Hollywood Beat
Life Changing Lives & Theatre Opening
Life Changing Lives & Theatre Opening
It was an evening of Heroes when Life Changing Lives held their Gala at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Nigel. The Honorees included Olympic Gold Medalist, Apolo Ohno, (remember him from Dancing With the Stars?), ABC’s Good Morning America Host Robin Roberts, and members of World War II Tuskegee Airman. Also honored were a group of NYC Firemen who endured the events of 9/11.
Performers included opera singer & cancer survivor, Barbara Padilla (America’s Got Talent), and recording star Taylor Hicks, whose life changed dramatically when he was selected as winner of American Idol in 2006. Other honored guests included actor J.R. Martinez, (All My Children), Medal of Honor Recipient Tibor Rubin, and several Olympic boxers. A force to be dealt with indeed!
Proceeds of the event went to the Wounded Warrior Project, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Festival of Children. We learned from philanthropists Glenn and Mindy Sterns that over $800,000 was raised that evening of inspiration and joy.
We were pleased to attend the opening of Whitmore Eclectic Theatre Company, and the premiere of Sam Shepard’s True West. The intimacy of this attractive theatre, makes one really feel a “part of the show” and the effective lighting and haunting voice of Sam Shepard himself between scenes, makes this a must on your list. Their next production is Briar Rose, opening on Oct. 14th, and Orson Welles’ rare interpretation of Moby Dick on November 11th.
Some of the celebs we caught up with included our pals Renee Taylor & Joe Bologna who will open with their new play, Sort of A Love Story on Oct. 14th at the El Portal Theatre. The Award Winning Couple have lent their support to the embattled residents of the Motion Picture Home, and are participating in a star-studded show this week at the NEO Ensemble Theatre.
Other celebs in the SRO audience included France Fisher, little Nic Novicki (HBO’s Board Walk Empire) and members of the Whitmore family on hand to salute James Whitmore’s beautiful granddaughter, Aliah Whitmore, who did a smashing job in directing this compelling drama.
American Idol, Taylor Hicks with Robin Roberts (Good Morning America)
Olympic Gold Medalist, Apolo Ohno
Opera Singer (America's Got Talent) Barbara Padilla
Taylor Hicks with American Bald Eagle
Renee Taylor & Joe Bologna – Actors & Activists
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