Courtesy Photo 

MOVIE BUZZ 



A FIVE STAR LIFE 

IRENE HAS A SEEMINGLY PERFECT LIFE. She travels on First class air travel in fantastic luxurious hotels. Her life may look dazzling, but she is a lonely soul. Irene is pretty, but sad. Looking for satisfaction with other peoples boyfriends, husbands and children just doesn't work for her - it only depresses.

The sudden death of a friendly acquaintance who had offered a link to the real world causes Irene to turn her critical eyes on her own unfulfilled longing and passions. Moving along beds with married men brings up physical and emotional traumas to Irene. Women seem to get into unhappy troubles. Hey - after all, the handsome Italian men speak loudly. No wonder -- the men go from one bed to another. Oh my -- the Italian sexual swaggering. They give many bittersweet tinges to love. 

This film makes exciting visions. The lovers go from Paris, Berlin, The Alps, Marrakesh and many Italian hotels. Yes - Irene and her boyfriends get to sleep everywhere. That's what luxury and quality brings to wonderful Palaces to have sex and more. But sometimes, Irene wishes that she was not a lonely Professional hotel inspector. A one night stand just won't work for her loneliness. 

The original Italian title is Viaggio Sola. It translates to "Traveling Alone". Irene is lonely and sips cocktails in Paris, Stockholm and Berlin - and of course, the gorgeous Italy. 

This is a fantastic colorful film Yes, there are low points in her life -- and Irene ends up being quite lonely - but were here to take the less traveled.  

Here are the amazing Actors: Stefano Accorsi (Andrea) - Margherita Buy (Irene - Fabrizia Sacchi - (Silvia) - Gianmarco Tognazzi (Tommaso - Alessia Barela (Fabiana) - Lesley Manville: Kate Sherman and Henry Arnold- (Director)......Fantastico! 

SIX STARS ****** - Or Six Glasses of Champagne ****** (your choice)

Google Stats: 483 (this day)  

  

HELP IS ON THE WAY 20TH ANNIVERSARY GALA & CONCERT: Lee Hartgrave Tonight

RICHARD CHAMBERLAIN

WILL ALSO BE ON STAGE 

FLORENCE HENDERSON AT HELP IS ON THE WAY

 Northern California's Largest Annual Star-Studded AIDS Benefit Concert & Gala on Sunday August 24, 2014 at the Grand PALACE OF FINE ARTS IN SF.  http://www.helpisontheway.org. 

Lets get on with the show. You're gonna like the unbridled Romance -- fits of Laughter and the Passion. There might be whimsical stories - and yes, some of the cast can be a little naughty. Oh Dear! 

HERE ARE THE FAMED PERFORMERS: Florence Henderson, Richard chamberlain, Lucie Arnaz, Laurence Luckinbill, Alex Newell, Paula West, Jason Brock, Maureen McGovern, Lisa Vroman, Jake Simpson, Valarie Pettiford. And to thrill us even more we will get to see and hear the cast members from MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL.  'Help on the Way' is bound to be one of the most unexpected and greatest discoveries of the year!  Which end were you looking for? BuzzinFunzUp? What else throbs? You'll find them all, at Gorgeous 'Palace of Fine Arts." 

Everyone will love this hilarious show in the evening. I'm amazed with the the fantastic direction and choreography. I just can't recommend it enough. Yes -I will say that you will come across one of the most joyous shows in town. It's gonna be a wickedly fun thrill ride. Hallelujah - or something! You'll find yourself dazzled. 

THE RICHMOND/ERMET AIDS FOUNDATION is proud to bring the 20th Anniversary Gala & Concert to the Palace of Fine Arts. Great seating and fantastic fun will bring all the performances. We'll get to hear great jazz, pop and all of your favorite performers. 

The silent Auction & Vip Party: 5:OO pm - Pre-show Gala Reception: 6.00 - 7:30 pm (features complimentary hors d'-oeuvres, wine tasting and spirits) - Concert - 7:30 - 10:00 pm
And... you won't want to forget the Dessert & Wine Party with the cast: 10:00 - 11:45 pm. 

THIS WILL BE THE MOST RIVETING EVENING WE'LL EVER SEE (Six Stars******) 

Thanks to all! You'll love the evening...
And Thanks to: PR Guy: Lawrence Helman

And thanks to Richmond/Ermet Aids Foundation 

45097 page views (this day) 

  

DARLENE POPOVIC - CABARET CHANTEUSE - IN 'LOVE AND LAUGHTER

CABARET CHANTEUSE - IN A NEW SHOW 

LOVE AND LAUGHTER 

FRI. & SAT. 8:00 PM - NIGHTS ONLY! 
Society Cabaret at the Hotel Rex in SF. 

COURTESY PHOTO 

Darlene Popovic, as you probably know - carries the entire show. She knows about everything and all about Cable Car Conductors - a gay wine merchant and an eccentric hippie billionaire. Now that's a typical mix of SF personalities. You know that you have seen them all around town. Just walk down Market Street. It's basic insanity. 

When Popovic first arrived in the City she fell in love with the Cable Cars in a play. She was the Conductor. She shouted out the stops and made many inane jokes. It was so bad...that she had to beg the audience to stay. 

However Darlene has astonishing talents. She even puts her ear next to 'Coit Tower'. Now, if that isn't eccentric enough for you, then nothing is. 

When Popovic takes over the stage everything can go from Drama to a fun crazy hoop-de-loo stuff that the tourists will certainly be talking about their hometown. 

Darlene has extreme and witty talents. She's a Comedienne, actress and singer. God knows how many multiple roles she has played around the world. People know her from one-woman shows in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York - even on the Street Corners you might even find her humming tunes. It all takes our breath away with the comedy, music and drama. Yep - she has astonishing charms. Everyone loves her. Why do you think that I'm going to the show starting tomorrow? (Friday and Saturday nights)

San Francisco's Theater District gives us thrilling and exciting plays and musicals in the exciting Union Square. The Theaters are gorgeous. I could spend days in those places. 

With Darlene's new show "Love and Laughter" - Darlene will sing and swing songs about love, laughter. The weekend (Fri. and Sat.) will be an evening of songs by composers like Jerome, Rodgers & Hart, Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen. And...that just a few. Who knows - Popovic might even in "Evita" - and "Isn't it romantic". Many classic crooners like Edie Gorme, Dinah Shore and Peggy Lee. This show will be glad that the songs. I can't wait for Popovic's show this weekend at the Rex Hotel. 

POPOVIC has studied Opera Theatre and classical voice over the years. She has many awards that glitter (5 SF Bay Area Golds) 4 SF Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle - and many, many others.

(Society Cabaret at the Hotel Rex located 562 Sutter St. - between Powell & Mason Sts. Tickets: $20 and up available at Box office phone 415-857-1896) 

PR Guy: Lawrence Helman 

Google stats: 999(today) 

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FROM RED TO BLACK

HEY, STRAP YOURSELF IN. You're in for a thrill. It's sure as hell an excellent opportunity for outstanding acting. Here's the deal. It's a simple story about cops and a vulnerable black boy. Complicated? You bet. The cops are both fired up, as they try to get the young man to tell them what they think that they know. And Oh...One of the main characters is a closeted gay. 

Death on a Subway rack. Two detectives (both guys are Irish) really push hard, as they question a young man (black) was arrested. Both are cops. It seems that the push is becoming way beyond the atmosphere. In one moment, the young black seems to be able to leave the Cop Station. He almost made it to the door -- but just as he's told he could leave - the other Irish Cop demanded that he not leave yet. The Drama really knocks me out. I sat on the edge of what I felt. This whole story mesmerized me as if we were enclosed in confines. And guess what - that is exactly is what happened in the confines of the room. The word KILL brings unsuspected criminal exploits. Whose right and who is wrong? We might even expect "Death in small doses!" And you know what...it's going to happen. 

My eyes became Hypnotic as we watched two cops who seem to want to put the young black man on a Guillotine. It didn't go quite that far - but Guns will be ready with bullets. Rise and fall will fail for everyone. The young Black is very troubled. His complications arise when deadly gunfire erupts. Yes, it's morbid -- but someone survives. The final fateful days have led up to tragic circumstances. And yes - someone fell under the Subway train. Very scary.  

The power and scope of this play is enormous. 

RATING: Six Stars ****** or - you might want to drink six glasses of Champagne ****** - it's your choice 

THE COMPLEX AND EXCITING STARS ARE: Mathew Baldiga, Charles Shaw Robinson*, Isiah Thompson and Michael Shipley*

Hooray for Director Susi Damilano. She never fails. Bill English's fantastic set keeps a tight and fast 90 minutes. Also - we get to listen to the rumble of a subway train. What else could you want? 

Google Stats today: 840 readers 

FROM RED TO BLACK: GOOD COP BAD COP!

San Francisco
PLAYHOUSE
SANDBOX SERIES
By Rhett Rossi - Directed
Directed by Susi Damilano

courtesy photo 

FROM RED TO BLACK

HEY, STRAP YOURSELF IN. You're in for a thrill. It's sure as hell an excellent opportunity for outstanding acting. Here's the deal. It's a simple story about cops and a vulnerable black boy. Complicated? You bet. The cops are both fired up, as they try to get the young man to tell them what they think that they know. And Oh...One of the main characters is a closeted gay. 

Death on a Subway rack. Two detectives (both guys are Irish) really push hard, as they question a young man (black) was arrested. Both are cops. It seems that the push is becoming way beyond the atmosphere. In one moment, the young black seems to be able to leave the Cop Station. He almost made it to the door -- but just as he's told he could leave - the other Irish Cop demanded that he not leave yet. The Drama really knocks me out. I sat on the edge of what I felt. This whole story mesmerized me as if we were enclosed in confines. And guess what - that is exactly is what happened in the confines of the room. The word KILL brings unsuspected criminal exploits. Whose right and who is wrong? We might even expect "Death in small doses!" And you know what...it's going to happen. 

My eyes became Hypnotic as we watched two cops who seem to want to put the young black man on a Guillotine. It didn't go quite that far - but Guns will be ready with bullets. Rise and fall will fail for everyone. The young Black is very troubled. His complications arise when deadly gunfire erupts. Yes, it's morbid -- but someone survives. The final fateful days have led up to tragic circumstances. And yes - someone fell under the Subway train. Very scary.  

The power and scope of this play is enormous. 

RATING: Six Stars ****** or - you might want to drink six glasses of Champagne ****** - it's your choice 

THE COMPLEX AND EXCITING STARS ARE: Mathew Baldiga, Charles Shaw Robinson*, Isiah Thompson and Michael Shipley*

Hooray for Director Susi Damilano. She never fails. Bill English's fantastic set keeps a tight and fast 90 minutes. Also - we get to listen to the rumble of a subway train. What else could you want?
IT'S ELECTRIC! 

RATING: Six Stars****** or - you might want to Drink Six Glasses of Champagne with your Stars******

Google Stats: 45,024 (Today) 

DRACULA INQUEST - WORLD PREMIERE - . Lee Hartgrave Tonight

DRACULA INQUEST 

Courtesy Photo - Central Works 

THIS IS CREEPY INDEED 

This kind of play usually goes without an intermission in order not to break tension. But hooray....the audience got a special break between the play. And they were relieved in this kinda virtual re-telling of Bram Stoker's Dracula novel as they were glued to the chair.   

Here's the deal. A Detective comes to an insane asylum to interrogate four inmates with regard to the disappearance of Count Dracula. Maybe its one of you. No just kidding. The Detective however is pushing to keep the inmates in jail.  

All of the actors bravely give top performances that finally make the detective and us believe that Count Dracula is approaching. Watch out!  

The Dracula lifestyle or vampire, seems to be a subculture that's based on the modern perception of vampires in popular fiction. This culture stemmed largely from the goth subculture, but there are elements of the sadomasochism. Is vampirism real? Well, maybe yes and maybe no. Sexuality does squirm around the stage. The Erotic sexual attraction is very strong, as the audience squirms in their seats. 

In this play there is plenty of Madness. Just looking at one of the men with his arms in a Straight Jacket is just enough to make you squirm. And to top all of that is the dirty feet, dirty arms and a bare chest. They don't live in a nice and clean home. But -- as you might expect - it's a Prison. And the floor is not that nice and cozy either. One of them groveled his way out the window. Poof - he vanished. 

Their are Odd sounds in the Winds. Moonlight brings out a strange women. The poor woman seemed to want to be dead. Oh well - I guess the wolves got her. You'll have to find out. 

Here's the question. Are there really Living Vampires? Well, in this explosive play they see themselves as highly spiritual. I think they leave out the blood drinkers. Oh well their psychic energy balances. One minute they act human and the next time you look, they give us moments of psychological energy. You could call them "fashion vamps". They are distinctly from the human vampires. Some are more or less non-vampire. 

I don't think that Christianity and modern vampires work too well in prison. One minute they seem to love you - and hate you the next moment. Scary right? I don't think that the Vamps promote violence or crime in any form. But, they do need a Bath. I would not want to sleep with them. Whether they are Vamps or Dracula's -- this has been said: "I sometimes think we must be all mad and that we shall wake to sanity in strait-waistcoats" - Bram Stoker. The year was 1895. 

The Play is Shockingly immodest and gorgeously grand. Very evocative - fascinating characters - Compelling and Powerful - Tense and Nail Biting - Unbearably Tense! 

HERE IS THE PERFECT CAST: Joe Eslack - John Flanagan* - Joshua Schell - Kenny Toll - Megan Trout 

WRITTEN by Gary Graves 
directed by the Grand Jan Zvaifler

Berkeley City club 
2315 Durant Avenue 
Thru August 17 (Central Works) 

RATING: Six Stars****** or Six Glasses of Champagne (if you like)******  

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he also produced a long running Arts Segment on PBS KQED for seven years))) 

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