Monday, March 31, 2014

Sam Rucker Wants To 'Tell You Something'


Williamsburg, Virginia (31 March 2014): Hip-hop producer turned contemporary jazz saxophonist Sam Rucker has something to say. Blending jazz, hip-hop, soul and gospel, he communicates through inspirational instrumentals that meaningfully resonate with listeners. Nearly three years in the making, his sophomore album, “Tell You Something,” is slated for release from Favor Productions on June 3 and includes contributions from Norman Connors, Bobby Lyle, Tom Browne and Alyson Williams on the set mixed and mastered by Euge Groove.    

Rucker produced “Tell You Something” featuring eight originals that he wrote or co-penned. The tracks harness the rhythms and intensity of hip-hop, melodic phrasing typical of R&B, rousing gospel affirmations and improvisational jazz nuances. A fan of vintage R&B, Rucker was honored to share production chores with Connors on instrumental renditions of three classics: “Before I Let Go,” “Footsteps in the Dark” and Connors’ signature hit, “You Are My Starship.” Lyle’s keyboard wizardry is on full display on each cover tune with gregarious solos while Browne’s regal trumpet adds a touch of class along with a fervent solo to “Starship.” Williams’ glorifies “Before I Let Go” and “Footsteps” with her lustrous voice. But it’s one of Rucker’s own empowering compositions, “Be True 2 Who U R,” that will be the first to receive airplay from the radio-friendly disc when it is serviced to stations in May. Rucker, who plays keyboards as well as tenor, alto and soprano sax on the record, elects to use his soprano horn over the chunky hip hop beats on the single.   

“My desire as an artist is not only to entertain, but to be a communicator – to connect with the listener in such a way that they are encouraged and inspired by my music. Even as an instrumentalist, I believe my music speaks lyrically and I use it to convey uplifting messages. I wrote ‘Be True 2 Who U R,’ ‘No Other Way’ and ‘Ain’t Nothin’ Like It’ to inspire confidence in one’s individuality. My music has a unique fingerprint and the songs on the album celebrate what the Creator put in me to share with the world. ‘Tell You Something’ and ‘A Million Ways’ convey my gratitude for the gifts He’s given me. ‘Brighter Day,’ ‘Love’s Melody’ and ‘A Long Way to Go’ were written to offer compassion for the sacrifices and struggles that we face in life and touch that place in our soul where adversity rests. ‘Brighter Day’ advocates that a brighter day will come if you keep the faith. The covers I selected pay tribute to some of the great R&B artists that shaped my listening while growing up. One of whom, Norman Connors, I had the pleasure of working with on this album,” said Rucker, a Virginia Beach, Virginia native who studied music while attending nearby James Madison University.

Shortly after releasing his 2011 debut album, “Heat from the Heavens,” that introduced his formula of “hip-hop grooves + jazz melodies + a splash of inspirational lyrics,” Rucker met Connors and planning commenced straightaway for “Tell You Something.” The saxman toured as a member of Connors’ Starship Orchestra through 2012. Over the years, Rucker has performed with Peter White, Ronnie Laws, Phil Perry, Cindy Bradley, Ivan Neville, Howard Hewett and Gerald Veasley as well as Groove, Browne and Williams. His work as producer spans hip-hop, gospel and spoken word. Rucker gigs throughout Virginia and looks to expand his routing nationally with the successful release of “Tell You Something.” For more information, please visit www.SamRucker.com and http://www.reverbnation.com/rpk/samrucker.

The cuts contained on “Tell You Something” are:

“Tell You Something”
“Before I Let Go”
“A Million Ways”
“You Are My Starship”
“Be True 2 Who U R”
“Ain’t Nothin’ Like It”
“Footsteps in the Dark”
“Brighter Day”
“No Other Way”
“Love’s Melody”
“A Long Way to Go”
“Tell You Something” (album version)

Affion Crockett Stars In 'A Haunted House 2'




By Darlene Donloe

Marlon Wayans is at it again!  As expected he brings his patented brand of comedic craziness to AHaunted House 2, the sequel to the hit 2013 horror spoof comedy, A Haunted House, which grossed $18.1 million on its opening weekend in January 2013.

In this latest film from the franchise, Malcolm (Marlon Wayans), who after exorcising the demons of his ex, is starting fresh with his new girlfriend and her two children. After moving into their dream home, Malcolm is once again plagued by bizarre paranormal events.


In the film, Crockett plays Ray-Ray. Lets just say Ray-Ray has some issues.

Crockett, an actor, writer, dancer, rapper, comedian, music producer and director has caught fire recently with his YouTube videos. He has appeared on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, CSI: NY, NYPD Blue, The District, Welcome HomeRoscoe Jenkins, Soul Men, Dance Flick, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Baggage Claim and more.  He is currently producing his first comedy rap album titled Watch the Clone with spoofs of popular artists like Jay-Z, Kanye West, Eminem, 2Chainz and more.

I recently caught up with an affable Affion Crockett at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills to talk about his work on A Haunted House 2 (Open Road), which is set for a nationwide release on April 18.



DD: Marlon Wayans talked about allowing his cast to ad-lib on some of the dialogue. What are some of the challenges in doing a movie that way?

AC:  There are no challenges. It’s a playground type of movie. We just all came and had fun.

DD: With so many comedians on the set, how did anything get filmed?  Was it like a controlled kind of chaos?

AC:  Yes, it was controlled chaos. We weren’t all on the set at the same time, though. If we were all in the room together we wouldn’t have a movie today.

DD: So, it sounds like most of the movie was improv.

AC: It’s pretty much all improv. Marlon would just give me the point of a scene. He would say, ‘Just get from point A to point B, whatever way you get there.’



DD: What’s it like working with Marlon Wayans?

AC: First, he’s a friend. He trusts you to come and do your thing. He trust you to be able to just go with it because he’ll just walk up and give you the situation and then tell you to go for it. He’s exhausted most of the time. He has an enormous amount of energy, but because he does, sometimes he’s just exhausted.

DD: How do you keep relevant in today’s world of entertainment?

AC: For me it’s about staying fresh. That’s my job to stay fresh. Keep it moving.

DD: Why did you want to get in this business?

AC: I’m a fan of the game. I used to love watching people like Eddie Murphy and the Wayans. I remember I could make people laugh in school.  I thought to myself, ‘I could do this.’ I packed up and moved to Los Angeles.

Twitter: @AHHMovie
Facebook: A Haunted House

Pasadena Playhouse Announces 'Stoneface' Cast

PASADENA, CA (March 28, 2014) – The Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director and Elizabeth Doran, Executive Director), announced today the full cast of Vanessa Claire Stewart’s STONEFACE, the fifth production of the 2013-2014 season.  STONEFACE is performed June 3 to 29, 2014; the press opening is Sunday, June 8.

The cast of STONEFACE includes French Stewart, Jake Broder, Tegan Ashton Cohan, Conner Duffy, Joe Fria, Scott Leggett, Guy Picot, Rena Strober and Pat Towne with Daisy Eagan as “Mae.” STONEFACE is directed by Jaime Robledo, with music by Ryan Johnson, choreography by Natasha Norman, stunt choreography by Andrew Amani, and projection design by Ben Rock & Anthony Backman. Writer Vanessa Claire Stewart (formerly Vanessa Claire Smith) starred in and penned the multiple award-winning Louis and Keely Live at the Sahara, which had a record-breaking run at the Geffen Playhouse in 2009 after originating at Sacred Fools Theatre Company.

Chronicled through the lens of his own silent films, STONEFACE recreates some of Buster Keaton’s most memorable gags live on stage, capturing the legend of a bygone era and telling the tale of the redemption of one of Hollywood’s greatest performers.  Following a successful engagement at Sacred Fools Theatre Company this past summer, STONEFACE was designated a Los Angeles Times “Critic’s Choice” and French Stewart’s performance hailed as “… quite simply, a revelation.”  LA Weekly said “GO! … one of the best new works of the city’s theatrical season.”

For the past 30 years,  Mr Stewart has been a proud participant in L.A. theatre: both as a member of Justin Tanner’s  legendary Cast Theatre (Zombie Attack, Pot Mom, Party Mix, Teen Girl and Happy Time X mas) as well as a current member of The Sacred Fools. Recent stage credits include: Mathew Modine Saves The Alpacas (Geffen Playhouse), Watson (Sacred Fools Theater Company) and Voice Lessons (with Laurie Metcalf) Off Broadway at Theatre Row.  French is best known for his work on the classic T.V. series “Third Rock From The Sun.” He has also appeared on “Seinfeld,” “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Just Shoot Me,” “The Drew Carey Show” and “News Radio.”  Recent credits include “Community,” “Psych,” “Bones,” “The Closer,” “Castle,” “Pushing Daisies,” “Private Practice,” “The Birthday Boys,” “Comedy Bang Bang,” a recurring role on “The Middle” and Chuck Lorre’s new hit comedy “Mom.” Film credits include: “Stargate,”” Leaving Las Vegas,” “Surveillance,” “The Flock” and cult favorite “Love Stinks.” 

Daisy is the youngest actress ever to win a Tony Award for her performance as Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden (Drama Desk and Outer Critic Circle Award nominations).  Most recently on stage she was seen in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York in her third one woman show, One For My Baby, directed by Drew Droege.  Other theater credits include Les Miserables (Broadway),  James Joyce’s The Dead (Original Broadway production), the first national tour of Love, Loss, And What I Wore,  Jersey Shoresical: A Frickin' Rock Opera!,  Be Aggressive (world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse, Garland Award honorable mention, and regionally at TheaterWorks), On the Mountain (world premiere at South Coast Repertory), A View from the Bridge (South Coast Repertory), The Wild Party (The Blank Theater Company.  2005 LA Weekly Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical) and a whole bunch of other plays and musicals.  Her T.V. and film credits include "The Mentalist", “Without a Trace”, “Ghost Whisperer”, “Numbers” and “The Unit”, "The It Factor", "All My Children", "Another World", "Space Cases", "Square One TV" “Losing Isaiah” (Paramount), “Ripe” (Trimark), “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding” (Green Street Films) and "Judgement" (HBO).  Daisy co-created, co-wrote and starred in “Krystal Park”, a soap opera set in a trailer park, pieces of which can be found on YouTube. 

Jaime Robledo most recently directed the West Coast Premiere of Edward Einhorn's adaptation of  Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep which garnered 8 LA Weekly Theater Award Nominations including Production of the Year and the sequel to 2010's  Watson entitled Watson and the Dark Art of Harry Houdini. The original  Watson won him an LA Weekly Award and an Ovation nomination for his direction and the Saturn Award for Best Local Stage Production as well as being named one of 2010's top rated new plays in Los Angeles by Bitter Lemons. His direction of the Sacred Fools production of Stoneface: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Buster Keaton earned him an LA Weekly Award for Best Director.

The Robey Theatre Company Celebrates 20 Years


March 29, 2014, Los AngelesThe Robey Theatre Company Celebrates 20 Years of Excellence in Black Theatre with a season of compelling, provocative, enlightening and historical dramas reflecting the global Black experience.    Founded by celebrated thespians and directors Danny Glover and Bennet Guillory, the Robey Theatre Company has welcomed guest performances from a range of celebrated artists such as Oscar nominees Angela Bassett and Margaret Avery,  Aloma Wright, Blair Underwood,  Delroy Lindo,  Harold Sylvester, Harry Lennix,  LorettaDevine,  Marla Gibbs,  Nobu McCarthy and Starletta DuPois. 

April 5th – May 4th
Knock Me A Kiss” unfolds in the midst of the Harlem Renaissance. W.E.B. Du Bois, one of the greatest intellects of the 20th century, was busy establishing his legacy.  Disapproving his daughter Yolande’s choice of musician Jimmy Lunceford, Dr. Du Bois preferred renowned poet Countee Cullen as her husband.  Knock Me a Kiss, at the Los Angeles Theatre Center (514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013), is written by Charles A. Smith, directed by Dwain A. Perry.  Previews April 3rd & 4th – tickets are ½ price; general admission is $30. Tickets can be purchased at www.robeytheatrecompany.org.

April 20th
Become a member!   The Robey Theatre Company is offering its 20th Anniversary Year Membership Special.   On April 20th, Patron Level members are invited to join The Center Theatre Group (CTG) as they present “The Tallest Tree in the Forest” starring Obie Award-winner Daniel Beaty.  “The Tallest Tree in the Forest” is the story of Paul Robeson, who at one juncture in history was the “most well known Black man in the world.” Our Patrons have the opportunity to attend the 6:30 pm production at the Mark Taper Forum, enjoy a Q&A with Daniel Beaty, CTG Director Michael Ritchie, and RTC co-founder Ben Guillory.   The price of admission is $100.00 which includes this great production plus a one year membership in The Robey Theatre Company.  For more information and to purchase tickets and memberships, please visit www.robeytheatrecompany.org.  

July 19th – 20th
The 1st Annual Paul Robeson Theatre Festival -  20, 20-minute plays will be produced in homage to 20 years of telling stories of victory, defeat and triumph across disciplines, generations and genres.  Acclaimed, social conscious-raising thespian Paul Robeson challenged the status quo, while pushing theatrical and creative boundaries, serves as the inspiration for the festival.    Paul’s principles, dignity, intelligence, scholarship in law and music values, his fierce resistance to inequality and recognition of the brotherhood of man are themes desired for play content.   Please call the Company for more information.   Festival underwriting opportunities are presently available.

Robey Theatre Company Memberships
Memberships are available for the 2014 season, at various levels - Angel, Producer, Director and Patron, offering season tickets, pre-sale purchases, and additional benefits.   Installment plans are also available.
For more information please call (213) 489-7402, or visit:  http://robeytheatrecompany.org/
“We tell stories that you’ve never heard before, but you’ll never forget.”  Danny Glover, co-founder

'Transcendence' Arrives In Theaters On April 17


TRANSCENDENCE stars Johnny Depp, Kate Mara and Morgan Freeman.

Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is the foremost researcher in the field of  Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that combines the  collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human  emotions.  His highly controversial experiments have made him famous, but they have also made him the prime target of anti-technology extremists who will do  whatever it takes to stop him.

However, in their attempt to destroy Will, they inadvertently become the catalyst for him to succeed—to be a participant in his own transcendence.  For his wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and best friend Max Waters (Paul Bettany), both fellow researchers, the question is not if they can…but if they should. Their worst fears are realized as Will’s thirst for knowledge evolves into a seemingly omnipresent quest for power, to what end is unknown. 

The only thing  that is becoming terrifyingly clear is there may be no way to stop him. Alcon Entertainment presents “Transcendence,” starring Oscar® nominee Johnny  Depp (“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” “Finding Neverland,” the  “Pirates of the Caribbean” films), Paul Bettany (“The Da Vinci Code,” “A  Beautiful Mind”), Rebecca Hall (“The Town,” “The Prestige”), Kate Mara (“House  of Cards,” “Shooter”), Cillian Murphy (“Inception,” “The Dark Knight Rises”),  Clifton Collins, Jr. (“Star Trek,” “Pacific Rim”) and Oscar® winner Morgan  Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby,” the “Dark Knight” movies). “Transcendence” marks the feature film directorial debut of Oscar®-winning cinematographer Wally Pfister (“Inception,” the “Dark Knight” movies). 

Pfister  directed the movie from a screenplay by Jack Paglen.  Oscar® nominees Andrew A.  Kosove and Broderick Johnson (“The Blind Side”) are producing the film with Kate  Cohen, Marisa Polvino, Annie Marter, David Valdes, and Aaron Ryder. Pfister’s behind-the-scenes collaborators include director of photography Jess  Hall (“Brideshead Revisited”), production designer Chris Seagers (“X-Men: First  Class”), Oscar-nominated editor David Rosenbloom (“The Insider”), costume  designer George L. Little (“Zero Dark Thirty”), and Oscar-nominated visual  effects supervisor Nathan McGuinness (“Master and Commander”). 

The music is  composed by Mychael Danna, who won an Oscar® for his score for “Life of  Pi.”Opening nationwide on April 17, 2014, “Transcendence” will be distributed by  Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Los Angeles Women's Theatre Fest Honors 5



By Darlene Donloe

The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival (LAWTF) kicked off its 21st anniversary and a weekend of festivities Thursday night with an opening night champagne gala and awards ceremony honoring five women for their career and life achievements.

The event, hosted by Ted Lange and Starletta DuPois, and written and directed by Shanae Sharon, was held at The Electric Lodge in Venice. The theme of this year’s festival is Giving Voice.

Before a packed house, LAWTF honored Amentha Dymally, Kiha S. Lee, Josefina Lopez, Debra De Liso and, posthumously, Juanita Moore.

AMENTHA DYMALLY


Dymally received the Eternity Award, which is bestowed on an artist whose lifetime achievements have made a lasting contribution to the world of theater.

Said Dymally, who referred to the theater as her husband, “He has a lot of mistresses. Although I’m an old lady now, he still calls on me.”

De Liso received the Rainbow Award, presented to an artist or individual for her diverse contributions in fostering non-traditional and multi-cultural theatre works. Said, De Liso, “I’m so blessed. What I do is noble.”

Lee was the recipient of the Integrity award given to an artist who has brought credibility and dignity to her work.

Lopez was given the Maverick Award for her high standard of individuality and self-styled creativity.  An advocate for women, Lopez remarked that the world was “fucked up.” And that “as women it’s our job to fix it.”


JUANITA MOORE
 
Moore, best known for her role in the film, Imitation of Life, was bestowed posthumously with the Infinity Award, which memorializes exceptional achievement of a theater artist.  Moore passed away Jan. 1, 2014 at age 99.

Themed In Honor Of, there were three performances during the ceremony by Sloan Robinson (Bananas: A Day in the Life of Josephine Baker), Ingrid Graham, who performed a dance called The Passage and Tia Matza, who performed an aerial piece called, Grief and Grace.  

SLOAN ROBINSON

INGRID GRAHAM



TIA MATZA

As is its tradition, this year’s LAWTF will present a number of solo works showcasing the many voices of womanhood, while celebrating the theatre community.

In its 21 years, the LAWTF, the longest running annual solo festival for women in Los Angeles, has produced nearly 500 multicultural and multidisciplinary solo performers from around the world.

The LAWTF, a non-profit, was founded by Executive Producer Adilah Barnes and Miriam Reed.

For a complete listing, www.lawtf.org.

**Photo of Ingrid Graham is courtesy of Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival. Photo of Tia Matza is by Mari Provenchar.  Photo of Amentha Dymally is by Darlene Donloe.




Friday, March 28, 2014

OWN Announces Date For 'Love In The City'


The cast of Love In The City
Courtesy of Harpo Studios, Inc. 


(New York) - March 27, 2014 - OWN:Oprah Winfrey Network has announced that Saturday,
April 12 marks the premiere date of the new docu-series, Love In the City, featuring the fast- paced lives of four fabulous friends living in New York City.  
  
Kiyah, Bershan, Chenoa and Tiffany have known each other for more than ten years, and are constant sources of inspiration, support, competition and companionship to one another. Kiyah, an ambitious and successful celebrity hair stylist and Clairol Professional Celebrity Spokesperson, is the link who brought the four friends together. New York's legendary Harlem neighborhood is where the quartet assembles on a regular basis over drinks, lunch, dinners, you name it! Two are married, two are single, and all are strong, fiercely independent women who believe in living out their dreams and not letting anyone or anything get in their way.
  
Through the group's adventures, misadventures, romances, successes and life-altering struggles, they may not always see eye-to-eye, but when push comes to shove, they are there for each other with solid and unwavering support as they each face their own unique challenges and triumphs.  
  
The series is produced by CORE Media Group. D'Angela Proctor, Jen O'Connell, Rob Lee and Lenid Rolov are executive producers; Paulina Williams and Glenn Stickley are co-executive producers.
  
Chenoa Maxwell - Chenoa Maxwell burst into stardom through a
memorable leading role in the Miramax Films cult classic, Hav Plenty.
She continued to shine on the big and small screen with projects like
"The Great Gatsby"-inspired film G, and as the much beloved "Lena" on
the CW Networks breakout success "Girlfriends." Having studied the art
of photography at Central Saint Martin's College of Arts and Design in
London, Maxwell is the embodiment of Living Limitlessly™, and is the
creator/executive producer and host of the anticipated talk series, Closet
Talk™.
 
   
Kiyah Wright - Kiyah Wright is a two-time Emmy Award-winning
celebrity hairstylist whose genius has not only set the precedent for
image making, but has redefined the appearance of sexy, successful and
confident women. A Clairol Professional Celebrity Spokesperson, Kiyah is
a fashion powerhouse with expertise ranging from signature hair designs
to overall beauty consultation and transformation. As a charismatic
visionary, this creative trendsetter has established her mark in the
industry and continues to inspire with cutting edge developments and
groundbreaking achievements.
    
Bershan Shaw - Bershan Shaw was diagnosed with breast cancer in
2007 and beat it; however, two years later -- just two weeks before her
wedding -- the cancer returned at stage four. Her journey was a vigorous
fight and a daily battle, but through belief, faith and positive thinking,
Bershan decided she was going to be cancer free and birthed
URAWARRIOR - a social networking site to help people dealing with
life-altering issues to not suffer in silence and to heal through human
connection. Today, Bershan is cancer free and wants to help people
evolve to a higher sense of self with a positive attitude.
 
 Tiffany Jones - Cancer survivor and founder of PinkChoseMe, Tiffany
Jones, has dedicated her life to sharing her personal battle with breast
cancer. Drawing upon her long-standing relationships with expert
photographers, actors, fashion designers, stylists, make-up artists and
others in the entertainment and fashion industry, Tiffany brought
PinkChoseMe to life and plans to utilize the platform to reach many
others. Tiffany's personal vision for the foundation, along with the
continued support and determination of all involved, are the building
blocks needed in order to reach limitless goals.
  
 
About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand - and the magnetism of the channel.  Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community
to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable.  Depth with edge.  Heart. Star power. Connection.  And endless possibilities.  OWN is a joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications.  The network debuted on January 1, 2011 and is available in 85 million homes.  The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform Oprah.com. For more information, please visit http://www.oprah.com/own and http://press.discovery.com/us/own/.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Cast Set For 'different words for the same thing'


 OPENING MAY 11, 2014, 
AT THE CTG/KIRK DOUGLAS THEATRE 

Previews Begin May 4, 2014

 Casting has been announced for the world premiere of Kimber Lee’s “different words for the same thing,” which begins previews May 4 at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City.  The opening night is May 11 and performances run through June 1, 2014. Directed by Center Theatre Group Associate Artistic Director Neel Keller, “different words for the same thing” features acclaimed stage and screen actors Sam Anderson (Blackbird at Rogue Machine, Lost), Jackie Chung (brownsville song (b-side for tray) at Actors Theatre of Louisville), Stephen Ellis (The Coward at LCT3), Monica Horan (Everybody Loves Raymond), Devin Kelley (Resurrection), Rebecca Larsen (Sacred Fools), Savannah Lathem (Lost, Moneyball), Erick Lopez (Faking It), Malcolm Madera (House of Cards, Boardwalk Empire), Alyson Reed (Broadway’s Marilyn: An American Fable, Cabaret), Hector Atreyu Ruiz (Gang Related) and José Zuniga (The Call). 

“different words for the same thing” has set design by Sarah Krainin, costume design by Candice Cain, lighting design by Geoff Korf and sound design by Paul James Prendergast.

Casting is by Heidi Levitt, CSA, and the production stage manager is Kirsten Parker. 

Set in a small town in southwestern Idaho, and the vast spaces that surround it, “different words for the same thing” depicts the intersecting lives of the townspeople as they deal with the web of love, tradition, religion, politics and heartbreak that connect them all.  In a series of intimate, deeply felt scenes, Lee introduces Marta and Henry, three generations of their family, and many of their friends and neighbors.  All are linked to the heartbeat and daily life of the community in ways reminiscent of Thornton Wilder’s classic “Our Town.”

Casting is set for “different words for the same thing” at the Kirk Douglas Theatre 2.

Tickets for “different words for the same thing” are available at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, the CTG box office located at the Ahmanson Theatre or by calling (213) 628-2772. 

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Celebs To Host 2014 EIF Revlon/Run Walk Events

Revlon Global Brand Ambassadors Halle Berry & Emma Stone, along with Christina Applegate to Host 2014 Events in New York City on May 3rd & Los Angeles on May 10th

LOS ANGELES (March 26, 2014) – Revlon (NYSE: REV), The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) and Lilly Tartikoff are proud to announce the 21st annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women.  Revlon Brand Ambassador Emma Stone will host the 2014 event in New York on Saturday, May 3rd and Revlon Brand Ambassador Halle Berry, along with Christina Applegate will host in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 10th.

Stone will be returning for her third year to host the New York Run/Walk, while Berry is celebrating her eighth year participating in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk, and hosting the Los Angeles event with Christina Applegate.  The Run/Walk was launched in Los Angeles in 1994 through the combined efforts of Lilly Tartikoff, Ronald O. Perelman, Chairman of Revlon, Inc., and EIF with a second event in New York City added shortly after. To date, nearly one million people have participated in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women and the Run/Walks have distributed more than $70 million to support women’s cancer research, counseling and outreach programs.

“There is nothing more thrilling than to walk alongside the amazing women, men and children who come together on one day to support the fight against cancer,” said Stone. “The EIF Revlon Run Walk is an important tool to continue to build awareness and raise funds to find a cure for this disease. I look forward to seeing everyone on what is always a beautiful and inspiring morning in New York City!” 

“I am honored to once again host this year’s EIF Revlon Run Walk. It’s hard to find the words to describe exactly what it feels like to be part of such a powerful grassroots event that brings together tens of thousands of cancer survivors, patients, loved ones and supporters.  The event is a true testament to the impact we can make if we band together against a common cause.” said Berry.

Like her co-host, Christina Applegate has participated in the Run/Walk several times. As a breast cancer survivor, she is passionate about inspiring other women to take control of their health and providing critical resources to women contending with or at risk of breast cancer.

“I am thrilled for my charitable organization, Right Action for Women, to be a beneficiary of the EIF Revlon Run/Walk. The support Right Action for Women will receive from the Run/Walk will help provide necessary screenings for women at increased risk for breast cancer. Having participated in the past with my mom and many family members and friends, this event is important to me and I know that the funding RAW will receive from the EIF Revlon Run Walk will help save lives,” said Applegate.

The New York race will start in Times Square and finish in Central Park, where there will be a health expo as well as a survivor ceremony.  The Los Angeles race will take place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at Exposition Park. Early registration is encouraged and can be done by visiting http://www.revlonrunwalk.org or by calling the event hotline at 855.434.3779. Registration is also available on site the day of both events.

Participants are encouraged to fundraise individually or create teams. Those who are not able to attend the New York or Los Angeles events can register for the EIF Revlon Run/Walk in Your Dreams. Run/Walk In Your Dreams gives participants the opportunity to fundraise for the event from afar with the same tools and awards as participants in New York and Los Angeles enjoy. Supporters of the Run/Walk can join the conversation by liking @EIFRevlonRun/WalkForWomen on Facebook or by following @EIFRRW on Twitter.

“Revlon has been involved with the EIF Revlon Run/Walk since its inception and every year, we are reminded of how important it is to keep up the fight against women’s cancers until we find a cure,” says Ronald Perelman, co-founder of the Run/Walk and co-founder of the Revlon/UCLA Women’s Cancer Research Program. “I would like to thank all of the volunteers and city officials who help make our event possible each year.”
“It’s hard to believe that it’s already been 21 years!” says Lilly Tartikoff, co-founder of the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women and co-founder of the Revlon/UCLA Women’s Cancer Research Program.  “We have met so many amazing women along this journey. Their spirit and passion has made it possible to raise the much-needed funds that have helped to deliver the innovative, non-toxic treatment for breast cancer called Herceptin®. Even more exciting, there is another hopeful non-toxic treatment on the way. We are so thankful for everyone’s support in making this possible.”   
“EIF is so grateful to everyone at Revlon, Lilly Tartikoff, the entertainment industry, survivors, supporters and participants for their continued and unwavering commitment to this cause,” says Lisa Paulsen, President and CEO of the Entertainment Industry Foundation.  “Their overwhelming support has made the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women an incredible success, and we hope to grow that success with this year’s event.”
New York beneficiaries include: Actors’ Fund of America, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, CancerCare, Inc., Gilda’s Club NYC, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, William F. Ryan Community Health Center, and National Women’s Cancer Research Alliance (NWCRA).  

Los Angeles beneficiaries include: Cancer Support Community- Benjamin Center, Gilda Radner Hereditary Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Providence Saint Joseph Health & Services Foundation, Revlon/UCLA Women's Cancer Research Program, Right Action For Women (RAW),USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Women of Color Breast Cancer Survivors' Support Project.


National Sponsors for the 2014 EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women include: title sponsor Revlon®, double platinum sponsors Toyota and Marika, along with platinum sponsor Rite Aid. Award sponsors include exhale barre yoga spa, and NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto. New York sponsors include gold sponsors Bloomberg, Dunkin’ Donuts and Lucille Roberts Gym; and media sponsors, Fresh 102.7, NBC 4 NY and Telemundo NY.  Los Angeles sponsors include double platinum sponsor Macy’s; platinum sponsors ABC7 Los Angeles and Aquafina Water; gold sponsors Cancer Treatment Centers of America® and The Walking Company; silver sponsor Wells Fargo Capital Finance and Zenith Insurance.

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About Entertainment Industry Foundation
The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), as a leading charitable organization of the entertainment industry, has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars to support charitable initiatives addressing critical health, education and social issues. Visit http://www.eifoundation.org.

About Revlon
Revlon is a global color cosmetics, hair color, beauty tools, fragrances, skincare, anti-perspirant deodorants and beauty care products company whose vision is Glamour, Excitement and Innovation through high-quality products at affordable prices.  Revlon® is one of the strongest consumer brand franchises in the world.  Revlon's global brand portfolio includes Revlon® color cosmetics, Almay® color cosmetics, SinfulColors® color cosmetics, Pure Ice® color cosmetics, Revlon ColorSilk® hair color, Revlon® beauty tools, Charlie® fragrances, Mitchum® anti-perspirant deodorants, and Ultima II® and Gatineau® skincare.  As a result of its acquisition of The Colomer Group in October 2013, Revlon's global portfolio also includes: Revlon Professional®, Intercosmo®, Orofluido® and UniqOne™ hair care; CND® and CND Shellac® nail polishes; and American Crew® men's hair care. Websites featuring current product and promotional information can be reached at www.revlon.com, www.almay.com, www.mitchum.com, and www.thecolomergroup.com.  Corporate and investor relations information can be accessed at www.revloninc.com.