Life Inside Out

Update: Recently re-watched Life Inside Out and am once again struck by its sincerity and how the on-screen mom is so like the off-screen mom (Billie & Finneas' mom!) in nurturing her children's creativity and supporting their individuality. Truly remarkable parenting all around. Kudos to everyone involved. What am amazing and lovely family.

The independent film Life Inside Out is a wonderfully subtle portrait of motherhood. It is a lovely and simple love letter from mother to son, depicting the purest kind of gentle love. A hit at many film festivals, you can now find this movie (and cool soundtrack) online.

Maggie Baird stars as Laura, who longs to go back to her musical roots and maybe find more meaning than her full time mom duties. We can all use a little extra creativity in our lives, after all. During her introspective journey to get there, she draws out her reclusive son Shane (Baird's real life son Finneas O'Connell - yes, of Glee fame). Her eventual sacrifice for her son proves that a mother's love is the truest bond, especially if she is true to herself first. It is so nice to see a female lead showing compassion and generosity for others, without losing her identity. In finding her own heart, Laura is able to share it with her friends and family all the more readily.

This is a sweetly delicate story, with relatively little of the modern indie angst so prevalent in many tediously drawn-out "hip" films (looking at you Cake). Also fun is watching a genuinely talented musical family work together to create a heartfelt movie that resonates with anyone who has ever wanted to perform. Or help someone else discover their true talent and calling. Must have been awfully nice to grow up around that well-loved living room piano.

The movie has a wide appeal and the entire cast is interesting and watchable. The atmosphere is cozy and the music is soothing, yet vibrant (check out The Slightlys - you may even recognize the lead actor). Director Jill D'Agnenica did a great job. It is definitely worth giving it a go.

See a clip here.

You can get the music here.

Facebook page here.  Read more!

Behind Every Beautiful Eye

Behind Every Beautiful Eye
Detrás De Cada Ojo Hermoso
a kate west recommendation

If you're wondering how to reach inner city youth, introduce them to themselves. Encourage them to read and to write down what they feel. The students of the Los Angeles School of Global Studies (class of 2012) have done just that by completing another inspirational writing project. One hundred high schoolers from downtown LA wrote essays, poems and bios in both English and Spanish about their personal lives and emotions and set it all down in a book for the world to see. Laura Cometa is the teacher responsible for once again collecting teenager's stories into a literary bilingual anthology in a continuing and very successful writing project. And quite a program it is - these stories are in turn, amusing, heartrending, poignant and very real.

And it's a win-win situation. The children had a chance recently to present their work at the Latino Book Festival and proudly read excerpts. At the Q&A, the students admitted the project had changed their lives, empowered their self-esteem and even improved family dynamics. They got a kick out of staying to sign books for enchanted fans too. Not only that, but Filmmaker Tracy Mazuer is documenting it all on film so her camera crew follows the kids around, giving the whole experience that Angeleno real-world feeling we've all come to know and love.

So there you have it. The best way to spread the word is by telling a friend, so please support this project. And encourage your kids to write!

Buy The Book Here:
http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/behind-every-beautiful-eye/7486706

Latino Book Festival Info:
http://lbff.us/
http://www.reynagrande.com/LBFF%20page.htm
Read more!

Dead Moms Don't Hug

Dead Moms Don't Hug
a kate west review
written & performed
by Ariane Price
directed by Tom Lenk
at the Groundlings Theatre
7307 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles 90046
May 20 & 27; 8pm
(323) 934-4747 x 49 or
www.groundlings.com
tix free - explicit language and graphic content




Ariane Price (Groundlings company member) reveals her motherless childhood to audiences Tuesdays in May, right in her home base of the Groundlings Theatre.

Deprived of a mother at an early age, Price recounts this traumatic event (and many others!) with sophisticated humor, videos and even puppets. She adeptly turns pain into funny with side notes to the audience and an engaging self-deprecating manner and we root for her the whole way.

Director Tom Lenk (of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fame) injects a great deal of creativity into the work as well, giving us an entertaining staging, including voice overs and the occasional dance break that keep us riveted until the sweetly warm payoff at the end. Both Price and Lenk work together very well and this synergy comes through seamlessly. It is an enjoyable telling of a complicated tale and when all is said and done, we know Ariane a little bit better and it is delightfully pleasing to be let in on her world for a while. Read more!

Cane

Cane
a kate west reflection










Cane deserves notice as one of the first Latino family dynasty shows. Alex Vega (Jimmy Smits) and Frank Duque (Nestor Carbonell) are brothers by marriage under Nacho Duque's (Héctor Elizondo) reign. The incomparable Rita Moreno is his wife Amalia, forever playing peacemaker amongst the many passionate offspring (eight of them, with the extended family spouses).

The Duques are a Cuban family making rum in Florida for generations now. The latest big controversy is that they will now operate by machine only, eliminating the need for workers in the field. Of course there are scandals and pay offs in the periphery and the local law is keeping a wary eye on the goings on. All making for sexy intrigue and keeping us tuned in. It's not the Sopranos, but it is interesting enough so far.

As a Latina myself, I applaud this trend, portraying different facets of Latino life, giving Hispanic actors fulfilling, well-rounded characters to play. Edward James Olmos campaigned for so long to be the poster boy for Latinos in film, it's nice to have a plethora of talent to choose from now. Not that they' re weren't always around, they just weren't always cast. Ah, Hollywood. Thank you for stepping up, just a little bit more.


Created by
Cynthia Cidre

Starring
Jimmy Smits
Héctor Elizondo
Nestor Carbonell
Rita Moreno
Paola Turbay
Eddie Matos
Michael Trevino
Lina Esco
Samuel Carman
Alona Tal
Polly Walker Read more!

Gilmore Girls

Gilmore Girls - WB Network
a kate west reflection






I watched "Gilmore Girls" for seven seasons, just like most other women my age. What made it unique for me was the fact that my best friend from college and her daughter are exactly the Gilmore Girls (I call them the Vegas Girls - in the family way, of course). I agree with the viewers who say the series went a bit downhill when creator Amy Sherman-Palladino left the show. The writing suffered a bit after that. But overall, the characters were sharply different and entirely accessible.

Lorelai Gilmore had a child at a very young age and disgraced her upper crust family. But in spite of grand-parental misgivings, Rory turns out to be a dedicated, industrious, sweet-natured and lovely girl, excelling in her private girls high school as well as Yale University. Lorelai and Rory are best friends, gal pals the envy of all. When was the last time you shared a secret with your mother? Especially as a teenager? Add wicked fast repartee and witticisms and you've got a hit show. A single mom raising her kid right.

The town itself, Star's Hollow, is a Utopian New England neighborhood, where everybody knows your name. Melissa McCarthy is Sookie, Lorelai's warm-hearted best friend and co-owner of the Dragonfly Inn. She cooks too. Yanic Truesdale is Michel, the put-upon, fussy manservant of the inn. There is romance too, of course, with Lorelai and Luke Danes (Scott Patterson), who owns his own diner, the main hangout for the whole town it seems. Rory has her share of heartbreaks and friends - her bosom buddy Lane (Keiko Agena) is always escaping her Korean mother to spend time at the hip Gilmore household. Kooky characters abound and throughout the years we get to know each of them intimately.

It's a really touching show, especially if you've ever experienced that special mother-daughter bond yourself. The dialogue is the most fun - it's nice to be in on the joke every week. Not bad for the ever-youthful, trendy WB network.

Created by:
Amy Sherman-Palladino

Cast:
Lauren Graham Lorelai Gilmore
Alexis Bledel Rory Gilmore
Scott Patterson Luke Danes
Kelly Bishop Emily Gilmore
Edward Herrmann Richard Gilmore
Keiko Agena Lane Kim
Melissa McCarthy Sookie St. James
Matt Czuchry Logan Huntzberger
Sean Gunn Kirk Gleason
Jared Padalecki Dean Forester
Liza Weil Paris Geller
Yanic Truesdale Michel Gerard
Chris Eigeman Jason Stiles
Milo Ventimiglia Jess Mariano


Start on Mother's Day:
Gilmore Girls - The Complete First Season Read more!

The Rockettes

Radio City Christmas Spectacular
starring The Rockettes
a kate west review
directed & choreographed by
Linda Haberman
musical director Mark Hummel
at Radio City Music Hall
1260 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10020


running Holidays November 2006 - January 2007
contact (212) 247-4777; www.ticketmaster.com OR
www.radiocity.com/rc_rockette_index.html

Looking for Americana holiday cheez at its best? Look no further than New York's own Radio City Music Hall, home of the legendary Rockettes, always sure to tap dance their little hearts out to sold out audiences.

Charles Edward Hall is Santa Claus and host spectacular. He narrates the basic Christmas story of bringing holiday cheer from the North Pole to New York City. Along the way, the girls perform their famous precision dances, jumping in and out of costume changes. You'll see a 3D projection of Santa's Sleigh, dancing bears in "The Nutcracker" scene, wooden soldiers (with the Rockettes falling on each other domino-style), multiple dancing Santas, real ice-skating and a reverent Nativity scene. Frank Krenz provides charming costuming while Scenic Designer Dawn Robyn Petrlik almost steals the show with revolving platforms, a pop-up ice skating rink and fast set changes.

It's a spectacular show, but fair warning – it's corny too. The show hasn't changed much since it's inception decades ago and it's even more popular today, as evidenced by the tedious long lines you'll have to stand in just to get into the lobby. It's something to see once in your life or to bring your out-of-town relatives, but you probably won't need to see it twice. The girls are great and Musical Director Mark Hummel keeps the tunes hopping with fine choreography by Linda Haberman, but again, you really have to be in the mood for old-fashioned holiday ideals, including a very traditional Christian look at December 25th. But there are real camels, donkeys and sheep, plus beautiful lighting by David Agress.

Thankfully, it is short, and your kids will definitely dig it. So if you're in need of commercial holiday immersion, go to it. And don't forget to try out those 3D glasses in your program. And of course, any aspiring little dancers will get a kick out of it. And maybe someone will even ask you, as they say in the popular local television commercial, "First show?" Read more!

8 Simple Rules

8 Simple Rules
a kate west reflection






Dear John,

I'm sorry I missed you in the first couple of seasons of "8 Simple Rules". I only caught part of the third and last season so I really didn't get to see you spar with your annoying t.v. neighbors, love your t.v. wife or lecture your t.v. children. I tuned in on reruns when they were all lamenting your passing. I'm so sorry. But you've really got to hand it to the writers - they did a fine and sensitive job incorporating those inner and outer worlds (with the exception of the what-were-they-thinking "Freaky Friday" episode - ick). That's what grabbed my attention in the first place. I was intrigued by the genuine emotion from the actors. It really helped audiences deal.

Kaley Cuoco and Amy Davidson are evenly matched sparring night-and-day sisters as the blonde peppy Bridget and the red-headed passionate Kerry and Martin Spanjers is adorable as your son Rory. Oh and I'm a big fan of Katey Sagal - she was so great as your grieving widow Cate. Did you get to work with James Garner as your father-in-law? Classic. Or David Spade as your cousin-in-law C.J.? Love the sarcastic one-liners.

I never read W. Bruce Cameron's original book "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter" but I love the idea. I'll have to order a copy from Amazon now. And I'll have to Netflix your earlier episodes. It really is a charming show and I know everyone still misses you terribly. I watch when I can.

The 8 Simple Rules:
Rule One: If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure as heck not picking anything up.

Rule Two:: You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them.

Rule Three: I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, In order to assure that your clothes do not, in fact, come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric staple gun and fasten your trousers securely in place around your waist.

Rule Four: I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a "barrier method" of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate: when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I WILL kill you.

Rule Five: In order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is "early."

Rule Six: I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make YOU cry.

Rule Seven: As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process which can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?

Rule Eight: The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool. Places lacking parents, policemen, or nuns. Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka zipped up to her chin. Movies with a strong romantic or sexual theme are to be avoided; movies which feature chainsaws are okay. Hockey games are okay.


Goodnight John. Rest well.

Love,

Kate


Actors
John Ritter: Paul Hennessy (d. September 11, 2003)
Katey Sagal: Cate Hennessy
James Garner: Grandpa Jim
Kaley Cuoco: Bridget Hennessy
Amy Davidson: Kerry Hennessy
Martin Spanjers: Rory Hennessy
David Spade: C.J.

Production Credits:
W. Bruce Cameron (Book Author)
Lori Openden (Casting)
Tony Askins (Cinematographer)
Dan Foliart (Composer (Music Score))
Gil Junger (Director)
Joe Bergen (Editor)
Michael Bostick (Executive Producer)
Flody Suarez (Executive Producer)
Tom Shadyac (Executive Producer)
Tracy Gamble (Executive Producer)
Franco E. Bario (Producer)
Jay Pelissier (Production Designer)
Tracy Gamble (Screenwriter)


The Book:
8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter Read more!

Walt Disney and Disneyland

Disneyland
a kate west reflection







When I first moved to Los Angeles, the first thing I did was visit Disneyland to see if it was every bit as magically wonderful as I remembered from my teenage years. It helped that I actually worked for Disney and could get into the park free. My brother and I used to visit my Aunt down here every Spring when we lived in the Bay Area and we usually took that mandatory trip to the Magic Kingdom so I couldn't wait to go every chance I had. And it was even better than I thought it'd be.

First of all, if you work for Disney, you get to start work at the Disney University in the studio lot during orientation (and all you jaded cynics can stop reading here). Yes it's cheesy (was that a mouse joke?), but if you're a Disney fan, it's also delightful. I know people refer to Disney as "Mauswitz" and worse, but at the time, I really bought into it and it's easy to do since you're surrounded daily by like-minded people. True, Disney can be intimidatingly strict, but they have a mighty product to protect and their legal department is fiercely loyal to that cause. As they should be. Besides, what other corporation has a department called Imagineering (where they plan and build for the theme parks)?

Secondly, you really get to know the inner workings of Disney and all about Walt's history, etc. And it's all fascinating. From the first Oscar-winning Animated film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" to the "Lion King", they've consistently been the best in their genre. Their success in animation eventually led to launching a theme park, something radically different from a boardwalk amusement locale. Whatever you may think of him today, Walt was a true visionary and wanted Disneyland to be something special and you can't deny that in that respect, he succeeded beyond expectation. You can't tell me our generation wasn't riveted by "The Mickey Mouse Club" or "The Wonderful World of Disney" on television every week.

Every ride is practically a cinematic experience and although the park has been through a lot of for-better-or-worse changes (like the ludicrous political correct attempt at messing with the Pirates of the Caribbean), it's still one of the most visited places in the entire world and children are still drawn to it like little consumer magnets. If you have any remote memories of liking Disney, you will thrive there, whether during a delightful stroll down Main Street USA or passing through the gates of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Your imagination will spark and there is room for every age, from Fantasyland's gentle rides for the very young to Tomorrowland's speedy rides for the braver and older kids. Adults will be happy everywhere (except maybe colorfully noisy Toon Town - that's a ten minute visit, tops). If you have only a short time, don't miss Indiana Jones, the Pirates, the Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain and maybe a few smaller rides. Don't bother with California Adventure since a mere few miles away you can see the real thing. But Downtown Disney is fairly diverting.

Nothing beats the original park though (or the even more developed Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida) and during the summer you get some pretty spectacular shows that may have you believing in Pixie Dust again. Work with me, you have to WANT to believe in it, which is the key to any happiness in life, right?

Backstage at the Park:
Walt Disney Treasures - Disneyland - Secrets, Stories & Magic

The Whole Alphabet:
Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia (Third Edition)

The Nine Old Men:
Walt Disney's Nine Old Men and the Art of Animation Read more!

Toy Stories

Toy Story I & II
a kate west favorite

Once Upon A Time, Pixar and Walt Disney were good friends. And now they're not. But back when they were, they sure made some beautiful magic together - mainly the two "Toy Story" movies. John Lasseter, head honcho at Pixar, put himself on the map of fame forever with those computer animated films.

Woody (Tom Hanks) is a toy cowboy, in charge of a loyal roomful of toys. His reign is threatened when a brand new toy arrives, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), an astronaut, the updated modern hero replacing outdated cowboys. The magic of these films is in the computer effects, certainly, but more importantly, in the poignant depth of character organically written into the story. Woody learns about leadership when Buzz threatens to take over and this challenge ultimately makes him a better person (or toy) and we all need that nemesis to wake us up a little. Buzz too learns about himself and how to be a part of a real community. The sight gags are hilarious and each character contributes something important and we love them all.

Ditto with "Toy Story 2", a real accomplishment in a sequel. This story adds Jessie, a vintage cowgirl doll, who has yet another lesson in self worth for Woody. He's a collectible and worth money too. It still speaks to childhood and friendship, as well as offering a more sophisticated story for adults, the humor appealing to young and old alike. Yet another triumph for Pixar. And of course, the voice talents of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles and many more are a divine delight.

Well worth renting, or better yet, adding to your home collection, speaking of collectibles. And the best part is these toys aren't lead-based or made in China.

Toy Story:
Directed by
John Lasseter

Writing Credits
John Lasseter (story)
Pete Docter (story)
Andrew Stanton (story)
Joe Ranft (story)
Joss Whedon (screenplay)
Andrew Stanton (screenplay)
Joel Cohen (screenplay)
Alec Sokolow (screenplay)

Cast
Tom Hanks ... Woody (voice)
Tim Allen ... Buzz Lightyear (voice)
Don Rickles ... Mr. Potato Head (voice)
Jim Varney ... Slinky Dog (voice)
Wallace Shawn ... Rex (voice)
John Ratzenberger ... Hamm (voice)
Annie Potts ... Bo Peep (voice)
John Morris ... Andy (voice)
Erik von Detten ... Sid (voice)
Laurie Metcalf ... Andy's Mom (voice)
R. Lee Ermey ... Sergeant (voice)
Sarah Freeman ... Hannah (voice)

Toy Story 2:
Directed by
John Lasseter
Ash Brannon (co-director)
Lee Unkrich (co-director)

Writing Credits
John Lasseter (story)
Pete Docter (story)
Ash Brannon (story)
Andrew Stanton (story)
Andrew Stanton (screenplay)
Rita Hsiao (screenplay)
Doug Chamberlain (screenplay)
Chris Webb (screenplay)

Cast
Tom Hanks ... Woody (voice)
Tim Allen ... Buzz Lightyear (voice)
Joan Cusack ... Jessie, the Yodeling Cowgirl (voice)
Kelsey Grammer ... Stinky Pete the Prospector (voice)
Don Rickles ... Mr. Potato Head (voice)
Jim Varney ... Slinky Dog (voice)
Wallace Shawn ... Rex the Green Dinosaur (voice)
John Ratzenberger ... Hamm the Piggy Bank (voice)
Annie Potts ... Bo Peep (voice)
Wayne Knight ... Al the Toy Collector (voice)
John Morris ... Andy (voice)
Laurie Metcalf ... Andy's Mom (voice)
Estelle Harris ... Mrs. Potato Head (voice)
Jodi Benson ... Tour Guide Barbie / Barbie on Backpack (voice)
Joe Ranft ... Wheezy the Penguin (voice)
Andrew Stanton ... Evil Emperor Zurg (voice)
R. Lee Ermey ... Army Sarge (voice)
Jonathan Harris ... Geri the Cleaner (voice)
Jeff Pidgeon ... Green Aliens (voice)

The Set:
Toy Story & Toy Story 2 (2 Pack)

More Fun Pixar:

Monsters, Inc. (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Finding Nemo (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

The Incredibles (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Most Recent Best:
Ratatouille Read more!

The Partidge Family

The Partridge Family
a kate west favorite





The Partridge Family is such a childhood classic for those of us who frolicked youthfully in the seventies. And still kind of hip. A single mom who led her five children to become pop musicians. They really had one over on the Brady Bunch in the cool factor. David Cassidy had no idea his real life Step Mother Shirley Jones would be playing his TV Mom until he was committed to the project. And they all had such great rapport with each other on screen. Now that's quality family time.

Shirley Partridge (Shirley Jones) has to find a way to support her kids and since they're all musically endowed, they pick up a manager, Ruben Kincaid (Dave Madden), paint a school bus psychedelic colors and hit the road, whenever they don't have to go to school, that is. They get fans and a following and every week something funny happens, usually followed by a lesson for everyone involved. Danny Partridge (Los Angeles DJ Danny Banaduce) is the smart aleck red-headed financially savvy one on guitar, Keith (David Cassidy) is the heartbreaker lead singer and his sister Laurie (Susan Dey) is the feminist sweet one on keyboard. We don't hear much from Tracy (Suzanne Crough) or Chris (alternatively played by Jeremy Gelbwaks and Brian Forster), the youngest, quietest pair of family singers, on tambourine and drums respectively. Mom does piano. And it all seems to work. Plus we get topical lessons, still applicable today like equality for women and conserving energy (should we be worried that all those issues are still unresolved in over three decades?)

We loved this show. And looking back on it, it still strikes a chord, so to speak, especially when listening to Keith's still sexy "I Think I Love You".

Created by
Bernard Slade


Starring
Shirley Jones
David Cassidy
Danny Bonaduce
Susan Dey
Suzanne Crough
Jeremy Gelbwaks (1970-1971)
Brian Forster (1971-1974)
Dave Madden

The Series:
The Partridge Family - The Complete First Season

The Songs:
Come on Get Happy! The Very Best of the Partridge Family Read more!