Sunday, November 6, 2011
"KRISTEN'S KORNER" WITH THE NEW HAVEN BULLETIN
I have been writing weekly articles for the New Haven Bulletin (out of Fort Wayne, Indiana). So far, "Kristen's Korner" features reprints of several articles, including:
-An interview(ish) article with designer Blanche Garcia on transforming space
-Motivational workout tips
-An interview with Fashionista editor Lauren Sherman
-Spooky vodka cocktails
For original articles, please visit http://www.newhavenbulletin.com/?s=kristen+fogle
CLIQ MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE '11
http://Giuliana.CliqMagazine.com
Edited by Kristen Fogle
Words by Kristen Fogle:
-Editor letter (page 2)
-CLIQ's Favorite Finds (pages 6-7)
-Giuliana Rancic interview (pages 12-17)
-Spaces with Spice article (written under Orion Radleigh) (page 20)
-"Gym Free and Ripped" article (written under Orion Radleigh) (pages 22-23)
-Lacey Chabert interview (pages 24-25)
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE @ MOXIE THEATRE FOR SDTHEATREREVIEWS.COM AND ARTSNFASHION.COM
Words by Kristen Fogle
“Dead Man’s Cell Phone” (DMCP), by Sarah Ruhl, is both charming and edgy, quaint and quirky, fun and somber. “DMCP” tackles technology, more specifically cell phone use, and champions the idea that the very device meant to connect is actually eroding those relationships we are supposedly maintaining.
The play opens on cute but nondescript Jean, who is enjoying some quiet time in a café…until a persistent cell phone ring interrupts her calm. As the title of the show has given away, the cell phone’s owner has died. Peculiarly, Jean keeps the phone belonging to Gordon, the dead man, and takes it upon herself to answer it and even do Gordon’s bidding in the process. This leads her to encounter Gordon’s mistress (simply billed as Other Woman); Hermia, his wife; Mrs. Gottlieb, his mother; and Dwight, his brother. Jean is compelled to lie to everyone she meets to spare their feelings; she even finds her way into a life threatening situation involving Gordon’s shady former business dealings. Things turn interesting when Jean and Dwight form a connection and become downright bizarre when Jean has a chance to meet up with Gordon again in Act Two.
Jo Anne Glover (Jean) portrays a refreshing childlike enthusiasm, which (sort of) explains her odd need to protect the obviously flawed Gordon, played by Matt Thompson. Besides playing a hell of a corpse, when Gordon speaks to us again from “beyond,” he offers some refreshing insight into how one embodies a true bad guy, as well as how our society aides in setting us up to become one. Kathryn Herbruck plays a resplendent Mrs. Gottlieb with perhaps the best lines; she has developed a character whose abrasive humor continually produces laugh after laugh. Adding to the dysfunction is Lisel Gorell-Getz’s Hermia, an unhappy upper class housewife who is about as vile as her husband. We see Yolanda Franklin in dual roles, playing both Gordon’s mistress as well as his business associate. In both roles she comically commands our attention. Dwight, played by Jonathan Sachs, is the normal if sentimental one of the family. (On a side note, due to an affection rarely expressed for paper goods, I have come to love stationary the way Jean and Dwight do through Sachs and Glover’s romantic flourishe.)
Besides fine actors adding to “DMCP,” (it should be mentioned that Glover is a founder member and managing director of Moxie, Getz is Director of Education), there are many other aspects that make this show worth watching. Delicia Turner Sonnenberg directs (another founding member of Moxie), making good use of the entire stage in her careful blocking (which includes both a fight and a love scene!); Christopher Ward impresses with exceptional set design that encompasses sliding doors that reveal a towering array of baggage in one scene, an intentionally gaudy dining room in another; Jason Bieber (Lighting Design) and Matt Lescault-Wood (Sound Design) lend their talents to frame more tender scenes and successfully replicate the look and feel of a subway.
There is a lot to ruminate on in this play—the manner by which connections can be strangely forged, the power of lies that are intentioned for good, the way that the deceased are ultimately suppressed of their lesser qualities just by virtue of being dead, and how mobile devices can render us ugly. This piece reminds us of our disregard of real interaction in favor of the electronic device and how we are able to share our private, many times putrid selves to the whole world as we spout words everyday in front of complete strangers while having conversations with others. This play ultimately does not feel negative but hopeful—the experience with Gordon has shown Jean a truth, and her simple appreciation and love of Dwight is one worthy of emulation and a good reminder that even if just on stage, perhaps those emotions are still well and good in the world.
As said previously, Moxie is behind Sarah Ruhl’s newest piece (which won the Helen Hays award for best new play, adding to numerous awards for her other works—including a Pulitzer Prize nomination). Moxie is no stranger to highlighting award winning, high quality work; the Rolando based space has produced plays such as “Bleeding Kansas” and “The Sugar Syndrome” and will feature “A Raisin in the Sun” after the run of “DMCP.” Besides showcasing really good pieces, the Moxie mission is commendable: to create more diverse and honest images of women for our culture by producing primarily female playwrights with special attention given to plays which defy stereotypes of what women are writing about and expanding the idea of what is feminine. In the dictionary, “moxie” is defined as “courage, pluck, gumption, perseverance, and guts.” From what I have seen from the company thus far, they clearly embody these terms, pushing their audience to further develop ideas and draw rich connections from their interesting, expressive work.
Dead Man’s Cell Phone
Moxie Theatre
10/7-11/6
6663 El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92115
(619) 460-7700
www.moxietheatre.com
To see the original article, please visit http://sdtheatrereviews.com/arts.php?newsId=255 and http://artsnfashion.com/index.php/component/content/article/49/124-dead-mans-cell-phone-review-by-kristen-fogle
MASTER HAROLD AND THE BOYS @ C.A.T FOR SDTHEATREREVIEWS.COM
Community Actor Theatre (C.A.T.) Presents Fugard’s “Master Harold and the Boys”
Words by Kristen Fogle
Set in the midst of apartheid era South Africa, playwright Athol Fugard bestows upon us “Master Harold and the Boys.” Specifically, we are thrust into an unassuming tea room, belonging to 17-year-old Hally’s mother, where during the course of a rainy afternoon, Hally spends time with his two middle aged black servants Sam and Willie. Sam, who Hally has a closer bond with, engages in philosophical discussions with Hally—much to Hally’s delight, as he believes he has taught Sam most of what he knows. Later, the three ruminate on times spent together, times when Hally would run to the servants quarters to play or to hide out when things became difficult. By way of a phone call with his mother, Hally finds out his crippled, alcoholic father is being brought home from the hospital, and the good spirited fun of the afternoon is quickly brought to a halt. Hally’s entitled, resentful feelings toward Willie and Sam surface. What results is a fight that leaves us questioning: Can one‘s relationship truly be saved when one (or both) parties have said too much? And which takes precedence in a friendship: the history between two people or societal stature?
The ties that bring us closer and the societal expectations that can much too easily drive us apart are at the heart of Fugard’s work; his is a fiercely in-your-face dramatization of our self-created and realistic differences. Due to its context, one might be inclined to write off this play as one that represents a certain time and place. But, as optimistic as we wish to be, I believe it is the cast and crew’s hope to illuminate that there are still strides to be made. “Master Harold” is a gentle, hopeful reminder that the characteristics of classism, racism, and elitism can and should be assuaged and even abolished.
All three cast members’ performances are commendable. Christopher Carter is effective as the likeable but flawed Willie, possessing the attitude of someone who does menial work day in and out, dreaming all the while of something larger than himself. TJ Johnson (Sam) brings to his character a patriarchal wisdom that is capably delivered through his bold vocal instrument. Even when Sam behaves in an uncivilized manner and though he has an academic deficit, you feel that his character has much to teach us about life. And a true breakout talent—Jacob Gardenswartz (Hally)—this 15 year old actor compels us to simultaneously hate and sympathize with the confused boy that has seen too much and can’t seem to hold back enough. Generally Hally is played by a much older actor, and director Mark Henry expressed in a Q&A held after the production that he initially had some doubts about casting such a young actor; however, Gardenswartz is more than able. Perhaps it is by interacting with less mature peers his age that allows him to reference the verbal tantrums characteristic of such unabashed childishness.
What was rather impressive about this piece was the fact that nothing remained stagnant. Fugard might get preachy at times, but the character’s lengthy monologues and discourses are never delivered in one place for very long. However, movement was always beautifully executed. I noted that there were always reasons for the characters to change up their positions. Additionally, Henry, unlike other directors, was clearly not afraid to have his characters turn their backs on us or deliver lines to each other. Instead of always being cognizant that the players were playing to us, I was conscious of their awareness of each other.
In addition to the script and the cast, I am continually impressed with this space. Having co-directed two shows here, I am always interested to see how it transforms completely for each production. In the case of “Master Harold,” the sparse set had all the necessary elements—plain tables and chairs that were indicative of a café, a bar with all the necessary items, and a beautiful vintage jukebox that drove the time period home.
After “Master Harold,” a visiting troupe will put on “A-Bit-Of-Burlesque” November 4, 5, and 6, with children/youth play “The King of Creampuffs” playing November 12 and 13. The normal season resumes December 8 with C.A.T.’s annual Christmas production “The Messiah” directed by Jennie Hamilton. As the theater generally has open mic’s and other opportunities, the C.A.T. website is a great resource for both actors and theater goers to peruse and is updated regularly.
But, before it is gone, for a powerful script by a gifted playwright, a visit to C.A.T. to see “Master Harold and the Boys” is in order.
Master Harold the Boys
Community Actors Theatre
10/14-10/30
2957 54th Street
San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 264-3391
www.communityactorstheatre.com
To see the original post, please visit http://sdtheatrereviews.com/arts.php?newsId=255
BRIDAL BAZAAR SAN DIEGO AT ASKMISSA.COM
Words by Kristen Fogle
With thousands of wedding ideas, fashions, products, and services all in one place, the Bridal Bazaar at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is a one stop shop for everything you need for the big day. And even if you are not quite ready to make those big purchases, many brides (and their grooms) see the Bridal Bazaar as a great place to get ideas.
Over two hundred of San Diego's most talented wedding professionals will be present. You can talk with the experts, see the latest trends, get new ideas, and find money-saving show specials on everything you can imagine for your wedding.
In just one day at the Bridal Bazaar you can...
• Talk with more than 30 reception and ceremony locations.
• Review the work of dozens of leading wedding photographers and videographers.
• Taste the offerings of San Diego's most creative bakers and caterers.
• Preview 15 wedding DJs and live musicians.
• Get the latest design ideas from talented florists, decor specialists and wedding planners.
• See San Diego's largest bridal fashion show.
• And much more!
The bridal bazaar fashion show will feature styles from Alfred Angelo Bridal, David’s Bridal, Bridal & Veil/Tux Shop, Friar Tux Shop, Brides by Demetrios, and The Men’s Wearhouse! Gretchen Productions, San Diego’s leading fashion show producer, has a great show in store for you. Using her unique combination of theater, dance and style the fashion show will charm and engage you. No dour models here! Real brides smile and dance in their gowns…and so do the models in our fashion show. Real brides come in all shapes and sizes…and so do the models at the Bridal Bazaar. bouquet designs from Lotus Flowers Shop and fashion forward hair and makeup by the JC Penney Salon and Spa. And if that’s not enough…in the finale of the fashion show the models toss golden balls into the audience. Catch a ball and you’ll win one of more than 100 prizes provided by Bridal Bazaar exhibitors. Fashion shows start at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:45 p.m. Admission is included in the ticket price.
The Bridal Bazaar is #1 with San Diego brides and has been voted as such six years in a row on BridalInsider.com. With three times more exhibitors than you'll find at small bridal shows held in hotels, the Bridal Bazaar provides more style, more choices, and more ideas to make your wedding spectacular.
Best, you will save on admission! Go to the “coupon” section on BridalBazaar.com to get a $2.00 discount coupon you can use at the box office the day of the show or save even more by buying tickets on-line for only $9.00 each. That's 25% off the regular ticket price of $12.00. Both coupons and tickets are delivered via e-mail.
WHEN: Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE:
Del Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar, CA 92014
TICKETS: $12.00; Save $2 here: http://www.bridalbazaar.com/#content=shows.html%3Fshow.id%3D2145%26variables.panel%3Dcoupon
To see the original article, please visit
http://askmissa.com/2011/10/19/bridal-bazaar-comes-to-del-mar/
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