2013 Emmy Awards

More than 70 years ago I was taken to the Carthay Circle Theater in the Wilshire district of Los Angeles.  I wonder if it would be the site of the red carpet walk  for tomorrow night's Emmy Awards, had it not been demolished?  It was such a grand place and many premieres were there.  Paying homage to this grand old theater, there is a small version at Disneyland.  http://www.emmys.com/ 

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). 

"Hello Dolly"

The Pepperdine University students from the Music and Theater Departments were remarkable in their version of "Hello Dolly." Based on Thornton Wilder's play, THE MATCHMAKER, it is no wonder this talented student production was so professional. Many of the teachers have vast experience in the field and generous support is provided by both The Mary Pickford Foundation and Dorothy D. Stotsenberg of Malibu. Mrs. Stotsenberg's late husband, Edward, was Pickford's certified public accountant for over 40 years and served on the Mary Pickford Foundation Board.

As always, she was there.

Leap of Faith

Being in the opening night audience of the Broadway-bound musical, "Leap of Faith," was a blessing. Not wanting to give anything away, I just want you to know that you are in for a total theatrical immersion.

All miracles don't happen in church! When experiencing the talent in this production--"it's a miracle"! When seeing unbelievable lighting and scenic effects--"it's a miracle"!

When being transported and changed (yes, even saved) in the theater--"it's a miracle"! It is fated.

62nd Primetime Emmy Awards

Preparing for a wonderfully shallow day of watching the red carpet and the Emmy Awards! Thanks, again, Heather for letting me practice my "acceptance speech" with one of your awards. Oops, guess I am supposed to be nominated first?

"Young Frankenstein" the musical

Opening night of Mel Brook's musical at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood was a red carpet affair. The zany, vaudevillian, and naughty show (prepare for fifth grade level humor) was brilliantly performed. "Young Frankenstein" opened to mixed critical reviews on Broadway. This is not high art...or, is it when being done at this level of perfection?

W HOLLYWOOD Hotel

Being at the brand-new W HOLLYWOOD hotel for drinks and dinner before theater was like being in New York City. No, better! It is located across the street from the Pantages Theater and over a metro station. It was fabulous...the ambiance, the food, the celebrities (yes, I spotted a few), the adventurous taste, were all exciting. I even avoided a fist fight on the street...very exciting!

"South Pacific" in Los Angeles

We were in our third row center seats at the Ahmanson Theater when it opened in Los Angeles. Not a single theatrical moment was overlooked in this Rogers and Hammerstein's revival. The talent and joy was not wasted on us. It will play until July 17, 2010.

After the show we fought the crowds of sports fans there to see the Celtics play the Lakers. But we were determined to have drinks and appetizers at the newly-finished WP24 (standing for Wolfgang Puck 24th floor) in the Ritz Carlton Hotel. It is in the "L.A. Live" area, and, was it ever.

Minsky's

My friend, Joan, and I went to see the world premiere engagement of "Minsky's" at the Ahmanson Theater at the Music Center in Los Angeles last night.  Created by some of the same team that did "The Drowsy Chaperone" and "Curtains," it couldn't have been a more entertaining version of burlesque.  There were pies in the face, dancing psychiatrists, raunchy jokes and outrageous costumes; plus a faux homage to Josephine Baker and her infamous bananas.  The exciting and excellent tap dance, alone, would have been worth the trip to see the show.  There are many reasons why Minsky's might have been raided and you will see them all...and I do mean all!  

It was an all Minsky weekend! After seeing  the new musical comedy at the Ahmanson  last night I happened on this 1968 movie, "The Night They Raided Minsky's," today on the television.  I took this photograph from the television screen of Britt Eklund about to instigate the famous raid.  

Sculpture at the Music Center

On a Sunday afternoon, in May of 1969, my friend and I packed romantic picnic lunches and took our husbands and children to see the unveiling of Jacques Lipchitz's "Peace on Earth."  Doves flew out as it was uncovered...it was unforgettable.   When I visited yesterday, as always,  I remembered that day again.  

And, to further enhance the experience, by chance I helped celebrate the wedding shot of this couple when they posed in Robert Graham's set of free-standing doors.   "Dance Doors" was designed  for the Music Center in 1978.