"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.