Exposing Hollywood in an ‘Audition’

Movie stars, music, suspense, hilarity, pathos ... and the truth behind the Hollywood mystique, as told by those who’ve been there and done that.

Stage and screen star Evelyn Rudie (TV’s original “Eloise”) shares the stage with versatile performers Serena Dolinsky and Rebecca Coombs as Santa Monica Playhouse presents the “Audition! The Musical” through Jan. 28, 2007.

Three actresses dance, sing and shine, bringing to life a host of laudable Hollywood heroines that will leave audiences laughing as they perform a multi-layered behind-the-scenes look at the world of show business and those moments of introspection and fantasy that live within the mind.

“Audition! The Musical” is not a tell-all, nor is it a gossip-fest. No names will be named, no villains indicted. Fingers will be pointed, however, for “Audition! The Musical” is a cautionary tale. Based on true life experiences encountered by Ms. Rudie and her partner/husband, director Chris DeCarlo, whose performing and directorial forays have led him to work with artists from Los Angeles to Tokyo, Canada to Ireland and beyond.

With a complimentary dinner included in the ticket price, “Audition! The Musical” is an evening for the whole family. Just returned from its preview run at The Studio Theatre in London, “Audition! The Musical” will play Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m., through Jan. 28, and two special New Year’s Eve champagne shows at 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Reservations are necessary, and may be made by calling the Playhouse Box Office at (310) 394-9779 ext. 1. For more information, visit the Playhouse Web site at http://SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com.

-Daily Press



Free Symphony concert

The Santa Monica Symphony, under the direction of Allen Robert Gross, will give a free concert this weekend.

The concert will feature Wagner’s overture “The Flying Dutchman” and “Symphonie Espagnole,” performed by Elizabeth Pitcairn on the legendary Stradivarius red violin. The consul general of Finland will be the honored guest on Sibelius’s “Second Symphony” celebrating Finland’s independence day.

The concert will be held on Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St., at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, go to www.smsymphony.org.

-DP



Playing with ‘Herbicide’

After a 50-year hiatus, Herb feels the time has come to return to acting and resume his budding career.

“Herbicide” is his auto-bio-solo show. A superb storyteller, Herb’s funny and poignant tales are based on the events and circumstances that altered the course of his life and took him from the last dirt road in Brooklyn to the hills of Los Angeles. This is about a man who believes that there is no time like the present, and in fact, the only time is the present.

Written and performed by Herb Astrow. Early in the course of Herb’s challenging journey through life, he decided to become an actor. Currently, he is an owner of Yankee Doodles on the Third Street Promenade. For the past half century, he has continued to polish his acting and writing skills.

The play is directed by Directed by Jay Kogen, Emmy winning writer/producer of “Frasier,” “The Simpsons” and currently, “The Class.”

The two performances are on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for all seats.

Reservations are made by calling the Playhouse Box Office at (310) 394-9779 ext. 1. For more information, visit the Playhouse Web site at http://SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com.

-DP