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Wednesday, April 3, 2024

DIETRICH - A one-woman show to honor Marlene Dietrich, debuts at Santa Monica Playhouse.

                                                                      

Director Mitch Levine and Cindy Marinangel.

                                     
CINDY MARINANGEL is DIETRICH
for three nights.
A Guest Production in The Other Space at Santa Monica Playhouse.
April 2, 9, 16, 2024 @ 7:30pm.

A one-woman show, which music honors the Golden Age of the Hollywood Film star, Marlene Dietrich.
Produced by Sea Angel Productions, LLC with Mitch Levine Directing.

 Images from opening night April 2, by Karen Ostlund
 
Santa Monica CA- (WestHollywoodToday.blog, April 3, 2024) – Cindy Marinangel is DIETRICH in a compelling 75 minutes one-woman show about iconic film star and German actress Marlene Dietrich, scheduled to show 3 dates in April as a guest production in The Other Space at Santa Monica Playhouse.  www.dietrichplay.com
                                                                                
Sofia Milos and Cindy Marinangel.

The play DIETRICH, written by Willard Manus, starring Cindy Marinangel, directed by Mitch Levine and produced by Sea Angel Productions, is based on a true story.  Set in May 1960, the play takes place when the international icon returned to the Berlin stage for the first time since fleeing the Hitler regime in the 1930’s.

Inside her dressing room at the Tatania - Palast Theater, Dietrich weighs whether to go through with the live performance despite threats on her life by Nazi sympathizers. They accused Dietrich for having spent much of World War II entertaining American soldiers on the front lines.  To them, she as a turncoat; a traitor.
                                                                            
Melissa Niece Smith and Kathy Kolla.
"The idea came during Covid-19 to purchase the rights to DIETRICH, the 75-minute solo show with music that she produced and starred in", said Cindy Marinangel.
Cindy is known for singing and performing as Marlene Dietrich in Times Square International Peace Day. She also did an hour-long cabaret show as the legend, including her recent appearance at the Mid Atlantic Air Show's World War II weekend.
                                                                            
 Lauren Samuels.
Marlene Dietrich is famous for starring in seven films with Jewish director Josef von Sternberg from 1930 to 1935. 
She also donated her entire film salary from A FOREIGN AFFAIR to help Jews come to America and secure housing and jobs, and sold more WWII bonds than anyone else. Marlene was awarded the Israeli Medallion of Valor in 1965, becoming both the first German-born person and the first woman to receive such an honor.
                                                                               

Robert Miles, Molly Basler and Albert Epstein.


Dietrich, moved to Hollywood, California before the Nazis’ rise to power. She enraged the Hitler regime by becoming an American citizen in 1937.
 That conflict stayed for years as the actress continued to show sensitivity to Jews, after the end of the war. During a 1960 visit to Israel, she asked the audience’s permission before singing in German, according to the Central Zionist Archives.
                                                                           
Karen Ostlund reporting on DIETRICH.
The play DIETRICH (formerly known as MARLENE) celebrated its World Premiere at the Brickhouse Theater in Los Angeles, debuted in New York at the Hudson Guild Theater as part of the New York Theater Festival’s annual Winterfest. It was selected for the New York-New Works Theater Festival at the Acorn Theater on Theater Row.
The play also made success at The Triad Theater, a celebrated Off-Broadway house.
TICKETS, SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE, THE OTHER SPACE, 1211 4TH, SANTA MONICA:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dietrich-tickets-855879056297?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

WOW! Creations Annual Oscar Lifestyle Gifting Suite 2024 at Universal Hilton.

 (WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, March 12 2024) By Karen Ostlund   

WOW! Creations Annual Oscar Lifestyle Gifting Suite at Universal Hilton 2024. 

                                                                

Mark and Mathew Harris from WOW Creations with Troy Quane and Karen Ryan, both Oscar Nominee for Best Animated Film "Nimona”


WOW! Creations Annual Lifestyle Gifting Suite was held at Universal Hilton Hotel, March 8  to celebrate  Oscar Awards, March 10 2024.

                                                                      
Classical trained harpist Karina www.harpbykarina.com entertained guests, while they enjoyed "Dream Weaver" Sparkling Wine by TobinJames.com DosCUATES Agave Wine from www.cnjwineandspirits.com and India's Vegan Vodka by SmokeLabofficial.com

                                                                           
Donna Mills at DosCUATES Agave Wine.


This year’s charity was presented by www.youreverydayaction.org
Every Day Action is the nonprofit film industry standard for reducing food waste on film-sets, that cannot be refrigerated, while helping hunger right here in L.A. They pick up surplus food from each production they work with, and donate it directly to nearby local communities all over Los Angeles County from San Pedro all the way up to Santa Clarita.

Other informative vendors included, IVoncall.com IV Drip for hydration or hangover, Men's Health Wellness by www.getopt.com and Travel by www.lacasadelcamino.com in their historic La Casa del Camino hotel, with Spanish styles rooms in Laguna Beach.
 
WOW! Creations Media Lifestyle is produced by twin brothers Mark and Mathew Harris, who are known for hosting a weekly radio show called "The Taste- Makers' and have appeared on two seasons of " Storage Wars" as well as running an extremely successful `publicity agency "Wow Publicity”.

                                                                          
Vincent de Paul at pizza booth  www.ginoseast.com/losangeles
From classic Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs to sandwiches and salads, to Gino's East pizzas
.
                                                                         
L.Ron Hubbard’s book "Self Analysis" Celebritycentre.org and Aiden Gabor’s book "Conflicting Loyalties" from Skyhorsepublishing.com
www.drinkwheyup.com Whey Protein Powder with caffeine, without sugar. WheyUP Blue Raspberry, is a whey protein isolate powder specially designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, which is crafted to support muscle growth, amplify energy levels, and ensure hydration during workouts
www.passiontreehardseltzer.com
www.joyofacupuncture.com
Dr. Moy specializes in treating acute and chronic pain pertaining to musculoskeletal disorders and Facial Aesthetics procedures to naturally improve and rejuvenate skin long-term.
www.ecomdskincare.com HA Serum and Peptide Serum.
My Katie's Koffee https://mykateskoffee.com/ from Las Vegas, Hawaiian blend.
https://maxdahlia.com/  Skincare.
Brand: Chrôma Vegan Essential Schampoo and Conditioner (Amazon.com)


                                                                          

Randy's Donuts since 1952 and non-alcoholic Parch Agave cocktails. Drinkparch.com  www.randysdonuts.com

                                                                                  

Acai as served in Brasil, UbatubaAcai.com
19 locations in Los Angeles,  Ventura and Orange Counties. Ubatuba Acai bowls have 6 base ingredients to choose from; Acai, Pitaya, Matcha, Agave Coconut, Overnight Oats and Chia Pudding

Actor Eric Roberts with the Harris brothers from WOW Creations.

Bags provided by www.linensociety.com


Saturday, March 9, 2024

Recap of IGNITE! A Fire Gifting Lounge, to Celebrate Oscars 2024.

 Recap of  IGNITE! A Fire Gifting Lounge, to Celebrate Oscars 2024.
(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, March 9 2024) By Karen Ostlund
Nicole Lester and Heather Marianna, founders of The Merritt + Marianna Group presented the IGNITE, A Fire Luxury Gifting Lounge, to celebrate Oscars 2024 at Ambrose hotel in Santa Monica, March 7.

                                                                         

The Vanderpumpdogs.org/rescue-center flagship Rescue Center at 8134 West 3rd street in West Hollywood focus on the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of dogs to loving homes. The Vanderpump Dog Foundation has also built a community of dedicated dog activists, that are working to find forever homes for homeless animals across the city. PHOTO of 8 weeks Golden Retriever/Terrier mix.
                                                                              
A champagne toast and a special regard, was made to late publicist Doris Bergman, who died in a fire in her home, last February 8 2023.
                                                                                  
DJ Alex Cervantes from DJLX-LSV.com


This yearly event, is celebrating the hard work of movie writers, producers, and actors during Oscar Award season. The Lounge was benefiting the Vanderpump Dogs Foundation and their dog rescue, the Kids Excelling In College Foundation and the Business Architects TXG Foundation.
                                                                                   
TEMPER'S Cannabis Infused Seltzer TheCureBrand.com, DulceVidaTequila.com Fortune Cookies by WOKStarCatering.com
                                                                                    
Cha-Ching! Abundance Manifestation Green Spray from BarbieLayton.com/shop
 Essential oils of Lemon Grass and Sage with charged crystals of Citrine and Green Aventurine.
Barbie Layton is a verified quantum healer and executive coach, endorsed by the  scientist Dr. Glenn Rein. "My mission is to empower CEOs, elite athletes, and individuals to rediscover self-love, reinvigorate their dreams”.
                                                                                   
LaBlancheLifestyle.com  Pop-colored lip-gloss of shine, to bring brightness to the face.This Paraben free – Mineral based formula with Vitamin E, keeps lips moisturized all day.

Libralashandlipco.com offers cruelty free, natural and organic products that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. The faux mink lashes and nutrient-rich eye and lip gels are designed to nourish, protect, and rejuvenate the skin.

Voidspacetech.org new skincare line CLEAR SOURCE, Rosewater, Eye-cream and Lavender oil.
MarissasBrowandBeautyBar.com Vegan-Self-Tanning Mousse and application mitt.

BeautyKitchen.net was born from my belief of 100% natural skincare and cosmetics without the use of chemical preservatives, said Heather Marianna. "My at-home-spa products of Rose Water Facial Toner and Rosehip and Hibiscus Face Moisturizer are hand-made fresh in the USA, and are always Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free, and Sulfate-Free".


Trisprout.com 3 new product shots Sleep, Energy, Focus, which are vegan and gluten free made from BIOAMPED KRATOM EXTRACT. The cookies from DDSBayouKitchen.com


                                                                              
ShopFarah.com Vegan Powder Blush Collection, named LAALI , which is an Urdu word for blush in English.


The gifting lounge featured unique and luxury brands as Dulce Vida Tequila, Ophora Water, Empress Gin, ATA Cosmetics, Camilla Seretti Jewelry, Precious Vodka, Royal Kingz Skincare, Christine Bond of C-B-OND 20/20, Hidden Hills Coffee, Art Lewin Bespoke Menswear, Beauty Kitchen, Farah Brushes, The Reading Room, La Casa del Camino, Blanche Lip Gloss and Barbie Layton, The Libra Collection, Andre Notice (Coach Andre), and Chef Katie Chin with WOK Star Catering.                                                  
Ophorawater.com Nano-Pure®, Re-Structured®, Hyper-Oxygenated®, pH Balanced water that delivers a smooth taste, that is free of Chlorine, Pharmaceuticals, Fluoride, Nitrates, Pesticides, Trace Hormones and Heavy Metals.


Guests experienced to try out the Quantum Energy Wellness Bed from  Quantumenergywellnesscenter.com/ and beauty and make-up products and gourmet Asian-fusion cuisine.

                                                                                
Lifecider.com has one full tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in each can, blended with natural lemon juice, and lightly sweetened with raw honey, monk fruit, and organic erythritol for a tangy and tart tast.  Apple cider vinegar tonics are known to support multiple wellness benefits, including helping reduce blood sugar spikes after eating, improving nutrition absorption, and even reducing acid reflux.
                                                                                    
DrinkNotCoffee.com Award-winning coffee replacement made of mushroom extracts.
                                                                                        
Low Acid and gluten-free, organic blend Coffee from Las Vegas, hiddenhillscoffee.com/collections/low-acid-organic
                                                                       
Cannabis Agent https://www.activationagency.co/
Sample bag;
Claybourneco.com/the-collection
Award-winning GOLD CUTS Gas plant.

Ember-Valley.com "Dart" grown with Snowmelt water from Mt.Shasta

Helloagainproducts.com
Hangover relief Cannabis infused Suppositories.

EatHappyChance.com
Organic fruit infused with Cannabis Rosin.


     
Floral5.com photo-corner, based in Studio City.
                                                                               
Debuzz.me After-Party Aid with a blend of 3 probiotics that provide metabolizing enzymes to process alcohol and other dietary ingredients in the stomach after Oscar weekend.
 This probiotic blend has 3 key ingredients to accelerate metabolization in the stomach and the liver:  
- NAD+, a well-tested ingredient that’s known to increase cellular regeneration and oxidize alcohol.
- L-Cystine, an amino acid that stimulates toxin removal in the stomach and GI tract.
- Quercetin, a super antioxidant that stimulates alcohol breakdown enzymes in the liver.
 






Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Highlights from LA Art Show 2024.

 (WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, February 20 2024) By Karen Ostlund 

Highlights from the 29th Annual LA Art Show.  #LAArtShow


The LA Art Show, the city's premier and longest-running art fair, concluded its 29th year with an exceptional display of international talent and groundbreaking exhibitions at the Los Angeles Convention Center from February 14-18, 2024. Under the guidance of producer and director Kassandra Voyagis, the show brought together a diverse group of galleries, curators, collectors, and notable personalities.
                                                                                

 LA artist Robert Vargas was onsite for live painting of his powerful mural – inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s The World House – which honored Black History Month and conveyed a message of peace and unity.
                                        
                                                            
This year, the LA Art Show presented an impressive international lineup of more than 100 exhibitors including galleries from the Philippines, South Korea, Europe, Israel, Central America, South America and beyond. Mark your calendars for next year's 30th anniversary show at the LA Convention Center from February 19 to 23, 2025
                                                                            
(PHOTO) Kassandra Voyagis, LA Art Show Producer/Director, Damar Hamlin, NFL player, Actress & Singer, Lucy Hale, and Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association (AHA).


The 2024 fair debuted with a successful opening night premiere party on Valentine’s Day hosted by award-winning actress Lucy Hale, benefiting LA Art Show’s new charity partner, American Heart Association, which received 15% of ticket sales in support of the organization’s Life is Why™ campaign.    
"The LA Art Show is a one-stop destination for the public and collectors to view artwork from all over the world as we continue our commitment to delivering the most comprehensive and international contemporary art experience possible,” said Kassandra Voyagis, LA Art Show producer/director.

                                                                   
Young Masters Art Prize Exhibition presented by Cynthia Corbett Gallery, London.

 Innovation was at the forefront of this year's fair, with significant emphasis on artificial intelligence and Black History Month, showcasing initiatives that support emerging artists. Highlights included "Athletes for Life," founded by former NFL star Greg Bell, and the featured exhibition of the Young Masters Art Prize by Cynthia Corbett Gallery, London, which supports emerging talents from diverse backgrounds.
                                                                             
                                                                          
LP Gallery from South Korea featured renowned artist Dain Yoon known for makeup paintings on her skin, to create surreal self-portraits.

                                                                                   
Me with artist Marco Olivier. His pieces are a blend of resin and bronze craftsmanship and emotive storytelling, DagaroElla.com
                                                                                    
Artist Carole Feuerman swimmer “Chrysalis".
                                                                                  
Emily Maddigan's sculpture of foam, speaker wire, sequins, pins, chain, tin fan and trim.

                                                                                    
The Journey by Guillermo Bert was presented by the Nevada Museum of Art. Life-sized, laser-cut wooden sculptures Latinx workers.


DIVERSEartLA was curated by Marisa Caichiolo, partnered with seven international art institutions to explore the intersection of memory and AI. Projects, included the Nevada Museum of Art that presented The Journey by Guillermo Bert. It features 20 life-sized wood sculptures of immigrants employed as frontline workers during the pandemic as a way to explore how ancient traditions and AI merge to create narratives of identity and memory. 

                                                                                 

AAL Museum (Santiago, Chile) presented a hypnotizing visual narrative. Installation Be Water, led by artist, Antuan, highlights the essential collaboration between humanity and AI to create a new network of human consciousness. It presents the multifaceted dimensions of water in nature and human life.
                                                                                  
Mythstories' presented by MAC – Museum Contemporary Art, Bogotá, Colombia. Artist Carlos Castro Arias. with curator Gustavo Adolfo Ortiz Serrano. Through the ancient medieval technique of tapestry and with the use of an iconography that links the ancient and the contemporary, Carlos weaves a new understanding of our recent history with the trans-cultural.
                                                                                
Project "Threaded Tracing" by artist Chris Coleman, uses computer vision technology (LiDAR) to encode natural and human made spaces into digital memory. It was made during visits to forests and airports across the US.
                                                                              
Citibank presented a series of Gallerist talks, featuring Daphne Alazraki of Daphne Alazraki Fine Art, New York City and La Jolla, California, as well as Cynthia Valianti Corbett of the Cynthia Corbett Gallery, London. (PHOTO) Artists Klari Reis and Nicole Etienne. LAArtshow.com

Friday, February 9, 2024

The Hollywood Museum’s Black History Month Exhibit “This Joint is Jumpin”.

 The Hollywood Museum’s Black History Month Exhibit
                              “This Joint is Jumpin”

                  A Celebration of Black Entertainers
                         From Film, TV, and Song.


(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, February 9 2024) Photos by Karen Ostlund.

#TheHollywoodMuseum #BlackHistoryMonth

                                                                        

Donelle Dadigan (Founder/President of The Hollywood Museum) joined many celebrities, as they honored Black History Month with a new exhibit  “This Joint is Jumpin” February 8th 2024. - It’s a celebration of black entertainers from film, television and song.

                                                                                
The Pointers Sisters costumes.

More than 35 black entertainers are represented in this year’s exhibition with their costumes, memorabilia and jewelry.

                                                                                 

Jewelry WESTWORLD Thandie Newton.
                                                                                        
                                                                                    
Todd Bridges, Gary Coleman "Diff"rent Strokes".


Here is just a few of the many stars featured in the exhibit:
Eddie Murphy, Queen Latifah, Whoopi Goldberg, Samuel L. Jackson, 50 Cent, Tiffany Haddish, RuPaul, Billy Porter, Denzel Washington, Greg Morris, Forest Whitaker, Sherman Hemsley, Viola Davis, Don Cheadle, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Petri Hawkins Byrd, Nell Carter, Wayne Brady, Jimmie “JJ” Walker, Jackee` Harry, and costumes  from Female singers including: Pearl Bailey, Lena Horne, Natalie Cole, Eartha Kitt, Whitney Houston, The Pointer Sisters and Ella Fitzgerald.
                                                                          
Jackee Harry and James Reynolds 'Days of Our Lives”.
 The history goes way back, when black educators and black united students at Kent State University first proposed Black History Month in February 1969. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State a year later, from January 2 to February 28, 1970.
                                                                             
Eartha Kitt dress "The Good Old Days”.
Six years later, Black History Month was being celebrated all across the country in educational institutions, centers of black culture, and community centers, both great and small, when President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month in 1976, during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial.
He urged Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area throughout our history". www.thehollywoodmuseum.com

                                                                        

Cassandra Creech, Donelle Dadigan and Phil Morris.


Thursday, February 1, 2024

LA Art Show returns Valentine’s Day to kick off LA's 2024 art season.

 LA Art Show returns Valentine’s Day to kick off LA's 2024 art season.

(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, CA, February 1 2024) – By Karen Ostlund

The LA Art Show, LA’s largest and longest-running art fair, returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from February 14-18, to kick off the city’s 2024 art season. The fair debuts with an opening night premiere party on Valentine’s Day hosted by award-winning actress Lucy Hale, in collaboration with LA Art Show’s new charity partner, American Heart Association, that is celebrating 100 years.
                                                                         

 “It's an honor for me, to host the 2024 LA Art Show Opening Night Premiere Party and bring further awareness to an evening that unites the importance of art, culture and philanthropy” said Lucy Hale. “On a personal note, I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the American Heart Association whose mission touches people all across the world”.

Her support will encourage  a new generation of art collectors and shine light on the important work of the American Heart Association, which funds research that improves health outcomes for heart disease and stroke patients as well as supports lifesaving CPR education.It will be her first time host of the LA Art Show.

Hale's credits include "Pretty Little Liars”, "Puppy Love" and Vertical's hit "The Hating Game", and Decal’s  romantic drama "Which Brings Me To You" opposite Nat Wolff which was released January 19th this year..
The LA Art Show will donate 15% of proceeds from every ticket to the American Heart Association’s Life is Why™ campaign.


The LA Art show is guided by LA Art Show producer & director Kassandra Voyagis, and promises another spectacular international lineup of exhibitors from countries including the Philippines, Italy, Israel, Peru and South Korea:
“With over 100 galleries, museums and nonprofits exhibiting this year, we continue our commitment to creating the most comprehensive contemporary art experience possible.” said Voyagis. “This year’s show will celebrate art—globally and locally—and inspire important dialogue.”


LA Art Show 2024 Programming to Ignite Dialogue:
•Curated by Marisa Caichiolo, the LA Artshow’s non-commercial program, DIVERSEartLA is partnering with seven international art institutions to explore the intersection of memory, humanity, and AI through a selection of art, technology, and multimedia exhibitions. 

                                                                        

Among the participants is the Nevada Museum of Art that will present “The Journey” (photo) by contemporary artist Guillermo Bert and The Museum of Contemporary Art in Bogotá will present “Myth Stories” by multimedia artist Carlos Castro Arias.
Guillermo Bert makes artworks that explore the immigrants who have left their home countries behind.. His primary focus has been the experiences of people and families who enter the United States along the U.S. – Mexico border. Bert's artwork draws metaphorical relationships between the journeys of migrants,  and empty desert landscapes

                                                                          
•LP Gallery from South Korea will feature renowned artist Dain Yoon Yoon, known for using her own body as a canvas, painting on her skin to create surreal self-portraitsthat often trick the eye with 3D shading.  Dain Yoon’s pieces are playful yet profound, reflecting her emotional states and the complexity of identity in our modern world. Now living in the U.S., her work showcases a creative evolution from processing the challenges she faced as a young woman in South Korea to embracing a more stable, confident persona in her new environment.


•To time with Black History Month, the Tanya Weddemire Gallery is set to exhibit the talents of four pioneering black artists, exploring a range of themes, including identity, culture and resilience:
Guy Stanley Philoche "Give Us Our Flowers”, Serron Green "Invisible”, Gregory Saint Amand "Play Time” and O’Neil Scott "Distant Memories”.


•Fabrik Projects Galleryin Los Angeles welcomes ‘The Soul of Your City’ exhibition, a unique visual journey and the culmination of a global photography competition aimed at capturing the hidden spirit and true identity of cities throughthe lenses of local photographers.‘The Soul of Your City’ competition was born out of a desire to explore and reveal the unseen aspects of urban living.
The works showcased in this exhibition are the winners of the competition, selected for their exceptional ability to convey the ‘soul of their cities.’

•Cynthia Corbett Young Masters: The upcoming featured exhibition of Young Masters Art Prize, presented by Cynthia Corbett Gallery, London, represents an international initiative committed to supporting and promoting emerging talents from diverse backgrounds. It was founded by gallerist Cynthia Valianti Corbett in 2009,Young Masters provides a platform for artists who draw inspiration from artistic traditions of the past.
Select artists from each of the six editions will be featured at 2024 LA Art Show, in a showcase that stands out for its cultural diversity and strong representation of female-identifying artists, with 75% of applicants fitting this category.


• The Expanded Learning (EXL) and Athletes for Life (AFL) Foundation launched the Southern California Art “n” the Schools Art Contest, inviting SoCal students to submit their artwork.
Winning artwork will be displayed at this year’s show in a special sponsors’ lounge, along with works from Greg Bell's art collection.
Athletes for Life has been providing guidance and leadership programs to youth since 1989 and was founded by former NFL Pro Bowl running back Greg Bell, who spent his childhood rising above the negative peer pressures of his neighborhood.  

LAArtShow.com for more info and tickets.