Category Archives: Star Watch

Hollywood, Hollywood Legends, Hollywood Legends and Memories, Joan Rivers, Los Angeles, Star Watch, Youth

Musings on the life of beloved comic icon, Joan Rivers

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By Margie Anne Clark

Words cannot express the sadness at the untimely death of Joan Rivers, she will be greatly missed. She’d probably be joking about it, but sadly there are few if any comics left that could say it as dead on and funny as she could.

Joan Rivers fan, Margie Anne Clark, talking with the comic icon at her book singing of Diary of a Mad Diva at Barnes and Noble the Grove Los Angeles in the summer of 2014.
Margie Anne Clark getting ready for a fan picture while talking with the legendary Joan Rivers at the comic icon’s book signing of ‘Diary of a Mad Diva’ at Barnes and Noble Bookseller at the Grove Los Angeles on July 10, 2014.  The event attracted throngs of fans, young and old alike.

She was a force of nature – smart, witty, intelligent, always making such clever connections in her jokes and it’s sad that she had to go out this way when she was in such good health and at the top of her game. But maybe she would have had it no other way …. Her ‘Fashion Police’ attracted a multi-generational audience. She was loved by young and old alike. She was too young to go, she was one of a kind. She was a Joan Ranger in the truest sense that no matter how old you are, you can always work and bring good to the world. I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to meet her, she was so great to her fans at her book signings. She said it best: “What pleasure you feel when you’ve kept people happy for an hour and a half. They’ve forgotten their troubles. It’s great. There’s nothing like it in the world. When everybody’s laughing, it’s a party.” – Miss you tons Joan Rivers! This Joan Ranger salutes you! 

California, LA Music Scene, Musical Artists, Pantages Theater, Star Watch, Youth

GREEN DAY’S GROUNDBREAKING MUSICAL EVENT CELEBRATES L.A. RETURN AT HOLLYWOOD PANTAGES ONE WEEK ONLY – MAY 13 – 18, 2014

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Los Angeles Life and Style Entertainment News

Hollywood, Calif. – Hollywood Pantages Theatre is pleased to announced a lottery ticket policy for Green Day’s AMERICAN IDIOT, which returns to L.A. for a limited one week engagement; May 13 – 18, 2014.

 The production will conduct a pre-show lottery at the box office, making a limited number of tickets available at $25 apiece; cash only.  This lottery will be held prior to every performance. Entries will be accepted at the box office beginning two and a half hours prior to each performance; each person will print their name and the number of tickets (1 or 2) they wish to purchase on a card that is provided. Two hours before curtain, names will be drawn at random for a limited number of tickets priced at $25 each; cash only. Only one entry is allowed per person. Cards are checked for duplication prior to drawing. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing and show valid ID to purchase tickets. Limit one entry per person and two tickets per winner. Tickets are subject to availability. For more information, please visitwww.HollywoodPantages.com/Lottery.

 

AMERICAN IDIOT, a 2010 Tony Award®-nominated Best Musical and 2010 GRAMMY Award® winner for Best Musical Show Album, features the music of Green Daywith the lyrics of its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong. The book is by Armstrong and Michael Mayer and direction is by Tony Award®-winner Mayer (Spring Awakening).

 

Individual tickets for AMERICAN IDIOT may be purchased online at www.HollywoodPantages.com or www.Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-982-2787.  Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Hollywood Pantages Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets.  The Hollywood Pantages Theatre is located at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard, just east of Vine Street, and the box office opens daily at 10am except for holidays.

 

Winner of two Tony Awards®, AMERICAN IDIOT is the story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9-11 world. Through incredible spectacle, thrilling performances and with the hope embodied by a new generation, AMERICAN IDIOT has given audiences the time of their lives night after night since its Broadway run at the St. James Theatre (March 2010 – April 2011) and its subsequent national tour, which launched December 2011 in Toronto.

 

“Since its inception, audiences have been surprised by the emotional journey the show takes them on, told almost exclusively through Green Day’s songs, including many they are already familiar with and love,” said Tom Hulce, producer. “This is such a potent time for our country and the search of our characters for what to believe in is gorgeously celebrated through Billie Joe and Green Day’s wonderfully lush score,” he added.

The musical features the hits “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “21 Guns,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” “Holiday” and the blockbuster title track “American Idiot” from Green Day’s 2004 Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum album. Also included in the score are several songs from Green Day’s 2009 release “21st Century Breakdown,” and an unreleased love song, “When It’s Time.”

 

AMERICAN IDIOT premiered at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in September 2009 and played through November of that year. In April 2010, the musical opened on Broadway where reviews were unanimously positive with Charles Isherwood of the New York Times calling the show “the most adventurous musical to brave Broadway in the past decade” and the Toronto Star naming it “the first great musical of the 21st century!”

 

The acclaimed creative team also includes choreography by Olivier Award-winner Steven Hoggett (“Black Watch”) and orchestrations and arrangements by Pulitzer Prize-winner Tom Kitt (“Next to Normal”). The Tony Award®-winning scenic design by Christine Jones and the Tony Award®-winning lighting design by Kevin Adams will also be featured in the tour.

 

The performance schedule for AMERICAN IDIOT is Tuesday through Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, and Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm.  Opening Night is Tuesday, May 13th at 8pm.

 

AMERICAN IDIOT has a running time of 1 hour and 35 minutes with no intermission and is recommended for ages 13 and up.  (Please note that in consideration of audiences, no one under 5 will be admitted to the theatre.)

 

Orchestra level tickets for AMERICAN IDIOT start at just $45.  Prices are subject to change without notice.

 

For more information on AMERICAN IDIOT, please visit www.AmericanIdiotTheMusical.com.

 

For tickets or more information about the Los Angeles engagement of AMERICAN IDIOT, please visit the Pantages Theatre’s official website,www.HollywoodPantages.com.

 

 

 

 

LISTINGS INFORMATION

 

Dates:                                       MAY 13 – 18, 2014

                                               

Theatre:                                    HOLLYWOOD PANTAGES THEATRE
                  6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

 

Performance Schedule:            8 PERFORMANCES ONLY!

Tuesday – Friday at 8pm

Saturday at 2pm & 8pm

Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm

 

Opening Night:                         Tuesday May 13th at 8pm

 

Ticket Prices:                           Orchestra level tickets start at just $45

                  Ticket prices subject to change without notice.

           

Running Time:                         1 Hour and 35 Minutes with No Intermission

 

Parental Advisory:                    Recommended for Ages 13 and Up

In consideration of audiences, no one under 5 admitted to the theatre

 

Tickets:                                    Online:              HollywoodPantages.com or Ticketmaster.com

Phone:              1-800-982-2787

In Person:         Hollywood Pantages Box Office (opens daily at 10am)

and all Ticketmaster Outlets

Description:  The smash-hit musical AMERICAN IDIOT tells the story of three lifelong friends, forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia. Based on Green Day’s GRAMMY® Award-winning multi-platinum album and featuring the hits “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “21 Guns,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” “Holiday” and the blockbuster title track, AMERICAN IDIOT boldly takes the American musical where it’s never gone before. With direction by Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening), choreography by Steven Hoggett (Black Watch) and orchestrations and arrangements by Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), the result is an experience Rolling Stone declares “a groundbreaking musical event!”

http://www.americanidiotthemusical.com

California, Film and Television, Hollywood, Santa Clarita, Santa Clarita Film Office, Star Watch

On location with Santa Clarita’s own Hollywood Story

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Filming news from The City of Santa Clarita

Record Year for Santa Clarita Film Office

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Fiscal Year 2012-2013 (July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013) was another record year for the Santa Clarita Film Office.  The Film Office is proud to report more than 1,000 film days for the first time ever as well as an increase in the economic impact to the local community compared to the previous fiscal year.

  • Film Days up 18% – 1069 in FY 12/13 vs. 909 in FY 11/12
  • Economic Impact up 22% – $25.7 million in FY 12/13 vs. $21.1 million in FY 11/12
  • Permits down 1% – 368 in FY 12/13 vs. 372 in FY 11/12
  • Film Days up 18% – 1069 in FY 12/13 vs. 909 in FY 11/12
  • Economic Impact up 22% – $25.7 million in FY 12/13 vs. $21.1 million in FY 11/12
  • Permits down 1% – 368 in FY 12/13 vs. 372 in FY 11/12

Movie Ranches Annexed into City

With the approval of the South Sand Canyon annexation in April, the City of Santa Clarita welcomed Sable Ranch, Rancho Maria and A Rancho Deluxe into the City of Santa Clarita and the Movie Ranch Overlay Zone (MOZ).  Of the 692 acres included in the annexation, 540 acres were dedicated movie ranch properties.  The City created the MOZ as a way to support existing production and film businesses while attracting new production and film companies.  Benefits of filming at these movie ranch properties include reduced permit fees, expedited permit processing and no notification required!

Disney ABC Studios at the Ranch

The Disney/ABC Studios at the Ranch project received unanimous approval from the L.A. County Planning Commission in June.  The L.A. County Board of Supervisors will vote for the project’s final approval within the next two-to-three months.  The project will bring soundstages and new production facilities to Golden Oak Ranch and will create thousands of new jobs and an enormous economic benefit throughout L.A. County and Santa Clarita.

 

( Golden Oak Ranch, Walt Disney Co. / May 22, 2012 )

A close-up view of the fortress built at the ranch for “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.”

Cameras are rolling at various locations throughout Santa Clarita each and every week.  Here are some of the productions that have recently been shooting around town and where they filmed.

Commercials:

  • Honda – Canyon Theater Guild, Main Street
  • Toyota – Sable Ranch, Happy Valley neighborhood, Veteran’s Historical Plaza
  • Verizon – College of the Canyons

Feature Films:

Music Videos:

  • Miley Cyrus “We Can’t Stop” – Sand Canyon area home

Television Shows:

On Location: The Los Angeles video project. What is your LA?

 

The Santa Clarita Film Office is working with New Filmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA), a non-profit organization designed to showcase innovative works by emerging filmmakers. The Los Angeles Video Project is a multimedia program hosted by NFMLA that celebrates and enlists LA’s remarkable pool of filmmakers to act and serve as Ambassadors and share what these artists call their LA; an insider perspective into this diverse, cosmopolitan city and its neighborhoods. Click through to NFMLA to learn more about how to submit your video and share, What is your LA?

Now Playing/Coming Soon

 

If you live or work in Santa Clarita, chances are you’ll see something familiar next time you go to a movie theater or turn on your TV.  Check out these movies and shows and see if you can spot the Santa Clarita locations!

List of Current Locally Based Shows

The Santa Clarita Film Office is pleased to welcome a new locally based show Chasing Life(formerly Terminales), a one-hour drama series being added to ABC Family’s roster of original programming. The series starts production in July and will premiere on ABC Family in early 2014.

http://www.studiosattheranch.com/

Star Watch, Theater

‘Billy Elliot’ the Musical L.A. Premieres at the Pantages; Celebrities set for Red Carpet opening Tuesday

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Los Angeles Life and Style Entertainment News

Hollywood, Calif., – Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films, Old Vic Productions and NETworks Presentations, LLC,  and Broadway/L.A., proudly announce that the 2009 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Billy Elliot the Musical will make its L.A. Premiere at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood for a limited 5 week engagement from April 10 – May 13. Based on the international smash-hit film, Billy Elliot the Musical features music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry. Billy Elliot the Musical earned critical acclaim on Broadway including 10 Tony Awards. Billy Elliot the Musical is the joyous celebration of one boy’s journey to make his dreams come true. Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent that inspires his family and his whole community and changes his life forever.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION:  Tickets are available at www.BroadwayLA.org or www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling

1-800-982-2787, as well as at the Pantages Box Office (6233 Hollywood Blvd) and all Ticketmaster Outlets.  Performances are Tue-Fri at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm and Sundays at 1pm & 6:30pm.  Recommended for Ages 8 and up (Everyone must have a ticket; children under 5 will not be admitted to the theatre) Running Time: 2 hours and 50 minutes including intermission.  Tickets start at $25 in the orchestra.

 

Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Billy Elliot the Musical will make its L.A. Premiere at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood for a limited 5 week engagement from April 10 – May 13.

Star Watch

Michael Jackson Immortalized at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Prince, Paris and Blanket carry the torch.

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Written by Margie Anne Clark

Hollywood, Calif. – Michael Jackson’s star power shined bright as luminaries, fans and family members alike gathered on Thursday to honor the memory of the King of Pop in front of the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, ushering in a new era of Jackson’s legacy and his extraordinary contributions to the world of music and dance.

“For me, and I think I speak for him as well, this right here is his lifetime achievement award,” said Jackson’s oldest son Prince, standing tall and proud in front of throngs of fans and media beneath Southern California’s sunny blue sky as fans cheered from the grandstands of closed-off Hollywood Boulevard.  His voice strong, firm and steady, Prince added, “This is what he strived to get, and this is what we are giving him now today.”

Prince, Blanket and Paris Jackson carried the torch of their superstar dad, literally in his footsteps, immortalizing him with their their father’s signature sparkling glove and dancing shoes imprinted in cement not far from Michael Jackson’s star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

The star-studded event marked the kick-off of Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour opening tonight at the Staples Center (January 27-29) in Los Angeles.  Joining the ranks of stars paying homage to the late icon were Justin Beiber, Smokey Robinson, Quincy Jones, comedian Chris Tucker, along with Glee cast members and Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush who emceed the festivities.

Amid cheers, Bieber, introduced by Paris, took to the stage, reflecting his late great predecessor, aptly singing his own a cappella rendition of Jackson’s youthful hit song of the 1970’s Rockin’ Robin.

“He was more than an entertainer, he was an inspiration,” said an exuberant Bieber, who said he wished he could have met his pop star idol in person.

Michael Jackson’s children were accompanied by their grandmother, Katherine Jackson and uncles Tito Jackson and Jackie Jackson, former  members of the famed Jackson 5, enjoying the festivities as much as the fans.

Along with Bieber’s performance and other celebrity appearances, the event featured a colorful preview of Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson The Immortal, with fedora and feather clad troupe members showcasing an electrifying medley of Jackson’s unforgettable hits.

Ticket Information for Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour can be found by visiting the Cirque du Soleil website at http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/michael-jackson-tour/tickets.aspx

 

 

 

Star Watch

Michael Jackson’s Children, Family set to honor the King of Pop at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood

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Michael Jackson's family kick off Cirque Du Soleil's Michael Jackson the Immortal World Tour

Los Angeles Life and Style Entertainment News

Hollywood, Calif. – Michael Jackson’s three children Prince, Blanket and Paris Jackson, will be on hand to today to immortalize and honor the King of Pop’s legacy. The ever more public trio will use their father’s glove and dancing shoes to make the imprints in front of the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, near the Michael Jackson’s star of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The ceremony coincides with Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour,” which makes its Los Angeles debut Friday night at at the Staples Center (January 27-29) in Los Angeles.

 

LA Music Scene, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Theater, Musical Theater, Pantages Theater, Star Watch, Theater, Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise Attends Rock of Ages at Hollywood’s Pantages Theatre during a surprise vist –

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Hollywood, Calif. – Tom Cruise gave audiences a real treat on Saturday, February 19th, when he attended a performance of ROCK OF AGES.

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Immediately following the performance, Tom Cruise visited the cast and crew backstage to get a taste of ROCK OF AGES up close and personal with stars Constantine, Maroulis, Rebecca Faulkenberry, MiG Ayesa and company. The L.A. born ROCK OF AGES is currently celebrating its triumphant Los Angeles homecoming and Pantages Theatre Premiere playing now through Sunday February 27th.

The Pantages Theatre is located in Hollywood at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard at Vine Street.

Regular tickets for ROCK OF AGES range in price from $25 – $115. Prices are subject to change without notice.

For more information on ROCK OF AGES, please visit www.RockOfAgesMusical.com.

For more information about the ROCK OF AGES’ Los Angeles engagement, please visit the Pantages Theatre’s official website, www.BroadwayLA.org.

# # #

ABOUT THE SHOW:
CONSTANTINE MAROULIS TO REPRISE HIS TONY AWARD-NOMINATED PERFORMANCE
Tony Award Nominee and American Idol finalist, Constantine Maroulis, will reprise his acclaimed performance as Drew in the First National Tour of the five-time Tony Award nominated smash-hit musical ROCK OF AGES, which will mark its L.A. Premiere at the Pantages. As Rolling Stone magazine says, “ROCK OF AGES has found a perfect lead in Maroulis,” and so like Bartles & James, big hair and Dep, some things are just meant for each other.

In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl met a big city rocker—and in LA’s most famous rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80s. It’s ROCK OF AGES, an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Bon Jovi, Poison and many more. Don’t miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on.