Show Time

2024 Oscar Winners & Nominations

  96th Annual Academy Awards Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel Sunday, March 10 on ABC Dolby Theatre, Hollywood   2024 Oscar Nominations Most Nominated Categories: Oppenheimer 7 Oscars – 13 nominations Poor Things 4 Oscars – 11 nominations Killers of the Flower Moon 0 Oscars – 10 nominations Barbie 1 Oscar – 8 nominations American Fiction […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 12 – Mar 6 – Mar 19, 2024 - A View from House Seats

Eisenhower: this Piece of Ground by Patrcia Schallert and Yana Khiyod “A perfectly cast John Rubinstein, brings our 34th president back to life in a drama filled with timely political lessons from a leader who put country over party.” Los Angeles Times Introducing “Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground”! Prepare to be captivated and provoked by […] Read More »

Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre Company Presents Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground

As part of its 25th Anniversary Season, Rubicon Theatre, the region’s award-winning not-for-profit professional theatre company, announces Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground, a riveting, one-person play starring Tony Award-winner John Rubinstein (Pippin, Children of a Lesser God). The production is set to open the week of President’s Day and runs from February 21 through March […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 11 – Feb 21 – Mar 5, 2024 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Santa Paula Lets it Rip! Santa Paula Theater Center has opened its 2024 season of all comedies with Ripcord by David Lindsay-Abaire. Directed by Taylor Kasch, the play takes place in Bristol Place, a senior living facility. If you have had any contact with people in such a setting, you will immediately […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 11 – Feb 21 – Mar 5, 2024 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Holdovers – Peacock & Rent or Buy The Holdovers is set in winter 1970 at Barton Academy, an exclusive all-boys boarding school in New England where classics professor Paul Hunham (Palu Giamatti) was saddled with the responsibility of looking after the few students that have nowhere to go during […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 10 – Feb 7 – Feb 20, 2024 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Meteor Shower Rains Existential Mischief Now in its 85th year of entertaining audiences, the Ojai Art Center Theater presents its 2024 season “Doorways to Dramatic Worlds” which promises to be stirring. The Ojai Arts Center Theater is currently presenting an unusual, mind-bending piece of theater. Written by the multi-talented Steve Martin, gifted […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 10 – Feb 7 – Feb 20, 2024 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Dumb Money – Netflix “Dumb Money” is based on a true story when millions of small investors led by a regular guy named Keith Gill (Paul Dano) took on Wall Street hedge funds by backing GameStop when hedge fund Melvin Capital Management was investing big that it would fail. Keith […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 09 – Jan 24 – Feb 6, 2024 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Elite Spotlights Hidden History Now playing on the main stage at the Elite Theater in Oxnard, is a new work well worth catching. Inspired by real events, the story offers a unique opportunity to explore motivations and methods to achieve societal change. There is always more to any story – details clouded […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 09 – Jan 24 – Feb 6, 2024 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers True Detective: Night Country – MAX “Night Country” is set in Ennis, Alaska,150 miles north of the Arctic Circle in mid December when they see the last sunset of the year. Local Police Chief Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) presided over the small town comprised of Alaskan natives and those who […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 08 – Jan 10 – Jan 23, 2024 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Equalizer 3 – Netflix “Equalizer 3” is the final installment of The Equalizer trilogy where vigilante action hero Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) travels to a secluded winery in Sicily to recover a stolen pension and finds other criminal activities happening, ultimately ending up shot in the back. Robert fled but […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 07 – Dec 27, 2023 – Jan 9, 2024 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Barbie – Max and Amazon Theater 4 out of 4 palm trees All the Barbies and Kens lived together in Barbieland where everyday was perfect and every version of Barbie ever created lived, though the story centers around the first one in created 1959, known as “Stereotypical Barbie” (Margo Robbie). […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 06 – Dec 13 – Dec 26, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Rubicon Strikes Gold in Silver Year Twenty -Five years ago the Rubicon theater began as a dream. It has grown, evolved, and become a shining light in the arts community, proving that dreams can come true. In this 2023-2024 season of must-see, “real” theater, the Rubicon continues to be a shining beacon. […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 06 – Dec 13 – Dec 26, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Leave the World Behind – Netflix & Theaters In “Leave the World Behind” Amanda (Julia Roberts) and Clay (Ethan Hawke) Sanford were living a busy working life in New York City, so decided to take an unplanned vacation up north on the coast with their two children Archie (Charles Evans) […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 05 – Nov 29 – Dec 12, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Fly the Friendly Skies at Conejo The Conejo Players in Thousand Oaks winds up their season with a fun-filled, jazzy, sexy, high-stepping musical in Catch Me If You Can now running through December 3. Remember the popular and surprising memoir by the same name from the 1980’s? This is the mostly true […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 05 – Nov 29 – Dec 12, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Bye Bye Barry – Prime Video The day that Barry Sanders was supposed to show up for training camp in 1999 he sent a fax to announce his retirement and refused to speak to the press or any management. At the height of his career he just walked away, when […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 04 – Nov 15 – Nov 28, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine A Mad Cap Romp in High Gear Santa Paula Theater Center has pulled out all the stops for their last production of the 2023 season. The 39 Steps, by Patrick Barlow, garnered the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2007 as well as numerous other awards and nominations. It is […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 04 – Nov 15 – Nov 28, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers NYAD – Netflix NYAD is the incredibly inspiring true story of world-renowned open ocean swimmer Diana Nyad (Annette Bening) and her quest to conquer what was believed to be impossible by swimming unassisted and without pause from Cuba to Key West, Florida. The trip was difficult due to unpredictable weather […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 03 – Nov 1 – Nov 14, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Milli Vanilli – Paramount+ In the late 1980s, Robert Pilatus and Fabrice Movan of Milli Vanilli exploded into the pop music scene with an album that sold over 8 million records, was number one on charts worldwide, won three American Music Awards and a Grammy. Rob and Fab were megastars […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 02 – Oct 18 – Oct 31, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine The Devil is in the Details The bombardment of information is a daily and relentless state of being these days. From every direction we are fed tidbits, whole bits and teasers which may or may not be true. Therein lies the crux of the conflict in the Rubicon Theatre Company’s current production […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 02 – Oct 18 – Oct 31, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Burial – Prime Video Based upon a true story, “The Burial” is a great David and Goliath type story of a small family funeral business that took on foreign corporate greed. In 1995, Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) was 75-years-old and the proud patriarch of a family with 13 […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 01 – Oct 4 – Oct 17 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine English thriller on stage in Ojai Now on stage at the Ojai Art Center Theater is The Rope, a classy psychological thriller built on a true story. It’s not a “who-dunnit.” It’s “why it was done.” The crime is explained in the first few minutes. From there, the action relies on wordplay, […] Read More »

Vol. 17, No. 01 – Oct 4 – Oct 17 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Love At First Sight – Netflix When Oliver (Ben Hardy) was young his family was surprised by his mother’s cancer diagnosis and that’s when he decided he never wanted to be surprised again, so began studying statistical analysis in the belief that with enough data everything would be predictable. While […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 26 – Sept 20 – Oct 3, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Actors Explore Asian Consciousness The Elite Theater Company, housed in Channel Islands on Victoria Avenue, presents a tale on their South Stage of complex discussions surrounding heritage, typecasting and discrimination in Yankee Dawg, You Die written by Philip Kan Gotanda, directed by Jolyn Johnson. With just two actors, the play chronicles a […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 26 – Sept 20 – Oct 3, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers A Million Miles Away – Prime Video “A Million Miles Away” shares the true story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández (Michael Peña) on his quest from his childhood dream of being an astronaut to becoming the first migrant farm worker in space spending 13 days on the International Space […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 25 – Sept 6 – Sept 19, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine A Glimpse into Actor Training and Trials Santa Paula Theater Center has once again brought a thought-provoking and unusual play to their main stage. The current production is Circle Mirror Transformation by Annie Baker. The play garnered an Obie Award for Best New American Play in 2009. The title refers to a […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 25 – Sept 6 – Sept 19, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones – Netflix In 2003, Dan Buettner researched communities with increased longevity, identified as blue zones, while collaborating with a variety of experts, including anthropologists, historians, dietitians, and geneticists, “to reverse engineer longevity”. These early trips focused on Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; and […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 24 – Aug 23 – Sept 5, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Enjoy the Glamour of The Golden Age Annually, the Fractured Actors Theater Company presents an underground evening of theater and music. Situated in a black box Theater at Liminal Church on Palma Drive, Fractured Actors brings to life Sweet Jay’s Speakeasy, located in an inauspicious warehouse in Ventura. Each year brings a […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 24 – Aug 23 – Sept 5, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Jury Duty – Prime Video and Freevee “Jury Duty” is a clever comedic series from the producers of “The Office” and “Bad Trip” that explores the American judicial process as seen by the eyes of the jury, except for the fact that of the 12 jurors, 11 are actors and […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 23 – Aug 9 – Aug 22, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Murder at the Manor in Conejo’s the Mousetrap Some classics never get old. Agatha Christie’s quintessential who-done-it The Mousetrap is one of them. Hailed as the longest running play in London’s West End, Mousetrap finally closed in 2020, earning a 68-year continuous run. That’s quite an achievement. Conejo Players in Thousand Oaks […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 23 – Aug 9 – Aug 22, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Guy Richie’s The Covenant – Prime Video In March 2018 in Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan, United States Army Master Sergeant John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal) was leading a group of soldiers looking for Taliban munitions and explosive sites. Their road patrol was ambushed when a truck that had a bomb in the […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 22 – July 26 – Aug 8, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Richard III Reimagined in “Teenage Dick” Imagine a world in which everyone was respected for who they are and what they can contribute to humanity. Now imagine a highly hormonal group of high schoolers as they traverse the challenging path of becoming comfortable with themselves and establishing their own identities. These two […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 22 – July 26 – Aug 8, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Plane – Prime Video Pilot Brodie Torrence (Gerard Butler) was a bit of a maverick as far as commercial pilots go and was piloting a flight on New Years Eve from Singapore to Hawaii with plans to see his daughter who was attending school there. The crew included co-pilot Samuel […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 21 – July 12 – July 25, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Powerhouse Nuns Pack a Punch in Ojai The wildly popular musical Nunsense by Dan Goggin is now on stage at the Ojai Art Center Theater. Translated into numerous languages and spawning several equally successful sequels, Nunsense has won many awards over the years, and deservedly so. It does, however, require a strong […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 21 – July 12 – July 25, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Wham! – Netflix 4 out of 4 palm trees George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley were childhood friends that created the band Wham in 1982 with dreams of touring the world and topping the charts when they were only 18 years old. Due to their meteoric rise in fame and pop […] Read More »

A Summer Winemaker’s Dinner to benefit Rubicon Theatre Company

Rubicon Theatre is thrilled to announce “Dine & Delight” a private Winemaker’s Dinner hosted by Water’s Edge Restaurant on the Ventura Harbor featuring a 5-course menu created by award-winning Executive Chef Alex Montoya, with wine pairings from Caymus Vineyards. Guests will enjoy a live musical performance by Broadway veteran and Rubicon artist Jennifer Leigh Warren […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 20 – June 28 – July 11, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Drawn down the Rabbit Hole Everyone deals with grief in their own way and in their own time. How one family handles a particularly affecting death is the center of the Santa Paula Theater Center’s current production of “Rabbit Hole” by David Lindsay-Abaire. This sensitive work garnered a Pulitzer Prize in 2007. […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 20 – June 28 – July 11, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers To Leslie – Netflix When West Texas single mother Leslie “Lee” Rowland (Andrea Riseborough) won a $190,000 lottery using her son James’ (Owen Teague) birthdate as her lucky number picks, she thought it would be a chance at a good life for her and her son. Unfortunately, six years later […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 19 – June 14 – June 27, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Elite Offers Delicious Food for Thought Theories of connectedness are explored in Elite’s current stage offering of “Six Degrees of Separation”, a complex play by John Guare. Nominated for both a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony for Best Play, Six Degrees tackles class discrimination, relationships, honesty, desires, self-awareness, facades and much more. […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 18 – May 31 – June 13, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Calendar Girls Bloom on Conejo Stage To usher in Spring, Conejo Players in Thousand Oaks bursts forth with humor, pathos and the solidarity of friendship in their current production of “Calendar Girls.” A delightful lightweight romp based on a real event, Calendar Girls centers around a stalwart and staid British women’s organization, […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 18 – May 31 – June 13, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Missing – Netflix When her mother Grace (Nia Long) went on a vacation with her new boyfriend Kevin (Ken Leung) to Colombia, June (Storm Reid) did as many teenagers would do and had a great time partying with her friends, but when she went to pick her mom and boyfriend […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 17 – May 17 – May 30, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Ojai Stages Original Work Ojai writer, director and artist Peter Fox offers up his play “Disappearing Act” now on stage at the Ojai Arts Center Theater. Fox’s work features a young man who ostensibly makes his living as a magician. With this background in mind, the body of the work centers around […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 17 – May 17 – May 30, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers AIR – Amazon Studios “AIR” shares the incredible true story of how Nike and Michael Jordan created a brand with a partnership that completely changed the sports industry, athletic branding and even popular culture. Just after the NBA draft in 1984, Nike only held 17% of the basketball shoe market, […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 16 – May 3 – May 16, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers A Tourist’s Guide to Love – Netflix In “A Tourist’s Guide to Love” Amanda Riley (Rachael Leigh Cook) worked as a travel executive for Tourista World Travel, and though Vietnam was in the list of top ten dream vacations, Tourista did not yet have a travel group to work with […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 16 – May 3 – May 16, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine A Quick Refresher on Theater Etiquette Attending a live performance is different than attending a film where one can happily munch on popcorn and slurp a drink. In live theater other rules of conduct apply. Take note of individual theatres’ rules. Some allow food and/or drink, some do not. Some allow only […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 15 – Apr 19 – May 2, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Yellowjackets Season 2 – Showtime “Yellowjackets” is an original Showtime series about a girls soccer team that survived a plane crash in the wilderness while on their way to the national championship. It takes place on two timelines that alternate during each episode: one in 1996 in the remote wilderness […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 15 – Apr 19 – May 2, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Santa Paula Presents A 50’s Fantasy Retreat to the 1950’s when life was measured by the housewife who kept order in check. Haven’t we all wanted, at some point, to revert to a time when things seemed so much simpler? On the surface, perhaps they were. But of course, it is all […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 14 – Apr 5 – Apr 18, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Unstable – Netflix Original Series “Unstable” stars Rob Lowe as Ellis Dragon, a biotech engineering genius known throughout the world for his inventions that battle climate change and other scientific challenges. Ellis is very charismatic and has a childlike joyfulness in the way he goes about doing his work and […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 13 – Mar 22 – Apr 4, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Boston Strangler – Hulu Originals The “Boston Strangler” is based upon true events from the mid 1960’s involving journalist Loretta McLaughlin (Keira Knightley) who was working for the American Record and was the first to discover connections between several women murdered in Boston. Ultimately the serial killer known as the […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 12 – Mar 8 – Mar 21, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine The Moors – Delightful, Daring, Deceitful and Dramatic The Elite Theatre Company in Channel Islands has a treat in store for audiences. Now on the South Stage through March 25, the Elite presents The Moors, a quirky period piece filled with surprises. Written by Jen Silverman (The Roommate and others), The Moors […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 12 – Mar 8 – Mar 21, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers True Spirit – Netflix Based on true events, “True Spirit” shares the inspiring story of Jessica Watson (Teagan Croft), who at 16-years-old was the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world. She departed from Sydney Harbor Oct 18, 2009 on a course that would take approximately […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 11 – Feb 22 – Mar 7, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Decisions Come With A Price Santa Paula Theatre Center’s 2023 season promises myriad opportunities to reflect on life-changing occurrences, starting with The Children by Lucy Kirkwood, now on the main stage. A multiple award nominee, the play offers a deep and thought-provoking look at possibilities after a disaster with far-reaching effects. For […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 11 – Feb 22 – Mar 7, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Woman King – Netflix “The Woman King” is based on incredible true events from the 1800s involving an all-female elite force of warriors known as the Agojie that guarded the African Kingdom of Dahomey. A new young king Ghezo (John Boyega), had just taken power. Their enemy, the Oyo […] Read More »

Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC) announces the company’s first design competition

Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC) announces the company’s first design competition, which will recognize one artist, 18 and older, to submit an original image that represents one of its three upcoming productions:  Selling Kabul, The Children or Seared. The artist can use any medium as long as the image can be submitted in a digital form (PDF 17”x17” at 300dpi). […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 10 – Feb 8 – Feb 21, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Pamela, a Love Story – Netflix Originals “Pamela, a Love Story” shares an intimate view into the life of world famous actress and model Pamela Anderson, including very personal details about her childhood, career and how she became an international sex symbol and activist. Though she was married several times, […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 10 – Feb 8 – Feb 21, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Rubicon’s Realistic Joneses Hits Home Prepare for a few jolts as you experience The Realistic Joneses now playing in a limited engagement at the Rubicon Theatre in downtown Ventura. The Rubicon, known for breaking new ground and presenting thoughtful and intriguing works, has hit another home run with this production. The Southern […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 09 – Jan 25 – Feb 7, 2023 - Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner VenturaRocks.com As of press time, tickets were still available for the Perla Batalla’s second concert at the Beatice Wood Center for the Arts on Saturday, February 11 (Friday’s show sold out). You can expect selections from Perla’s original Mestiza song cycle, her one-woman Frida Kahlo show, the Great American Songbook Spanish language […] Read More »

Ensemble Theatre Company presents the third show of its 2022-2023 Season!

The suspenseful thriller, Selling Kabul, written by Sylvia Khoury and directed by Nike Doukas Selling Kabul begins previews on Thursday, February 2 at 7:30pm, opens on Saturday, February 4 at 8:00pm and runs through Sunday, February 19, 2023 at The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria Street in Santa Barbara. An Off-Broadway hit and 2022 Pulitzer […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 09 – Jan 25 – Feb 7, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Devotion – Paramount + Devotion is the true story of United States Navy Officer Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors), who was the first African-American aviator to complete the Navy’s basic flight training program and also the first African-American naval officer killed in the Korean War at the age of 24. Brown […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 09 – Jan 25 – Feb 7, 2023 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine A Slice of Life in a Texas Small Town The Elite Theatre Company in Channel Islands opens their 2023 season with two one-act plays, Laundry and Bourbon, and Lone Star, both by James McClure. Billed as comedies, the two are connected only marginally by character references, punctuated by light chuckles. Laundry and […] Read More »

Rubicon Theatre presents The Realistic Joneses

Rubicon Theatre Company announces the sixth show of its 2022-2023 “Welcome Home” season, presented in association with Gare St. Lazare, Ireland and the Laguna Playhouse, Joe Spano, Faline England, Conor Lovett and Sorcha Fox starring in the Southern California premiere of The Realistic Joneses, written by Will Eno and directed by Judy Hegarty-Lovett. The Realistic […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 08 – Jan 11 – Jan 24, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Ticket to Paradise – Peacock Streaming In Ticket to Paradise, David (George Clooney) and Georgia (Sandra Bullock) Cotton are the proud parents of their daughter and recent law school graduate Lily (Kaitlyn Dever), however there’s no love between them having divorced 20 years earlier and have difficultly being civil whenever […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 07 – Dec 28, 2022 – Jan 10, 2023 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery – Netflix Originals In “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”, world famous detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) finds himself at a lavish private estate on a Greek island owned by billionaire Miles Bron (Ed Norton) who invited his close group of friends for their […] Read More »

Winner of Tony, Drama Desk and Theatre World Awards for Best Musical!

It’s 1930’s Harlem, and the joint is jumpin. Ain’t Misbehavin at the Rubicon Theatre Company closes on December 18. It’s 1930’s Harlem, and the joint is jumpin’! Nightclubs like the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom are the playgrounds of high society, and dive bars on Lenox Avenue pulse with piano players banging out new […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 06 – Dec 14 – Dec 27, 2022 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Emily the Criminal – Netflix Originals Emily (Aubrey Plaza) was in her mid twenties living in Los Angeles and struggling to make ends meet working as a catering deliverer to try pay off her $70,000 in student loan debt that she had from attending art school. Unfortunately her options were […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 05 – Nov 30 – Dec 6, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Noel Diary – Netflix Originals Well known author Jake Turner (Justin Hartley) was on his holiday book tour when he received an unexpected call that his mother had passed away. Jake hadn’t spoken to his mother in quite a while and their relationship was complicated. She had left everything […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 04 – Nov 16 – Nov 30, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Where the Crawdads Sing – Netflix When a young man from a wealthy family was found dead at the base of a fire tower in a North Carolina marsh, the police decided to blame a young woman named Kya (Daisy Edgar-Jones) who was known as the “Marsh Girl” as she […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 04 – Nov 16 – Nov 30, 2022 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine 9 to 5 at Conejo Brings Large cast, High Energy Some things apparently don’t change enough over time. One of them is the plight of working women everywhere – inequality. The Conejo Players Theatre in Thousand Oaks has highlighted this ongoing dilemma with their current production of 9 to 5, The Musical. […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 03 – Nov 2 – Nov 15, 2022 - A View from House Seats

Ryan Reyes (far left) and the company of the Rubicon Theatre Company production of In the Heights. by Shirley Lorraine Musical Highlights Life in a Barrio Rubicon Theatre Company’s current production of Lin-Manual Miranda’s In the Heights is an absolute must-see. The fast-paced operetta is packed with non-stop action, tight, acrobatic dancing and engaging characters. […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 03 – Nov 2 – Nov 15, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Good Nurse – Netflix Originals In “The Good Nurse” when the arrival of new ICU nurse Charlie Cullen (Eddie Redmayne) at Parkfield Memorial Hospital in New Jersey coincided with a series of suspicious deaths, nurse Amy Loughren (Jessica Chastain) risked her own safety to uncover the truth in this […] Read More »

Theatre season opens with Carmen Jones

Christopher James Hester, Desmond Newson, Fredericka Meek, Constance Jewell Lopez and Nataley Carter star in Carmen Jones. by Sheli Ellsworth The musical Carmen Jones, Oscar Hammerstein’s take on Bizet’s 1875 opera, opened on October 8 and will run through October 23 at The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria Street in Santa Barbara. A talented, all-African American […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 02 – Oct 19 – Nov 1, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Top Gun: Maverick – Amazon Rentals & Theaters When the U.S. Government discovered there was an unsanctioned nuclear enrichment facility that could supply the needed materials to build nuclear weapons, the decision was made that the facility would have to be destroyed. Unfortunately, it was at the end of a […] Read More »

Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC) presents the first show of its 2022-23 Season

Carmen Jones, music by Georges Bizet with book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, choreography by Lisa Ruffin, musical direction by William Foster McDaniel, and directed by Jonathan Fox begins previews on Thursday, October 6 at 7:30pm, opens on Saturday, October 8 at 8:00pm and runs through Sunday, October 23, 2022 at The New Vic, […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 01 – Oct 5 – Oct 18, 2022 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Flight Delays Spark Reluctant Acquaintance Theaters must have a back-up plan when the scheduled season runs into bumps. At the Ojai Art Center Theater, the cancellation of a scheduled production of Blithe Spirit created an opening that held an opportunity for two accomplished actresses, Jill Dolan and Sindy McKay, to reprise their […] Read More »

Vol. 16, No. 01 – Oct 5 – Oct 18, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Ambulance – Amazon Originals Will Sharp (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) was desperately struggling with insurance companies to get his wife a much needed cancer surgery while struggling in his own life to find a job to support his family. When Will was young he was taken in by the Sharp family […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 26 – Sept 21 – Oct 4, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Inside the Mind of a Cat – Netflix Documentary “Inside the Mind of a Cat” solves some mysteries about cats, decodes their crazy antics and deciphers their hidden language. Experts from various fields related to cats share some interesting and incredible facts about cats including that they can over 30mph […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 25 – Sept 7 – Sept 20, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers A League of Their Own – Amazon Original Series “A League of Their Own” highlights an actual time in history during the mid 1940’s when women played professional baseball while the men were away fighting in World War II. Scouts scoured the country for talent and looks, and tryouts were […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 25 – Sept 7 – Sept 20, 2022 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Family Upset Looms in Uncle Vanya Ah, Uncle Vanya. Considered one of Anton Chekhov’s great masterpieces of theater, the production now playing at the Santa Paula Theater Center is a slightly updated adaptation by Conor McPherson. Little seems changed, save for periodic references to more twentieth century concerns such as climate change, […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 24 – Aug 24 – Sept 6, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Look Both Ways – Netflix Originals In Look Both Ways, Natalie (Lili Reinhart) and Gabe (Danny Ramirez) had been the best of friends while attending college together at the University of Texas. Natalie was working toward her goal of becoming an animated film producer, while Gabe was pursuing a music […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 24 – Aug 24 – Sept 6, 2022 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Fractured Actors Take on Space and Time Looking for something a little different to do? You might want to experience the current Speakeasy Project: Area 22 that Fractured Actors Theater Company has devised. This year’s annual speakeasy production is the brainchild of organizers Jeff and Shannon McNally Ham, who also wrote and […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 23 – Aug 10 – Aug 23, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Thirteen Lives – Amazon Originals Directed by Ron Howard, Thirteen Lives shares the incredible true story of the global effort to rescue a youth Thai soccer team that became trapped in the Tham Luang Cave when monsoon season came early and submerged the cave underwater. It took nearly two weeks […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 23 – Aug 10 – Aug 23, 2022 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Joseph Rocks Simi Stage Ready for some high energy, off the charts action and exciting stage work? Then Actor’s Repertory Theatre of Simi’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is where you need to be. Playing now at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center through August 21, this staging is […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 22 – July 27 – Aug 9, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Jerry & Marge Go Large – Paramount + Jerry Selbee (Bryan Cranston) had worked at the same cereal factory for 42 years until changes forced him into retirement, which was not a lifestyle he was comfortable with as he was a math genius and big picture problem solver. He felt […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 22 – July 27 – Aug 9, 2022 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Elite Tackles Complex Issues Humanity is inherently flawed. In judgement, in morals, and in using honesty as a compass for life. This is the basis for the drama/dark comedy Lobby Hero by Kenneth Lonergan now on stage at the Elite Playhouse in Channel Islands through August 7. The extremely strong cast of […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 21 – July 13 – July 26, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Snowflake Mountain – Netflix Series In Snowflake Mountain, ten overly emotional, easily offended young adults are sent by their parents to what they believe is a resort vacation, only to discover they’ve actually been sent to a wilderness survival retreat to help them to live their own adult lives with […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 21 – July 13 – July 26, 2022 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Spellers Put to the T.E.S.T. Even though school is out county-wide, the Spelling Bee must go on. That is, the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee now being held on the Conejo Players stage in Thousand Oaks through July 17. Competition is never easy, but for six middle school age students in […] Read More »

Ribbon Cutting at Ventura Music Hall

Music Hall donates $10,000 at ribbon cutting. Photo by Michael Gordon by  Shirley Lorraine What a transformation! From lowly beginnings as a popular bowling alley, to the Discovery music venue and now to this – the Ventura Music Hall, a venue specializing in bringing in entertainment of myriad genres suitable for a wide range of […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 20 – June 29 – July 12, 2022 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Music Man Brings in Summer in Ojai The Ojai Art Center Theater is now running what may be the quintessential summer musical – the ever popular The Music Man by Meredith Wilson. Since first introduced in 1957, The Music Man, encapsulating the innocent charm of a bygone America, has been a favorite […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 20 – June 29 – July 12, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Good Luck to You, Leo Grande – Hulu Originals 3 out of 4 palm trees In Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Nancy Stokes (Emma Thompson) was a retired religious education teacher that never experienced an orgasm, having spent her life faking them for her husband during the passionless, predictable […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 19 – June 15 – June 28, 2022 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Lonesome Traveler Hits All the Right Notes Lonesome Traveler: Generations, now playing at the Rubicon Theater, is an inspiring, uplifting, renewing and timeless concert experience. The magic doesn’t just happen when the curtain goes up. Musicians tune, strum, and greet the audience. The audience immediately becomes a part of the experience. The […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 19 – June 15 – June 28, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Hustle – Netflix After a car accident in college destroyed his future as a pro basketball player, Stanley Sugarman (Adam Sandler) found a life in the NBA as a scout for the Philadelphia 76ers. Though he loved the game, he found himself weary of years on the road looking for […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 18 – June 1 – June 14, 2022 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine The Roommate Delivers at SPTC Be careful what you ask for. You will probably get much more than you bargained for. This is the basis of what happens in The Roommate, a multi-layered play of possibilities written by Jen Silverman now playing at the Santa Paula Theater Center through June 26. Cynthia […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 18 – June 1 – June 14, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Lost City – Paramount + In The Lost City, popular romance author Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) had just finished novel number twenty, and began what she wanted to be her last book tour with her handsome book cover model named Alan (Channing Tatum). Fiction quickly became real life for […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 17 – May 18 – May 31, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Wilds: Seasons 2 – Amazon Originals Season 2 of The Wilds opens with what Leah learned at the end of Season 1 where there was a second group stranded and trying to survive on another island just as they were, except it was a group of boys. Season 1 […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 17 – May 18 – May 31, 2022 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Ojai Actors Explore Inner Space Have you ever had an out-of-body experience in which you know you are somewhere important, but cannot seem to pin down where? I had one such experience just recently when I went to see All in the Timing by David Ives at the Ojai Art Center Theater. […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 16 – May 4 – May 17, 2022 – A View from House Seats

A View from House Seats By Shirley Lorraine The Elite Theatre in Oxnard has tackled some sensitive subjects in the past. On stage now is perhaps the most touchy of all – suicide and depression. Not a topic easily offered, nor one to be taken lightly. In the Tony-award and Pulitzer-prize winning drama, ‘night, Mother, […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 16 – May 4 – May 17, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Undone (Seasons 1 & 2) – Amazon Originals In Undone, Alma Winograd (Rosa Salazar) was bored with the repeating patterns of her everyday life as a preschool teacher in a comfortable relationship with her boyfriend who was obviously more committed to a future life together. Her sister Becca (Angelique Cabral) […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 15 – Apr 20 – May 3, 2022 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine SPTC Stages Work in Progress Santa Paula Theatre Center’s season is off to a firm start. Now being presented on the backstage is Friendly Valley, a new work by David Lewis Newman. Using the backstage is an effective way to utilize time and talent between mainstage productions. This offering is a work […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 15 – Apr 20 – May 3, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Outer Range – Amazon Originals Outer Range centers around the life of Wyoming rancher Royal Abbott (Josh Brolin) who like many other ranchers struggled to live the ranching life and support his family. Though challenging, it would seem nothing compared to the unimaginable mystery he disovered in a remote area […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 14 – Apr 6 – Apr 19, 2022 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Rubicon Sets the Stage for the Season The Rubicon Theatre has proudly reopened. Areas of the space, both upstairs and down, have been renovated, remodeled or renewed. The night I attended the air was electric with excitement as the Rubicon staff and volunteers welcomed patrons back. Rubicon’s 2022 “Welcome Home” season launched […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 14 – Apr 6 – Apr 19, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Power of the Dog – Netflix The Power of the Dog is a 2022 Oscar winning Western set in Montana in1925 that focuses on the lives of wealthy ranchers Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his brother George (Jesse Plemons). Phil was rugged, fierce and the leader of a dozen […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 13 – Mar 23 – Apr 5, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Adam Project – Netflix In The Adam Project, Adam Reed (Ryan Reynolds) is a time traveling fighter pilot from 2050 who accidentally lands in 2022 and has to elicit the help of his younger self, 12-year-old Adam (Walker Scobell) to discover what happened to his wife Laura (Zoe Saldana) […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 12 – Mar 9 – Mar 22, 2022 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Santa Paula Stages Full Experience Theaters are reawakening with offerings that touch at our very souls. The current play at Santa Paula Theater Center, Thing I Know to be True, is one such play. A relatively new work, (2019), the play delves deeply into one family’s connections and disconnections in visually interesting […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 12 – Mar 9 – Mar 22, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Inventing Anna – Netflix Inventing Anna is based on the true life of Anna Sororkin, aka “Fake German Heiress” Anna Delvey (Julia Garner) who scammed thouands of dollars in gourmet meal, luxury hotels and private jet flights. She posed as a socialite in an attempt to steal millions of dollars […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 11 – Feb 23 – Mar 8, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Tinder Swindler – Netflix Documentary The Tinder Swindler is a British true crime documentary about Israeli conman Simon Leviev who used the Tinder dating app posing as the son of wealthy billionaire Lev Leviev to manipulate hundreds of women emotionally into giving him what totaled millions of dollars. The […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 10 – Feb 9 – Feb 22, 2022 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Hi-Jinx on High Street with Matilda It is a multi-award winner. It was Best New Musical in 2012. It is high energy, high camp and filled with talent. The production is Matilda, the Musical, based on the 1988 book by Roald Dahl, perhaps best known for Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 10 – Feb 9 – Feb 22, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers As We See It – Amazon Original Series As We See It follows the lives of three 20 something roommates on the autism spectrum, Jack, Harrison and Violet, as they work to gain the skills to lead independent lives through the assistance of their life coach Mandy. The three live […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 09 – Jan 26 – Feb 8, 2022 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Ojai Stage Fills with Layers of Life Isn’t it frustrating when something (or someone) comes along to throw a proverbial wrench into your nice, quiet, predictable life? Suddenly your world is in chaos, and no one seems to know how to cope with the smallest things. Such is the premise presented in […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 09 – Jan 26 – Feb 8, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Yellowjackets – Showtime Original Series In Yellowjackets, an extremely talented high school girls soccer team is involved in a plane crash in the Ontario wilderness on their way to nationals after having won their state championship. They survived on their own for 19 months until they were rescued, and some […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 08 – Jan 12 – Jan 25, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Queenpins – Showtime Queenpins is based on actual events involving one of the largest pink collar crimes known to date. Connie Kaminski (Kirsten Bell) and her best friend JoJo Johnson (Kirby Howell-Baptiste) both had overwhelming financial challenges, so decide to turn a causal hobby into a coupon scam that netted […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 07 – Dec 29,2021 – Jan 11, 2022 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Don’t Look Up – Netflix In Don’t Look Up, student astronomer Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) discovered a 9 kilometer comet while working on her doctorate research. Initially seeming a cause for celebration, including the esteemed honor of having a newly discovered comet named after her, things changed when Dr. Randall […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 07 – Dec 29,2021 – Jan 11, 2022 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Ode to a New Year ‘Twas the night before Christmas All the theaters were dark Productions were finished The stages now stark Few rehearsals, few readings Till the New Year will come Some actors get restless And do Improv for fun Now with no costumes, no blocking No scripts to be read […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 06 – Dec 15 – Dec 28, 2021 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Elite Stages Non-traditional Holiday Offering To usher out 2021, the Elite Theater in Oxnard brings an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus to the stage. Not your average light-weight holiday fare full of cheery songs and well wishes. Instead, it is a feast of blood and bitter tongue. This version, adapted and […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 06 – Dec 15 – Dec 28, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers King Richard – HBO Max King Richard chronicles the rise of Venus and Serena Williams to tennis elites, at one time being ranked No.1 and No. 2 in the world of tennis, all due to the plan their father’s grand plan. Richard Williams (Will Smith) started coaching them from a […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 05 – Dec 1 – Dec 14, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Great – Hulu Originals Season 1 (2020) & Season 2 (2021) The Great shares the complex story of Catherine The Great (Elle Fanning) and her rise to power in 18th Century Russia by actually overthrowing her own husband Peter (Nicholas Hoult), the son of Peter the Great, to bring […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 05 – Dec 1 – Dec 14, 2021 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Hark! Theaters Herald the Holidays! Ventura County stages offer a variety of performances this December, most with a short run particularly at the beginning of the month. Look at what’s “on the boards” county-wide. Full details are available at each theater’s website. Ventura – The Rubicon Theatre is hosting two holiday fundraising events. […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 04 – Nov 17 – Nov 30, 2021 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Santa Paula delivers post hiatus Santa Paula Theatre Center has reopened its doors and raised the proverbial curtains at last with Rapture, Blister, Burn by Gina Gionfriddo. The production was originally planned for 2020 but was put on hold during the Covid crisis that shut performances down county-wide. The actors have hung […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 04 – Nov 17 – Nov 30, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Red Notice – Netflix Originals On their wedding day as a symbol of his undying devotion, Marc Antony presented Cleopatra with 3 bejeweled eggs each one more eqisite than the last. For centuries they were thought to be of myth and rumors, until in 1907 just outside of Cairo a […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 03 – Nov 3 – Nov 16, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Squid Game – Netflix Original Set in Seoul, South Korea, Squid Game follows 456 players who, because they were living on the brink of financial ruin, decide to enter a game offering billions to the winner, initially not knowing that the game had deadly consequences. After accepting, players were picked […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 03 – Nov 3 – Nov 16, 2021 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Workplace Woes Erupt at the Elite There’s nothing like live theater. Always a treat, often a surprise, frequently a challenge. The Elite Theatre Company in Oxnard is bursting forth with excitement and new works in this returning season. On stage now is Severance Play, an original work by local playwright Michael Perlmutter. […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 02 – Oct 20 – Nov 2, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Dopesick – Hulu Original Dopesick is based on true events that happened surrounding the origins of the opioid crisis and how it created spikes in crimes and overdose deaths across the country. Purdue Pharmaceuticals was the manufacturer of MS Contin, a strong pain reliever used in the 80’s used to […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 02 – Oct 20 – Nov 2, 2021 - A View from House Seats

October Spirits Abound Santa Paula Theatre Center’s annual Ghostwalk has arisen once again. Closed last year due to the pandemic (even ghosts can get Covid), the popular October event is back on this year. Held in a different location each season, this year’s event starts and ends at the SPTC location itself, 125 S. 7th […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 02 – Oct 20 – Nov 2, 2021 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine October offers advice and thrills Ojai Art Center Theatre has opened Tiny Beautiful Things, based on the book by American author Cheryl Strayed (perhaps best known for her memoir Wild) and adapted for stage by Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding). The play chronicles a true and fascinating period in Strayed’s […] Read More »

Vol. 15, No. 01 – Oct 6 – Oct 19, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Y: The Last Man – FX on Hulu 3 out of 4 palm trees Y: The Last Man is based on DC Comics’ acclaimed series by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra, a 60-issue science fiction comic book series published in 2002 in which a worldwide event kills every male […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 26 – Sept 22 – Oct 5, 2021 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Conejo Players now live on stage! Conejo Players opened the romantic comedy Almost, Maine last Friday evening to an enthusiastic audience. It certainly felt good to be back in theater seats instead of sitting at my computer. Almost, Maine, a two-act play by John Cariani, takes place in a series of vignettes, […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 26 – Sept 22 – Oct 5, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Joe Bell – Amazon Prime Cinema In May 2013, an Oregon father named Joe Bell (Mark Wahlberg) started a walk across America to New York to raise awareness about bullying after his son committed suicide. Joe Bell is based on the true story of the events that lead to his […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 25 – Sept 8 – Sept 21, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Clickbait – Netflix Originals In Clickbait, Nick Brewer’s (Adrian Grenier) family is in a race against time after seeing him on an internet video holding signs that said “I abuse women” then “At 5 million views I die”. Nick’s sister Pia (Zoe Kazan) was unstoppable trying to find her brother […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 24 – Aug 25 – Sept 7, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Nine Perfect Strangers – Hulu Originals Tranquilum House holistic resort is the setting for Nine Perfect Strangers, where nine people from all walks of life gathered together to attend a pricey 10-day “Mind and Body Total Transformation Retreat” led by a mysterious Russian woman named Masha (Nicole Kidman). The program […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 23 – Aug 11 – Aug 24, 2021 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Camarillo Takes Off in Ernest Camarillo Skyway Playhouse opened its final production in the Camarillo Airport location last Friday, The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde. Ernest has been heralded by theatre afficionados as a “comic masterpiece” since its opening in 1895. Playwright Wilde’s oft-quoted wit and wisdom has weathered well […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 23 – Aug 11 – Aug 24, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Vault – Netflix Thom (Freddie Highmore) seemed to have the world on a string. He was an engineering student graduating from Cambridge University and due to the fact that he created an unusual and ingenious solution to deal with an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, he was […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 21 – July 14 – July 27, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Tomorrow War – Amazon Originals In “The Tomorrow War”, the world receives a desperate message from the future when a military troop from 2051 appeared out of thin air during a world soccer match to tell the people of earth it had been invaded by aliens and without help […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 20 – June 30 – July 13, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Fatherhood – Netflix Originals Fatherhood shares the emotional true story of a widowed father faced with raising his newborn daughter on his own after losing his wife in the hospital shortly after giving birth the their first child. Matt (Kevin Hart) certainly didn’t plan on coming home without his wife […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 20 – June 30 – July 13, 2021 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Theater is Live on Ojai Stage! The silent stage drought is finally coming to an end. Ojai Art Center Theater opened Friday to an enthusiastic audience with Family Furniture, written by A.R. Gurney. Gurney is perhaps best known for his Pulitzer prize-winning play Love Letters and his hit scipt Sylvia. Set in […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 19 – June 16 – June 29, 2021 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Theaters stay busy with summer youth camps Are your kids prone to dramatic behavior or break out in song? Several theaters are offering summer camps to enhance theater basics. Check them out right away if your kids are interested. Unity Theatre Collective is offering Musical Theater Camps. Camps are Monday-Friday, from 9 […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 19 – June 16 – June 29, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Sweet Tooth – Netflix Originals The main storyline behind “Sweet Tooth’ reflects aspects of today’s news headlines as it plays out ten years after what was called “The Great Crumble” where a pandemic plundered the earth’s population, mainly targeting adults, while simultaneously came the unexplained situation of most women giving […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 18 – June 2 – June 15, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Blue Miracle – Netflix Originals “Blue Miracle” is based on the true story of a street kid guardian in Cabo San Lucas who teamed up with a washed up boat captain to try to save his orphanage by entering the world’s biggest fishing tournament, the Brisbee Black and Blue, that attracts […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 17 – May 19 – June 1, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Two Distant Strangers – Nefflix Originals 4 out of 4 palm trees In “Two Distant Strangers”, which won this year’s Oscar for Film Short, a young black man wakes up after an evening with a girl in her apartment to find himself stuck in a time loop, causing him to […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 16 – May 5 – May 18, 2021 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine A Peek at the Process The Rubicon Theatre recently presented a unique opportunity. A virtual plays-in-progress event was held to show how a musical is put together. From the beginning. The free (donations encouraged) event was a Vimeo presentation available for the asking by reservation. Narrated by the book author, Jonathan Prince, […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 16 – May 5 – May 18, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Handmaid’s Tale – Hulu Originals “The Handmaid’s Tale” is the story of a dystopian future involving the former United States that is destroyed in a time of plummeting birth rates by a totalitarian society known as Gilead, ruled by “traditional values”. They captured all fertile women, forcing them into […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 15 – April 21 – May 4, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Finding Ohana – Netflix Originals In “Finding Ohana”, a young Hawaiian girl named Pili (Kea Peahu), who was a geocaching champion, becomes a real life treasure hunter after finding the journal of a fabled sailor while visiting her grandpa in Hawaii. The journal showed where the treasure was hidden from […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 14 – April 7 – April 20, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Map of Tiny Perfect Things Amazon Originals “The Map of Tiny Perfect Things” is the story of a charismatic teenager Mark (Kyle Allen), who was stuck in a time loop endlessly living the same day. He was quite content with how he had perfected his never-ending day until he […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 13 – Mar 24 – April 6, 2021 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Still Streaming and Dreaming! The lifting of restrictions may finally be on the horizon. Anticipation is palpable in the theater community as news of potential reopening of Ventura County stages appears to be able to become a reality this season, albeit at reduced capacity to start. Keep checking the websites of your […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 13 – Mar 24 – April 6, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers My Octopus Teacher Netflix Films – 2021 Oscar Nominee “My Octopus Teacher” is the incredible true story of diver Craig Foster’s unique experience with an octopus in a kelp forest off the coast of South Africa that opens viewers’ eyes to secluded and mysterious sea world, while also revealing how […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 12 – Mar 10 – Mar 23, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers I Care a Lot. – Netflix Originals Marla Grayson (Rosamund Pike) was a well-respected professional guardian that was regularly appointed by the courts to look after seniors who were thought to not be able to look after themselves. Unfortunately, Marla was actually a scam artist who preyed on the elderly, […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 11 – Feb 24 – Mar 9, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Nomadland – Hulu In January 2011, a gypsum mine in Empire, Nevada shut down after 88 years, displacing all the permanent residents. Among them was Fern (Francis McDormand), who recently lost her husband and now also lost her town, community and everday life. Fern bought a van that she custom […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 09 – Jan 27 – Feb 9, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Outside the Wire – Netflix Originals In 2036, a violent civil war had erupted in Eastern Europe. US troops were stationed as peacekeepers on the lawless new frontier, which was controlled by a ruthless criminal warlord named Viktor Koval – a ghost that few people had seen. To combat Koval’s […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 08 – Jan 13 – Jan 26, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Like a Boss Epix & Amazon Originals Mia and Mel were best friends since grade school and now 22 years later own their custom cosmetics business. The business had great online success, but after opening a storefront had been struggling financially to the point they may have to close their […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 07 – Dec 30, 2020 – Jan 12, 2021 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Wilds – Amazon Original Series The Wilds follows a group of teen girls from various backgrounds who board a first class jet on their way to The Dawn of Eve Retreat in Kona Hawaii, a female-centric learning and growth experience where teen women can participate in yoga classes, confidence […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 06 – Dec 16 – Dec 29, 2020 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Your Honor Showtime Limited Series Your Honor poses the question “What if a family member accidentally did something and wanted to do the right thing, but did it to the wrong people and therefore would suffer beyond the measure of the law?” The question becomes even more complicated when one […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 06 – Dec 16 – Dec 29, 2020 - A View from House Seats

Nostalgia Reigns This Season Ventura County theaters have always spread joy through their myriad holiday stage offerings. This year, our thespians continue to entertain, although the offerings are online and viewed from the comfort of our own cozy chairs. Here are three virtual productions to add to your viewing calendar this month. Ojai Art Center […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 05 – Dec 2 – Dec 15, 2020 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Pack – Amazon Originals Focusing on the incredible bond between dogs and their owners, The Pack follows 12 dogs and their owners as they travel the globe on an adventure similar to the Amazing Race doggie style. Two teams, Blue Team and Green Team, were randomly selected by finding […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 04 – Nov 18 – Dec 1, 2020 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Mandalorian – Disney+ Mandalorians were known across the universe for their bounty hunting skills, were never allowed to take off their helmets, and took on their life’s mission with the simple statement “This is the way.” Mando (Pedro Pascal) was respected among the Mandalorian tribe and taken in as […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 03 – Nov 4 – Nov 17, 2020 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Borat Subsequent Moviefilm – Amazon Originals In a grand return to both the screen and American, Sacha Baron Cohen again takes everything head on in exposing American political corruption and prejudices with his new movie Borat Subsequent Moviefilm. After embarrassing Kazakhstan on his first visit to American 14 years ago, […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 02 – Oct 21 – Nov 3, 2020 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Radio Theatre Reigns for Halloween Not going out to trick-or-treat the neighbors. Staying in and staying safe? Want all the chocolate for yourself? Settle in and turn on your radio for some chilling, thrilling tales to listen to by the light of the full moon. The Every Now and Then Theatre has […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 02 – Oct 21 – Nov 3, 2020 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Like Father – Netflix Films It seemed as though everything was falling into place in the life of New York advertising executive Rachel (Kirsten Bell) who was looking forward to her upcoming wedding and was up for a promotion. Looks can be deceiving though as Rachel was about to be […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 01 – Oct 7 – Oct 20, 2020 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine SPTC Coming A ‘Haunting Santa Paula Theater Center’s popular annual Ghostwalk is taking a new turn this year. Every year for the past 25 years, Ghostwalk has been presented in a different location in Santa Paula, telling stories based on historical events of the area. This year, the ghosts are expanding their […] Read More »

Vol. 14, No. 01 – Oct 7 – Oct 20, 2020 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Enola Holmes – Amazon Originals Eudoria Holmes (Helena Bonham Carter) named her daughter Enola (Millie Bobby Brown) because she was a fan of word games and is “alone” spelled backwards, as wanted Enola to grow up to be an independent woman. On the morning of Enola’s sixteenth birthday, she discovered […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 26 – Sept 23 – Oct 6, 2020 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers RBG – 2018 Documentary Hulu This documentary follows the heroic life of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who started as a young female law student challenging the norms of equality to attend Harvard Law School during a time when men did not want women there, through her career as an equal […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 25 – Sept 9 – Sept 22, 2020 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Critical Thinking Amazon Prime Critical Thinking is based on the true story where in 1998 five Latin and Black students from Miami Jackson High School in Miami, Florida overcame the challenging situations in their under-served community and at home, eventually winning the National Chess Championships under the guidance of their […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 24 – Aug 26 – Sept 8, 2020 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Theaters offer digital performances The Elite Theater based in Oxnard, is presenting periodic digital offerings. Opening on August 21 and continuing through Aug. 28 is 24 Minutes by David Dudley. A one-act play, 24 Minutes features a 911-emergency operator (Yanelly DeLaRosa) who takes a disturbing call made by Caller 1 (Rachel Lemos). […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 24 – Aug 26 – Sept 8, 2020 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers 7500 Amazon Originals As the crew boarded for a flight from Berlin to Paris, it seemed just like any other day at work for Tobias Ellis (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a young American co-pilot with a calm demeanor, who was pleased the crew included his flight-attendant girlfriend Gökce (Aylin Tezel). Tobias had […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 23 – Aug 12 – Aug 25, 2020 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Umbrella Academy Netflix Original Series On October 1, 1989, 43 children were inexplicably born around the world to mothers who had not been pregnant that morning. An eccentric billionaire named Reginald Hargreeves sought out these special children and adopted seven, which later revealed had special powers to save the […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 22 – July 29 – Aug 11, 2020 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Palm Springs Hulu Originals Putting a new spin on the well-known concept of the movie Groundhog Day, Palm Springs finds carefree Nyles reliving a crazy wedding day over and over again and manages to also suck in the sister of the bride Sarah, who both find themselves unable to escape […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 21 – July 15 – July 28, 2020 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers The Old Guard Netflix The Old Guard is based on the acclaimed graphic novel by Greg Rucka about a covert group of immortal mercenaries that have been protecting the world for centuries. Led by Andy (Charlize Theron) who, being the oldest and whom they call “Boss”, unexpectedly loses her centuries […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 21 – July 15 – July 28, 2020 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Fractured Actors Serve Laughs A La Carte Actors gotta act. Audiences love to laugh. To meet both needs, the Fractured Actors Theater Company presented a digital production called Laughter in Place last Friday evening. Though not widely advertised, the Company has been around for several years and has produced some challenging and […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 20 – July 1 – July 14, 2020 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Entertainment Available in Creative Ways Local stages are still dark, but some theater companies are finding ways to meet the need for entertainment and education in creative and innovative ways. Conejo Playhouse in Thousand Oaks has been offering CPT Saturday Afternoon Live, a series of stand-alone workshops and webinars via Zoom Saturday […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 20 – July 1 – July 14, 2020 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers MY SPY Amazon Originals MY SPY finds hardened CIA operative JJ (Dave Bautista) recently demoted do due his extreme soldier actions during sensitive CIA operations, and when reassigned to a basic apartment stake out finds himself constantly challenged by a young Sophie, (Chloe Coleman) who he as been sent to […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 19 – June 17 – June 30, 2020 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Hollywood Netflix Originals Hollywood is the story of a group of young, aspiring actors, writers, and directors during post World War II who meet in Hollywood and together make their Tinseltown dreams come true. The series is mainly focused on handsome Jack Castello (David Corenswet) who decides that his dream […] Read More »

Hollywood

by Tony Rizzo Time doesn’t go backward, it only goes forward. The movie industry will take a long time to recover from the effects of our pandemic, and it will never be the same again. Movie studios and producers hate giving up half their profits to movie theaters to show their films. So when theaters […] Read More »

Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers HAVE A GOOD TRIP: ADVENTURES IN PSYCHEDELICS Netflix Originals Premiering in the Netflix Top 10 over the weekend, HAVE A GOOD TRIP: ADVENTURES IN PSYCHEDELICS is narrated by Nick Offerman and features actors, comedians, musicians and other well-known personalities including Deepak Chopra, Sarah Silverman, Ben Stiller, Rosie Perez, Sting, Carrie […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 16 – May 6 – May 19, 2020 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Upload – Amazon Originals         Upload is a dark comedy with witty dialog that centers around death and the futuristic ways people choose to move through it. The world at this time is divided into living humans known as Bios and those who have crossed over, some […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 15 – Apr 22 – May 5, 2020 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness – Netflix       The Tiger King reality series has consumed the attention of over 30 million stay at home viewers and centers around the everyday life of Joe Exotic aka Joseph Maldonado-Passage, a zoo owner in Oklahoma best described as a “gay […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 14 – Apr 8 – Apr 21, 2020 - Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers 3 out of 4 palm trees Outmatched (Season 1) – Hulu & FOX.com What do you get when two average high school students get married and have four children, three extreme geniuses and the fourth you can’t be quite sure about? You get two adults constantly Outmatched by their children. […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 13 – Mar 25 – Apr 7, 2020 - Streaming Spotlight

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers Hunters (Season 1) – Amazon Prime Video Inspired by true events, Hunters follows a rag-tag group of Nazi hunters living in NYC in 1977 tracking down Nazis living in the U.S. working together to create a Fourth Reich and take over the world. Released by Amazon Originals, Created and Written […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 12 – Mar 11 – Mar 24, 2020 - Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers The Invisible Man Finally finding the courage to leave her violent controlling husband, Cecilia Kass (Elizabeth Moss) drugged him, grabbed her go bag, met her sister Emily on a nearby road, and sped off into the night to seek shelter with her sister’s ex husband and childhood friend James, who […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 12 – Mar 11 – Mar 24, 2020 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Elite elicits strong emotions Disease and drama meet humor and humanity on the Elite Theater stage in their current offering of Wit by Margaret Edson. A powerful, evocative study of the meaning of life and getting a grip on mortality, Wit provides a raw look at a progression of aggressive stage IV […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 11 – Feb 26 – Mar 10, 2020 - Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers Call of the Wild 2 out of 4 palm trees Based on the book written by Jack London, “Call of the Wild” chronicles the wild adventures of a special St. Bernard/Scotch Collie named Buck, who’s both big in size and in heart, and how he went from a cushy California […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 11 – Feb 26 – Mar 10, 2020 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Viva La Femmes en Révolution! Santa Paula Theater Center opens its new season of thought-provoking staging with The Revolutionists by Lauren Gunderson. Now hailed as the current most produced living playwright, Gunderson’s writings have garnered many awards. SPTC’s season offerings all fall under the heading of “that’s what she said” featuring works […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 10 – Feb 12 – Feb 25, 2020 - Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) In “Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)” Harley Quinn is targeted by sadistic nightclub owner Roman Sionis and teams up with the Huntress, Black Canary and Det. Renee Montoya to protect young pickpocket Cass […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 10 – Feb 12 – Feb 25, 2020 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Rubicon digs deeply into family dynamics The 2019-2020 theatrical season at the Rubicon Theatre in downtown Ventura promises “stories about taking responsibility, finding freedom, daring to hope, living in harmony – and charting a new and certain course in an uncertain world”. The season also features plays by female playwrights. It is […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 9 – Jan 29 – Feb 11, 2020 - Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers Bad Boys for Life Bad Boys Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) are back out on the streets of Miami for one last time to settle issues from a past criminal mastermind. Released by Columbia Pictures, Directed Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, Written by Chris Bremner, […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 9 – Jan 29 – Feb 11, 2020 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Transport’s “Bloomsday” captivates Every so often Transport Theatre Company gets back on the boards. Through February 2, they are back, full force. A theater company without a permanent home, their current production of “Bloomsday” by Steven Dietz is playing a limited run on the south stage of the Elite Theater in Oxnard. […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 8 – Jan 15 – Jan 28, 2020 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Classic comedy commences at Conejo You Can’t Take It with You, a comedy penned by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, premiered to acclaim in 1936. It won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1937 and went on to become immortalized in film in 1938 (with some plot alterations), winning an Oscar […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 8 – Jan 15 – Jan 28, 2020 - Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers 1917       Set during the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield and Blake, are sent on a seemingly impossible mission to cross the German front and deliver a message in 24 hours to prevent 1600 troops from walking into a German trap, including Blake’s own brother. […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 7 – Jan 1 – Jan 14, 2020 - Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers Bombshell Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best. Based on actual events, Bombshell recounts the brave women who brought down Fox News creator and CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment, a scandal that exposed the longtime offenses that happened to over 20 women working for the […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 6 – Dec 18 – Dec 31, 2019 - Movie Review

by Cindy Summers Richard Jewell         Richard Jewell is based on true events involving the bombing that happened in 1996 at the Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, and shows how media misinformation can cloud the truth and destroy people’s lives. Released by Warner Bros. Pictures, Directed by Clint Eastwood, Written by Billy Ray, […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 6 – Dec 18 – Dec 31, 2019 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Plaid Tidings hits all the right holiday notes The holiday season is a time to enjoy familiar tunes, tons of laughter, friendship and all things red, green and festive. The Rubicon Theatre Company brings all this and more to their stage as 2019 comes to a close. Plaid Tidings, a special holiday […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 5 – Dec 4 – Dec 17, 2019 - Movie Review

by Cindy Summers Harriet       Harriet is based on the true life story of Harriet Tubman, known historically for her work and leadership in the Underground Railroad that brought slaves to free territories. Released by Focus Features, Directed by Kasi Lemmons, Written by Gregory Allen Howard and Kasi Lemmons, and Starring Cynthia Erivo […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 5 – Dec 4 – Dec 17, 2019 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Seussical, an Amuse-ical Musical The Ojai Art Center Theater closes out its 2019 season with the City’s Urban Forestry Department’s new 4,000 gallon water truck, the Musical directed by Gai Jones. An amalgam of Dr. Seuss stories bring their characters together for a new look at many of the familiar characters as […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 4 – Nov 20 – Dec 3, 2019 - Movie Review

by Cindy Summers FORD v FERRARI Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best. FORD v FERRARI is based on the amazing true story of pioneering car designer Carroll Shelby and fearless English born driver Ken Miles and their quest to build a race car for Ford motor company to beat Enzo […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 4 – Nov 20 – Dec 3, 2019 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Travelers find common ground The Beacon Theater Company has mounted its second production in the form of Walter Cronkite is Dead, now playing on the Elite Theatre’s main stage. The Elite, currently in a restructuring period, has graciously invited Beacon to use the stage while they are between productions. Walter Cronkite is […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 3 – Nov 6 – Nov 19, 2019 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Big River a Memorable Journey The prolific humorous storyteller Mark Twain’s characters Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer and others come to life on the Rubicon theater stage. Adapted from Twain’s writings, Big River explores Huck and his slave friend Jim’s journey on the Mississippi searching for freedom. The book by William Hauptman and […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 3 – Nov 6 – Nov 19, 2019 - Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers Maleficent: Mistress of Evil     Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is the sequel the the 2014 Disney box office hit, and centers around Aurora’s planned wedding to Prince Phillip, which would help to bring peace between fairies and man and bring together the kingdoms of Ulstead and the Moors. Though […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 2 – Oct 23 – Nov 5, 2019 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Moorpark’s “Mermaid” Enchanting High Street Arts Center in Moorpark has done it again. The company consistently brings high-quality talent to their stage with every production. Now open is the enchanting stage extravaganza The Little Mermaid. This Disney adaptation, based on Hans Christian Anderson’s timeless tale, is a lively, colorful, fun romp under […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 1 – Oct 9 – Oct 22, 2019 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Ruddigore Right for the Season Apropos for the month of October, the Ventura County Gilbert & Sullivan Repertoire Company brings a production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic operetta, Ruddigore, or The Witche’s Curse to the stage at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts in Thousand Oaks through October 20. Generations of titled […] Read More »

Vol. 13, No. 1 – Oct 9 – Oct 22, 2019 - Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers Abominable Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best. Abominable centers around a young determined female protagonist named Yi (Chloe Bennet) who finds a young Yeti on the roof of her apartment building in Shanghai and sets out to return it to it’s home, Mt. Everest, which […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 26 – Sept 25 – Oct 8, 2019 - Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers Ad Astra 1 out of 4 palm trees When the government discovers earth’s solar system is on the verge of being destroyed, they call on astronaut Major Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) to save the world. Though proud to serve his country, Roy learns that the surges threatening to end humanity […] Read More »

Science and religion take the stage

by Sheli Ellsworth The Ojai Art Center Theater is performing the original play Bless Your Heart through September 29 with Friday and Saturday night performances at 7:30 PM and Sunday matinees at 2 PM. The play Ojai Art Center’s own artistic director, Emmy winner Richard Camp wrote Bless Your Heart which explores the impact of […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 25 – Sept 11 – Sept 24, 2019 - Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers Angel Has Fallen 2 palm trees out of 4 After a drone attack during a fishing trip that takes out his whole team, Secret Service Agent Mike Banning is accused of being the mastermind behind the assasination attempt on President Allan Trumbull, and sets out to clear his name while […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 25 – Sept 11 – Sept 24, 2019 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Romantic drama explores grief The current production at the Elite Theatre in Oxnard’s Channel Islands is a study in how grief affects us each in different ways. To Gillian, on Her 37th Birthday, by Michael Brady explores ways in which a widower is coping (or not), to the frustration of his family […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 24 – Aug 28 – Sept 10, 2019 - A View from House Seats

Sweet Jay’s Roadhouse Now Open by Shirley Lorraine Tucked away in an industrial area of Ventura is a Speakeasy. The Speakeasy Project: American Roadhouse, that is. Billed as an underground evening of new comedies and live music, the interactive roadhouse atmosphere is provided by the Fractured Actors Theater Company. New name on the community theater […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 24 – Aug 28 – Sept 10, 2019 - Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers Good Boys 2 palm trees out of 4 Having been invited to his first kissing party, Max and his friends Lucas and Thor set out to discover how kissing is actually done being only 12 years old and having never kissed a girl before. Not able to find reasonable answer […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 23 – Aug 14 – Aug 27, 2019 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine High energy hilarity hits Simi stage Actor’s Repertory Theatre of Simi brings the house down with its current production of The Drowsy Chaperone now on stage through September 1. The 1920’s musical within a current comedy provides everything one could desire for an entertaining evening at the theater –lively music, dancing, overdone […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 23 – Aug 14 – Aug 27, 2019 - Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers Yesterday 2 palm trees out of 4 Yesterday is a comedy based fantasy that centers around musician Jack Malik’s fortunate accident that he’s the only one in the whole world that remembers the Beatles after an unexplained global blackout. Released by Universal Pictures, Directed by Danny Boyle , Written by […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 22 – July 31 – Aug 13, 2019 – Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers The Lion King 3 palm trees out of 4 The Lion King is the new CGI photorealistic release of the Disney animated classic originally released in 1994. Directed by Jon Favreau, who also did the CGI remake of Disney’s Jungle Book, Written by Jeff Nathanson with Pharrell Williams producing a […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 21 – July 17 – July 30, 2019 - A View from House Seats

Shirley Lorraine Beacon Theater’s inaugural offering solid There’s a new theater group in town. The recently organized Beacon Theater Company made its debut at the NAMBA Performing Arts space in downtown Ventura last weekend. With familiar theater notables Tom Eubanks, Steve Grumette, Howard Leader and Anna Kotula at the helm, the company opened with a […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 21 – July 17 – July 30, 2019 - Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers Stuber 3 palm trees out of 4 Stu is a very gentle, mild-mannered Uber driver who picks up LA police officer Vic Manning for his first ever Uber ride, though Stu has no idea at the time that Vic unwittingly plans to basically borrow Stu and his Uber to track […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 20 – July 3 – July 16, 2019 - Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers Phoenix, Oregon 1 palm trees out of 4 Phoenix, Oregon is the story of a middle aged man whose life is going nowhere when his longtime friend hatches a plan for them to relive some of their younger glory days by reopening the bowling alley they both grew up going […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 20 – July 3 – July 16, 2019 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Secrets Abound at Santa Paula’s Casa A retro revelation into a world many of us have little or no knowledge of takes the main stage at the Santa Paula theater Center. Casa Valentina, written by Harvey Fierstein (of Kinky Boots, La Cage Aux Folle fame) is based on actual events. Casa explores […] Read More »

Rubicon Theatre Company offers its Fearless Shakespeare Camp

Rebecca Graham as Prospero works her Tempestuous magic while daughter Miranda (Lauren Sherman) and spritely servant Ariel (Jonny Sinklier) look on in wonder. Once again, Rubicon Theatre Company offers its Fearless Shakespeare Camp, marking the tenth season the organization has presented a youth production by the Bard. The 2019 production of The Tempest will be […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 19 – June 19 – July 2, 2019 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Murder, mayhem & music take stage in Simi The year span is 1907-09. The tale, told in retrospect as a jail-house memoir, is one of deception, death and dastardly deeds. Set to music. The audience is warned that what they are about to see may be disturbing and, if they are easily […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 19 – June 19 – July 2, 2019 - Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers Late Night 3 palm trees out of 4 Late Night is a comedy about a late night host who’s on the verge of loosing her show due to it’s dated and pretentious material that is rescued by a clever young female comic with basically no formal experience who happened to […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 18 – June 5 – June 18, 2019 - Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers Booksmart 4 palm trees out of 4 Booksmart is a coming of age comedy about two high school seniors, Molly and Amy, on their way to graduation when they come to the realization that they’ve spent all their time working hard thinking they’ll get ahead, only to discover that they’re […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 18 – June 5 – June 18, 2019 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Mayhem takes over Conejo Stage Audiences can count on Conejo Players in Thousand Oaks to make going to the theater fun. Their current production of Don’t Dress for Dinner pulls laughs from beginning to end in a fast-paced, try-to-keep-up storyline of infidelity, alibis and misunderstandings. Written by French playwright Marc Camoletti, the […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 17 – May 22 – June 4, 2019 - Music Calendar

For more events go to VenturaRocks.com Black Angus 4718 Telephone Road Music 5:30 – 8:30 pm Thursdays: Mark David Undercover Blue Agave 185 E. Santa Clara Fridays: Mariachi Band; DJ Saturdays: DJ The Blue Room Ventura Harbor Village (Next to Comedy Club) Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band w/ Shawn Jones Boatyard Pub Ventura Harbor Village Monday-Thursday […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 17 – May 22 – June 4, 2019 - Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers The Hustle     Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best. The Hustle is the 2019 remake of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), which was a remake of Bedtime Story (1964). Released by United Artists, Produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Directed by Chris Addison, and Written by Stanley Shapiro, […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 16 – May 8 – May 21, 2019 - Movie Review

by Cindy Summers Dumbo  3 palm trees out of 4 Dumbo is the 2019 Walt Disney Pictures version of the animated Disney classic originally released 1941. Directed by Tim Burton, Music by Danny Elfman. and Written by Ehren Kruger. Starring Danny DeVito as Max Medici, Colin Farrell as Holt Farrier and Michael Keaton as V.A. […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 16 – May 8 – May 21, 2019 - A View From House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Crimes of the Heart sizzles Be prepared to laugh, to identify and to sympathize with the quirky characters in Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prize winning drama, Crimes of the Heart, now onstage at Oxnard’s Elite Theatre. As their 2019 season themed “Family” continues, the production brings forward multiple areas of dysfunction while at […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 15 – Apr 24 – May 7, 2019 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Coping and Compassion Help Heal Getting older is not for sissies. Unfortunately, aging happens, if we’re lucky. When it does, often the entire family is pulled in to its sphere. Author Kate Hawley’s “Complications from a Fall” now playing at the Santa Paula Theatre Center recognizes and celebrates the trials, challenges and […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 13 – Mar 27 – Apr 9, 2019 - A View from House Seats

By Shirley Lorraine Rubicon’s Fuddy Meers is a wild ride Several things can be expected from a Rubicon Theater production. High quality acting & production, and an opportunity to stretch your brain. The current production of Fuddy Meers, directed by Jenny Sullivan, running for just one more weekend, provides these things and more. The fast-paced […] Read More »

Fuddy Meers – Really?

Rubicon Theatre Company continues the 2019 season with the dark and zany comedy Fuddy Meers. Amnesiac Claire awakens each morning as a blank slate on which her husband and teenage son must imprint the facts of her life. One morning, Claire is abducted by a limping, lisping man who claims her husband wants to kill […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 12 – Mar 13 – Mar 26, 2019 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Conejo’s Sweeny Todd delivers In the mood for something dark, brooding, frightening and thoroughly captivating? The current production of the award-winning musical thriller Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at Conejo Players Theater in Thousand Oaks will fill the bill nicely. The evil character of Sweeny Todd was first introduced […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 11 – Feb 27 – Mar 12, 2019 - Movie Review

Isn’t It Romantic Review: 3.5 Palm Trees out of 4 Palm Trees by: Victoria Usher Isn’t It Romantic is a 2019 romantic comedy film that was directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson. It was produced by Rebel Wilson, Todd Garner, Gina Matthews, and Grant Scharbo. The story was by Erin Cardillo. The screenplay was by Erin Cardillo, […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 11 – Feb 27 – Mar 12, 2019 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Ojai Theater relives opening The Ojai Art Center is recognized state-wide as being the oldest continually operating non-profit Art Center. Let’s face it, 80 years is a long time to engage the community in all forms of art, music, theater, dance and more. To celebrate and honor this longevity, the Art Center […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 10 – Feb 13 – Feb 26, 2019 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Uncertainty principle explored at Rubicon The Rubicon Theatre opened its 21st season labeled “Coming of Age” with a work guaranteed to stretch your thinking and perceptions. While you’re at it, dust off your notes from physics class and review Werner Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle to best get a grasp on the play Heisenberg […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 9 – Jan 30 – Feb 12, 2019 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Classic clicks at Conejo Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, has come to life on the Conejo Players stage. It was required reading for me in high school and made a lasting impression. The story tackles many aspects of humanity including innocence, fear, prejudice, assumptions and racial inequality. […] Read More »

Heisenberg is sexy and full of surprises

Rubicon Theatre Company opens the 2019 Season with the quirky romance Heisenberg. Sweet, sexy and full of surprises, the story follows two strangers whose lives intersect in a bustling London train station when free-spirited Georgie, a 40-something American, unexpectedly plants a kiss on the neck of Alex, an older Irish butcher, as he sits on […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 8 – Jan 16 – Jan 29, 2019 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Stages offer Shakespeare to Seuss Welcome to a new year and new theatrical season line-ups for Ventura County stages. 2019 promises a wide variety of productions to entertain, educate and elate theater-goers of all ages. Many of the theaters are in rehearsal periods in the month of January, with openings coming up […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 8 – Jan 16 – Jan 29, 2019 - Movie Review

Marry Poppins Returns 3 Palm Trees out of 4 Palm Trees by Victoria Usher Marry Poppins Returns is a 2018 adventure, comedy, family, and fantasy film that was directed by Rob Marshall. It is a sequel to the original Marry Poppins film from 1964 and also based on the “Marry Poppins” books written by P.L. […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 6 – Dec 19, 2018 – Jan 2, 2019 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Escape to the islands with South Pacific Some theatrical experiences just stay with you. The current production of South Pacific on the Rubicon Theater stage is one of those. I grew up on the songs of this show, listening to my father singing in the living room. It is the show that […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 6 – Dec 19, 2018 – Jan 2, 2019 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Escape to the islands with South Pacific Some theatrical experiences just stay with you. The current production of South Pacific on the Rubicon Theater stage is one of those. I grew up on the songs of this show, listening to my father singing in the living room. It is the show that […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 5 – Dec 5 – Dec 18, 2018 - Movie Review

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Movie Review: 2.5 Palm Trees out of 4 Palm Trees by Victoria Usher Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is a 2018 science fiction and fantasy film that is based on the characters created by J.K. Rowling. It was directed by David Yates. It was produced by David Heyman, […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 5 – Dec 5 – Dec 18, 2018 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Quirky Cinderella careens into Ojai The Ojai Art Center Theater has taken some risks this season in presenting infrequently produced material for audiences to enjoy. Humor, depth and artistry has been gracing the OACT stage all season. In a wild turn of events, and for just three weekends, the 2018 season concludes […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 4 – Nov 21 – Dec 4, 2018 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Classic Christie mystery intrigues Santa Paula Theater Center closes out its 2018 season with a classic Agatha Christie drawing room murder mystery now through December 16. A lesser known work, the play version was an adaptation of an earlier novel of Christie’s own by the same name. Several key points were assigned […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 3 – Nov 7 – Nov 20, 2018 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Bus Stop storms into Elite for a spell A classic dramatic play, Bus Stop by William Inge, is now on stage at the Elite Theater in Oxnard. Born in Kansas, Inge was considered a quintessential midwestern writer who hit his stride in the mid-1950s. He wrote about life in small towns and […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 3 – Nov 7 – Nov 20, 2018 – Movie Review

Bohemian Rhapsody Movie Review: 3.5 Palm Trees out of 4 Palm Trees by Victoria Usher Bohemian Rhapsody is a 2018 biographical film about the British rock band Queen. Queen was a British rock band and they were one of the most popular, most talented, and most influential bands ever. They had a unique style of […] Read More »

Hollywood

by Tony Rizzo Two-time Oscar-winner Hilary Swank has been in Australia making “I Am Mother,” with Clara Rugaard. The film is about a teenage girl raised by a robot mother designed to repopulate Earth following an extinction event. Her recent film “55 Steps,” with Helena Bonham Carter and Jeffrey Tambor, premiered last month at The […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 2 – Oct 24 – Nov 6, 2018 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Interplanetary hi-jinx in high gear at Rubicon It seems that no matter what the situation or scenario, William Shakespeare already has it covered. Based very loosely on Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Return to the Forbidden Planet uses a clever mix of science fiction, rock music and many of the Bard’s words to weave […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 1 - Oct 10 - Oct 23, 2018 - Movie Review

A Simple Favor Movie Review: 3 Palm Trees out of 4 Palm Trees by Victoria Usher A Simple Favor is a 2018 film directed by Paul Feig. Screenplay by Jessica Sharzer. Based on 2017 novel by Darcey Bell. Cinematography by John Schwartzman. Music by Theodore Shapiro. Film Editing by Brent White. Produced by Paul Feig, […] Read More »

Vol. 12, No. 1 - Oct 10 - Oct 23, 2018 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Millie Musical a whiz-bang in Simi For pure fun and entertainment presented with pep by top-notch performers, the musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie” now playing through October 21 at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is highly recommended. Studio C Performing Arts out of Westlake Village has put together an outstanding cast for […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 26 – Sept 26 – Oct 9, 2018 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Conejo cooks up Comedy Cacophony For a high-spirited evening of fast-paced shenanigans, Is He Dead? now playing at Conejo Players Theater in Thousand Oaks, fills the bill. America’s well-loved master storyteller, Mark Twain, offers the basis for this long-hidden work. Twain’s acumen as a playwright was the lesser of his talents, to […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 25 - Sept 12 - Sept 25, 2018 - Movie Review

Crazy Rich Asians Review: 3 stars out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Crazy Rich Asians is a 2018 romantic comedy directed by Jon M. Chu. Screenplay by Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim. Based on Kevin Kwan’s 2013 novel of the same name. The film stars Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Gemma Chan, Awkwafina, Nico Santos, Lisa […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 25 - Sept 12 - Sept 25, 2018 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Rock and Roll at the Rubicon What a terrific way to end the summer – reliving a memorable time in music history and singing along to the tunes many of us grew up with. The world premiere production of I Dig Rock and Roll Music now playing at the Rubicon Theater fills […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 24 – Aug 29 – Sept 11, 2018 – Movie Review

Eighth Grade Review: 3 stars out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Eighth Grade is a 2018 comedy drama, written and directed by Bo Burnham, marking his directorial debut. Starring Elsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton, and Emily Robinson. Eighth Grade follows Kayla Day, a soon to be high schooler, and her life as she navigates through a confusing […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 24 – Aug 29 – Sept 11, 2018 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Classic comedy in Camarillo Now on stage at the Camarillo Skyway Playhouse through September 16 is Noël Cowards’ classic comedy Private Lives. Sir Noël Coward a (knighted in 1970) dabbled in all parts of the theater throughout his lengthy career, from acting to directing to writing and seemingly everything in between. The […] Read More »

Jeffry George hired as Rubicon’s Executive Director

Jeffry George recently served as Executive Director of the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre (WHAT), on Cape Cod, a post he held for six years, guiding the organization through significant financial and organizational realignment. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, Jeffry was responsible for administration, development, marketing, education, and community outreach. He managed a seasonal staff […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 23 - Aug 15 - Aug 28, 2018 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Old standard still thrills Actor’s Repertory Theatre of Simi blasts it out of the park with their revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s lively musical, Oklahoma! The long-running, high-stepping production retains the same charm and appeal it originally brought to the stage in 1943. Still one of the most popular musicals ever, Oklahoma! […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 22 - Aug 1 - Aug 14, 2018 - Movie Review

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again 2 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is a 2018 musical directed and written by Ol Parker, from a story by Parker, Catherine Johnson, and Richard Curtis. The film stars Lily James, Amanda Seyfried, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Pierce Brosnan, Dominic […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 22 - Aug 1 - Aug 14, 2018 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Youth productions sizzle in summer Summer is the perfect time to engage kids of all ages into fun and fascinating learning experiences. Many Ventura County theaters have regular summer programs for youth to enjoy being on stage and behind the scenes, learning the craft as they go. It is always exciting to […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 21 – July 18 – July 31, 2018 - Movie Review

Ant-Man and the Wasp Review: 2 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Ant-Man and the Wasp is a 2018 superhero film based on the Ant-Man and the Wasp. The sequel to 2015’s Ant-Man, and the twentieth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Peyton Reed and written by Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 21 – July 18 – July 31, 2018 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Santa Paula Stars Shine in Constellations It is not often that a completely fresh viewpoint comes to the stage. Santa Paula Theater Center’s current offering of Nick Payne’s Constellations takes its audience into rarely explored territories mixing art and science. The excursion takes the audience on a fascinating ride into mental space […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 20 - July 4 - July 17, 2018 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Beautiful music and intriguing story onstage in Ojai An exploration of Ludwig van Beethoven’s laborious journey in penning variations to an otherwise mediocre waltz by Anton Diabelli is now on stage in 33 Variations at the Ojai Theatre Center Playhouse. The commission of variations to his work by more well-known composers was […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 20 - July 4 - July 17, 2018 - Movie Review

Won’t You Be My Neighbor? 3 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel reynoso Won’t You Be My Neighbor? is a 2018 documentary film directed by Morgan Neville and edited by Jeff Malmberg and Aaron Wickenden. The film about the life of Fred Rogers and the themes of his television show. A documentary on the […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 19 – June 20 – July 3, 2018 – Movie Review

Hereditary Review: 3.5 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Hereditary is a 2018 horror film written and directed by Ari Aster. It stars Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, Ann Dowd, and Gabriel Byrne. With the death of their mysterious grandmother, a family’s sorrow quickly becomes a nightmare. Well directed horror, is an […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 19 – June 20 – July 3, 2018 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Little Women plays strong in Camarillo First performed as a musical in 2005, Little Women makes its Ventura County debut with strong performances chronicling the well known Civil War story originally published in 1934 by Louisa May Alcott. The timeless tale of the March family comes to life on the stage of […] Read More »

Rubicon Theatre Company kicks off sixteenth year of summer programs

Rubicon Theatre Company kicks off its 16th year of summer education programs with four family friendly production performed by kids for kids: The Grunch :Madagascar; Julius Caesar and Grease . Rubicon’s new Education and Outreach Directors, Broadway veterans Beverly and Kirby Ward, will oversee the administration of the four productions and their respective camps: Stinky […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 18 - Jun 6 - June 19, 2018 - Movie Review

Deadpool 2 2.5 Palm trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Deadpool 2 is a 2018 superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Deadpool, distributed by 20th Century Fox. The film is directed by David Leitch, Written by Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Ryan Reynolds. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Julian Dennison, […] Read More »

Students of Rubicon’s Education & Outreach Summer Program in need of scholarships

This summer at Rubicon, Broadway performers and husband-and-wife duo Kirby and Beverly Ward step into a new role as the Directors of Education and Outreach. Over the last decade, audiences have seen them in main stage productions of She Loves Me, King Lear and Return to the Forbidden Planet, but now they’ll be teaching performing […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 17 - May 23 - June 5, 2018 - Movie Review

Tully Review: 3 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Tully is a 2018 American comedy-drama film directed by Jason Reitman and written by Diablo Cody. The film stars Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Mark Duplass, and Ron Livingston. Tully follows the life of Marlow, an overworked, underappreciated mother of 2, and her budding friendship […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 16 - May 9 - May 22, 2018 - A View from House Seats

The award-winning professional cast is outstanding at the Rubicon. Rubicon Delivers in The Baby Dance: Mixed by Shirley Lorraine Affordable Broadway is in our own back yard. Continuing their 20th anniversary season with yet another World Premiere production, The Rubicon Theatre Company offers The Baby Dance: Mixed by acclaimed Emmy award-winning author Jane Anderson. Anderson […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 16 - May 9 - May 22, 2018 - Movie Review

Avengers: Infinity War Review: 3.5 Palm trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Avengers: Infinity War is a 2018 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics team the Avengers. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Avengers: Infinity War stars an ensemble cast of the previous Marvel films. With […] Read More »

Karyl Lynn Burns and Jane Anderson discussed her career and new play

by Jennifer Tipton Writer Jane Anderson sat down for a Q & A with Karyl Lynn Burns (Rubicon’s Co-Founder / Producing Artistic Director) on Monday, April 30th before a group of Rubicon supporters, contributors and fans to discuss her career and The Baby Dance: Mixed now playing at the Rubicon. Jane said she dropped out […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 15 - Apr 25 - May 8, 2018 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Hijinks on the High Seas at High Street Batten down the hatches, the Navy has sailed into Moorpark. Based on the 1955 film starring Henry Fonda, James Cagney and Jack Lemmon, among other greats, the play Mister Roberts by Joshua Logan and Thomas Heggen brings a touch of nostalgia, chagrin, humor and […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 15 - Apr 25 - May 8, 2018 - Movie Review

A Quiet Place Review: 3 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso A Quiet Place is a 2018 horror film directed by John Krasinski, written by Krasinski, Bryan Woods, and Scott Beck, based on a story by Woods and Beck. Starring John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmons, and Noah Jupe. With the sudden appearance […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 14 - Apr 11 - Apr 24, 2018 - Movie Review

Love, Simon Review: 2.5 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Love, Simon is a 2018 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Greg Berlanti, written by Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger, and based on the novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli. The film stars Nick Robinson, Katherine Langford, Logan Miller, […] Read More »

King Lear at the Rubicon until April 1

Michael Matthys (Duke of Albany), Tom Mueller (Oswald), George McDaniel (Earl of Gloucester),George Ball and Beverly Ward (Goneril) in King Lear at the Rubicon until April 1. Considered by many to be Shakespeare’s greatest masterpiece, King Lear is a haunting and epic saga of love, greed, family strife, and civil war. Rubicon Theatre Company 1006 […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 13 - Mar 28 - Apr 10, 2018 - Movie Review

Thoroughbreds Review: 3.5 palm trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Thoroughbreds is a 2017 dark-comedy, thriller film written and directed by Cory Finley. It stars Olivia Cooke, Anya Taylor-Joy, Anton Yelchin, Paul Sparks, and Francie Swift. Troubled by her poor relationship with her step-dad, Lily plots to kill him with the aid of her […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 12 - Mar 14 - Mar 27, 2018 - Movie Review

The 2018 Breezy Awards by Manuel Reynoso Award season is in the air and it’s my honor to present to you, the only movie awards that truly matter: The 2017 Breezy Awards! The format is simple, I have a variety of Breezy awards to give out, plus an honorable mention for some of the categories, […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 12 - Mar 14 - Mar 27, 2018 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Brothers Collide in True West at Elite A thought-provoking piece by prolific American author Sam Shepard, True West is considered to be Shepard’s “signature” works. The gritty characters are somewhat autobiographical and speak to his preoccupation with the myth of a vanishing West. Elite’s Artistic Director Tom Eubanks directs the 1983 Pulitzer […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 12 - Mar 14 - Mar 27, 2018 - Hollywood

by Tony Rizzo Don’t mess with Meryl Streep! When Harvey Weinstein’s attorneys, trying to get him off of racketeering charges, quoted her as saying, “He has always been respectful to me,” she shot back, “Harvey Weinstein’s attorneys’ use of my statement — that he was not sexually aggressive or physically abusive in our business relationship […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 11 - Feb 28 - Mar 13, 2018 - Movie Review

Black panther 3.5 palm trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Black Panther is a 2018 American superhero film. The film is directed by Ryan Coogler, who co-wrote the screenplay with Joe Robert Cole, and stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, and Martin Freeman. As King T’Challa inherits reign of the […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 11 - Feb 28 - Mar 13, 2018 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Serendipity of Randomness Onstage at SPTC Santa Paula Theatre Center thrives on making their audiences think. The current production of “This Random World” by Steven Dietz offers a fine challenge for the mind. Dietz’ newest work follows SPTC’s success of last season’s “Becky’s New Car” with deeper areas to ponder. Is everything […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 10 – Feb 14 – Feb 27, 2018 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Visions in Chiffon Float at Camarillo Playhouse Camarillo’s Skyway Playhouse opens their 2018 season with Five Women Wearing the Same Dress by Alan Ball. Set in 1993 Knoxville, Tennessee in a bedroom of the bride’s home, the five bridesmaids use the room as a preparation area, a hide-out, a refuge and a […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 10 – Feb 14 – Feb 27, 2018 – Movie Review

The Post Review: 2.5 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso The Post is a 2017 American historical drama directed and produced by Steven Spielberg and written by Liz Hannah and Josh Singer. Starring Meryl Streep as Katharine Graham and Tom Hanks as Ben Bradlee. The Post depicts the true story of the Washington […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 9 - Jan 31 - Feb 13, 2018 - Movie Review

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle 3 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a 2017 American action adventure comedy film directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Scott Rosenberg, and Jeff Pinkner, from a story by McKenna. Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Jack Black, […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 9 - Jan 31 - Feb 13, 2018 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Facts meet fiction for fun at Rubicon And now for something completely different…. Buyer & Cellar now playing on the Rubicon stage mixes it up with a few facts, a lot of fiction and an evening of laughter. A solid hit from New York to Los Angeles, the Rubicon embraces the unusual […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 8 - Jan 17 - Jan 30, 2018 - Movie Review

The Shape of Water Review: 4 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso The Shape of Water was one of those movies that I knew I had to see. Everything from the trailer, to the movie poster, egged me on to come see it. I try really hard not go into a film with high […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 8 - Jan 17 - Jan 30, 2018 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine New Year – New Works at Elite Many theaters begin their new seasons late in January or early February. The Elite fills in the early January gap with their one-act festival before the season officially starts. Now in its 9th year, the festival is an audience favorite. The sequence of pieces was […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 7 - Jan 3 - Jan 16, 2018 - Movie Review

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Review: 2.5 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Star Wars: The Last Jedi is a 2017 Space fantasy film written and directed by Rian Johnson. It stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, and John Boyega. As Rey receives Jedi training from Luke Skywalker, the last […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 6 – Dec 20, 2017 – Jan 2, 2018 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Healing through entertainment In times of disaster, there is a desperate need to be entertained. During the last few weeks Ventura County has been pounded with strife, destruction and loss. The usual Christmas season preparations may take detours this year due to natural consequences beyond our control. However, county theaters are doing […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 6 – Dec 20, 2017 – Jan 2, 2018 – Movie Review

Coco Review: 4 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Coco is a 2017 musical, family film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Based on an original idea by Lee Unkrich, it is directed by Unkrich and co-directed by Adrian Molina. For me, representation is lot more than just […] Read More »

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol

It’s Christmas Eve, and Ebenezer Scrooge is visited in his sleep by the ghosts of three spirits who show him the error of his ways. This imaginative version of Dickens’ transformative tale, told in words and music, offers a revealing portrait of the yearning lost child inside the cold-hearted miser. The actors perform in the […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 5 - Dec 6 - Dec 19, 2017 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Hijinks Abound in Ojai’s Animal Crackers In the mood for something simply silly, extremely funny and nostalgic to lighten the stress of the season? Animal Crackers now playing on the Ojai Art Center Stage will certainly fill the bill quite nicely. The musical with book by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No. 5 - Dec 6 - Dec 19, 2017 - Movie Review

Lady Bird Review: 4 palm trees out of 4 Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best. by Manuel Reynoso Lady Bird is a 2017 American teen-drama film written and directed by Greta Gerwig, and starring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges, Timothée Chalamet, Beanie Feldstein, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 4 – Nov 22 – Dec 5, 2017 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Santa Paula ushers in the season Santa Paula Theatre Center wraps up 2017 with a holiday classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life: The Radio Play” by Tony Palermo. Playing through December 23 on the main stage with an extra performance on Thursday, Dec. 21, the stylish telling of this classic story of humanity […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 4 – Nov 22 – Dec 5, 2017 – Movie Review

Thor: Ragnarok 3 Palm trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Thor: Ragnarok is a 2017 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character, Thor. The film is directed by Taika Waititi from a screenplay by Eric Pearson, Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Tessa Thompson, and Mark […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 3 - Nov 8 - Nov 21, 2017 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine The Lark brings history to Elite Rounding out the Elite Theatre’s 2017 season is the acclaimed “The Lark”, chronicling the trial, condemnation and ultimate end of Joan D’Arc. Written by Jean Anouilh then translated from French and adapted by Lillian Hellman, the offering first hit the stage in the early 1950’s starring […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 3 - Nov 8 - Nov 21, 2017 - Movie Review

Happy Death Day Review: 2 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Happy Death Day is a 2017 American slasher film directed by Christopher B. Landon, written by Scott Lobdell and starring Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, and Ruby Modine. When Theresa “Tree” Gelbman’s birthday ends with her murdered by the hands of a baby […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 2 - Oct 25 - Nov 7, 2017 - Movie Review

Blade Runner 2049 4 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Blade Runner 2049 is a 2017 neo-noir sci-fi drama directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Hampton Fancher and Michael Green. A sequel to the 1982 film Blade Runner, the film stars Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford and follows K as he learns […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 2 - Oct 25 - Nov 7, 2017 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Marriage musical on stage in Camarillo Camarillo Skyway Playhouse is performing the award-winning musical, I Do! I Do!” through November 12. The play is based on the The Fourposter by Jan de Hartog. With book and lyrics are by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt, the musical chronicles a span of […] Read More »

Vol. 11, No.1 – Oct 11 - Oct 24, 2017 - Movie Review

Kingsman: The Golden Circle Review 1.5 Palms out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Kingsman: The Golden Circle is a 2017 action film produced and directed by Matthew Vaughn and written by Vaughn and Jane Goldman. Sequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014), based on the comic book series Kingsman, created by Dave Gibbons and Mark […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 26 – Sept 27 - Oct 10, 2017 - A View from House Seats

Premiere examines complexity of the mind by Shirley Lorraine Fact and fiction are interwoven as The Rubicon Theatre Company presents the West Coast Premiere of Incognito by Nick Payne, a fascinating look at how humans think, act and rationalize actions. While the opportunity to stage the premiere bumped the scheduled offering of Someone Who’ll Watch […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 26 – Sept 27 - Oct 10, 2017 - Movie Review

IT 2 palm trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso IT (2017) is an American supernatural horror film directed by Andy Muschietti, based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Stephen King. 7 Young children are terrorized by Pennywise, a being who has haunted the town of Derry for centuries. They come together […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 25 – Sept 13 - Sept 26, 2017 - Movie Review

Three movies to see before the age of 10 By Manuel Reynoso Movies, as with all art mediums, have the power to change someone’s outlook on life, especially during our more formative years. Themes of love, family and coming of age serve to lay down a path of discovery for who we are as a […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 25 - Sept 13 - Sept 26, 2017 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Steel Magnolias capture the South at Elite Robert Harling’s comedy-drama, Steel Magnolias, is now on stage through October 1 at the Elite Theater in Channel Islands. The highly popular play, written by Harling in just ten days, reflects how women bond through many of life’s challenges, providing support, guidance and a touch […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 24 – Aug 30 – Sept 12, 2017 – Movie Review

Girls Trip Review 2.5 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Girls Trip is a 2017 comedy film directed by Malcolm D. Lee and written by Kenya Barris and Tracy Oliver, from a story by Erica Rivinoja and the screenwriters. The film stars Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Tiffany Haddish, and Jada Pinkett Smith. After […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 24 – Aug 30 - Sept 12, 2017 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Becky’s New Car offers delightful ride Ready for a theater experience that will make you laugh, touch you and possibly even involve you? It is waiting for you now at the Santa Paula Theater Center in the form of Becky’s New Car by Steven Dietz. The engine is revving up and the […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 23 – Aug 16 – Aug 29, 2017 – Movie Review

This issue does not have a movie review so enjoy this Hollywood gossip: Hollywood by Tony Rizzo We told you that Daniel Craig, who said, “I’d rather slash my wrists than do another Bond film,” was sure to sign for the next Bond movie, tentatively titled “Bond 25.” What was really happening was that Craig […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 23 – Aug 16 - Aug 29, 2017 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Camarillo Stages The Last Five Years Currently playing through September 10 on the Camarillo Skyway Playhouse stage is the Drama Desk award-winning musical The Last Five Years. The musical is performed by only two characters and is essentially two one-person shows being presented simultaneously. Book, music and lyrics penned by Jason Robert […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 22 – Aug 2 - Aug 15, 2017 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Billy Elliott Dances into Simi Billy Elliott, the Musical is the current offering by Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Simi, now playing at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. Based on the 2000 film, the staging features music by Elton John with lyrics and book by Lee Hall. Hall also wrote the screenplay […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 22 – Aug 2 - Aug 15, 2017 - Movie Review

Dunkirk 4 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Dunkirk is a 2017 war film written, co-produced and directed by Christopher Nolan. The film stars: Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden, Harry Styles, Aneurin Barnard, James D’Arcy, Barry Keoghan, Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance and Tom Hardy. Following three separate perspectives, Dunkirk explores […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 21 – July 19 – Aug 1, 2017 – Movie Review

Spider-Man: Homecoming review: 2.5 out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Spider-Man: Homecoming is a 2017 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Spider-Man, The film is directed by Jon Watts, with a screenplay by the writing teams of Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, Watts and Christopher Ford, and Chris McKenna and Erik […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 21 – July 19 – Aug 1, 2017 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Catch Anything Goes on Ojai Stage Love on the high seas lends itself to high energy on the Ojai Art Center Theater stage, a welcome summer offering. The toe-tapping hit with memorable music and lyrics by Cole Porter is a favorite for both audiences and actors. Why? It’s just plain fun. The […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 20 – July 5 - July 18, 2017 - Movie Review

Baby Driver by Manuel Reynoso 4 Palm Trees out of 4 Baby Driver is a 2017 action film written and directed by Edgar Wright, starring Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Jon Bernthal, Eiza González, Jon Hamm and Jamie Foxx Forced to a getaway drive to repay his debt, Baby finds that it takes a […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 20 – July 5 - July 18, 2017 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Suspense fuels The Birds at SPTC The sound of furiously flapping wings permeated the theater as the lights dimmed. Feeling appropriately claustrophobic, brief flashbacks of the classic Alfred Hitchcock film flew through my mind as I awaited the Santa Paula Theater Center’s production of The Birds by Conor McPherson, adapted from the […] Read More »

Fair announces 2017 grandstand entertainment

The Fair will also feature nightly fireworks. Photo by John Ferritto The Ventura County Fair, “Rooted in Tradition,” proudly presents the 2017 Grandstand Entertainment Series, including motor sports, music, comedy and rodeos. The fair opens Wednesday, August 2 with Motor Sports, which requires a $5 admission in addition to paid Fair admission. (Children under 12 are […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 19 – June 21 - July 4, 2017 - Movie Review

Wonder Woman review (3 of 4) by Manuel Reynoso Wonder Woman is a 2017 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film is directed by Patty Jenkins, with a screenplay by Allan Heinberg and a story by Heinberg, Zack Snyder, and Jason Fuchs, […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 19 – June 21 - July 4, 2017 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine A Chorus Line kicks it on High Street With an energetic 5,6,7,8, the High Street Arts Center’s production of the acclaimed A Chorus Line kicks its way into the hearts of dancers and theater-lovers throughout the county. The 1976 Broadway show swept nine Tony awards out of twelve nominations and still holds […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 18 – June 7 - June 20, 2017 - A View from House Seats

Lost genius revealed at Rubicon by Shirley Lorraine The Rubicon Theater’s current offering, The Other Mozart, presents a side of history that has heretofore been sequestered. A one-woman show presented in one fluid act, the production is a study in language, music, movement and pure artistry. Living in the shadow of another is never easy. […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 18 – June 7 - June 20, 2017 - Movie Review

Alien: Covenant by Manuel Reynoso 2 Palm trees out of 4 Alien: Covenant is a 2017 American sci-fi horror film and sequel to Prometheus. Directed by Ridley Scott and written by John Logan and Dante Harper, with story by Michael Green and Jack Paglen. I have to admit I came into Alien: Covenant with no […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 17 – May 24 – June 6, 2017 – A View from House Seats

Spelling Bee in Ojai Lively and Fresh by Shirley Lorraine How good is your spelling? Could you compete with the “kids” in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee now onstage at the Ojai Arts Center Theater?  A winner of both a Tony and Drama Desk award for Best Book, this charmingly engaging musical will […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 17 – May 24 - June 6, 2017 - Movie Review

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 2.5 Palms trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a 2017 superhero film based on superhero team Guardians of the Galaxy, produced by Marvel Studios. The film is written and directed by James Gunn and stars an ensemble cast featuring Chris Pratt, […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 16 – May 10 - May 23, 2017 - Movie Review

The Circle Review: by Manuel Reynoso     The Circle is a 2017 thriller film directed by James Ponsoldt and written by Ponsoldt and Dave Eggers, based on Eggers’ 2013 novel of the same name. The film stars Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, John Boyega. Mae Holland lands an entry level position at the largest tech company […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 16 – May 10 - May 23, 2017 - A View from House Seats

Family Bonds Prevail in Mullingar by Shirley Lorraine The Irish countryside provides a lush and laid-back setting for this play about family ties, love, persistence and obligation in Outside Mullingar now on the main stage at Santa Paula Theater Center. Oscar, Pulitzer and Tony award winning author John Patrick Stanley of Doubt and Moonstruck fame […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 15 – April 26 - May 9, 2017 - Movie Review

Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) By Manuel Reynoso 4 palm trees out of 4 Your Name, or in Japan Kimi no Na wa, was written and directed by Makoto Shinkai. Based on the novel by the same name also written by Makoto Shinkai. As streaks of blue and red cascade past a crimson horizon, […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 15 – April 26 - May 9, 2017 - A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Romantic Repartee Rules Engaging Shaw at Elite Can two self-confessed “anti-romantics” find ultimate happiness in marriage? In the period drawing room comedy Engaging Shaw now onstage at the Elite Theatre, this relationship quagmire is explored, dissected, challenged and delightfully portrayed. The tightly written two-act play by John Morogiello incorporates bits of Shaw’s […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 14 – April 12 - April 25, 2017 - Movie Review

Ghost in the Shell 1 Palm Tree out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Directed by Rupert Sanders and written by Jamie Moss, William Wheeler and Ehren Kruger, based on the Japanese manga by Masamune Shirow. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Takeshi Kitano, Michael Pitt, Pilou Asbæk, Chin Han and Juliette Binoche. It’s very difficult for me to […] Read More »

SYLVIA, a howlingly funny canine comedy

Rubicon Theatre Company presents a contemporary updating of the 1995 comedy SYLVIA, a howlingly funny canine comedy by Drama Desk, Obie and Lortel Award-winner A.R. Gurney (Love Letters, The Dining Room). Considered a comic masterpiece, this hilarious and heartwarming comedy follows a love triangle that forms between empty-nesters Greg and Kate (Kevin Symons and Stasha […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 13 – March 29 - April 11, 2017 - Movie Review

Logan 3 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Directed by James Mangold and written by Scott Frank, James Mangold, and Michael Green. Starring Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Boyd Holbrook, and Dafne Keen. Sick and retired, James “logan” Howlett lives day to day as a chauffeur in texas while caring for Charles Xavier, who […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 13 – March 29 - April 11, 2017 - A View from House Seats

Gender bending with the Bard by Shirley Lorraine Imagine being given the chance to play what is considered by many to be the greatest role ever written – Hamlet. But what if you are a woman – and too young for the role?  These scenarios and others are put under the microscope of thought in […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 12 – March 15 – March 28, 2017 – Movie Review

Get Out 4 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Written and Directed by Jordan Peele, starring Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Landry Jones, Stephen Root, LaKeith Stanfield and Catherine Keener. Black photographer Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) travels to the suburbs to meet his white girlfriend’s affluent parents. What starts as an […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 12 – March 15 – March 28, 2017 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine Faith vs fantasy disputed in Agnes of God Reality and fiction collide in John Pielmeier’s compelling drama Agnes of God now playing at the Elite Theater in Fisherman’s Wharf, Oxnard.  The story centers on a young postulant, Agnes, who gives birth in a convent. She denies knowledge of having done so and […] Read More »

Freud’s Last Session debates life, love, sex and the meaning of life

On the day England enters World War II, renowned psychoanalyst Dr. Sigmund Freud invites the young Oxford Don C.S. Lewis to his London home to discuss their work, debate the meaning of life, and clash on topics of love, sex, the existence of God, all mere weeks before Freud takes his own life. Freud’s Last […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 11 – March 1 – March 14, 2017 – A View from House Seats

Kimberly Akimbo puts the fun in dysfunction by Shirley Lorraine To the consistent delight of Ventura County theater audiences, Santa Paula Theater Center isn’t afraid to take chances with lesser known works. Opening their 2017 season is Kimberly Akimbo by Pulitzer prize winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire. The unusual two-act comedy presents an inside look into […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 11 – March 1 - March 14, 2017 - Movie Review

John Wick: Chapter 2 by Manuel Reynoso 4 Palm Trees out of 4 Directed by Chad Stahelski and written by Derek Kolstad and  stars Keanu Reeves, Common, Laurence Fishburne, Riccardo Scamarcio, Ruby Rose, John Leguizamo and Ian McShane Shortly following the events of the first film, John Wick finds himself being violently thrusted back into […] Read More »

Rubicon Theatre Company celebrates Black History Month

Bessie Smith would go on to inspire Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin The Devil’s Music: The Life And Blues Of Bessie Smith, starring singer and actress Miche Braden of the original Off-Broadway production (named one of the 10 Best Off-Broadway productions of the year by the N.Y. Daily Times). The Devil’s Music: The […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 10 – February 15 - February 28, 2017 - A View from House Seats

Camarillo Playhouse makes Much of Much Ado About Nothing by Shirley Lorraine The wisdom, humor and wit of The Bard merrily graces the Camarillo Skyway Playhouse stage in Much Ado About Nothing, considered to be one of Shakespeare’s best comedies. Penned toward the middle of his career, Much Ado glides forward with charm to warm […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 10 – February 15 - February 28, 2017 - Movie Review

Split by Manuel Reynoso 1 palm tree out of 4 Written and Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, Starring James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy and Betty Buckley. Three teenage girls are abducted by Kevin (James McAvoy), an abused suffer of Dissociative Identity Disorder, and are being held in cellar against their will. Claire (Haley Lu Richardson), Marcia […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 9 – February 1 - February 14, 2017 - Movie Review

Hidden Figures by Manuel Reynoso 4 palm trees out of 4 Directed by Theodore Melfi, and adapted to screenplay by Theodore Melfi and Allison Schroeder. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, And Kevin Costner. Based on the non-fiction book by Margot Lee Shetterly. The spectacle of the space race has been celebrated time […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 9 – February 1 - February 14, 2017 - A View from House Seats

Gulf View Drivewinds up winning trilogy by Shirley Lorraine Two seasons ago Ventura County audiences were introduced to the love story of May and Raleigh, a couple who meet during the early years of WWII in Last Train to Nibroc. Last season See Rock City continued to follow the couple’s adventures and trials through life. […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 8 – January 18 - January 31, 2017 - Movie Review

A Monster Calls 3 Palmtrees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso Directed by J.A. Bayona, Written by Patrick Ness, and starring Sigourney Weaver, Felicity Jones, Toby Kebbell, Lewis MacDougall and Liam Neeson. Besieged by the turmoil’s of life, armed only with his imagination, 12-year-old Conor (Lewis MacDougall) attempts to come to terms with a tenacious […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 8 – January 18 - January 31, 2017 - A View from House Seats

Variety Arts Gala performance Comes to Oxnard by Shirley Lorraine A conference of Variety Family Performers is once again coming to our neighborhood! The fourth annual KAX (Kidabra International/Axtell Expressions) Conference will be gathering at the River Ridge Residence Inn in Oxnard January 25-28. To cap off the conference, there will be an All Star […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 6 – December 21, 2016 - January 3, 2017 - Movie Review

Skip the “Office Christmas Party” relentlessly unfunny by Richard Lieberman 1 Palmtree Directed by Josh Gordon, Will Speck. Starring Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, T.J. Miller, Jennifer Aniston, Kate McKinnon, Courtney B. Vance, Jillian Bell, Rob Corddry, Vanessa Bayer, Randall Park, Sam Richardson, Karan Soni, Jamie Chung, Abbey Lee, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Fortune Feimster, Ben Falcone. […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 6 – December 21, 2016 - January 3, 2017 - A View from House Seats

Christmas Classic Told a New Way by Shirley Lorraine Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol comes to life on the stage of Ventura’s Rubicon Theater bringing the wonder of the season, the familiar story and the pageantry of the classics. Now in its second annual Christmas showing, the innovative staging and creative characterizations allow the audience […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 5 – December 7 – December 20, 2016 - A View from House Seats

Elite Branches Out with Family Trees by Shirley Lorraine 2731 S. Victoria Ave In the World Premiere of Family Trees, family members come together to solve a problem and secrets are revealed following the death of Mike (Evan Austin) and Tina’s (Genevieve Levin) mother. A curmudgeonly busybody neighbor (Dorrie Braun) and her milquetoast son (Sabastien […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 5 – December 7 – December 20, 2016 - Movie Review

Arrival – Poignant on the spot instant sci-fi classic  (4 trees) by Richard Lieberman Director Denis Villeneuve combines hard sci-fi and deep seeded emotion in one of the best sci-fi movies of the year. A thoughtful grown up piece of science fiction not the usual alien invasion doomsday setup that we have become familiar with. […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 4 – November 23 - December 6, 2016 - Movie Review

Doctor Strange/4 Palm Trees by Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] When we first meet Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), he’s an esteemed neurosurgeon at the top of his game. His unparalleled skill comes with a cost, however – he’s arrogant, a bit brash and very shrewd of the patients he deems worthy of his time. When a freak […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 4 – November 23 - December 6, 2016 - A View from House Seats

“Calendar Girls” Bust Out the Laughs by Shirley Lorraine First, it happened. Then it became a hit movie. Now it is hitting stages across the country and the world. A delightful lightweight romp based on a real event, “Calendar Girls” centers around a stalwart and staid British women’s organization, the Women’s Institute Association, referred to […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 3 – November 9 - November 22, 2016 - Movie Review

Arrival / 4 Palm Trees by Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] Our very existence is built around the need to communicate, and more importantly, understand one another. Arrival deconstructs this idea from the ground up, exploring language as a measure of intent, an art form, and depending on how you look at it, a weapon. It’s a stunning […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 3 – November 9 - November 22, 2016 - A View from House Seats

Sci-Fi Musical Rocks the Bard Shirley Lorraine In a decidedly out-of-this-world variation to their usual fare of dramas, comedies and introspective works, the Rubicon Theatre has brought together a stellar cast to take the audience on an unforgettable journey through time and space. From the moment one enters the theater, the scene is set. Blue-haired, […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 3 – November 9 – November 22, 2016 – A View from House Seats

Sci-Fi Musical Rocks the Bard by Shirley Lorraine In a decidedly out-of-this-world variation to their usual fare of dramas, comedies and introspective works, the Rubicon Theatre has brought together a stellar cast to take the audience on an unforgettable journey through time and space. From the moment one enters the theater, the scene is set. […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 2 – October 26 - November 8, 2016 - A View from House Seats

Curtains Rises at Camarillo Playhouse by Shirley Lorraine Curtains, now onstage at the Camarillo Skyway Playhouse through November 20, is a send-up of backstage murder mystery musicals set in 1959 Boston.  Music and lyrics are by John Kander and Fred Ebb of Cabaret and Chicago fame. In Curtains the ultimate bad omen occurs on opening […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 2 – October 26 - November 8, 2016 - Movie Review

Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children/2 ½ Palm Trees by Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children is a return to form for director Tim Burton. It’s not anything particularly new, but it’s what he does best – gothic mystery that finds its affection and beauty amidst tragedy. Burton, above all, has always been […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 1 – October 12 - October 25, 2016 - Movie Review

The Magnificent Seven by Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] It was only a matter of time before Akira Kurosawa’s action masterpiece Seven Samurai was updated for a modern generation. Only this time around, the filmmakers have chosen to stick to the Western genre and use that format to bring the story to life once more in a re-telling […] Read More »

Vol. 10, No. 1 – October 12 - October 25, 2016 - Two On the Aisle

Jim’s interest in magic began at age 14. R.I.P. Jim Spencer by Shirley Lorraine The seat on the aisle is now empty.  James (Jim) L. Spencer passed away at the age of 74 from a swiftly-moving inoperable brain tumor on Friday, September 30 with me, his wife of 26 years, Shirley Lorraine Spencer, at his […] Read More »

An out-of-this-world musical at the Rubicon

Rubicon Theatre Company presents Return To The Forbidden Planet, a fabulously campy send up of “Forbidden Planet” and other sci-fi film and TV shows from the 1950s, loosely based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Set on a space ship sometime in the future, the show features a galaxy of 1950’s and 1960’s rock and roll classics, […] Read More »

Broadway comes to Ventura for 3 performances

The 2015-16 Janet and Mark L. Goldenson Broadway Musical Concert Series at Rubicon Theatre Company concludes with the concert reading of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Merrily We Roll Along.  Directed by award-winner Bonnie Hellman, who helmed the first long-run hit version of the award-winning show in Los Angeles, the cast includes Broadway stars Jason […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 26 – September 28 – October 11, 2016 - Movie Review

The Magnificent Seven/3 Palm Trees by Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] It was only a matter of time before Akira Kurosawa’s action masterpiece Seven Samurai was updated for a modern generation. Only this time around, the filmmakers have chosen to stick to the Western genre and use that format to bring the story to life once more in […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 25 – September 14 – September 27, 2016 - Movie Review

Hell or High Water / 4 Palm Trees by Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] Hell or High Water is a film about characters, who, for the most part, have been marginalized and forgotten by the system, each finding different ways to survive amidst the fringes of society. The film captures how violence is a permanent stain that marks […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 25 – September 14 – September 27, 2016 - Two on the Aisle

The ensemble works as a tightly knit team executing rapid-fire delivery. Moonlight and Magnolias debuts at Rubicon by Jim Spencer & Shirley Lorraine The latest production at Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre Company is Moonlight and Magnolias. It is a fascinating comedy about the process of converting the book, Gone with the Wind, into a movie. All […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 24 – August 31 – September 13, 2016 - Two on the Aisle

Night Alive is luminescent at SPTC by Jim Spencer & Shirley Lorraine Once again the Santa Paula Theater Center (SPTC) brings a new level of theater to Ventura County with its current production of The Night Alive, a New York Drama Critic’s Circle Award winning play for 2013-14. Irish playwright Conor McPherson’s gripping and surprisingly […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 24 – August 31 – September 13, 2016 - Movie Review

Pete’s Dragon / 4 Palm Trees by Eduardo Victoria / [email protected] Pete’s Dragon is a reminder that we should never forget “the magic”. The term, as it pertains to the film is broad, but can be distilled to an innate awe and wonder, a reverence and respect for what we can’t control or take for […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 23 – August 17 – August 30, 2016 - Two on the Aisle

Elite Theatre Co. debuts new drama by Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine From police to private eyes to preachers.  These are just some of the principal characters populating the various works of the Elite Theatre Company’s prolific resident playwright and artistic director, Tom Eubanks. The Elite just debuted Eubanks most recent work, In The Midst […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 23 – August 17 – August 30, 2016 - Movie Review

Suicide Squad/ ½ Palm Tree by Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] In theory, Suicide Squad represents a combustible amount of rich possibilities perfect for smart, counter programming and an irreverent middle finger to superhero status quo. And who better to helm a film about broken and desperate criminals than director David Ayer, whose street savvy direction has always […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 22 – August 3 – August 16, 2016 - Movie Review

Star Trek Beyond/4 Palm Trees by Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] After reinvigorating Trek with his rebooted timeline, J.J. Abrams crashed and burned with Star Trek Into Darkness, a muddled, misguided film that chose to reuse one of the franchise’s biggest villains, in the process, coming up as a pale imitation. Beyond, now directed by Justin Lin and […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 22 – August 3 – August 16, 2016 - Two on the Aisle

Peter Pan prequel on stage in Simi by Jim Spencer & Shirley Lorraine Peter Pan. Tinkerbell. Wendy.  J. M. Barrie created these iconic characters and the story of the boy who would never grow up in 1902. One hundred years later another Barry, humorist Dave Barry, along with co-author Ridley Peterson, launched a widely popular […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 21 – July 20 – August 2, 2016 - Two on the Aisle

Midsummer Night’s Dream sparkles under the stars by Jim Spencer & Shirley Lorraine The Kingsmen Shakespeare Company is celebrating its twentieth anniversary of presenting quality productions on the main lawn of California Lutheran University. The final show of the 2016 season takes the professional company full circle with a re-staging its inaugural production of A […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 20 – July 6 – July 19, 2016 - Two on the Aisle

Showbiz’ Original Annie is in Ojai by Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine The world’s first entertainment superstar was William “Buffalo Bill” Cody.  For three decades he toured America and Europe with a cast of hundreds presenting his wild For 17 years the star of the show was a petite exhibition sharpshooter who became a national […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 20 – July 6 – July 19, 2016 - Movie Review

The Neon Demon/4 Palm Trees by Eduardo Victoria It’s fitting that so much of Nicolas Winding Refn’s The Neon Demon is seen through mirrors, flashy reflective surfaces and blinding neon lights. All of these things present idealized, glossy versions of what’s on display, but remain fake reflections of the real thing. Herein lies the duality […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 19 – June 22 – July 5, 2016 - Two on the Aisle

The Fantasticks in Camarillo by Jim Spencer & Shirley Lorraine The Fantasticks is the longest running musical in theatrical history, playing continually in Manhattan for 50 years. It’s a classic tale of love, loss, reality and fantasy involving a boy, a girl, two parents and a wall. Why, then, do people feel a need to […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 19 – June 22 – July 5, 2016 – Movie Review

The Conjuring 2/4 Palm Trees by Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] The Conjuring 2 finds Wan picking up right where he left off, proving that his greatest achievement on the first film was not just its scares, but his ability to turn the Warrens into two genre heroes we truly love and care about. Digging deeper into their […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 18 – June 8 – June 21, 2016 - Movie Review

X-Men: Apocalypse/ 2 and ½ Palm Trees by Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] The latest feature in the X-Men franchise finds a younger version of familiar characters. This time around, the team is up against big bad Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) as he tries to destroy humanity to create a world fit for mutants. The stakes aren’t high, it’s […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 18 – June 8 – June 21, 2016 - Two on the Aisle

Classic murder mystery at the Elite by Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine Since 1952 Agatha Christie’s murder mystery, The Mousetrap, has played continuously in London’s West End. For a brief time, local audiences can enjoy the English classic on stage at the Elite Theatre at Oxnard’s Channel Islands Harbor. The Mousetrap is arguably one of […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 17 – May 25 – June 7, 2016 - Hollywood

by Tony Rizzo Tom Cruise wants his Mummy! Not long ago we suggested that the 53-year-old superstar should stop making action films and return to making movies like “Born on the Fourth of July” (1990), “Jerry Maguire” (1996) and “Magnolia” (1999), for which he received Oscar nominations. Now instead of the tall buildings and fast-moving […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 17 – May 25 – June 7, 2016 - Two on the Aisle

Darrow is at the Rubicon by Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine The legacies of two prominent figures from the early 20th Century remain major influences today. One was magician Harry Houdini whose approach to self-promotion made him a household name and revolutionized mass marketing concepts. The other was the legendary lawyer, Clarence Darrow. His personal […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 17 – May 25 – June 7, 2016 - Movie Review

The Nice Guys/4 Palm Trees by Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] Watching a Shane Black film is like stepping into the mind of a madman – his films are wildly unhinged, whip-smart and have an unmistakable charm that’s equally obscene yet oddly endearing. All of these things, and more, are in full display in The Nice Guys, Black’s […] Read More »

HOLLYWOOD

by Tony Rizzo Have moviegoers tastes changed that much? The 2016 film release schedule reveals 15 documentaries and 10 superhero movies. The documentaries range from O.J Simpson, Frank Zappa, Norman Lear and Anthony Weiner to environment and climate change, stem-cell research, animal rights and cyber warfare. On the superhero side, we’ll be barraged with “Captain […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 16 – May 11 – May 24, 2016 - Two on the Aisle

Intrigue abounds in Framed at the Elite by Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine Now through May 22 Oxnard’s Elite Theatre Company it is presenting a world premiere murder mystery thriller entitled Framed. The story has multiple murders, multiple lawyers, multiple potential culprits, and possibly multiple frame-ups. It is full of twists and turns. One moment […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 16 – May 11 – May 24, 2016 - Movie Review

Captain America: Civil War/ 3 ½ palm trees by Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] Thirteen films into Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, Captain America: Civil War is a home run that acts as a mid-act payoff to their long-form narrative, but also a sobering dissection of everything we’ve seen so far. The result is a film that’s highly textured and […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 15 – April 27 – May 10, 2016 - Movie Review

Everybody Wants Some!!/4 Palm Trees By Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] Like a fastball coming at you full force, director Richard Linklater’s latest film flies at its audience with great stride, confidence, and attitude. The Oscar nominated director of Everybody Wants Some!! says his film is a spiritual sequel to his indie classic Dazed and Confused. What his […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 14 – April 13 – April 26, 2016 - Movie Review

Hardcore Henry/3 Palm Trees By Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] Video games have been adapting cinematic vernacular for some time now, so it’s only fitting that films like Hardcore Henry appropriate the medium’s unique perspective to push the bounds of cinematic immersion. Filmed entirely in first person POV, what director Ilya Naishuller’s pulled off with his directorial debut […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 14 – April 13 – April 26, 2016 - Two on the Aisle

Cabrillo Music Theatre brings stories of miracles By Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine Created in the early 1970s, formally incorporated in 1988 and the resident musical theatre company at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza since 1994, the Cabrillo Music Theatre (CMT) has been presenting big Broadway musicals in Ventura County for over 40 years. […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 13 – March 30 – April 12, 2016 - Two on the Aisle

An Oops at An Open Table by Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine Ventura’s Flying H Group Theatre Company is well known for presenting unusual and edgy works not often seen this side of Los Angeles.  Its current offering, An Open Table, is no exception. Billed as a world premiere, the piece is performed in a […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 13 – March 30 – April 12, 2016 - Movie Review

Batman v. Superman/1 Palm Tree by Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] The DC Cinematic Universe is proving to be a tired experiment by only the second film, the awkwardly titled Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. In a sea of undeveloped ideas, poorly written characters, and a general lack of respect toward source material are some truly wonderful […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 12 – March 16 – March 29, 2016 - Movie Review

10 Cloverfield Lane/4 Palm Trees by Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] When the world ends due to circumstances beyond human involvement, who will ultimately be our greatest enemy? Our inhuman attackers or ourselves? 10 Cloverfield Lane sets out to explore one possibility of a similar scenario. For a movie that runs only 113 minutes, the script is extremely […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 12 – March 16 – March 29, 2016 - Two on the Aisle

Addams Family Musical at Ojai is Altogether Kooky by Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine The well-known Addams Family cartoon is brought to life on the Ojai Art Center Theater stage in a fresh new musical comedy. If you are a fan of the cartoon series, you will enjoy seeing your favorites live on stage. Be […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 11 – March 2 – March 15, 2016 - Two on the Aisle

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance visits the Rubicon by Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine In 1890 a cowboy named Bert Barricune found an Easterner lying on the prairie. He had been brutally beaten and left for dead by a vicious outlaw named Liberty Valance. Barricune took the injured traveler to the town of Two […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 11 – March 2 – March 15, 2016 - Movie Review

The Witch/4 Palm Trees By Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] Robert Eggers directorial debut is a force to be reckoned with. If you are entering this film expecting jump scares, cheap characters, and a predictable plot – The Witch will not be for you. Instead, the viewer is tested for 90 minutes, an all too efficient runtime that […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 10 – February 17 – March 2, 2016 - Two on the Aisle

The Other Place at Santa Paula Theater Center by Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine Are you ever really ready for a life-changing experience? The answer is no. The truth is, if it is happening to you, you probably will not recognize it. If it is happening to someone else, then you see it without truly […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 10 – February 17 – March 2, 2016 - Movie Review

Deadpool/4 Palm Trees By Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] From the studio that has failed to create any viable franchises besides Wolverine comes the latest entry into a year packed with superhero films. Deadpool is the adaptation of Rob Liefield’s foul-mouthed, wise cracking, pansexual “superhero” that appeared in several incarnations over the years thanks to Marvel. Yes, that […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 9 – February 3 – February 16, 2016 - Hollywood

Arnold Schwarzenegger has completed his next film, the revenge thriller “478,” in which he plays a man whose wife and child died in a plane crash caused by an air traffic controllers screw-up. When Arnold makes it known he wants vengeance, the controller is placed in protective custody. You can guess the rest. “Star Wars: […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 9 – February 3 – February 16, 2016 - Movie Review

13 Hours/2 1/2 Palm trees By Eduardo Victoria [email protected] After defining a distinct type of action blockbuster, polluting the world with transformer films and becoming a defacto scapegoat for disgruntled movie nerds, slacker auteur Michael Bay’s sets his sights on the infamous 2012 Benghazi attacks with 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi. Though his […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 9 – February 3 – February 16, 2016 - Two on the Aisle

See Rock City at the Rubicon Sequels are often not up to the standards of the original. However, See Rock City is a glowing example that lightning can strike the same place twice with double the intensity – especially when presented with the power and delicate finesse of the artists assembled by the Rubicon Theatre […] Read More »

Professional Variety Show in Oxnard

by Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine Five world class professional entertainers will materialize on stage in the ballroom of Oxnard’s River Ridge Residence Inn at 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 30 to present a rollicking evening variety show filled with comedy, magic, ventriloquism, laughter, puppets and surprises. And the public is invited. The show caps […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 8 – January 20 – February 2, 2016 - Movie Review

The Revenant by Eduardo Victoria [email protected] Walking out at the end of Mexican director Alejandro G. Iñarritu’s latest film, I was taken by its visual grandeur, stunning cinematography, and incredible performances. Then I found myself questioning why the film needs to be two hours and thirty-six minutes in length, when it probably could have been wrapped up much sooner than that. Upon further thought, […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 8 – January 20 – February 2, 2016 - Two on the Aisle

Four Star Theater Awards by Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine Luminaries from Ventura County’s theatrical community gathered for a night of recognition and entertainment at the Sixth Annual Four Star Theater Awards ceremony. This year’s event, called “A Night of Four Thousand Stars,” was held January 10 at the iconic High Street Art Center in […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 7 – January 6 – January 19, 2016 - Two on the Aisle

Innovative Studio V 4 Arts opens in Ventura by Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine Thanks to specialization, advanced technology and globalization, gone are the mythical glory days of the prosperous lone wolf entrepreneur and the “I-can-do-it-all” career-oriented urbanite. Personal and business success in the 21st Century require development of four different skill sets – collaboration, […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 7 – January 6 – January 19, 2016 - Movie Review

The Hateful Eight / 3 ½ palm trees By Eduardo Victoria / [email protected] Quentin Tarantino is a gift upon those who love cinema. His latest effort, a take on Stagecoach by way of John Carpenter’s The Thing, will prove to be a triumph for fans of his work and love those who aren’t unswayed. Picking […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 6 – December 23, 2015 – January 5, 2016 – Movie Review

Star Wars: The Force Awakens   /4 Palm Trees By Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] 10 years after the “final” installment of the Star Wars saga, the latest entry proves that there are plenty of stories left to tell in the galaxy far, far away. Newcomer to the series J.J. Abrams wrote the script with veteran Star Wars writer […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 5 – December 9 - December 22, 2015 – Movie Review

Krampus/4 Palm Trees By Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] Krampus is one hell of a good time, unabashedly set apart from almost every horror release this year thanks to its distinct, throwback vibe and inventive confidence from writer/director Michael Dougherty. Those unfamiliar with the titular European anti-Claus’ will definitely fear a visit from the legendary monster when the […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 5 – December 9 - December 22, 2015 – Two on the Aisle

A Christmas Carol at the Rubicon by James Spencer and Shirley Lorraine Over the years many versions of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens have been created for stage, screen, TV and radio. This holiday season Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre Company is presenting a new adaption of the classic story that has been penned by Karyl […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 4 – November 25 – December 8, 2015 – Movie Review

Suffragette/4 Palm Trees By Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] It took many “suffragettes” to force changes in voting laws, but the use of the word in this movie’s title is singular. The story of the fight for women suffrage in early 20th century Britain is told through the eyes and the experiences of a young laundress named Maud […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 4 – November 25 – December 8, 2015 – Two on the Aisle

The Clean House at Santa Paula Theater Center by Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine If you’re looking for an uncommon experience to close out the year, The Clean House, now playing on stage at the Santa Paula Theater Center may just fit the bill. It is uncommon in many ways.  It does not have a […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 4 – November 25 – December 8, 2015 – Ventura Film Society Season 7

Please join the Ventura Film Society at 6pm on Sunday December 6th at the Museum of Ventura County for our Season 7 Closing Night Celebration. The two films we’ll be screening are “Cave Digger”, an Oscar-nominated documentary about an artist who spends ten years sculpting an other-worldly cave interior only to be cut off by […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 3 – November 11 – November 24, 2015 – Two on the Aisle

Lion in Winter at Elite Theatre Co By Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine Tempers flare at Christmas time in a stark and drafty castle in 1183 as King Henry II of England, and his queen, Eleanor of Acquitaine, parry and thrust in an ongoing verbal joust about which of their sons will succeed the king […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 3 – November 11 – November 24, 2015 – Movie Review

Spectre/ 1 ½ Palm trees By Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] The latest outing for super-spy James Bond takes us back to his roots in director Sam Mendes’ Spectre. The evil organization behind some of Bond’s best films over the years makes its return in a not so spectacular fashion in a film bogged down by clichés, a […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 2 – October 28 – November 10, 2015 – Two on the Aisle

My Fair Lady at the Rubicon by James Spencer and Shirley Lorraine Famed English playwright George Bernard Shaw premiered a play in 1913 about an egotistical professor of phonetics, Henry Higgins, who wagers he can pass off an uneducated flower girl as a duchess simply by teaching her to speak correctly.  He selects a subject […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 2 – October 28 – November 10, 2015 – Movie Review

Bridge of Spies/ 4 Palm Trees By Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] What does Steven Spielberg have left to prove after having one of the best and most enviable careers in the history of film? He invented the blockbuster, his partnership with John Williams was crucial in the salvation of the orchestral film score, and he gave us […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 2 – October 28 – November 10, 2015 – Ventura Film Society Season 7

Ventura Film Society at 7:15pm on Wednesday Nov.11, Century 10 Downtown Ventura presents “Advanced Style”. This 2014 documentary examines the lives of seven unique New York women, aged 62 to 95, whose eclectic personal style and vital spirit have guided and inspired their approach to aging. This film paints intimate and colorful portraits of independent, stylish women who are challenging conventional ideas about […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 1 – October 14 – October 27, 2015 - Ventura Film Society Season 7

Please join the Ventura Film Society at 7:15pm on Wednesday November 11th at the Century 10 Downtown Ventura for “Advanced Style”. This 2014 documentary examines the lives of seven unique New York women, aged 62 to 95, whose eclectic personal style and vital spirit have guided and inspired their approach to aging. Based on Ari […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 1 – October 14 – October 27, 2015 - Movie Review

Sicario/4 Palm Trees By Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] Denis Villeneuve’s Sicario doesn’t allow us to be a bystander – if you come at it thinking you can just sit back and enjoy, you’re wrong – it’ll chew you up and spit you out. At the very least, it’s a compelling crime drama with unrelenting tension; what separates […] Read More »

Vol. 9, No. 1 – October 14 – October 27, 2015 - Two on the Aisle

Small Engine Repair works at Flying H by Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine On a New Hampshire evening three former high school buddies, now in their mid-30s, reunite for an evening of alcohol, testosterone, tall tales, pot and erotic braggadocio. The three – Packie, Swaino and Frank – arrive separately at Frank’s Small Engine Repair […] Read More »

Vol. 8, No. 26 – September 30 – October 13, 2015 – Ventura Film Society Season 7

Please join the Ventura Film Society at 7:15pm on Tuesday October 6th at the Century 10 Downtown Ventura for “Listen To Me Marlon”. With exclusive access to his extraordinary unseen and unheard personal archive, including hundreds of hours of audio recorded over the course of his life, this is the definitive Marlon Brando cinema documentary. […] Read More »

Vol. 8, No. 26 – September 30 – October 13, 2015 – Movie Review

Black Mass/ 3 1/2 Palm Trees by Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] Black Mass is a tempest of a film that exposes the tragedy, drama, suspense and intrigue of its characters as they slowly but surely have their lives pulled out from underneath them. This is a rare case in which the end result is saved by the […] Read More »

Vol. 8, No. 26 – September 30 – October 13, 2015 – Movie Review

Black Mass/ 3 1/2 Palm Trees by Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] Black Mass is a tempest of a film that exposes the tragedy, drama, suspense and intrigue of its characters as they slowly but surely have their lives pulled out from underneath them. This is a rare case in which the end result is saved by the […] Read More »

Vol. 8, No. 26 – September 30 – October 13, 2015 – Two on the Aisle

Nora reinterprets a classic by Jim Spencer & Shirley Lorraine Back in 1879 Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen debuted his now classic domestic drama, A Doll’s House. The story deals critically with the paternalistic attitudes and cultural restrictions imposed on married women in the 19th Century, who were treated like dolls rather than persons. The central […] Read More »

Vol. 8, No. 25 – September 16 – September 29, 2015 – Movie Review

Grandma/4 Palm Trees By Eduardo Victoria/[email protected] Grandma gets straight to the point. Armed with a fast pace and brief runtime, there’s nary a wasted moment, but instead a frank simplicity that hooks us from the very start up until the bittersweet end. Impressively directed and written by Paul Weitz, his latest film is an unabashed […] Read More »

Vol. 8, No. 24 – September 2 – September 15, 2015 – Two on the Aisle

Mad Gravity – it’s the law at Flying H Theatre by Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine Many plays billed as comedies often have only sporadic comedic moments. Not so with Mad Gravity, the current production at Ventura’s Flying H Group Theatre Company. The laughs start in the first 60 seconds and continue constantly to the final blackout. Mad Gravity is a 21st Century farce from the […] Read More »

Movie Review - Straight Outta Compton / 3 Palm Trees

By Eduardo Victoria / [email protected] One of the great divides of the musical world is the rap genre. Relatively speaking, it’s still in its infancy and changing as much as the times it has existed in. Straight Outta Compton tells the story of 3 important figures in rap: Eric Wright (Eazy-E), O’Shea Jackson (Ice Cube), […] Read More »

Vol. 8, No. 23 - August 19 – September 1, 2015 - Two on the Aisle

Little Shop filled with big delights by Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine This month the rafters at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center are rocking as the Actors Repertory Company of Simi (ACTS) presents the classic sci-fi rock musical Little Shop of Horrors.  But this production is anything but a horror.  It is filled with […] Read More »

Two local journalists just launched their book project on Kickstarter

Mira Reverente has been a staff writer of the Ventura Breeze since 2009, covering the local business, sports and non-profit beats. She is also the associate editor of the Conejo Valley Happening Mag, a local all-digital mag. “Suddenly Single Women’s Guide to Finances,” is Mira’s first book. “The material for this book came at the […] Read More »

16th Annual Phoenix Scholarship Ceremony

by Victoria Usher On Thursday April 16th there was a truly inspiring event that took place at Ventura College in the school’s Wright Event Center.This event was the 16th Annual Phoenix Scholarship Ceremony where 28 re-entry students who have chosen to return to Ventura College to finish their education were not only congratulated but they […] Read More »