THIS WEEK’S PALETTE COMES TO YOU FROM EXOTIC ENVIRONS SOMEWHERE WEST of the Santa Monica Pier. That’s right folks, I’m in Hawaii — the only place on the planet where the weather might be considered better than in Santa Monica. But don’t feel too jealous, I’m working on a computer that was new back in the days when Madonna still spoke with an American accent. And the connection? Well, let’s just say cuneiform was a quicker method of communication.
So, while I’m soaking up the sun on the North Shore, I hope that all of you are spending this weekend soaking up culture on the east side of the Pacific.
LOS ANGELES WOMEN’S THEATRE FESTIVAL 2007: CROSSING THE LINE Thursday through Saturday, 8 p.m. Sunday, 5 p.m. Highways Performance Space 1651 18th Street at the 18th Street Arts Center (310) 315-1459 The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival returns to Highways with a powerful lineup of talent. Each night will feature a different schedule of solo artists, singers, stand-up comedy and short theatre works from an amazing assortment of women. Visit www.lawtf.com for the full lineup GV6 THE ODYSSEY: POETS PASSION & POETRY Poetry and Open Mic Saturday, March 24, 7 p.m. Church in Ocean Park 235 Hill Street in Santa Monica $15-$5 sliding scale, but no one turned away for lack of funds (310) 399-1631 Bob Bryan’s poetry film “GV6 The Odyssey: Poets Passion & Poetry” will be screening at the Church in Ocean Park, followed by readings by five of the film’s featured poets — francEyE, Steve Goldman, Brendan Constantine, Rod Bradley and Suzanne Lummis. There will also be a discussion and Q & A period. This will definitely be a night of literary delights!
RAFE ESQUITH AND THE HOBART SHAKESPEAREANS Saturday, March 24, 4 p.m. Every Picture Tells a Story 1311C Montana Ave. (310) 451-2700 Best-selling author Rafe Esquith brings his students from LA’s Hobart Elementary to Santa Monica to present a special performance of their Shakespeare and music program. These talented (and dedicated) students, along with their equally talented (and equally dedicated) teacher, have defied society’s expectations with their professional quality performances. Esquith will also be talking about his unique teaching style and signing his new book, “Teach Like Your Hair’s On Fire.”
‘SQUIRRELS’ The Blue House Theatre Company Thursday through Sunday, 8 p.m. Sundays, 3 p.m. Through April 29 Miles Memorial Playhouse 1130 Lincoln Boulevard (310) 458-8634 David Mamet’s “Squirrels” comically explores the path of creativity through the two writers constantly interrupted by a cleaning lady, at once lovable and vicious. The play stars veteran film, television and Broadway actors Vicki Lewis, James Harper and Ben Messmer. And just for the record, this play has nothing to do with the squirrels in Palisades Park!
And now, I’m off to my hula lesson, I’m a bit old for all that hip action, but you should see what I can do with a set of poi balls! I’m still a few lessons short of a luau, but don’t be surprised to see me hop on stage with Hula Halau ‘O Kamuela ‘Elua at the Santa Monica Festival on May 20 in Clover Park. Aloha!
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 23, 2007. Read the original PDF.