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LAEMMLE LIVE celebrates Season Two with Samohi Chamber Orchestra and KUSC’s Rich Capparela January 21

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Come celebrate with LAEMMLE LIVE! It’s our first anniversary and we are launching season two with an encore performance by Santa Monica High School’s Chamber orchestra performing Bartök Divertimento and solo works. Joni Swenson and Jason Aiello, Music Directors. Guest host KUSC Announcer Rich Capparela, who opened our series last year, shares his musical wit and wisdom. 

Samohi has a long tradition of musical excellence. Several factors contribute to the strength of the music program including strong elementary and middle school programs, a supportive community, and an outstanding music faculty. Courses offered are Beginning Orchestra, String Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Sinfonia Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra. Students receive one hour per week of sectional small group instruction taught by paid coaches funded by the Samohi Orchestra Parents Association. Join us January 21. Come for the music, stay for the cake!

 

EVENT DETAILS

Sunday, January 21, 2018
11:00 AM
Monica Film Center

This is a Free Event
We are Sold Out!
Will accept walk-ins space permitting!

RSVP on Eventbrite

Q&A with Former Vice President Al Gore and Filmmakers After a Screening of AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL on Sunday, January 7th in Beverly Hills

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Oscar-shortlisted doc AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER directors Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk, producer Richard Berge, and Former Vice President Al Gore will participate in a Q&A at the Fine Arts after the 5PM screening on Sunday, January 7. Jenelle Riley of Variety will moderate. Click here for tickets.

About the film:
A decade after AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH brought the climate crisis into the heart of popular culture, comes the riveting and rousing follow-up that shows just how close we are to a real energy revolution. Former Vice President Al Gore continues his tireless fight, traveling around the world training an army of climate champions and influencing international climate policy. Cameras follow him behind the scenes – in moments both private and public, funny and poignant — as he pursues the inspirational idea that while the stakes have never been higher, the perils of climate change can be overcome with human ingenuity and passion.

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huX1bmfdkyA

VALLEY OF THE DOLLS 50th Anniversary Screening on Thursday, December 28 at the Ahrya Fine Arts in Beverly Hills

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Laemmle Theatres and the Anniversary Classics Series present the 50th anniversary of the cult classic VALLEY OF THE DOLLS (1967). The misbegotten adaptation of Jacqueline Susann’s sensational 1966 best-selling novel hit the silver screen for the Christmas movie season in 1967.

We close out the year with a special screening of this vintage “so-bad-its-good” milestone virtually 50 years to the day of the original opening, on December 28 at 7:30 PM at the Ahrya Fine Arts theatre.

Click here for tickets.

Susann’s novel explored the cutthroat side of show business from the viewpoint of three young women aspiring for success. Barbara Parkins, Sharon Tate and Oscar winner Patty Duke (The Miracle Worker) play the female protagonists, with Oscar winner Susan Hayward (I Want to Live) as a grand dame Broadway actress battling to stay on top.

Hollywood veterans, director Mark Robson (Champion, Peyton Place), and writers Helen Deutsch (Lili, I’ll Cry Tomorrow) and Dorothy Kingsley (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Kiss Me Kate), actually toned down the seamier aspects of Susann’s book. However, they left enough lurid scenes about the early days of sexual liberation to titillate audiences in this slick and glossy film version.

The film is often cited as one of the worst movies ever made; unlike amateur “camp masterpieces” like Plan 9 from Outer Space or the more recent The Room, Valley of the Dolls has the distinction of being the product of a major Hollywood studio.

Among the contributing filmmakers were Oscar winners cinematographer William Daniels (The Naked City, How the West Was Won), costume designer Travilla (How to Marry a Millionaire) and legendary composer John Williams, who garnered his first Academy nomination for adapting Andre Previn’s music score. The theme song became a major pop hit for Dionne Warwick in 1968.

Critics of the day roasted the movie, but 20th Century Fox had the last laugh as audiences made the maligned movie a box office behemoth, the highest grossing film in that studio’s history up to that time. The film developed a cult following through the years. Susan Hayward, who replaced Judy Garland after a few days into the shoot, partially escaped the critical brickbats, but the rest of the cast and the film could not hide.

Over this holiday season, see what Roger Ebert described in 1967 as a “dirty soap opera,” and posed, “I don’t understand how Patty Duke and Barbara Parkins got themselves into this movie.” Similarly, Newsweek called it “one of the most stupefyingly clumsy films ever made by alleged professionals.”

VALLEY OF THE DOLLS also features Lee Grant, Martin Milner, Tony Scotti, Paul Burke, Charles Drake, and Alexander Davion. Our 50th anniversary presentation will have a Special Introduction and a few surprises. Returns to the big screen for one show only Thursday, December 28 at 7:30 PM at the Ahrya Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills.

Presented on DCP.

10th Annual Christmas Eve FIDDLER SING-A-LONG is Around the Corner! Tickets now available!

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*** FIDDLER UPDATES  (skip to main article)
We’re pleased to announce an dynamic and eclectic line-up of Fiddler Hosts for 2017!

Ahrya Fine Arts
Kenny Ellis – entertainer, comedian, singer of Hanukah Swings! – BUY TIX

Royal
Gustavo Bulgach – musician, bandleader of Klezmer Juice – BUY TIX

NoHo 7
Susan Edwards Martin – Broadway star, entertainer – BUY TIX

Playhouse
Jason Moss – of Jewish Federation of the San Gabriel and Pamona Valleys – BUY TIX

Town Center 5
Steve Sass – of Jewish Historical Society (5:00pm show) – BUY TIX
 Cantor Phil Baron – of Valley Beth Shalom (7:30pm show) – BUY TIX

Claremont 5
Cantor Paul Buch  – of Temple Beth Israel – BUY TIX

Jump below to find out more about our hosts.

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Wonder_of_Wonders_edit_2You heard right … it’s our 10th year of FIDDLER!  Join us as we celebrate a decade of song, shtick, and shenanigans by once again coming together as a community for Laemmle’s legendary Christmas Eve experience.

For 2017, this ever-popular event will be occurring at six of our neighborhood venues including the magnificent single screen, art deco AHRYA FINE ARTS in Beverly Hills (see below for full listing and ticket links).

(Jump down to watch the Sing-A-Long trailer.  For tickets, visit Laemmle.com/Fiddler).

In addition to movie and song, the evening will feature TRIVIA with PRIZES being awarded to Fiddler buffs with the quickest recall.  Dressing in COSTUME is not required, but highly encouraged! Who knows, perhaps the best costume will garner a prize?  Or perhaps this is the year you’ll be given an opportunity to do your best Tevye or Golde impression?  That will be up to the emcee.  Indeed, each location will feature its own host, among them some of our favorites from year’s past including CANTOR PHIL BARON and klezmer band leader GUSTAVO BULGACH.

As Greg Laemmle is fond of saying “Christmas Eve isn’t just Chinese food!”  He elaborates, “This is your once-a-year chance to be the star of the shtetl. Join with friends and neighbors and sing your heart out alongside Fiddler’s screen legends. And it’s okay if you haven’t memorized all the songs. We provide the lyrics.”

Song highlights include the iconic “TRADITION”, “IF I WERE A RICH MAN”,  “TO LIFE”, “SUNRISE SUNSET”, “DO YOU LOVE ME?” and “ANATEVKA”, among many, many more.

Don’t be late! Those who wish to attend the program are advised to purchase tickets in advance as the program has traditionally sold to capacity. We welcome all those in the community who are looking for an alternative Christmas Eve.

See you in the shtetl…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnuyNaOEBt4&feature=youtu.be

Fiddler Hosts – 2017

KENNY ELLIS at the Ahrya Fine Arts (Beverly Hills)
Once known as “The Man Behind the Matzoh Ball,” cantor and comedian KENNY ELLIS will be our host at the Ahrya Fine Arts in Beverly Hills. He appears in support of our community partner, the LOS ANGELES JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL. As a cantor and comedian, Ellis has entertained audiences all around the globe. Currently the cantor at Temple Beth Ami in Santa Clarita, you can also catch Ellis at the LAUGH FACTORY in Hollywood. Ellis achieved success with HANUKKA SWINGS! a recording that broke new ground as the first ever big band Hanukkah album. Large YouTube audiences have enjoyed “Swingin’ Dreidel” and other tracks from the hit record.

gustavositting_crop_prGUSTAVO BULGACH at the Royal (West L.A.)
Accomplished Klezmer musician and bandleader GUSTAVO BULGACH will be our host at the Royal in West L.A. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Bulgach was inspired at an early age by the religious and secular life of the Argentine community. Now based in L.A., Bulgach travels the globe uplifting audiences with a vibrant, soulful Klezmer he terms the “soundtrack of the Diaspora.” Bulgach has been a longtime member of the House of Blues Foundation house band backing artist such as LITTLE RICHARD, TAJ MAHAL, and THE WAILERS. His own outfit, KLEZMER JUICE, was featured in the Hollywood mega hit movie THE WEDDING CRASHERS featuring Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn.

susan_martin_crop_prSUSAN EDWARDS MARTIN at the NoHo 7 (N. Hollywood)
Broadway star SUSAN EDWARDS MARTIN will represent partner Temple Beth Hillel at our NoHo 7 venue. A star of Broadway, Martin is an accomplished singer, musician, actress and comedienne who originated the role of ‘Lady Blue’ in HARVEY FIERSTEIN’s Tony Award-winning play “Torch Song Trilogy.” She has also appeared in many other Broadway and Off-Broadway productions such as “Bubbling Brown Sugar,” “The Suicide,” and the long-running musical comedy “Scrambled Feet.” Numerous television credits include a recurring role on “Days of our Lives,” and guest appearances on “NYPD Blue,” “Designing Women,” and “Columbo,” among many others. Martin is currently creating a new original musical, “Unlimited” based on her personal story of growing up in Long Island and her ensuing life in show business.

jason-photo_02_edit_cropJASON MOSS at the Playhouse 7 (Pasadena)
Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys JASON MOSS will be our host at the Playhouse 7 in Pasadena. Under his leadership, the Federation has doubled its programming with the creation of such programs as the Cultural Arts Program, PJ Library, a nationally recognized program to reach and connect with unaffiliated Jewish families. In addition, Moss recently launched JLife SGPV, a lifestyle magazine celebrating Jewish life in the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys.

phil-baron_02_crop2_lrCantor PHIL BARON at the Town Center 5 (Encino), 7:30pm Show
Cantor PHIL BARON of Temple Valley Beth Shalom in Encino comes to us courtesy of community partner JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY (JHS) and the BREED STREET SHUL. Baron is the son of a violinist and the grandson of a Vilna rabbi. Before becoming a cantor, he took a successful detour into children’s entertainment, where he had over 300 original songs recorded – nearly 200 of these by the Walt Disney Co. He co-created two television series for Jewish children, Bubbe’s Boarding House, and the multiple award-winning series Alef…Bet…Blast-off! As a vocalist he has been featured with the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra and the New Orleans Philharmonic.

Paul Buch_prCantor PAUL BUCH at the Claremont 5 (Claremont)
Cantor PAUL BUCH has served Temple Beth Israel in Claremont since 2003. He came to the cantorate after a 25 year career in TV and film production in Los Angeles, New York, and Portland. In addition to his cantorial duties, Buch is President of the Claremont Interfaith Council and serves on the Faith-Based Roundtable of the Pomona Unified School District. He is also Chair of the City of Claremont’s Human Relations Committee and serves on an advisory committee at the Claremont School of Theology. This will be his fourth consecutive year as our Fiddler host in Claremont!

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PROGRAM DETAILS

DATE: Sunday, December 24th

TIME: 7:30pm

PRICING:
General Admission – $18
Seniors/Children – $15
Premiere Card Adult – $12
Premier Card Seniors – $10

LOCATIONS:
Claremont – Get Tickets
Ahrya Fine Arts – Get Tickets
NoHo – Get Tickets
Playhouse – Get Tickets
Royal – Get Tickets
Town Center – Get Tickets 

LAEMMLE LIVE presents: Elemental Choir Dec 3

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Join us December 3 at the Monica Film Center as we usher in the winter holidays with the joyful sounds of ELEMENTAL CHOIR.

The choir is a program of Elemental Music, created to inspire, train, and nurture young musicians in Santa Monica. The program began in 2004 by an SMMUSD music teacher who wanted to create an opportunity for elementary students to play in an orchestra throughout the school year, make new friends, and get excited about music. Since then, more than 1,000 students have participated in Elemental Music. Initially serving only 25 elementary school students, programs now serve nearly 300 elementary and middle school students in seven different programs this season.

Elemental Choir is one of Elemental Music’s newest and fastest growing programs. The Choir is comprised of third, fourth and fifth grade auditioned singers from over ten different Westside elementary schools. Teachers in the community recognize that engaging staff and inspiring repertoire choices help foster a strong sense of identity in young musicians. Our students work with expert teaching artists to polish their technical skills and dig into the joys of music-making, all in a social setting. We offer many opportunities for student performances throughout the year at three different Elemental concerts plus various public events in the Santa Monica community. Elemental Music’s young musicians blossom in their own ways, both socially and musically. This vibrant program inspires a love of music in the hearts of some of the westside’s youngest artists.

EVENT DETAILS
Sunday, December 3, 2017
11:00 AM
Monica Film Center

This is a Free Event
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Enter to Win a BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL Poster Signed by Legendary Director Takashi Miike

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Takashi Miike’s 100th feature film, BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL screens November 10th – 16th in Pasadena, NoHo, and Beverly Hills. To celebrate we’re giving away two BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL posters signed by the legendary filmmaker himself!

Enter for a chance to win by sharing a picture of your movie tickets on Instagram, checking-in at one of our theaters, and/or retweeting us (you’ll find full entry details below).

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets for the film. Enter the giveaway below.

Signed BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL poster giveaway

Two winners will be selected at random and announced on November 17th, 2017. Giveaway open to California residents only. No purchase necessary.

ART IN THE ARTHOUSE presents: ARCHIVING HESSE at the Royal Nov 1

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In 2016, the seminal artist EVA HESSE garnered national attention with an exhibit at the Whitney, an exhibit at Hauser Wirth & Schimmel in DTLA and with the opening of the film EVA HESSE , also featured at four Laemmle venues. The documentary, directed by Marcie Begleiter and produced by Karen Shapiro, was the first feature-length examination of Hesse’s life and work.

Barbara Brown_edit_lr
Barbara Brown, photographer

Laemmle’s Art in the Arthouse  proudly presents an encore exhibit of ARCHIVING HESSE at the Royal starting on November 1, 2017.  The exhibit, which premiered at the Monica Film Center last year, includes photography featured in the film. It showcases the work of photographer and raconteur, BARBARA BROWN, who, from 1962-1965, chronicled Hesse and the other luminaries that made up the Canal St. scene of New York’s Lower Eastside.

Unfortunately, most of Brown’s negatives were destroyed in a bizarre train fire and eternally lost. But we are pleased to present some surviving photos that capture the artist in particularly revealing moments. Interwoven are two images from Hesse’s 1968 solo exhibition at the Fishbach Gallery taken by NORMAN GOLDMAN.

About  Eva Hesse:  In 1938, at three years old, EVA HESSE was put on the kindertransport to escape Nazi Germany. She arrived in New York to reunite with her family, but seven years later lost her mother to suicide.

Hesse went on to study art and design at Yale University.  As an artist, she had a unique ability to alchemize her personal tragedies into searing and poetic works. Based mainly in New York, Hesse and her husband Tom Doyle briefly relocated their studio to Kettwig Germany where she transitioned from painter to sculptor.

“Stop [thinking] and just do!”  This strong note circa 1965 from her mentor Sol LeWitt opened Hesse up to an artistic stream of sculptures, paintings, drawings, and happenings. She incorporated industrial materials such as cord, wire, yarn, and latex to create magnificent walls sculptures that commanded attention. Hesse soon became a major figure in the post AbEx landscape movement. Tragically, Hesse died of brain cancer at age 34. She lives on in her works, which are displayed in museums worldwide.

 

 

LAEMMLE LIVE presents: SOL-LA Music Academy and Saint Anne School Nov 5 at the Royal

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LAEMMLE LIVE IS ON THE MOVE for November only.  We proudly present SOL-LA Music Academy and Saint Anne School in a collaborative musical concert on Sunday, November 5, 2017, at Laemmle’s Royal Theatre in West Los Angeles. SOL-LA Music Academy is a nonprofit music school in Santa Monica that provides high quality performing arts education to students from all backgrounds and economic circumstances in an engaging and encouraging environment fostering achievement and community. Their comprehensive program reflects the belief that vibrant cultural education nurtures all areas of learning, connects diverse societies and enhances the enjoyment of life.

Saint Anne School is Santa Monica’s only nonpublic Title I school, with at least 40% of families qualifying as low income according to federal standards. The school serves a diverse population of families from 66 zip codes. Without SOL-LA, most of these students would not have access to the myriad benefits that a comprehensive music education can offer. The SOL-LA at Saint Anne School program, now in its seventh year, was born out of a desire to see music included as a core curriculum subject.

As a parochial school, Saint Anne has the flexibility to include music as a priority rather than as an elective. Saint Anne partners with SOL-LA to bring high-quality music instruction to its students on-site, with an option for the students to further participate in after school instruction at SOL-LA’s campus. SOL-LA at Saint Anne School is a sequential music education program, providing free music instruction and instruments to 270 K–8th Grade students during regular school hours at Saint Anne.

SOL-LA’s program at Saint Anne is thoroughly integrated into the curriculum; all students in all classrooms participate in the program. Additionally, SOL-LA provides instruments to students during the school year at no cost.

EVENT DETAILS
Sunday, November 5, 2017
11:00 AM
Laemmle’s Royal Theatre
11523 Santa Monica Blvd.

This is a Free Event
RSVP on Eventbrite