If you love The Nutcracker, 2017 is the year to make it to The Wiltern for one of the three performances of the holiday traditional ballet by the world-renowned Moscow Ballet.
All ages are invited to celebrate Christmas with the Moscow Ballet Company of almost 40 ballerinas and dancers on their 25th Anniversary Tour of North America in 2017. Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is known for its award-winning dancers, lavish costumes in the style of the Victorian era, and its Russian focus including life-sized Matryoshka Dolls, Russian folk legends Ded Moroz (Father Christmas) and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) and Troika Sleigh.
The Nutcracker is a timeless tale that has been enjoyed by families for generations. The Moscow Ballet Company puts their own spin on the tradition and brings traces of Russia to Los Angeles audiences. There is still the wonderful score by Tchaikovsky and the traditional characters, but the Moscow Ballet Company turns up the volume on this performance with amazing props and of course, the performances by their talented artists.
Groups of ten or more and Girl Scout troops receive discounts by calling 800-320-1733. Discounts for Seniors 65+, Active and Inactive Armed Services are available from www.nutcracker.com/buy-tickets . Single tickets in Los Angeles are available now at www.nutcracker.com/buy-tickets or call Ticketmaster 800-745-3000.
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker returns to Los Angeles at The Wiltern on December 15 and 16.
What is Gelli Arts®? It’s a fun system of acrylic paint with textures and items to craft yourself for a different artistic experience. With the online tutorial you can start creating some great crafts right away.
Their new Feather Printing Kit is really unique. The kit includes three paint colors, the Gelli® plate, tools, a few textures, and eight white feathers. Feathers? Yep. Imaging creating colorful and unique feathers for a cool birthday party. Who would think of painting designs on feathers? Gelli Arts® did!
Once you begin, you’re in for some great finished products. And they’re easy to create.
First, put a drop of paint on the gel plate. Then take the roller and spread the paint on the plate. Next select a texture and press it onto the plate and then remove it. Carefully place a white feather on top of the plate and cover it with a thin piece of paper and press with your hand. Remove the paper and carefully pull off your feather. Clean the tools and plate (with wet paper towels or baby wipes) and you’re ready to go again. You can keep adding more colors to your feather with different designs if you prefer.
There are kits for creating unique cards and several kits for stamping and printing. And you will definitely find textures around your house to use (plus there are options to purchase them on the website). For instance, a piece of screen or lace would work beautifully. You’ll also think of other things on which to create your new art.
The kits are for ages 8+ and there are special prices for teachers. Check their website for all the info.
The company is the brainchild of two women, a crafter and a businesswoman. They joined forces to create this fun and new way to craft. I have only experimented with the feathers however I know I am going to use other items to create some unique objects. I enjoyed trying out my test products and appreciate they are made in the USA and odor free.
Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Disney Channel and Disney Junior simulcast the launch of the new animated series Vampirina in October and it ranked #1 with preschoolers. It was also seen by all ages and has quickly become a “must see” show for kids and families. Combining aspects of The Munsters and The Addams Family (from decades ago) with the fun flair of an adorable Disney animated character, Vampirina is a fun-filled show with plenty to interest kids and parents. Now 5 episodes are available on a DVD with some great stories for everyone.
The show centers around a young vampire named Vampirina, aka “Vee”. She is a sweet little girl who has moved to Pennsylvania from Transylvania with her parents. She desperately wants to fit in with the other kids, but that proves a little difficult at first. But her kindness and friendship wins out and she finally feels like she belongs.
There are plenty of adorable little references in the show. For instance, their computers access the World Wide Cobweb, and her mother starts a Scare B and B. Vampirina has a pet named Wolfie that turns into a werewolf when the moon is full. The characters are all endearing and it’s a cute little show for kids, who have already embraced it as a favorite.
Besides this DVD that will be played over and over again, there are plenty of consumer items to go along with the show. Kids will love the plush Vampirina. This cuddly little doll will be a great bedtime partner. She’s 13 inches high and dressed in “Vee’s” web-inspired dress. This is the dress she chose to wear to her first day of school. With her batwing pigtails, her large smile with her two little fangs, and her large eyes, the Vampirina plush will make anyone grin and embrace this little gal. The stitched accents make her a sturdy as well as a soft best friend for kids to cuddle and carry.
Other plush dolls include a smaller version of “Vee” with her wings. Did I mention that Vampirina turns into a bat from time to time? There’s a fluffy Wolfie plush, shirts, and plenty of other items available from the Disney Store.
Ghouls, vampires, ghosts, and goblins aren’t just for Halloween. With Vampirina, they’re a fun gang all year round.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
When TNT started to go dark and sinister last year, I was so disappointed. Who needs more gloomy and depressing shows in this day and age? We already have Annalise Keating (How to Get Away with Murder) and ‘Smurf’ Cody (Animal Kingdom) to replace the modern television antiheroes like Tony Soprano (The Sopranos) and Don Draper (Mad Men), to say the least.
To my amazement, however, Good Behavior (debuted November 2016) and Claws (June 2017) subsequently became my obsession. Sure, the lead characters are no angels, but they have good reasons to be who they are. Although they end up doing something illegal or immoral, their hearts are almost always in the right place.
Good Behavior returns for Season 2 on Sunday, October 15 2017. In case you missed the first season, the show follows Letty Raines (Michelle Dockery), a con artist, with one thing in mind. Fresh out of prison, she desperately wants to get custody of her 10-year-old son, Jacob (Nyles Julian Steele). The problem is she just doesn’t have what it takes to have and maintain the normalcy of a conventional, structured, predictable life. With her abusive upbringing and a number of addictions, she is forced to go back to her pre-prison life of stealing from high-end hotel guests and ripping off rich people. Since she is prohibited from escaping the reality with her choice of vices, Letty gets high by pretending to be someone with fancy narrative.
Letty meets Javier (Juan Diego Botto), an Argentine hit man, under very unusual circumstance and ends up being dangerously entangled with the embodiment of danger. Two loners who live on the outskirts of society happen to be in the right place at the right time. In search of who they’re dealing with, though, they fight like cats and dogs. Letty’s whiplash comebacks are to die for; I wish I could talk back to controlling men like she does. She is street-smart and wily, but addicted to the reckless sense of danger.
In Season 2, however, the honeymoon is over. Now that Letty has wiped the slate clean to start over with Jacob, the harsh reality sets in. Where should they live? Public school or private school? What size of pants does Jacob wear? They are happily domesticated now. Letty has to control and worry about Jacob as well as Javier on the run from the FBI. Letty wants Javier to change and vice versa. It’s a fake family with fake names and the underlying feeling of irritation is ‘You’re not the boss of me!’ Who are you to tell me to change? Sounds familiar? Even in this wildly unorthodox and impractical lifestyle, men are judged by their income and women by their ability to nurture. Poor Letty! Though she tries her best to become a better version of herself, the odds are stacked against her, particularly with the two new players introduced into her world. I guess they have to become a con artist family in order to survive.
About the Author
Meg Mimura is a TV critic who actually watches shows zealously in search of human drama worth watching. She is a member of Television Critics Association as well as Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Author Beverly Gray provides an extensive look at a film that changed many careers and indeed Hollywood itself. The Graduate was a popular book by Charles Webb. It was first published in 1963 but took several more years until it became a feature film. “Seduced by Mrs. Robinson” looks at the preparation to turn the book into a movie, the casting, the making of the film, and the aftermath on this 50th anniversary of the movie’s release.
The film introduced movie audiences to Broadway actor Dustin Hoffman. It is difficult to imagine anyone else in the role of Benjamin Braddock but, as Gray discloses, Robert Redford was anxious to play the male lead. Hoffman wasn’t sure he was Benjamin Braddock material, thinking he didn’t fit the image. But, as Gray points out, there is no description of Ben’s appearance in the book, so readers were free to use their imaginations, and casting Hoffman was a great coup, for him and the film.
As far as the original cougar, Mrs. Robinson, is concerned, there were many actresses who were considered for the part. Can you see Doris Day in that role? Or how about Patricia Neal? We all know that Anne Bancroft got the part and made the sexual dynamo into a character we have come to know and love through the years.
The film went through several script versions before starting production. This was basically a small, art house film that didn’t rely on a big studio. And the popularity of the film surprised Hollywood insiders. It was almost shut out of the Oscars, but director Mike Nichols was recognized by the Academy. The film did win several Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and other awards.
The wardrobe for Mrs. Robinson was carefully crafted. Her animal prints and furs convey a true cougar.
With songs by Simon and Garfunkel, a wonderful cast, fun story, and memorable lines, The Graduate quickly implanted itself in pop culture. It is still being recognized in today’s culture. In the 2005 film Rumor Has It, the plot revolves around a family that was the basis for the story of The Graduate. And there have been several takeoffs through the years of different scenes, including the one with Mrs. Robinson’s stockings.
For anyone who has this film at the top of their “favorites” list, they will definitely enjoy reading all the background in this book.
Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Rebecca (Rachel Bloom), a Woody Allen-esque Manhattan lawyer, took a leap of faith by following her summer camp crush Josh (Vincent Rodriguez III) back to his hometown, West Covina, California. The first season of this quirky musical comedy Crazy Ex-Girlfriend portrayed Rebecca in total denial; she was the Queen of ‘I just happen to be here.’ Despite countless cringeworthy schemes and embarrassingly convoluted excuses, she managed to find her way back to The One that got away a decade ago. Great wish fulfillment for those of us who never get such a do-over!
Rebecca botched that up, of course. In Season 2, she overlooked the red flags that should have alerted her to an ill-fated wedding day. She desperately clung to the fantasy of her knight in shining armor; she believed that Josh was the answer to her problems. She was on the blink of figuring out her serious Daddy issues when Josh barged in on her therapy session. To Dr. Akopian’s disappointment, Rebecca took the easy way out by accepting his proposal.
Consider yourself lucky, Rebecca! No, I wasn’t abandoned at the altar, but the ultimate betrayal and rejection came ten years later when my husband walked out on me. Ten precious years down the drain with nothing to show for. This is not a grief competition, I get that. Although I’d say you dodged a bullet, go right ahead into the jilted bride’s revenge mode and punish the happy-go-lucky Josh for his cowardly escape into priesthood. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Let’s generalize about men and get back at them while you’re at it, shall we?
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend returns for Season 3 on Friday, October 13, 2017. After two seasons of being ’crazy-in-love’ and hence justifiable Rebecca, the show finally grows into its title and turns her into ‘revenge-crazy’ psycho Rebecca.
Although Rebecca tries so hard to put on a brave yet ‘evil’ face, her overall revenge schemes fail to impress. Maybe revenge is a dish best served cold. Maybe deep down inside she knows that resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die. Like a good lawyer, however, Rebecca exercises her rights to be heard! Good for you! Do whatever you need to and walk through your anger, pain, and sorrow. Seek who you are, not who you are without a man. Then, and only then, you will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes.
About the Author
Meg Mimura is a TV critic who actually watches shows zealously in search of human drama worth watching. She is a member of Television Critics Association as well as Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Studio Ghibli enchants viewers with magical and entertaining films. My Neighbor Totoro and Ponyo are only two of the delightful films that are now available on Blu-ray combo packs from GKids.
In a reimagining of The Little Mermaid, Ponyo is about a little goldfish princess who longs to be human. Ponyo leaves her home and family and encounters a human boy names Sosuke. They form a bond that takes them through trials and tribulations, while her father, a sorcerer, tries to lure her back to the sea. During her quest to remain a human girl, the forces of nature are set into disarray and a storm threatens the little seaport town where Ponyo now resides with Sosuke and his mother.
Noah Cyrus and Frankie Jonas voice Ponyo and Sosuke. This film was revoiced for American audiences, having been produced in Japan. Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Tina Fey, Cloris Leachman, Liam Neeson, Betty White, and Lily Tomlin also add their voice talents to this creative film. White says she enjoys voice over work because you “don’t have to memorize” the lines. Actors must convey a character only with their voices.
There are hours of bonus features including a full-length storyboard feature, featurettes on the creation of Ponyo, the locations, and interviews and press conferences with the filmmakers. Scoring the film is also looked at.
Young Noah and Frankie used Ponyo hand puppets as props while recording their parts. It’s cute to see these young actors recreating the story in the recording studio.
The story of Ponyo was changed during the production. Originally it was supposed to center on a nursery, but the filmmakers added more of the town to the film. My Neighbor Totoro is a heartening story of two little girls whose mother is in the hospital. They soon discover a forest spirit that can only be seen by children. The trio has many exciting journeys together. While the heart of the story is a bit sad in that the mother is quite ill, the wondrous times the girls have with Totoro is enchanting.
There are many bonus features on this combo pack, including the storyboards, scoring, locations, and creation of the film. The best part is the feature about the voice talent that include Dakota and Elle Fanning who play the two sisters Satsuki and Mei. Other voice cast includes Tim Daly, Pat Carroll, and Lea Salonga. All of the adult praise the sisters and viewers see how much fun the girls had while working together for the first time.
Also, Daly describes the film as “beautiful” and Carroll says it has “heart.” That is true for the Studio Ghibli films under the supervision of legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. There is a booklet included in this box filled with pictures and information about the film.
The animated films from this Japanese production company are wondrous, entertaining, and magical.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Let’s face it. It’s hot in Florida in the summer. Keeping hydrated is important and I have several spots inside Walt Disney World where I always stop to grab a refreshing drink while still enjoying the fun.
First of all, Joffrey’s has several kiosks throughout WDW. Yes, they have wonderful coffee and tea selections, and they also have specialty drinks. I’ll admit I am almost addicted to the frozen cappuccino. As a matter of fact, grabbing one of these before heading out of EPCOT has become a tradition. There are also refreshing smoothies, with or without alcohol!
When in Pandora (inside Animal Kingdom) my new “must have” is a thirst quenching Night Blossom at the Pongu Pongu kiosk, meaning Party party in Na’vi. It’s a nice blend of limeade, apple and pear flavors. They add passion fruit Boba balls on top, which is something I don’t get, but if you love Boba, then have them add it to your drink. There are many other options in this fast service little bar next to the Satu’li Canteen in Pandora.
When you’re in The Magic Kingdom, Gaston’s Tavern is popular for the LeFou’s Brew, their signature non-alcoholic beverage. It’s like a frozen apple cider and very refreshing on a hot day. The frozen beverage is topped with passion fruit-mango foam. Along with their food selection, Gaston’s Tavern is a nice place to rest and recuperate before heading out for more fun in the park.
The perfect tropical treat for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort guests, the delicious Dole Whip soft serve and Dole Whip floats can be found at Pineapple Lanai outside the Great Ceremonial House. This walk-up window is the only dedicated spot for the Dole Whip outside of the Magic Kingdom. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is located at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney)[/caption]
In Adventureland (and the Polynesian Resort, you must get a Dole Whip Float. They add your choice of either pineapple flavored or vanilla soft serve to pineapple juice and is downright tasty. You’ll probably have to order seconds!
Smoothies, frozen Cokes, and other refreshing libations are available throughout the entirety of Walt Disney World. These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to tasty drinks. Club Cool in EPCOT, is where guests can sample selections from around the world…for free.
Check out the specialty drinks in the different countries in EPCOT representing their respective countries. The Fife & Drum Tavern at the American Pavilion has a refreshing – and patriotic – The American Dream, which is a slushy with frozen strawberry, vanilla ice cream, and frozen blue raspberry.
And, of course, you can always find a kiosk for bottled water, which is something we all need to drink.
About the Author
Roy Brokaw writes about interesting things to do and places to see. He is also an accomplished travel photographer.
Join Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang for some fun holiday classics. This one collection includes stories perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas with the timeless stories featuring the loveable Peanuts kids. Peanuts Holiday Collection Deluxe Edition in available now on 4K Ultra HD with a Blu-ray disc and Digital copy.
First, we all know about The Great Pumpkin. Don’t we? Well, Linus is convinced The Great Pumpkin will come on Halloween night. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a fun Halloween story that has been entertaining families since 1966. It was nominated for 3 Prime Time Emmys and has been an annual TV viewing tradition in homes around the country. With everyone out Trick or Treating, little Linus is waiting in the pumpkin patch for the arrival of The Great Pumpkin. This little guy is so enthusiastic he’ll melt your heart. This is a disc that will keep everyone entertained throughout October.
Next comes Thanksgiving. November is filled with preparations for the holiday and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is one way to get ready for the holiday. In 1973 this adorable show was first broadcast on TV and ended up winning an Emmy. Thanksgiving with the Peanuts gang is happier than ever when Peppermint Patty joins the group for a festive celebration.
December brings Christmas and A Charlie Brown Christmas, which was produced in 1965 and has stood the test of time. Now, when people see a scraggly little tree, they often refer to it as a “Charlie Brown tree.” That’s because Good Ol’ Charlie Brown picked out the mangiest little tree to give it a good home. He doesn’t want to be taken in by the materialism of the holidays. And in the end he proves that the Christmas spirit and the season isn’t dependent on the big commercialism that has taken over the world.
Besides these three main holiday shows, the collection includes plenty more fun with Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Sally, Snoopy, Peppermint Patty, Violet, Schroeder, Patty, Frieda, Pig Pen, Woodstock, Franklin, and the rest of the gang.
It’s Magic, Charlie Brown (1981) centers on Snoopy as he dedicated himself to his magic tricks. But will he go too far?
Charlie Brown’s All-Stars (1966) has the little fellow in a difficult situation. He loves his baseball team, but to get new uniforms he must tell Snoopy, Lucy, Patty, Violet and Frieda they are off the team, which is something he doesn’t want to do. When the team hears that good ol’ Charlie Brown turned down the uniforms, they are incensed. Then Linus tells them that Charlie Brown was only thinking about them. He didn’t want to split up his team. The whole gang gets together to show Charlie Brown they understand and do care about him, and make him his own uniform…out of Linus’ blanket!
The Mayflower Voyagers (1988) is has the gang reliving the past as they set sail on the Mayflower for a new adventure in the New World, and a very difficult winter.
Play It Again, Charlie Brown (1971) has a love-struck Lucy getting a gig for Schroeder at the PTA concert. The piano-playing lad is excited to play his Beethoven melodies, but only rock music is allowed at the concert. How will Schroeder react to this news?
It’s Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown (1992) is filled with more holiday fun for the gang as they prepare for the annual Christmas pageant.
It’s Flashbeagle, Charlie Brown includes the fun dancing steps of the 80s. This show was first broadcast in 1984 and reflects the time.
Besides these nine timeless shows, there are a few featurettes included in the collection. While all of these shows were produced a long time ago, they are still as relevant and entertaining today. And now that they are on 4K, the graphics are brighter and better.
The Peanuts gang has many hours of fun in store for the whole family in this collection. And even though they are having fun watching the shows, kids won’t realize are learning lessons about life. Grab the popcorn, make some hot chocolate, and pop in these shows for some fun family viewing.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
We all know that reading, singing, and talking to babies and kids is important. Books are an important element in everyone’s life, even in this time of computers and tablets. There’s nothing like holding a book and turning the pages. Bookroo is a great company that delivers books directly to your house. And because they’re yours to own, there’s no returning them to a library. How cool is that?
All you have to do is to select whether you want the Board Book Box for ages 0-2, or Picture Book Box for ages 2-6. If you select the Board Book Box, you’ll receive 3 books in each shipment. The Picture Book Box contains 2 books in each shipment. And each book comes beautifully wrapped. It’s like getting a fun present in the mail. Subscriptions are for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months. You decide what is right for you. And you can cancel the subscription any time.
The books have been reviewed by a panel of 12 families. They rate the books and the selections are then included in the list of books for the subscribers.
Working with the company is easy. For instance, if you have kids in both age ranges and you do not want two subscriptions, let them know and they will alternate between the two boxes each time.
And because they have been so successful, the company is now trying out their Junior Box for ages 7-10, so if you want to test that out, just let them know.
To review this company, I was sent two picture books. They were each beautifully wrapped in gift paper and came with a little note explaining the books. And after checking the titles online, I discovered the retail value of the books together was greater than the price of the subscription! They also included a URL to continue the discussion of the books online and the webpage included activities as well.
By having their own books, kids feel empowered. They can touch them, take them in the car, and start their own library of books that they can pass down to their children in the future. And parents get the opportunity to see their child’s face light up with each new shipment. Bedtime might become their favorite time of the day once they begin receiving new books. Reading to them at the end of the day is a pleasant way to put kids to bed. The stories and the illustrations are top notch.
According to First Five California, “There are three simple and free interactions that, when done daily, help boost your baby’s brainpower right from the start. Talk. Read. Sing. It changes everything®.” Babies and kids will benefit from these simple activities. And with their own books, as they grow older, they will continue to enjoy the stories over the years.
Not only do these subscriptions make a great addition to your own home, but they are also wonderful gifts. Check them out at their website. You’ll be able to check off several names from your holiday gift list.
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
