Los Angeles Premiere of Hunchback at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
Who is the monster and who is the man? Based on the Victor Hugo and songs from the Disney film
La Mirada~La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment are thrilled to present the first show of its 2016-2017 season, the Los Angeles premiere production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Peter Parnell, musical direction by Dennis Castellano, choreography by Dana Solimando and directed by Glenn Casale.
This brand new musical is the only stage collaboration from two masters of American musical theatre, Alan Menken (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast) and Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin). With a lush, emotionally rich score and beautiful choral arrangements, it’s a dramatic retelling of the epic but tragic Victor Hugo novel. Darker than the Disney film, closer in plot to the novel, the musical showcases the film’s Oscar-nominated score and introduces stunning new songs. For the first time, Quasimodo -- who is deaf in the original novel -- will be played by a deaf actor. Parental discretion is advised.
Hunchback will preview on Friday, September 16, 2016 (with a press opening on Saturday, September 17) and run through Sunday, October 9, 2016 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada.
Performances are 7:30pm on Wednesdays & Thursdays; 8pm on Fridays; 2pm and 8pm on Saturdays; and 2pm on Sundays. There will be no performances on Saturday, September 17 at 2pm. Talkbacks with the cast and creative team will be on Wednesday, September 21 and Wednesday, October 5.
Tickets range from $20 - $70 and can be purchased at La Mirada Theatre’s website, www.lamiradatheatre.com or by calling the La Mirada Theatre Box Office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310. Student, Senior, Child and group discounts are available.
Diverse Group Gathers in La Mirada to Pray and Give Tribute
La Mirada~Over fifty residents & clergy leaders gathered on a beautiful late summer afternoon in the courtyard at the Civic Center Plaza for the annual La Mirada Prayer for 9/11.
The event had a theme of unity and recognized those we lost from the September 11th, 2001 attacks and also paid tribute to past and current emergency personnel and military members.
Speakers from Temple Beth Ohr, La Mirada Christian Church, La Mirada Masjid, and Living Faith Church were featured.
9/11 Remembrances in La Mirada
La Mirada~Members of the La Mirada area clergy invite congregations and members of the community to take part in the 9/11 La Mirada Prayer gathering today 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the Eternal Flame in the civic center courtyard.
Also at 6:00 p.m. an informal Patriotic Rally will be held at the intersection of La Mirada Boulevard and Imperial Highway to honor our fallen heroes of September 11, 2011.
Latest La Mirada News
City Council
The council recently recognized Temple Beth Ohr of La Mirada on its 60th anniversary. Rabbi Mark Goldfarb was on hand to accept a certificate on behalf of TBO. The synagogue, located at Rosecrans and Santa Gertrudes, was started by eight Jewish families in La Mirada shortly after subdivision in 1954. They hooked up on a supermarket bulletin board.
A resolution was passed authorizing the installation of stop signs and pavement markings on the east and west approaches of Hesse Drive at Talbot Drive.
A resolution was passed to remove the ladder-type crosswalk, signs and pavement markings on Telegraph Road at Armsdale Avenue. It has been determined the crosswalk is no longer needed for El Camino High School which currently operates at the site. The crosswalk remained from when the school operated as Mesa Elementary School.
Wow! How awesome to see residents Joe and Millie Emmerling recently recognized for their 70th wedding anniversary. The Emmerling’s moved to La Mirada in 
September of 1960. “We were here when La Mirada wasn’t a city yet,” the 98-year-old Mrs. Emmerling told the audience. They received a plaque and two tickets to the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts for their efforts.
The 1.5 acre parcel at 13400 Biola Avenue will be subdivided and construction of six single-family dwelling units will be developed. The parcel was formerly owned by Suburban Water and was the site of one of the original artesian water wells of Andrew McNally’s Windermere Ranch in the late nineteenth and early 20th century.
Sports
The La Mirada High School football team beat Orange Lutheran 24-17 on August 26th to open the 2016-17 campaign. The defending Suburban League and State Bowl champs then opened up the home season with a 34-0 loss to nationally ranked St. John Bosco this past Friday. The Matadores take on Mater Dei, also nationally ranked, this Friday September 9th on the road.
Eats
Although no lease has been signed yet, Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen has submitted initial tentative plans to develop the lot adjacent to Savers at the Green Hills Shopping Center North at Imperial Highway and Santa Gertrudes.
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onstruction has begun on the new McDonald’s at the former site of The Carriage at Imperial Highway and Telegraph Road. The new Mickey D’s will be an ultra-modern facility similar to the store in Brea.
Across the street, construction has also begun on The Habit Burger Grill which will occupy the former Starbucks and Verizon facility on the southwest corner of La Mirada Boulevard and Imperial Highway.
Recorded Council Meetings Now on Cityâs Website
After many delays, The La Mirada City Council finally recorded their first meeting on May 24th, posting it the following morning on the City’s website.
The videos are hosted by Granicus, an online cloud service with more than 5 million government media files and public records and allow users to upload agendas to videos. Viewers are allowed to watch live or archived videos.
However, as of now the residents of La Mirada are only able to watch archived videos and are not able to view the meetings live.
Council agendas (available online and at city hall) are required by law to be posted 72 hours before council meetings. The recorded meetings will then be posted 14 to 15 hours later, said La Mirada City Manager Jeff Boynton.
“I think so far we’ve had about [35 to 45] views per meeting,” Boynton said. “I don’t even know if there’s a way to track who’s viewing it… It’s pretty early in the process, so it’s still a pretty new service we’re providing.”
As for videos posted live, Boynton said posting the videos the morning after makes it easier on the staff.
“It’s just the way that we’ve set it up. In terms of our staffing restrictions, it’s just easier to do it that way for us,” Boynton said.
A survey conducted by the city council showed 80% said they would like council meetings to be streamed online and from those, 80% said they would watch it.
“It was actually an overwhelming majority of individuals or residents of La Mirada who wanted our council meetings to be available online,” said Councilmember Andrew Sarega.
Recorded City Council Meetings Now on Cityâs Website
After many delays, The La Mirada City Council finally recorded their first council meeting on May 24th, posting it the following morning on the City’s website.
The videos are hosted by Granicus, an online cloud service with more than 5 million government media files and public records and allow users to upload agendas to videos. Viewers are allowed to watch live or archived videos.
However, as of now the residents of La Mirada are only able to watch archived videos and are not able to view the meetings live.
Council agendas (available online and at city hall) are required by law to be posted 72 hours before council meetings. The recorded meetings will then be posted 14 to 15 hours later, said La Mirada City Manager Jeff Boynton.
“I think so far we’ve had about [35 to 45] views per meeting,” Boynton said. “I don’t even know if there’s a way to track who’s viewing it… It’s pretty early in the process, so it’s still a pretty new service we’re providing.”
As for videos posted live, Boynton said posting the videos the morning after makes it easier on the staff.
“It’s just the way that we’ve set it up. In terms of our staffing restrictions, it’s just easier to do it that way for us,” Boynton said.
A survey conducted by the city council showed 80% said they would like council meetings to be streamed online and from those, 80% said they would watch it.
“It was actually an overwhelming majority of individuals or residents of La Mirada who wanted our council meetings to be available online,” said councilmember Andrew Sarega.
Sarega has aspired for the residents of La Mirada to become actively engaged in the council meetings for several years, talking about it frequently during his election campaign in 2013. With some residents unable to attend council meetings for various reasons, Sarega considers the decision to have videos recording a huge success.
“I want residents to get involved and to watch and to participate because unfortunately there are some that don’t necessarily want this to succeed and they question whether or not people view it,” Sarega said. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s a huge win that we’re able to get the meetings streamed online and I want people to watch and get involved.”
Council meetings will be recorded for a year before being reviewed in June of 2017.
La Mirada City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.
La Mirada City Council Recognizes Supervisor Knabe
La Mirada~The La Mirada City Council recognized Supervisor Don Knabe on August 9th for his career of public service, local support, and leadership for the past 20 years. The Supervisor’s term ends in November.
During his time as Supervisor, Knabe saw the City of La Mirada’s facilities expand to include the Community Gymnasium, Community Resource Center, Activity Center,
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| La Mirada City Council members Ed Eng, Steve De Ruse, Larry Mowles and Pauline Deal with Supervisor Don Knabe (center). |
Community Sheriff’s Station, and Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center. His support was instrumental in making many of these facilities come to fruition.
Currently, Supervisor Knabe’s “Operation Libraries” project is investing over $4.4 million to renovate the La Mirada Library, which will open by the end of the year.
Supervisor Knabe also created the very popular Knabe Katch Fishing Derby in 1996. The 20th event takes place this year on Saturday, September 24th, as always at Regional Park Lake. The event’s future is uncertain after this year.
Supervisor Knabe was presented with a recognition plaque and a framed photo collage at the August 9th City Council meeting.
Nationâs Leading Latino Legal Civil Rights Organization Demands La Mirada Switch Election System
La Mirada~The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) recently sent a letter to the Mayor of La Mirada and the other city council members, accusing the city of violating the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA).
MALDEF has placed demands on the city to convert to a by-district election system as compared to the at-large method to allow Latino residents to elect candidates to city council.
Latinos make up 36% of La Mirada’s eligible voter population, according to US Census Data.
After receiving complaints from a group of residents this year, MALDEF organized an investigation with the press release stating, “there are currently no Latino members on the five-seat council, and with one exception, there have been no Latinos on the city council since La Mirada’s incorporation in 1960.”
However, at present, Mayor Steve De Ruse is of Mexican descent, rebutting MALDEF’s claim.
After reviewing election returns and demographic information for La Mirada MALDEF claims the lack of success of Latino voters in La Mirada to elect candidates is due to racially polarized voting among the electorate, therefore violating the CVRA, the statement read.
Matthew Barragan, MALDEF Staff Attorney, said in a statement, “MALDEF stands with La Mirada’s Latino voters in their pursuit of a place in local government. These residents simply want a voice in who gets to have a say in important aspects of civic life.”
La Mirada City Manager Jeff Boynton acknowledged there are neighboring communities who have changed their process recently, “This is a process of something new for us and we have to see what it means for La Mirada. We have a lot to learn in the next couple of months and decisions will have to be made with benefits and drawbacks for whatever course of action is taken.”
MALDEF and their clients will pursue a judicial order to change the election system should the City of La Mirada fail to respond by August 17th or if they give an unsatisfactory response.
Boynton said a closed session will take place to discuss the matter with the city attorney at the duration of the next council meeting Tuesday, August 9th.
UPDATE: 07:32 08/6/16: We contacted MALDEF attorney, Matthew Barragan and asked him about the apparent miscalculation by the group of Latino representation on the La Mirada City Council, "If there were more than one [Latino] prior to that, it wouldn't change the result of our demand letter. And you know, us still believing the city's violation was based on a large investigation that had to do with more than just how many Latino members were on the council, he said.
Ribbon Cutting for New Playground Equipment at Frontier Park
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| City officials and community members gather for a ribbon cutting this past Friday as the new playground equipment was unveiled at Frontier Park. Earlier this year the city council allocated more than $714,000 for play area renovations that also include Anna J. Martin Park and the tot lot at the community gymnasium. |
Shirley Jones and Paul Williams to Appear at Symphony Gala
La Mirada~You are invited to the first annual Golden Clef Awards Gala, honoring individuals who have made a significant contribution to the musical arts, Saturday, August 20th at 7:00 p.m. at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
The first recipients are actress Shirley Jones, composer Paul Williams, Roy Disney, Jr. and Supervisor Don Knabe. Veteran Broadway performers Rex Smith, James Mulligan, and Carly Bracco provide musical entertainment. Host Morgan Brittany will engage Shirley Jones and Paul Williams in intimate onstage chats and include film clips of their career highlights.
Disney fans will enjoy the tribute to Roy Disney, Jr., often credited with saving the Disney legacy. Disney producer and historian, David Bossert, presents a special segment highlighting the missing portion of Fantasia known as “Destino.” The film marries Salvador Dali art to music and will be shown at the gala.
Organizers are working hard to ensure an entertaining evening to kick start the 2016-2017 La Mirada Symphony season. All proceeds go toward funding the free admission concerts provided by the LMS for the community. A silent auction of valuable packages offers another opportunity for music lovers to support the symphony. The $100 VIP package includes an after show reception with hors d'oeuvres, wine bar, and meet-and-greet with the honorees. All other seats are $60.
Order tickets through the La Mirada Theatre Box Office here or call 562-944-9804.
Limited half price tickets available and 15% off VIP using code animate here.
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