Cirque du Soleil returns with CORTEO
Under the blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau (big top)

Premieres in Orange County on November 8, 2007 Under the Grand Chapiteau at Orange County Fair & Exposition Center in Costa Mesa

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL returns to the Southland after a four-year absence with the big top touring show Corteo, proudly presented by iShares, under the trademark blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Created and directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, Corteo is now performing in Los Angeles for a limited engagement at The Forum. On November 8, Corteo will open at the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center in Costa Mesa.

These engagements celebrate the 20th anniversary of Cirque du Soleil in Los Angeles and the United States.Corteo, which means “cortege” in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown.

The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.

The Corteo cast includes 61 artists from 16 countries. The clown pictures his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels. Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us. The music, by turns lyrical and playful, carries Corteo through a timeless celebration in which illusion teases reality.

Corteo explores the circus arts in a way that is brand new to Cirque du Soleil. Once again, the very limits of acrobatics are challenged as Daniele Finzi Pasca lends his unique touch to Cirque du Soleil spectacular performances. Corteo redefines the springboard, the Korean frame and the tightwire, and presents acts that are as original as they are innovative.

The filmed version of CORTEO was nominated for two 2007 Emmy Awards – Outstanding Set Direction Variety, Music or Nonfiction Programming and Outstanding Picture Editing for a Special. The Awards will be given in September.

The Creators
The members of the creative team are: Guy Laliberté, Guide; Daniele Finzi Pasca, Creator and Director; Line Tremblay, Director of Creation; Jean Rabasse, Set Designer and Decorator; Dominique Lemieux, Costume Designer; Philippe Leduc, Composer and Musical Director; Maria Bonzanigo, Composer and Musical Director; Martin Labrecque, Lighting Designer; Jonathan Deans, Sound Designer; Hugo Gargiulo (Teatro Sunil), Acting Designer; Antonio Vergamini (Teatro Sunil), Acting Designer; Dolores Heredia (Teatro Sunil), Dramaturgical Analyst; Danny Zen, Acrobatic Rigging Designer; Nathalie Gagné, Make-up Designer.

Sponsors and Media Partners
Cirque du Soleil gratefully acknowledges iShares, Presenting Sponsor of the 2007 US Tour, as well as CGI, DELTA AIRLINES and AMERICAN EXPRESS as the Official Sponsors. The media partners are LA WEEKLY and OC WEEKLY, ABC7 and Univision 34/Telefutura 46.

Tickets are now on sale online at cirquedusoleil.com or through Admission Network at 1 800-678-5440.

Jazz Tap Ensemble
AMERICAN TAP MASTERPIECES
The Hollywood Journey

Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 8pm

Irvine Barclay Theatre (949) 854-4646
Online: http://www.thebarclay.org/custom/events/event10.asp?eventID=932

"It will make you jump out of your shoes and beat your feet."
- Wall Street Journal-


This vivid, action portrait captures memorable dances from the big screen with Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell, and the Nicholas Brothers interspersing live dance and film sequences. It also takes a fresh look at the theater works of contemporary tap masters Jimmy Slyde and Gregory Hines. This company of 6 dancers, performing to live music, reflects the vibrancy of American tap dance, the brilliance of choreography and improvisation, and the dancers' ability to draw on the past as they create the future.

JTE was commissioned by the California Arts Council as part of the National Endowment for the Arts' American Masterpieces Program to create this work as part of a project to celebrate the best of American cultural and artistic legacy. Funding by the CAC and NEA are enabling us to offer this special event for just $10 per ticket.

JAZZ TAP ENSEMBLE (JTE), founded in 1979, is the first American dance company to bring the art of rhythm tap dance and live jazz music to the concert stage. JTE's vision of excellence, innovation, and collaboration, along with a deep respect for the masters, has inspired a repertory of virtuosity, wit, and far reaching musicality.

Renowned for its stellar artistic personnel, original choreographies, concert presentations, worldwide touring, residencies and workshops, and dedicated to community service through their Caravan Project for gifted teen tappers (since 1991), and JTE Goes to School (for K-12 throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties, CA), JTE has been honored to present and work with living tap masters Jimmy Slyde, Dianne Walker, LaVaughn Robinson, Brenda Bufalino, Savion Glover, and late greats Charles "Honi" Coles, Cholly Atkins, Fayard Nicholas, Harold Nicholas, Steve Condos, Eddie Brown, and the beloved Gregory Hines.

Los Angeles-based JTE has appeared at the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian, London's Riverside Theatre, Paris' Theater de la Ville, Lyon's Maison de la Danse, Salzburg Jazz Festival, as well as Jacob's Pillow, Spoleto USA, several seasons at New York's Joyce Theater, Playboy Jazz Festival, Hollywood Bowl, and major tap festivals in New York, Boulder, Denver, Portland, Houston, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

The Ensemble has toured extensively in Southeast Asia and Latin America under the auspices of USIA's "Art America" program. Performance highlights include Gregory Hines' Evening of Tap at Carnegie Hall, Dancin' in the Streets at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, Madrid en Danza festival, and Lyon's 4th Biennale, An American Story.

Television and film credits include London's Channel 4 TV special, JTE Live in Concert (on BRAVO in the USA), San Francisco's KQED special with Honi Coles, Los Angeles' KCET Holiday Special, and Christian Blackwood's award-winning film Tapdancin'.

LYNN DALLY (Artistic Director, Choreographer) co-founded the Jazz Tap Ensemble with Fred Strickler and Camden Richman in 1979. She has created a large body of original tap choreography for the concert stage and has performed worldwide with JTE. She has appeared often with tap legends Honi Coles, Eddie Brown, Steve Condos, the Nicholas Brothers, Brenda Bufalino, Dianne Walker, Sarah Petronio, Jimmy Slyde, and Gregory Hines in venues from Carnegie Hall to the Apollo.

Lynn Dally has received multiple grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Irvine Fellowship in Dance, City of Los Angeles (COLA) Fellowship, and was the first tap dancer/choreographer to receive the Guggenheim Fellowship in Choreography.

Her long list of commissions includes Ruby, My Dear (Thelonious Monk) and Black Iris (Duke Ellington) for Seattle's Pacific Northwest Ballet; The Moment (Kenny Barron) for Chicago's Human Rhythm Project; Tribute: A Valentine to Tap Dance in the Movies for the Palm Beach Festival; Tribute to Fred Astaire for the Getty Museum, Los Angeles.

She received the 2006 Hoofers Award for her choreographic contribution to tap dance from American Tap Dance Foundation at NY Tap City Festival. She is an Adjunct Professor in UCLA's Department of World Arts and Cultures, and continues to teach and perform internationally. Recent delights include Tap Divas at the Duke; Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, Salzburg Jazz Festival, Lyon's Maison de la Danse, and NY's Joyce Theater with Jazz Tap Ensemble. Her first published article, "No Maps On My Taps: An Appreciation," appears in the book Envisioning Dance.

Her first DVD, SOLEA, explores cross cultural rhythms in new choreography for a quartet of diverse soloists in Bharata Natyam, Flamenco, Modern, and Rhythm Tap Dance. Her next project is Women in Tap, a national conference of leading tap dance artists, scholars, writers, and documentary filmmakers, scheduled for Feb, 2008, at UCLA.

WICKED INTRODUCES D-SCRIPTIVE,

I-CAPTION AND SHOWTRANS

State-of-the-art customer services provide scene-by-scene information for hearing and sight challenged and multi-lingual commentary for non-English speaking audiences

Now available for all performances at Pantages Theatre

The Los Angeles company of WICKED is now offering D-Scriptive, I-Caption and ShowTrans, new state-of-the-art customer services that provides scene-by-scene dialogue and commentary of the production for hearing challenged patrons (I-Caption), sight challenged patrons (D-Scriptive) and translations for non-English speakers (ShowTrans) in Spanish, Japanese, French, German and Portuguese. D-Scriptive, I-Caption and ShowTrans are now available at all performances of WICKED at the Pantages Theatre.

More than a word-for-word translation, these three services give patrons the actual dialogue, as well as continual plot and descriptive information that enables them to follow the action, intention, humor and emotion of the show.

D-Scriptive, I-Caption and ShowTrans are available in the theatre lobby prior to all performances. These services can also be reserved in advance by calling the toll-free reservation line (888) 876-0801. ShowTrans multi-language commentary may be rented for $10 per ear receiver; the two other services –

D-Scriptive and I-Caption -- are offered for the hearing and sight challenged at no charge to the patron.

These new programs are created and serviced by Sound Associates, and sponsored in part by the National Institute for Special Need Audiences, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to using technology to make theatre accessible for those who may otherwise not be able to enjoy it. The proceeds help to fund programs for the blind, the deaf and the hearing impaired.

D-Scriptive, I-Caption and Showtrans were originally introduced in New York, and are currently available at the Broadway productions of WICKED, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Rent, Hairspray and Mamma Mia!

The precise timing of the commentary to the action of the show is critical.

D-Scriptive, I-Caption and ShowTrans are integrated into the show’s cueing system so that the commentary keeps pace with the action onstage. Even if there are greatly varying factors in the performance, the system does not miss a beat, and will always find its exact spot in the show.

When using Showtrans, a signal is transmitted, via either light wave or radio wave, to a multi-channel receiver that has been tuned to the desired language. The theatre patron wears a tiny earphone in one ear through which they can hear the commentary throughout the show.

D-Scriptive is an automated system for the sight-challenged, that works by exactly the same process and is controlled by the same master system. During the show, the blind or sight-impaired audience member hears a detailed description of all the visual aspects of the production, including choreography, lighting, sets and costumes. It too is timed perfectly to the show’s cueing system, and adjusts itself according to any fluctuations in the performance.

I-Caption is a hand-held captioning system for the deaf and severely hearing-impaired theatergoer, and is the newest and latest development offered as part of these special services. Also automated, it receives the signal from the master system and displays verbatim texts of the entire show, including lyrics, announcements and show information.

The captioning device, approximately the size of a small PDA, can either be held by the patron, or placed in a specially fitted receptacle on the seat-back in front of them, specifically tailored to each theater. The incredibly sharp screen is not visible to anyone not directly in front of the device, so as to avoid any distraction to neighbors. Even though the text keeps pace with the show, the user can scroll backwards at any time, to review previously displayed information.

About D-Scriptive, I-Caption and ShowTrans and Sound Associates, Inc.

Sound Associates, Inc. has been at the forefront in the development of assistive devices and services since 1979, when it introduced the Infrared Listening System for the hearing impaired. This system enabled the hard of hearing to attend and enjoy a show in a way not previously possible.

In 1981, its designer, Richard Fitzgerald, CEO of Sound Associates, was the recipient of a Tony Award in special recognition of this groundbreaking innovation, which has now become the standard on Broadway and throughout the world. "Using assistive technology, our goal is to make every performance available to all theatre lovers," says Fitzgerald.

Anne Tramon, who spearheaded the Infrared Division of Sound Associates, has since helped to form The National Institute For Special Need Audiences with the goal of evolving and expanding the Infrared Listening System to include many other applications, making theatre available to many new audiences.

A non-profit organization, NISNA is combining theatrical tradition with the latest in assistive technology from Sound Associates, to help diversify the audience for live theatre in the 21^st Century. NISNA funds the development of state-of-the-art communication tools for such special theatergoers as the blind, deaf, non-English speaking, and the senior citizen.

Carl Tramon, Director of Special Services for Sound Associates on Broadway, said, “Every time I see the emotional reaction of someone benefiting from one of our services, it makes me realize how much we take for granted, and how important it is that we persist in the development and application of such services. As we evolve, technology expands our potential. The services are like having a friend next to you whispering in your ear, and giving you what you need; except now the friend is freed up to watch and enjoy the show with you.”

The ADA has mandated comprehensive changes to accessibility requirements in all theatres. NISNA is not only fulfilling these requirements, but have taken it to the next level. Very soon, these services will be the standard in all Broadway houses as an irreplaceable aid for those who require it.

About WICKED in Los Angeles
The record-breaking Los Angeles company of WICKED is now performing at the Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. The musical is directed by Joe Mantello, with musical staging by Wayne Cilento. The Grammy Award-winning original cast recording of WICKED, produced by Stephen Schwartz for Decca Broadway, has been one of the fastest selling Broadway recordings of recent years and has been certified ‘Platinum’ by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Winner of 15 major awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.

Tickets for WICKED are on sale at www.ticketmaster.com or www.BroadwayLA.org, by phone at 213-365-3500 or 714-740-7878, in person at the Pantages Theatre Box Office, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., or at any Ticketmaster outlet. Groups of fifteen (15) or more can call 866-755-3075 or online at www.nedgroups.com.

For more information, visit www.wickedthemusical.com.

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Wadsworth Theatre RICHMARK Entertainment
REEL TALK with Stephen Farber
12 memorable evenings of exciting new films and conversations
12 Mondays at 7:00pm,
September 17 - December 10, 2007 (no Reel Talk Monday, November 19)

Stephen Farber, one of the country's leading film critics and historians, will continue his film series Reel Talk with Stephen Farber at the Wadsworth Theatre for 12 Monday nights beginning September 17th. Reel Talk with Stephen Farber is presented in partnership with RICHMARK Entertainment and Landmark Theatres.

Oct 15: RESERVATION ROAD is a powerful drama about two families whose lives are intertwined as a result of a hit-and-run accident. The stars are Mark Ruffalo, Joaquin Phoenix, and two Academy Award-winning actresses, Jennifer Connelly and Mira Sorvino. It is directed by Terry George ("Hotel Rwanda"). The guest speaker will be novelist and screenwriter John Burnham Schwartz.

Oct 22: THE KITE RUNNER, based on the international best-selling novel about a family in Afghanistan from the time of the Soviet invasion to the rise of the Taliban. Guest speakers will include producers Rebecca Yeldham and William Horberg and the film's star, Shaun Toub.

Oct 29: DAN IN REAL LIFE, a romantic comedy starring Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche. Guest speaker is screenwriter Pierce Gardner.

Nov 5: THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY. Artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel won the best director award at this year's Cannes Film Festival for this remarkable film inspired by the true-life story of French magazine editor Jean-Dominique Bauby and his triumph over a debilitating stroke. Filmed with an innovative subjective camera technique, the film features an international cast headed by Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josee Croze, and Max Von Sydow. The guest speaker will be two-time Academy Award-winning cinematographer Janusz Kaminski (Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan).

More speakers may be added. More titles coming soon. Films and speakers subject to change.

New World Flamenco Festival

La Flor de la Vida – The Prime of Life

August 10-19, 2007

Three U.S. premieres

De Grana y Oro – Aug 10-12

A Fuego Lento – Aug 14-15

Las Cosas de Caí – Aug 17-19

The New World Flamenco Festival is pleased to announce three U.S. premieres for the 2007 edition of the festival that will take place at Irvine Barclay Theatre August 10-19, 2007.

The New World Flamenco Festival has fostered a trend that is being noticed around the world – flamenco has a stylistic variety and point of view as rich as anything found in contemporary dance. One of the hallmarks of this festival is its ability to convince established flamenco artists, stars of their generation, to create or bring new and exciting works to premiere at the festival.

Past festivals have paid homage to mainstream trendsetters, leaders, and quite simply, great flamenco artists. It is therefore natural that the 2007 edition devotes an entire festival dedicated to the truly promising, young talent on the horizon. This year the festival gives three of Spain’s rising stars the chance to make their mark in the U.S.

More than 6,000 people attend the New World Flamenco Festival every August from all over the Americas and Europe. Café Flamenco takes place on the plaza in front of the theatre before and after every performance. Festival-goers can come early, sample Spanish cuisine and meet new friends. After the performance the artists come and mingle with the festival crowd to the festive sounds of flamenco guitar.

The theme of this year’s festival, La Flor de la Vida [The Prime of Life], certainly describes the explosive talent and vitality of the artists of the 2007 edition. Each of these artists has paid their dues as a principal dancer in major companies; gone on to form highly regarded companies of their own and scored stunning successes in Spain’s major festival – two just this past winter at the Festival de Jerez.

We have also posted video on YouTube -- www.YouTube.com/newworldflamenco

The festival will again include classes and workshops taught by the artists appearing in the festival.

Photo by Dean Thomas

Dance: http://www.thebarclay.org/custom/events/event10.asp?eventID=735
Guitar: http://www.thebarclay.org/custom/events/event10.asp?eventID=734
Cante: http://www.thebarclay.org/custom/events/event10.asp?eventID=919

The Esther Wells Collection
1390 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-2497
www.estherwellscollection.com

Presents

"The Evanescent Light”

Cynthia Britain
July 14 - August 14, 2007

Recent painting trips to Hawaii, Point Reyes, Catalina and around our own Orange County are the subjects of this new exhibit of work by Cynthia Britain.

Light and shadow play, atmospheric nuances, shapes and tonal values; all elements that change from place to place and make each unique. These elements are what make up the paintings of Cynthia Britain. Because of the fleeting nature of light, Cynthia has only two hours to capture her subject when she is painting “en plein aire”.

She has searched and found the pockets of Old Orange County that still exist. The orange groves and old structures of a more rural time, when things were a bit slower and simpler. Sunlight filtering through the eucalyptus and orange trees, an old, clapboard home or a peaked roofed, red barn reminiscent of days gone by.

In scenes of Catalina and Hawaii she shows the lushness of the island settings with the ocean as a backdrop. The feel of the atmospheric mood of the island climate along with the calmer pace of life can be felt.

The verdant, rolling hills, opens space and coastal scenes are the focus of her Point Reyes works. Scenes of a quieter, and serene place.

Cynthia, one of the five signature members who co-founded the Laguna Plein-Air Painters Association (LPAPA), is also a member of the California Art Club, and the Oil Painters of America. She has participated in numerous juried exhibitions and received many awards. Her studies with Ted Goerschner, Kevin MacPherson and Kim English, along with a foundation of a Fine Arts major at Fullerton College, and course study at UCLA and Putney College of Art in England make up her arts education.

The Esther Wells Collection, in Laguna Beach, has long been known as an established fine arts gallery representing a number of the country’s leading artists. Also recognized as a source for original sculpture works in bronze, stone, and terra cotta. The gallery is a First Thursdays Art Walk participant. Gallery hours are 10-ish a.m. to 4:30 p. m. daily.

MAMMA MIA!

RETURNS TO THE CENTER

August 7-19 in Segerstrom Hall

Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ MAMMA MIA!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, returns to Segerstrom Hall at the Orange County Performing Arts Center August 7 to 19. MAMMA MIA! is part of The Center’s popular Curtain Call Series.

Inspired by the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs, writer Catherine Johnson’s sunny, funny tale of family and friendship unfolds on a Greek island. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. Songs including “Dancing Queen,” “The Winner Takes It All,” “Money, Money, Money” and “Take A Chance on Me” are all featured in this feel-good night of fun and laughter.

With more productions playing simultaneously around the world than any other new musical, MAMMA MIA! is now the world’s # 1 show. There are currently twelve productions of MAMMA MIA! running concurrently around the world (ten permanent productions and two tours). With a worldwide gross of over $2 billion dollars and audiences of more than 30 million people, MAMMA MIA! is acclaimed by the Associated Press as “quite simply, a phenomenon.”

The original cast recording of MAMMA MIA! is available on Decca Broadway.

For information about MAMMA MIA! around the world, go to www.mamma-mia.com

ORANGE COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The Center is committed to supporting artistic excellence on all of its stages and engaging the entire community in new and exciting ways through an array of inspiring programs.

The Orange County Performing Arts Center opened in 1986 with its 3,000-seat Segerstrom Hall and intimate 250-seat Founders Hall. In 2006, The Center expanded its venues to include the 2,000-seat Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and 500-seat multi-functional Samueli Theater. The Center’s new facility, which also includes a studio theater and education lab, joins with the adjacent Tony® Award-winning South Coast Repertory and a site for a future visual arts complex to create Segerstrom Center for the Arts. A 46,000-square-foot outdoor community plaza unites all of the venues to create one of the largest performing arts campuses in the United States.

The Orange County Performing Arts Center presents a broad range of programming each season, including international ballet and dance, national tours of top Broadway shows, intimate performances of jazz and cabaret, classical music performed by renowned chamber orchestras and ensembles, family-friendly programming and many other special events.

The Center offers many programs designed to inspire young people through the arts. These programs reach more than 500,000 students of all ages with vital arts-in-education programs, enhancing their studies and enriching their lives well into the future.

The Center is proud to serve as the artistic home to the region’s major performing arts organizations: Pacific Symphony, the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, Opera Pacific and the Pacific Chorale.

For more information, visit www.ocpac.org.

Tickets to performances at the Orange County Performing Arts Center are
$23 - $73, and are available at The Center’s Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, by calling (714) 556-2787 or online at www.ocpac.org. For inquiries about group ticket discounts, call The Center’s Group Sales office at (714) 755-0236. The Center’s TTY number is (714) 556-2746.

The Center applauds Mercedes Benz, the official vehicle of The Center, for its support.

MAMMA MIA!

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Segerstrom Hall

August 7-19, 2007

Tuesdays-Fridays at 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays at 2 & 7:30 p.m.

Sundays at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

Theater: Orange County Performing Arts Center – Segerstrom Hall

600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

Tickets: $23, $28, $42, $48, $63, $68, $73

In Person - The Center Box Office
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily

Online - www.ocpac.org

Phone - (714) 556-2787

Open 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily

TTY number - (714) 556-2746

Group Sales - (714) 755-0236

Artists, dates and programs are subject to change.

The Orange County Performing Arts Center is a private, non-profit organization. “Orange County Performing Arts Center” is a California registered trademark.