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Poetry, song, martial arts, history, love, hope, and the struggle to achieve the American Dream make “THE ROMANCE OF MAGNO RUBIO” an engaging must-see.

Opening [Inside] the Ford Theatre’s Winter 2011 Season “The Romance of Magno Rubio,” marks the first Filipino story produced on a mainstream L.A. stage.
Lonnie Carter’s OBIE award-winning play based on Carlos Bulosan’s short story depicts the hardships, discrimination, and day-to-day life Filipino farm laborers faced in 1930’s California. Performed in both English and Tagalog (with subtitles)—this heartfelt production beats with a flowing rhythm and love that captures audience attention.

Magno Rubio is a faithful and optimistic soul who falls in love with an American woman he sees in a magazine. With the help of his friend and fellow farm laborer, Nick, he writes letters to his “six foot tall” love living in Arkansas. It is through his story that the audience discovers the enduring will and endless hope migrant workers, like Magno Rubio, possessed in order to survive the harsh life as day laborers. Themes of love, hope, dreams, disappointment, and the basic struggle to survive make this story universal.

The production flows with word play, poetry, and Filipino rhythms and rhymes that create an engaging cadence. Director, Bernardo Bernardo’s use of song, dance, and martial arts produce an appealing piece where audience members immediately become invested in the main character’s struggles and hopes; some of the most poignant moments occur when the talented cast sings beautiful traditional songs in Tagalog.

Jon Jon Briones, who plays Magno Rubio, is riveting to watch due to his commitment to every beat, movement, and emotion his character goes through. Briones embodies Magno with vulnerability and strength—he provides the heart through which this production beats. Giovanni Ortega plays Nick, the supportive confidant and educated brother whom Magno relies on to write letters in English. Ortega’s performance is steadfast and clear through his command of the language as well as his character’s desire to aid Magno. The ensemble of laborers, including Erick Esteban as Claro, Eymard Cabling as Atoy, and Ed Ramolete as Prudencio provide the backbone of brotherhood, conflict, and wisdom for Magno. They enrich Briones’ portrayal of Magno by bringing a sincere camaraderie and a deepening relationship every time they step on stage. At times the pace waned due to word play intricacies, but the cast kept the audience’s attention by pouring their hearts into every word.

Gelo Francisco’s musical direction provides a backdrop of musical interludes and nostalgic songs accompanied by guitar player Vincent Reyes. The fight choreography by Felix Roiles is sharp, impressive, and incorporates slow motion to create a refreshing comedic juxtaposition. The set design by Akeime Mitterlehner is striking in its simplicity; the interchangeable set pieces and minimalist props are utilized successfully, and the wall graffiti stating “No dogs or Filipinos allowed” stands out as a reminder of the racial hardships of that era.

This endearing, heartfelt story provides an opportunity to reflect, rejoice, and revisit the history of Filipino American immigrants in California. An engaging and informative piece, “The Romance of Magno Rubio” is well worth seeing. It plays at [Inside] the Ford in Hollywood until December 11, 2011.

THE ROMANCE OF MAGNO RUBIO
Written by Lonnie Carter
Based on the short story by Carlos Bulosan
Filipino translation by Bernardo Bernardo
Directed by Bernardo Bernardo

CAST:
Bernardo Bernardo*
Jon Jon Briones*
Eymard Cabling*
Antoine Reynaldo Diel*
Frederick A. Edwards
Erick Esteban
Anthony “Gelo” Francisco
Joseph Gelito
Jet Montelibano
Giovanni Ortega*
Elizabeth Rainey*
Muni Zano*
Vincent Reyes

PRODUCTION:
Ed Ramolete* / Producer
Lorely Trinidad / Associate Producer
Paul Policarpio / Executive Producer, Good Shepherd Ambulance Company
Ted I. Benito / Executive Producer, PAE Live!

Hydee Ursolino Abrahan / Photographer
Peter de Guzman / Choreographer
Rani de Leon / Sound Designer
Anthony “Gelo” Francisco / Music Director
Alex Geronillo / Translation Editing
John Geronillo / Video Projection Design
Leihua Hartley / Lighting & Master Electrician
Jaclyn Kalkhurst* / Stage Manager
Gerry Gregory Linsangan / Lighting Designer
Dori Quan / Costume Designer
Akeime Mitterlehner / Set Design
Roger Nakasone / Master Carpenter & Sets
Shaun Reoliquio / Assistant Stage Manager
Ivan Robles / Sound & Video Operator
Felix Roiles / Martial Arts Choreographer
Joel Sebastian / Make-up
Norman Salao / Wigs & Hair
Jemima Santiago / Wardrobe & Production Assistant
Dean Sponseller / Master Carpenter
Cesar Vargas / Lightboard Operator & Master Electrician

* Member of Actors’ Equity Association

WHEN:
November 2 – December 11, 2011

English version
Thursdays at 8pm (dark November 24)
Fridays at 8pm
Sundays at 3pm (December 4 will be signed for the hearing impaired)

Tagalog version with subtitles in English
Saturdays at 3pm
Saturdays at 8pm

WHERE:
[Inside] the Ford
2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East
Hollywood, CA 90068
(just off the 101, across the freeway from the Hollywood Bowl and south of Universal Studios)

HOW:
(323) 461-3673
www.FordTheatres.org

TICKETS:
General Admission: $25
Seniors & full-time students with ID: $12
Discounts available for groups of 8 or more

PARKING:
FREE on-site (non-stacked)

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND VIDEOS ABOUT MAGNO RUBIO:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fi5WGnte3Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n4depl-6IA&feature=related

Thespian Thoughts is a show on Actors Entertainment, a site on the Actors Podcast Network and a Pepper Jay Production.

Video #1 Mobile Version

Video #2 Mobile Version

Louise Hart

Danish singer Louise Hart released her debut in 2002, she makes poetic and beautiful pop music.

The first half of the new album is really strong with my personal fave “Exactly where you are” (lots of hit potential) as 3rd track and then the lovely title track “Velvet” comes along and you’re nailed to the sofa like watching a true nail-biting movie.

“Kalifornia” has that 80′s soundtrack movie vibe over it that sounds like Pink meets Kelly Clarkson.
D.A.D guitarist Jacob Binzer is doing a guest appearance on the album which is cool but Louise Hart has a very tight back up band.

Sidebeat Music is on Actors Entertainment, a part of the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production.

Tips from Music Attorney Don Wilson about the legal aspects of the music business.

Donald K Wilson Jr, Esq.
4322 Wilshire Blvd #200
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Undergraduate School: Univ of Southern Calif; Los Angeles CA
Law School: New York Law School; New York NY

Sidebeat Music is on Actors Entertainment, a part of the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production.

Title: “Dracula”

An eerie mood is created through stage lighting and the audience is transported into Dracula’s world. The creepy music also contributes a great deal of mystery to the play. From time to time, I could hear members of the audience shriek from such spookiness.
– Erica Mer – ActorsEntertainment.com

Hi, I’m Erica Mer from Actors Entertainment, welcome to Thespian Thoughts, for reviews of the best of small theater. I had the pleasure of enjoying the entertaining and chilling version of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” by the Kentwood Players at the Westchester Playhouse in Westchester, California. The vampire play is dramatized by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston. The Westchester Playhouse is a perfect example of community-supported theater. The time and effort put into the production of “Dracula” was commendable. Director Shawn K. Summerer puts his own twist on Stoker’s version, while he still captures the tone that brings audiences back to the timeless story.

Vampires capture our imagination throughout history. Recently, hit movies such as Twilight and television shows such as True Blood entice audiences with its dark and bloody stories. Kudos to this illuminating community production who steps back from the mainstream vampires and tells the classic tale of “Dracula.” During the play, blood and gore was visually spared, which positively broadened the audience’s imagination.

An eerie mood is created through stage lighting and the audience is transported into Dracula’s world. The creepy music also contributes a great deal of mystery to the play. From time to time, I could hear members of the audience shriek from such spookiness.

While this version of “Dracula” is tame, it is suitable for a mature audience. The story is both dark and complex and some younger audiences might not understand. I think it is very important for people to support a local community based play. Every body that helped put the play together, worked extremely hard and should be recognized.

“Dracula” plays Fridays through Sundays until October 16th. For more details, please visit Kentwood Players.

I’m Erica Mer, with Actors Entertainment. Thank you for joining me on Thespian Thoughts. Remember, all the worlds a stage. See you next time!

Dracula
By Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston

Cast:
Samantha Barrios (Lucy)
MarLee Candell (Miss Wells)
Paul Guay (Renfield)
Ben Lupejkis (Van Helsing)
Ken MacFarlane (Seward)
Daniele Manzin (Harker)
Jeffrey Olin (Butterworth)
Rick Galiher (Dracula)

Crew:
Shawn K. Summerer (Director)
Alison Mattiza (Producer)
Elizabeth Bouton-Summerer (Produer)
Tony Pereslete (Set Design)
Robert Davis (Lighting Design)
Sheridan Cole Crawford (Costume Design)
Jon Sparks (Costume Design)

Kentwood Players “DRACULA” receives additional critical praise:

Shawn K. Summerer’s direction, Tony Pereslete’s set and Robert Davis’ lighting combine to create an eerie atmosphere. Galiher is enjoyable in the iconic role. A smooth talker with a knowing glance, he is able to be a kindly older gentleman one moment and a powerful and nasty villain the next. The wild-eyed Guay injects some humor and oddness into the early proceedings, and the first-act climax, thanks to one of the evening’s impressive special effects, is legitimately shocking.
- Jeff Favre, The Daily Breeze

Summerer, making his directorial debut at Kentwood, creates a very professionally-crafted production with his blending of music, lighting and special effects. The play’s major figure, the blood-sucking Count Dracula, is given a vibrant, compelling, performance by Galiher. He has a larger-than-life stage presence and is perfectly cast, as are all the other cast members.
- Steven Lieberman – The Culver City Observer

Summerer brings a strong theatre background of directing and acting. He also has a film background which is apparent in his innovative use of lighting and music which brings a cinematic, dramatic and more realistic approach to this production. “Dracula” is a campy, entertaining take on the novel that your child can actually enjoy. Kentwood has successfully blended a good cast, an innovative director, and effective use of set to provide an enjoyable and entertaining experience.
- Alex Schildkret – Santa Clarita Valley Independent

Vampires and their ilk have made yet another comeback in recent times. This version is more serious and dramatic with a touch of mystery added; More thrills and drama involved than actual scares!
- Rich Borowy – ACCESSIBLY LIVE OFF-LINE

I was very impressed with this production. The pace was lively, the plot engaging, with enough twists and turns to keep any viewer engaged. Particularly entertaining was the Dom DeLuise-like character of Jeffrey Olin who plays the bumbling attendant, Mr. Butterworth. Also notable was Paul Guay, as the wailing Renfield, whose screams always sent chills down my spine.
- Mary McGrath – Examiner.com

Thespian Thoughts is on Actors Entertainment, a site of the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production.

Breonna Walker Styles Actors in Face Paint

Acting in Style host, Yi Tian, enjoys face painting chatting with face and body painter, Breonna Walker, of www.SmileNpurr.com

And thank you actors and Actors Podcast Network hosts, Yi Tian, Veronica Barriaga and Mary Jo Gruber, for volunteering your faces!

Acting in Style is a show on Actors Entertainment, a site on the Actors Podcast Network,
a Pepper Jay Production