BWW Review: Disney's MARY POPPINS Musical Wows Audiences at the Norris Theatre
The beloved Mary Poppins character has been on a journey with children of all ages since 1934, first as a popular children's book series by P.L. Travers, then as the 1964 Academy Award-winning and most popular Disney film of all time (after Walt Disney managed to convince the author to allow him to adapt her book), and finally as a hit stage musical which is now wowing audiences at the 450-seat Norris Theatre on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. With brand new breath-taking musical numbers and amazing flying and graphic effects, this spectacular production deserves the only word I can think of to describe it: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
The 13th Annual 5th Avenue Awards Winners Announced Honoring High School Musical Theatre
High school students from across Washington State packedThe 5th Avenue Theatre tonight for The 13th Annual 5th Avenue Awards Honoring High School Musical Theater, a high school version of the Tony Awards, proudly sponsored by Wells Fargo with additional support from Alaska Airlines. The house was packed with over 2,000 teenagers, many in costumes representing their schools' musical theater productions, who cheered for their peers as they performed musical excerpts and accepted awards honoring top student achievements in musical theater. The acclaimed event, directed this year by Kat Ramsburg, handed out awards in 21 categories ranging from Outstanding Overall Musical Production to Outstanding Lobby Display.
BWW Reviews: CORTES ALEXANDER Returns to Sterling's with a Bag Full of Surprises for a SWELL NOEL
On Monday December 22 the terribly amusing song stylist Cortes Alexander presented his annual Swell Noel to an uber packed house at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal.
Alexander has such frenetic energy and charm that, and I've said this before, you just want to wrap him up. What a joyous Christmas present...and with his two glorious backup singers, the Swell Girls Melissa Bailey and Julie Gar
BWW Reviews: Singer Cortes Alexander Returns to Sterling's with a Swell Noel
On Sunday December 22 the amazing Cortes Alexander presented his Thou Swell Noel to a packed house at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal. Alexander has such frenetic energy and charm that, and I've said this before, you just want to wrap him up. What a joyous Christmas present...and with his two glorious backup singers, the Swell Girls Melissa Bailey and Julie Garnye, who could ask for anything more? Yes, a band! There was an electric four-piece band with musical director Norman Ludwin on bass, David Arana at the piano, Mark Converse on drums and Paul Landry on guitar.Paul's 10-year old son Zeut Landry was a very special guest who accompanied Alexander on a Cajon Drum Box during his beautiful composition 'Marguerite'. This 'Little Drummer Boy' is also big on talent!
A Winter Wonderland of Honey Flavors
The festive feel in the air, gatherings with family and friends, and of course, the delicious holiday feasts are among the many reasons we look forward to the winter months. From decadent dishes to comforting drinks, the aromas and tastes of winter are unlike any other time of year. This season, the National Honey Board and Melissa Bailey, author of the popular recipe blog Hungry Food Love, have created delectable honey-based drinks the whole family can enjoy! While eateries and coffee shops may draw us in with their seasonal offerings, nothing beats a warm, homemade drink with honey to get you through the cold winter days.
BWW Reviews: A Sterling Celebration for a Sterling Gentleman
On September 15th, 1 host, 12 singers, 2 musical directors, 1 comedian, and a packed house of friends and invited guests celebrated Michael Sterling's birthday at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal. The night, appropriately titled A Sterling Affair, was a sparkling tribute to the man whose name has come to be synonymous with Los Angeles cabaret.
Kathleen Schuller Releases HOW TO BE A HERO FOR BOYS
Classic literary heroes are waiting to inspire a new generation of young readers. In her latest book, author Kathleen Schuller highlights some of her favorite books featuring male heroes. Classics such as 'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson, 'Little Men' by Louisa May Alcott and 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen provide plenty of examples of heroes to inspire boys.
Photo Flash: Cortes Alexander Brings THE SWELL SHOW to Birdland
On Monday, May 13, Cortes Alexander stormed the Broadway at Birdland stage with 'The Swell Show,' along with Billy Stritch at the piano, Ray Marchica on drums, Norman Ludwin on bass, Clarke Thorell on guitar/ukulele, and Julie Garnye and Melissa Bailey as 'The Swell Girls.' Scroll down for photos from the concert!
Kathleen Schuller Releases HOW TO BE A HEROINE FOR GIRLS
Everyone needs a hero, especially young girls. Avid reader and author Kathleen Schuller showcases her favorite heroines in this new book, sharing ideas with a new generation of young readers who may not have read these inspiring books yet. None of these literary heroines is perfect, but they grow in spirit thanks to circumstances and influence from others. Schuller aims to help young girls visualize the virtues of these heroines and apply them to their own lives.