BRIDESMAIDS























a kate west review

To call the new female comedy "Bridesmaids" a chick flick is to do it a disservice. It's a little bit of that, sure, but mostly it's so much more. It's really about the changing dynamics of friendships, the kind you have with old friends, with new friends and especially with yourself. But don't worry, fans of slapstick will get to enjoy some outrageous bathroom humor too, thrown in for good measure (if you're squeamish, beware the dress fitting scene).

Kristin Wiig (SNL) co-writes her first starring role as Annie, a struggling business entrepreneur who is thrown into wedding planning hell in the middle of her own personal crisis. Her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph, another SNL-er) is getting married and wants her to be the maid of honor. After her initial shock (and spurt of jealousy) wears off, Annie pulls herself together and tries really, really hard to make her friend happy. But it's a herculean task to create true beauty when you are truly miserable. Loveless, jobless and homeless, she makes every effort to show her friend how much she loves her, but is thwarted at every turn, primarily by her bridesmaid rival and nemesis, the impossibly beautiful and perfect Helen (Rose Byrne), not to mention hilarious little daily reminders of how much her life sucks. As things get worse and worse, the scenes get funnier and funnier, until the inevitable climax (no spoilers here).
What makes this movie work so well is the terrific ensemble cast for one thing, many of them from Wiig's day as a Groundling. Wendi McLendon-Covey (RENO 911!) is hilarious as a jaded and harried mother of monsters, balancing out Ellie Kemper (THE OFFICE) as the sweetly, naive newlywed. They are great foils to each other. Melissa McCarthy (MIKE AND MOLLY) is the real scene-stealer of the wedding crew, with impromptu rants of insanity that have to be seen and heard to be believed. The side characters are loads of fun too (Jon Hamm's slimy playboy, Jill Clayburgh's mother and the adorable Irish cop Rhodes, played by Chris O'Dowd, Rebel Wilson and Matt Lucas' nutty roommates, flight attendants Mitch Silpa, Dana Powell and Ben Falcone's mysterious airplane passenger, the stuffy boss Mike Hitchcock, to name but a few gems).
Through all that comedic genius however, is the touching friendship between Annie and Lillian, played with real poignancy by Rudolph and Wiig. Wiig's despairing looks as her life falls apart absolutely hit home with the viewers. We can feel her pain, while laughing at how extreme everything becomes. Just when you think it can't get any worse, of course it does. Exaggerate the tragedy and you've got humor. You haven't seen funny until you watch Wiig try to push over a solid fountain (or hallucinate a butter-churning pioneer woman). Her facial expressions alone say so much with so little effort on her part. She simply lives Annie.
Then there's the writing. Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumulo (look for a cameo on the plane ride from hell scene) co-write a compelling human drama depicted by laughter. The essential things that happen, the losing of things, of self, we can all relate to, yet they are taken so outlandishly far it is safe to revel at the characters downfall. At the core of the story is of course sincere emotion, so we always root for poor Annie. She's pretty much our human condition, at one point or another in our lives, just trying to keep her head above water while the universe continues to hurl ridiculousness at her. Wiig and Mumulo demonstrate this truth very well. But there will be redemption, too - Annie's attempt to save her friendship ahead of her own needs will end up saving her own life.
On the surface though, the entire movie is non-stop fun. Director Paul Feig (KNOCKED UP) apparently allowed his actors to improvise in many scenes, giving them added spontaneity, though some of it could have been edited a little tighter. Some parts went on a tad too long at times so the pacing is sometimes off. But as a whole, the story works as a classic comedy, through ups and downs, and we are right there with the main character. Based on general audience reaction opening weekend, you will laugh until you cry.
So for the studio executives breathlessly waiting to see how BRIDESMAIDS does at the box office, congratulations. Yes damn it, women are funny and can write and deserve to be funded. Just ask Tina Fey. Well done ladies.
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Missed Connections







a kate west plea

Want to invest in your heart? Want to see someone else struggle to date in L.A.? Fund this!

Straight from the filmmakers:

I wrote this film, and my wife and I will be playing the two leads. The script was written specifically for people that we know. It's personal. We're shooting in our house and our friends houses. We've simplified the film making process to utilize what is available to us and what inspires us every day. I've been doing comedy in Los Angeles for eight years and have writing and performing on the biggest comedy stages in the city (The Groundlings, Upright Citizen's Brigade). While keeping with my comedic roots I really want to create something more, something deeper, something substantial. I have some insanely talented people involved with the project, and I'm certain that we are going create a truly funny film. We plan to shoot this project on the weekends. This is so cast and crew can still have their weekdays, if they need to go to work or auditions. We have friends working on every aspect of this film. Our editor is going to be editing while we shoot, our producer is working in her free time, and our actors are working for practically pennies. My wife is going to me making lunch and there is a good chance if I am not in a scene, I am going to be holding the boom. This project is all about friends - giving of themselves to create something special. It's our passion project.

See preview here:

Fund here:
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Cirque Berzerk














a kate west review
written by Suzanne Bernel, Kevin Bourque, Neal Everett, Barry Primus
music by Kevin Bourque
choreography by John Carrafa
directed by Barry Primus
at Club Nokia
800 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90015
contact (213) 765-7000 or http://www.clubnokia.com/
running January 7-30

Add a little Tim Burton-esque goth to a cirque-de-soleil style circus troupe and you get Cirque Berzerk, now playing in downtown Los Angeles' Club Nokia. Not the same top notch flawlessness as the Soleil troupe, but Berzerk definitely still has talent.

The theme is death (very in your face all evening) and a simple plot of a girl dressed in red (Emilie Livingston) who descends into hell, or purgatory or something, and is slowly seduced by the depravity of the departed. Everyone else is wearing black, including quite a number of audience members (so keep that in mind when dressing for the evening). Death himself (Kevin Bourque, also one of the creators) makes an appearance or two and harasses our heroine throughout the night. Clinging from brass rails and perching on cane-backs are the motley crew of the deceased, all cavorting and writhing in the background, to give us a sense of menace.

Aside from the basic plot of corrupting an innocent, there is not much else to the story, so it must be fleshed out with death-defying circus acts, like fire-swallowing, the requisite trapeze acts, bungee artists, contortionists and dancers and women on silks. The best act happens in the first half when four virile men bounce off a wall dividing two trampolines (Wesley Hatfield, Michael Hill, Michael Redinger and Russel Stark). They suspend horizontally in mid-air, zooming back to do it all over again. Very well done. A flexible young Hayley Kent bends backwards, while walking on her hands as if it weren't impossible and Neal Everett and Tavi Stutz spin on straps with the strongest, tautest muscles you've ever seen. Suzanne Bernel (also co-founder) has a nice turn on long red silks and our lady in red (Livingston) gets in some twirling herself by the end.

We also have a very basic clown (Brady Spindel) on stilts who pops in from time to time. Don't worry, there is no audience participation during the main show. We even have a little person as a petulant Madame (Katrina Kemp). Then there are three sirens (Antonia Bath, Jessice Childress and Gretchen McNeil) who wail mysteriously to a live band. The music isn't as apropos as a soleil show, but it works in the goth world.

Not that all these physical feats aren't amazingly and properly impressive, but that's pretty much it for the show. We get the theme once we take our seats, so the macabre starts to be a tad repetitive. The "plot" is the weakest link, but no matter since we have so much to look at with all the jumping and bondage style clothes (thank Mikiko Nagao and Heather Goodman). Plus the theater is done up in a cabaret style setting, the multi-lounges are fun and cool and the decor is goth retro. You can even browse some gypsy-like vending tables and buy leather, while munching popcorn.

They do create an agreeable carnival atmosphere so it's just as much fun to oggle the patrons as it is the performers, and since you'll get to meet both, if you're so inclined, you be the final judge.
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Running With Wolves






a kate west experience

Visiting the TWILIGHT Wolves

http://www.wolfmountain.com/Twilight%20-%20New%20Moon.htm

Today I ran with the wolves.

The Wolf Mountain Sanctuary, in the rocky desert terrain of Lucerne Valley (http://www.wolfmountain.com), houses rescued wild wolves, ranging from Alaskan grays to inbred accidents. Most of them are used to snow and cold so aren’t always happy with the blistering sun of the Mojave. Luckily for them, it’s been rather colder than usual this year. Tonya Littlewolf is their human Matriarch and has been in this location for “25 years too long”. They used to be on freer land, where the wolves could range far and wide (under proper supervision, of course), but due to leasing laws were relocated to Lucerne and are now kept in pens. Littlewolf hopes to move to Durango, Colorado soon and raise bison, along with her beloved wolves, but the money has not miraculously materialized to date.

Still, miracles continue to occur in smaller does, as when a Mexican family appeared outside the compound and set up a barbeque, settling in for a long stay. When Littlewolf ventured out to see what was going on, the only English-speaker, a little girl, told her that her grandmother had a dream about a Native American with blue eyes, surrounded by wolves. When they researched this, Tonya’s wolf preserve came up and the old woman recognized Tonya from her dream, so they all headed up to Lucerne Valley, sans vital directions (you can’t get here without them and they aren’t on the website). Tonya let them in immediately and the diabetic grandmother went straight over to the two healing wolves. They rubbed and licked her black legs and she said she felt better. After they’d gone, the little girl wrote to say that her grandmother’s diabetes was gone and her legs were as white as the rest of her.

In addition to the Holy Woman Littlewolf (she does not like to be called a Shaman), are several volunteers and dedicated family members, all tending to the expensive wolves. The electricity bill is astronomical in the summer, as they try to keep the wolves cool - then feeding them and bringing in the vet costs a pretty penny as well. The meat part isn’t so bad though, as it is apparently easier to get cast-off filet mignon than one might imagine. It’s no picnic keeping everyone fed and happy, but they are surprisingly resourceful and generous. In fact, the vet was there the day I visited and told me Tonya cured her arm pain, just by touch. With all the political nonsense they put up with, they manage to hold on to the positive vibe as well. Kudos for maintaining the center of peace they way they do.

As for me, I drove my rental pick-up from the 15 (you can keep going to Vegas that way) to the increasingly deserted landscape of Apple and Lucerne Valley along Highway 18. You pass signs with Native American names and see fewer and fewer cars and more and more boulders and cacti, or Joshua trees. Finally, you come to a couple of signs pointing out the sanctuary and pick you way carefully down a pitted, gravel, crazily bumpy road (the pick-up was definitely a good idea, but if worse comes to worst, you can always leave your sedan on a turnout and walk the quarter mile).

Friendly volunteers and pets (two dogs and a cat, at last count) greeted me inside the gate and everyone was warm and helpful. While waiting for Tonya, I signed liability papers (I was about to interact with wild animals, after all), and chatted with Tonya’s daughters. I signed up for the private tour so when my turn came up, we made the feeding rounds, greeting each wolf. There are so many (16!) and some have their own pen and some share. And some of them were even models for wolves in the movie TWILIGHT NEW MOON (http://www.wolfmountain.com/Twilight%20-%20New%20Moon.htm) so if you want to see movie inspiration, up close and personal, here’s your chance. You won’t be able to touch the TWILIGHT wolves, but they sure are pretty to look at.

Not all of the wolves are people-friendly and not all of the “safe” wolves are available all the time. When I went, I could only visit two of them, since the rest were in heat and not as um, restrained. All of them are fixed, but the drive is still there, so better to come back in February when the heat has died down (plus then, I was promised a cuddle with wolf cubs – I’m guessing from another site with unsprayed animals?) Tonya said I had a good spirit and probably a wolf side, which I am inclined to agree with. I felt in good hands, since she is definitely the Mama Alpha and the wolves obey her without question.

My first wolf sat behind me on a boulder and Tonya directed him to “hug me” with his paws. They are quite heavy and oh, so big and very much not dogs. Your inclination is to treat them like a dog because of the similarity, but make no mistake, you are among wild animals, so all their energy and connectivity is completely different (ask about their jaw strength). I was grateful they tolerated me at all. I actually got to pet two of them, including the sweet older wolf, Segoni. He just wanted to wander a bit and then sleep a lot. Tonya told me a couple of her favorite wolves had died recently, one from old age and one from eating a rawhide toy they had repeatedly asked tourists not to give him. She can still see their spirits in the pens, when they choose to visit their brothers. Apparently, some of my pictures came out with inexplicable lights, which Tonya was convinced came from wolf spirits.

The rest of the tour came with listening to dreams and stories, followed by wandering the walkways to film wolves. The neighbors complain about being afraid and of the constant howling, of which I saw no evidence. You can sign a petition at the end, verifying this if you are so inclined. The wolves are no threat and as usual, are misunderstood from every angle it seems, so if you visit, please spread the word. You’d think Hollywood would be more helpful to their werewolf inspirations.

It’s a great place to spend the day – the private tour is the most expensive, but you can do the speed-through version for $25. You’ll have less interaction, but anyone can see the wolves once there as the pens are out in the open. You’ll marvel at how big they are (especially their paws, which are webbed for natural snowshoes, as I found out). They always have specials and you are always welcome. You must make a reservation and you must be respectful (there’s a long list of rules to follow). No matter when you go however, it will be the experience of a lifetime and how many people can say they touched a wolf? I’ll never be the same and feel honored to have met (and been hugged by) a Littlewolf.

Wolf Mountain Sanctuary
www.wolfmountain.com
(760) 248-7818
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Happy Holidays!

a kate west greeting
from Nordstrom's Santa Anita Mall
Surprise! Xmas Flash Mob



Brought to you by All Saints Episcopal Choir, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Pasadena Presbyterian Church Kirk Choir, Pasadena Master Chorale and many others! Read more!

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Staying Awake During the Night Shift


By Kate West

(originally published December 2010 on workingworld.com)

What you need to do:

·      Get quality sleep
·      Maintain quality lifestyle
·      Exercise and eat right

It’s been a rough year and you are very, very tired of looking for work and hearing about rough it is out there. You figure you’ll do just about anything to start working again and start paying some bills. Then just after you hang up on your last credit collector, you finally get terrific news – you’re hired! But the catch is, it’s the night shift. Ugh. So now what?

Having just started my very first night shift, I can attest that it's not easy to transition into the night world. The rest of the world lives in the daytime and you’re busy counting sheep then. There may be a few die-hard party friends who are up for a drink when you get off work, but you might not be. So you’ll have to adjust your lifestyle.

For one thing, make sure you have quiet uninterrupted sleep in a dark room. Get heavier curtains and earplugs if you have to. Turn off the cell phone.

To keep up your energy and avoid that jet-lag feeling from all odd hours, try to eat healthy and squeeze in regular exercise. Vitamins and antioxidants are always a great idea and especially helpful during tough shifts. Make sure you eat at on a consistent schedule, the way you would during the day so that you aren’t eating right before you go to sleep. Eat before your shift starts, with a small meal during break and then stop. Caffeine is fine towards the earlier part of your night, but cut back halfway through so it won’t keep you up at night. Work in a little aerobics (or whatever turns you on) soon after waking. It will make all the difference in the world.

It’s also important to get some decompression time when you come home, just like on a normal shift. Your mind and body both have to wind down from job stress so allow yourself to do this for at least an hour before trying to sleep, if you can. Watch some funny t.v. or read a graphic novel. Save the hardcore errands for whatever daytime you have. You’ll have to decide when the best time to work in time on that screenplay might be.

Cheer up, it’s not all bad! There are perks to this new job, of course. The commute will be much easier and who doesn’t want that, as a traffic-harried Angelino? That saves you on a masseuse and therapist right there.



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Peter Pan 360






















a kate west review
by J.M. Barrie
directed by Ben Harrison
at the Orange County Performing Arts Center
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
running October 3, 2010 - EXTENDED
contact 714-556-2122 or http://www.peterpantheshow.com

"Peter Pan" is the beloved children's story about the boy who never grows up, captured on film and in a theme park ride by Walt Disney himself. This version, however, is the straight play adaptation (Tanya Ronder) of J.M. Barrie's famous novel. The British are now here and bring the 360 take from Kensington Gardens to major U.S. cities, guaranteed to succeed from the first mention on the recent PBS special coverage (check your local public television listings).

In a big-top tent à la Cirque de Soleil, the Peter Pan audience is surrounded by multimedia projections depicting lush scenery from the story. A moveable set in the center transports us back and forth from London to Never Never Land and back again. Essentially, the Darling family household is turned upside down when Peter Pan whisks in by moonlight and flies off with the three children, Wendy, John and Michael. Wendy, the oldest, becomes mother to the Lost Boys (Pan's rag-tag crew), while Peter's sidekick sprite Tinkerbell tries everything to sabotage this plan. The notorious pirate Captain Hook stalks them all and many adventures await the children before they remember they have parents and return to England. Our adventure lies in marveling at the CGI (computer-generated images) projections and the flying actors - quite a spectacle, indeed. And it sure does look like fun.

In this performance, Ciaran Joyce is Peter Pan to Beth Triffon's Wendy. Both of them show heartfelt joy (and great faith in the backstage crew) as they swing above us, cavorting and spinning. Emily Yetter is especially delightful as the ill-tempered Tinkerbell and her hilarious tantrum furies cannot be more perfect (plus she's simply adorable in her dirt-smeared little fairy girl outfit). Andrew Gruen and Elijah Trichon, as Wendy's brothers, fly as well and have a finely choreographed underwater scene involving mermaids. Heidi Buehler has a nice turn dancing as the captive Indian princess Tigerlilly and Jonathan Hyde is a gloriously villainous Captain Hook (and Mr. Darling), booming out threats and trembling at a fantastically constructed crocodile craving his flesh.

The animals in this production, Nana the nanny-dog and the famous crocodile, are human-operated puppets, the latter driven by two men on wheels. Their design is quite innovative and fun, given the amount of "oohs and ahs" from the kid spectators. The whole performance will keep your child wide-eyed, in awe. There is a lot to look at, including rowdy pirates and a chance to help Tinkerbell. And you will itch to fly yourself (trapeze schools may well regain popularity).

What you will take away most however, is that growing up is inevitable. We all (most of us, at any rate) leave our childhood behind and take on adult responsibilities in order to become well-rounded individuals. Peter Pan reminds us of our reckless youth and that the spirit of magic remains in a land close by that you can revisit once in a while, or at least encourage your children to go to. The boy who lost his shadow will never understand that you aged and what a real kiss means. He is a silly boy who plays hard and makes you laugh and he is an important part of your childhood, but we can't stay in Never Never Land forever. Eventually the story ends. But not until you've had the time of your life. And in 360 no less.


Read the original:
Peter Pan (100th Anniversary Edition) Read more!

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Much Ado About Nothing














a kate west review

by William Shakespeare
directed by Ben Donenberg
songs by Lyle Lovett (Dave Frischberg, Brian Joseph, Wendy Waldman,
Sara & Sean Watkins)
presented by The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles
at the Kirk Douglas Theatre/Center Theatre Group
9820 Washington Blvd, Culver City 90232
contact 213-972-7231 or 213-628-2772
running December 1-19, 2010

You don't think normally of Lyle Lovett when you think of Shakespeare (at least most of us don't). But you can see works by both this month in Culver City at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. This Center Theatre Group's production of "Much Ado About Nothing" also features Tom Irwin ("My So-Called Life") and Helen Hunt ("Mad About You"). The saucy tale takes place in a California vineyard, lustily brought to colorful life by Set Designer Douglas Rogers. Love and misunderstandings ensue, set to the tune of Lovett's laid back musicianship and Brian Joseph's musical direction.

The essential story is of Benedick (Irwin) and Beatrice (Hunt), two would-be lovers who initially hate each other (sound familiar, Hollywood?) You can guess the rest. In the meantime, cousin Hero (Grace Gummer) has to prove her virtue, in spite of the evil Don John (Stephen Root, "Newsradio"), Boracio (Chris Butler) and her distrusting finance Claudio (Ramon De Ocampo). Hero's father Leonato (Dakin Matthews) owns the vineyard with his brother Antonio (Jared Sakren) and likes to oversee his family's love life in addition to cultivating grapes. Don Pedro (Geoffrey Lower) is back from fighting with the rest of his crew and is ready to help meddle.

Lyle Lovett and his merry band (Lyle playing minstrel Balthasar at least on closing night) wander in and out of the drama, strumming and singing lyrics to match the mood and plot. Set against a sunny villa (with the occasional dramatic lightning storm), the music is cheery and fun and helps propel the story. Lovett does his best with the text, but really, it's more of a delight to be in his presence and witness the joy he has in performing.

As for the acting, it is top-notch professional for the most part, aside from Helen Hunt's signature low-energy mannerisms as Beatrice. The "naturalness" she is touted for on screen doesn't really work on stage, especially in the expressive world of Shakespeare, so it is challenging to have sympathy for her lovelorn bacherlorette. On the other hand, Dakin Matthews is superb as Leonato, a consummate classic actor, making the Bard accessible to all and able to transform from giddy to desolate with a single deft turn of phrase. Tom Irwin does well as a jovial Benedick, if a bit older than normally portrayed (but still kinda sexy). David Ogden Stiers ("M*A*S*H") also delights as the hilariously befuddled watchman Dogberry. Everyone else is fine and the action is finely tuned by director Ben Donenberg. Julie Arenal's choreography looks nice, but it is sometimes hard to know who to focus on during some of the more winding dance numbers.

It is a frothy, light fare, interspersed with hints of darker cruelty. The music helps the lighter side, not so much the dark, but in the end, we all want a happy ending so that works out alright. As in many of Shakespeare's comedies, the cruelty bits are not really redeemed, but rather accepted as a necessary balance to happier times. Not necessarily fair (or modern), but there you have it. If it makes you feel better, check out the Gallo wine during intermission to get into the spirit of things.

www.shakespearecenter.org
www.facebook.com/shakescenter
www.twitter.com/shakescenterLA

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WORLD CHAMPIONS


















a kate west congratulations
November 1, 2010

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Glee






a kate west recommendation

"Glee" is the highly-touted mega-hit television show revolutionizing appreciation for the arts. In its second season, "Glee" depicts high school misery and joy, all centered in the glee club. It succeeds not only because of the sparklingly fresh renditions of well-known songs, but the sincerity of the characters, not to mention talented actors. Most of them are Broadway-trained, so they can all sing. Really, really well.

With that in mind naysayers, it is important to suspend a little disbelief. While this isn't "High School Musical" exactly, it is done in a musical format, so there may be a lot of fantasy and spontaneous singing that you maybe won't find at your local high. Just go with it. The music is fantastic and the story lines, while surrounded by outrageousness, involve real problems of youth - fitting in, peer pressure, angst about the future. Who can't relate? If nothing else, enjoy Coach Sue's (Jane Lynch) delicious villainy. Let these kids have a little spotlight - they deserve it.



Hear the music now:

Glee: Music from the FOX Television Show (E-Z Play Today) Read more!

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NETFLIX






a kate west rant

I signed up for Netflix years and years ago, right when it was first popular. By word of mouth too. Back when we listened to our friends in person, instead of on IM. Netflix emphasized community and shared movie preferences, and really, I would rather see what my friends thought about a movie than some idiot stranger. A few months ago, Netflix decided to do away with my favorite Friends feature, where I could do my favorite thing and send friends notes, reviews, opinions and check out what they had in their queue. That's all gone now as, supposedly, they are too busy and important to bother with social networking (though they are trying to get connected to Facebook). I really have to decide whether to stick with them or not, since I liked them initially because they were such a convenient and cozy alternative to the monster corporate bad-ass Blockbuster. Now, what's the difference? Both are mindlessly censoring our content and it is no longer homey. Back to the old fashioned neighborhood video stores, I guess. Remember those? Boo Netflix!
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Fringe Report

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2010

a kate west special report





















The Fringe. One of the most famous theatrical festivals in the world. Held annually in Scotland, any theater geek worth his or her salt cannot afford to miss this celebration of thespian creativity. Originally an off-shoot of the regular festival for those who defiantly wanted their own venue, it is now a respectable entity in its own right and there is nothing like it in the world. Stroll down the Royal Mile (High Street) in Edinburgh, and you will see every kind of performer imaginable, from knife throwers and acrobats, to acapella singers and recitings of Shakespeare. There is something for everyone and with almost 3000 shows this year, the choices are dizzying, not even counting the other festivals in town (Book, Music, International, etc.) So let's start with just a few, shall we?


Shows





















All The Happy People
Project by Greg Hardigan

Two of Hearts Dating Service promises to find you your perfect match. If only it were that easy. This play spotlights behind the scenes, with the harried employees in the trenches. Starting with a sleazy, corporate customer trying to make it with his interviewer, the story covers all the worst about people, dating and bosses. A scoreboard keeps tracks of how many people cry, if that tells you anything. In an inhuman company, with even worse clients, where can new girl Susan find hope? She just might, amidst stellar, strong acting, a relatable script (we've all been there, right, in work and love?) and a real feeling of immediacy, this show is highly recommended. Funny, smart and relevant - a definite must-see.

WHERE
the space @venue 45
63 Jeffrey Street, EH1 1DH
WHEN
August 27-29
14:05 pm
http://www.american-myth.com/



















Jennifer Coolidge - Yours For The Night

The incomparable Jennifer Coolidge (AMERICAN PIE, LEGALLY BLONDE, BEST IN SHOW), delights us during her rant about Hollywood and life. She does stand-up as only she can, conversationally, and in her characteristically self-deprecatingly luscious way. Fearless and heroic, she bares all and we can't help but cheer her on.

WHERE
Assembly @54 Georges Street, EH2 2LR
WHEN
August 26-29
20:15
http://www.edcom10.com/
















Matthew Hardy - Willy Wonka Explained: The Veruca Salt Sessions

So many of us grew up with Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka and who can ever forget Julie Dawn Cole as Veruca Salt demanding, "I want it now!" You would think an evening with the older actress might be a fascinating glimpse into our own past, via her pop culture heritage. Yet, this odd idea (celeb and stalker in distinct therapy sessions) is oddly executed. Film clips and crude sketch bits pop up behind the actors without any sense of rhythm or pacing. In fact, the whole show seems thrown together as a vehicle for the rantings of comedian Matthew Hardy and his obsession with his childhood crush (which the real actress does in fact, actually seem uncomfortable with). Seemingly not well thought out, this show can be easily missed (in spite of its "rave" in Melbourne), considering the thousands of other options open to you. Go find them.

WHERE
Pleasance Courtyard @60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ
WHEN
August 26-29
19:00
lisarichards.ie


















In The Pink
Fabulous all-female a cappella!

These ladies from Oxford may not be GLEE-inspired Broadway singers (most of them aren't really belty, more soprano range), but they carry a nice tune. They pick a lot of pop tunes that call for ballsy notes (a la GLEE), but use mostly their upper ranges. That's OK though, as they are awfully cute and have so much fun up on that stage with some pretty adorable numbers. They can sing folks, and have even cut a few albums. Worth a listen for some light refreshment.

WHERE
C Venue 34, Adam House,
Chambers Street, EH1 1HR
WHEN
August 15-30 4:45pm
http://www.inthepink.org.uk/

Free Fringe
http://www.freefringe.org.uk/

















Hayden's Rantings Of A Young Fool

Combine some gentle rantings and musings about life and love with some darn good guitar playing (including a few classical numbers) and you've got a really nice afternoon show. Hayden puts you at ease while reciting some cool original poetry and tunes. Feel free to dialogue. He likes that. A real talent, he might be one of those "I-saw-him-when" gems of a find.

WHERE
Banshee Labyrinth*, Venue 156
29-35 Niddry Street, EH1 1LG
http://www.haydencohen.co.uk/
WHEN
August 11-28
1:40pm
FREE


*Also at the same venue:

'Utter!' Spoken Word
"Poetry & storytelling with a good sense of humour. Humour with a good sense of poetry.
Free shows, fresh themes and a different line up every day."
August 7-28 @7:30pm every day except Monday

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