Palm Springs, CA – The World of Z documents the powerful four year journey of three filmmakers into the life of manic-depressive artist Zbignew Daniel Fiks – known as “Z.” Now sixty years old, “Z” looks much older. He is engaging, intelligent, and an outstanding conversationalist, despite his rough exterior, and despite having spent much of his life suffering from bipolar disease. Through their own footage, interwoven with Z’s personal home videos, films and audiotapes, filmmakers Brad Besser, Vince Clemente and Daniel Billups capture the high points of “Z’s” once happy family, as well as its slow destruction, the aftermath of his divorce, his loneliness, insanity and depression. “As filmmakers we did not want to make a broad statement about the effects of bipolar disorder as an illness, instead, we decided to use the film as a magnifying glass to this specific case.” said filmmaker Brad Besser. “It was important to let Z’s life present itself organically.”
Don’t missThe World of Z– one of the manythought-provoking screen gems you’ll see at this year’s inaugural American Documentary Film Festival. For more information, and a complete schedule listing, visit http://americandocumentaryfilmfestival.com/
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See Overlooked Suspect on Friday, March 30, 2012 at 7pm!
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Starting this week, DHStoday.com will have its first photo contest, post your best photo of Desert Hot Springs on your Dhstoday.com page. Contest ends April 17th 2012; the winner gets a $100 cash prize. Check out the details this week at DHStoday, we have a goal to get 500 members on the site by Friday, please join me, sign up today.
For millennia man has been asking “what is the meaning of life; why am I here; where did I come from; and where am I headed?” When Irish playwright Samuel Beckett debuted Waiting For Godot in 1953, he posited similar questions into a story of two men waiting around for an appointment with a mysterious Mr. Godot, who, when he arrives will explain everything they are wondering about. What will be explained? How long must they wait? In the words of Conan-Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes (another fictional character) “… Patience Watson, all will be revealed”. However, in the intervening fifty-nine years not much as been revealed. Lots of theories and speculations, but not much enlightenment – until now, that is.
“Waiting For Godot”, the revival production currently onstage at the Mark Taper Forum; insightfully directed by Michael Arabian, is a gem of a production, and the progenitor of the school of theatre audiences have come to know as the “theatre of the absurd”. It stars two of the world’s acknowledged Beckett scholars and performers in the twin lead roles. 84 years-young Alan Mandell as Estrogon, also known as Gogo, is one of the few living actors to have maintained a working relationship with Beckett until his death. The wonderful Irish actor Barry McGovern, formerly of the famed Abbey Theatre of Dublin, has played the role of Vladimir, also known as Didi, more times than any living actor. Together, these two legends bring such understanding, clarity and believability to their performances that, for me at least, the enigma that was “Waiting For Godot” over the years, is dispelled forever.
Both characters claim that Godot is an acquaintance but in fact they hardly know him, admitting that they would not recognize him were they to see him. To occupy their time they eat, they sleep, converse, argue, sing, play games, swap hats, and even contemplate suicide – anything “to hold the terrible silence at bay”. Program notes make mention of the play’s positive reception when its been performed before inmates in prisons around the world. The waiting part, the central theme of the play, really resonates with those denied freedom. In the play Didi and Gogo are only “trapped”, because they cling to the concept that freedom is possible. Freedom, according to Beckett, is a state of mind and so is imprisonment.
Beckett over the years has steadfastly maintained that his play is not religious in either allegory or in its tone. However, critics, actors, and audiences alike are not so sure. Numerous books and essays have been written about the play’s subject matter, all in an effort to explain what Beckett refused to discuss – the real meaning of “Waiting For Godot”. Nonetheless, the play has a definite appeal and new audiences of young people are rediscovering the mystery and the depth of Beckett’s masterpiece.
Providing solid support in the Taper’s revival are James Cromwell (of movie fame) as the dictatorial aristocrat Pozzo, Hugo Armstrong as Lucky, the slave/servant of Pozzo, and LJ Benet as a messenger from Godot.
Cromwells’ Pozzo, when viewed through the lens of 21st century America, appears to resonate with the audience as the embodiment of the 1% in the 1% vs. the 99% movement. Hugo Armstrong brings a hidden strength to his portrayal of Lucky, (although most wouldn’t think he was so lucky), as the slave/servant of the cruel and unfeeling Pozzo. A young fifteen year-old LJ Benet portrays a youthful messenger/acolyte of Godot’s who keeps Gogo and Didi on tenterhooks by relaying Godot’s messages as to when he will see them. Although there are two starring roles and three solid supporting roles, the entire production puts forth a strong ensemble effort, which makes for a truly transcendent production capped by a clarity rarely found in “Godot” productions.
In the technical and creative team department, John Iacovelli’s spare, save for a lone leaf-denuded-tree set design, not only matches but enhances the loneliness of the characters’s plight. Helping set and maintain the mood throughout the production, are the light and projection designs by Brian Cale, along with costume designs by Christopher Acebo that also mirror’s the timeliness of the story.
“Waiting For Godot” runs through April 22nd. For reservations and ticket information call the Box Office at 213-628-2772 or go online to www.centertheatregroup.org.
The 5th Annual Share the Love Charity Event presented by Caddyshack raised approximately $200,000 to help grant wishes for Coachella Valley children living with life-threatening medical conditions. The funds raised include a generous donation made by the H.N. and Frances C.Berger Foundation in the amount of $20,000.
The Share the Love Charity Event, hosted by Arlynn and Paul Feldman, included a doubles tennis tournament at the renowned Indian Wells Tennis Garden, an exclusive golf tournament at Mr. Larry Ellison’s private estate, Porcupine Creek, and a spectacular evening event which boasted a 3-course sit-down dinner and unrivaled live and silent auctions.
Many of the weekend’s highlights took place during the evening event held at the historic La Quinta Resort and Club. Arlynn Feldman spoke that night to a crowd of 300 guests about the event, what it means to her and how she decided on a theme for its fifth anniversary.
“Working on Share the Love these past four years has helped crystallize the answer to the meaning of life for me,” Feldman said. “If we can make a difference in the life of another person, our lives become that much richer and more fulfilled.”
The theme for the 5th Annual Share the Love Charity Event became “Make a Difference.”
Among those in attendance were Tim Martin of Caddyshack, and Catharine Reed representing the Berger Foundation. Golf tournament sponsor, Charles Laverty from Oppenheimer, was also in attendance. Additional sponsors from the weekend-long event include Nancy Harris of the Barker Foundation, Shaun Henry and Joe Sweet from Union Bank, Teri Sacks with Monster Beverage Company, Shaughne and AC Warnack, and Katy and Bruce Titcomb.
Other notable guests were Make-A-Wish president and CEO, Stephanie McCormick, Make-A-Wish board chairman, Jon Storbeck, and other board members: Michael Rapacz, who was also a sponsor of the event, Joel Solomon, JC Timmons, Jim Carol and Mike Lednovich.
The fifth anniversary of this special event proved to be the best and most successful one to date—with more funds raised than any other year, more live and silent auction items, and the incredible opportunity to hold the annual golf tournament at the exclusive Porcupine Creek. Most importantly, the 5th Annual Share the Love Charity Event’s success helped grant 25 wishes for deserving kids of Coachella Valley.
Somewhere in the world, every hour of every day, a child’s wish comes true thanks to the generosity of individuals and communities who support Make-A-Wish Foundation® through fundraising efforts. To learn more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County and the Inland Empire, please visit www.wishocie.org.
Neil Simon is America’s greatest comedy playwright hands down. No one comes even close to equaling his fabled track record of having written more than thirty smash hit comedies that have appeared on Broadway. He is the only playwright to have three smash hit plays running simultaneously on Broadway; a record that still stands today. He is truly the King of comedy writers.
But he has been known to write darker stuff, plays with a little edge like “ The Gingerbread Lady” in 1970 with characters seriously talking about suicide, and his 1991 comedy/drama “Lost in Yonkers”, the current production on the boards at Theatre 29, up in the hi-desert community of Twentynine Palms.
Desert Theatre League (DTL) award winning director Rebecca Havely’s production is a visual treat for the eyes with two set locations on the stage. One location is the interior of Grandma Kurnitz’ home, where most of the scenes and the main action of the play takes place, and the other location is the candy store (in most productions of “Yonkers” the candy store is not seen but merely referred to in dialogue).
The main thrust of the coming of age story focuses on the character of 15-year old Jay Kurnitz (likeably played by Jarod Burks). Jay and his younger brother Arty (played by Vincent Thomas) have been left by their widower father Eddie (nicely played by Jericho McWilliams), in the care of their maternal grandmother when he goes on the road as a steel salesman for the war effort. Grandma Kurnitz the intimidating family matriarch (sternly and icily played by Sue Kelly) and her mentally-challenge daughter Bella (nervously and empathetically portrayed by Stephanie Gillham), will keep the family together in Yonkers, NY during the war year of 1942.
I mentioned earlier that Simon, on occasion, reveales a somewhat darker side. In “Lost in Yonkers” he includes the character of Uncle Louie, the small time hoodlum son of Grandma Kurnitz (menacingly played by Tim Kelly). To balance this darker tone, Simon creates the comic relief character of Aunt Gert (comically played by Judy Andreshak). The core story, however, revolves around family relationships, love, and understanding, among other issues. Although the play is billed as a dramedy, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the famous Simon trademark zingers, and situations. He never strays far from comedy. Rounding out the cast are Wendy Lane, Darren Sheffield, Tara Henkel, Stepanie Hart, Marissa Thomas, and the youngest member at 3 years-old, Charlotte Havely.
In the technical department, the choice of placing some of the narrative and action in the candy store by director and technical designer Havely is a nice touch that allows for additional atmosphere-players to become involved in the story. Also, it adds detail and texture in recreating its 1940’s period setting (I’m afraid the neighborhood candy store, however, in 21st century America has gone the way of high button shoes and our innocence along with it). Technical director Frances Wright, Director/Set Designer Havely, and Stage Manager John Wright, along with Mary Phelps, the assistant to Havely, can all take pride in helping to produce a memorable production.
Directors usually bring personal visions to productions. Sometimes, their vision take the form of shifting the emphasis as to which of the characters the play is about. In the case of Theatre 29’s show, I feel that Havely’s vision of placing more emphasis on the role of Aunt Bella, in essence, makes the play her story. By doing that however, Havely alters the dramatic intention of the playwright which in turn changes the dynamic of the relationships – even if ever so slightly. Every production I’ve seen of “Yonkers” (at least five) generally makes it Grandma Kurnitz’s play. When it goes to Aunt Bella, the tendency to drift into melodrama and sentimentality takes over and the result is an unbalanced production. If it stays with Grandma, then the family relationships work in concert with Neil Simon’s dramedy vision. It may for some, work both ways. However, for me, I prefer to cling to the version Simon wrote in 1991.
Having said all of the above, one cannot deny the passion and the talent of the actors who are working hard to make it a production audiences will remember. In the final analysis, it’s always the audience that determines the success of a show. And this show is definitely entertaining, enjoyable, and memorable. For reservations and ticket information call the box office at 760-361-4151.
One has to be fortunate and talented in order to keep topping previous successes. How Cabaret Theatre West keeps doing it is very evident in their current production, “Hooray For the USA!” now on stage at the Indian Wells Theater, in Palm Desert, CA.
The show, directed and choreographed by multi-talented Trini Garza, along with co-director/choreographer Doug Graham, pays loving tribute in song and dance to America that is set against a series of brilliant, evocative visuals, designed by Leanna Bonamici. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the audience, inspired by the visuals and the songs, called their travel agents the next day to begin planning for trips to the cities and states featured in the production.
Producers Jane Friedlander Tracey (an ex-Broadway producer) and Dr. Audrey Reed, both dedicated theatre professionals, have successfully partnered Cabaret Theatre West into its third season. The desert-based company was a hit organization right from its first production entitled “Decades”, which was performed at the Hyatt Grand Champions hotel in February of 2010. The musical journey of Cabaret Theatre West has been on the ascendancy ever since.
The fabulous Indian Wells Theatre!! Located on the Palm Desert Campus of the California State University, San Bernardino
In a show of this type where the ensemble is the star and there are thirty-nine songs and numbers in the program, it’s always tough to single out performers, however, several songs and numbers deserve mentioning. “Moonlight in Vermont” by Natalie Gilbert, “Old Cape Cod” with Sarah Hagar, “New York, New York” from ‘On the Town’ with Ryan Marsden, Cliff Plummer, and Raul Valenzuela, “New York, New York” sung by Jeff Stewart, a haunting rendition “Autumn in New York” sung by Kaley Smith, and “Carolina in the Morning” performed by 12 year-old Ethan Water, and 9 year-old Taylor Schlict, are just some of the toe-tapping tunes from Act I.
In Act II, the songs and numbers like “Chicago (That Toddlin’ Town) by Cliff Plummer, and “Chicago Is” (a great Sinatra number) by Jeff Stewart, and “Meet Me In St, Louis, Louie” performed by Raul Valenzuela and company, and “Georgia on My Mind” sung by Ryan Marsden, and a clever rendition of “Margaritaville” by the entire company, plus a rousing arrangement of “Oklahoma” by the company of performers, along with an evocative four-part harmony rendition of “California Dreamin’” by Theresa Jewett, Sarah Hagar, Ryan Marsden, and Raul Valenzuela is first-rate. The entire company needs to be recognized as much for their professionalism as for their entertaining presentations.
The vocal arrangements by Doug Graham, some of which, feature four-part harmony by the company, are one of the many highlights of the entire evening. Graham also choreographs the dance routines, which are performed with energy and pizzazz. There is no doubt about it. Cabaret Theatre West is in its full musical stride.
Next up for the group is a show entitled “Broadway Tonight”. The title tells it all. It’s the best and brightest of Broadway music, and it opens on Friday, April 6th, in the Indian Wells Theater and performs, April 7, 12,13, 27 and 28, at 7 pm. Call 760-568-0024 for reservations and ticket information.
Palm Springs, CA – The World of Z documents the powerful four year journey of three filmmakers into the life of manic-depressive artist Zbignew Daniel Fiks – known as “Z.” Now sixty years old, “Z” looks much older. He is engaging, intelligent, and an outstanding conversationalist, despite his rough exterior, and despite having spent much of his life suffering from bipolar disease. Through their own footage, interwoven with Z’s personal home videos, films and audiotapes, filmmakers Brad Besser, Vince Clemente and Daniel Billups capture the high points of “Z’s” once happy family, as well as its slow destruction, the aftermath of his divorce, his loneliness, insanity and depression. “As filmmakers we did not want to make a broad statement about the effects of bipolar disorder as an illness, instead, we decided to use the film as a magnifying glass to this specific case.” said filmmaker Brad Besser. “It was important to let Z’s life present itself organically.”
