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  • MOVIE REVIEW: A weekend of good vibrations

    debbie lynn elias|Jun 11, 2015

    There really is something for everyone this weekend at the movies with the release of some of the most anticipated films of the summer - INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3, LOVE & MERCY and SPY. SPY SPY is a balls-to-the-wall, mile a minute laugh fest starring Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, Jude Law and Bobby Cannavale. Setting SPY apart from other McCarthy comedies which, let's face it, have been less than funny of late, SPY is smart and smartly written with a tightly crafted story and comedy,...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: San Andreas

    debbie lynn elias|Jun 11, 2015

    While I never wish ill on anyone or anything (except perhaps an annoying sibling or two), if "the big one" hits California and the San Andreas earthquake fault splits wide open, I won't shed any tears if every print, Blu-ray, DVD, digital coding and anything else that could ever replicate SAN ANDREAS the movie, falls into the abyss. (Joining that can be everything related to the concurrent VOD release, "San Andreas Quake" which is almost a mirror film but with a mother seismologist predicting...

  • Tomorrowland

    debbie lynn elias|Jun 11, 2015

    People often complain that today's generation is so "uninspired", or there is nothing in the world today to inspire us to move forward with global unity to better the world in which we live in today or boldly venture forth into new worlds of the future. We have the technology. We have the skills. But where are the dreamers? One need look no further than Brad Bird's TOMORROWLAND for all that is needed to inspire the dreamer in each of us. Inspiring and hopeful, as much a visionary wonder of the...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron

    debbie lynn elias|Jun 11, 2015

    While my love and admiration for Joss Whedon and the World of Whedon (not to mention the "Avengers" and that irascible Tony Stark aka Robert Downey, Jr.) knows no bounds, when it comes to AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, I have to admit that from a story standpoint and the execution thereof, the Russo Brothers still reign as the current kings in the Marvel world thanks to their inspired direction of "Captain America: Winter Soldier". I know, I know. Shocker to hear from this lover of Whedon and I can't...

  • Cast Named For 'Girlfriend" At Douglas Theatre

    Jun 4, 2015

    Casting is set for "Girlfriend," which will begin previews at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City on July 12 with the opening slated for July 19. Featuring a book by Todd Almond and music and lyrics by Matthew Sweet, the rock musical about first love will continue through August 9. Reprising their roles from the 2013 Actors Theatre of Louisville production of "Girlfriend" will be Ryder Bach (Randy Newman's "Harps and Angels" at the Mark Taper Forum) and Curt Hansen...

  • Playwriting Prizes Are Available

    Jun 4, 2015

    As a part of their new partnership PLAY LA, Center Theatre Group and Humanitas will be accepting submissions starting June 1 for the Humanitas/CTG Playwriting Prize, which supports Southern California playwrights. Submissions will be accepted until June 30. Three finalists will be notified in mid-December and the winner will be announced at the 41st Annual Humanitas Prize Awards Luncheon in February of 2016. This is the first year Humanitas and CTG are awarding this annual prize. The annual Humanitas/CTG Playwriting Prize will be awarded to...

  • Culver Music Summer Festival Starts In July

    May 28, 2015

    Boulevard Music will present six free concerts on Thursday evenings at 7 pm from July 9 through August 13 in the palm-lined courtyard of Culver City City Hall. Curated by producer Gary Mandell of Culver City’s Boulevard Music, Culver City’s Boulevard Music Summer Festival offers something for everyone: Latin and Flamenco rhythms with pop/rock/funk and electronic elements from Calé plus salsa, cumbia, and Latin jazz from Conganas (July 9); Classic Jazz/Blues with a superb trio of vocalists fronting the George Kahn Jazz & Blues Revue plus the loo...

  • "Family Concert" Is Coming To The Kirk Douglas Theatre

    May 28, 2015

    The Culver City Chamber Orchestra will present "Family Concert, on Sunday June 14 at 4 p.m. at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd, Culver City The concert will be presenting PETER AND THE WOLF" with special guest Alan Chapman, KUSC host as well as The Collenette School of Dancing, and Young Artist, Noelle Cho (15) who will be performing Vivaldi cello concerto. Tickets are now available through www.ccchamberorchestra.org or for information by calling (310) 397-2490. We accept...

  • "How To Be A Rock Critic To Begin"

    May 28, 2015

    Rehearsals began May 26 for the world premiere production of "How to be a Rock Critic," based on the writing of Lester Bangs, the rock critic who reached iconic status in the 1970s with his passionate, intellectually honest writing. Performances at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre begin June 17 and continue through June 28 in the theatre's rehearsal space, Upstairs@KDT. Presented as part of DouglasPlus, "How to be a Rock Critic" is a co-production with South Coast Repertory....

  • A Downtown Affair

    May 21, 2015

    The 4th "Affair of The Arts" will take place on May 30 from 11 am to 7 pm and May 315 from 11 am to 6 pm in downtown Culver City at the intersection of Culver Blvd. and Main Street. The free outdoor festival showcases 60 of Southern California's premiere painters, photographers, sculptors, and glass, ceramics and jewelry artists. Visitors can shop the artists or just view. The Affair also features two days of live music, interactive activities for children, snacks and sweets. Downtown Culver City restaurants will be welcoming festival...

  • AVPA To Present Spring Music Concerts

    May 21, 2015

    AVPA will present two music concerts this spring, giving all the ensembles a chance to perform a variety of music that has been rehearsed throughout the spring semester. Friday, May 22 – AVPA Showcase – features our smaller ensembles. The Jazz Combo, Sax Ensemble, and some of our chamber music ensembles will be on the program. The Jazz Combo has been making the rounds throughout the community, performing at several events this year. In addition to their annual entertaining gigs for the Cul...

  • Limited Engagement Play To Begin At Douglas Theatre

    May 21, 2015

    A work-in-progress presentation of Lucy Alibar's "Throw Me On the Burnpile and Light Me Up" begins a limited engagement at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre on Thursday, May 21 as part of CTG's DouglasPlus programming. It will continue through May 31 with only 11 public performances. Written and performed by Oscar-nominated screenwriter ("Beasts of the Southern Wild") Alibar, "Throw Me On the Burnpile and Light Me Up" blends a lecherous goat, Pentecostals on the radio, Daddy's .38...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: I'LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS and SLOW WEST

    debbie lynn elias|May 21, 2015

    With more than 20 films opening this weekend or expanding wider in release, there’s something for everyone. From George Miller’s post-apocalyptic MAD MAX: FURY ROAD, the next chapter in the “Mad Max” franchise which originally catapulted Mel Gibson into the limelight and now elevates Tom Hardy even higher in the cinematic spectrum, to those fabulous acapella Bellas of Barden in PITCH PERFECT 2 to the Dolph Lundgren produced and written (and starring Lundgren and Tony Jaa) SKIN TRADE with a...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: The Age of Adaline and More

    debbie lynn elias|May 21, 2015

    This week brings a stunning array of new releases, most in limited release, but all definitely worth more than a look. A particular standout is THE AGE OF ADALINE. Boasting exquisite tonal beauty, THE AGE OF ADALINE is gorgeously lensed by David Lanzenberg and stars Blake Lively in the title role, along with Michael Huisman, Ellen Burstyn, Kathy Baker and a powerhouse emotionally laden performance by Harrison Ford. Directed by Lee Toland Krieger from script by J. Mills Goodloe and Salvador...

  • "Straight White Men" Coming To Douglas Theatre

    May 7, 2015

    Center Theatre Group, in collaboration with the Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA, will present the West Coast premiere of Young Jean Lee's newest work, the acclaimed play "Straight White Men," November 20 to December 20 at CTG's Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. In his "Best Theater of 2014" list in The New York Times, Charles Isherwood wrote, "Is there anything Young Jean Lee cannot do?," and described Lee as a "remarkably versatile and inquisitive playwright." In "Straight White...

  • Verdi Chorus Remains Brilliant After 32 Years

    Steven Lieberman|May 7, 2015

    By Steven Lieberman Observer Reporter The Verdi Chorus pulled out all of their “Hidden Gems” for their Spring performances at the acoustically-sound First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica. In their 32nd year, the chorus continues to be one of the jewels of the Los Angeles opera scene and showed the audience why as they presented two flawless performances. Over the years the chorus has grown and developed to a level of professionalism led by Music Director Anne Marie Ketchum and her acc...

  • May Brings Entertainment To WLA College

    May 7, 2015

    "Wiley & the Hairy Man," a play for children and the child in everyone, takes the stage in West Los Angeles College's Black Bok Theater on May 7 and 8 at 7 pm and May 9 at 2 pm. Tickets are $2 for children and $5 for adults. The play is part of "WestFest" which will spotlight the theater, dance, film writing and production, art and music programs throughout May at the college. There will also be a celebration and information on Latin American Culture as well as a unique display of academic...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: Noble

    debbie lynn elias|May 7, 2015

    Christina Noble is a name many may not know but after seeing NOBLE, thanks to not only the subject of the film, but the well crafted storytelling of writer/director Stephen Bradley and indelible life-affirming performances by Dierdre O'Kane, Sarah Greene and Gloria Cramer Curtis as Christina Noble at various points in time, you will not only want to know the name, but the woman. An amazing woman. An inspiring story. A powerful and moving film. Christina Noble was born in the slums of Dublin,...

  • Let's All Go To The Movies. . .At The Arclight Culver City!

    debbie lynn elias|May 7, 2015

    As you stroll through Downtown Culver City you might notice a new face on the block - ArcLight Cinemas. While maybe not a completely new face, it’s definitely a 21st century upgrade. As related by Gretchen McCourt, Executive Vice President & Chief Content Officer of ArcLight Cinemas, “We’ve been operating here in Culver City as Pacific Theatres for a number of years and with the transformation that Culver City has made with the restaurants, with the nightlife, with the activities, it was time...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: Cinderella

    debbie lynn elias|May 7, 2015

    Lovelier than a dream, this Kenneth Branagh directed Disney's CINDERELLA sets the bar for Oscars 2016 with sumptuous visual splendor complete with Haris Zambarloukos breathtaking cinematography, the lavish grandeur of Dante Ferretti's production design, Sandy Powell's timeless costume designs that sparkle and shine (literally and figuratively), and a sweeping score by Patrick Doyle, all befitting the crown jewel in the Disney legacy. Oh, and did I mention a certain Swarovski-designed glass...

  • Pacific Art Guild Meeting

    Apr 30, 2015

    The Pacific Art Guild will meet Wednesday, May 6 at 7 pm in the Community Room, Westchester Civic Center, 7166 W. Manchester Avenue. Guests are welcome. The guest demonstrator for May will be Iris Carignan. Born in Georgia, Iris attended art school and took lessons primarily in California. The vibrant colors of her impressionistic style express both passion and tranquility. Many of her paintings have water as a subject, hence the name of her studio, Still Water. Iris will demonstrate a landscape in pastel....

  • DouglasPlus Play Coming In May

    Apr 30, 2015

    A work-in-progress presentation of Lucy Alibar's "Throw Me on the Burnpile and Light Me Up" will commence at the CTG/Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City on Thursday, May 21 and will continue through May 31 as part of CTG's DouglasPlus programming. Written and performed by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Alibar, "Throw Me On the Burnpile and Light Me Up" blends a lecherous goat, Pentecostals on the radio, Daddy's .38 special and a house full of dogs, cats and Febreze, and countless other rich...

  • dee-Lightful Productions Goes INTO THE WOODS

    Apr 30, 2015

    Want to take a little time to get away from it all? You can go INTO THE WOODS with Culver City's foremost children's theater company on May 14, 15 and 16. Fulfill your appetite for fairy tales with a feast that offers Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk and more in one setting. With unforgettable songs by Sondheim, the ever-popular musical will have you looking at your favorite tales from a whole new perspective. INTO THE WOODS, Jr. will be presented at the Vet's Auditorium 4117...

  • 'Walking the Tightrope' Coming to Douglas Theatre

    Apr 30, 2015

    A very limited engagement of 24th STreet Theatre's award-winning production of "Walking the Tightrope" will be presented at the Kirk Douglas Theatre with four public performances only, May 2 and 3 at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. (Student performances will take place April 28 through May 1.) Written by Mike Kenny and directed by Debbie Devine, "Walking the Tightrope" features a cast of Mark Bramhall, Tony Duran and Micaela Martinez as well as live music by Michael Redfield. This play is produced in...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: Insurgent

    debbie lynn elias|Apr 30, 2015

    Under the guiding eyes of boots-on-the-ground executive producers Todd Lieberman and Dave Hoberman, along with producers Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher (among others), and with the energizing and fully sensory stimulating direction of Robert Schwentke (taking the reins from “Divergent” director Neil Burger) and with the blessings of author Veronica Roth, INSURGENT diverges from the printed pages of the second installment of the Roth books, resulting in a film that is pure HIGH OCTANE, EDGE OF YOU...

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