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Special tribute in celebration of boxing legend MuhaMMad ali’S 69th birthday

MUhammAdALITHE GREATEST OF ALL TIME

SUZY AMIS CAMERONA MUSE FOR HUMANITY

A Life Made ‘nice n easy’Dimitris Christoforidis

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2011JANUARY

Hollywood Weekly is a monthly publication wholly owned by Jackson Publishing Company. © 2011 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any content without written permission of the Publisher is expressly prohibited. Letters to the Editor may be sent to: Hollywood Weekly, 4221 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 290-06, Los Angeles, CA 90010.

Email: hollywoodweekly@gmail.com. For Advertising inquiries call: (323) 934-6397, or Online at: www.hollywoodweeklymagazine.com

SENIOR EDITORPamela Spyrs

ASSOCIATE EDITORAnthony Calderon

ASSISTANT EDITORJenny Werth

ADVERTISINGJoseph Mandel

DISTRIBUTORNEWSWAYS

CREATIVE DIRECTORMichelle Nati

LIFE & STYLE EDITORNiki Shadrow

STAFF WRITERToria Gaylord

PHOTOGRAPHY

Irwin Jazmines

WEBMASTERAutumn Hawarden

CONTRIBUTORSAnthony CalderonJenny WerthPamela Spyrs Brea TisdaleNiki ShadrowTyler Fascett Philip CosoresDarwin HeardDena RomiosZoi PatraSteve ZallSid FishLaura Wilhelm

PUBLISHER, EDITOR IN CHIEFPrather Jackson

VICE PRESIDENTBernice Harris

OPERATIONSErskine D. McSwain(1991-2000)

VP MARKETINGMichael D. Coxson

VICE PRESIDENT OFINTERNATIONAL AFFAIRSParandis Khalili

PRODUCTION MANAGERHector Santacruz

DIR. OF MARKETINGLauny Rhem

C O V E R11 Muhammad Ali The Greatest of All Time

F E AT U R E D06 Introducing Andoni Zorbas

16 Dimitris Christoforidis A Life Made ‘nice n easy’

20 Suzy Amis Cameron A MUSE For Humanity’

E N T E R TA I N M E N T26 Hollywood Speaks Out For The Elephants

30 Barb Wire Dolls

35 LA Theatre Beat

L I F E S T Y L E29 New Year, New You

32 Notes for the New Decade

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Anewyearbrings the greatestof times sowe’rebringing you “TheGreatestofAllTime,”MuhammadAli.Hesaidithimself,“Iamthegreatest-IsaidthatevenbeforeIknewIwas.”WearethrilledtobesharingsomeofAli’sgreatestmomentsthroughtheeyesofhisdaughter,HanaAli.

There are remarkable people doing impressive things beyond the boxing world, nodoubt.Formany,aherogoesbeyondwhowins thefight, ratherwho fought thehardest. Inthisissue,wearebringingyousomeincredibleindividualsmakingapositivedifferenceintheworld.PeoplelikeSuzyAmisCameron–patronofeducationalschoolsestablishedtoinspirechildren to livemore conscious lives in respect to themselves, oneanother and theplanet.ActivistslikeCherrepresentinghumanitarianeffortsthroughsupportofFilmsThatChangetheWorld.InspirationslikeDimitrisChristoforidis-entrepreneurfocusedonlaunchingBIOrestaurantsandpromotingahealthylifestyleforcitizensglobally.Androckbands,specificallyBarbWireDolls-impartingpositivemessagesthroughtheirartisticuseofmusic.

Our commitment to NoGossip ~ Strictly Entertainment is reflected in every storywedeliver.Wecontinue toseek, identifyandemphasize thosewhodream,createand liveinspirationallives.Ourgoalistopresentyouwithstoriesthatwilltakeyouonajourneythroughthefascinatinglivesofpeoplespottedontheredcarpet,admiredwhileproducingfilms,rockin’itonthestage,cookingitupinthekitchen,playinghardonthecourts,establishingtheirowncompany and thosewho are creating amasterpiece. One aspect that all of these uniqueindividualshave incommon is thepursuitof theirdreams! Theyhaveaspired to transformdreamsintoarealitytohelpsomuchandsomanyinneed.

InadditiontomyroleassenioreditoratHollywoodWeekly,IamfounderofINSPYRS,a company based on showcasing the humanitarian efforts of talented individuals with aparticularfocuson“inspyring”othersto“DreamIt~LiveIt~InspyreIt”.Andthat’sexactlythetypesofstoriesweliketosharewithourHollywoodWeeklyreaders.

WehopeyouenjoyreadingourJanuary2011issue.Itisourwishthatthearticlesinspireyoutocontinuetostriveforyourdreams-withintheentertainmentindustryorbeyond.We’dlovetohearfromyou.Youcanfindusonfacebookandfollowusontwitterorvisitourwebsite:www.hollywoodweeklymagazine.com

HappyNewYearfromallofusatHollywoodWeekly!

peaceout&inspyrewithin,

Pamela SpyrsSeniorEditor

Senior Editor’s Note January 2011

Pamela&Zoi

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The Politics of FameHISTORICAL REFLECTIONS IN THE LIFE OF MUHAMMAD ALI

BYHANA ALI P

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Weliveinaneraoffewtrueheroes.Peopleseemtobechasingfameforthepleasuresandstatusofcelebrity.Theyappeartohavelittleifanyawarenessoftheresponsibilitiesthataccompanyfame.Inthisarticlewepaytributetooneofourfewlivingheroes.In1976,MuhammadAliwasgivena jeweledwhite robe fromElvisPresleywith thewords “ThePeoplesChampion”decoratedacrosstheback.Itwasafittingtitleforamanwhocontinouslyputsothersfirst.MuhammadAliwasandstill isreferredtoas“ThePeople’sChampion”. Hisimmeasurable accomplishmentswill liveon inourhearts and last inourmemoriesasaconstantreminderofwhatweashumanbeingsarecapableof. Inthisarticle,weglimpsebackattotimeinhistorythatwilladdanewdimensiontothelegendarylegacyofaremarkablechampion. “IgrewupinasmallhouseinLouisville,Kentucky;wedidn’thavealotofmoneybutwewererichwithGod.InmyheartIalwaysfeltthatIhadaspecialpurpose.IstartedboxingwhenIwastwelveaftermybikewasstolen.Atfirst,allIwantedtodowasfindthepersonwhotookitandgivehimagoodwhooping.Ibegantraininginalocalgymandeventuallywonmyfirstamateurfight.That’swhenmydreamsstartedtogrow.I’vealwayswantedtobemorethanjustaboxer.Morethanjustthethreetimeheavyweightchampionoftheworld.Iwantedtousemyfameandthisfacethateveryoneknowssowell,tohelpupliftandinspirepeoplearoundtheworld.WhenIwasyoung,IusetohavethisdreamthatIwasrunningdownthestreetandallofthepeoplewherestandingaroundwavingatmeandcheeringmeon.ThenIjusttookoffflying.Idreamedthatdreamallthetime.”-MuhammadAli “Ali’sFame ispure.Athletestodayareknownasmuchfor theirendorsementcontracts and salaries as they are for their competitive performances. Famenowoftenstemsfromsportsmarketingratherthantheotherwayaround.BoJacksonwasbrieflyoneofthemostfamousmeninAmericabecauseofhisNikeshoecommercial.MichaelJordanandvirtuallyallofhisbrethrenderiveasubstantialportionoftheirvisibilityfromcommercialendeavors.Yet,asgreatanathleteasMichaelJordanis,hedoesn’thavetheabilitytomovepeople’sheartsandmindsthewaythatAlihasmovedthem for decades.AndwhatMuhammadAlimeans to theworld can be viewedfromaneverdeepeningperspectivetoday.”-ThomasHauser,“TheLostLegacyofMuhammadAli”

TheLookinggLass- “Poorkid fromLouisville,Kentucky,at theWhiteHouse,talkingaboutbeinginChina.” OnDecember25th1979MikeDouglas,(apopulartelevisiontalkshowhost)calledMuhammadAli in hisLosAngeles home, towish himaMerryChristmasandtoextendacoupleinvitations.Thefirstwastothescreeningof“GoinginStyle”starringGeorgeBurnsandLeeStrasburg,whichAlireadilyaccepted. Mike: “OnJanuary7th I’mhavingmyanniversary show formy 18th yearontelevision...” Ali:“Thankyou,IwouldlovetobetherebutI’mgoingtotheWhiteHouseonthe7th.PresidentCarterwantstobebriefedonmytriptoPeking.” Mike: “Wow! Isn’t that something…poor kid fromLouisville,Kentucky, at theWhiteHouse,talkingaboutbeinginChina.” Ali:“Maaan!That’sabaaadman!” Mike:“TheHeadMan!”

“Whenwereachacertainleveloffamethereisaresponsibilitythatcomeswithit.Youhavetowatchwhatyousayandhowyouactandwhereyougo.Peoplelookuptoyou—theyfollowandadmireyou.Ineverwantedtodoanythingtodisgracemyself,myfamily,myfriends,ormyreligion.Ithasn’tbeenasmoothroadoraneasyjobandI’vemademyshareofmistakesalongthewaybutifIhavechangedevenonelifeforthebetter—Ihaven’tlivedinvain.”-MuhammadAli

ThePoLiTicsoffame

In December of 1979 the Russians invaded Afghanistan. President JimmyCarteraskedMuhammadAlitovisitfiveAfricanNationstorepresentTheUnitedStatespositiononboycottingthe1980Olympics inMoscow(duetotheextremeabuse inflictedupon the citizensofAfghanistan). AmbassadorAndrewYoung, aconfidanttoMartinLutherKing,wasinclosepersonalcontactwithAli.YoungfeltthatAliwastheidealrepresentativeofapersontryingtodefendthecivilrightsandlibertiesofnotonlyAmericans,but forallpeoplearound theworldwhosehumanrightswerebeingviolated. AlimadethetripunawarethattheUnitedStateshadrefusedtojointwenty-nineAfricancountriesinboycottingtheMontrealOlympicsoverSouthAfrica’splace in the sportingworld.Ali stated thathadhe known thehistoryhemaynothavemadethetrip.WhenAlilearnedthetruthhefeltusedandembarrassedreportedlystating,“PresidentCarterputmeonthespot.HesentmearoundtheworldtotakeawhuppinforAmericanpolitics.”NotallofAli’sdiplomaticchoiceshavebeenwisebuthisintentionshavealwaysbeenpure.Hedoeswhateverhecantohelppeopleinneed.

In1985heflewtoLebanoninanattempttosecurethereleaseoffourhostages.HelaterheflewtoIraqandsuccessfullynegotiatedthereleaseoffifteenAmericanhostagesin1990.Helpingpeopleinneedhasalwaysbeenhisdrivingforce.

TheResPonsibiLiTyoffame

OnDecember27th 1979an Israeli reporter askedMuhammadAliwhat hethoughtaboutthepeaceagreementbetweenIsraelandEgypt.

“IknownothingaboutthepoliticsofIsraelandEgypt.AlthoughIamaMuslimIdon’tunderstandtheproblems that the twocountrieshavebeenhavingover theyears.ButIknowthatallpeopleareGodspeopleregardlessofracereligionorcolorand IknowthatGod isnot forwar. I knowGod isnot forviolence. I knowhe isforpeace.SoIthinkthatwhateverpeopleareinvolved—whethertheyareIsraelis,Arabs,PuertoRicansorChinese, I think that it’s nice to see countrieswhodon’tagree religiously onmany things—countrieswho don’t agree politically— canmakesomekindofbondtostopkillingandbombingregardlessofwhatothercountriesmaysay.IthinkthatwouldbenicebecauseI’msuretheIsraelipeopleareverysaddenedwhentheirboysarekilled.I’msuretheEgyptianpeopleareveryhurtwhentheirboysarekilled. If theycandoanything—theycanstop. Icanunderstandwhy theydon’twanttokeepsufferingsomuch.SoIcansympathizewithIsraelandIcansympathizewithEgypt.Icansympathizewithanycountryregardlessoftheirbeliefs—whetherIagreeornot—thattheyaretiredofsufferingsomanycasualties.Sowhatevertheycandotohelplessenthem—Ithinkthatisgood.”

ThesamereporterextendedaninvitationtoAlifromtheofficialsofIsrael.Theywanted topresenthimwithawardandasked ifhewouldconsidercoming to theircountry to receive it. Ali replied, “Twogroups fromSouthAfrica invitedmeoverandwhenIacceptedtheirinvitationortalkedaboutit,IgotcallsfromalltheAfricanNations,askingmenot togo.They informedme that theUnitedNationsand theAfricancountriesvotedformetostayhome.Somepeoplewantedto improvetheeducationamongblacksandbuildbetterschoolsinblackneighborhoodssoIwantedtoaccepttheinvitationIthoughtthatwasanicegestureforpeaceandequality.ButtheyaskedmenottogobecausetheysaiditwouldmakeitlooklikeIwasordainingSouthAfrica’sworksandthatSouthAfricawasn’tdoingwhattheypromised.BysomanypeopleprotestingaboutSouthAfricaandaboutmecomingtoSouthAfricatheycouldusemypresencetheretosay,“MuhammadAlicamesowhydoyousaythatwearenotjusttoblacks”Itwasapoliticalthing.SomanynativeSouthAfricanswantedtoseeme—somanyofthemlikemesoIwasgoingmainlytoseethem—toinspirethemandupliftthemandmakethemfeelgood.Now,regardlessofwhoinvitedmethatwas inmyheart. I’mjustsorrythatallofthesethingshavetoget involvedbecausetome,humansarehumansandpeoplearepeople.

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“No matter how famous we get, no matter how wealthy we become, we are all equal in God’s eyes and it is only the heart that makes us great or small. Stand up for each other. Speak up for those who cannot speak

for themselves and always be true to yourself.”

Ali and Sese Seko Mobutu

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Sowhat I’msaying toyoumy friend is Iwantyour invitationandIwillgreatlyconsidercoming, but I don’t want to come if it’s going to stir up all my people against me or causecontroversyiftheymakeitapoliticalissue.IhavemanyIsraelifriendsinthiscountry.OnMiamiBeachsomanyoftheJewishpeoplesupportme—theoldladies,theycometoseemetrain.TheylikemeandIlikethem.SosendmeyourproposalandI’llhaveitlookedattobesuretheworldisn’tgoingtocondemnmeifIcome.JustlikeAnwarSadat,hemadepeaceandnowalloftheArabsandtheMuslimsarecondemninghimbecauseheistiredofseeinghisboyskilled,he’stiredofalwaysbeingattackedorfightingforwhateverthecauseisthatcausesdeath.SoIcansympathizewithSadatbutthewholeArabworldiscutofffromhim,andlooksathimasthoughheisanextensionofIsrael.Idon’twantthemtolookatmelikethatbecauseIjustmadeatrip.” yesTeRdayandTomoRRoW

Nothingcantakeawaythepast.Ithappenedanditspartofhistory.

“Firsttheycameforthesocialist.AndIdidnotspeakoutbecauseIwasnotasocialist.Thentheycameforthetradeunionists.AndIdidnotspeakoutbecauseIwasnotatradeunionist.ThentheycamefortheJews.AndIdidnotspeakoutbecauseIwasnotaJew.Thentheycameforme.Andtherewasnoonelefttospeakforme.”(ApoemonthewalloftheHolocaustMuseum) “Forallkidsandpeoplearoundtheworldonthedownsideofadvantage,justlikeme,youcaneachgrowuptobe,TheGreatestofAllTimes!Rememberwhenyougetthere,totreatallpeoplewithkindnessandrespect,becauseweareallconnectedandweareallhereforonecause,thehumancause.Nomatterhowfamousweget,nomatterhowwealthywebecome,weareallequalinGodseyesanditisonlytheheartthatmakesusgreatorsmall.Standupforeachother.Speakupforthosewhocannotspeakforthemselvesandalwaysbetruetoyourself.Whenyoureachthemountaintoptrynottolookdownatanyone,andremembertheresponsibilitythatcomeswithfame—therewillbelittleboysandgirlslookinguptoyou—leadthemwell.”-MuhammadAli

MuhammadAli, is still oneof themost recognizedandbelovedhumanbeingson thefaceoftheearth.Whilemostrecognizehimasagladiatorinthefightingarena,heisagentleman that will do almost anything to avoid hurting another person. Although his voice andmovementarenotassharpastheyoncewere,hehasaclearmindandapureheart.Nomatterwherehe ison theglobehis intention is always the same— togreetasmanyofhisadoringfansastimeandhealthwillpermit.TodayhelivesinpeaceandcomfortandhecanbeseendrivingaroundhishometownofLouisvilleKentucky,oroutinthesocialsceneofhissecondhomeinScottsdaleArizonawhereheattendssportingeventsregularly.Provingthatinspiteofhisphysicalcondition,he isstillactiveand livinga fullandprosperous life.Alistill travelsoccasionallybutonhisaverage leisurelyday,heenjoysgoingout to themovies,orwatchingoldwesternsorElvisPresleymovies,inhishometheater.Whenhe’snotpaintingorcreatinghislatestartworkshecanbeseendiningoutortakingscenicdrivesupinthehillsofParadiseValley.Alihasninechildrenwholovehimdearlyandvisithimoften.Hehasacaringwifethatmakessurethathisneedsaremetandplentyoffriendsandfamilytokeephimcompany.Hehaslivedarichfulllifewithoutregretsandheisatpeacewithhimself.Whatmorecouldanyonehopefor—whatmorecouldanyonedreamof.

Ali with third wife Veronica Porsche, 1978

Ali with fans, mid -1960’s.

Hana Ali and her father, 2008

Ali and Elvis Presley

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Hol lywood Weekly -P rofi le

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The story you’re about to read is100% true, despite the unbelievablenatureofthecircumstanceswhichcreated,or, more to the point, molded AndoniZorbasintothemultitalentedArtisthehasbecome;and,toclarify,whenIsay“molded,”I’mapplyingthiswordinthestrictestsenseofaBlacksmithusingfireonwroughtirontoforgemetalmasterpieces…

Andoni’s story begins in Australia,where he was born in 1992. His mother,MagdalenaBerezvai,aformerprofessionalviolinist, is teaching violin and earning acomfortablelivingforAndoniandhissister,Claudia,whoisonlyayearolderthanhim...

Andonibegandramalessonsattheageof5withFionaPerry,andwonhisfirstdramacompetitionjustonemonthlater.Thisearly achievement fuelled a lifelong desireinAndoni togivesomethingback tootherpeople using his talents; and, as he grew

older, his keen knowledge and attachmentto themany different cultures inAustraliabecamepartofhisactingrepertoire…

In2002AndonimovedtoHungarybecause his sister, Claudia, now anaccomplishedviolinistinherownright,hadjust become an InternationalCompetitionwinner, and was accepted at Europe’spreeminent school for violinists, theFranzLiszt Academy in Budapest to study theviolin.

In Hungary Andoni also foundsuccess as a television actor andballroomdancer. His mother, Magdalena, hadadvised him years before about the toolsanactorneededtobecomeamodern-dayRenaissance Man, which meant Andoninotonlylearnedhowtoact,buthowtosing,write,playamusicalinstrument(theviolin),and dance (Andoni became a EuropeanLatin Dancing Ballroom Champion

in 2009). Andoni would have to beexceptionallyrichincreativity,anddevelopdiverseabilitiessohecouldlivethelivesofthecharactershewasplaying…

As we fast-forward to the crucialmoment about to play out in our story, Iwant you to keep in mind that Andoni isnowallof16yearsold…

We are in a Police Station inHungary. Andoni’s mother,Magdalena, isfacing imprisonment from a corruptPoliceDetective, and Andoni – again, barely 16–isabouttobreakthroughthe“fourthwallof acting” and give theperformanceof hislifetosavehismother…buthowdidwegethere?

For this I owe it to you to at leastgo back one year, when Magdalena’sother child prodigy,Claudia – a beautiful16 year-old herself at the time – is now aphenomenalviolinistonthebrinkofglobal

Introducing:

By Anthony Calderon

Hol lywood Weekly -P rofi le

AndoniZORBAS

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success.ShehadalreadyperformedforfamedConductorZubinMehta,andwasstepsawayfromseeingherdreamofjoiningtheNewYorkPhilharmonicmanifest…Allthesehopes andaspirationswere cruelly thwartedandcrushedforever whenClaudia was approached by an older manon the streets ofHungary one day while walking home…Themanworked on her, as only a skilled pedophile can,andeventuallygainedhertrust.Magdalena’sdaughtergaveuphercareerandleftherhometo livewiththispredator,whonotonlystoleherbody,butoneofthebrightestmusicalfuturesthisworldhaseverseen…

InHungary, lawsgoverningoldermenwithteenagegirls arealmostnonexistent,whichmeantMagdalenahadlittlehelpfromtheauthoritiesingettingherdaughterback;andMagdalenasoonfoundoutthatthepredatorwhotookherdaughterwascloselytiedwith–youmayhavealreadyguessedit–thecorruptPoliceDetective…

Magdalenaisbeingfalselyaccusedofharassingherdaughter’sabductor,andisbeingdetainedandquestioned…And now we come to our “opening scene…” Inside aHungarianpolicestation,aheartbrokenmothersitsintearsasher16year-oldsontriestocomprehendtheevilthathasbefallenhisfamily…

Inaninterrogationroom,theheartless,corruptPoliceDetectivetellsAndonithathismotherwillbeincarcerated,andinthisoneheightenedmomentoffearandgrief,16yearold Andoni holds back his tears and delivers an on-the-spotmonologuewithintenseconviction.HetellsthePoliceDetective,“Iamanactor–youknowthis–andIamtellingyouthatIamgoingtogotoHollywood,whereIwillstarinmovies,andonedayI’mgoingtowinanAcademyAward–andonthatnightIwillinviteyoutocometoHollywoodandwalkthe‘RedCarpet’toseemeacceptmyAward…AllthisIwilldoforyou…ifyouletmymothergo…”And,aswesayinthebiz’,“Scene…”

Andoni’spowerfulwordsand thepassion inwhichhedeliveredthemmovedthePoliceDetective,who,takingitallin,believedthatAndonireallywouldflytoHollywood,act inmovies and somedaywin anOscar…and hewouldbeflowntoHollywoodtowitnesseverythingbydoingthissmallfavorforAndoninow…Itmadesense…Ofcourse,hispedophilefriendwouldn’tbetoohappyabouthimreleasingMagdalena, butwhat the hell; everyone knows there’s nohonoramongthieves…

And that is the story of how Andoni cleared hismother’snameandrecord,andpreventedherfromrottinginaHungarianjail…MagdalenaandAndonidecidedtoleaveHungaryfortheirownsafety,becausetherewasnowayofknowinghowlongthewebof“visionsofgrandeur”AndonihadspuninthePoliceDetective’smindwouldstayinplace.Magdalenahadtoleaveherdaughterbehind,butmadeithermission to giveAndoni every possible opportunity tofurtherhisactingtalents…

Soon after Andoni and Magdalena moved toHollywood, where Andoni attended – and recentlygraduatedfrom–HollywoodHigh.AlthoughAndonihadalreadybeenaleadactorontelevisionshowslikeAustralia’s“The Sleepover Club” (2006), a young adult drama,AndonicontinuedarigoroustraininghereinLosAngeles:theStellaAdlerStudio,D’ArtDramaStudioforStand-Up

“Sleepover Club” Emanuelle Bains and Andoni Zorbas

Nicole Zorin and Andoniduring practice

Scene from The Big Bris

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Comedy,theSterlingStudio,NewYorkFilmAcademy’sLosAngelesActingCourse…

Andonihadahostofmemorable,scene-stealingcameosintelevisionandindependentfilmsuntil he landedhis first feature film rolein “TheBigBrisk” (AceBoboProductions);butitwasthesecondleadingrolehesecured,inHenriCharr’s “TheBigSecretofHiddenPines”whereAndoni’s true talentwas finallyrecognized.

Director/WriterHenriCharr toldmeduringourphoneinterview,“FromthemomentIsawAndoniIknewhewasmylead…Therewas something magnetic about him… Andoncehestartedacting,therewasnodoubtinmymind. I was very impressed with him… Intotal,weauditioned600actorsforthatrole,butafterseeingAndoni,hebecamethebarbywhich I judged all the other actors…Hewasincredible…Hehasadeep,dramaticquality…Abelievability…Andyet,hecanbeincrediblyfunny…Noteveryonecanwalkthatline…”

Charrtalkedabouttheprofessionalismof Andoni. “He’s always on time, extremelyrespectfulandcourteoustoeveryone.Averymature youngman…And, as aDirector, he’sextremelyeasytoworkwith:hecandoexactlywhatyoutellhim…toperfection…”

Both “The Big Brisk” and “The BigSecretofHiddenPines”willbeout laterthisyear, andCharr has already cast Andoni asthe lead inhisnext featurefilm “TheMove,”wherehewillplayaLatinBallroomDancer…IjokedwithCharrabouthimandAndonibeing

thenextScorsese&Deniro,sincehehasnowclearlymethisactingcounterpart.

Ironically, many people in HollywoodrefertoAndonias“TheLittleDeniro,”andheisknownfortakinghiscraftextremelyserious…Inmy interviewwithAndoni inHollywood, I

askedhimwhathereallywantedtoaccomplishwith his acting; he answered: “Iwould like tobring back memorable screen characters, sowhenpeoplewalkoutofcinemasthey’llneverforgetthecharactersyoubroughttolife…Iwanttocreatecharactersthatwillstaywithyouforeternity…MygoalistoexpresseverythingthatcanbeexpressedinArt…”And,didImention,Andonijustturned18…

It’s fair to say thatAndonihasalready

lived a lifetime in his teenage years… He’sexperienced the kind of heartache and griefthat would break down most middle-agedpeople I know… Yet, somehow, he remainspositive and optimistic about life and peoplein general…and he has never stopped talkingabout his beloved sister, and will never stophopingthatshewillcomebackintohislife…

DuringameetingwithLeahSpielberg(yes,Steven’smother),early lastyear,AndonitoldLeahthestoryofhowhissisterhadbeensnatched away by a predator in Hungary,and how his mother, Magdalena, had beenarrested and almost imprisoned when shetried to get her daughter back... Leah wasmoved to tears, and, toldAndoni that this isthe kind of story thatHollywood needs, andwhenhismoviecomesoutinthecinemas,shewouldlovetogoandseeit.Thismeeting,andLeah’sstirringwordsinspiredAndonitofinallywriteascreenplayabouthislifeandhisfamily’sstruggle…

The script, which is now finished, iscurrently being read by a select few whounderstand the sensitivity of the subjectmatter… For Andoni, the process of writinghis story was cathartic, and with this moviehewants to shed lightonhis sister’splight inHungary, and –Godwilling – bringClaudiahome…

IbeganthisstorywiththemetaphorofAndoniasanartistbeingputthroughfireandforged by aBlacksmith to become the artistthatheis.Somanygreatartistsandgreatarthavebeencreatedthroughextremestrifeandsuffering…In“TheThirdMan”(1949),OrsonWelles’ contribution to Graham Greene’sscreenplayweretwosentences,whichbecamethemost famous lines in themovie, and theymay explain whyAndoni’s adversity has onlymadehimstronger…

The line Orson Welles wrote anddelivered is as follows: “You know what thefellow said – in Italy, for thirty years underthe they had warfare, terror, murder andbloodshed, but they producedMichelangeloMichelangelo,Leonardo da Vinci andthe Renaissance. In Switzerland, they hadbrotherly love, they had five hundred yearsofdemocracyandpeace–andwhatdidthatproduce?The”cuckooclock.”

Andonii can be reached atwww.andonizorbas.comor323-678-3239

“I would like to bring back memorable screen

characters, so when people walk out of

cinemas they’ll never forget the characters you

brought to life… My goal is to express

everything that can be expressed in Art…”

Leah Speilberg and Andoni

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“Livinglife‘niceneasy’startsfromwithin,”saidDimitrisChristoforidis as hebegan to speakof hisphilosophyonlivingasimple,yetactivelifestyleduringarecentinterviewIheldwithhim.Hisprofoundyetpositivewordsofhowandwhytolivesimplywerenotonlyinspiring,butalsoarefreshingremindertotaketimetoenjoythebeautiesoflife.

BorninKozani,Greece,thecapitalofWesternMacedonia, to Giannis and Eleni Christoforidis,Dimitrisdreamedtosomedaycreatealifehewouldlovetolivebeyondthefieldsthatsurroundedhisfamilyhome in Northern Greece. During his childhood,Dimitrisplayedbasketballwithhisyoungerbrother,Nicholas, every chance theyhad.This later landedhim on a semi professional team at the age of 16.“AwtobeaLALakersomeday”,saidDimitriswithasmile inhisvoice. “I lovetheLosAngelesLakersalongwith their great passion and perseverance tobethebesttheycanbe.”

Having once lived in Sweden and then latermoving to the United States where he lived inChicago andNewYorkCity, he eventually endedup in the entertainment capital of the world, LosAngeles, California. Unlike most who come toLosAngeles togeton thebigscreen,Dimitriswaspursuingotherdreams.No,itwasnottoplayfortheLALakers; his visionwasquitedifferent. Dimitriswantedtocombinethecreationofdeliciouslyhealthyfoodwith aplaceof escape forprofessional sportsplayersandvariouscelebritieswheretheycouldbegiven a hiatus from the bright lights and fervor ofstardom.

DimitrisexperimentedwiththeCaliforniaandmore specifically, the Los Angeles culinary palate,which eventually lead to the opening ofSanctuary,a restaurant/lounge that soonbecameanexclusivehide-a-way for many in the entertainment industry.He was highly respected by his A-List customersfornotsuccumbingtotheever-persistentpaparazzisloitering outside his establishment.Rather,Dimitriswasacknowledgedasanownerwhocreatedasafehavenforcelebritiesandotherstorelaxandgetawayfromitall.Dimitrishonoredprivacyforallofhisclientswithnoexception!Henceoneofthereasonshewassohighly regardedthroughout thecityandamongstmultiplecelebritieswhofrequentedSanctuary.WithastrongvoiceDimitrisstated,“Iwasnotinterestedingettingapayout tosell storiesabout thecelebritieswho frequented my establishment. These people

DIMITRIS CHRISTOFORIDIS

BY PAMELA SPYRS

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weremyfriendsandtheytrustedme.Nomoneyisworthbreakingthebondamongstgoodfriends.”

In2003,GreecewaspullingatDimitris’hearttoreturn.Whatwouldhedo?Howcould he leave everything he hadbuilt inLosAngeles andmoveback?Heemphaticallystatedtherewasnothingthatcouldstophimbecausehebelievedinhisheartitwastimetogo.Whatmatteredmostwasthelovehehadforhishomelandand for his family he had left behind over 25 years prior. Itwas time to return toGreeceandbuildthe lifestylehe lovedto liveamongsthispeople.“Therereally isnoplace likehome,”Dimitrissaidwithemotion, “myparents,brother, relativesandfriendswho I had left behindmany yearsagomatteredmorethananythingelseinlife-theystilldo.BeingwiththepeopleIlovefills my heart.” As Dimitris continued tospeakofmovingbacktoGreeceheshared,“yes,therearemanythingsImissaboutLosAngeles.Imissthewonderfulweather,thehealthyCalifornia cuisine andmostly, theirreplaceablefriendshipsthatImadethere.Inspiteofthis,GreeceiswheremyheartandsoulfindhappinesssohereIam.”Hewentfurthertosay,“theUnitedStateswillalwayshaveaspecialplace inmyheart. I’msograteful for theopportunities Iwasgiven.Itwasanamazing25years.Whoknows,maybethefutureholdsthepossibilityforareturntotheU.S.someday.”

Currently living inAthens, there isn’t a day that goes by thatDimitris is nothandlingonebusinesstothenext,personallymanagingandattendingmeetingsandtakingconferencecallswhile collaboratingwithcolleaguesbetween it all. “It’snon-stopformedailybutI love it!”saidDimitriswithpassion inhisvoice,“thebusierIamthehappierIbecome.Imustsaythough,Idomybesttomaketimetoenjoythesimplethingsinlife: likespendingtimewithgoodfriends,aspontaneousvisittomylovingparentsortakingaridetositandlookoutintothemagnificentMediterranean

Seawithmykomboloy(Greekfor“WorryBeads”)inhand,allowingmyselftogetlostinthebeauty.”Dimitris’ passion to live a healthy lifestyle begins with the food he eats. Greeceis known for thehealthyMediterraneandietbut likemanyother urban cities, fastfoodhasalsoflourished. Dimitriswantedtodevelopanewtwistonahealthyandfastcuisine inAthensandhehasbrilliantlyaccomplished this task.Alongwithhisbusinesspartner,ChefChrisAthanasiadis,Dimitris’venturebeganwiththeopeningof a healthy souvlaki eatery named “Derlicatessen” in 2006.Theirmotto for thisfreshsouvlakiplaceis:“Nofastfood,Yesgoodfood.”It’stheonlyeateryinAthens

serving the finest meats on whole-wheat pita breadwithfreshlymadetzatzikisauce.

Is your mouth watering yet? Feel like sayingOPA?Well there’smore!Havingbecomeknownasthe“healthnutofGreece”andseeingthatthishealthycuisine had been received so well, Dimitris wantedto take thingsabit furtherandcreatesomething that

hadn’thitGreecequiteyet.“Ijustcouldn’tstopthere;Iwantedtokeepspreadingthehealth,”declaredDimitris.

Whatelsecouldhecreate?HowaboutaBIOrestaurantcafé/bartogetyouinthemoodtogoorganicallyGreek?That’sright,hedidit!In2008he,alongwithhis“partnerincrime”(sotospeak),ChefChrisAthanasiadis,opened“niceneasy”BIOrestaurantcafé/barlocatedinKolonaki(ahotspotinAthens).

Dimitris’commitmenttolivingahealthylifestylehasbeenalifelongpassionforhim.Consequently, hewas determined to open a restaurantwhere people couldcometakeit‘niceneasy’whileenjoyinghealthyfoodandadrinktorelax;hence,thecreationof‘niceneasy’BIOrestaurantcafé/bar.

DIMITRIS CHRISTOFORIDIS

Nicholas Papadopoulos, Dimitris ChristoforidisSOLYNDRA: The new shape of solar

“Idomybesttomaketimetoenjoy

thesimplethingsinlife”

Dimitris Christoforidis, Chef Chris AthanasiadisDerlicatessen ~ Athens, Greece

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So,why thename ‘nice n easy’, I thought?Being a hugeFrankSinatra fan,Dimitrissaidhewantedtheclassicfilmeratobethethemeof‘niceneasy’(soundlikeasongFrankieusedtosing?–yesitis!).Dimitrisshared,“thecombinationoftheclassicfilmeraandthehealthycuisineworksorganicallytogether.AndI’mhappytosay‘niceneasy’hasbeenembracedbytheAtheniansandisfrequentedbymultiplecelebritiesandtouristsdaily.Infact,manyrefertousasthe‘HollywoodofAthens’,andwelikethat.”

Dimitris added, “I couldn’t havedone thiswithoutmywonderful partners at‘niceneasy’,myprimarycollaborator,ChefChrisAthanasiadisandIreneAndersen.ChefChris,withhisextraordinaryculinarytalents,hascreatedadeliciousvarietyofamazing dishes that our customers love.His creations never cease to amazeme.WorkingwithChrisisaneverydaydelight!”

“Ireneisanexceptionalattributetothesuccessofourbusinessrunningsmoothlyandkeepingouremployeeshappyandengagedintheirjobs,”statedDimitris,“IhaveatremendousamountofrespectforIreneandherfamily.Hermother,EleniSotiriou,is one of the founders of Heart Doctors, a humanitarian non-profit organizationderivedfromloveforthesufferingfellowhumanbeingsemanatingfromtheheart.ThisorganizationisnearanddeartomyheartandIhavegreathopesitwillcontinuetochange the livesofmanyworldwide in theyears tocome. In fact,adesignatedamountoftheprofitmadeat‘niceneasy’isallocatedtoHeartDoctorsandwe’reproudtodoit.”(www.heartdoctors.gr)

Ashecontinuedspeakingofhispartnersat‘niceneasy’Dimitrisalsoshared,“whenyourespectoneanother,keeppositiveandcollaborateasone,you’resuretobesuccessful.Andthat’showweworkat‘niceneasy’.”

Havingrecentlyvisited‘niceneasy’BIOrestaurantcafé/barwhileinAthens,IcantruthfullysayDimitrisandChefChrishavetrulydevelopedagenuineconceptthatistastyaswellaswholesome.Thecuisineissofresh,thedrinksarediverseandappealingand, theatmosphere iswonderfullywelcoming.Dishes likethe“MarlonBrandoBurger” which is comprised ofKobe beef toppedwith cheddar cheese,bakedonions,coleslawandFrenchfriesmakeyourmouthwater–it’stheultimatehamburger!Thenthere’s“TheAnthonyQuinnQuasantilla”whichisdescribedasawarmtortillawithchickenfilet,goudacheeseandvegetables,sprinkledwithasweetchilisauce-it’ssogoodit’llmakeyouwanttoDANCE!Andlet’snotforget“TheFrankSinatra”whichistheBlackAngusfreerangefiletofbeeftoppedwithawildmushroomsauce,mashedcarrotsandgrilledyoungpotatoes–anabsolutefavoriteamongstthecustomers.TheHouseSpecialtyCocktailsincludetherefreshing‘nicen easy’Mojito and theTuttiFruttiMartiniwhich Iwill admit, really do go down‘niceneasy’.ImustalsomentiontheyhaveafantasticselectionofBIObeersandfinewines.Thewidevarietyofgourmetcoffees,organicteasandcreativesmoothiesare very impressive as well. The “Don’tWorry BeHappy” smoothie made withcrispapples, freshwalnuts, localpurebeehoney, tangy lemonsand frozenyogurtgivesanewdefinitiontorelaxinginthemoment!Dimitrisfirmlybelievesthatregularconsumption of the “Don’tWorryBeHappy” brings you pure relaxation! (www.niceneasy.gr)

WhenIaskedDimitriswherehefindshisinspirationforallthewonderfulthingshedoesheprofoundlystated,“Igodeepwithinmysoulseekinginspirationfrommypast.Thoughthismaysoundodd,Imusttellyou,Iamonewhoactuallyenjoysthehardshipsinlife.Ifyoudon’texperiencethechallengingtimes,youcan’tappreciatethegoodtimes.Sometimesyoufailhowever,whenyoufalldownyoumustgetupandkeepmoving.SoIembracethetoughtimesandIlearnfromthem.”Dimitrisadded,“I’msoblessedwithtwowonderfullysupportiveparentsandgoodfriends–theseindividualsaretrulypriceless.Forme,happinessandinspirationcomesfromothers,notfrommaterialthings.”

Dimitris ChristoforidisChef Chris Athanasiadis, Irene Andersen

‘nice n easy’ owners

‘nice n easy’ BIO restaurant café/barAthens, Greece

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Marlon Brando Burger

Dimitris Christoforidis with his parents Giannis and Eleni Christoforidis

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ThoughmyinterviewwithDimitriswascomingtoanend,IhadbecomeeversointriguedbyhisauthenticloveoflifethatIstillwantedtohearmoreandwondered,whatwillhedonext?WhenIaskedhimwhat’sinhisfuture,hestated,“I’malwayslookingfornewopportunitiestocreateabetterworldinwhichwelivein.OneofthecompaniesthatIamfurtherdevelopingalongwithmycolleague,NicholasPapadopoulos,isSolyndra.IcurrentlyserveastheofficialsalesrepresentativeforGreeceandCyprus.ThecompanyisheadquarteredinFremont,Californiaanddesignsandmanufacturessolarphotovoltaic(PV)systems,comprisedofpanelsandmounts,specificallydesignedforthecommercialrooftopmarket.”Dimitrisadded,“Ihaveatremendousamountofconfidenceinthiscompanyaswellasitsleaders.Dr.ChrisGronet,founderofSolyndraandaverygoodfriendhastakenthiscompanytogreatheights.Itrulybelieveitwillbeoneofthemostsuccessfulsolarenergycompaniesintheworld.Thebenefitsofsolarenergyaretremendous.(www.solyndra.com)

Dimitrisconcludedbysharingsomeofhisprospectiveentrepreneurialgoalsthatincludeexploringthepossibilityofstartingaproductioncompanycalled‘niceneasyProductions’.“ThiswouldbeacompanyIwouldlaunchwithoneofthemostdynamicscreenwritersanddirectorsIknow,VasilisKatsikis.Truthfullyspeaking,IwouldonlyconsiderthisventurewithVasilisbecauseofhisextraordinarytalentandwell-respectedwork.”

InthefinalwordsofmyinterviewwithDimitris,headded,“I’mopentoallpossibilitiesthatcrossmypathandyouneverknow,Imayevenbringa ‘niceneasy’BIOrestaurantcafé/barandahealthysouvlakiplacetoLosAngeleswithmydearfriendandhighlyesteemedbusinessman,DinoAndrianosand/ormylongtimefriendinwhichIhavegreatadmirationfor,PetrosBenekos,ownerofthespectacularPETROSRestaurant/LoungeinManhattanBeach,CAandLosOlivos,CA.Therearenolimitationsorboundaries.”Dimitrissaidwithenthusiasm,“Strongpossibilitiesalsoexisttoconsiderasimilarventuretoopena‘niceneasy’BIOrestaurantcafé/barwithagoodfriend,nottomentionabrilliantentrepreneur,ErolUserinIstanbul,Turkey.”Hethenadded,withalaugh,“How’sthatfororganicallymixingthingsupabit?”

WhenIaskedDimitristoelaborateonfutureopportunitiesbeyondbusiness,hisheartwarmingresponsewas,“youknowPamela,it’sabitdifficulttobespecificbecausetrulynoonereallyknowsforsurewhatthefutureholds.However,Iamabelieverthatthereareno‘accidents’inlife.Thingsthataremeanttobehappenforgoodreason.WhatIcansayforcertainisthatregardlessofmyfuture,Iintendtoreachoutmyhandtohelpothers.Ican’tignorethatadaydoesn’tgobywhereIdon’tpassbysomeonesignificantlylessfortunate.WhenIlookatthem,Icanusuallyseeasmileontheirfaceandappreciatinglife.Thesewonderfulpeopletrulyremindmetobegratefulformypastaswellasmypresent.RespectforpeopleandlifehappeningsurgesmetocontinuetohelpothersasIwalkmypathinlife.”

Withoutadoubt,wehavemoretolookforwardtoasthe‘niceneasy’lifeofDimitrisChristoforidiscontinuestocreatepositivechangeandinspirationinAthens,LosAngelesandasitlooksquitepossiblyinotherdestinationsthroughouttheworld.

Dimitris Christoforidis with Screenwriter/Director Vasilis Katsikis

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“Iamabelieverthatthereareno‘accidents’inlife.Thingsthataremeanttobehappenforgoodreason.

WhatIcansayforcertainisthatregardlessofmyfuture,Iintendtoreachoutmyhandtohelpothers.”

BYPAMELASPYRS

Heartwarming,Hopeful,Humility…Are all wordsthat describe a truly inspiring interview I recently heldwith Suzy Amis Cameron. Every word Suzy spokewasutteredwithexhilaratingpassionandsincerity.Shecapturedmyattentionso intenselywithherdescriptiveways of sharing stories stemming from her childhood,ranging to her modeling and acting days, through herworldly travels, on to her humanitarian efforts andbringingitcurrenttohermostpreciousrollasawifetoAcademyAward-winner,JamesCameronandmothertotheirfivechildren.Asyoureadon,I’ll takeyouonajourneythroughthelifeofatrueMUSEforhumanity.

FromridinghorsesasachildinOklahomaCitytothebrightlightsofTinseltown,SuzyAmisCameronhaslived a fascinating life filledwith an enduring love andsensitivity for theenvironmentandhumanitarian issuesworldwide.

“Coming froma family of sixbrothers and sistersit’s true to say there was never a dull moment in ourhousehold growing up. As the fourth child I was thepainfully shy one,” Suzy shared as she spoke of herchildhoodyears. Sheadded, “I come froma familyofmultiple aviators including myself. However, I alwayswanted to be a Veterinarian but as you can see thatwasn’t exactly what happened.” She continued witha laugh, “Theclosest I actually got tobeingaVetwasplayingoneinafilmIstarredincalled,WatchIt.”

Sohowisita“painfullyshy”childwhogrewupinOklahomaCityendsupbecomingasuccessfulactressandmodelandevenmoreimportantlyaninspirationtopeople worldwide?When I askedSuzy this questionshe responded by saying; “It all started inmy teenageyears when I wanted a new saddle for my horse.Myfather told me I needed to raise the money myself.Before I knew it, Iwason thecatwalkof local fashionshowsmakingbettermoneyinanhourthanIcouldmakeworkingmultiplehoursasababysitter.Ascrazyasthatmaysound,thelocalmodelingeventuallyledmypathtomeeting Eileen Ford who later introducedme on theMervGriffinshowin1979asthe‘FaceoftheEighties’.Andthat’showitallstarted.”

Suzy Amis Cameron

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Suzy Amis Cameron and James Cameron at the Oscars on March 7, 2010

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Suzy Amis CameronAMUSEForHumanity

At the young age of 17, Suzy moved to Paris. She soon began travelingthroughoutvariousforeigncities,walkingtherunwayshowsfortopdesigners,includingRalphLauren,KenzoandPerryEllisand,beingphotographedby such renownedphotographersasHerbRitz,PatrickDemarchelierandPeterLindberg forVogue,Bazaar,Elleandotherhigh fashionmagazines.Throughout theglobaldestinationsSuzyvisited,shewasexposedtotheharshrealitiesoflifethatexistedworldwideandwitnessedsomeoftheworstcasesofpovertyandmanydiseasestrickenareas.Thethoughtsof theseheart-wrenchingsituationsremainedaharshvisionofreality thatshefound impossibletoforget.The lavishworldofhighfashionwassocontrarytotheobservationsshemadeonthosetrips.AsSuzydescribedtheseexperiencesshebecameveryemotionalandsaid,“Isometimesfindmyselfwakingupat3:00aminacoldsweatwantingtoknowwhatIcando.Itpainsmetoseechildrenbeingtreatedpoorlyand,ithurtsmewhenIseeourplanetnotbeingrespected.”

Adaydoesn’tgobythatSuzyisnottakingactiononprojectsandideasinhopestosaveourenvironmentandthosewholiveinit.Whetherinherlocalcommunityor,asfarawayasThailand-Suzystandsstronginherbelief-toreachoutandhelpthoseinneedandensureabettertomorrowforthechildrenoftheworld. As loving parents, Suzy and her husband, James, play an active role in the

livesoftheirfivechildren.Thestrongbondofloveandrespectisevidentinsomanyways–throughtheirpositiverolemodelingtotheircommunityandgloballybutmoreimportantly, how they are perceived through the eyes of their children. “Jim and Ispenda lotof timewithour children.Westronglybelieve thatwe should leadbyexample,”Suzyshared.Sheaddedthat“childrenwatchyoureverymoveandtheyhear your everyword,whichmakes it so important to be positive rolemodels forthem.JimandIhaveenormoustrustandrespectforeachotherasindividuals–thisinteraction ispricelesstome. It isour#1priority togivesomethingtoourmarriageeverysingleday.We’resoconnectedthatitdoesn’tmatterwherewearephysicallylocatedintheworld-weremaincloseinoneanother’sheart.”

Wanting tospreadthis typeofenduring loveandrespectwithotherchildrenintheworldwassomethingSuzyfeltstronglyabout.Asaresult,shesethersightsonbuildinganeducationalinstitutionwherechildrenwouldnotonlybeeducatedinMathematics,HistoryandEnglishrather,theywouldalsobetaughttorespectourenvironmentandlearnhowtoliveahealthylifestyle.

Suzy’s love for children and her desire to cultivate learning to another levelresultedintheestablishmentofMUSEGlobalandMUSESchoolCA,foundedbyherself andher sister,RebeccaAmis.With their emphasison respectingeach

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Suzy Amis Cameron with children of MUSE School, CA along with Roberto “Berito” Cobaria and Gilberto

Cobaria from the U’wa people of Colombia

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“Jim and I have enormous trust and respect for each other as individuals ... this interaction is priceless to me. It is our #1 priority to give something to our marriage every single day.”

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Jillian Granz (Winner of the 2010 Red Carpet Green Dress Contest), Suzy and James Cameron at the 2010

Global Green pre-Oscar Party, in Hollywood.

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child, teaching children how to respect themselves, othersand the environment, MUSE continues to bring hope forabetter tomorrow tochildrenandparentsdaily.MUSE isanon-profit, educational organization in Topanga, California,dedicatedtoempoweringchildrentograspthefullpotentialoftheirlivesthroughacademicexcellence,personalresponsibility,compassionate relations, global consciousness andenvironmentalaction.ThisphilosophyisbroughttolifethroughMUSEElementarySchoolandMUSEGlobalandcanbefoundonwww.museelementary.org.

Thinkingofwaystopursueherhopefulvisionofbringingpeace to the world is continuously in Suzy’s daily thoughts.Consequently, she developed the “RED CARPETGREEN DRESS” contest, which stimulates sustainabledesign, global green education, and raises funds forMUSEGlobaland thenon-profitMUSESchoolCA.Asamodel,actress, environmental champion and educational activist,Suzy’s uniqueway of life birthed the creation of this contestandcoupleditwithaprofoundpurpose.“RedCarpetGreenDress provides an amazing opportunity to aspiring designersandperfectlyconnectstoMUSE’sglobalgreenphilosophybyapplyingenvironmentalawareness tooureveryday lives,” saidSuzy.

What a fantastic opportunity for an aspiring fashiondesigner this contest is! Imagine your model wearing yourwinning dress design as you both walk the red carpet atthe fabulous GLOBAL GREEN pre-Oscar Party inHollywood, California on February 23, 2011. How exciting!This is thesecondannualRedCarpetGreenDresscontestandfromwhatIhear,therearesomewonderfulprizesforthewinningentry!Participantsmayonlyapplyvia Internetduringthecontestperiod(from12:00a.m.PacificStandardTimeonDecember8,2010through5:00p.m.PacificStandardTimeonFebruary2,2011).Formoreinformationonthecontestandtoviewtheofficialcontestrulesgotowww.redcarpetgreendress.com.

Although I could have sat with Suzy for hours on end,listening to her fascinating stories and inspiring vision, myinterviewwithherwasnearinganend.Therefore,Ifeltitwastimetoaskherifshewouldshareherwishfortheworld.SuzytookadeepbreathandquotedGhandi,“Ifthereistobetruepeaceintheworld, itmustbeginwiththechildren.”Shethenwenton to say, “Forme, it’s always intertwinedwithchildren.OurphilosophyatMUSESchoolistoinspirechildrentolivemoreconsciouslivesinrelationtothemselves,oneanotherandtheplanet. I soworryabouthowourchildrenwill growup inthisworld.Mywish is thatwewillmake the stepsnecessarytoputusonadifferenttrajectorytoleaveaclean,functioning,sustainableplanetforourchildrenandtheirchildren.”

Suzyinspiredmebeyondwordswithallherextraordinaryexperiences and dedicated works that she so eloquentlyshared. However, one question remained unanswered – Icouldn’thelpbutwonderifsheeverboughtthesaddleforherhorse.SobeforeIcouldlethergoIaskedheraboutthesaddle.Suzyrespondedwithakindlaughandprideinhervoice,“Yes,Idid!”

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2011 Academy Award® Nominee Best Foreign Language Film

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Hol lywood Weekly -Event

Cher; Terri Melkonian (on advisory Board of Films That Change The World); Ara Melkonian ( VP of Jack

Kelege, elite celebrity jeweler) at the film’s reception

Billy Bob Thornton

On the red carpet at Sunset Gower Studios, Ken Davitian, star of feature films Borat and Get Smart, with film and tv actor Ed Begley Jr.

Hollywood Speaks Out For The Elephants

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At Sunset Gower Studios for Kat Kramer’s Films That Changed The World screening series: Billy Bob

Thornton, Kat Kramer, Tippi Hedren, Chris Gallucci

Ken Davitian of Borat and Get Smart.

Cher on the red carpet at Sunset Gower Studios for screening of Elephant

and Man: A LItany of Tragedy.

Hollywood Speaks Out For The ElephantsHollywood’s Sunset Gower Studios holds a red-carpet affair bringing star power to the world premier screening of the documentary film “Elephants and Man: A Litany of Tragedy”.

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New Year, New You!Make 2011 a year all about you! Let’s get rid of the dull and drywinterskinandstart theNewYear with a radiant and glowing new you!Academy award nominated actress michelleWilliams,never looks lessthan gorgeous. Ever wonder how celebs like Michelle maintain suchlovely skin and hair? Hollywood Weekly’s got the insiders scoop onhowit’sdone…soreadupladiesand treatyourselflikethestaryouare!!!Michelle Williams

It doesn’t matter if you have brown, blue, greenor hazel eyes…. just line the top of your eyeswiththese DuWop liners for a hot bright-eyed gaze.ThinkAngelinaJolieeyes.Sheusesthelinerstoo!www.DuWop.com

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Welcome to the Aussie’s ‘down-under’secrettofabuloushair!TheHYDRATE-ME RINSE willleave your hair luminous while theANGEL.WASH will transformdrearyandlacklusterhairtofullandshiny!www.kevinmurphy.com.au

Kevin Murphy

The dark polishes are still so IN! Plus, a manicuredhandcompletesanyoutfit.Doitrightladies….pushbackthosecuticles,applyaclearbasecoatfirst,thenapplytwocoatsofHardCandy’spolish, to finish apply a top coat.Walmart.com

Hard Candy

Good-bye pale skin! Hello safetan! This is an incredible find ladies!Luminess Tan complete airbrushtanning system makes it possibleto achieve a beach beautiful tan

at home. The tanning system features SoftTan™ technology resulting in aperfectlyeven,naturaltanwitheveryuse.LuminessTanissimpletoselfapplyand provides the smoothest application only possible through an airbrush.$149.www.luminesstan.comorulta.com

Luminess Tan

Areyoutiredoftryingtoapplyyourfacepowderwithannoyingbrushesthatleavebehindstrandsofthebrushalloveryourface(andoutfit!)?FINALLY,there’sanotheralternative!Thisamazingsponge literally allows for you to apply your powderswith precision and even distribution to thecontoursofyourface.Italsoeliminatestheneedforover-pricedbrushes!It’strulyaremarkableitem!Andastealforonly$19.99.www.rickysnyc.com

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BARB WIRE DOLLSHol lywood Weekly -Music

By Dena Romios

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BARB WIRE DOLLS Democracy,Olympics,TheBirthplaceofCivilization,OuzoandBarbWireDolls…..whatdotheyhaveincommon?Thoughatfirst,itmightappeartherearenosimilarities there isoneelementthatclearlyunites them.Theyareallexports fromGreece.Greece has been established as amecca of the ancient arts. Themostrecentarrival fromGreeceareBarbWireDolls whohavehitHollywoodliketheWaroftheTitans!BarbWireDollsisagirlfronted‘Street-Rock’bandandisthefirstrockbandfromGreecetoeverplayintheUSA.ThebandwasformedwithintheartistcommuneoftheislandofCrete,TheIkarus,byguitaristTasDoll.TheIkarus,inadditiontosupportingartistsofalltypes,hasanannualRockFestivalgivingmusicalartiststheopportunitytoshowcasetheirpassionateloveofmusic.

Tas, a professional surfer and skateboarder, was a classically trained pianist in hischildhood years.One day, an electric guitar caught his attention, and it was “byebye”pianofromthatday forward.Hewassoentranced,he insistedtheguitarwastobehisexpressionofhis love formusic. “Iwasgiven thehonor toplayChopin’spianoinPolandwhenIwasyoung,butwhenIfirstheardelectricrockandroll,Ijustcouldn’twaittostartmyownband.That inspirationstillburnswithinmeandbeingatTheIkarusgavemethechancetowritealotofmusicwhilebeingsurroundedbyother artists that inspiredme. I come from the islandofCrete, howeverbeingonstagealwaysfeelslikehomeforme,”saidTaswithasmileonhisface.Withtheloveandsupportofhisparents,Tasstartedtakingguitarlessons.Hecreditshisparentsforalwayssupportinghisdreamswitha“youcandowhateveryousetyourmindon”attitude. Leadvocalist,QueenIsis,definitelyhasanametoliveupto.She’snamedafteranEgyptiangoddessandnineotherstrongwomeninhistory.Isis’smotherwasinlaborfortenhours,andIsis’sfatherdecidedthateachhourdeservedaname.Hemusthaveknownhisdaughterwasdestinedforsuccesswithanamethatincludesagoddessandotherhistoricwomen.Isisisuniquelygiftedwithhervocaltalentthathassuccessfullyledhertowheresheistoday.Sheisnotaformallytrainedvocalist,yetsheisabletohitnotesthattraditionallyonewithyearsoftrainingmightonlybeabletoreach.Shesingsfromherheartandisguidedbyhersoulwhencarryingatune.Whenaskedtodescribehowmusicmakesherfeel,QueenIsisstated,“IfeelalivewhenIamonstage.ThereissomethingaboutperforminglivewhichbondstheaudienceandIandit’slife

changingformeateachshow.Livemusic is liketheenergythatspeakstoallsoulsandthereisalwaysacelebrationwhenthishappens.IwitnessedthisinCreteatTheIkaruswithallthegreatmusiciansthatlivethere.Musicisthelanguageweallspeak,regardlessofrace,creed,orcolor.Andit’stimetounite!”

Together,TasandIsisstartedwritingandproducingtheirownmusic.Theyhavea“takeittothestreet”attitudewhenitcomestocomposingtheirmusic.You’llfindthemonanygivendayhangingout listeningtothepeopleonthestreet,absorbingtheir thoughts, sympathizingwith their pain and rejoicing in their successes. Theirmusic is created in hopes to inspire people. They share the struggles ofmankindthroughtheirlyrics.WiththeeconomicandpoliticalcrisisinGreece,theydecidedthattheyhadtodosomethingtogettheirmusicontotheinternationalscene.

Concurrently, by word of mouth, the world famous KROQ DJ RodneyBingenheimerwaslookingforsomenewtalenttolaunch.HecontactedBarbWireDollsandencouragedthemtocometotheUS.That’sallTasneededtoheartogethimreadytorocktheUSAsohetrackeddownmulti-talenteddrummer,GregDollandmadehimanofferhecouldn’trefuse.ItwasUSAboundfromthereforBarbWireDolls! For16consecutiveweeksandcounting,RodneyontheRoqhasbeenplayingBarbWireDollsmusiconKROQ.Hehasdeclaredthemas“reallygood”andhassaidtheirsong“California”isahit.RodneyhasbeeninstrumentalinlaunchingcareersofsuchbandsasTheSexPistols,TheRamones,TheClash,Blondie,Nirvanaandnumerousotherpopular‘takeittothestreet’rockbands.OnSaturday,December18th,BarbWireDollsmadetheirliveUSAdebutplayingforasoldoutperformanceattheworldfamousRoxyTheatreontheSunsetStrip.ThebandconsistsofQueenIsisonvocals,TasDollonguitar,VooDooDollonbassandGregDollondrums.TheBarbWireDollsarebeingpresentedagainbyKROQandRodneyontheRoq”atTheSunsetRoomonFriday,February4thinHollywoodandonSaturday,February5,attheDoubleDownSalooninLasVegas.Checkthemout!

AlexandertheGreatattemptedtoconquertheworldwithpower,butnowit’stimeforthenewStreetGenerationofGreekstoconquertheworldwiththepowerofmusic.

“This is just what the world needs now, a good girl-fronted punk band!”- Michael McDermott/Bouncing Souls

Hol lywood Weekly -Music

“Barb Wire Dolls are kinda like a girl- fronted Green Day. They could become huge.”- Charlotte Cooper/The Subways

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Notes for the New Decade: Modalities and MarketsBy Laura Wilhelm

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In these few words Victoria Beckham has put her fingeruponthepulseofourage.Adaptabilityisamajorkeytosuccessintheglobaleconomy,asMs.Beckham’sownbusinesspracticesaptlydemonstrate.

The former Spice Girl’s name suddenly appears to beeverywhereonproductlinesrangingfromfragrancestohandbagstosunglasses.ShehasdesignedjeansforRock&RepublicandmodeledunderwearforEmporioArmani.

In February 2009 Victoria Beckham appeared on the coverof Russian VOGUE and introduced her new clothing lineinMoscow the following year. Russia iswidely known to be aproblematic but very promising market for fashion and luxurygoods.

LastspringVictoriaBeckhamwiselycollaboratedwithEvaLongoriaParkerontheLGFashionTouchcampaign,promotingstateoftheartsmartphonespredictedtobeoneof2011’shottesttrends.ShortlyafterwardsMs.BeckhamwasaddedtotheRangeRoverinteriordesignteam.

Whilereceptionoftheresultsappearstobemixed,VictoriaBeckham’s bold abilities to diversify and innovate commandrespect. She isclearlynotafraid to take risksand thisplusherrelativeyouthandgrowinginternationalreputationbodewellforherbusinesscareer.

I have had emigre associates with similar qualities. I metone last August at her first promotional event in LA and wasimmediately struck by her willingness to go after what shewanted.

ThissamewomanwasofferedaTVinterviewinSeptemberandaTVshowinOctober.Thiscameaboutbecausesomeonewiththerightconnectionshappenedtoseemycompanyslogan“BreakingGlobalBarrierstoSuccess”onacoffeeshoppostcardIhadorderedofftheInternetforfree.

OpportunitytrulyiseverywhereinAmericaifwemakeourwishesknownandremainreadyforanything.

LastyearafterbuyingaVictoriaBeckhamLotusElitecellphoneI tookaseriesof freesocialmediaclassessponsoredby

theWest Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Some of theinstructors appeared to be half my age. Much as I love theyoungergeneration,Iwant ittoteachmeratherthantomanageme.Andteachmeitdoes,everysingleday.

Childrenarenaturallyinquisitiveandshownoshameaboutlearning from errors. My younger students in any subject areinevitably themost fearlessandalways thefirst tovolunteer. ArecentadultESLstudentwhowaspraisedformakingproductivemistakesgiggled,“Iambecomingyounger!!”

IendedthissamecoursewithadiscussionofthemanyfuturetenseformsinEnglish,whichhavealwaysbeenmyfavorites.Theyarefetteredtothepresentyetalwaysmovingforward.

Itisthisveryabilitytoanticipatethefuturethatallowshumanstoadaptbyvisualizingoptions.LearnersofEnglishusuallyfinditbothexhausting andexhilarating to force theirminds into theseinnovativegrammaticalmoldsandenvisionnewpossibilities.

ManyofmyinternationalstudentsclaimthatmyAmericanteachingstylestimulatesindependentthought.Formetherecanbenogreatercomplimentandnogreatercontributionthanthis.

May the new year bring new beginnings everywhere onearth.Here’stousintheUSA.Whatacountry.

“People ask me how long it took to adapt to America. Twenty minutes.” - Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham is clearly not afraid to take risks and this plus her relative youth and growing international reputation bode well for her business career.

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LA THEATRE BEATBY STEVE ZALL AND SID FISH

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“Cyrano de Bergerac” An adventure based on the legend of 17th Century French dramatist and duelist Savinien de Bergerac, now known the world over as Cyrano. Afflicted with an enormous and bulbous nose, he is convinced that no woman can ever love him, and thus makes himself notorious in Paris for his courage, gallantry, and charm of verse. Putting aside his own love for the beautiful Roxanne, he offers his powers of expression to his rival, as this hysterical and stirring adventure unfolds. Written by Edmond Rostand and directed by Rae Allen, it runs through January 23 at the Ruskin Group Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-397-3244 or visit www.ruskingrouptheatre.com.

“Hair” is a musical that depicts the birth of a cultural movement in the 60’s and 70’s that changed America forever as it follows a group of hopeful, free-spirited young people who advocate a lifestyle of pacifism and free-love in a society riddled with intolerance and brutality during the Vietnam War. They explore sexual identity, challenge racism, experiment with drugs and burn draft cards, but the show resonates with an irresistible message of hope through songs such as “Let the Sun Shine In,” Aquarius,” “Hair,” “Where Do I Go” and “Good Morning Starshine.” Written by Gerome Ragni and James Rado and directed by Diane Paulus, it runs through January 23 at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 800-982-2787 or visit www.broadwayla.org.

“Forever Plaid” Once upon a time, there were four guys (Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie) who loved to sing. Discovering they shared a mutual affection for music and entertaining, they got together and dreamed of becoming like their idols. They rehearsed in the basement of Smudge’s family’s plumbing supply company. It was here they became Forever Plaid. As their sound developed, they sang at family gatherings, fund-raisers, and eventually graduated to supermarket openings and proms. Then, finally, they landed their first big gig at the Airport Hilton cocktail bar - The Fusel Lounge. En route to pick up their custom–made plaid tuxedos, they were slammed broadside by a school bus filled with eager catholic teens. The teens were on their way to witness the Beatles’ American debut on the Ed Sullivan Show and miraculously escaped the uninjured. The members of Forever Plaid, however, were killed instantly. It is at the moment, when their careers and lives ended, that the story of Forever Plaid begins. Written by Stuart Ross and directed by Orlando Alexander, it runs through January 29 at the Glendale Centre Theatre in Glendale. For tickets call 818-244-8481 or visit ww.glendalecentretheatre.com.

“The Sunset Limited” Set in a subway tenement apartment of the ex-con, Black, who has forcibly prevented the college professor, White, from casting himself in the path of an on-rushing subway train. Black keeps White a virtual prisoner while he probes the roots of White’s suicide attempt. Black

Well the holidays are finally over and we have a brand new year on our hands, but that’s not the only thing that’s brand new – just look at all these brand new shows for you to see in our local theatres:

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is no stranger to the violence of human nature, but his life has changed drastically since a near death experience. Written by Cormac McCarthy and directed by John Perrin Flynn, it runs through January 31 at Rogue Machine in Theatre Theater in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-960-4424 or visit www.roguemachinetheatre.com.

“The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies” celebrates it’s twentieth season with music and dance of the 40s through 70s performed by a cast ranging in age from 56 to 81 years old, and features lavish costumes and Broadway-caliber production numbers as well as a variety act and special guest stars including Lesly Gore and the Four Preps. Written and directed by Riff Markowitz, it runs through May 15 at the Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs. For tickets call 760-327-0225 or visit www.psfollies.com.

“99 Impossible Things” Harold’s an inventor. An invention is something that seems impossible until it is made. While coming up with the next great invention, one can contemplate a large number of possibilities----as many as 99 impossible things, in fact. He’s one of the habitués of the local Magic Bean Coffee Shop. Both the people who work there and the people who buy the coffee are dreamers. Some are coping with loss. Some are dealing with frustration. Several have unusual coping mechanisms: They’re accompanied by beings who do not (or at least should not) exist in the real world---an imaginary friend, a guardian angel, a human-sized sea monkey. The humans, at least, appear to be running in place. Then one day, a stranger moves into the neighborhood and jolts the coffeehouse regulars out of their complacent existences, much like a blast of caffeinated brew. She has some serious problems of her own, but no matter. She’s set life back into motion at the Magic Bean, and things will begin (finally) to change. Written and directed by Chelsea Sutton, it runs January 7 through February 13 at The Eclectic Company Theatre in Valley Village. For tickets call 818-508-3003 or visit www.EclecticCompanyTheatre.org.

“Chinese Coffee” Jake lives in a one-room apartment/photographic studio. Harry is down to his last $1.50, and Jake owes him money. Jake is an unemployed photographer. Harry is a novelist, who has just lost a survival job as a doorman. Harry’s written a new novel, and he’s given Jake the manuscript to read. Harry is seeking Jake’s approval of his work, and Jake stubbornly refuses to give it. Is there any possibility at all that the new novel may finally be the thing that raises Harry from impoverished anonymity? Written by Ira Lewis and directed by Jack Heller, it runs January 8 through February 13 at the Flight Theatre at The Complex in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-7792 or visit www.Plays411.com/chinesecoffee.

“Daddy” offers a provocative, humorous, and sometimes dark look at love, loyalty, and the consequences of living in a culture without marriage equality when “golden boy” Colin falls for a man half his age, and his relationship with best friend Stew is put to the test. Written by Dan Via and directed by Rick Sparks, it runs January 8 through February 13 at the Hudson Mainstage in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-7738 or visit www.plays411.com/daddy.

“Greedy” Five people struggle with greed, hope, desire and integrity in the wake of an emailed plea for money that promises big returns. Is it a scam or a golden opportunity? Written by Karl Gajdusek and directed by James Roday, it runs January 8 through January 29 at the El Centro Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets visit www.reddogsquadron.com.

“Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein” With a story spanning the entire twentieth century, Leonard Bernstein – America’s greatest musician – broke through every artistic ceiling possible to become the world’s musical ambassador. Conductor, composer, pianist, author, teacher, librettist, television star—for Leonard Bernstein, boundaries simply did not exist. Written by Hershey Felder and directed by Joel Zwick, it runs January 8 through February 6 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

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LA THEATRE BEATzone into the penguin pool, leads Stitch, Mark and Liz into uncharted waters and the fate of one lonely penguin hangs in the balance. Written by Tom Wells and directed by John Pleshette, it runs January 14 through March 6 at the Lost Studio in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-960-7721 or visit www.plays411.com/me.

“Smudge” Nicholas and Colby are going to have a baby. Looking forward to normal, happy lives, they are as happy as expectant parents can be. But do any of us ever know what the future holds? As Colby and Nick struggle with their new life as parents and the life of their newborn, they begin to crumble and the meaning of life is again re-defined as they attempt to fathom perception, responsibility, a parent’s capacity to love, and what makes us human. Written by Rachel Axler and directed by Darin Anthony, it runs January 14 through February 19 at the Syzygy Theatre Group at GTC Burbank in Burbank. For tickets call 800-838-3006 or visit www.syzygytheatre.org.

“Sylvia” Greg and Kate are empty-nesters in the big city until, on a walk in the park, Greg is adopted by Sylvia, a bouncy, frisky poodle mix. Unfortunately, Kate comes to feel that she is losing Greg to his adoring new best friend who just loves to be petted, scratched, and talked to. Written by A.R. Gurney and directed by Gita Donovan, it runs January 14 through February 19 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

“The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society Murder Mystery” overly-ambitious and talent-challenged middle-aged ladies of a working class British village present their hysterical community theatre production of an original Agatha Christie-type whodunit called “Murder at Checkmate Manor.” As is typical for these dingbat divas, everything that can go wrong, does. From forgotten lines and missed cues to lost props and broken furniture to multiple costume changes and lighting and sound effects that all could have used more rehearsal time, the ladies valiantly insist on entertaining you against your will and guarantee to bring down the house. Written by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin Jr., and directed

“Nevermore” A young Edgar Allan Poe visits the crumbling estate of his old childhood friend Monty to keep him company over the weekend as the house is shuttered up for sale, but finds himself caught up in a web of secrets and lies from the past, from the mysterious deaths of Monty’s parents to the unknown whereabouts of Monty’s sister Lenore. In a series of encounters – which mirror such classics as “The Fall of the House of Usher” and “The Raven” – Poe must discover the truth and come face to face with his dark past. Written and directed by Matt Ritchey, it runs January 8 through February 5 at the El Centro Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-1055 or visit www.plays411.com/nevermore.

“Traces” Combining awe-inspiring circus training with infectious urban energy, six men and one woman give dazzling, gravity-defying displays of skill, balancing casually on each other’s heads, or tumbling through hoops and leaping spectacularly up giant poles without using their hands. The show runs January 11 through February 13 at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-871-2420 or visit www.themontalban.com.

“Me, As a Penguin” Lured by the siren song of Funkytown by Lipps Inc., Stitch leaves the safe haven of his mum’s knitting shop in Withernsea for the gay scene in neighboring Hull, where his sister Liz is about to give birth. Liz’s layabout partner Mark makes the mistake of introducing the virgin Stitch to Mad Dave, who works at the Hull aquarium but mostly takes LSD. Stepping out of his comfort

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by Scott Martin, it runs January 14 through February 19 at the Westchester Playhouse in Westchester. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“Cologne” This one-man show takes place in the 60’s and describes the dire consequences an adolescent suffers when, trying to avoid suspicion about his sexual preference, he arranges for the bashing of another boy with whom he was involved. Written and directed by Tony Abatemarco, it runs January 15 through February 19 at the Skylight Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 702-582-8587 or visit www.katselastheatre.org.

“Loving Repeating: A Musical of Gertrude Stein” a musical about loving life, loving thinking, loving making art, and loving love, it explores Stein’s capricious love affair with language, self-expression, and her lifelong companion, Alice B. Toklas. Following Stein from her student days in the late 19th century to the height of her artistic era in Paris as one of the “lost generation,” the distinctive score illuminates Stein’s world, bringing fresh perspective to her poetic texts and illuminating her deep love of the way American language perpetually changes to reflect the voices of the people. Music by Stephen Flaherty, adapted by Frank Galati, and directed by Cayn Desai [sic], it runs January 21 through February 13 at the International City Theatre in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit ” www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

So take a break from packing away all the holiday decorations by taking time to go out and enjoy one of these fresh new offerings – after all, you’ve earned it – and make it a belated gift to family and friends by taking them along too!

“Ballroom With A Twist” is the only show that offers fans the opportunity to see the stars up close and in person. Gilles Marini and Jane Seymour will serve as hosts for this brilliant new dance production conceived and choreographed by Emmy Award nominated Louis van Amstel, a five-time Dancing With the Stars pro. Ballroom boasts an amazing ensemble including dancers from “High School Musical - The Movie,” “Dance Your Ass Off” and “Dancing With The Stars” dance pros such as Edyta Sliwinska, Alec Mazo, Jonathan Roberts & Anna Trebunskaya and “So you think you can dance” such as season fives Randi Lynn Evans and Johnathan Platero as well as this years all-star Ade Obayomi in addition to “American Idol” finalists from season seven, David Hernandez, and season six, Gina Glocksen, who provide exciting live vocals. This ground-breaking show pushes the boundaries of ballroom dance, infusing it with energy and the intensity of the classic ballroom and the latest authentic, hip-hop and Broadway styles, making it an extravagant evening of entertainment for the entire family, highlighted by stunning costumes, magnificent music and breathtaking performances. Conceived and choreographed by Louis van Amstel, it runs January 21 through February 13 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.

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