the musical influences that converge in me." A celebration indeed—of magic, color, sweetness, softness, and peacefulness—just like Patricia herself.

You may follow the lovely and rare talent of Patricia Krebs on Facebook and please make sure to contact Cactus Gallery for her TBD upcoming release party of her CD.

Los Angeles native and current Amherst College student Nina Shallman is a 19-year old singer-songwriter, musician and poet. She records and performs original songs with rock, jazz and pop influences, and select covers. This Saturday, August 8, Nina makes her debut performance at The E Spot Lounge, the new supper club created by Sheila E. located upstairs from Vitello’s Restaurant in Studio City. Starting at 8PM, the all ages show features Nina on piano in an acoustic trio accompanied by upright bassist Aaron Blick and drummer Rob Humphreys. They will play two sets at this special 8/8 at 8PM for $8 event. Included in the set list will be "La Vie En Rose" – a live favorite for Nina fans! Noted jazz pianist Will Herrington will sit in with Nina and the trio on a few songs.

{youtube}eWuFbc5UfLc{/youtube}

The E Spot Lounge, located just above the famed Vitello's Restaurant, features live performances nightly in an intimate, 125 seat venue. From Jazz to Blues, Latin and R&B, this state-of-the-art supper club amazes people from all over the planet.



In 2015, Sheila E., the multi-faceted drummer, percussionist, vocalist, producer and composer joined with Vitello's to create the one-of-a-kind E Spot Lounge. She took over and completely transformed the club Upstairs at Vitello’s into the E Spot Lounge. According to the L.A. Weekly article: “To call the complete transformation of the club remarkable would be an understatement. Nearly every surface and fixed seat in the club has been changed, the stage has moved to an adjoining wall, and a completely new entrance tunnel was created connecting the ground-floor back bar to the upstairs showroom. The amount of elevated VIP space in the club has been doubled, and the overall experience greatly enhanced. Pete Escovedo's paintings hang on every wall except the one behind the stage.

Nearly a quarter-million dollars has been spent on sound and lighting equipment, and Sheila is still tweaking the space to maximize the experience. After introducing her family's band on the club's first Wednesday night, she headed straight for the new audio/video booth to sit with the house engineer. “

Nina continues her L.A. appearance in L.A. On Saturday, August 22, she returns to The Mint in Los Angeles for a third time with her full band which, in addition to Blick and Humphreys, includes Nomi Abadi (keyboards, background vocals), and Dan Kalisher (guitar). Nina will sing, as well as play piano and ukulele; doors are at 6:30PM, the set starts at 7:30PM sharp. In an LA Weekly Critic’s Pick preview for Nina’s first Mint show last January, Falling James wrote, “Nina Shallman has such a lovely voice, it almost doesn’t matter what she’s singing…On ballads such as “The Moon Can Stay,” she breaks hearts with little more than sparse piano accents, the faraway swoon of violins and her wistfully ethereal vocals.”

{youtube}kYtVUksv4z8{/youtube}

The Mint show will also be a record release party for—and sneak preview of—Nina’s forthcoming debut album Nina Shallman, scheduled to come out August 28. Nina finished the album earlier this summer with award-winning producer Andrew Williams (formerly of The Williams Brothers, and producer for artists including Peter Case, Victoria Williams, and Five for Fighting), with whom she’s worked since 2013. CDs and download cards will be available for sale at The Mint.

One cut from the album, “Never Years Old”—Nina’s duet and co-write with singer-songwriter Jacob Snider, is currently getting airplay on Philadelphia area public radio station WXPN-FM 88.5 (www.xpn.org). Hear it on SoundCloud.

SHOW INFORMATION:

The E Spot Lounge is located at 4349 Tujunga Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91604 (upstairs from Vitello’s). Tickets are $8 in advance: http://bit.ly/1IoJiSl. The Mint is located at 6010 W. Pico Blvd., LA, CA 90010. Tickets are $8 in advance: http://themintla.com/event.cfm?id=210490&cart ($12 at Mint door the night of show, cash only). Dinner and drinks are available at each of the venues, and both shows are all-ages.

For more information:

www.ninashallman.com  | www.facebook.com/ninashallmanmusic



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

American Tribal Style Dancers Dance Throughout the Valley

Twisted Gypsy is a collective of dancers, drummers, and performers. Based in the San Fernando Valley, Twisted Gypsy performs throughout Southern California at festivals, street fairs, showcases, museums, nightclubs, private parties and events. They also perform for TV, film and video.

Known for their fluid style, high energy sets, and an ability to dynamically engage with an audience, Twisted Gypsy entertains and educates their audience using a modern format based on ancient traditions.

It started in 2000 when founder and director, Jen McDonald (aka Edara), started belly dancing to get in shape after knee replacement surgery and then became a certified teacher, teaching a series of weekly classes starting with Level 1 fundamentals, going up to Level 3 Advanced Moves where students learn the entire ATS® vocabulary along with formations and group structure so students can dance with any other ATS® dancers in the Fat Chance Belly Dance® style. Workshops are held periodically for deeper exploration and fine tuning of moves.

This unique form of belly dancing emphasizes group dynamics and being in the moment.

Based on folkloric movements of different Middle Eastern cultures, Indian, and Spanish Flamenco, students study a dance language shared by thousands of dancers around the world. Strong and graceful, this dance style inspires body confidence, mental flexibility, spiritual empowerment, and a lovely connection to the divine feminine.

{youtube}XpTez9W3BmI{/youtube}

The dancers move to drums directed by Charles Thomas, who sets the beat and frames the dance. In addition to directing and performing, Charles also teaches.

The style of drumming focuses on framing American Tribal Style dancers, utilizing a group ensemble which plays modern elements of improvisational percussion. Students learn a variety of rhythms both modern and traditional from a wide sampling of cultures; Arabic, African, American, and Indian. Beats are all combined to create a canvas of sound that act as a backdrop for the dance. Charles teaches a wide variety of hand percussion instruments including but not limited to doumbek, djembe, frame drum, tambourine, and cajon.

https://soundcloud.com/twistedgypsydrummers/the-rhythm-caravan-demo-reel

Twisted Gypsy is dedicated to education, empowerment, and connection by demonstrating the power of communication, trust, and improvisation.

They can be seen on the second Wednesday night of every month at Emle’s, 9250 Reseda Blvd in Northridge (near CSUN) and at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church for the Canoga Park Artwalk on August 20 from 7-9 p.m. at 7304 Jordan Ave.

To book Twisted Gypsy for an event, email HireUs@TwistedGypsy.com.

For information about classes, visit their website www.twistedgypsy.com.

Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TwistedGypsyTribal?fref=ts

Studio 77, a newly constructed apartment community in Northern Hollywood, has begun to prelease units.

This 156 unit community with 11,000 square feet of ground floor retail, developed by Chandler Pratt and Partners and owned by Lankershim Noho, LLC., is located in the heart of the NoHo Arts District and scored a Walk Score rating of 90%. Neighboring several shops and restaurants, Studio 77 is at the intersection of Noho, Studio City, and Universal City, with doorstep access to Lankershim Blvd. Amenities include a resort-style pool and spa with cabanas, three sky decks with mountain views, BBQ area with two flat screen TVs, one 120”projection TV in the pool area , cyber café, club room for meetings or events, state of the art fitness center accompanied by a movement/yoga studio.

Each unit will be equipped with GE stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and under mount sinks while the main living areas will include hardwood style flooring. The designer bathrooms will feature tiled walls, tiled floors, and deep tubs. Studio 77 offers 11 distinct floorplans including studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom options.

The community will be managed by Lincoln Property Company, the nation’s second largest multi-family manager. Mary Missirlian, Lincoln’s Regional Marketing Director over California stated, “Studio 77’s location in the Noho Arts District is ideal. Paired with its high end amenities, Studio 77 should be a sought-after community. We’re eager to start preleasing so our residents may experience smart living in the heart of it all.”

For more information or preleasing inquiries, please visit: http://www.studio77noho.com/ or call (818) 985-8777.

About Chandler Pratt and Partners
Chandler Pratt and Partners is a local development firm with a 35 year track record of developing commercial and residential real estate. Their success is due to financial discipline, local development expertise, superior market knowledge, and quick informative decision making.

About Lincoln Property Company
Lincoln Property Company was founded in 1965 as a builder and operator of high-quality residential communities. In the early 1970's, Lincoln expanded its product mix to include commercial, build-to-suit, office, hotel, industrial, and other mixed-use assets. In 1972, Lincoln took this expertise within the United States to Western Europe and the Middle East.
Headquartered in Dallas, TX, Lincoln focuses on real estate investment, construction and development, in addition to property management. Their national reputation has enabled Lincoln to attract a large client base of owners and investors who count on their ability to deliver quality results and continually serve as a market leader.
For more information about Lincoln Property Company, please visit http://www.lincolnapts.com/management-services or visit http://www.lincolnapts.com/regions/ for apartment listings in your area.
Follow Lincoln Property Company on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to hear about all the new deals to help you look forward to moving into your new home!

She said she was in a jam and asked if I would work with the cast on the play for the week and help get the show opened.

In the meantime she would look for a replacement and work them into the following weekend, as she knew I had a busy schedule and couldn’t commit to the full three-week run. Pause…. My mind went off. I wanted to say ‘no’ of course, as it would upset my routine and the comfortable summer I was enjoying. Also, I didn’t want to deal with the stress and challenge. I had a great excuse, and ran the scenario in my mind while she paused on the phone. It was frightening. It was difficult. Could I even learn my lines in that short amount of time? What if I wasn’t any good? I began creating excuses for myself: I have to clean out my garage; I was looking forward to working on my tan this week; I don’t have time for it; I have a family; It is summer, after all, and I have been looking forward to taking some time off and relaxing; My wife and I had a date night planned for Friday; I work hard and deserve a break. 

The excuses continued.

There was lots of noise and conversation in my head… quite a monologue. I wish I documented it. That conversation in my head was full and made a lot of sense… and it lasted about 10 seconds. Without thinking or checking in with my wife and family I said, “Yes.” I hung up the phone and asked myself, “What the hell are you thinking?” Then the other voice came in, one that I let sleep too often, and reminded me, “It’s what we do. We act.” I needed to walk the walk. I was in.
Fast forward, we opened the play on Friday, and I had the book in hand. It was for the Hollywood Fringe Festival in Los Angeles. After the weekend, I decided to change vacation and travel plans and stay with the show. That meant changing airline reservations, family visits, cancelling all kinds of things, but I did. I had a great time. My passion was rekindled, and I didn’t even think it needed rekindling. I’m in the theater every day, for God’s sake, I don’t need rekindling – so I thought.

This past weekend I found myself going to the theater four different times.

On Friday I went to the opening of a play a friend of mine was in. It was an original play written and directed by a published writer. She was passionate about doing this play and produced it herself. The next day I taught my acting class in the morning. In the afternoon I went to a play reading and heard six original plays read for the first time as our writing group was putting their material out for feedback. I saw several nervous writers in the audience chewing on their fingernails. That night I went to another original play consisting of seven monologues that were true, touching personal stories creatively woven together by a talented director. Why am I writing this? I go to the theater all the time. But this weekend I experienced something much deeper than usual. I connected deeper to the artistic passion, creativity, and self-expression of each actor on stage. PURPOSE. Artists connecting to their passions, visions, and purpose, and putting themselves out there. It was inspiring. Everyone, from the box office personnel to the tech person who made the preshow announcements, was connected to PURPOSE, PASSION, and SELF-EXPRESSION, with the intention of moving others, and yes, changing the worlds of those attending. I see these activities all the time, but this time I saw them differently, deeper, more mysterious, and multifaceted. I got who they are and why they do what they do.

The biggest mistake an LA actor can do is to forget that or lose touch with that.

They can get so involved in getting seen, networking, meeting the right people, and doing the business of building a career that they lose touch with the artist inside them. Those things are very important, of course, but meaningless without the artistry, which I see to be a big missing piece in many of the actors I coach. They seem to have lost touch with the reason they got into this work in the first place. It is the job of every actor to figure out what moves you to do this work, and who you are in the world as an artist. What are you doing, and why are you doing it? It’s a difficult question, but one to which every artist must connect and remain connected. So I continually tell actors the following: work, create work, and make yourself work for the sake of working.

A Zen proverb says, “Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. Once enlightened, chop wood and carry water.”

Do a play, a reading, write a story, write your story. In other words, chop wood and carry water. Do the work. Support and get behind others’ work. Join a theater company, a writers workshop, or a group doing similar work. Find a mentor, or become one. Make sure you are connected to an acting community, to keep you going and keep you fulfilled, Audiences are seeking that energy, and jobs are created that way.

Iconic North Hollywood boutique hotel unveils final phase with debut of The Front Yard

The Garland, a longstanding and beloved icon of the San Fernando Valley, reemerges as Los Angeles’ newest urban retreat and social hub following the completion of an extensive $20 million, property-­‐wide renovation and redesign. The newly transformed hotel, owned by Beverly Garland’s family-­‐operated Rio Vista Development, Inc. and managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, welcomes guests with a new neighborhood dining experience, revamped guest rooms, updated lobby and lobby bar, and elegant outdoor garden wedding and events venue.

“The official opening of The Garland is a very proud moment for the entire team. We had a vision to take all that is relaxing and fun about the Southern California experience and merge it with newly reimagined sophisticated style and comfort,” said Owner James Crank. “My mother, Beverly Garland, is the muse of the property, and we were determined to preserve her style and legacy. With that in mind, the transformation is now consistent with today’s discerning traveler, incorporating a vibrant, playful and welcoming atmosphere with a core focus on service and the guest experience.”

At the cornerstone of The Garland’s final phase of renovations is the opening of The Front Yard, the hotel’s new neighborhood restaurant helmed by newly appointed Executive Chef Chris Turano. Nestled within the seven-­‐acre property under towering sycamore trees, The Front Yard lends itself to elevated social dining with its simplified, approachable menu that celebrates the Los Angeles food scene. The addition of an expansive outdoor patio, hip bar and fire pit offer a uniquely Southern Californian alfresco atmosphere.

“We are excited for the next chapter of this iconic hotel,” said General Manager Scott Mills. “The history of The Garland combined with our extensive redesign has brought the hotel to the next level – a one-­‐of-­‐a-­‐kind urban retreat. It’s a destination in Los Angeles that will far surpass guests’ expectations.”

The first phase of the property’s transformation made its debut November 2014. The Garland’s 257 guest rooms, of which 14 are suites, lobby and lobby bar were restyled in vibrant colors against rich textures and eclectic accent pieces to project a sophisticated, bohemian California style. Family ownership teamed up with design team Forchielli Glynn alongside Rossi Architecture, to update The Garland’s withstanding structures and spaces in a multi-­‐phase renovation to reflect the needs of the modern traveler while honoring the hotel’s true Hollywood roots. Highlights of The Garland’s upgrades and renovations include:

• Design transformation to all 257 guest rooms
• There are 14 suites available with the large suites offering a unique layout and style, named after the Beverly Garland family members: Carrington, Cathleen and Fillmore. Rebranded family suites and kids rooms, complete with spacious living areas and king-­‐size beds for the parents and bunk beds for the kids, are also available and ideal for family travel.
• The James Suite is a spectacular, 1,000 square feet curated penthouse that boasts separate spacious living, kitchen and master bedroom areas, a deep soaking tub and three balconies boasting panoramic views of North Hollywood and beyond
• Revamped lobby and all-­‐new lobby bar
• The Front Yard, an unparalleled neighborhood dining concept true to the hotel’s legacy and the Valley
• The Store, the California-­‐inspired hotel gift shop curated by Beverly Garland’s daughter
• Beverly Park, a 4,000 sq. ft. outdoor garden and weddings & events venue named for the hotel’s legacy, Beverly Garland
• New complimentary guest programming from dive-­‐in movie nights and poolside games to an Urban Walk and a poolside macramé class

Welcoming industry executives, families, couples, local residents, and more, The Garland is just minutes away from many of Hollywood’s most popular destinations including Universal Studios and Universal CityWalk, Hollywood and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Nearby blockbuster movie, television, and music studios also include Walt Disney Pictures, Universal Studios, Warner Brothers Studios, as well as major entertainment production companies, ABC, CBS and NBC Studios. For more information please visit www.thegarland.com.

About The Garland

Built in 1972 by Fillmore Crank for his wife, well-­‐known Hollywood actress, Beverly Garland, The Garland has a colorful history and strong presence in the North Hollywood community. In the second generation of family management, James Crank took over the helm in 1999. Today, Mr. Crank has brought together top talent in the hospitality industry to continue the success of the revered hotel. The Garland boasts 257 renovated guest rooms including 14 suites, updated public spaces, the addition of a brand new outdoor garden/wedding venue -­‐ Beverly Park, and a completely redesigned signature restaurant, The Front Yard. Located just minutes from many of Hollywood’s most popular destinations, including Universal Studios, Universal CityWalk, Hollywood, The Hollywood Walk of Fame and Warner Bros Studios, the hotel is ideal for families, couples and business travelers alike. For more information, please visit www.thegarland.com. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), owns and/or manages 20 hotels, resorts and other properties in 11 states. A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historical renovations. The company’s portfolio includes a wide variety of properties including city-­‐center meeting hotels, upscale resorts and branded first-­‐class hotels. For more information, please visit www.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels). For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: http://media.marcushotels.com

In between running tables, he found time to indulge my curiosities.

I was impressed with the attention he paid me. As he put it, "I'm studying acting.  I want to be an actor." Because of his Latin looks, it was obvious he could be cast in many ethnically diverse and transitional roles. And, with his positive disposition, something told me that success was inevitable for this particular Server and he was bound for stardom... just give him time. Serving would definitely be a temporary gig.

He introduced himself as Carlos Pratts.

As fate would have it, weeks later, I would bump into him again with his cousin, actor Rene Rosado, at a yogurt shop on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood. It was a late night and we all sat together to tell our tales of Hollywood Woe. He, like Rene, were studying hard and both were truly dedicated to paying their dues, developing their craft and making something of themselves. But, like all serious Artists find out, you have to survive...

The conversation went on with the three of us comparing survival stories and laughed about how 'nuts' and unpredictable the industry can be. It also turned out that Carlos and I were both from Houston, Texas, which opened more doors and more stories to share. Needless to say, it was a long night... 

Today, Carlos is 28 and a longtime resident of North Hollywood. He is also a supporting actor in Disney's feature, "McFarland, USA," where he holds his own against the film's star, Kevin Costner.

He took some time out of his hectic schedule to chill with me over an iced tea at Starbucks on Melrose. We discussed the advice Mr. Costner gave him, his sudden fame and the complex scripts and intricate characters he is selectively choosing:

Waide Riddle- Thanks, Carlos, for meeting with me. It's been awhile.

Carlos Pratts- Awhile? It's been years. That yogurt place on Sunset. Ah, man! What a night!

(We both laugh.)

W.R.- Yes. Confessions of three artists.

C.P. - So much has happened. For both of us. For Rene, too.

W.R.-  Congrats to all of us... Now, I'm going to start with the most controversial of questions...

C.P. - (laughs) You? Controversial? Never!

W.R. - Sarcasm. You do know me. You're an outspoken proponent and supporter for gay marriage, how did you feel about the SCOTUS decision?

C.P.- Oh my god! Fantastic! I am so happy for my friends. When I first came to L.A. from Texas, it was all new to me. Gay people... To be around openly gay people... Hmm... (searching for words) It's been a positive learning experience. I 'evolved.' I love them and I'm happy for their happiness. Happy for you.

W.R.- Thank you, Carlos... what a kind thing to say... watch out... you're going to make me emotional.

C.P.- (He makes direct eye contact with me) It's true.

W.R.- Any gay relatives?

C.P.- No. Just my friends.

W.R.- Congratulations for your nomination for Best Supporting Actor for the Image Awards and the Teen Choice Awards. I'm so proud of you, Carlos.

C.P.- Thank you. It's so incredible... It feels incredible. I just want to make a difference for my family and help them as much as I can while my success lasts. It is an honor to be acknowledged like this, and to know I've impacted people the way I have in the film... I'm very humbled about it. (He suddenly goes quiet.)

W.R.- I touched a nerve?

C.P.- I was lucky. I was blessed. Right place right time.

W.R.- ...and talent has something to do with it, too. You are truly a marvel in the film and I hope Disney pushes you during awards season. 

C.P.- (His eyes light up and his smile says it all) Yeah, I'm... I'm very grateful. Thank you, Waide. It would be nice, I won't lie, it would be nice.

W.R.- You miss Houston?

C.P.- Yeah, Whataburger! Tell them in the interview that Whataburger has the best burgers ever!

W.R.- You just did! Actually, the best burgers in the world.   

C.P.- Hell, yeah!

W.R.- So, how did you get the role in McFarland?

C.P.- I auditioned eight times.

W.R.- 8!?

C.P.- Yes. Then I was given what is known as a chemistry test. Then I got the role.

W.P.- Wow! Did Mr. Costner have any advice for you?

C.P.- Yes. A lot... but, I think the most important tips he left me with were always treat people equally. And with kindness. Respect every single person on a set regardless of what position they hold. Also, as actors, keep the vibe going. Don't get lazy. Get together with each other, support each other... in a park, garage, wherever, and work, do scene study, rehearse, find monologues and get together and work-out. Find writers that you know and work with them...  

W.R.- Smart guy.

C.P.- I think so.

W.R.- You've been working steady. Got any regrets?

(He thinks this over carefully, then pantomimes zipping his lips shut.)

Care to elaborate?

C.P.- No.

(He shoots me a devilish grin)

W.R.- Got a Bucket List?

C.P.- No.

W.R.- Favorite author?

C.P.- John Grisham

W.R.- Favorite book?

C.P.- "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron

W.R. - Favorite movie?

C.P.- "Friday Night Lights"

W.R.- Favorite color?

C.P. - Blue.

W.R.- Hey, this is going well, mine too... because it's soothing and cool.

C.P. - You know, I never thought of it that way. Now, I will.

W.R. - Boxers or briefs?

C.R.- Briefs. Because I like to keep everything close.

W.R.- You and I both... you were cast in "Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones." Anything special you can share?

C.P.- Great experience with some really fine actors and we were aloud to do a lot of improv. I appreciated that. 

W.R.- I was good in my improv class, but I kept forgetting my lines and over-analyzing my cues in acting class... I always excelled in writing.  

C.P.- And that's why you're the Writer. As Kevin said, "Actors, get to know your Writers."

W.R. - He's a smart guy... I like him... Scripts. What do you look for?  

C.P.- Complexity. Intensity. Something unique. Not something with stereotype. Difficult characters that make me work. That make me study. That make me sweat. Or else, why bother? Scripts that are multi-layered... that reach out and touch.

W.R.- (He makes me smile) Okay... spoken like the true Artist I know. Thank you, Carlos, for taking time with me.

C.P.- What? You're finished with me, bro?

W.R. -  Ah, yeah, I know you have homework to do.

C.P. -  Scripts are waiting to be read. Thank you, bro. It was good to sit and chill with you.

We both stand and he gives me a warm and caring hug. Then, he's off; a true professional.

Carlos Pratts. Remember his name.    

This latest outing, written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie (who helmed Cruise’s Jack Reacher and Edge of Tomorrow), is perhaps the most entertaining entry since Cruise’s first Mission in 1996.

It’s also one of the most enjoyable films of the summer.

The plot, such as it is, has something to do with Cruise’s Hunt being on the run as he and his Impossible Mission Force (IMF) colleagues Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, and Jeremy Renner try to prove the existence of—as well as take down The Syndicate. No, it’s not your garden variety group of mobsters, but an international criminal organization led by a menacing and murderous Sean Harris, that has somehow remained under the radar. Alec Baldwin is on hand as the bellowing CIA director bent on dismantling the IMF and spouting some hopelessly corny dialogue along the way. The most striking newcomer is Rebecca Ferguson as a lovely and lethal agent who may be working undercover for British Intelligence, or who may have another agenda altogether.

The action sequences are well-done and fairly credible, at least as far as these genre films go, starting with an unplanned plane trip for Mr. Cruise in the exciting prologue, a tense assassination sequence at the opera in Vienna, and a motorcycle/car chase along the roads of Morocco. The screenplay is serviceable and occasionally witty, while the chemistry among the players elevates the proceedings whenever they threaten to flag. Renner and Rhames are pretty capable, but Pegg practically steals the film (along with the fetching Miss Ferguson) with the right blend of brains, bravado, and comic incredulity—he and Ferguson even manage to help Cruise appear more committed throughout. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation is a very entertaining action movie and one of the most satisfying films of the summer. One hopes that the IMF’s adventures will end on this high note—but you can probably expect a sequel when Cruise decides he needs another big hit.

I finally got around to seeing Woody Allen’s latest film, Irrational Man. With Ramsey Lewis’ jaunty music (notably “The ‘In’ Crowd”) as jazzy accompaniment, Allen is in tragicomic mode here as protagonist Joaquin Phoenix is struggling to explain what it’s all about—which puts him at a loss since he’s a despairing, creatively (and otherwise) blocked philosophy professor starting anew at a college in Newport, Rhode Island. With his reputation of casual sexual encounters preceding him, Phoenix attracts the attention of a frustrated married colleague (Parker Posey), as well as a “starstruck” student (Emma Stone) who finds Phoenix’s reticence all the more alluring. Overhearing a discussion at a diner leads Phoenix to make a momentous (though highly morally questionable) decision that recharges all his batteries and leads him to wholeheartedly commit to life. However, his decision does breed some unforeseen consequences…

I went into the film not knowing much (or expecting much) so I don’t wish to spoil things.

Suffice it to say that Allen’s work here is somewhat reminiscent of Cassandra’s Dream and Match Point, and while they were both superior, there is much to enjoy here. Parker Posey and Emma Stone are both engaging as the women in Phoenix’s life (although Stone’s student manages to land a couple of Allen’s more uncomfortably written lines). The real surprise here is Phoenix. In other films, he has been so quirky that one can’t help but notice it’s the actor calling attention to his own work. Here though, Phoenix finds the right blend of ennui and emerging passion; he’s more relaxed here, and also more accessible and involving. It’s too bad that Allen’s script gets a little lazy in the last twenty minutes; another twist or two might have helped.

It’s a minor Allen work, but still his Irrational Man is worth a look.

As the title clearly says, this play is about a typical middle American town.

But Middletown is anything but typical and the characters that populate it are anything but what you would expect in your average play about a middle American town.

Sounds confusing?

Well the playwright, Will Eno, who was was shortlisted for a Pulitzer prize, has been called the “Samuel Beckett of the John Stuart generation” by the New York Times, so…

This play takes on the potentially two dimensional subject of moderate, small town, small-minded people and turns it completely on its head. A subject that could be written off as predictable and mundane even, becomes mystical and totally enchanting.

A play about life and death and all those small and important moments in-between, Middletown is packed full of beautifully flawed and believable characters, all frankly telling their stories with surreal sense of humor and a profound ability to find redemption in the pain.

With such an exquisite play in their hands, how does Lost Angel Productions handle this precious material?

Astonishingly…whimsically and with great love and compassion for the gently crazy town folks of Middletown.

This production is set around a scale model of the town at the front of the stage. Each actor changing the focus of the scene by repositioning a tiny video camera inside the model which in turn projects what it sees behind the actors on stage and thus creating our setting.

It’s an utterly brilliant way of including the audience in the trick of theatre scenary. But somehow it manages to take us deeper into the play rather than breaking the magic of it all. Just wonderful…

There are also some stunning effects with shadow and light, but I don't want to tell you everything!

There are fantastic musical interludes provided by the sublime Tiffany Ann and Thomas Furr and band, along with some of the cast members, which are truly riveting, and bind us more and more intimately with these tragic and heartbreaking, warm and funny characters.

Nothing has been left to chance in this production.

The staging is wonderful, the music too and the actors, well, I was just blown away by absolutely everyone.

I was told that this play was “experimental” and I suppose it was in many ways. But what struck me most about it was that with all the thoughtful and inventive staging, the haunting and passionate music and the outstanding performances, I found it to be totally recognizable. What made it experimental and unusual actually made me feel closer to the characters, as if I already knew them and, as we do with our friends and family, I found myself making allowances for their eccentricities, as they might do for my own.

This production of Middletown is strange and unusual and brave and also brilliantly mirrors exactly how life truly is, how people truly are, beyond pretense, beyond ordinary and with no need for subtext.

It's full of people I wish I had been able to spend more time with and for one or two of them take them home and help them out.

Middletown really is stunning and I highly recommend it.

If you love the work of filmmakers Paul Thomas Anderson or Wes Anderson then you will love Middletown, a vivid portrait of the difficulty of consciousness, of the complications of the simplest life.

Middletown runs from August 9th to 29th Thursday through Saturday at 8pm.

Theatre Banshee
3435 W. Magnolia Boulevard
Burbank, CA 91505
United States

http://brownpapertickets.com/event/1820985

I am a fan of a flakey, buttery crust, but I don’t mind letting that go if said quiche will still be moist, cheesey and, in this case, mini.

Mini food. Always very cute. And easy to prepare when you have to make 150 pieces. Last night was the 10th Anniversary Drama Kings and Queens performance by students in the L.A. Speech and Language Therapy Center‘s summer program. Prior to the show, 100 VIP ticket holders noshed on a few appetizers I made for the occasion. That’s where these quiche come in.

Last night’s event was a culmination of a lot of determination and effort on the part of the L.A. Speech and Language Therapy Center, its leaders, and of course, the stars of the show–each and every child involved in the show. L.A. Speech creates engaging and creative programs for children along the austism spectrum. The Center’s summer theatre camp, Drama Kings and Queens, celebrated ten years of its play performances, so VIP ticket holders were treated to a few hors d’oeuvres. Lucky for me, I had several past and present program participants helping me in the kitchen. We put together Smoked Salmon, Cucumber and Lemon Crème Fraîche Bites, Prosciutto, Herbed Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Crostini, and Mini Spinach and Cheese quiche.

The recipe for this quiche comes together fairly quickly, which is just what you need when you have to make a lot. You can even cook off the onion and spinach mixture one day and put the rest of it together the next. Crustless quiche stack and pack well in the fridge, and they reheat perfectly in a low temperature oven. They also stay very moist, so don’t worry about them drying out. If you have a gluten intolerance, crustless quiche is a life-saver. You can make this recipe completely gluten-free with just a couple of very small tweaks.

Mini Spinach and Cheese Quiche

Ingredients
Floured baking spray**
3 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup minced yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and pressed dry
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 ¼ cups mixed grated cheese (ie. manchego, parmesan, Gruyère, white cheddar, feta, etc.), divided*
1 tablespoon flour**
6 large eggs plus 3 large egg yolks
1⅓ cups whole milk
⅓ cup whole ricotta cheese

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Heavily spray two 24-cup nonstick mini-muffin pans with floured baking spray.
Heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add onions, cooking for 3-5 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Add garlic and spinach, and cook about 10 minutes, or until most of the moisture has evaporated. Remove from heat, stir in the salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cool to room temperature.
In a small bowl, toss the cheese and flour together. In a larger bowl, whisk eggs and yolks with milk, ricotta cheese, and half of the grated cheese mixture. Stir in the cooked spinach. Use a tablespoon measure to fill each cup. (If you fill to the very top, you will make about 4 doz. Fill about ⅘ to the top, and you will end up with closer to 5 dozen.) Top each one with a sprinkling of the reserved cheese.
Bake until the quiche are golden brown on top and puffy, about 35-38 minutes. Rotate pans halfway through.
Once out of the oven, lightly shake the pan to loosen the edges, or run a knife along the sides of each quiche. Remove from pan, and serve warm or at room temperature. If you have any leftover batter, repeat the baking process.

Notes
*Cheese mix suggestion: ¾ cup grated Gruyère, ¼ cup grated parmesan, ¼ cup grated manchego
**You can make this recipe 100% gluten-free by using vegetable oil-based cooking spray to oil the mini muffin tins and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the recipe.

Recipe inspired by MyRecipes.com (http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/cheesy-crustless-mini-quiches).

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

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

Here's a glimpse at what's going on in North Hollywood...ENJOY NOHO!



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

Studio 4  is more than just a "school." The Endless Summer Masters Class is more than just a "class." It is a MISSION to ensure that young people have a voice and a place in the most transformational medium on the planet - film.

They don't have grades, they define their roles and work together as the class prepares them to create projects that give something back to audiences; films that will have a cultural, spiritual and emotional impact on the greater society. The Masters Class is extremely selective, in that only filmmakers and actresses who have consistently exhibited excellence in their work and have shown potential to be at the forefront of film can participate. They are taught to value themselves as artists - to value the tremendous societal effects of their art.

"An investment in our project is an investment in the next generation of game-changing filmmakers who, under the tutelage of a master, will create stories that shatter paradigms, reveal hidden truths and enlighten the masses."

Their campaign is a call to action to the community to invest in storytellers and allow young visionaries to be seen and heard. There are five teams, each working on a film that touches different aspects of the issues we deal with as young people — suicide, young love, family, self worth and self discovery.

The money that comes from the Kickstarter goes to crew, equipment, props and marketing. If they go over budget, they will give the remainder of the money back to the school to help nurture the next group of filmmakers that will be shooting their first features in the fall.


Facebook | Kickstarter | Studio 4 




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

In my job as a theatre reviewer I see plays in large theatres with large budgets and small black box venues with rickety seating and xeroxed 1 page programs and I approach them all the same way, with hope.

Hope that nothing falls on anyones head, that the material is well written, that the actors show up and that they everyone is enjoying themselves, because that always shows, especially when they don’t. But most importantly I have hope that I will experience something special, something that for those few hours spent in the dark with strangers, will speak to me, will touch me, will change me. I have hope that I will be witness to something more than just words and scenery and clever staging. Something magical will happen and I will be drawn in, I will be transported to the correct time and place and I will be transfixed.

Well, on Saturday evening at the Whitmore-Lindley Theatre that was exactly what happened.

I was transported to a dusty, stuffy courtroom in ‘small town’ America to watch history in the making. Inherit The Wind is a play based on the famous “Monkey” Trial where a school teacher is put on trial for teaching Evolution to his class, something that was outlawed in this particular state at the time. Something that is just as pertinent an issue today as it ever was.

The Ghost players have managed to recreated this turbulent moment in history with such grace and such honesty that the theatre felt like the courtroom, the audience like the spectators at a trial and the actors were citizens of a town like many others in America, full of the fear of change and progress.

I remember the black and white film with Spencer Tracy and Fredric March, I’m sure I must have watched it several times, probably while I was doing something else if I’m honest. But the performances given by the actors of Ghost Theatre made me sit and really listen.

This is a wonderful production, the effort and the commitment is palpable…

Great staging, great wardrobe, and really great direction, coupled with fantastic actors such as Tom Lowell who played Henry Drummond and Monte Van Vleet who played Mathew Harrison Brady, is the recipe for fulfilled hope for this audience member and a terrific night out in NoHo!

I highly recommend this wonderful adaptation of this classic drama, I love how Ghost Players enthusiastically return to these literary classics again and again, well done!

Inherit The Wind is playing at the Whitmore Lindley Theatre in NoHo August 8th through August 30th.

Whitmore-Lindley Theatre
11006 Magnolia Blvd.
North Hollywood CA 91601

Cast
Henry Drummond – Tom Lowell
Mathew Harrison Brady – Monte VanVleet
Mrs.Sara Brady - Christy Nevarez
E.K. Hornbeck– Paul Lacayo
Bertram T. Cates – James Soukup
Rachel Brown– Vivi Thai
Judge Mary Coffey – Stephanie Alkazian Zushi
Rev. Jeremiah Brown– Mark Debacco
Prosecutor Tom Davenport– Ko Zushi
Bailiff Mort Meeker / Elijah - Philippe Martinez
Mayor Jason Carter – Daniel Vidal
Melinda – Arielle Zaytsev
Howard– Joshua Celaya
Mrs. Blair – May Ishikawa
Mr. Bannister / Monkey Handler – Richard Nevarez
George Sillers – Kevin Michael Shiley
Mr.s Krebs Righteous Townswoman - Elyse Hamilton
Stenographer - Brittany Cahill
Townsman / Townswoman - DJ Medina - Gabby Villalobos, Cathy Lee,
Mitzi Sandoval Monkey / Sillers – Trevor Alkazian
Esterbrook Radio Reporter - Sharai Bravo

Have you been to ELIXIR The Show in NoHo? If your answer is not yet, then head over to The Federal Bar on Saturday, August 22 for this month’s show, which just happens to be their third anniversary show! It’s a Nuit Blanche – ELIXIR The Show’s  ultra violet blacklight party.

So what is ELIXIR The Show?

The Federal Bar North Hollywood hosts ELIXIR The Show’s 3rd Anniversary Gala Event “Nuit Blanche.” Imagine a time when Mad Men would meet up with the Rat Pack, at the Playboy Club for a martini or three…and you have ELIXIR The Show. Critically acclaimed as "L.A.'s Best Variety Show," ELIXIR’s Nuit Blanche is an ultraviolet blacklight party, and all guests are encouraged to dress in white to enjoy the unique immersive experience and décor of show.

ELIXIR is proud to welcome The Knitting Factory; The Greek Theater; Nederlander Concerts; Ace Hotel Theater; Bow & Truss; Fusion Salon; Ink Sessions Tattoo; Mopo; Nappytabs; X-Pole; Ozzie Dots; The Choreography House; Tamashii Restaurant and the NoHo Performance Art Center as sponsors for the evening. The show is 21+, stylish dress required, white attire requested. Tickets can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1975456.

Thanks to ELIXIR’s sponsors, guests will receive raffle tickets upon entry for their chance to win a variety of prize packages. Prize packages include a Greek Theater Concert VIP package; an LA Zoo VIP package; a Pinz Bowling Center Party Package; an Ace Hotel Theater Concert Package; Dinner for 2 at a Tamashii restaurant; and Digital Flatscreen HiDef Color Television Sets, among many other great prizes.



WHEN: Saturday, August 22
Doors/Dinner 7:30pm, Showtime 8:00pm, DJ Afterparty 10:30pm.

WHERE: The Federal Bar
5303 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 980-2555

{youtube}b_3yHR7nKRA{/youtube}

Wow. Three years in NoHo. Congrats! What’s the secret to ELIXIR The Show’s success?

ELIXIR has been successful and has sustained for the past three years for a number of reasons. We feature some of best and most talented acts in all of Los Angeles in the areas of dance, burlesque, pole-art, magic, comedy and much more. We have a great venue at The Federal Bar that really gets what we are trying to do and they partner with us more than we could have thought. But more than that, we continue to thrive because of the community and sense of family that we have created within the ELIXIR brand. In short, our audience, our performers and our sponsors understand that we are a family, not just a show, and they desire to be a part of what we are doing at ELIXIR. We started out to curate a show that was as much fun to be a part of as it is to experience. Our audience, and especially our artists, have gravitated toward the ELIXIR way.

What's new about this month's show?

Every month we bring a show that's full of entertainment and awe, but this month, on top of all that, we are celebrating the artist that have been a part of ELIXIR over the three years we've been bringing this show to you. We'll be celebrating them as a way of saying thank you for all they've given to the show to this point. And that will translate to one of, okay, THE most entertaining and dynamic show we've ever put together. Our artists understand that this show is special and have come to us with ideas that are blowing us away. We want to set the room a light, so we are throwing a white party, taking full advantage of the black light additions that The Federal Bar has installed. We plan to go at it all night, hence the name Nuit Blanche - a sleepless night. And who would dare slumber and take a chance on missing even a second of this celebration?

Who will be performing for ELIXIR's third anniversary?

Who will be featured: house band Funky Munky Band, Cherry Poppins Caburlesque (cabaret singers and dancers), The Show with Adam and Sean (music comedy duet), The Lolitas (burlesque troupe), Lennon Hobson & Friends (musical theater ensemble), pole artists Brian Wolf and Vegan Pole Dancers, Charlotte Chau-Pech (solo dance artist), EVMB (solo beatbox artist with breakdancers), comedian Scout Durwood and a few more surprises.

What’s coming up for ELIXIR The Show?

We've done this show every month for free in the NoHo Arts District, and some of our artists have gone on to appear in Cirque du Soleil, America's Got Talent, Absinthe at Caesar's Las Vegas, Fake Off on TruTV, Funny Girls on Bravo and have collaborated with Snoop Dogg, Carlos Mencia and Timbaland. This event is a kickstarter/fundraiser for ELIXIR to take our show to bigger audiences and perform in other parts of the country.

***

See you on the dance floor, NoHo!

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

Signs and Alarms: The Art of Margaret Nielsen & Scott Grieger, 1970 – 2015 is a two part exhibition curated by Peter Frank at Temporary Space LA. The two L.A. – based artists didn’t collaborate with their collections, but the cohesion would certainly lead you to believe they did.

Nielsen connects the internal mind with the external experience, and portrays a universal commonality in the human condition. She brings you through her own psyche, which you can’t help but understand your own through. Grieger questions societal associations between art and culture, and what is intelligent in the two; “free thought is the goal, and in humor there is insight.” Through implicature as well as overt associations, Grieger holds up a mirror to contemporary society, but carries you through the ages to do so.

Without meaning to (again, no collaboration), Nielsen and Grieger juxtapose nature and technology. Showcasing everything from the cosmic and ethereal to the hardwired and pixelated, human experiences are a combination of the two settings. Remembering to move between the two is key. Nielsen and Grieger show you the depths of solitude in each environment, and the different anxieties they foment. I could talk myself blue in the face, and you red in the ears, about how negatively impacted we are by technology, but it’d be in ways you’ve already thought about. However, it’s all said by Grieger in a way that doesn’t beat you over the head, and next to Nielsen, you see that it’s a temporal complaint we’ve always had. Even if we moved back to the age of bricks phones and before, we’d have the same anxiousness over different accessories. Oh, sure, it’s still all stressful, but perspective is calming.

Of her bear series, Margaret Nielsen said “I was sitting alone in my studio and decided to paint someone to keep me company. This guy showed up.”

Both have their own senses of humor that are apparent. Both tempt you in different ways, and both make you want to hole up and stay all day. It’s like taking your diary pages and putting them on the inside of a box you’re in. You haven’t really visited the experiences until now, but you’re not trapped with your experiences. You look at others in the gallery and see they’re in the same box, just with their own diary pages but the same motifs. That box becomes one of clarity and solidarity. There’s a comfort in having your experience articulated and shared.

They don’t come out and say it verbatim, but in an obvious way, balance is their prescription.

Temporary Space LA itself is unique in that it’s a platform for artists who don’t need Temporary Space’s representation. In other words, it showcases mid-career and late-career artists, emphasizing those artists curators feel have been slighted by the industry. Be that critically or economically in acclaim.

Specifically for this joint exhibition, where Temporary Space departs from a normal gallery structure is the interactive component that becomes part to its artists’ collections in a humorous sense: it uses technology. Private rooms where viewers would typically be used to seeing recorded performance pieces, or videos associated with the exhibition, feature an ipad (teathered neatly to a bench, of course). On the ipads, the viewer can browse the artists work by theme, series, or symbolism. The piece you select then becomes projected onto the wall, creating this enveloping exhibition inception. An exhibit in an exhibit in an exhibit.

Nielsen and Grieger, they’re clever. Cleveriest of clever, but not the pretentious kind of smart; they’re the empowering kind.

I’d certainly come back for more.

Part I runs from July 18 – August 28 2015
Part II, September 5 – October 24

Temporary Space LA • 5522 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90036

It’s like taking a car you’ve driven for decades and turning it inside out and making you sit inside.

It’s uncomfortable, and you’ve never really taken a hard look at what’s there, all the scratches and memories of getting them, but you’ve never taken time to articulate how you got the dings. Then you look around the gallery and everyone else sitting in their own inside out cars.

It’s like you writing a diary, and then having the diary pages plastered on a box that’s turned inside out

Do not be alarmed. Or do. Temporary Space L.A.’s newest exhibition, “Signs & Alarms: The Art of Margaret Nielsen and Scott Grieger, 1970-2015,” is going to be a lot to take in. Although they worked separately, these prolific L.A.-based artists were part of a generation that fused personal, political and stylistic methods into critiques of social tropes and saving the world. Nielsen creates an immersive painting and sculptural installation inspired by her recurring themes of wilderness and excitable grizzly bears. Grieger presents selections from half a dozen of his best-known series, including photographs in which he physically “impersonates” blue-chip works of sculpture, and zingy word paintings that read like Tweets from an analog era of conceptual art. The two-part exhibit must cover 45 years of output per artist, so give yourself extra time to read the signs. Temporary Space L.A., 5522 Wilshire Blvd., Miracle Mile; Sat., July 18, 6-10 p.m.; free. Exhibition continues Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m., through Aug. 29 (part two runs Sept. 5-Oct. 24). (323) 297-8464, temporaryspacela.com. —Shana Nys Dambrot

NoHo’s Bow & Truss is known for their unique Latin-inspired dishes and their divine cocktail menu. But now they're throwing some fun events to enjoy all the above. Save the date for Wednesday, August 19 for an evening of guided Mezcal tasting and comedy. 

WHERE: Bow & Truss 11122 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601 (818) 985-8787

AN EVENING OF MEZCAL

WHEN: August 19th at 7PM ONLY

WHAT: Latin-inspired restaurant Bow & Truss is hosting a tasting of Del Maguey Mezcal. For $19, guests will receive four 1 oz. samples of “single village” premium Del Maguey Mezcal tequila. A brand representative will be present to guide guests through the experience. The event is first come, first served.

The following types of Mezcal will be offered. Each one is named after the village they were made in.

1. Minero
2. San Luis del Rio Azul
3. Santo Domingo Albarradas
4. Chichicapa

BOW & TRUSS PRESENTS PATIO

WHAT: Knitting Factory Entertainment’s Bow & Truss presents the comedy night event series ‘PATIO’ hosted by Mark Agee. Each show will feature a variety of notable comedians, with Al Jackson and Matt Kirshen headlining on August 19th. Free admission.

WHEN: August 19th at 9pm
September 9th at 9pm
September 23rd at 9pm
October 14th at 9pm

Mark Agee wrote for Comedy Central and is currently developing a half-hour comedy for FX. He has also performed at the SXSW Festival, the Bridgetown Comedy Fest and Laughing Skull Festival.

Al Jackson has a half-hour Comedy Central special and his one-hour special just debuted on NuvoTV. He is also the host of the BAFTA-nominated BBC series, “Officially Amazing.”

Matt Kirshen has appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Paul Provenza’s Green Room and was a finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing.

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

She found one show that would use inspiration rooms you could replicate with a much lesser budget along with a smaller lead time. She assumed this was the norm regarding special order items and in general how the design process actually worked. Like most clients, she had a budget. And a generous one at that since we were working on a one bedroom condo.

During our initial meetings we went over the scope of work, her expectations and the budget along with the realistic expectations based from my years of experience. She was adamant we custom all the furniture. So I went to my vendor for fabrics and workrooms with my plans, sketches and pictures. Everything was easily doable, but at a premium price. However, her budget would only allow me to design the Living and Dining rooms of her space. I tried to take her shopping for pieces she could buy directly from the showroom and to take advantage of any sales or even floor samples. Right there, she would have saved a nice portion of her budget for other things. No budging? I was able to customize her dining table and chairs, sofa, chair and chaise in the living room and actually purchase a few items from a high end consignment store.

In the end, this client trusted my experience and know-how to create a special space based on what she really wanted.

I want to get you familiar with a product line that I have been working with for the past year, both at home and on my clients in my private practice.

I’m recommending the doTerra products because I believe in their efficacy, and they’ve done the research to back how these items bring the body into balance to promote healing. I was about to put together a list of the perfect oils and products to complete your dance bag – and they were a step ahead and created it with their Athlete’s Kit.

Not only does it come with 5 essential oils and a 120 ml tube of their muscle and joint support rub, but it has it’s own carrying case which will fit perfectly in your dance bag. It also makes a great gift for not only dancers but your friends or family who work out or play indoor or outdoor sports.

Firstly, why doTerra? Their Certified Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) Essential Oils have the highest rating of purity. Each liter of essential oil is third party tested for impurities and chemical compounds to ensure its healing properties are exact. Each ingredient is sourced where it grows best and is harvested at the appropriate time. Due to this purity, these oils can be applied on the skin (topically), through smell (aromatically), and even taken internally where indicated. A typical application uses just 1-3 drops, and each 15 ml bottle holds an average of 300 drops, so these oils go a long way!

Free from chemicals, additives, and side effects, when used properly, these are amazingly effective alternatives for you! (There are a few brands out there that are of extremely high quality and can be used too. Just do some research on your own – a big indicator is if they are safe for internal use. If it says external use only – it’s not pure!)

What can this all do for you? Here’s a breakdown and each photo is a video link for more info!

Respiratory Blend is a proprietary blend of laurel leaf, peppermint eucalyptus, melaleuca, lemon and ravensara. This is a wonderful blend that can support your overall respiratory health. Nothing like a stuffed nose or chest congestion can throw off your game! You can apply 2 drops to your chest or hands and breathe deeply to open your airways and clear sinuses whether caused by seasonal allergies, a head cold, or even air conditioning.

Protective Blend is a proprietary blend of wild orange, clove bud, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary. This tangy mix supports healthy immune system function. These oils are powerfully antiseptic, and help you fight off pathogens that you breathe and touch. You can use a few drops on your hands instead of hand sanitizer, take a few drops on your tongue with some water at the first sign of feeling sick, or the sound of the first cough from someone in class! A few drops of this blend are perfect to clean a cut or blister just before you bandage it. You can even use a few drops in water in a spray bottle to clean surfaces like the ballet barres, exercise mats, doorknobs, counters, and floors. They will be deodorized and disinfected with no chemical side effects!

Lavender essential oil has a ton of benefits! This oil is perfect to apply topically for any skin irritations and it helps ease muscle tension. Smelling this oil can provide a sense of calmness and help you to relax. This is perfect for before a performance or audition when anxiety can be high. Its calming qualities can also help you center yourself before or after a class or workshop too. Lavender can ease away the tension that leads to headaches and neck aches, and all you need is a few drops applied to the area feeling the stress.

Melaleuca (Tea Tree) essential oil has a cleansing and rejuvenating effect on the skin so you can use a few drops to freshen up your face after a class or rehearsal. It also is a powerful antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial, so it can used to treat minor skin irritations, freshen dance shoes, and clear up athlete’s foot or other small infections.

Peppermint essential oil has a host of benefits. Cool down and invigorate yourself with a few drops of peppermint applied to the skin. When inhaled it promotes alertness and stimulates the mind which may aid with mental performance. It can be taken internally or applied topically for digestive upsets and stomach discomfort. This oil is both the perfect energy booster and belly ache fighter all in one! It can also freshen your breath, eliminating the need for sugary candies or gum chewing which increases neck, head, and jaw tension.

The Soothing Blend Rub is a proprietary blend of wintergreen, camphor, peppermint, blue tansy, german chamomile, helichyrsum, and osmanthus and is applied topically for aches and pains. This rub supports healthy circulation to the area of application without the use of chemicals, additives, petroleum, or other harmful ingredients. This deep penetrating salve provides a cooling and warming affect, and can replace not only other topical analgesics, but the need for anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers.

Now you have some solutions for how to stay healthy and pain free without the side effects of synthetic or low-grade products.

If you have any question or would like a further consultation on safe and effective alternatives, please feel free to contact me (newpathwellness at gmail dot com). Also note, skin sensitivity can be an issue with any product, so please test a small area for irritation first. You can dilute any of the oils with a pure vegetable oil, typically in a 1:1 or up to a 1:3 ratio of essential oil to carrier oil.*

You can purchase the Athlete’s Kit and other oils and products on my doTerra website, which can be found by clicking here: mydoterra.com/newpathwellness

Happy dancing!!

* Pregnant and nursing women, children under age 6, and animals have to take special precautions when using essential oils. See online guidelines or contact your medical professional.

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

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

Here's a glimpse at what's going on in North Hollywood...ENJOY NOHO!



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