J.J. Abrams (Lost, Super hit this one out of the park because Star Trek (2009) was an amazingly good character driven and origin story film filled with good drama, some comedy and some action, “Star Trek Into Darkness” is literally a visual roller coaster of action and fun. The 3D is effective in this film and more importantly the action and suspense does not stop at all. Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman (both on Transformers and Fringe), along with Damon Lindelof (Prometheus, Lost) to the story to the next level and the stakes are much higher in this film –literally.

Star Trek - Into the Darkness

Watching this film was also an experience of audience participation with cheers, tears, fears, applause and even “oooo’s” and “ahhhhs” and tons of laughter, laughter and hysterics throughout most of movie! What I really liked about the movie is that once again it took the original series concepts and turned them upside down and twisted them and made them fresh. Some familiar and yet not familiar moments do occur and you have to see it to understand what I mean.

What also received a warm applause at the end of the film from the entire audience was a proud dedication the filmmakers give to the “…Post 9/11 Veterans…”,giving them thanks and praise for their past and present service at home and abroad.

Chris Pine (Rise of the Guardians, This Means War) does the comedy just as well as he does the drama and his passion for the role is clear with his wild James T. Kirk agenda, which often isn’t exactly what Starfleet would approve. Zachary Quinto (Heroes, Margin Call) does an incredible Spock once again. His passionless persona is passion-ful and his commitment to subtlety conveying meaning without saying a word is amazing. The chemistry between Chris and Zach is blissfully apparent on screen and their compassion for each other as Starfleet officers is fully developed in this film Karl Urban (Dred, Bourne Supremacy) is the cantankerous “Bones” McCoy and Karl is having an amazing time with this in this film. His charm is burning through his bitterness and sarcasm throughout the film. Zoe Saldana (Avatar, Columbiana) as Uhura really gets to shine in this film as her relationship with Spock is tested and it happens in some very funny scenes between their domestic arguments they have. (And they have them in front of Kirk!)

I waited till now to discuss the story and I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but the plot centers around why the film was dedicated to who it was dedicated to in the first place. Benedict Cumberbatch (Warhorse, Sherlock) plays a villain that would rival most villains. Mean, sadistic, relentless and extremely intelligent – all the elements you do not want a madman to have, and he has got them in spades! He is a terrorist who affects Kirk in a very personal way that causes Kirk to make his entire mission to get Benedicts’character. (And I am avoiding his name for a reason!) It’s a real terrorist story.

Did I mention that Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) playing Chief Engineer Scott is one of the funniest things you’ll ever see on screen in this film? Even when he resigns? (Oooops, tiny spoiler – or maybe not, you’ll see.) John Cho (American Beauty, Harold & Kumar) has an amazing moment of power when he gets an unexpected upgrade and John plays it to the hilt and even has a moment that impresses himself quite a bit! The one who has the least amount to do, yet some very funny moments and one truly heroic moment, is Anton Yelchin (Fright Night, Terminator Salvation) as Chekov. He literally fixes and saves and fixes and saves…you have to see it for yourself.

Another brilliant performance by the father-figure Bruce Greenwood (I,Robot, DejaVu) as Captain Pike, sole ‘cheerleader’ for Captain Kirk and all his troublesome antics. Bruce and Chris also have amazing chemistry as the surrogate father and son relationship that they have developed. And joining the cast this time around is Alice Eve (Men In Balck III, The Raven) as Carol Marcus, a specialist in a field that defiantly helps in the hunt for Benedict’s character, as well as unexpectedly helping Benedict as well.

Now ad an Admiral with a mission and a twist (or two or three) that will very much surprise you and you have you wondering at all times, is Peter Weller (Robocop, Buckaroo Bonzai) adding to the mix of extremely high energy and fast pace.

And there is a really big surprise too! Everyone is back and in full form and full force and this is definitely a candy film for the soul. Take the drama and passion of the first film, sprinkle in some suspense, plot twists, a double extra helping of humor and scene by scene action on top of action on top of action on top of action, and you have“Star Trek Into Darkness.” A film that will literally have something for everyone, of all ages, to enjoy and you will definitely ‘feel’ much better leaving the theatre then when you came in! As Spock always says, Live Long and Prosper!

Lorenzo Marchessi

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Written By Lorenzo Marchessi
The Actor’s Workout Studios in North Hollywood has the real privilege of showing Punk Monkey’s production of four short plays with more style and panache then most of the shows out there. You will be in for a night that will be sprinkled with lots of humor and real stories delivered with passion. Cleverly woven together with real audio commercials of the early radio days which in today’s modern world seem quite hysterical.

Art Oden-Andrew Hill INSET Sarah Kelly-Adam Hunter Howard

Story One: “Speak No Evil” was written by Michael W. Moon and directed by Christopher Flowers is the story of a mute who witnesses a murder and ends up the better for it. Andrew J. Hilllis does an amazing job playing a mute, Harold Newcomb, and emotionally communicates everything he needs to with his extremely compassionate eyes and yet without saying any words. Adam Hunter Howard sincerely plays the private ‘Dick’, Dash Morgan, who realizes and actually contributes to the well-being of Harold. The two together have an amazing chemistry together. Now throw in the dispassionate mobster Frank Banning played quite convincingly harsh is Art Oden and his other witness/”Girl-Friday” Kitten Malone played accurately by Sarah Kelly. You really feel like you are watching an old black and white film. Joey numbers is the victim this story is all about and quite realistically played by Michael C. Silva while arresting Detective Mathews does his convincing arresting played by James Elden.

Story Two: “Desperate Desires” was written by David Galanter and directed by James Elden is the story of a detective Cary Bogart played sharply by Jim Shepley who narrates his adventure with a wicked Femme Fatal named Virginia Hammers. Virginia is played by Anna Laura Singleton who can wield her gun as accurately as she wields her threats. Jim humorously narrates and comments on all his actions and motivations as if you were watching an old Film Noir detective film of its time where narration is part of its plot. Anna seems to command her performance with power, wit and control of her destiny as they both play it with a slight tounge’n’cheek spirit.

Story Three: “Outside Job” was written by Hope Thompson and directed by Sarah Kelly and is the dramatically funny story of four people trying to explain, deal with and eventually cover up, a murder and it’s not so clear motive. Michael D. Silva plays Leyland and nervously energetic husband with a serious hidden issue with his wife Isabelle played timidly sharp by Elisa Dyann, who he has no idea exactly what it is. Their friends Bob, played by Christopher Flowers and his wife Carol played by Rebecca Herrick have their own problems and together the four them are dealing with a recent murder done right in the mansion they were

Anna Laura Singlton INSET Jim ShipleyFull Cast for The Zone Rangers

guests in the night before. Watching the arguments of Michael and Christopher along with the coyness of Rebecca and the manic nature of Elisa is quite a fun dynamic to watch on stage. It ends in an unexpected way that will leave you with a shock that is more funny than scary.

Story Four: “The Zone Rangers” was written by Ben Goldstein & Mac Taylor and directed by James Elden as weaves a web of mystery, drama and murder. All the cast is back from the previous three performances however here James Elden himself plays Kurt Curtis who literally narrates to all the barfly’s attending the local time-honored watering hole and explains his one special adventure. Highlighted here are the hysterical antics of Michael C. Silva as the Mayor. He does amazing things in a shirt, a tie and his underpants! Also Adam Hunter Howard is back playing the deadpan Walter Crimelord, who pretty much does what his name says. Sarah Kelly pops out again as Marla who is sassy and smart and often has sharp wit about her. It has a memorable death scene too – something I’m sure you’ll remember!

You are in for a fun evening of nostalgia, drama, comedy all delivered with immense passion, because “PL.A.Y Noir” is wonderful series of short plays that will entertain you very much. Check them out at http://www.actorsworkout.com/show.php?id=np1  !

Lorenzo Marchessi

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Written by Lorenzo Marchessi
Director Joseph Kosinski (Tron: Legacy) chose to take a very operatic approach to this story which is based on a comic book written by Kosinski and Arvid Neslon and a screenplay adapted again by Kosinski, Karl Gajdusek (Tresspass, Dead Like Me) and Michael Arndt ( Toy Story 3, Star Wars VII).

Oblivion Movie 2013

The look and feel of the film is smooth and clean while the drama flows in the same direction and slowly, very slowly unfolds to reveal the truth about the people on Earth and a catastrophic event left earth just barely alive. The moon was destroyed, although we don’t know how, and that was the beginning of the end for Earth.

Tom Cruise (Top Gun, Jack Reacher) plays an astronaut Jack who is assigned to repair and maintenance of drones that protect a machine that basically turns our seawater into energy for a the population of earth which has ‘apparently’ moved to a moon of Saturn after an alien attack. It was an alien war in which Earth apparently won or so the audience is lead to believe.

Morgan Freeman (Driving Miss Daisy, Dolphin Tale) plays an unsuspecting prospector of many who holds the truth of what really happened. His command of the scenes he is in makes you believe what he says, although unbelievable at first, it could be true. I can’t give away the reasons or what he represents without spoiling the film for you, but – spoiler – everything is not what it seems to be.

Oblivion 2013 Tom Cruise

Two really good, sedate but powerful performances come from Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace, Hitman) as a mission specialist with a history with Cruise’s character that will defiantely surprise you – and the second performance comes from Andrea Riseborough (Shadow Dancer, Resistance) playing the woman in Cruise’s life who along with maintaining the technical aspects of communication is also his partner in life.

The ships, probes, drones, vehicles and even the finale with the surprise orbiting station is visually impressive. The action sequences are intense and by the second hour it seems like a nonstop action/adventure film filled near misses and explosions.

“Oblivion” has an interesting and dynamic musical score to accompany the visuals by M.8.3., a pop/rock group with composer Anthony Gonzalez and Joseph Trapanese that really captures the ‘feel’ of what is going on. The movie really begins to take flight really in the second half of the film but it does have the widescreen epic motif that allows the audience to ask questions and just about almost all of them are answered. Others are not. Overall it’s a good film, but not something that will have a long standing in the theatres. I am sure it will work better on Blu Ray, because it is a little long-winded, but the visuals are stunning at times.

Lorenzo Marchessi

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Director Carl Bunker (Storyboard Artist on Ice Age Continental Drift and Horton Hears A Who!) in his first feature length animated film as a director, does a really fine job of using quick wit and sarcasm with some obvious jabs at pop culture and took a Tony Leech and Cory Edwards (both writers on Hoodwinked, Hoodwinked Too!) story and a screenplay written by himself and Bob Barlen (short – Push and Turn) and made a really fun family friendly film..

Escape from Planet Earth Movie

As you would guess it’s the story of two alien brothers, one a brainier computer nerd mission control operator and the other a masculine, good looking and adorned by all ‘stud’ and star pilot of space exploration for his planet. Well it’s the over ambition of the younger more popular brother who causes his older and wiser brother (and his alien family) to get in big trouble. Where else? On Earth!

Brandon Fraser (The Mummy, Bedazzled) plays the younger and wild brother Scorch Supernova with such flare and arrogance that if you ever had an overly egoistical relative, you’ll relate to how obnoxious they can be. Rob Corddry (W., Blades of Glory) plays the older, wiser and less popular brother Gary Supernova who obviously has been putting up with his brothers pushy obnoxiousness all his life.

Jonathan Morgan Heit (Date Night, Bedtime Stories) plays Gary’s son Kip Supernova and as usual his hearts in the right place but tends to try and help a really bad situation and ends causing a little more trouble than everyone planned on. His kind, smart and definitely strong mother Kira Supernova is played by Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex In The City, Ed Wood). She gets in a few ‘cat fights’ with Lena Thackleman another alien who is the evil henchwoman to the real villain voiced by Jessica Alba (Fantastic Four, Valentine’s Day).

Now you got to have a bad guy. He has to be in the military. He has to hate aliens and he has to have a world domination goal. Who plays General Shanker of the US Military? Why William Shatner (Star Trek, Boston Legal) himself! I must say he is probably having a great time voicing this role too!

Throw in Sofia Vergara (Modern Family) as the alien newswoman Gabby Babblebrock (and love interest for Scorch) and you have a fun space adventure on Earth! Ricky Gervais (The Office, The Invention of Lying) plays a computer wide system that he tends to give some very funny commentary to all things electronic. More than a little sarcasm is dished out, but definitely for some comic relief.

There is also a band of good aliens that team up with our heroes like the voices of George Lopez (Valentine’s Day, Rio) as slimy alien Thurman and Jane Lynch (Glee, Wreck It Ralph) as the humongous alien Lo. The four of them do some serious bonding and help each other in ways they never expected!

I thought this movie was energetic and had some characters that I think everyone can relate to and has a nice strong message of doing the right thing and the strength that is in family and friends. Good fun for the whole family.

Lorenzo Marchessi

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Written By Lorenzo Marchessi
George and Ira Gershwin always have a soft spot on Broadway because of their long tenure with the Musical Theatre. “Crazy For You” was originally adapted in 1930 from another musical called “Girl Crazy”. It wasn’t until 1992 when it opened at the Shubert Theatre, under its new name and new tweaks, that it has been playing in theatre’s around the world ever since!

Crazy For You - Glendale Centre Theatre

Director and choreographer Orlando Alexander put on lavishly produced and well refined theatre-in-the-round production of “Crazy For You” at the Glendale Center Theatre. Such fun and laughter combined with fanciful song and dance makes for a pure delight of comedy and music!

Set in the 1930’s New York and leading this fine cast is Jason Webb as the excited and somewhat inventive song and dance man Bobby Child trying to break into the “real” show business of the time. Jason’s voice and imitations of his mentor are something to been seen. He has high energy and plays the fish-out-of-water very well! Jason sings, dances, taps and leads his way into everyone’s heart when he sings “K-ra-zy For You” with a real nostalgic feel!

It’s Jason who sees and falls passionately for Polly in the old west town called Deadrock, who is sharply tom-boyishly played by Lyndie Renee who has the most amazing voice especially when she sings “Someone To watch Over Me”. Lyndie turns on her own charms and proves that being a woman is not just about being pretty and boy her quick witt and sharp words will make you laugh.

Now watching the unique and stylistic comic timing of Danny Michaels as Bela Zangler, the showman of shows, will keep you in stitches and he has an incredible voice as well. When Jason and Danny sing “What Causes That?” you will laugh and stare as they amazingly mirror each other in song and dance, step for step, and action for action!

Enter the Deadrock proprietor Lank, who not only has Polly in his sights for his own but is out to stop Bobby and prove he is a scam is Edward Chamberlain who shines with as much of the old west style saloon owner and attitude as you would expect over 80 years ago!

Now add some family spice by adding Bobby’s mother and his current, yet not desirable materialistic “girlfriend” who she thinks she is his fiancée! The sophistication of a rich mother is played exquisitely by Dynell Leigh and the rich girl-next-door debutante is wickedly played by Lindsay Kristine Anderson. Both Dynell and Lindsay have some very hysterical conversations that are nothing short of comical fireworks as they obvious despise each other!

A couple of fun performances come from Polly’s father Everett played by Nick Menecola who really changes his mind when the show comes to town to raise money for a bankrupt theatre. Also Todd Andrew Ball and Kate Landro play an eccentric English couple who go onto map the world that is if they can get passed Deadrock. All three, Todd, Nick and Kate are having a blast enticing all the other characters!

This show has a great ensemble cast of Follies girls who can really sing and dance like; Bernadette Bentley as Betsy, Lorie Fedor as Mitzi, Christa Hamilton as Patsy, Anna Lamonica as Susie, Daron O’Donnell as Elaine, Anne Schroeder as Louise and Libby Snyder as Margie.

Not to mention a swaggering ensemble of cowboys who swoon all the ladies like; Espiridion Magana as Mingo, Raymond Barcelo as Moose, Greg Hardash as Sam, Travis Morse as Junior, Justin Radford as Pete, Kevin Holmquist as Jimmy, Paul Reid as Custus and T.J. McNeill as Wyatt.

Unfortunately I was not given any cast photo’s to show off these marvelous talents in this play. This is a great classic show with a really good cast and direction. Be sure to check them out at www.glendalecentretheatre.com. Fun for the whole family!

Lorenzo Marchessi

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Written By Lorenzo Marchessi
If you want a truly wonderful experience of food, fun and musical entertainment then take the drive to Fontana and visit Tibbies Center stage Dinner Theatre for their wonderful production of “Happy Days!” Written (the book) by the creator and producer of the original series himself, Gary Marshall and Music and Lyrics by the “Muppet” master and recording artist himself, Paul Williams, the show takes you back into the late 50’s on romping musical journey.

Happy Days Dinner Theater

Now before the show you get your choice of meat, fish or chicken that comes with rolls and a small cheesecake for dessert. For an additional fee you can get some more elaborate desserts and some really good appetizers. I recommend the Chicken Wellington, yummy!

Now on with the show….heading the “Happy Days” cast and basically telling the story is Chaz Feuerstine as Richie Cunningham. His narrates, reminisces and guides the story while having some really touching moments of music all to himself.

For me, the headliner of the production and focal point for all character was Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli, played sharply by Johnny Fletcher. His vocal talent and range was quite impressive. His Fonz, along with the ensemble and music made the entire production a real joy to watch. Johnny really has a nice vocal style and delivers his troubled Fonz with more than a little attitude.

Another singer that stood out was Ralph Malph played by Alex Mendoza. Alex is an extremely talented performer with both acting and singing chops that could rival Broadway itself. And if you want to see the most upbeat and peppiest Arnold (restaurant owner) in the land, you have to see Hisato Masuyama. He was energetic, funny and always one of the cast you can count on for broad acting and humorous chops. Hisato was just a ‘hoot’ to watch and he can sing too!

Pinky and Fonz Happy Days

Other stand out performances included that of Howard and Marion Cunningham, who’s parental advice was perfectly played by Joe Garcia and Melinda Messenger-Stout. They did an amazing job trying to sing certain life lessons into their kids that were not necessarily received and understood.

Shane Cottrell and Stanton Morales do a pretty amazing job performing and singing several characters as both the Malachi Brothers and as James Dean and Elvis (among others too!) They are hysterical to watch and carry some pretty snappy tunes throughout the show. Also, keep an eye on Jill Morrison playing Pinky Tuscadero and along with Johnny as the Fonz, have some really fantastic numbers and duets together.

How can you go wrong? Drive to Fontana, have a wonderful meal and watch a fantastically energized show that I’m sure you know very well. The whole gang is abck and with the musical score and choreography by Pinky herself – Jill Morrison – you are in for a great evening. Check them out at www.centerstagefontana.com.
Lorenzo Marchessi

Lorenzo Marchessi

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Written By Lorenzo Marchessi
Opening March of 1991 in an off-Broadway theatre in New York, composers John Kander and Fred Ebb together composed a library of songs and hits that have moved theatre audiences for decades. The No Ho Art’s Center in North Hollywood brings this wonderful ensemble of performers and songs together in the production of, “And The World Goes Round.” Plan on an evening of music, dance comedy and songs you’ll be singing when you walk out the door.

Using a very stylized set designed by Thomas Giamario and the unique lighting design by Mathew Richter, director Gary Lee Reed makes a wonderful showcase of talent and music come to life in very fun, witty and musically entertaining way. Now add some incredible dance steps and routines (even on roller skates) choreographed by Noel Britton and you have a wonderful Broadway style review right here in North Hollywood!

Stringing the songs together with looks and themes both in costume and lighting, this musical extravaganza is lead by Pianist Joshua Eli Kranz who plays all the melodies that you’ll be be tapping your feet too and singing along with. What I really enjoy most is a live performance by versatile and energetic performers and this company here in “And The World Goes Round…” is truly talented amazing to watch and listen too. Their young, excited and full of character and life and with each vocal performance seem to be more engaging and enchanting with each song.

Keep a close eye on Erica Hanrahan-Ball because her vocal talents, keen attitude and sparkling charm glow through her performance with amazing energy and passion. Erica sings “Colored Lights”, “Ring Them Bells” and her show stopping rendition of “All That Jazz” is really something to marvel at! Erica has a beautiful voice and has incredible harmony and watching her eyes and facial expressions just adds to her talented singing abilities and spot-on dancing moves!

Ryan Ruge has an amazing vocal range that makes for an exhilarating lift of your spirits as he sings “Mary Me”, the whimsical “Sara Lee” and his show stopper“Mr. Cellophane” from Chicago! Ryan gives it his all and his amazing characterizations actually compliment his songs tenfold! He gave such an intense performance and delivered it with amazing heart and realism.
Now you want to see power in a small package? Kristin Towers-Rowles, is a dynamite little woman with a big voice and dance skills that will keep you mesmerized all night long. She entertains you with “Arthur In The Afternoon”, “City Lights” and her heartfelt and beautiful renditions of “A Quiet Thing” and Isn’t This Better. I loved her energy and enthusiasm with each song and dance step she performed.

Knocking her voice right out of the stratosphere was the powerful and incredible vocal talents of Emily King Brown. Wow…can Emily hold her notes! Starting soft and slow with “My Coloring Book” and building passion with “Maybe This Times”. Emily does some incredible funny duets with Erica in “Class” and “The Grass Is Always Greener”. Isaac James enters the stage and he delights you with his energy and vocal styling’s with his wonderful and emotional renditions of “ I Don’t Remember You”, “Kiss Of The Spiderwoman” and “We Can Make It”. Isaac can dance and sing and move you all at the same time.

The entire ensemble is amazing when they are singing together. Their timing and vocal skills actually compliment the harmony and musical timing of each song to make it sound like these four have been singing together since birth and never missed a note. They will all “wow” you with songs “Money, Money”, “New York, New York”, “Yes” and the one and only showstopper “Cabaret”. When they do“Coffee In A Cardboard Box” you’ll be rolling on the floor. They can dance, they can make you laugh and above all they can sing. For a musical delight check out “And The World Goes Round” as soon as you can. Fun for the whole family, you are in for an evening of real musical treat!

Lorenzo Marchessi

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You can always expect a real tour de force of talent at Zombie Joes Underground Theatre in North Hollywood and “Astroglyde XX” is no exception. Here is a series of original concepts written and performed by the actors who bring these nine different personalities to life. It’s a series of fresh concepts and stories that your evening will be filled with humor, surprises, sexuality and touching (yet real) commentaries of the human condition. Each of these monologues had a different director guided their individual talents

Astroglyde Cast

“Snap Click” – Really inadequate for the real job and obsessed with becoming a Police officer instead of a mug shot photographer…will he one day be in the line-up himself? Cory Wyszynski gives a sharp, fast and psychotic twinge to his character that is both funny and creepy. He sense of personal timing make the scene real and charge with more than a little fire in his eye.

“The Addict” – Books, a library, passion and a little more than needy! Ren Harris is makes a soft and subtle entrance and the broadly relates her seemingly weird obsession with books and a particular person who she cannot have. Ren has lots of range from quiet to loud.

“The Dog” – A dog’s perspective of his master is ‘spot’ on! Willy Romano-Pugh gives an amazingly accurate performance of what a pet dog might think of his master as things happen around him. This pup performance is filled with curiosity and self-wonders as well as the hurt feelings from a master who drinks too much and beats his pet too much. It is a Very heartfelt performance by Willy.

“Down In The Dump-ster” – Obsessive love that is misguided and downright psychotic! Laura de Lano takes a psychotic look at an obsession of woman who seemed to be stalking her fantasy by looking at his garbage in a dumpster. Laura plays the crazy-eyed stalker with a creepy edge of boldness.

“Murray” – A few seconds of a real dog’s perspective before a tragedy! Robert Walters show another aspect of a puppy who might be seeing the last few moments of what happened to him before a tragic event. Robert’s honest performance is real and sincere of what a puppy might be thinking given these circumstances.

“Bumble’s Rambles” – Crazy in the park with a porcupine, really? Tucker Mathews plays a crazy man in the park…who talks to porcupines and conducts his own imaginary radio show for anyone who will listen. Tucker is fun, funny and certainly does crazy very well. Watch his eyes!

“Ru Shane” – Vibrantly sexuality, fast, furious and a bit on the kinky side! Chelsea Rose, kinky, kinky and more kinky. Chelsea dialogue and performance is fast, energetic and amazingly funny. How she breaths during each scene with all that clever description and rhyming was amazing to watch as she pours over these sexual subjects.

“134340” – Pluto, the former planet, finally speaks out! Leif La Duke came up with this wonderful short dialogue of what the Planet Pluto might be thinking these days. Yes, Leif is the planet Pluto and his clever wit and conversations with the solar system is absolutely fun to watch.

“Muches Ado About Nothing” A clown with a purpose or what he thinks it should have been? Mark Nager makes the Hobo clown accessible to understanding his plight of making people laugh through magic. Mark makes the tragic feel happy and sometimes happy is not so cheerful to a clown.

‘Astroglyde XX’ was a surprisingly entertaining show of inventively creative monologues with forceful and dynamic performers. If you have never seen a show like this before, you should and se it at Zombie Joe’s Underground theatre in North Hollywood. For more information check them out at www.zombiejoes.homestead.com.

Lorenzo Marchessi

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We don’t generally wear the same clothes every day. If we did, we might get anxious to change them once in a while. Sometimes, people with tattoos feel like they’re stuck wearing the same clothes day after day.
When it’s time to make a change, look into all the options for tattoo removal. Since tattoo ink is injected into the skin and encapsulated there, there are few practical choices. Complete removal of the tattooed skin removes the ink with the skin but leaves an unacceptable scar and might require skin grafting (ouch).

Tattoo Removal

There are many creams on the market that erode the skin and create a chemical burning of the skin. This leads to damage to the surface and deeper layers of the skin where the ink is embedded. The idea is to liberate the ink from the cells and tissue pockets where it sits. This is a very crude, painful, and ineffective method of tattoo removal.
There’s another method of tattoo removal that involves injection of chemicals into the skin that “pushes out the tattoo ink”. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work well, is very painful, and often leads to scarring. Some of these chemicals are toxic to the skin and have been banned in other parts of the world because the long-term effects of the exposure are thought to be dangerous.

Modern laser technology, specifically, Nd:YAG and Ruby lasers of various wavelengths are capable of treating tattoos of all colors. They target the tattoo ink specifically, and the treatments are generally very well tolerated with amazing results. It feels like having a rubber-band snapped against the skin but the state-of-the-art is to chill the skin just prior to treating which significantly reduces the discomfort. Following the treatment, cooling the skin with a cold-pack is advised. In California, only a physician or certain other licensed medical professionals are permitted to operate a laser for these purposes.

While there are several crude options for tattoo removal, many of which are completely unproven and might be dangerous, tattoo removal with lasers that have been cleared by the FDA for these purposes is proven safe and effective.
After checking out the various options for tattoo removal, you will find that the use of special lasers by experts at tattoo removal is the best option and the highest standard of care.

daryl

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October 18, 2012

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today unveiled an initial public look at the architects’ vision for its new movie museum, billed as the first major institution of its kind in the United States.

One of the drawings, by architects Renzo Piano and Zoltan Pali, depicts a dramatic glass sphere that appears to float behind the museum, which will be located in the grand, 1938 May Co. building on Wilshire Boulevard at Fairfax. The museum, on the Los Angeles County Museum of Art campus, promises to have a “profound impact on the cultural landscape of Los Angeles,” Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky said in a statement.

In a news release, the Academy announced that $100 million has been raised so far to build the non-profit museum, which will be “dedicated exclusively to the history and ongoing development of motion pictures.” A capital campaign to raise the remaining $150 million is underway.

The nearly 300,000-square-foot museum is set to open in 2016.

Illustrations by Renzo Piano Building Workshop

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that it has reached its initial goal of $100 million toward a $250 million capital campaign to fund the upcoming Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Concurrently, the Academy unveiled its vision for the first major U.S. museum dedicated exclusively to the history and ongoing development of motion pictures. Designed by award-winning architects Renzo Piano and Zoltan Pali, the non-profit museum which will be located in the historic May Company Wilshire building in Los Angeles, is slated to open in 2016.

“The Academy Museum will be a landmark that both our industry and our city can be immensely proud of,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “I appreciate the unwavering support of our board, our members, and especially our campaign chairs, all of whom have led us through this crucial stage.”

Launched in early 2012 by Campaign Chair Bob Iger and Co-Chairs Annette Bening and Tom Hanks, the campaign has raised $100 million through private donations towards a $250 million goal. “The early response to our fundraising campaign has been outstanding and is incredibly encouraging,” said Iger. “We are so grateful to the founding supporters of the campaign, who share our vision and passion for creating the Academy Museum.”

Located on the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) campus, the nearly 300,000 square-foot Academy Museum will revitalize the historic building, which has been vacant or underutilized for nearly 20 years, and weave it back into the fabric of the city.

The design fully restores the Wilshire and Fairfax street-front facades of the 1938 Streamline Moderne building, and includes a spherical glass addition at the back of the original building. Designed to represent the marriage of art and technology, the addition will house a state-of-the-art theater which replaces an extension made to the structure in 1946.

“The design for the museum will finally enable this wonderful building to be animated and contribute to the city after sitting empty for so long,” said Piano, the Pritzker Prize winning architect.  “I am very inspired by the Academy’s name and mission, the idea of the arts and sciences working together to create films. Our design will preserve the May Company building’s historic public profile while simultaneously signaling that the building is taking on a new life that celebrates both the industry and art form that this city created and gave to the world.”

“A major movie museum in the heart of this city has been a long-held dream of the Academy,” said Academy President Hawk Koch, “Thanks to the latest technological developments we can take the visiting public through time, back into our history and forward toward our future.”

Through immersive exhibitions and galleries, special screening rooms, and an interactive education center with demonstration labs, the museum will draw from the Academy’s extensive collections and archives, which include more than 140,000 films, 10 million photographs, 42,000 original film posters, 10,000 production drawings, costumes, props and movie-making equipment, as well as behind-the-scenes personal accounts from artists and innovators – the Academy’s membership – working in the motion picture industry.

“Hollywood has played an unparalleled role in bringing American art, culture and creativity to people around the world,” said Antonio Villaraigosa, mayor of Los Angeles. “The Academy Museum will be a remarkable resource for L.A. that will both celebrate the industry that has defined our city and provide an essential resource that reinforces our position as leader and innovator.”

The $100 million raised includes significant commitments from:

• Campaign Chairs and their families: Annette Bening and Warren Beatty, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, and Bob Iger and Willow Bay
• Academy Governors, Past Presidents and their families, including: Bill Condon and Jack Morrissey, Richard and Bonnie Cook, Rob and Shari Friedman, Sid and Nancy Ganis, Jim and Ann Gianopulos, Gale Anne Hurd, Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, Hawk and Molly Koch, John and Nancy Lasseter, Walter Mirisch and Lawrence Mirisch, Bob and Kay Rehme, and Tom and Madeleine Sherak
• Corporate partners, including Dolby Laboratories, Panavision, Technicolor, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Entertainment Partners/Central Casting, Girard-Perregaux Watches, and The New York Times
• Film studios and entertainment conglomerates, including The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Bros. Entertainment, and Lionsgate
• Individuals and foundations, including Cecilia DeMille Presley, Lucasfilm Foundation, Shirley Temple Black and Family, Ken and Carol Schultz, The Mary Pickford Foundation, Alan and Cindy Horn, Frank and Fay Mancuso, Bob and Eva Shaye, The Four Friends Foundation, the Film Music Foundation, and Jerry and Linda Bruckheimer
• Industry guilds, including the Directors Guild of America, Producers Guild of America, SAG-AFTRA, and the Writers Guild of America, West.

The Academy will also provide an endowment to support the Museum’s long-term programming.

“The Academy Museum will have a profound impact on the cultural landscape of Los Angeles. The decision to locate this museum in a historic building on LACMA’s campus will bring incredible benefits to both institutions and their visitors. It is a whole that is bigger than the sum of its parts,” said Zev Yaroslavsky, chairman of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

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ABOUT THE ACADEMY
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world’s preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards—in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners­—the Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies.

George Thomas

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