Natalie Wachen Returns to La Mirada to Teach Musical Theatre and TV/Film Classes This Summer
STAR OF HBO’S BOARDWALK EMPIRE, RENT WILL INSTRUCT THE THEATRE TROUPE SHE GREW UP WITH, IN THE CITY SHE WAS RAISED IN; PHANTOM PROJECTS ANNOUNCES EXTENSIVE SERIES OF CLASSES: AGES 10+ INCLUDING A SUMMER OF SHAKESPEARE, DANCE, TV/FILM, MUSICAL THEATRE, AND MORE.
La Mirada~Before joining the cast of Martin Scorsese’s Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning HBO series BOARDWALK EMPIRE, and before starring as Mimi Marquez in the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway revival of RENT, Natalie Wachen was a member of the La Mirada-based Phantom Projects Theatre Group. Now, Ms. Wachen returns not as an actress and director, but as a teacher.
“Each year, the most frequent requests we receive from our audiences, are for classes. Now, we’re answering that request in a very big way. We’re making it possible for every young person to learn, whether it’s acting, dancing, singing, getting a better understanding of Shakespeare, or even if they’ve never even stepped on stage before. Having Natalie return and join our roster of wonderful teachers and working professionals is a huge asset for our new and returning students,” commented Phantom Projects’ Producing Artistic Director Steve Cisneros.
Fire on Gandesa Appears to Have Destroyed Home
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| Photo sent in by a La Mirada Blog follower on Twitter shows flames coming out of home on Gandesa Road last night. |
La Mirada~A fire broke out last night at a home on Gandesa Road in La Mirada.
We originally reported the blaze at 9:03 p.m. on our Twitter feed.
Firefighters knocked the blaze down within an hour.
La Mirada Blog Twitter followers on Los Fuentes reported embers falling in their yards.
We have an unconfirmed report from another follower that the owner of the house that caught on fire was out of town.
That is all we have at this time. If more pertinent information becomes available we will update here, within this article.
See a photo of the home in the next day's aftermath here.
See a short video clip of the incident here.
050514 21:49 UPDATE: Homeowner was home at time of fire and is OK, her roommate was out of town.
OBITUARY: Long Time La Mirada Resident Florence Robertson
Florence Theresa Robertson resident of La Mirada; born September 22, 1925 in Sommerville, Mass. passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on March 26, 2014. God has prepared a room in his mansion for her with all her loved ones and friends who have gone on before. She is preceded in death by her parents: Walter and Florence Crowley, sons: baby twins, Kenneth and Patrick, Dale Robertson, Gary Robertson and daughter-in-law: Frances Price-Robertson. Florence was survived by her beloved children: Robert Dyess, James (Imajean) Robertson, Donna (George) Peterson, and Linda Chappie, daughter-in-law: Cheryl Robertson, grandchildren: Lisa (John) LaBartunek, Robert (Daisy) Peterson, Steve (Sarah) Robertson, Kelly Peterson, Kathryn Robertson, Brian Peterson, Janet Peterson, Diana (Tony) Ramos, Jackie Stephens, Jerry Robertson, April Peterson, Ben Chappie, and 18 great grandchildren. A sister-in-law: Dorothy Lowe, nephew: Rick (Patty) Dinnerville, nieces: Susan Pyle and Sharon Robinson and their families. One of her many accomplishments was the ability to make friends wherever she went; and it was natural for her to treat everyone with equality, respect and kindness. She had a loving soul and was a writer of inspiring poetry. She had many long and lasting friendships with people who loved her, she will be remembered in our hearts always and deeply missed. A memorial service was held April 25th.
Arts Colony of La Mirada May Meeting
The May meeting of the Arts Colony of La Mirada will be held on Monday May 5th at 6:30 p.m. at the La Mirada Resource Center, 13700 La Mirada Blvd.
Don Read of La Habra Heights will demonstrate the use of pastels. He is a native of the United Kingdom but considers California his home.
The public is welcome. For further information call 562 941 4116, or 714 522 8157 or visit their website at www.acolm.com.
Shooting Rattles La Mirada Neighborhood
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| Image from La Mirada Blog YouTube channel shows deputies placing evidence markers at the scene of a shooting earlier this afternoon in La Mirada |
La Mirada~Shots were fired at a person standing outside a home at the northeast corner of Valley View and Mansa Drive this afternoon around 12:40 p.m.
The victim was a male hispanic in his early 20's according to Lieutenant Jason Skeen of the Norwalk Sheriff's Station. It is unclear if the victim resides in the home he was standing in front of.
Skeen told the La Mirada Blog the victim was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive and may even be released by now.
Witnesses on the scene said they were in their homes on Mansa Drive and heard as many as 8-10 rounds ring out.
Skeen told us that the anti-gang unit Operation Safe Streets (OSS) has taken over the investigation but fell short of calling the incident gang related.
However, the La Mirada Blog has learned that the officers initially broadcast on the sheriff dispatch that a gang epithet was shouted out by the suspects before the shooting.
The La Mirada Blog has also learned the suspects, who reportedly drove off northbound on Valley View, were driving a custom-style white vehicle, possibly a BMW, although the sheriff's department would not confirm this.
Stock up at La Mirada Library Spring Book Sale
La Mirada~The annual Spring Book Sale sponsored by the Friends of the La Mirada Library will be held on Saturday, May 3 at the La Mirada Activity Center, 13810 La Mirada Boulevard (behind the Fire Station), from 9:00 AM until 2:30 PM.
This is an excellent chance to stock up for your summer reading. Most paperbacks are $0.50 each and up. Children’s books start at $0.25. All proceeds benefit the La Mirada Public Library.
Skilled NLMUSD Students Head to State Competition
SkillsUSA regional winners advance to leadership conference
San Diego~Showcasing the vast array of skills acquired at Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District high schools, nearly 90 students will represent the district at the SkillsUSA 47th Annual State Leadership and Skill Conference this weekend, Thursday April 24th through Sunday April 27th.
SkillsUSA, a partnership of students, teachers and industry partners working together to ensure the United States has an accomplished workforce, will test the students’ expertise in a wide variety of career- and technical-education skills that range from automotive technology and welding to broadcast news production and nursing.
Students from La Mirada, John Glenn and Norwalk high schools and Southeast Academy advanced to the state competition after winning in the SkillsUSA Regional Competition that included students from Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange counties.
This year, the La Mirada High SkillsUSA team expanded to include students in the ACE business academy and APPLE education academy Career Pathways programs, said LMHS Principal Bill Seals. In the past, the SkillsUSA team consisted of only welding students.
“Both first-time competitors and seasoned veterans performed very well,” Seals said. “The competition at the regional level was fierce, but our students showed very well. I’m confident they will pull out all the stops at the state level.”
REVIEW: Legendary Musical CATS Now Playing Through May 11th at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
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Daniel Dawson (center, leaping) and the Company of "CATS" perform in the LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS/McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT production, directed and choreographed by Dana Solimando and now playing at LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. |
La Mirada~Renowned choreographer Dana Solimando successfully directs and choreographs the epic classic musical Cats, and brings the lively production to the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts stage. Despite the complexity of the Tony Award-Winning show, Solimando along with musical director John Glaudini and associate director/choreographer Billy Johnstone victoriously maintained a mesmerized, captivated audience.
Among many, one of the most impressive aspects of the show was the sensational choreography. From the very first number, "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats", an intricate number which appeared to have been performed effortlessly, the abundance of talent from both the cast and the choreographers was evident. With not a step out of place, Solimando lives up to her reputation as one of Los Angeles' best choreographers.
With such a talented and experienced cast, it is no surprise that the production was such a success. Todrick Hall, best known as season nine finalist of American Idol, triumphantly took the stage as Rum Tum Tugger Hall's jubilant performance in "The Rum Tum Tugger" was one of the best moments of the production.
Students From La Mirada High Will Compete at SkillsUSA 47th Annual State Leadership and Skill Conference
La Mirada~Eleven La Mirada High School students will go on to compete in the SkillsUSA statewide competition from April 24-27 in San Diego.
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure the United States has a skilled workforce.
Students competed at the regional level in the areas of Criminal Justice, Speech, Job Interviews, Health Occupations, Entrepreneurship, Web Design, Early Childhood Development, Community Service, Human Services, T-Shirt Design, Manufacturing, Marketing and Welding.
La Mirada High earned 28 gold medals, 23 silver medals and six bronze medals.
Tony-Award Winning and Legendary CATS Opens at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
La Mirada~La Mirada theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment present the fourth production in its 2013-1014 season of shows with one of the most popular musical events of all-time, the Tony award-winning, CATS, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot, with musical direction by John Glaudini and directed and choreographed by Dana Solimando. CATS will feature Kelly Provart as Grizabella and Todrick Hall (whose hilarious YOUTUBE video parodies have been seen by millions of viewers) as Rum Tum Tugger.
Based on the universally popular poetry of T.S. Eliot, CATS tells the story, in song and dance, of the annual gathering of Jellicle cats at which time one special cat is selected to ascend to the Heaviside layer. A true musical theatre phenomenon, CATS opened at London's New London Theatre on May 11, 1981 and ran for a record-setting 21 years. CATS' London success was nearly matched on Broadway where it ran at the Winter Garden Theatre for just over 18 years.
CATS will preview on Friday, April 18, 2014 (with a press opening on Saturday, April 19) and run through Sunday, May 11, 2014.
Performances will be 7:30pm on Wednesdays & Thursdays; 8pm on Fridays; 2pm and 8pm on Saturdays; and 2pm on Sundays. (with two added Sunday evening performances; May 4 and May 11 at 7:00pm).
There will be no matinee performance on Saturday, April 19. Talkbacks with the actors will be on Wednesday, April 23 and Wednesday, May 7.
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 and group discounts are available.
LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS is located at 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue where the 91 and 5 freeways meet. Parking is free.
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