Title: “Neighbors”

Your Theatre Reviewer: Erica Mer

“Neighbors:” “And I told you, you were an African, not an Africant.”

Hi, I’m Erica Mer, your theatre reviewer for Thespian Thoughts on Actors Entertainment.

The play, “Neighbors,” brilliantly presented by the Matrix Theatre Company in Hollywood California, left a big impression on me. “Neighbors” is not the typical, light-hearted comedy. The storyline, at times, feels uncomfortably provocative, completely uncensored and raw. Neighbors targets a mature crowd, especially those who can relate comfortably to sexual references, vulgar language, and extremely stereotypical jokes.
The writing, direction and acting, come together in a positively beautiful way. Every aspect of this production shines profoundly, both on and off stage.
The show’s writer, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, is the winner of the “Princess Grace Award,” the “Dorothy Strelsin Playwriting Fellowship,” and received a fellowship in playwriting from the New York Foundation for the Arts. It is absolutely understandable why Jacobs-Jenkins receives praise as a play writer. He brings nothing but expertise to the stage.
Much applause also goes to the director, Nataki Garrett, who is on “The Performance Faculty and is the Co-Head of Undergraduate Acting at California Institute of the Arts where she received her MFA in directing.” Garret does an outstanding job in bringing this story and cast together.
And, every single actor in “Neighbors” adapted to their roles so intensely and cleverly that it was pure magic to watch. Keith Arthur Bolden, Leith Burke, Julia Campbell, Baadja-Lyne, James Edward Shippy, Rachae Thomas, Daniele Watts, and Derek Webster are the 8 artists who grace the stage. Although they portray fictional characters, I never once felt like I was watching a scripted play. The dialogue, the timing, and the pace of the play were perfect. Yes, perfect.

I was particularly impressed with the actor Julia Campbell. I left the theater constantly thinking about her role and what she brought to the production. Campbell displays every single emotion; happy, sad, angry, hurt, awkward; she was not just reading lines. Campbell conveys the feeling of every word spoken. She enhances real truth to every speech, every laugh, and every cry. Julia Campbell’s performance is nothing shy of excellence.

If you would like to see a production with fantastic writing, directing, acting, and experience a great theater on top of it. Neighbors runs through October 24th, 2010 at the Matrix Theater, located in the heart of Hollywood

For more information, visit:
www.plays411.com/neighbors

Location: The Matrix Theater
7657 Melrose Ave, Hollywood, CA 90046
(Between Fairfax & La Brea, at Stanley)
Parking: Street parking near the theater

Tickets: $25
Reservations: (323) 960-7774
www.plays411.com/neighbots

Remember, all the world’s a stage.

Local and national fashion designers united for a charitable cause with the LA Fashion Corner’s “Caring with Style” Fashion Show. This exclusive fashion event took place August 24th, in Hollywood, CA.

Red Carpet from LA Fashion corner 2010 Pre-Emmys Fashion Show, Part One

Click here to view the embedded video.

On the Red Carpet:

Jaimie Hilfiger, Model, Actress and Host
• Parris Harris, Associate, Daisy, Victorian
• Farin Fanaian, Student, FIDM
• Vartan Nadjaryan, Hye Angle Designs
• Angie Babaknani, Vismaya, Scarfs
• Melanie Harrison, Model
• Igal Dahan, Celebrity Jewelry “Cuffs of Love”
• Malgorzata Couture (San Diego)
• Audrey Genevieve Holland, Snow Princess fil,
• Jae Tracie, Model
• Jon Morgan Woodward, Journey film
• Sandy Jeanphillippe, Actress, Bank of Hollywood Reality Show
• Wayne Chang, Samsara
• Karla Gisselle, lingerie
• Andrea Lin, a dance and gogo creator
• Alicia Hovell, actor
• Lynda-Maree Ceritsen, actor
• Danielle LoPresti, singer, performer

Red Carpet from LA Fashion corner 2010 Pre-Emmys Fashion Show, Part Two

Click here to view the embedded video.

On the Red Carpet:

• Claire Sinclair, Actress - Playboy Centerfold October 2010
• Dave Shelton, Writer, Cartoonist, Actor
• Esau McKnight, Black Cat Limousine Service
• Mark Valinsky, actor
• Marc Mendez, certified airbrush make-up artist
• Walter Mendez, designer Walters Collection
• Darche Cinn, singer
• RydazB HoNrtist, singing group
• Diahnna Nicole Baxter, producer
• B. Howard, singer
• Aaron M. Sanchez, NBC Radio Host

The event raised funds and awareness on behalf of the communities affected by the oil spill earlier this year in Louisiana’s Gulf of Mexico. While many designers have supported their individual causes in the past, this event marked the first time a group of designers joined together in the name of one cause. The Gulf spill has devastated the long-term livelihood of thousands of Gulf residents - fisherman, restaurant and resort owners/workers, sport fishing operators, shop owners and business owners and workers at large - leaving them all at dire risk for their economic future. Additionally, the sea life of the area has suffered greatly; turtles, fish, birds, alligators, and vital plant life are all victims of this tragic event.

Charity Lives, LA Fashion Corner and F.A.M.E (Fashion, Art Music Entertainment) came together to provide this star-studded fashion show capping off the 62nd annual Emmy Awards by showcasing some of the country’s most exciting new fashion designers. The fashion industry’s top models, wardrobe stylists and hair and make-up artists donated their time and talent to the cause.

The red carpet was followed by a luxury fashion show with music, fashion industry exhibits, gourmet appetizers and complimentary gift bags. A VIP reception featuring celebrities from the worlds of entertainment and fashion was held for special sponsors and donors.

For Interview, Talent and Media please contact:
Yvette Morales
YM & Associates PR | Marketing | Business Development
949-244-9769 or YMoralesY@aol.com

Click here to view the embedded video.
Photos by Travis Jourdain