tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57168371264170773202023-11-16T08:03:17.151-08:00HOLLYWOOD UNDERDOG ™An Entertainment and Lifestyle Blog
by Anna Wendt
Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.comBlogger261125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-37240932586808554322020-08-21T15:47:00.002-07:002020-08-21T15:47:39.330-07:00Need a Laugh? Ten timeless Comedies<p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Need some laughs but can't think of a movie to watch?<br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span>hought I'd share some </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">comedies that I'm happy to see again<span style="font-size: large;"> and again<span style="font-size: large;">!</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><b>Some Like it Hot, 1959</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon</span></span></p><p>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"> <img alt="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx35DrUgnN8UQS9cDOn-PNKkCdDvyVPG_B7qBNjZNTNKmkz7CSoHZnxCXJjoyhVJn6dKGkF90JNteBaBv60XmXxYRJS36eTrLHCpr2g5KrgSJyNb07vCGX7jnDxaouFUGPV77tVpTWpok5/s1600/some+like+it+hot+1959+4.jpg" class="decoded" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx35DrUgnN8UQS9cDOn-PNKkCdDvyVPG_B7qBNjZNTNKmkz7CSoHZnxCXJjoyhVJn6dKGkF90JNteBaBv60XmXxYRJS36eTrLHCpr2g5KrgSJyNb07vCGX7jnDxaouFUGPV77tVpTWpok5/s320/some+like+it+hot+1959+4.jpg" width="320" /></span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Two guys, one girl, and tons of laughs. True comedic genius.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><b>Four Weddings and a Funeral, 1994</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Yes,
the English do actually have a pretty good sense of humor, and the
chemistry between Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell is delicious.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><b>Annie Hall, 1977</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Woody Allen, Diane Keaton</span></span></p><p>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"> <img alt="http://filmmagazine.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/annie-hall.jpg" class="decoded" height="172" src="http://filmmagazine.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/annie-hall.jpg" width="320" /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Neurotic and insecure "pre yuppy" New Yorkers with too much time on their hands to analyze their lives.....(a prelude to Seinf<span style="font-size: large;">iel</span>d<span style="font-size: large;">)?</span></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><b>Young Frankenstein, 1974</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, Madeline Kahn, Teri Garr </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Who knew a classic horror film could be re-made with such hilarious results?... and remember, it's "Franken<i>steen</i>".</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><b>Groundhog Day, 1993</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Funny and poignant, a real reminder of what we can do with a day, and an attitude adjustment.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><b>Dodgeball, (A True Underdog Story), 2004</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughan</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Just the mention of this brutish childhood game makes me wince. How perfect that <span style="font-size: large;">this movie</span> matches the underdogs against the bullies! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><b>To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, 1995</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, John Leguizamo </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Three
macho actors as drag queens. You have to give them credit, they play it
real, giving the film depth as well as humor; (as it is a comedy). I loved
Stockard Channing as the small town woman who learns a valuable lesson
from <i>the girls</i>. <br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvtKzE8Tqk8irVQYxH3f1RXWehzsz43KtUfTS7acb8blDtfVQqrCGnN_s-ZmDc61Iqd0m4O4zyz9gUj-jQE8rRQu6pGzDw3ZsmnLDY6KYoMqdJbsgb-jZHRtKnIeZRsEB2Et1qYbIu88/s1600/to-wong-foo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvtKzE8Tqk8irVQYxH3f1RXWehzsz43KtUfTS7acb8blDtfVQqrCGnN_s-ZmDc61Iqd0m4O4zyz9gUj-jQE8rRQu6pGzDw3ZsmnLDY6KYoMqdJbsgb-jZHRtKnIeZRsEB2Et1qYbIu88/s1600/to-wong-foo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><b>Deuce Bigelow, Male Gigolo, 1999</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Rob Schneider </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Rob
Schneider is adorable as a pathetic, but sweet excuse for a
"replacement" gigolo to pay off money owed to an acquaintance he's
afraid of.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><b>Happy Gilmore, 1996</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Adam Sandler's real breakout film as a comedic writer and actor. The Bob Barker bit was <span style="font-size: large;">odd</span> but good, and who can forget Carl Weathers as "Chubbs".</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Finally, saving the best for last.......</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><b>Trading Places, 1983</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">Dan Akroyd, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Lee Curtis</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaRZ7jyCdjUZySWlahrysHf_pDRicaUDZGtkBKVWxeZcMtc51T6Vcsz4pQ-Jlu1REYj1uolQPBexmUIHTMCdCt0ODqasb1nN-vO50Kkx5qTcSvbinmLuXIDYy7XC212BftHiLf7LT63o/s1600/TradingPlaces_97361247748_4.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaRZ7jyCdjUZySWlahrysHf_pDRicaUDZGtkBKVWxeZcMtc51T6Vcsz4pQ-Jlu1REYj1uolQPBexmUIHTMCdCt0ODqasb1nN-vO50Kkx5qTcSvbinmLuXIDYy7XC212BftHiLf7LT63o/s1600/TradingPlaces_97361247748_4.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><p>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">"Timeless" says it all! Eddie Murphy and Dan Akroyd are at their absolute best
in this film, as is Jamie Lee Curtis.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">This was a republish of my blog from April 2013. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", "helvetica", sans-serif;">All photos courtesy of <a href="http://bingimages.com/">Bingimages.com</a></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Anna Wendt</span><br />
</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-7641352599832263102020-07-13T22:12:00.000-07:002020-07-13T22:24:03.206-07:00How's your Mask Wardrobe?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do you remember how you felt the first time you wore a mask when leaving the house? I do. It was a little surreal. I had an unused surgical mask from the medical school where I work sometimes as a patient actor. We never had to wear them before so I had saved it in a Ziploc bag just in case I ever needed it. I put on the mask when I got in the car then of course feeling silly I realized I didn't need it until I got out of the car.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It just seemed so unnatural to be wearing a mask when I wasn't a doctor or in a medical facility. I remember before the pandemic sometimes seeing people wear masks on airplanes and thought "Isn't that a little much?"....I don't think that anymore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had used my surgical mask once and I thought I had to throw it away so I did. I didn't want to ask my husband for one of his since he's a physician and they were in short supply all over back then. So I looked into do it yourself masks and saw a short YouTube video on how to make your own face covering with a bandana, and that's what I did for about a week until the cloth masks I'd feverishly ordered on Ebay showed up in the mailbox. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We now know the bandana masks aren't quite as effective as they don't have a very tight seal. So I don't wear one much anymore. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although it was fun to be featured in a piece in the local newspaper showing how people were making home made masks out of scarves, plastic bags, coffee filters, and other things that were lying around the house. Using everything except toilet paper of course, as we couldn't waste that!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWIBHt1GIXURVpH4zpfb3YbSIkz_77crZvgy-F4Yl_29tzwj0Va0ynMFmRd-5xcgJSElE2RA4OfzvbDIdaapmYU0dw2may13pt5hyphenhyphenkCmsKdDtANwGpIvxBHGUU6plZsfVluY68rjoNQU/s1600/IMG_1494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="728" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWIBHt1GIXURVpH4zpfb3YbSIkz_77crZvgy-F4Yl_29tzwj0Va0ynMFmRd-5xcgJSElE2RA4OfzvbDIdaapmYU0dw2may13pt5hyphenhyphenkCmsKdDtANwGpIvxBHGUU6plZsfVluY68rjoNQU/s320/IMG_1494.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Las Vegas Review Journal's mask feature</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My mask wardrobe now consists of about 8 masks. There's the blue sky one I got in a 3 pack at The Gap, the homemade cat one I got on Ebay, and my new favorite, my shiny mask. I saw it online and thought "That's cute! </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I need a dress up mask in case I end up going out when things loosen up a bit"...so I ordered it. I tried it on when I got it and it looks great! It's funny how wearing a mask is starting to seem like normal everyday life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think masks are going to be around for awhile so I expect my mask wardrobe to grow. It is what it is, I might as well make the best of it. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnlBcEecENWZTPvZH3g1CSeUy1F22Z0cIPfk8nWuE3VTNee-ROHOFnm4qt0a2_GMiH1jkwixwtQJfakMyG7r4YnAnrg3ByLQi4Zz2gEoRVsiw4U1VXJJqON2qdxyLhKjSP3HPXCHV0tI/s1600/IMG_1487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1457" data-original-width="1512" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnlBcEecENWZTPvZH3g1CSeUy1F22Z0cIPfk8nWuE3VTNee-ROHOFnm4qt0a2_GMiH1jkwixwtQJfakMyG7r4YnAnrg3ByLQi4Zz2gEoRVsiw4U1VXJJqON2qdxyLhKjSP3HPXCHV0tI/s320/IMG_1487.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My current favorite masks</span></td></tr>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-15065149241450842442020-07-01T22:26:00.001-07:002020-07-01T22:37:00.252-07:00Need a Haircut? How to Sell or Donate Your Hair!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since many of us haven't had a haircut in months and are now considering venturing out for one or doing it at home, I decided to re-post one of my more popular articles from a few years ago...</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Did you know you can sell or donate your hair? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">People
need wigs and hair extensions due to hair loss from medical problems or
for purely cosmetic reasons such as hair extensions, hair pieces and
ponytails.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My
friend Nicole recently grew her hair so long she was tripping over it
when she walked!...Okay not quite that long, but she seriously needed a
haircut. S</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">he decided to get it cut in a certain way so that it could be donated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/T-zcleBCXPg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T-zcleBCXPg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><b>How to cut your hair and then sell it:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">To sell your hair it's best if it's not treated with color or perms because y</span><span style="font-family: "arial";">ou
can usually get more than double the money for untreated hair. Of
course your hair also has to be healthy and free of damage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"> Your cut strands also have to be long enough to sell, which is at least 10 inches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">You should use gentle shampoo (two brands that make great sulfate free shampoos are LOréal and Wen). </span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><b>Don't cut your hair until you have found a buyer</b> because freshly cut hair is best! </span><span style="font-family: "arial";">Blonde hair or light brown are the best selling colors followed by brunette, then red.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">You can sell your hair through third party websites such as <a href="http://www.hairsellon.com/">Hairsellon.com</a> and <a href="http://www.onlinehairaffair.com/">Onlinehairaffair.com</a>.
Have someone take a photo of your hair from the back, (remember, don't
cut it yet), then set up an account and put it up on the site.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">The going rate ranges from about $300 to $1,000 on average, but the longer your locks the more money you will make.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Don't
want to worry about the process of selling your hair but don't want to
waste it when it could go to a good cause? Donate your hair for wigs for
people who suffer from hair loss for medical reasons such as Alopecia
and chemotherapy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><b>To donate your hair:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">For
donation, a minimum of ten (10) inches of hair is also preferred.
Layered locks are acceptable if the longest layer is ten inches. Colored
or permed hair is accepted but not hair that is bleached out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Where
to donate? For more information on how exactly to get the hair on your
head to a person in need, below are two helpful websites.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">There is a well known organization called Locks Of Love, go to <a href="http://locksoflove.org/">LocksOfLove.org</a> for more information and to find a participating salon if that's easier for you than sending it in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Once
you have decided whether to donate or sell your hair it is best to have
it professionally cut. To show you what to do, here is my good friend
Nicole Pano with a quick 45 second video...</span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><a href="https://youtu.be/T-zcleBCXPg">How to cut your hair for Donation or Sale</a></span></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-83231313994537211602020-05-23T14:36:00.000-07:002020-05-23T14:50:21.705-07:00To the Graduates, Class of 2020<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO24a9TypHHdX73k_7ZjmElARr50hERifCqZj5hzwyACRfKiV4cMoAdQDwXXKS28FBFdGXDSy3Kk7gl1hO8vw4HULnx-FKgv3e1JMEEiswvQSBRefvcpcn1xwgWrYYiUQL-fenOHQS3oY/s1600/guyc2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="597" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO24a9TypHHdX73k_7ZjmElARr50hERifCqZj5hzwyACRfKiV4cMoAdQDwXXKS28FBFdGXDSy3Kk7gl1hO8vw4HULnx-FKgv3e1JMEEiswvQSBRefvcpcn1xwgWrYYiUQL-fenOHQS3oY/s200/guyc2020.jpg" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By Guy Chapman</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I graduated high school in 1994. My school experience was vastly different than yours. For me, high school was a much more relaxed experience. You could come and go as you please. There was no common core, and standardized testing hadn't taken over every aspect of the classroom experience. There was no distraction of social media, and the internet was still a new and somewhat mysterious commodity. Incidents such as Columbine were five years away from my timeline, and certainly not a regular and annual occurrence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> For the 2020 graduates, you may have all of us beaten when it comes to "challenging." </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No one knew that the beginning of Spring Break was also going to be the end of the school year. The various schools still have fliers posted proclaiming: "We will resume normal business hours on Monday, March 16."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> No, we would not. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By March 13, it became clear something was terribly wrong. By March 17, the world began to really shift. In certain buildings, St. Patrick's Day decorations promised a holiday that no one would be celebrating. Instead, Spring Break went from an intended one week from two and a half months. I suppose Alice Cooper's "School's Out For the Summer" song was never meant to be that prophetic in its lyrics.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> For what it's worth, you are still 2020 graduates no matter what a global pandemic says. We've had to come together to find a way to manage, and so have you. That's worth a lot. You didn't give up. This situation did not "beat" you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I expect for a lot of high school and college graduates, you feel left out on some of the elements of this particular rite of passage: Skip days and Senior events, caps and gowns, a walk across the stage, photos of you holding your diploma, the after parties that you'll never really tell your parents how crazy you got that night, but they already know because they were once in that place themselves. That last carefree summer you have before you truly have to start properly "adulting."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> What's important to remember is that even without all the decorations and symbolism of this particular moment in time, it still happened. You're into a new phase of your existence where you get to call the shots on your life more than you have ever before. It's exciting and scary, and it generally lacks a safety net. But you didn't go this alone. Your teachers were right there with you having to navigate this uncertain storm to ensure you succeeded. So were your parents. So was the community in its support.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> It's okay to be disappointed right now. But over the years, the graduation experience simply becomes a "tick box" on a life checklist. You aren't going to remember the speeches that night. To be candid, you certainly aren't going to remember the parties. And you'll get to experience the graduation event again when you have kids of your own. It will take on a different meaning then. Perhaps all the "pomp and circumstance" is meant more for the parents in the long run. A graduation of succeeding in their own "adulting."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> If you feel discouraged, take a walk around your neighborhood. Take a look at all the signs in the yards that celebrate the work of your teachers and your fellow students. There are signs all over the community. You didn't get the traditional graduation experience, but you absolutely aren't forgotten.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the end, the Class of 2020 may end up being the strongest graduating class we'll see in our lifetime. Our current life has given you lessons no book could ever teach. In this present unknown and lack of structure, we've seen everyday people carry out acts of intelligence and compassion. This will define our values, our larger view of the world, and prove how necessary being properly educated in all areas is. What you do with that education now is up to you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> While finding that first real job or enrolling for college may be an uncertainty for now, defining the kind of world you want to live in can start as early as today. You really are our future, and us older generations are going to be looking to you to provide the kind of world we all deserve to live in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> But no pressure, of course.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Hang in there, Class of 2020. This year really was your challenge. Things don't always go to plan, but life doesn't provide a script to always say or do the right thing. Some of the best works come from improvisation, so I look forward to seeing what you can accomplish during this strange time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> You've got this. You always did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Special thanks to writer Guy Chapman for contributing this article. </span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-4337625637353662772020-03-16T11:45:00.001-07:002020-03-16T22:37:59.461-07:00One American's View of the COVID-19 Pandemic <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Like many Americans my head is spinning lately over the COVID-19 Pandemic. I remember when I first read about it back in January, they said it was a SARS like coronavirus from China and was spreading to other countries. So I knew it'd be a global issue, but like most of us could not have begun to predict how it would impact our country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I sit here in shock that in my city of Las Vegas they are shutting down several casinos for two weeks. As far as I know that has never happened, at least at this level. Casinos do not close. The employee layoffs are already starting. Also, nationwide professional sports are suspended, cruise lines have stopped cruising, schools are closed and the list goes on. We are being advised to stay home and self isolate and keep our distance from others when we do have to go out. Now many are talking about the airlines making a drastic change soon as well. This was all unimaginable a few weeks ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've been practicing social distancing this past week but not really before that. All I had been doing was buying a little more groceries and supplies than I usually do. But things really hit on Friday when the President declared a National Emergency and the general public took notice; mostly by flooding grocery stores!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These things are happening all around us but most of us don't know anyone who is actually sick with COVID-19 yet. We are being warned by the Center for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization that things will soon get really bad for us. We don't hear much from China, but have been told that their numbers are finally slowing down after quarantining hundreds of millions of people for several weeks. The latest report shows 80,880 cases today whereas it was 79, 828 two weeks ago, which is only 1,052 new cases. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs99tn2ET1OXtTD00SwZAVPHoaXLmGoUxoHg5v0eWYAUB2loRmhX1FrgkYwi6H7aSMABYilOzyA8aNIIyn12L4bevKoxNQNvHD_r-5QByeRmso_AijZ_qxlcNB0wWkiUr0j70j9cq7UCs/s1600/PA-50054700-880x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs99tn2ET1OXtTD00SwZAVPHoaXLmGoUxoHg5v0eWYAUB2loRmhX1FrgkYwi6H7aSMABYilOzyA8aNIIyn12L4bevKoxNQNvHD_r-5QByeRmso_AijZ_qxlcNB0wWkiUr0j70j9cq7UCs/s320/PA-50054700-880x1024.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dr. Li Wen Liang</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dr. Li Wen Liang, A Chinese doctor who first tried to warn his colleagues and his country about this newest coronavirus back in December was shamed and silenced by the Chinese government for "making false comments on the internet." He was diagnosed with COVID-19 February 1st and died six days later, survived by his son and pregnant wife. Now China reveres him. Too little too late.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've been following the stories of this virus and checking Worldometers.info site that gives updates on the COVID-19 numbers. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I took a screenshot on March 1 when Italy had 1,128 cases and 29 deaths. They started their lockdowns on March 9. Now on March 16 they have 24,747 cases and 1,809 deaths. The United States reported 70 cases on March 1 and only 1 death. Today it says 4,727 cases and 93 deaths. The U.S. is short on testing kits and when they are more widely available later this week we'll get a clearer picture of how many cases we actually have. The numbers don't seem very high yet but we are being told by experts such as Dr. Fauci, the Director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases that they will grow exponentially and when they do we will be overwhelmed. He says that although what we are now doing seems alarming it will later on seem like it was not enough. Those are scary words. This message is also being broadcast to us by as countries such as Italy, South Korea, Spain, and Ireland.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Most of us don't know what to think. Because the news is coming from not just inside our country, but outside of it as well, I tend to trust it. But many question the information because it's so extreme and there are few to no signs of illness yet to the average person or anyone they know. They do have every right as Americans to state their opinions and ask questions. For me, since the information is coming from various countries and international health organizations that don't give a squat about America's politics, I do believe what they are telling the rest of the world. Also, if our media is trying to invoke fear to destroy the economy to bring down our current President then why would they go so far as to ruin their own stock values, businesses and cause job losses of their own friends and family, which consist of people from all parties? Seems self sabotaging. In a few weeks I suppose we will all know much more about what should have been done, or not done during this time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One thing we can ALL agree on as Americans when this is over, is that our country, (as well as other nations) should have put a nationwide pandemic protocol in place decades ago. We've had plagues before like when Spanish flu hit in 1918 and Polio after that, as well as several other smaller ones since. They should have known this kind of situation would happen again someday. Having a protocol would have prevented these sudden and shocking societal and economic decisions that are making people panic buy and more seriously lose their jobs and businesses. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have faith in our country that we will learn from this and in the future have an actual plan we can set in motion early enough to avoid what is happening now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-12321818568848702472020-01-11T12:13:00.000-08:002020-01-13T19:19:35.885-08:00What Would You Have Done if You were Harry and Meghan?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Leave it to two of the world's most famous millennials to make a precedent setting move that has shocked the world. Many have a strong opinion about the recent decision by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, to live as private, independent people and no longer serve as senior members of the Royal Family, nor be financially dependent on it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A lot of people wonder, how can someone walk away from royal life? Isn't that as good as it gets? Everyone is clamoring to know and admire you, and you have seemingly endless financial resources and security for your entire life. What could be better than that? Actually, a lot, like living your own life on your own terms, something most of us Americans and non royals take for granted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">R<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">oyal life has a distinctively dark side. Everyone knows the struggles Prince Harry's late mother Diana suffered due to her life as a royal, and the cruel treatment of her by some of England's press and paparazzi. It contributed greatly to her depression, anxiety, bulimia, and her death. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've often wondered how it felt for Prince Harry to lose his mother at 12 years old, leaving him to live almost his entire life without her; all the while knowing that she actually died trying to outrun the paparazzi! In addition, he has lived his whole 35 years on this planet under a microscope. Although the press did not follow him and William to school every day like they did before Diana's death, he still had to participate in many media events and photos in order to maintain peace with all of them. Once he was an adult the media was all over him again. It's no wonder he has been depressed and anxious much of his adult life, as he has freely admitted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When Harry and Meghan got married in 2018 I wondered if she realized what she was getting into. I thought to myself would I want to be her? The answer was a definitive NO. Marrying a royal means that as soon as that ring is on your finger you have a full time job. Full time. Forever! There is no real line between your personal and your professional life. You're under the spotlight with everyone, the press and the public judging your every move including your appearance, choices, your family, and your children. I don't care how great the guy is, and Harry seems like a good one, it's just too much for most people. I wondered how an American who was used to freedom of choice would handle it. The beautiful Meghan Markle was already a celebrity as we all know, so she had a better chance than many in navigating the shark infested waters of public life, but apparently the couple and now their baby Archie as well have been hounded by racially charged abuse and harassment. There is probably a lot the public doesn't and might never know about the reasons for this major decision. Perhaps Harry feels it's the only way to protect his new family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most of the English press will not give Harry and Meghan any empathy or understanding for their choice to be free and to use social media as their way of communicating to the world, as they have specified. This is because if a member of the royal family says "I don't need the press I'll be my own press," then many others may follow suit. And if so then what use is the press? That is their fear. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As far as finances go, Meghan and Harry will be just fine due to Harry's inheritance from his late mother Diana, Meghan's contributions as a former actress and his investments from his own salary, serving ten years in the Army and two tours of Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot. Their net worth is said to be around $35 million dollars. In addition they'll have opportunties for profitable ventures in the coming years as they are now no longer tied to the same rules as they were before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If the royal family handles this correctly, acting like it's not a major issue and future Kings Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince George are the real royals anyway, it may just be an unexpected wave and not a major storm. It could even help the royal family to have a positive attitude in the press about it, (no matter what they may think privately), since the public loves Harry and Meghan and they will always be royalty in the hearts and minds of most. </span></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-54196841574595626452019-10-13T11:01:00.002-07:002019-10-13T15:16:03.383-07:00Amazon and Kohl's Surprising new Retail Friendship<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I was getting ready to return something on Amazon recently I was offered the choice to return the item at a nearby Kohl's instead of dropping it at a postal center, UPS or Amazon locker. All I had to do was select "return at Kohl's store" and it generated an email with a barcode that can be scanned on my phone at the store to process my return. No need to package it up or print any labels!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was nice to see a retailer think of something new and convenient for customers that makes it easy to return something bought from Amazon and also gets people into their store; in this case Kohl's, a retailer I never otherwise frequent. Of course I spent money shopping at Kohl's while there, which is their plan. In fact they even printed me a 25% coupon with my Amazon return receipt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is the kind of thinking that can help save retailers from having to close so many of their physical stores and go online. Many people still really enjoy shopping onsite. I know I do, and it's especially fun with a friend or family member or when shopping for a vacation, a new job, or a holiday. We just need retailers to stay fresh by being willing to try new ideas to draw us in and keep us there long enough to buy something. Kudos to Kohl's for their efforts!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://hollywoodunderdog.blogspot.com/2017/11/how-retailers-can-make-us-go-shopping.html">How Retailers Can Make Us Go Shopping Again...Hollywood Underdog</a></span>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-43283203694208183972019-10-01T18:15:00.000-07:002019-10-01T18:21:44.696-07:00On Days Like Today<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; float: none; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For a long time I was afraid of her, holding the same preconceived notions that most strangers do - I even hid from her. Then a funny thing happened and we got to know each other and became friends. I started to see her through new eyes.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; float: none; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> Now, she's my home and I've come to genuinely Love her! I wake up and she's happy to see me, when I'm hungry she provides more nourishment than I could dream of, if I'm feeling down and out she picks me up and shows me the wonders life, laugh</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: transparent; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">ter and love, when I'm feeling alone she brings my friends to me, even ones that I hadn't previously met. When I'm with her she dazzles me with newness. She's always respected me and never tempted me with the things that earned her the moniker "Sin City". To me, she's wondrous, her beauty is raw and perfect, she is full of life and opportunity; warm, welcoming and resilient, she is constantly growing, she excites me every day...and is always, ALWAYS a lady.<br style="display: inline;" /> Her history is so colorful and headline filled that even Rock Stars and Bikers are in awe of her, she's entertained Celebrities, Champs, Chairmen and a King, she's home to the brightest stars and billionaires, her allure is so magnetic that she pulls you into her orbit from across the globe. <br style="display: inline;" /> She's had her fair share of tragedy, but she's always been able to get back up, compose herself and move into the future with grace.<br style="display: inline;" /> Yes, I Love my darling Las Vegas and on days like today, she could use your thoughts and Love too!<span style="color: #000015;"> #VegasStrong</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>It seemed fitting to share this personal essay today that a friend and fellow Las Vegas local wrote, (with permission of course). It expresses perfectly how I also feel about this weird and WONDERFUL city that is my adopted hometown.</i></span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-65363612245043126882019-08-11T18:03:00.003-07:002019-08-11T18:14:07.853-07:00Beverly Hills 90210, The Reality Reboot<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">TV Show reboots are so common these days it's not surprising that <i>Beverly Hills 90210 </i>launched their own six episode reboot last week. What is unusual and in my opinion makes it worth watching, is the way the reboot is formatted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unlike other reboots of TV shows like <i>Will & Grace</i> and <i>Hawaii Five-O</i>, which stuck to the general format of their previous incarnations, <i>BH90210</i> added a modern reality show twist to theirs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>BH90210</i> features the same characters and actors, but the actors play <i>themselves</i> and not their characters. In the first episode of the reboot which aired last week, Jennie Garth, Tori Spelling, Jason Priestley, Ian Ziering, Brian Austin Green, Gabrielle Carteris, and yes even Shannon Doherty, are all appearing at a <i>Beverly Hills 90210</i> fan convention. It's 2019 and they are all older, and not necessarily wiser. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the story unfolds their lives are revealed and we see the phony personas they present to the public. Turns out middle aged TV stars have problems just like the rest of us. Keeping in mind that the actors are playing themselves it's not necessarily their actual lives we're seeing in the show, but is based on certain truths gleaned from their real lives. For example, Tori Spelling has a lot of kids and money problems, Gabrielle is the president of an actors union, and Brian Austin Green (who is married to Megan Fox in real life), lives in the shadow of his wife's fame. The death of Luke Perry is addressed in the show as well. Unlike the original series, nothing is sugar coated. After all they're grown ups now, and so is their audience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I always liked the premise of the original <i>Beverly Hills 90210</i>. Two teens move with their family from a suburb in Minnesota to Beverly Hills, California and experience all of the differences in attitude and lifestyle. Back then before smart phones and streaming, California was the center of all entertainment culture. As a young person who, just like the characters, lived in Minnesota when this show first aired, I imagined myself one day living in California and experiencing the same kinds of things they did. But at the time it seemed a distant dream. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, midway through the show's run I did in fact move to Beverly Hills 90210! I only lived in an apartment, not a mansion like their characters, but it was still Beverly Hills and I had my own experiences with different attitudes and culture. I moved there by myself which felt brave, and lived there alone two years until my older sister joined me for some of the time. It was a much faster paced life and I needed to be on guard and on top of things as L.A. is not for the weak; but it was also rich in possibility and opportunities for growth that I never could have had in Minnesota. I went to acting school for four years while living in 90210 and completed my training at Stella Adler Academy of Acting. It was one of the best times in my life and I will always remember it that way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So for me, <i>Beverly Hills 90210 </i>was a show that inspired. We'll see what <i>BH90210</i> does! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>BH90210</i> Wednesdays on Fox.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-51784135303609702602019-06-27T14:05:00.000-07:002020-07-14T11:48:59.316-07:00Waking up with PTSD<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I chose this day to start writing in my blog again since the subject is a large part of why I took a break from it. Today is National PTSD Awareness Day and it's time to share my experience. This is something that many people in my life don't know about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nobody ever expects to wake up one day with PTSD. You usually hear about it in regards to veterans and domestic abuse victims but it can also happen in other ways. In my case it was a violent crime last year and the aftermath that triggered the onset of this horrible, chronic condition. Although I am much better now I will never forget the daily, hourly and sometimes moment to moment terror that plagued me intermittently while I struggled to break free from what felt like a constant nightmare while awake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On a sunny Monday out of nowhere last summer I turned to close my car door to find the barrel of a gun in my eyes. If I had been paying more attention to my surroundings this may not have happened. So yes, I cooperated and was robbed in that moment but I survived the incident. Later that day was the attempted credit card fraud, then the aftermath of having my identity out there in the hands of criminals. There is whole a lot more to this but I'll leave it at that because this is not about the crime. It's about surviving PTSD. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remember little after the crime that afternoon in the haze of working with police and my bank, etc. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What I remember most clearly is waking up the next morning with a strong sense of inner panic and fear. That was only the beginning. A couple of weeks later I tried antidepressants, which in my case made it worse. One night was so bad I was certain I would not survive it alone. (PTSD sufferers have a very high rate of suicide.) My husband was out of town so I rushed myself to the hospital checking myself into the ER and was hospitalized for a night. This made the PTSD much worse because I was terrified of that happening again. Afterwards I was afraid of not only other people, but myself as well. Having been a level headed person with a happy disposition all my life, this was the worst part of it all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What I didn't understand at the time is that something in my brain had changed. I'm not a doctor but I now know from working with mine and my therapist that a sudden incident of trauma or violence can cause a type of temporary brain injury and condition, PTSD, that makes some normal things seem scary, off center and out of balance. For me anything could set me off... seeing a gun on TV, hearing a loud noise, even someone ringing the doorbell would send me down a dark rabbit hole and a feeling of terror and disassociation. The disassociation was the worst. It made things seem not real, like I was losing it. This is where my therapist was the most helpful. She helped me learn grounding techniques such as deep breathing, grabbing a chunk of ice, reaching out to others, etc. Anything to break the rising inner hysteria of a flashback can help ground a person with PTSD. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So many times I wanted to scream and cry and basically fall apart, but I never did. I continued to function normally on the outside to prove to myself that I could. Running an errand, getting the mail, meeting a friend for dinner when it was dark out, working a job, normal things were monumentally challenging. I couldn't be alone all night unless there was a friend or family member nearby. What if I had a panic attack? I didn't want any of my work colleagues to know because I didn't want them to think of me as damaged and unreliable, so I white knuckled it, took it hour by hour. I just knew if I could keep at my normal life then day by day I would find my comfort zone again. I think that's called exposure therapy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was fortunate to have some down time too. I could nest on my sofa watching comedies (everything else triggered me). I'd use a heavy blanket which was calming, and still is. Yoga helped me to a degree I never expected. It gave me something to focus on when a panic attack arose. Stretch this, bend that, and breathe. I also consistently did meditation. Guided mediations and affirmations from Deepak Chopra, Steve Nobel and the music of Paul Luftenegger served as a salve to ease me through and quiet my mind from the constant anxiety. Listening with my headphones every time I went to bed and every morning when I woke up and during rising panic attacks slowly brought me back. I used daily drops of Non THC CBD Oil. Also being able to talk to family and friends when I was having a rough moment was like medicine too...the best kind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been ten months now and I do not suffer on a regular basis anymore! I don't live in constant fear of the unknown or of a flashback or panic attack. The symptoms started to ease three months ago and have since become mild and sometimes even non existent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am grateful beyond belief that I can live my life without constant fear and anxiety. With a smile on my face I can drive alone and run errands, do things with friends, work and travel. But I will always be more aware, more careful and on guard for anything that can happen to me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyone reading this who has PTSD I have the deepest empathy for you. I hope you are finding your way out of despair and back to yourself, and that you have support from people and professionals as you need it. Prayer doesn't hurt either. AW</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are links to one of the songs and a meditation that helped me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://youtu.be/jTOGhlpBaT0">Mending: Paul Luftenegger https://youtu.be/jTOGhlpBaT0</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://youtu.be/eHBg9bdRkQ8" style="background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Soul of Healing: Deepak Chopra https://youtu.be/eHBg9bdRkQ8</span></a></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-57347131753775841572018-12-08T16:00:00.005-08:002018-12-19T18:39:44.647-08:00Menopause The Musical<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Four women walk into a department store as strangers, and walk out as friends. That is the setting of the show <i>Menopause The Musical</i>, which takes place at a lingerie sale in New York City. How do these women bond with each other? Through the shared trials and tribulations of menopause.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There's an Iowa housewife, a businesswoman, an earth mother and a soap opera star. These ladies have nothing in common until they realize they're all going through the "change of life." </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They then chat, sing, and dance their way into becoming friends; all while creating their own versions of some of the best hit songs we all know and love. </span></div>
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month was my second time seeing the show here in Las Vegas and one of
the reasons I love this show so much is that it's like therapy. We've
all heard of retail therapy, well <i>Menopause The Musical</i> is laughter therapy, friendship therapy, and music therapy all rolled into one. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To
be able to laugh at something that can be as uncomfortable as menopause and aging reminds us that we can laugh at almost anything. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The performers who play these characters endear the audience with their talent and commitment to their roles. The teamwork is evident in their interactions with each other and their execution of physical comedy, which for me is another outstanding aspect of this show. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here in Las Vegas there's a special guest star who pops in and out of the show that is familiar to most Americans and plenty of international visitors as well. It's the actress Cindy Williams, who adds a little extra zest to the cast with her comedic appearances in the production. Yes, it's <i>that</i> Cindy Williams, from the TV show <i>Laverne & Shirley</i> and author of the book <i>Shirley I Jest!</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jacquelyn Holland Wright as the soap opera star is a combination of sexy and strong but also playful and funny. Jacquelyn has graced us here in Las Vegas with her talent for many productions before this. Some were <i>Mamma Mia</i>, <i>EFX</i>, <i>Best Little Whorehouse, </i>and <i>Divorce Party</i>, the last two of which I wrote about her in, which is how we met.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lisa Mack, the businesswoman, has powerful pipes and attitude! She joined the Las Vegas cast in 2010 and performed with the show in other cities before that. She occasionally goes out and joins a performance of an MTM show in other cities and countries, as do the other cast members.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Laura Lee O'Connell, the Iowa housewife, is an astute physical comedian whose facial expressions alone are a laugh inducing highlight of the show.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Vita Corimbi, the earth mother, has been with the show since its Las Vegas run began about 15 years ago, and is a strong anchor who embodies the part wholeheartedly. I saw Vita perform last year. This time the understudy performed, Cherity Ellen Harchis. They each do the character differently but with equal success. Vita's interpretation is earth mother/hippie and Cherity is more eclectic earthy, but not as mother-ish. I was pleased to see there was an understudy this time because I like it when an understudy is used as it changes up the rhythm just a little. I also like to see the interpretation different actors bring to the same role. By the way, Cherity understudies all four roles in the cast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As far as the music goes, which is a huge part of the enjoyment of the show, I lo</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ved the disco medley where "Staying Awake" was a spoof of "Staying Alive," and all about middle aged insomnia. The choreography on that is great too, as it is with all of the numbers. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I also like how they all take turns singing lead but together a lot too, weaving their voices in and out of different songs all throughout the show. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jacquelyn's parody of "Beauty is Only Skin Deep," while her character sits at the make up counter, is hilarious and highly relatable. Jacquelyn also sings a sultry rendition of "Tropical Hot Flash" which is derived from Marilyn Monroe's version of "Heat Wave."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cindy Williams performs with hilarious effect, "My Thighs," a spoof of "My Guy," while bemoaning what to do with hers, and their ever changing shape.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Las Vegas production is the longest running musical in Las Vegas history. It runs eight shows a week at Harrah's. <i>Menopause The Musical</i> was written by Jeanie Linders and originally performed in 2001 in Orlando. Since then the show has been performed in several cities and several other countries in at least five languages. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Menopause The Musical</i> is the perfect cocktail of humor,
music and sisterhood! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Karen Wendt and I (top) with Cindy Williams (center), </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jacquelyn Holland Wright, (right) and Cherity Ellen Harchis, (left).</span></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-44912694692297977732018-11-27T17:27:00.004-08:002018-11-28T08:30:38.264-08:00Tapestry Unraveled<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've always liked it when a singer takes an album that another artist has done and performs it in its entirety. Michelle Johnson did a beautiful job with this for her show <i>Tapestry Unraveled</i>, on November 18 at Myron's Cabaret Jazz. During this show she performed her interpretation of Carole King's album, <i>Tapestry</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Michelle weaved in stories of her life and her experiences in combination with the songs from <i>Tapestry</i> that she said touched her so much as a young person. For her first song of the night, <i>So Far Away</i>, she talked about how she was born in New York, but she and her family moved to Egypt when she was a toddler and so she grew up far away from her home country. Then she sang the song beautifully with the undertones of longing that make this song so meaningful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her first Carole King album Michelle said was called <i>Music</i>. It's what got her into Carole King before <i>Tapestry</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Michelle talked about her young adulthood returning from Egypt and going to college at Yale. She shared with us the struggles of pursuing her music career while also trying to provide for herself. Like many young people with a dream of the arts her parents encouraged her to have a back up plan and not to focus too much on her music career. She found out why years later.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then she sang one of the best versions of a song by Carole King I've ever heard. Michelle's version of <i>It's Too Late</i> was like a show in itself!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Michelle told us about starting a new chapter several years ago when she moved to Las Vegas. She got a role in "Country Fever" at the Golden Nugget, and stayed and made Vegas her home. She talked about meeting a man who became a friend and another man who became her husband. There is more to that story but it is more meaningful than a sentence in an article so I'll leave it alone. Her soulful rendition of <i>Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, </i>followed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"To me, everyone's life is a tapestry." - Michelle Johnson</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She talked about real friendships and not just social media friends and that many of us have come to lean on technology a little too much in our relationships. As a reminder of the importance of real friendships she then sang, along with her back up singers, a dynamic group version of <i>You've Got a Friend</i>, joined by vocalist Dani Corley who appeared onstage briefly to sing a few lines. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxM92t3fZp8oCiiO2bayP6csfPXNnOa-TieVbbHbRcdWsERXs9pBRmyJPMYJBRP1RW2vvnfQJRxM5a8dhRhLBa8KDacExRioflTNLM1RJBRI0A97ZqniJYxT3FBApJ-fn8GNduzMdjPc/s1600/2018-11-18+Michelle+Johnson+-+Tapestry+0111%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxM92t3fZp8oCiiO2bayP6csfPXNnOa-TieVbbHbRcdWsERXs9pBRmyJPMYJBRP1RW2vvnfQJRxM5a8dhRhLBa8KDacExRioflTNLM1RJBRI0A97ZqniJYxT3FBApJ-fn8GNduzMdjPc/s400/2018-11-18+Michelle+Johnson+-+Tapestry+0111%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dani, Jolana, Michelle, Gret and Jon, Photo by Ira Kuzma</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For one of the songs, <i>Beautiful, </i>she asked the ladies in the audience stand and sing along, which was a hit with the crowd. I noticed that some of them stayed standing for the rest of the show, moving to the music, at least up in the second level high top tables where I was seated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Michelle spoke briefly about meeting and working with singer/songwriter Louise Goffin, (Carole King and Gerry Goffin's daughter), and how they recently held a joint class for songwriters in Las Vegas. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After completing her salute to <i>Tapestry</i> Michelle finished the night with her original song <i>I'm All In</i>, about putting all of your heart and soul into something, as she does with her music. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've written about three of her shows in the past year or so and one thing is always true. Michelle Johnson is more than a singer. She is a songwriter, composer and producer that puts out a variety of entertainment with talent and passion that touches me, and her audience every time I see her. This is why her shows routinely sell out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Musical Director Jeffrey Neiman. Back up singers, Jolana Sampson-Adamson, Gret Menzies Gonzalez, Jon Celentano. Musicians, Walter Jones, Pablo Gadda and Don Meoli. </span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-36393699535265987092018-11-20T16:23:00.001-08:002018-11-20T17:35:52.349-08:00Hussarians Power Launch Party<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last month I attended the official launch party for Hussarians Power, a new non profit organization that is designed and integrated with exotic car and private jet enthusiasts. Founded by Joanna Marlow, the organization aids abuse and sex trafficking victims. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The launch party, "Colors Unleashed," was held on Friday, October 26 at the palatial UFC Mansion in Las Vegas. The event was hosted by Denny and Beata Eichenbaum, who were also sponsors. As the guests arrived we were treated to drinks and hors d'oeuvre and vegan truffles provided by local restaurant Vegan Bites. Live music was provided by another major event sponsor, Shea Arender, CEO of the Las Vegas Symphony Orchestra and Parsa Naturally for Men.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZN2s-BBqcDJmiJ-WwCdY_Q63O5yRdJjpBEHBWG5IB-27AMoXCzRf9aX4DkyOczFiHAVC10vEeuKCaQP9v3nMYBbWWnJWNyB4UCi0KwCUZtT0kUFm7IfKyDtYIyloK7ooKhCHUssu93rE/s1600/2.+Denny+and+Beata+Eichenbaum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZN2s-BBqcDJmiJ-WwCdY_Q63O5yRdJjpBEHBWG5IB-27AMoXCzRf9aX4DkyOczFiHAVC10vEeuKCaQP9v3nMYBbWWnJWNyB4UCi0KwCUZtT0kUFm7IfKyDtYIyloK7ooKhCHUssu93rE/s640/2.+Denny+and+Beata+Eichenbaum.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Denny and Bea</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ta Eichenbaum, Hosts and Sponsors of the Event</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Official launch party photography was provided by Noel Kanaley (FotoMgmt.com) and David Pavon. A showcase area was featured in the grand lobby of the UFC Mansion with products and information from sponsors including Parsa Naturally for Men, 310 Nutrition, Jax Wax, Incognito and Creative 911, AM Production, and State Farm Insurance Agency, (Mike Whitford). Another very special person for whom this event would not have happened without is co-organizer and sponsor Renata Moise, who is a luxury home realtor with Berkshire Hathaway and also a supporter of safe housing organizations.</span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In addition, sponsor James Jape, Author of <i>True Ending - The Desire to Heal</i>, was in
attendance and he provided copies of his book to guests. <i>True Ending</i>, (available on Amazon), is
about his own personal journey as a victim of an emotionally abusive
relationship, and the perspective from a male point of view. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkWKn2x-yhYQJF_9p3WmEomziokDYJeAl7Biy86bTEjfQaO0QAe4wq_sCljB_DhTbyC8LfqvleGlQ2abOuvs6TsUMN8kOZFt8oR440JWjiYKVRnPyEe5b2voYMsiTg6NvSrDNr0N1yKY/s1600/IMG_1227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1513" data-original-width="1488" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkWKn2x-yhYQJF_9p3WmEomziokDYJeAl7Biy86bTEjfQaO0QAe4wq_sCljB_DhTbyC8LfqvleGlQ2abOuvs6TsUMN8kOZFt8oR440JWjiYKVRnPyEe5b2voYMsiTg6NvSrDNr0N1yKY/s320/IMG_1227.JPG" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sponsor display shown - Parsa Men Skin Care</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another feature of the party was a collection at the outside entrance of the home of several exotic cars which were provided for the evening for guests to view. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Included were a 1957 pink Cadillac Sedan Deville, a two tone vintage Rolls Royce, 1962 black CR
Corvette, Lincoln Limo Super Stretch, 2016 488 red Ferrari Race Car and a
2016 red Ferrari GTB, 2012 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG, 1999 Lamoborghini Diablo
Roadster VT and a 1932 1104 Packard Super 8.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EbfZ4gdjKr__UtIMLV6-i_OR7VoUKFawy8kwzUI6gkE1jfL05JDr8O_7Vj1Qs6N9qaT-ZjqYxi1dipSE27EtJBdYMpjb8mwwpnLvyLGXCtfDzrRWfmtoAW0E60oypioA2W2TinPXkTg/s1600/5.+HP+Cars.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="960" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EbfZ4gdjKr__UtIMLV6-i_OR7VoUKFawy8kwzUI6gkE1jfL05JDr8O_7Vj1Qs6N9qaT-ZjqYxi1dipSE27EtJBdYMpjb8mwwpnLvyLGXCtfDzrRWfmtoAW0E60oypioA2W2TinPXkTg/s640/5.+HP+Cars.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Exotic Car Owners shared some of their collection for viewing</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After viewing the display of sponsors products, the exotic cars, and enjoying the drinks and hors d'oeuvre, the official program began with a video introducing the organization and information about the founder's reason for creating it. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c6NK7gC8lcIqOmmi8JJlFQz0fojFOeyHBZvRGA0XRW9fSL5bGzn3UD-G3ccwPnZmU9fnfo2OgL9myq7lkQ0TbFyYeYFMtccV5Bqd2RHI9VtOGqcEiK-VGR-2pIz1Qaxmisdp3I6NrEU/s1600/1.+Joanna+Marlow%252C+Renata+Moise+and+Crystal+Sparks-cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c6NK7gC8lcIqOmmi8JJlFQz0fojFOeyHBZvRGA0XRW9fSL5bGzn3UD-G3ccwPnZmU9fnfo2OgL9myq7lkQ0TbFyYeYFMtccV5Bqd2RHI9VtOGqcEiK-VGR-2pIz1Qaxmisdp3I6NrEU/s320/1.+Joanna+Marlow%252C+Renata+Moise+and+Crystal+Sparks-cropped.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Joanna Marlow, Renata Moise, & Crystal Sparks</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"By working together we are able to provide financial and educational
support for victims of abuse through safe house connections,
partnerships with other organizations, and through financial
institutions or companies that offer their services/products for those
who want to fight for the improvement of their physical and mental
health and their financial situation; to be able to cherish, enjoy and
love their personal relationships again." - Joanna Marlow </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then the lovely Emcee, Crystal Sparks, said "Hundreds
of years ago, hussar knights fought for their kingdom's freedom on horseback.
Well, our horses look a little different in this millennium. The speed granted by some incredible horsepower gives us the freedom we're celebrating here tonight. Not just horse power but we are also celebrating human power. When we are united we are stronger and more powerful. Only together can we make a change. Everyone in this room shares a passion for speed and power and that is the reason we chose to partner with these organizations. We want to empower victims, speed up the healing process and get them on the road to success." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The event concluded with short speeches by Dominique Schuster, a Member of the Board of Trustees of The Shade Tree, who said "We have provided over 100,000 nights of free shelter to people in danger from abuse, as well as medical care. Walking through the doors every day for example we have women who have doctorate degrees, women who need their GED; women who come from a situation of domestic violence and human trafficking. Our goal is to get them to be self reliant." A special guest from Safe Nest, Phil Kalsman, their V.P. of Philanthropy also spoke briefly. He said "We've got to start talking about domestic violence and we've got to bring an end to it, That's our mission at Safe Nest."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hussarians Power has a website, HussariansPower.org, and anything purchased through the website will benefit the organization. An excerpt from the website says, </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"The colors black in the logo represents pain and darkness and red represents love, specifically love of self. We're fighting for a brighter future.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">" Hussarians Power is a tax exempt 501 (c) (3) Corporation.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEq3Gud9WpZh6UgwxPtMCblGI6vy4qw9dAOeu-GS141HliHPturkPJt6SeAVuuEKXzkhWHzoDWXSmNlsnlP_eLyzsHs1dgvzF3PC0qUKS8ISFNSWYiOrs8G2bnjJcw2OOqsiVEiLxt8No/s1600/IMG_1726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1331" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEq3Gud9WpZh6UgwxPtMCblGI6vy4qw9dAOeu-GS141HliHPturkPJt6SeAVuuEKXzkhWHzoDWXSmNlsnlP_eLyzsHs1dgvzF3PC0qUKS8ISFNSWYiOrs8G2bnjJcw2OOqsiVEiLxt8No/s200/IMG_1726.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-23443144064767327182018-11-08T10:08:00.004-08:002018-11-13T14:25:24.790-08:00Give My Regards...Philip Fortenberry<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Several years ago I was visiting the Liberace Museum along my sister and as we were approaching the end of our visit we were told that it would be closing soon, for good. One of the last performances of a one man show at this location was about to begin. As we entered the museum's cabaret theater I noticed one of Liberace's pianos onstage. A man then sat down at it and played some of Liberace's songs with amazing talent and grace. After that he did something I'll always remember. He said, "I'm going to look around the room at each and every one of you for a few moments and play what sound I feel when I do." He then proceeded to do just that, looking at each person for a few moments and one by one played a melody; some soft and slow, others strong and more up-tempo but all a bit different and incredibly beautiful. That was the first time I ever met Philip Fortenberry. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recently my sister and I repeated the experience of seeing Philip perform a one man show, this time at Myron's Cabaret Jazz. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Philip's one night only show, "Give My Regards," was a salute to the music of Broadway and musical theatre. It was also a story about how that music played a part in his life and career. He shared some of those stories with the audience.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtInDnsPJZXVSrgO_GWlxcZoPnx2_aUpqr6sQ6ZeCFq25e4HTXT9Oc6vx-CM1hzjmsKX7UOu76c5586ty3laTJiCY7ovL6GWW1xq4kkBfl38H5g8Z_8wdGum69SohcS5GaWGCKoPgdHjQ/s1600/10-22-18PhilipFortenberryperformingTheSmithCenterPhotoCreditMyronMartin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="960" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtInDnsPJZXVSrgO_GWlxcZoPnx2_aUpqr6sQ6ZeCFq25e4HTXT9Oc6vx-CM1hzjmsKX7UOu76c5586ty3laTJiCY7ovL6GWW1xq4kkBfl38H5g8Z_8wdGum69SohcS5GaWGCKoPgdHjQ/s400/10-22-18PhilipFortenberryperformingTheSmithCenterPhotoCreditMyronMartin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Philip Fortenberry "Give My Regards"...Photo Credit Myron Martin</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"As a pianist in New York City for many years, and now Las Vegas since 2004, I've been playing the music of Broadway and musical theatre for much of my life. The music in this concert is reflective of my career, and because I have played many of the shows represented, this music is very personal to me. Indeed, I was the original pianist for several of these shows and the first musician to play some of this music. This is respectfully, my own salute to Broadway." - Philip Fortenberry</span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After his opening song Philip told the audience he was born and raised in rural Mississippi. </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He said at the age of four he was outside by himself and suddenly felt this overwhelming urge to go inside and play the piano. He had never played before, and knew nothing about it. They had a piano but nobody ever played it. </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He sat down at it and performed two entire songs. The housekeeper immediately contacted his parents at work and said to come home quick, Philip was playing the piano! That discovery of his gift was the seed that planted his career. Following that experience he took lessons from his aunt, who happened to be one of only two piano teachers in town. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />A</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">fter he graduated from college the</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> first musical he worked on was in Mississippi with Patti Lupone and Kevin Kline. Philip followed that performing in the production "Forbidden Broadway," a spoof of Broadway shows which required constant updates to stay relevant and humorous.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">His next show he was thrilled to be involved in because it was in New York City and a real Broadway show. It was called "Cleavage," but unfortunately as sometimes happens on The Great White Way, it had a very short run, to say the least. </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Following that <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">he toured with a group that performed the music of Andrew Lloyd Weber. Michael Crawford, who was the original "Phantom of the Opera," was part of that tour. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Philip then played some of Weber's music for the audience; <i>Don't Cry for me Argentina</i>, and <i>I don't know how to love him</i>, followed by <i>The Phantom of the Opera</i> and <i>All I Ask of You</i>, among others.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He shared his experience as a musician in "Ragtime" and played a song from that show. After that was a stint in "Seussical the Musical" where Philip worked with Stephen Flaherty and was the first to play the music for that show. He then performed <i>Solla Sallew </i>for the audience. Building on that theme he followed with </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">songs from animated musicals including the theme song from "Beauty and the Beast"<i>, </i><i>A Whole New World</i>, from "Aladdin," and <i>Can you Feel the Love Tonight,</i> from<i> </i>"The Lion King." </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then, mentioning</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Ira Gershwin as another inspiration, Philip performed Gershwin's <i>Embraceable You</i> and <i>Someone to Watch Over Me</i>, among other songs. He then talked about how he lived in New York City during the 9/11 attacks on our country and shared the impact that had on him and his fellow New York City artists and what they did to help cheer people up. He added that not surprisingly </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">the first Broadway hit after 9/11 was the upbeat "Mamma Mia!"... He then played <i>Dancing Queen</i> and <i>Mamma Mia,</i> plus a ballad from that show. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Although he said he has not yet had the chance to play any of their songs as part of a full musical production, he featured some of the music of Rogers and Hammerstein in his show. </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtbgnGZGkE6rhPqKnYlMjPOWEeQ-S5Dyp1Aer62iYkOk2MvaFhg5C2WZA3-Hd3ZpCR80Ub8LQrM1y3Mlr5IIZRzS_v26K50qlILab7BzOZ26dWUhTXo90LFjJA5i9kO-B9DBi0W7wKxY/s1600/8-4-2018DalianChinaPhilipFortenberryConcert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtbgnGZGkE6rhPqKnYlMjPOWEeQ-S5Dyp1Aer62iYkOk2MvaFhg5C2WZA3-Hd3ZpCR80Ub8LQrM1y3Mlr5IIZRzS_v26K50qlILab7BzOZ26dWUhTXo90LFjJA5i9kO-B9DBi0W7wKxY/s400/8-4-2018DalianChinaPhilipFortenberryConcert.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Philip in China...Photo Credit Shelley Mansholt Thomas</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Philip <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">talked about how he had just completed a 14 city tour of China introducing the songs of Broadway to a younger generation. About this trip he said, <i>"As an American pianist with a career in theater, and much of it from the Broadway world specifically, the audiences in China seemed intrigued by every element of that," </i>and<i> "The music of Broadway always has some kind of story, a context in which it is to be shared. The repertoire I performed in China was precisely that, and as a pianist I could allow the power of music as the universal language to share those perspectives."</i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Philip </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">said that although he has performed in amazing venues all over the world, one of his best performances and one of his favorite places to have ever played was the historic Union Station in Washington, D.C. It was specially decorated for a party that night for the late Margaret Thatcher. He had performed <i>Memory </i>with Laurie Beechman who played <i>Grizabella the Glamour Cat</i> in "Cats." Laurie passed away not long after. He closed with <i>Memory</i> as the final song for "Give My Regards." </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Philip Fortenberry is a magnificent pianist. The night was sensational! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Give My Regards" was produced by PK Music</span>. </span></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com2Las Vegas, NV34.95799551319886 -106.435547250000019.43596101319886 -147.74414125 60.480030013198856 -65.126953250000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-61607353964961371492018-10-22T15:18:00.001-07:002018-10-25T11:27:59.572-07:00The Bronx Wanderers <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While getting a drink at the casino bar at Bally's with one of my girlfriends I mentioned to Jimmy the bartender that we were there to see "The Bronx Wanderers." Jimmy said emphatically "Oh you're going to love the show!" I believed him because bartenders know. At least the ones in Las Vegas do. They've seen a lot of acts come and go. If he'd just said "That's a popular show," or "Yeah they're nice guys," I know what that means and it's usually not great. Then a few couples seated around me joined in that they were also there to see the show; all for the second or third time. One guy said he'd seen them in Florida awhile ago before they were a Vegas act and came to town just to see them again.<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Later we were seated at Bally's Windows Showroom, a cabaret style theater, watching "The Bronx Wanderers." The charismatic Vinny Adinolfi, otherwise know as Yo' Vinny declares to the audience "I'm living the dream!" Then he announces the band recently celebrated their two year anniversary as a Las Vegas act. I get the feeling this show is based on the premise that audiences like to feel connected to the performers on stage by hearing about their lives, because that's what they do throughout the night. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Vinny shares his life right from the start. He talks about his journey, first as a teenager wanting to get into show business; then with a low level job at a major label which eventually led to a long career as a successful music producer. After years of that he decided to follow another dream, one that included performing. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He first recruited friends and then later his two sons who now form the core of the band. They played and toured for several years before landing a permanent home in Las Vegas. The production has been a hit with fans since it first came here and I think that is partly due to Vinny's history as a music producer. He knew what songs to include in their set lists, and what kind of vocalists and musicians were needed to create the sound and feel of "The Bronx Wanderers," which by the way is the name of the show and the band. He also made a show out of it and not just a concert of cover songs, which it could have ended up being without the storytelling and multimedia mixed in with the music. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQGzw5YCYPJ7oKviMuj0H0gIav3SDZTUJTdbixByZr1ZKlfE1nX8NMcM_jFqhIfjUVHYXkcjzKaysGQkSuRreizRAaiXCx9ezu8HQandijwlHIXBqZdijvfVEUVwdKmlF80q3KyYWc8k/s1600/bronxwanderersBEST.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="1600" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQGzw5YCYPJ7oKviMuj0H0gIav3SDZTUJTdbixByZr1ZKlfE1nX8NMcM_jFqhIfjUVHYXkcjzKaysGQkSuRreizRAaiXCx9ezu8HQandijwlHIXBqZdijvfVEUVwdKmlF80q3KyYWc8k/s640/bronxwanderersBEST.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">L to R Joe Bari, David Braun, Nicky Stix, Yo' Vinny, Vin. A, and Fernando Tort</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Their talent and skill is obvious early on in with a killer version of <i>Walk Like A Man</i> and a medley of Billy Joel songs. Then </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Vin A. owns as lead vocalist on <i>Bohemian Rhapsody</i>. I just saw Adam Lambert do that song with Queen last month and Vin A. is of the same caliber. He also crushes Brian Setzer's <i>Rock This Town</i>, (and I don't even like that song, but I loved his version). Oh and great touch with wardrobe on that one, white shoes and white and gold guitar. Other highlights include hits by artists John Fogerty and Bruno Mars.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The vocals are only half of it as the musicians are fantastic in this show and <i>are</i> the show, as much as the vocalists. Vinny is a great band lead and host and also plays acoustic guitar. His son Vin A. is the music director, and vocals and keyboard. His other son Nicky Stix (who also performed in <i>Jersey Boys</i>), is as sharp as they come on drums and back up vocals. Joe Bari plays sax, guitar, keyboard, and background vocals. His powerful sax always seemed to come in just at the right time to add something special to certain songs. David Braun on lead guitar and backing vocals has the sound and the swagger, and Fernando Tort is top notch on bass guitar & backing vocals. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlgP_HsDi_rwbTQb4qRynpHaEYf0lzX4AA3a8oYc8dTCdZV_ywxC7UMqwJy6cMHX-FWykQ8nycKTNBRxqFsymIoJHEmDfhl4wMOAmh5WBdzLZM3w8nykNjR-S3MAV_J4L6tpc4zwtc5k/s1600/bronxwandereslogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="700" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlgP_HsDi_rwbTQb4qRynpHaEYf0lzX4AA3a8oYc8dTCdZV_ywxC7UMqwJy6cMHX-FWykQ8nycKTNBRxqFsymIoJHEmDfhl4wMOAmh5WBdzLZM3w8nykNjR-S3MAV_J4L6tpc4zwtc5k/s400/bronxwandereslogo.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Vinny </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">also pays tribute to his wife who has sacrificed a lot for her husband and sons to be on the road all the time pursuing their dream and making music. Classy move to mention that, as it is too often overlooked, the partners behind the performers. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He also says the current band are all former high school classmates of his sons. Vinny talks about his first trip to Vegas at 12 years of age, seeing Elvis perform, and how the seed of his musical career was planted that day and has now come full circle.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This article only highlights some of the show, as there is so much more to it than I've mentioned here. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This show runs nightly at Bally's Hotel & Casino, which means they work seven days a week, every week. Same guys, every day. Hope they don't burn themselves out. We're going to want them here for a very long time. "T</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">he Bronx Wanderers" explode with talent, style and heart!</span></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-51137731370250029672018-10-17T09:16:00.003-07:002018-11-18T18:55:27.002-08:00The Composers Showcase...A Variety of Originals<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last week I attended a recurring musical event that has great word of mouth around town. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Run by composer Keith Thompson of PK Entertainment, "The Composer's Showcase" is the work of several composers, musicians and singers presenting their original work about once a month at <i>Myron's Cabaret Jazz at the Smith Center.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The show first began with a group of musical directors and composers working and living in Las Vegas who wanted to get together and showcase their own new music. That was 12 years ago and it's still going strong. Most are established composers and artists with an occasional up and comer in the mix. This is not an open mic style show but a planned and rehearsed production of a variety of original music.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwNsu6xLVXmaTCtrmAv_lDikPQlmbrHmQkDz4obnmpoVxzf5Nr0RytzOd7zKKtn2jW1cwIyUlCgAdkLVBl3d49Tv5STEX3OVMgAg7yZ7BzNwA164TlZ_8HleHyn-OpG7fHg1Kw0uecE0/s1600/keithtcs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwNsu6xLVXmaTCtrmAv_lDikPQlmbrHmQkDz4obnmpoVxzf5Nr0RytzOd7zKKtn2jW1cwIyUlCgAdkLVBl3d49Tv5STEX3OVMgAg7yZ7BzNwA164TlZ_8HleHyn-OpG7fHg1Kw0uecE0/s640/keithtcs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Keith Thompson, Photo by Ira Kuzma</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Composer Keith Thompson not only produces the event but is also the emcee. Keith</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> opened last week's show with a lighthearted song that set the tone for a night of congenial entertainment. The other half of PK Entertainment, Philip Fortenberry joined some of the acts on piano, appearing and disappearing from the stage (like a brilliant musical ghost).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After Keith was Dr. Mark Wherry who sang with some of his students from College of Southern Nevada. The song was called <i>Financially Made </i>and was a humorous reflection on the rigors of financial aid. His students sounded great and had fun attitude and character in their performance. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next up was </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jordan Sanders who sang her original song <i>Man in the Moon</i> while playing guitar. Jordan is a student at Las Vegas Academy and her voice is enchanting. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jeff Leibow sat down at the piano and shared a meaningful song he wrote about the loss of a baby six years ago called <i>Lost Soul.</i> It was sorrowful and comforting at the same time because it had an uplifting message about lost souls ultimately finding their way home. It takes a lot for a performer to share something so personal and I think that means a lot to an audience. It did to me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />After him </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">one of my favorite composers Michelle Johnson sang a song she wrote on a bus while touring many years ago about a dead end relationship...<i>I Don't Make Your Heart Sing</i>. Spellbinding as always, I enjoy when Michelle shares some of her original music (like she did at her most recent show at Myron's this past summer). Michelle then had a surprise for us all and introduced Lousie Goffin who performed one of her songs, <i>The Last Time I Saw my Sister</i>, from her upcoming album "All These Hellos."<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dennis Blair inspired chuckles with his comedic song <i>It's Not A Good Idea, </i>about a man who obviously does not think he should marry his girlfriend! This performance featured Joey Singer on piano. Although touted as a comedian, Dennis is also an excellent singer, as proven on his most recent album <i>Hapless Romantic</i>.</span></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A dynamic performance of his song <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Explode</i> by <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kyle Khou, was a hit with the crowd as well. Kyle was an American Idol finalist and has an album out titled "No Boxes." </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Focusing on the Halloween month that is October, Rylan Leo Helmuth debuted what I'll refer to as a spooky horror opera style song that I don't recall the name of but involved powerfully talented singers and a string section which added a haunting depth. I get scared easily so I had to busy myself with my Bento Box and cocktail, (Myron's serves food and drinks during shows).</span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then Matt Dorman introduced Betsy Holms who sang <i>Empty House</i>, a beautifully done version of a classic country song reminiscent of Tammy Wynette. Following her was </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Halsey Harkins who sat down at the piano and shared her song <i>Technicolor Shades;</i> which she said<i> </i>came to her after seeing someone desperately intoxicated, and the melancholy surrounding that moment.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of my favorites of the night was a song by Keith Thompson that he said he wrote years ago when going through an especially self reflective time. It's called <i>I Am The Song, </i>about meaning in life and spreading light. Philip Fortenberry was on piano and David Warner on what they referred to as a harp cello. I mentioned to Keith after the show how touching his song was and he said, "Thank you that was hard for me to do. I'm usually joking around and this song shows a more serious side of me."</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Elijah Rock with Uli Geissendoerfer Photo by PK Entertainment</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Closing the show was<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Elijah Rock. It was his first appearance at this event and he was rocking the white tux style jacket with black trim exceptionally well, not to mention his voice and vocal style! Accompanied by Uli Geissendoerfer he sang <i>Matters of the Heart</i> then <i>New York in the Springtime. </i> Elijah's new album is "Gershwin for My Soul." Elijah's motto, "Keeping Thine Eyes to the Future and Thy Ears to the Past," fits him well. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I absolutely loved this production. With it's eclectic style, congenial feel and high caliber performances, "The Composer's Showcase" makes its own kind of magic.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">October 10 "The Composers Showcase", Dennis Blair, Matt Dorman, Uli Geissendoerfer, Louise Goffin, Halsey Harkins, Rylan Leo Helmuth, Marisa Johnson, Michelle Johnson, Kyle Khou, Jeff Leibow, Elijah Rock, Jordan Sanders, Ketih Thompson, Mark Wherry. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The performers were Thomas Calvin, Sam Holder, Betsy Holms, Jenelle Magbutay, Gret Menzies, Karsten Pudwill, Coco Lane Rigbye, Jolana Sampson, Ashley Stone, Rachel Tyler. </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The show included some performers and musicians not mentioned here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"The Composer's Showcase" is now a Nevada nonprofit. </span></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-56462262967905119862018-10-08T17:14:00.000-07:002018-10-08T20:37:31.835-07:00Comedy Cellar Continued<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Comedy Cellar Las Vegas opened about six months ago and has been finding its footing ever since. I like CCLV because they capture the spirit, energy and spontaneous nature of the original Comedy Cellar New York with their intimate venue, constant action, diverse talent and occasional surprises.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Saturday <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">night the audience was treated to one of those surprises. Before I get to that I want to compliment the nightly emcee, Mark Cohen who by now seems very much at home here. This was my third visit to the club and Mark opened the show with his usual audience riffing which includes banter with some of the Las Vegas locals who frequent the Comedy Cellar as well as tourists; who always provide ripe material for what they refer to in the comedy business as <i>crowd work</i>. Mark is funny and high energy without appearing to be trying too hard. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Matteo, Leo, Traci, Rocky, Mark - Photo from @traciskene</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mark had a special surprise for us last night. Just a comedian stopping by for a short set who turned out to be comedy legend Ray Romano! Sporting a mustache for his current role in the TV Series <i>Get Shorty</i>, he mentioned he enjoyed being at the Comedy Cellar Las Vegas since he had actually gotten his start at the Comedy Cellar in New York about 25 years ago. Ray wondered about the need for wake up calls in Vegas, (considering nobody ever goes to bed), bemoaned the effects of aging on the sex life with a particularly funny reference to current events, as well as some improvisation about needing more doctors as friends at his age, since he always seems to need one anyway. They don't allow recording at the Comedy Cellar so I have no photos of his set...I actually like that rule. Keeps things real time.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ray Romano was actually the second comedian to perform that night. First up was Rocky Dale Davis, a funny southerner who claims he's 25, but looks much older, or so he says. He performed before Ray so was the only comic that didn't have to follow a legend in the line-up. That's probably why he seemed so relaxed. Or maybe it's just the Southern accent. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next up was Leo Flowers, who is really not that ambitious. I'm not insulting him, just repeating his catchphrase and the basis of his act. He also reminds women they don't want a man who is too ambitious, and his reasons are funny but also ring true. Leo also talks about how his mother came to the U.S. illegally from Belize. That was a brave statement, or joke, not sure which one, but still courageous material to present in today's political climate. I liked Leo, but he was not as relaxed as Rocky...probably because he had to follow Ray Romano!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Following Leo was Traci Skene, who talks about the ups and downs of being 53. Yes, it's true, she admitted her actual age. Another brave comic! There are quite a few hilarious "shares" here, as she explains the pitfalls but also the advantages, such as the fact that a woman over 50 is less likely to be abducted by a serial killer! She also talks about how nobody over 40 wants to "make love all night long" like in the love songs, (more like about 30 minutes). Traci has great material and excellent segues from bit to bit, and although not as mainstream famous as Ray Romano, every bit a pro and has been for a long time.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Matteo Lane closed out the night. I saw him earlier this year at Comedy Cellar. He's a delight. Matteo is funny, snide but also upbeat, and super gay in the best possible way. He talks about the fact that his brother is also gay and how that is like a "second Vietnam" to their father. Aww, I felt kind of bad laughing about that one, but I did. He talks about how he watches Ghost Hunters but wonders why they have never in 16 seasons caught even one ghost! I like Matteo as a show closer because his high energy pumps up the crowd as we all spill out of the club and into the casino. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://hollywoodunderdog.blogspot.com/2018/05/comedy-cellar-las-vegas.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Comedy Cellar Las Vegas 5-11-18</span></a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-12416067432050430352018-07-22T21:20:00.000-07:002018-08-07T09:24:29.166-07:00We Do: A Chester Bennington Documentary<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What
happens to the millions of fans who are left behind when a rock star suddenly dies? About one year ago on July 20, 2017 Chester Bennington, who was lead singer of the internationally renowned band Linkin Park,
committed suicide. </span> <i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Matthew Vinaja was one of the fans affected by Chester's death. In the intro to his documentary, <i><b>We Do: A Chester Bennington Documentary</b>,</i> he talks about how after finding out about Chester's suicide he listened constantly to his music and drove himself crazy thinking about it. Matthew said what helped him most was talking to other fans. "An idea then came to me. I decided to make a documentary. Not about <i>Linkin Park</i>, or even about Chester Bennington, but about the fans." Matthew chose five of Chester's fans who were brave enough to share their stories of the effect his death has had on them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have never followed <i>Linkin Park</i>, and could only ever name one or two of their songs, but after watching this documentary I understand their music so much better that I am now also a fan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">The five fans featured in <i>We Do </i>are Andy Cool, Mary Winning, Kristine Escobedo, Phil Donney, and Adrienne McQueen, (who is also Executive Producer). In<i> </i>it they talk about what it was like to find out about the tragic suicide of a musician that they loved, felt close to and whose lyrics got them through some of their life's darkest times. "I screamed like I've never heard myself scream," says Adrienne, "The first thing I thought was this has to be a hoax," said Phil. "I just kept thinking the real news will come out soon," added Andy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">About the days that followed and it sunk in that Chester was gone Phil had this to say, "There's a lot of different factors that go into not only mourning a celebrity but mourning someone whose committed suicide so there's that anger and resentment to it." Adrienne added, "I felt really sick. I couldn't really speak to a lot of people, especially people who didn't really understand me." Mary couldn't really work so she browsed the internet trying to figure out how and why he could do it. Andy pissed off friends because he was all over the place emotionally. "It felt like we were all sort of thrown into this macro grieving process together," added Phil.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">In <i>We Do</i>, the fans also talk about how it felt to listen to <i>Linkin Park's</i> music after losing Chester.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grieving fans from We Do: A Chester Bennington Documentary</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">A variety of memorials followed Chester's death. Each of the five fans in the documentary attended at least one of them, some of them two or three. "I attended one in Berlin, my hometown." Mary said. Andy helped organize and performed at the one in L.A. and in Las Vegas. Adrienne attended three, including the one in Las Vegas at Club Tattoo, where she also performed. (I also attended the one in Las Vegas. Adrienne is a long time friend of mine, and I had never before seen her this devastated by the loss of an artist, so I showed up to support her.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">To me, the most meaningful part of <i>We Do </i>is when the fans talk about how much the <i>LP</i> <i>Family </i>means to them. What started out as random <i>Linkin Park</i> fans turning to each other for comfort became a source for meaningful friendships and an ad hoc support group for those mourning the loss of the band's front man. "I'm very happy they're out there and I've met them and they understand, says Adrienne. Kristine adds "Without this community I think I'd be lost. When I was down they brought me right back up." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">In the documentary the fans also share their advice for others on how to handle the loss of a favorite musician or artist, and speak about what helped them get through theirs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Near the end of <i>We Do</i>, Matthew sums it up with this message, </span><span style="font-family: "arial";">"Chester told us the one thing that can't be defeated is love. We have to make him proud by continuing supporting each other, loving each other and inspiring each other. We're all in this together." </span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "arial";">We Do: A Chester Bennington Documentary </span></b></i><span style="font-family: "arial";">Link below</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><a href="https://vimeo.com/280783789">https://vimeo.com/2807837 We Do: A Chester Bennington Documentary</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copyright Anna Wendt 2018</span></span>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-30210849273076299302018-07-05T21:47:00.001-07:002018-07-16T22:07:15.386-07:00Michelle Johnson's Salute to the Great Singer-Songwriters<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Michelle Johnson performed her "Salute to the Great Singer-Songwriters" last Friday night at Myron's Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've known Michelle for a few years now. We met when I first wrote about her as part of an ensemble cast in "Divorce Party" at Bally's. She is multi-talented and always involved in a lot of different things, but I've noticed recently she seems to have zeroed in on singing as her main focus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After kicking off the show and opening song, <i>This Is It</i> by Kenny Loggins, Michelle dealt with a wardrobe malfunction by joking about it and moving on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She then went on to talk about some of the singer-songwriters that inspired her from a young age like James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, and Carole King. This was followed by her especially poignant version of <i>Both Sides Now</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Michelle
shared that she also has written a lot of her own songs. Recently, after playing a few for Grammy Award Winning Producer Kamau
Kenyatta he encouraged her to record them, and so they are now working
on an album of her originals. She then sat down at the piano to play and sing one of these songs. It was a touching ballad about being "All In."</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Michelle Johnson Myron's Cabaret Jazz photo by Ira Kuzma</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">During the show she also sang one of my favorite Joni Mitchell numbers <i>Big Yellow Taxi,</i> while weaving in a little scat here and there. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was pleased Michelle also included Tracy Chapman, who is someone I personally never hear enough of. The song was <i>Fast Car</i>, which we all know is not really a song about a car but about getting out of a rut and changing the direction of one's future. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of the highlights of the show and most enjoyable renditions of a song I've ever heard was <i>Serve Somebody</i> by Bob Dylan. Michelle did this as a what I can only describe as a disco gospel style, and with the band and backup singers, it was the best blend of all of the onstage talent of the night!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Michelle has worked with many well known singer-songwriters over the years. Near the end of the show she talked about one time in particular when she sang <i>Hey Jude</i> at the Hollywood Bowl as part of an All Star fundraiser with none other than Paul McCartney<i>.</i> She told this story intermittently while singing the song<i>.</i> It all built up to a beautiful climax and the audience seemed to love it, as did I. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Michelle Johnson's next show, "Tapestry Unraveled," which is a tribute to Carole King will be back at Myron's Cabaret Jazz on November 18, 2018</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Michelle Johnson's Tribute to Singer-Songwriters</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Musical Director Jeff Neiman</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Singers Gret Menzies Gonzalez, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Jassen Allen, Jolana Sampson-Adamson</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Band Pablo Gadda, Walter Jones, Don Meoli</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> </i> </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-73328913024179351752018-07-02T17:57:00.002-07:002018-08-28T12:24:38.078-07:00The Cocktail Cabaret Celebrates 100th Performance<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I've been a fan of "The Cocktail Cabaret" since it opened last winter. The show is cabaret style with a touch of modern flair and has a start time of 6pm, which makes it the perfect kick off to an evening out in Las Vegas. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Before the 100th performance celebration of the show Friday night I was chatting with Derek and Hailey, a couple from Kansas seated at our table with us. Hailey said to me "I told Derek I wanted to do something tonight we've never done, and we've never been to a cabaret show, so I chose this."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">For those like Hailey who are not familiar, a cabaret show is one usually performed by an ensemble that involves song, dance and banter in an intimate venue. When talking before the show with host and performer Eric Jordan Young I asked what he likes most about performing in "The Cocktail Cabaret" and he said, "Actually the whole show in its entirety because many people don't know what cabaret style is, that it's audience interactive, and we get to show them that."</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">L to R Philip Fortenberry, Daniel Emmet, Niki Scalera, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Keith Thompson, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Maren Wade, Eric Jordan Young Photo credit: Ross Kyker Photo</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The show starts with a rousing performance of the original song "Cocktail Cabaret." Written by Keith Thompson, the song sets the tone and brands this show as its own unique production and much more than a night of cabaret style compositions of popular hits. After that Maren Wade slinks onstage and into her slow tempo ve</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">rsion of <i>Girls Just Wanna Have Fun</i>, followed by another original from Thompson, <i>The Man at the Piano </i>which is an interactive duet with Philip Fortenberry and Daniel Emmet (a current season contestant on "America's Got Talent"). </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The next highlight for me was the duet with Young and Emmet of <i>Now or Never</i> which becomes a bit competitive between the two, but don't worry it's all part of the act! By the time Niki Scalera lifts her bedazzled arm high to launch into her chilling version of <i>Diamonds are Forever</i>, the audience is fully engaged in this production for the remaining of the 19 songs and medleys; some even breaking into mid show spontaneous standing ovations. After one of Daniel Emmet's songs where he went back and forth between English and Italian lyrics, Hailey leaned over to me and said, "He just brought tears to my eyes."</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">By the time the show was nearing the end with a dynamic rendition of <i>Raise Your Glass, </i>our table of four was in high spirits. After exchanging contact information with our new friends, my husband and I headed out of the venue and on to the rest of the evening carrying with us the bubbly energy of "The Cocktail Cabaret."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">"The
Cocktail Cabaret" was created by the founders of PK Entertainment, Keith Thompson ("Jersey Boys," "The Composer's Showcase") and Philip Fortenberry, (award winning pianist with multiple Broadway credits). The band is Josh Jones, Don Meoli and Eric Tewalt. It </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">runs about 70 minutes with no intermission in the 150 seat floating Cleopatra's Barge lounge at Caesars Palace. Wednesdays - Saturdays 6pm </span></span></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-43720861765472483772018-06-19T23:03:00.000-07:002018-06-20T06:28:04.840-07:00NHL Awards and NHL Gaming World Championship 2018<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <i>2018 NHL Awards</i> will air live on June 20 from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on NBCSN and Sportsnet at 5pm PT/8pm ET. Las Vegas has hosted the show several times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm working as a Stand In again this year for some of the presenters and nominees. I can't believe it was only a year ago that Las Vegas created our new team, the <i>Las Vegas Golden Knights</i> by way of the NHL Expansion Draft, which was televised live during the 2017 NHL Awards. It made the show especially exciting to be a part of.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Little
did we know then that our new team would go all the way to the Stanley
Cup Finals their first year and become the most successful expansion
team in the history of professional sports!</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of the 12 NHL Awards being presented, four VGK Members are nominated. These include Players William Karlsson and Deryk Engelland, Coach Gerard Gallant and General Manager George McPhee. Let's hope all of them have an NHL Award to add to their accomplishments this past season!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many of us here in Las Vegas will always appreciate the <i>National Hockey League</i> for allowing us to have our first Major League Sports Team. It's been a wonderful addition to our city and has bonded our community in ways we didn't imagine a year ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There's another element that's brand new to the NHL Awards this year. The Inaugural <i>NHL</i> <i>Gaming World Championship </i>which was held earlier tonight at the new 30,000 square foot Allied ESports Arena at the Luxor Hotel and Casino here in Las Vegas. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The winner was
Erik Tammenpaa from Finland who was awarded the $50,000 prize after
defeating United States player David Roebuck in a best-of-3 final. For those
who may not know what this event is about, it's an NHL ESports
Championship where players compete against others from all over the
world in hockey video gaming in front of an audience of international fans.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSWfSARjjKkoNg3n5my9z6fcIPFj0K-aH4M3neLe19ODdCoPpUPUrE2kEnJeAsDtVj6OPO5M1pXK4AeazfTYiJF1EMJ9z1e5K-DaySL7Bpk1w1pfjmeUilS3mciAaHrXGw6klkYZ5VdM/s1600/IMG_0778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="622" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSWfSARjjKkoNg3n5my9z6fcIPFj0K-aH4M3neLe19ODdCoPpUPUrE2kEnJeAsDtVj6OPO5M1pXK4AeazfTYiJF1EMJ9z1e5K-DaySL7Bpk1w1pfjmeUilS3mciAaHrXGw6klkYZ5VdM/s320/IMG_0778.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First ever NHL Gaming World Champion Erik Tammenpaa</span></td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-79183797694899003282018-06-15T14:15:00.001-07:002018-07-16T22:07:39.288-07:00Little by Little...Catching up with Rich Little<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here in Las Vegas Rich Little performs his show at the Tropicana's Laugh Factory three days a week. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I checked out <i>Rich Little Live in Las Vegas</i> the other night, and had a chance to chat with him a bit afterwards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Because he's been performing for over 50 years most people know him best from specials like the <i>Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts</i>. This was the case for me and my siblings. We'd sit cross legged in our pajamas in front of the TV with our parents and watch him impersonate and mingle with celebrities and presidents while we giggled over his witty impressions, jokes and banter. The other night after his show my sister said to me "That's how I knew who so many American Presidents were, from Rich Little's impersonations. He was the only one who made politicians interesting to me as a kid!"</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJee6g6s6WjnuK28n4KObgZ01YCxQfNlF7ymV1unpeqk7fZvrjUS3hBBgH-erzh5So-eemm3h64YZeYByNGupJFZOIwYoUtzqoTYjHq8jWwwjLccE1SG3ZNxrw4HquZJD9LDCZ_QOLaJE/s1600/IMG_0646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1058" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJee6g6s6WjnuK28n4KObgZ01YCxQfNlF7ymV1unpeqk7fZvrjUS3hBBgH-erzh5So-eemm3h64YZeYByNGupJFZOIwYoUtzqoTYjHq8jWwwjLccE1SG3ZNxrw4HquZJD9LDCZ_QOLaJE/s320/IMG_0646.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rich Little, Las Vegas June 2018</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">When writing about a performer such as Rich Little it's tempting to share a lot of their life stories and accomplishments. But then the article can end up looking like a Wikipedia page. So I'll just concentrate on his current show. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">I like the Laugh Factory venue for him because it's a classic comedy club with an intimate stage and seating. There's no real separation between Little and the audience which makes the experience feel warm and personal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">The show starts promptly at 7pm as he is introduced by a distant voice. There's no pre-show video or warm up act. He just walks in the room like an uncle showing up for dinner with a gentle smile.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Then he proceeds to talk about his career interwoven with impressions of the comedy legends, presidents and entertainers he's worked with over the years. This includes Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dean Martin, Jimmy Stewart, Bette Davis and so many more. This is augmented with video, audio and even his own sketches of his subjects; all of which add a rich dimension to his intimate production. He doesn't brag about his career but rather amuses, entertains and enlightens. I never sensed a big ego, or if he has one he doesn't bring it to the performance. Rich Little's show is the perfect blend of impressions, jokes and storytelling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">It's surreal to experience some of these celebrities that Little does because it's more than an impersonation;<i> that</i> he perfected long ago. It's how he captures the essence of his subjects, which is not easy because it's not a tangible factor that can be used in studying a person and how to emulate them. In this way he's really an actor first, impersonator second, and that's what I like the most about him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">During the show he commented on how quiet we were at times as an audience and joked if we were even awake, but it was just that we were listening intently. After all it's when the audience is restless that one should worry! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7bN2oYiEHRWCiwdX_cPLhit5vQ1dfY9uVmiQD7ja46nbIuR2basxwYsd3ihb0LlcSxRg1ORizzu3QSUbwcNxUl-zQhZlZT5LZgJAXbICIQNmVZTH7wzh69CxKLyte0Kb9jn5yTSxVUA/s1600/IMG_0654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="1320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7bN2oYiEHRWCiwdX_cPLhit5vQ1dfY9uVmiQD7ja46nbIuR2basxwYsd3ihb0LlcSxRg1ORizzu3QSUbwcNxUl-zQhZlZT5LZgJAXbICIQNmVZTH7wzh69CxKLyte0Kb9jn5yTSxVUA/s200/IMG_0654.jpg" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Me, Rich Little, Karen Wendt</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Afterwards I asked him which president he liked impersonating the most and he said "<i>Oh Ronald Reagan. He had the best sense of humor of them all. Ronald Reagan told me my impersonations of him were so good that one day when he dies they'll probably bury me instead!</i>" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">I bought his book <i>Little by Little: People I've Known and Been,</i> and asked him to sign it to give to my father but ended up reading it myself too. It's both parts funny and poignant. He shares insights into show business and some legendary people that only someone with his experience and perspective can.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><i>Rich Little Live in Las Vegas </i></span><span style="font-family: "arial";">at the Tropicana</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-3584695931010596762018-06-12T10:39:00.001-07:002018-06-12T11:03:00.975-07:00How Voting is Keeping Up with the Times<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Did you know that now in some states you can vote while shopping or working out? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today I voted in a state primary election and was pleased to see that my county, (Clark County, Nevada) has made it much easier to vote by installing Voting Centers everywhere!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had over 172 choices on where to vote today and was not in any way limited to a precinct or even a section of town. Locations I could have voted included shopping malls and recreation centers in addition to the usual churches and schools. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Currently thirteen states allow jurisdiction to use these multiple voting center formats. </span></span>I think this change will make a noticeable difference in the numbers who turn out to vote in ALL elections, whatever a person's political party or choices of candidates may be. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Also, although I did not choose to vote early there were several choices for that option that were not limited to a precinct or one location. Of course you can still vote by mail if registered for that particular option, but this article is about voting in person.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am pleased to have personally experienced this new voting process and look forward to seeing future evolution of voting procedures locally and nationwide. </span></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-52661266845431646392018-06-04T14:58:00.001-07:002018-06-28T12:35:25.149-07:00Marilyn The New Musical<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The late Marilyn Monroe is a legend to so many but it takes someone with both passion and courage to create a musical based on her life. Although she died over fifty years ago she remains a Hollywood Icon and is still of interest to both men and women worldwide. Movies, books and songs have been written about her and merchandise with her likeness continues to sell in large numbers. Marilyn Monroe's style is timeless. You can't say that about many.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tegan Summer who is the Writer, Producer, and Director of <i>Marilyn The New Musical</i> is a classic film and stage enthusiast who says he has always been fascinated by Marilyn Monroe. Not the star but who she was when the cameras were turned off, which fueled his desire to write this show. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Co-Prod</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ucer Michael Donovan secured the fantastic cast and Gregory Nabours provided additional songs and lyrics. Choreography by Ferly Prado.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Friday night was the official premier of <i>Marilyn The New Musical</i> in Las Vegas at the Paris Theater. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This
show is a fully authorized production by Authentic Brands Group, which owns the estate of Marilyn Monroe. </span>Although it has been previously worked on in both Vegas and L.A., the show officially debuted on the Las Vegas Strip.<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think love and work are the only things that really happen to us. - Marilyn Monroe</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is incredibly challenging to bring an original musical to the stage. Very few are willing to take a
chance on a new show because they want guaranteed formulas for hits. I'm pleased that in this case Prospect House
Entertainment and Caesars Entertainment did. There's no reason
Las Vegas can't originate major Broadway style productions. Anyone who
says otherwise has probably never seen or met any of the high caliber talent including writers, directors and producers who live here.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is truth and honesty to this show that touched me. Set and stage adjustments could make it more powerful but the talent, the songs and the story are all there. So was an eight piece orchestra that helped create the feeling of going back to another time and place. It all gets to the heart of who Marilyn Monroe was and what it was like during her life to be a woman on her own in show business back when men ran everything. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The story opens with Marilyn's driver Charlie, (the talented and melodic Frank Lawson) singing how he's got <i>The Best Job in Town</i> but also humorously bemoaning the fact that because Marilyn is always late he is always waiting. Charlie continues as narrator throughout. Many times the household staff of famous people know them better than anyone else and in such this character provides a unique perspective. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are then introduced to Norma Jeane at age 16, before she was Marilyn (played by Brittney Bertier). We see she is being sent away from her foster home and told she has nowhere else to go so she should marry her neighbor Jim. I would have liked the story of Norma Jeane to be a little longer and show us more of the adolescence that shaped her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Norma Jeane continues to appear throughout the show as a shadow following Marilyn as she goes through life. This scenario works. The Norma Jeane and Marilyn combo has been used before in other productions. It's a relatable theme, as many of us adults try to shed who we were as children, with varying levels of success. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ruby Lewis as Marilyn Monroe</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We then meet Ruby Lewis, our Marilyn Monroe. A lot of actresses think they can portray her but that is only true if they understand Marilyn on a deep level, and also have that X factor that Marilyn possessed. A women who plays her has to internalize her history of having been sexually abused and neglected with lifetime problems of anxiety, insomnia, and addiction. Yet also being someone who continued to strive to succeed. Ruby embodies this. She's a real talent and although at times she sang like Marilyn and other times much better than Marilyn ever did, it worked and the audience was quick to applause even at times shouting out their enthusiasm after a number. Especially in songs such as <i>The Time of My Life</i>, <i>Someone Else Ago</i>, and <i>Don't Wanna Be Me</i>. Ruby is in better shape than Marilyn was and she'd be best served not to get any thinner in this role so as to not lose the Marilyn-esque curves that define her physical persona.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I once wrote in an article about Marilyn she was not only sexy but was funny as hell. Anyone who has seen "Some Like It Hot" would not dispute that. Little of this side of her is shown in the production but is an element I would have liked to have seen more of because it truly helped set her apart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This show highlights some of her dealings with men such as the tyrannical studio head Darryl Zanuck, (played by the ever potent </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Randal Keith), and her first shoot with photographer Milton Greene who would later become a partner in her production company, (portrayed by gifted vocalist Travis Cloer). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It also sheds light on some of her most meaningful relationships such as her first love Bill Pursel (Chris Fore), a man who </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">wanted to save her, but also wanted her out of the spotlight, as many men after him would; and her ill fated marriages to Joe Di Maggio (Christopher Showerman), and Arthur Miller (Matthew Tyler). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was also a lovely performance of <i>I Ain't Stoppin'</i>, by Chanel Edwards-Frederick as Ella Fitzgerald in a little known story about her and Marilyn performing at the same venue. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Was Marilyn Monroe's life a success or a tragedy? It think it was both, like many people's. Monroe has been quoted as saying <i>Hollywood is a place that will pay
you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul.</i> She was right. It's a beautiful and ugly business at the same time and you've got to have backbone to survive it intact. In Marilyn's case perhaps if she'd had lasting love and been able to have a child, which she very much wanted, she would have had the long life of some of her contemporaries like Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren. But that was not to be. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was pleased the show didn't end on the death scene. She was so much more than the moment she slipped away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://hollywoodunderdog.blogspot.com/2012/08/legacy-of-bombshell.html">Hollywood-Underdog.com "Legacy of A Bombshell"</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716837126417077320.post-32081640509706285502018-05-29T11:58:00.002-07:002018-07-07T10:22:14.745-07:00Why Las Vegas has Golden Knights Fever<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Las Vegas waited so long for a major league sports team that the Las Vegas Golden Knights would have had plenty of fans here no matter how their first season went. I don't think any of us locals imagined that our new team would blow away the competition and end up in the Stanley Cup Finals their first year, so we're eating up every bit of their success!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last June, as in previous years I worked as a stand in on the NHL Awards, this time for NHL correspondent Kathryn Tappen. I participated in the rehearsal of the NHL Expansion Draft in her place. The Draft was to be televised live during the awards show. Here were all these draft picks from other NHL teams coming up on the board. All of these guys were about to be part of something completely new, a team, OUR team, named the Las Vegas Golden Knights. I wondered how these players felt, were they excited or wary of this new chapter in their careers? Of course I didn't wonder for long as now they're having the season of a lifetime!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIebv80GNAadSSIBhBd-XOxf2tPIqKtcXz37mJ8YTawfRiLVCYgK3b9TN76DifRmyRDkTEa4PtE0BFPdgDMFS8EkFtoZozabUWYdt6r4AgY5O9i0YPj_BYsPjZViKRG8FVs0p0AuMk3Q/s1600/IMG_1442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIebv80GNAadSSIBhBd-XOxf2tPIqKtcXz37mJ8YTawfRiLVCYgK3b9TN76DifRmyRDkTEa4PtE0BFPdgDMFS8EkFtoZozabUWYdt6r4AgY5O9i0YPj_BYsPjZViKRG8FVs0p0AuMk3Q/s400/IMG_1442.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Me with Cathy, Beth, & Samantha, three generations of Knights fans!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the things I noticed early on was the way the Golden Knights embedded themselves in our community. And I don't just mean after the Route 91 tragedy. Even before that they were having open practices at their practice facility <i>City National Arena</i>, and holding some fan and season ticket holder events around town. The owners of the team must have known that the people of Las Vegas needed to feel like a part of this team and the players needed our support in return for the team to thrive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yesterday morning, the day of the first Stanley Cup Finals, the Golden Knights tweeted as they sometimes do, a surprise open practice for up to 600 people. My husband and I jumped in the car and checked it out as we live close by. The place was full of fans, a DJ playing fun beats and the Arsenal (the VGK apparel shop) was packed with people suiting up for the finals. I chatted with fans like Cathy, Beth and Samantha, a Grandmother, Mother and Daughter representing three generations enjoying the morning together, bonding all season over their love of the Golden Knights. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last September we also attended an open practice. Back then there was a feeling of excitement but also a bit of uncertainty. Las Vegas had wanted major league sports for so long, but how would it all work out? Well now we know. We know the feeling that other cities have had for decades. The excitement that a pro sports team can bring to a town and the good times and friendships its presence helps create. Whatever happens in the rest of the Stanley Cup Finals, Las Vegas is forever changed for the better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Go Knights Go! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nhl.com/goldenknights">NHL.com/goldenknights</a></span></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">HOLLYWOODUNDERDOG.BLOGSPOT.COM</div>Anna Wendthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16056818239746196335noreply@blogger.com1