"ANYTHING GOES" - at the Ahmanson Theater

When hearing the S.S.America's horn blast the ship ahoy signal, the audience of this musical comedy is about to have more fun than when really on the high seas.  photos: JOAN MARCUS Roundabout Theater Company

With Cole Porter's songs and a new book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman, the setting is 1932, when life is good and the real celebrities carry tommy guns in their violin cases.  It is when their names are Baby Face and Moon Face.  And, the only criminal the Captain really wants on board is the #1 Wanted Man---Snake Eyes. 

It is no wonder that the show won Tony Awards, in 2011, for it's excellent production and talent.  Every character is so different and colorful and the laughter-filled audience is rooting for them all.    Even the orchestra pit gets involved.  By the look of his Captain's hat, it seems the leader could perform a marriage. 

   

This production could not be more scintillating!  An exquisite feast of setting and lighting, appropriately showcasing  the immense talent on board. 

   So, book your cruise...errr...theater tickets, as this spectacular romp ends January 6, 2013, at the Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles.  This is one journey not to be missed. 

"ANYTHING GOES" - a tap dancing marvel

Eleanor Powell lives in the name of Rachel York at the Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles!

 The audience at the opening night of "ANYTHING GOES" was treated to the entire company on multiple ship levels tap dancing seemingly forever. The audience couldn't hold it's enthusiasm and applauded multiple times before the dancing ended.  And---when it did end, the applause was deafened by the roar!  

  

So, attention all tap dancers and wannabe tappers, you only have until January 6, 2013 to experience one of the best choreographed and performed dances, ever.  To prove an early agent's opinion that York could "do anything," she breathlessly sang after this magical marathon. 

Reading While Watching the Olympics on TV

I have been reading like mad while watching the XXX Olympics on television.  (1) Thinking no one can speak for herself as well as her Mother, Caroline has released "Jacqueline Kennedy- Historic Conversations of Life with John F. Kennedy."  Interviews with Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. in 1964 revealed life in the White House.  (2) "In The Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin," by Erik Larson, is another narrative non-fiction.  (3) And, currently, for lighter fare, Alexander McCall Smith's, "The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection." 

Herb Ritts "L.A. Style"

The distinctive vision of Herb Ritts is displayed in the mostly black and white photographs at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.  It is so appropriate that they be displayed there, as his outside locations were in and around the Southern California area. 

It Rarely Rains

It rarely rains, but when it does a double rainbow in a raspberry sky can be the prize. 

Gustav Klimt Drawings at the Getty

Gustav Klimt's exquisite drawings are on exhibit in "The Magic of Line," at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles through September 23, 2012.   He did thousands of drawings.  Who knew? 

A Technicolor Morning

This morning's sunrise seemed to be in Technicolor, as Chris Barber's Band was playing "Hush A Bye" in the background.  Magical!

On Location in Malibu

"The End of the Day" is a fresh and contemporary painting done in acrylic on linen on a panel.  The artist, Marcia Burtt, is from Santa Barbara. 

"Sparkling Surf, Malibu" as expressed by the self taught Los Angeles artist, Frank M. Serrano is shown.  His confidence is assured as he is the author "Plein Air Painting in Oil." 

Rodolfo Rivademar painted this high long view of "Paradise Cove."   His verve and color reflects his cultural upbringing in Argentina. 

The very colorful artist,  Alexey Steele, painted this large-sized, "As The Storm Goes On." 

Coming from Russia in his early 20's he remains true to the grand tradition of European painting.  When seeing this artist painting on location one is guaranteed a show from this immensely exuberant painter.   

I have come to look forward to the annual exhibition of plein air paintings at the Weisman Museum of Art at Pepperdine University.  When I happen on an artist painting on location, I am hoping the resultant creation will be in this juried show of the California Arts Club.  These paintings will be on display until August 4, 2012. 

"Reading My Father"

With her exquisite writing, Alexandra Styron makes it clear she is the daughter of a brilliant writer.  "Reading My Father" is a poignant autobiography exploring that stormy relationship. 

An Artist is Born

Malibu A Way of Life

It is so easy to simply stop into our local garden center to get a quick shot of beauty.  ...so bountiful and joyous. 

Gypsy Robe

Tonight are the 66th Annual Tony Awards.  An award not given on air is one dancers give to each other.  Honoring a dancer with the revolving GYPSY ROBE is a tradition. In 1983 the tradition continued in Hollywood at the annual Gypsy Awards. 

In 2011 this GYPSY ROBE was awarded at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. 

Yucca Dotting the Mountains

I have been noticing these Yucca as they began their blooming.  The mountains, canyons and beaches seem to have many more than usual. 

Leo Carrillo State Park

...leaving our place, just a short walk down a beautiful beach we come to Leo Carrillo State Beach. 

Screen Actors Guild to SAG-AFTRA

I am proudly showing my newly-arrived SAG-AFTRA card.  Since 1993 I have been a member of the Screen Actors Guild. 

The merger with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists has created the largest union in the entertainment and media industry.

(P. S. My professional name is Spangler Cummings). 

Algonquin in Malibu

I took this photograph of Algonquin chairs on the dunes at Broad Beach.  Today I am taking my camera on a walk  from here to the Leo Carrillo Beach.  Let's see what happens. 

Memorial Day 2012

I am in my "Rosy the Riveter" costume at a dance performance for veterans in Maine.  It is at the "USO/USA" show for the National Veterans Golden Games in 2003. 

Forty and Fabulous

THE GROUP celebrated forty years supporting the Otis College of Art and Design. Three hundred students have been aided through our scholarship donations.  

The party, helping students achieve their dreams and enriching our lives, was May 23 at the Riviera Country Club in the Pacific Palisades.  

"The Best Hamburger he had ever tasted"

The waiter at Savory Restaurant in Malibu said the Wolfmother Burger was "the best he had ever tasted."

(Arugula grown down the road, unbelievable carmelized onions, brie melted on the rib eye...)

"The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"

You won't have to jump on a plane to experience India.  Simply see "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel."  

The hotel in the story is advertised in England "for the elderly and beautiful."  Actually, the newly-arrived retirees are in for an unexpected invasion of the senses.  And, yes, you the movie goer will be bombarded with the noise, color and confusion.  Beautifully made, with great sensitivity, this film will not disappoint. 

A Tree Blooms in Camarillo

As a girl I would surprise neighbors by leaving a hand-picked bouquet on their porch to celebrate May 1.  This flowering tree is one I have noticed every year in Camarillo, California, near the same time. 

The Seagull Poses

Finally, a bird didn't fly away just as I am about to click the shutter.  I am amazed this seagull didn't ask me to sign a release. 

Malibu Library Re-read

...the heart of every community...our newly-renovated library. ...two community members, an award-winning director (nee paddle boarder) and her friend.  He was rumored to have been acting as crossing guard, when needed. 

 The teens section with surfboards floating overhead (only in their dreams) while they study. 

 ...and, for the little ones, soft spaces for reading or small-sized seating for their computers. 



Divine Deli, er...Gourmet Market

 Were we in Paris?  Nope.  It was 700 South Grand Avenue, in downtown Los Angeles. And, it was part of the restaurant called BOTTEGA LOUIE.   



Filming the Pianists

Imagine how beautiful it is for me to be in the same studio with my two friends, Marilyn Sands and Christine Weiss as they played?  This is the third time I have had the privilege of being their videographer. 

Costume Design Exhibition

The 20th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition is the largest curated exhibition dedicated to the presentation of film costumes in the world.  From February 14 - April 28, 2012, it is showing at the FIDM

Museum and Galleries in Los Angeles. 

 

THE ARTIST, costumes by Mark Bridges, 2012 Academy Award winner for Best Costume Design. 

W. E., costumes by Arianne Phillips, 2012 Academy Award nominee for Best Costume Design. 

The Old Mission

The old mission called San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 5th of the 21,  is one of the few I had never visited. 

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 Being a California girl, we studied and visited the missions in the fifth grade.

We were both surprised at how clean and well-cared-for it is, after all these years.