Soledad O'Brien Unveils 'I Am Latino In America'

PRESENTED BY NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

Tour to visit Miami, FL; Edinburg, TX; and Los Angeles, CA

Soledad O'Brien

New York, NY (September 14, 2015) – Award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien today unveiled “I AM LATINO IN AMERICA," a national tour of conversations that amplify the Latino voice on critical community issues. 

The Tour kicks off September 28 at Florida International University, with plans to roll out in five more cities including Edinburg, TX and Los Angeles, CA.  Additional tours are planned for the spring and summer of 2016, with more than 15 cities expected to host the live event.

O'Brien is a former CNN and NBC anchor and the CEO of multimedia production and distribution company, Starfish Media Group.  She previously hosted two “Black in America” tours that highlighted issues like police brutality and civil rights.  The “I AM LATINO IN AMERICA" tour will address voting, the economy, and education issues.

Influential celebrities, national and local advocates, business leaders, students and academics will join O’Brien along the tour.  “Latinos are 54 million strong, make up a quarter of the children in this country, and include 25 million voters with $1.5 trillion in buying power,” said O'Brien.  “Our tour will empower the U.S. Hispanic community’s collective voice in a crucial election year."

More than 4,000 college students as well as local and national Latino leaders are expected to attend the first three events hosted by the following colleges and universities.

• Sept. 28: Miami, FL – Florida International University
• Oct. 5: Edinburg, TX – University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley
• Oct. 15: Los Angeles, CA – Occidental College

Making the tour possible is presenting sponsor Northwestern Mutual and sponsors Macy’s and Southwest Airlines.  “Northwestern Mutual representatives and advisors are proud to serve as trusted partners helping Latino families and business owners achieve financial security," said Conrad York, Vice President-Marketing and a member of the company’s diversity and inclusion committee.  “Through our commitment to improving the lives of children, families, and the communities where they live, we are pleased to sponsor this conversation important to the Latino community.”

The tour is co-produced by INGEÑUITY, a content and experiential event firm that creates, designs and produces groundbreaking signature platforms connecting brands to people experiences.  “I AM LATINO IN AMERICA” is the inaugural tour from INGEÑUITY’s Success Stories Live! Tours Division.  “We are excited to develop such an important event with an exceptional talent as Soledad O’Brien,” said David Chavez, CEO, INGEÑUITY.  “We’re designing the full experience for attendees from red carpets and musical performances to special guests!”

Soledad O’Brien has covered race, ethnicity and compelling social issues her entire career, creating a franchise of Latino in America and Black in America documentaries, books and speaking tours that provoke conversation.  She is the author of “LATINO IN AMERICA, a memoir” (2009) and “THE NEXT BIG STORY” (2010), the story of how her Black Cuban mother and Australian immigrant father came together to give their children a world of opportunities during the civil rights era.

For Tour information, visit www.iamlatinoinamerica.com. 

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About INGEÑUITY:

INGEÑUITY is a business growth agency connecting + people + brands + experiences changing millions of lives and communities.  We believe in pioneering and transforming experiences that turn feelings into action through event marketing, signature platforms, TV specials, concerts, conventions, galas, speakers & tours, exhibitions and world-renowned celebrity relationships.  More information: WeAreIngenuity.com, @weare_ingenuity. 

About Starfish Media Group (SMG):

STARFISH MEDIA GROUP is a leading production and distribution company focused on real stories, authentic characters, and rich storytelling told across a broad range of content formats and media platforms.  SMG and Soledad O'Brien report and produce series, documentaries, digital content, live events and filmed entertainment.  O'Brien has produced documentaries for CNN and Al Jazeera America and reports for PBS, HBO’s ‘Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.’  She hosts the National Geographic Bee and contributes to Al Jazeera's America Tonight.   

About Northwestern Mutual:

Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for nearly 160 years. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a comprehensive approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, annuities, life insurance with long-term care benefits, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company.

Donald Glover Stars In Fox's 'The Martian'

Donald Glover

Take a look at this new clip of Donald Glover alongside Kristen Wiig and Chiewetel Ejiofor from THE MARTIAN. Donald’s character, Rich Purnell, a corky, science geek, plays a pivotal role in the film as he devises a plan to help bring Mark Watney (Matt Damon) home. 

THE MARTIAN is packed with an all-star cast, including: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kristen Wiig, and Michael Pena to name a few. 

Watch “Checks Out” clip from THE MARTIAN here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcyfDRYKDJM

Cast of The Martian

'Breathe' Opens September 25 At Greenway

Greenway Arts Alliance has announced the world premiere production of Breathe, a drama by Javon Johnson. Directed by Levy Lee Simon, there will be two preview performances on September 23 and 24 at 8pm and opening night is set for Friday, September 25 at 8pm. The limited engagement of 17 performances will run through Friday, October 23.  

The cast will feature (in alphabetical order) Brandon Armstrong, Wade Barrett, Walter Cox, Monifa Days, James Giordano, Dutch Hofstetter, John Marshall Jones, Blake Scott Lewis, Carrie Madsen, Kamahl Naiqui, and Lyn Ross. The set design is by Max Oken, lighting design is by Jeremy Pivnick, costume design is by EB Brooks, and sound design is by Will Mahood. 

Breathe is the story of two teenagers (one black, one white) who are involved in separate acts of violence but the consequences they each face are based not only on evidence but also on the color of their skin. Using a combination of urban poetry and dramatic action, Breathe explores the tensions, decisions, and conditions that lead the boys to prison and the effect their imprisonment has on their families.

Playwright Javon Johnson is an actor, writer, poet, and director. He is a founding member of Congo Square Theatre Company in Chicago. His work has been recognized with many honors including the Black Theatre Alliance August Wilson Award, the Lorraine Hansberry Award,  a  Yukon/Pacific  New  Play  Award,  and  a  Kennedy  Center  Fellowship.   Several  of Johnson’s plays have been performed in regional theatres across the country. As an actor, he has appeared on The Mob Doctor, Prison Break, Survivor’s Remorse, and Trapped in the Closet, among many others.

Director Levy Lee Simon is also an actor and a playwright. He is the author of more than 20 plays which have received productions in the U.S. and the Caribbean. The list includes For the Love of Freedom Trilogy, The Bow Wow Club, and The Guest at Central Park West, to name only a few. His most recent plays include The Magnificent Dunbar Hotel and The Last Revolutionary, both of which were featured at the 2015 National Black Theatre Festival. As an actor Simon has performed in over 60 productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in regional theatres, in England, and the Caribbean.

The mission of Greenway Arts Alliance is to unite the community through art, education and enterprise. A nationally recognized innovator, Greenway has created a world class model of how a non-profit arts organization can thrive while operating 99-seat theatre that welcomes emerging artists, students, and seasoned professionals alike.

There will be two preview performances of Breathe on Wednesday, September 23 and  Thursday, September 24 at 8 p.m. and opening is set for Friday, September 25 at 8 p.m. The regular performance schedule is as follows, all at 8pm (except as noted) — Saturday 9/26; Sunday 9/27 at 7pm; Mondays 9/28 & 10/5; Wednesdays 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21; Thursdays 10/8, 10/15, 10/22; Fridays 10/9, 10/16, and 10/23. Tickets are $35 for reserved seats and $25 for general admission and may be purchased online at www.greenwaycourt.org or via phone by calling (323) 673-0544. 

Greenway Court Theatre is located at 544 N. Fairfax Boulevard, in Los Angeles, 90036. Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the theatre.               

Horror-Comedy "Krampus" In Theaters Dec. 4

Synopsis:

Legendary Pictures’ Krampus, a darkly festive tale of a yuletide ghoul, reveals an irreverently twisted side to the holiday.  

When his dysfunctional family clashes over the holidays, young Max (Emjay Anthony) is disillusioned and turns his back on Christmas.  Little does he know, this lack of festive spirit has unleashed the wrath of Krampus: a demonic force of ancient evil intent on punishing non-believers.  

All hell breaks loose as beloved holiday icons take on a monstrous life of their own, laying siege to the fractured family’s home and forcing them to fight for each other if they hope to survive.  

The horror-comedy also stars Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, Allison Tolman, Conchata Ferrell, Stefania Lavie Owen and Krista Stadler.

Krampus and his mischievous underlings have been created by the combined efforts of Weta Workshop and Weta Digital, both renowned for their epic work on The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies and King Kong, among many others.  

Written and directed by Michael Dougherty (Trick ’r Treat), Krampus is co-written by Zach Shields and Todd Casey and produced by Legendary’s Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni, Alex Garcia and Dougherty.  The film will be released by Universal Pictures.  

Genre: Horror-Comedy       

Cast: Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, Allison Tolman, Conchata Ferrell, Emjay Anthony, Stefania Lavie Owen with Krista Stadler

Directed by: Michael Dougherty

Written by: Michael Dougherty & Zach Shields & Todd Casey

Produced by: Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, Alex Garcia, Michael Dougherty

Executive Producer: Daniel Stillman

CTG's 2016 Season At Mark Taper Announced

The Taper Celebrates Its 49th Season at the Los Angeles Music Center 

The New Season Begins February 10 and Runs Through December 18, 2016.

Powerful plays and playwrights dominate the Center Theatre Group’s 49th season at the Mark Taper Forum. Michael Ritchie, CTG’s Artistic Director, announced five important and involving plays, from celebrated new works to definitive productions of classics, for the theatre’s 2016 season at the Los Angeles Music Center.

The new season opens with Bathsheba Doran’s revelatory play about shifting relationships, “The Mystery of Love & Sex,” and continues with Suzan-Lori Parks’ epic tale from the Civil War, “Father Comes Home From The Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3),” Ayad Akhtar’s taut expose about self-identity and prejudice in the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Disgraced,” August Wilson’s masterpiece “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and one of Martin McDonagh’s most blistering plays, “The Beauty Queen of Leenane.”

“These playwrights are exploring what it means to be part of a culture, a community and a family. Their characters are confronted with decisions that will challenge and ultimately define them,” said Ritchie.

“I love those moments in the theatre that are just pure entertainment. This new season has those but we are offering more,” said Ritchie. “These plays will grab you and shake you and make you think and feel. It is not a mellow season. It is a bold season full of theatricality, lyricism, laughter and deep truths that depict social and historical upheavals, cultural and familial confrontations and the fascinating complexities of the human condition.”

“These five playwrights have strong, distinctive voices,” said Ritchie. “Their tales are riveting. Plan to spend the entire season at the edge of your seat.”

“The Mystery of Love & Sex” by Bathsheba Doran
The West Coast premiere of “The Mystery of Love & Sex” by Bathsheba Doran, directed by Robert Egan, with its “tender and funny exploration of two couples from two generations” (Charles Isherwood, The New York Times), opens the 2016 season at the CTG/Mark Taper Forum, February 10 through March 20, 2016. The opening is scheduled for February 21.

Insightful and compassionate, “The Mystery of Love & Sex” is the story of four people whose lives are inextricably intertwined. Charlotte and Jonny are two college students who have been friends since they were nine years old. Attending college together, they contemplate taking their relationship to a romantic level, but Charlotte’s parents don’t take the news very well, and an onslaught of uncomfortable truths about all four of them is unleashed.

Isherwood said of the play’s world premiere at Lincoln Center Theater in March 2015, “Ms. Doran’s drama is so packed with humanity that it seems infinitely larger, like a chart depicting the sexual and emotional anatomy of us all.” “... a keenly satisfying comedy of sexual matters and manners...,” said Jeremy Gerard of Deadline. “[Doran] is a voice worth paying lots of attention to.”

Bathsheba Doran’s first play “Feminine Wash,” was produced at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe while she was a student at Cambridge University, from which she holds a B.A. and an M.A. She then went on to Oxford University, where she received an M.A. before working as a television comedy writer with the BBC. Bash moved to the United States on a Fulbright Scholarship in 2000, received her MFA from Columbia University and became a playwriting fellow of The Juilliard School. Her critically acclaimed play “Kin” received its world premiere in 2011 at Playwrights Horizons. Her television work includes the series “Codes of Conduct” (HBO), “Jerusalem” (Channel 4), “Masters of Sex,” “Smash” and “Boardwalk Empire” (for which her episode received a WGA nomination). She is a 2009 recipient of the Helen Merrill Playwriting Award, three Lecomte du Nouy Lincoln Center playwriting awards and she is a Susan Smith Blackburn Award finalist.

“Father Comes Home From the Wars (Part 1, 2 & 3)” by Suzan-Lori Parks
A stunning, personal journey from slavery to emancipation, “Father Comes Home From the Wars (Part 1, 2 & 3)” by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks will be presented in its West Coast premiere at the Taper, April 5 through May 15, 2016. The opening is scheduled for April 17.
In this devastatingly beautiful new play, directed by Jo Bonney, a slave named Hero is offered his freedom if he joins his master in the ranks of the Confederacy. The choice is to leave the woman and people he loves for what may be an empty promise. His decision brings him face to face not only with a nation at war with itself, but with what freedom truly means.

David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter said of the play’s 2014 world premiere at the Public Theater, “This haunting work is funny and tragic, whimsical and lacerating, poetic and poignant, navigating its radical tonal shifts with fluidity and grace. The trilogy also manages, with stylized language, wit and economy of design, to plug historical experience directly into the socket of contemporary life.” Charles Isherwood of The New York Times said, “By turns philosophical and playful, lyrical and earthy, Suzan-Lori Parks’ new play swoops, leaps, dives and soars ... reimagining a turbulent turning point in American history through a cockeyed contemporary lens.”

CTG has presented Parks’ “Topdog/Underdog” at the Taper in 2004, and spearheaded the Los Angeles component of the yearlong “365 Days/365 Plays” national theatre festival by Parks in 2006 and 2007.

A MacArthur “Genius” Award recipient, Suzan-Lori Parks was the first African American woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize (in 2002) for “Topdog/Underdog.” She was a 2015 Pulitzer Prize finalist with “Father Comes Home From the Wars,” for which she won the 2015 Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama and the 2014 Horton Foote Prize. She received a Tony Award in 2012 for her work on “The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess.” Her plays include “The  Book of Grace,” “In the Blood” (2000 Pulitzer Prize finalist), “Venus” (1996 Obie Award), “365 Days/365 Plays” and “The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World,” among others. She’s written a novel, “Getting Mother’s Body” (Random House) Her first film was “Girl 6,” written for Spike Lee, and she has written screenplays for Brad Pitt, Denzel Washington and Jodie Foster. Her adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” premiered on ABC’s Oprah Winfrey Presents. Parks is currently writing an adaptation of the film “The Harder They Come” for a live stage musical.

“Disgraced” by Ayad Akhtar
The 2013 Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Disgraced” by Ayad Akhtar, will be presented in its West Coast premiere, June 8 through July 17, 2016. The opening is scheduled for June 19. This “terrific, turbulent drama” (Charles Isherwood, The New York Times) is directed
by Kimberly Senior, who also directed its world premiere in Chicago and its off-Broadway and Broadway productions.

In a riveting, contemporary exploration of identity and religion, “Disgraced,” follows a married couple living in Upper East Side Manhattan. Amir is a corporate lawyer and Emily an artist, and though Amir was born in Pakistan and raised Muslim, he has left his heritage behind.

The couple hosts a small dinner party and soon, before anyone can stop it, polite protocol is abandoned and the talk turns to religion, politics and sex. The party explodes and “racial tensions are exposed, religious prejudices are aired, and the liberal principles these people supposedly live by are totally trashed,” said Marilyn Stasio of Variety.

“Disgraced” is “smart, spiky entertainment,” said David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter. “Nothing is sacred,” said Linda Winer of Newsday, “the Quran, the Old Testament, terrorism, art history, cultural tourism, ancient prejudices and blazing ambivalence -- as Akhtar rubs unexpected raw spots with enormous intelligence and humor.”

Ayad Akhtar was born in New York City and raised in Milwaukee. His play “Disgraced” premiered at the American Theater Company in January 2012 and was staged at LCT3/Lincoln Center in New York in October 2012. The play received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2013. “Disgraced” then premiered in London at the Bush Theatre in 2013, and made its Broadway debut in 2014. Akhtar’s play “The Invisible Hand” was nominated for the ATCA/Steinberg Award, and won Best New Work 2013 from the St. Louis Theater Circle. As a screenwriter, he was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay for "The War Within." He is the author of "American Dervish," published in 25 languages worldwide and a 2012 Best Book of the Year at Kirkus Reviews, Toronto’s Globe and Mail, Shelf Awareness and O Magazine.

August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
August Wilson’s blazing masterpiece “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” the first play to be presented on Broadway of August Wilson’s epic 10-play cycle exploring the African-American experience in the 20th century, will be presented at the Mark Taper Forum, August 31 through October 16, 2016. The opening is set for September 11.

Phylicia Rashad, who directed Wilson’s “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” at the Taper in 2013, will direct this groundbreaking play which depicts the racism and exploitation in the music industry through a 1927 recording session in Chicago with a legendary blues singer. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” is inspired by the real-life Gertrude “Ma” Rainey.

“This play is a searing inside account of what white racism does to its victims –
and it floats on the same authentic artistry as the blues music it celebrates. Harrowing as ‘Ma Rainey's’ can be, it is also funny, salty, carnal and lyrical,” said Frank Rich of The New York Times of the Broadway opening in 1984. Jack Kroll of Newsweek also said of Wilson’s debut Broadway play, “Extraordinary! Ma Rainey rides on the exultant notes of the blues!”

CTG has presented eight of August Wilson’s plays: “Jitney” and the Tony Award- nominated plays “King Hedley II,” “Gem of the Ocean,” “Radio Golf” and “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” at the Taper, the Tony Award-nominated play “Seven Guitars” at the Ahmanson Theatre, and the Tony Award-nominated plays “Two Trains Running” and “The Piano Lesson” (1990 Pulitzer Prize) at the Doolittle Theatre in Hollywood. Wilson’s “Fences” won both the 1987 Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award.

In addition, through its Education and Community Partnerships department, CTG hosts the annual August Wilson Monologue Competition regional finals in which students in grades 10 through 12 perform monologues from Wilson’s “Century Cycle.” The winners travel to New York to compete in the national finals at the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway.

“The Beauty Queen of Leenane” by Martin McDonagh
The brilliantly subversive “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” by Martin McDonagh will close out the Taper’s 49th season on a darkly comic note, November 9 through December 18, 2016. The opening is scheduled for November 16.

Garry Hynes, artistic director of the renowned Druid of Galway, Ireland, will direct the Druid production at the Taper. Hynes won a Tony Award for her direction of “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” on Broadway in 1998 and directed McDonagh’s “The Cripple of Inishmaan” at CTG’s Kirk Douglas Theatre in 2011, and also Arthur Miller’s “The Price” at the Taper this year.

“Beauty Queen,” which is set in the mountains of Connemara, County Galway, is the tale of Maureen Folan, a plain and lonely woman in her early 40s, and Mag, her manipulative, aging mother, whose interference in Maureen's first and potentially last romantic relationship sets in motion a chain of events that are as tragically funny as they are horrific.

Peter Marks of The Washington Post said of McDonagh, “Please avail yourself, and brace yourself, for the virtuosic turbulence of one of modern theater’s most giddily diabolical minds.” “McDonagh’s writing is a tightrope act of unnerving skill and maturity,” said John Peter of London’s Sunday Times. Benedict Nightingale, writing for The New York Times, said, “[Martin McDonagh is] the most wickedly funny, brilliantly abrasive young dramatist on either side of the Irish Sea.”

CTG also presented McDonagh’s “The Lieutenant of Inishmore” at the Taper in 2010.

Martin McDonagh is an award-winning writer and director. His work with Druid includes “The Beauty Queen of Leenane,” “A Skull in Connemara,” “The Lonesome West” (Druid/Royal Court/Broadway) and “The Cripple of Inishmaan” (Druid/Atlantic Theater Company/U.S. Tour). Other theatre includes “The Cripple of Inishmaan” (National Theatre, London/West End/Broadway), “The Pillowman” (National Theatre, London/Broadway), “The Lieutenant of Inishmore” (RSC/Garrick/Broadway), “A Behanding in Spokane” (Broadway) and “Hangmen” (Royal Court). His film work (as a writer/director) includes “Six Shooter” (a short), “In Bruges” and “Seven Psychopaths.” His awards include the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy (“The Lieutenant of Inishmore”), Olivier Award for Best New Play (“The Pillowman”), Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film (“Six Shooter”), BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay (“In Bruges”).

CTG’s 2016 Mark Taper Forum Season Available on Membership Only
Tickets for the Mark Taper Forum’s 49th season are currently available by season ticket membership only. For information and to charge season tickets by phone, call the Exclusive Season Ticket Hotline at (213) 972-4444. To purchase season memberships online, visit www.CenterTheatreGroup.org/Taper. For information regarding audio description and Project D.A.T.E. (sign language interpreted and audio description performances), call TDD (213)680-7703 or voice (213) 972-4444.

Center Theatre Group
Center Theatre Group, a non-profit organization, is one of the largest and most active theatre companies in the nation, programming subscription seasons year-round at the 736- seat Mark Taper Forum and the 1,600 to 2,000-seat Ahmanson Theatre at the Music Center of Los Angeles, and the 317-seat Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. In addition to providing theatre of the highest caliber to the diverse communities of Southern California and beyond, CTG supports a significant number of play development and arts education initiatives. 

Kenny Ortega and Abel Ramirez To Be Honored At Diversity Project Fundraising Benefit

The Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director) announced today that legendary director, choreographer and producer Kenny Ortega will be the 2015 Diversity Award Artistic Honoree, and Abel Ramirez, founder of Pasadena’s El Portal Restaurant and business and cultural leader of the Pasadena community, will be the Community Honoree at the 9^th Annual Pasadena Playhouse’s Wells Fargo Theatrical Diversity Project fundraising benefit on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in honor of the opening of Josefina López’s Real Women Have Curves. 

Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director of The Pasadena Playhouse, says, "Kenny Ortega is a true Renaissance Man of the entertainment world.  He is a great artist who also cares deeply for artists and their development.  His work has touched so many around the world in a number of ways and inspired us all.  It is our great pleasure to honor him at this year's Diversity Event and to recognize his extraordinary achievements as an entertainer and a great humanitarian.  Our celebration is all about those who have used the arts to overcome challenges to achieve great success.  That being the case, Kenny is an ideal honoree!”

Raphael Henderson, Theatrical Diversity Benefit Chair, says, “It is truly an honor indeed to recognize Abel for his commitment to growth and cultural awareness for our community.  I am personally excited to pay homage to someone who means so much to us all, in fact, he owes me for two months membership to my gym as a result of his insanely delicious food.”

Kenny Ortega’s work as a director, choreographer and producer is known and loved by millions around the world.  In the 1980s, he became known for his stage direction and choreography of the A&M pioneer recording artists, The Tubes. It was a Tubes performance in Los Angeles that caught the attention of Cher who asked Ortega to choreograph her television special. Soon, Ortega became the most sought after choreographer for the industry's biggest musical artists, including Madonna, Fleetwood Mac, KISS, Gloria Estefan, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Bette Midler, and The Pointer Sisters, to name a few.

When Ortega made the transition from stage choreography to film choreography, he had the honor of working with the legendary Gene Kelly on the feature film "Xanadu" and then again on Francis Ford Coppola's "One From the Heart." Ortega’s film choreography includes "Dirty Dancing," “St. Elmo’s Fire”, and following his work with John Hughes on  "Pretty in Pink,” Hughes made him the 2^nd Unit Director of the classic parade sequence in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” This entered Ortega into the DGA and began his directing career. In the 1990’s, Ortega directed the musical film “Newsies,” starring Christian Bale, Robert Duvall, and Ann Margaret and feature film “Hocus Pocus,” starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, for the Walt Disney Company.

Ortega directed many television series during the 80’s and 90’s. In 2006, he directed Disney Channel’s “High School Musical” and “High School Musical 2” which were both the most successful Disney Channel Original Movies to date when they premiered. “High School Musical 2” drew over 17 million viewers when it premiered making it the most watched program in cable telecast history, a record it still holds today. Together “High School Musical” 1 and 2 have been seen by over 250 million people worldwide and both movies have broken numerous sales records for their soundtracks and DVDs.  Ortega received a DGA and another Emmy win for choreography.  He is also the supervising producer for both of the movie’s multi-platinum soundtracks. 

“High School Musical” also spawned a three-company international touring ice show of which Kenny was Supervising Producer, as well as the Director of the National Arena Tour and International Stadium Tours. In fall of 2007, Kenny directed the fastest-selling concert tour in history, the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus “Best of Both Worlds Tour” featuring The Jonas Bros.  In 2008 Kenny directed and executive produced “High School Musical 3: Senior Year (HSM 3)” for Walt Disney Motion Pictures. “HSM 3” was the biggest theatrical box office opening for a musical in history. 

In network television, two of Ortega’s Emmy wins were for his work directing and choreographing the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics Opening and ClosingCeremonies. Ortega has collaborated on numerous theatrical and large-scale outdoor spectacles, including two Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies, three Super Bowl half-time shows and the Chicago World Cup Opening Ceremonies. In the summer of 2007 he directed and choreographed Hugh Jackman in the record-breaking “The Boy From Oz Arena Tour” in Australia, where he won the Helpmann Award, the Australian equivalent of the Tony for his work as choreographer. Kenny also collaborated with and directed Barbra Streisand’s Millennium Tour.

As a director, Ortega has extensive credits in episodic television including “Chicago Hope”, "Ally McBeal”, "Gilmore Girls”, “Bunheads”, and “Grounded for Life” which garnered him an additional Emmy nomination. 

In Las Vegas, Ortega was the artistic director for "The Lake of Dreams" at the Wynn Hotel. He also co-produced the grand openings of the Wynn, Encore, Bellagio and Wynn Macau (China hotels) with Steve and Elaine Wynn.  Ortega designed the original choreography for the Fountains of Bellagio at the Bellagio Hotel, as well as several other productions at various resort properties over the years including Siegfried and Roy, Diana Ross, Gloria Estefan, and Cher.

  

Kenny Ortega was Michael Jackson’s director and creative partner for “Dangerous”, “HIStory”, and “This Is It” World Tours. Following Jackson’s untimely passing, Kenny directed the documentary “Michael Jackson’s This Is It”.

Ortega collaborated on the staging of The Rolling Stones’ 50^th Anniversary Tour and has founded his new production company, 5678: A Kenny Ortega Company. Kenny Ortega and his 5678 productions is currently involved in the development of new content for stage, internet, television, and film.

In 2014, Ortega directed and produced along with his longtime friend and associate Emilio Estefan, “A Change of Heart”, an independent feature shot on location in South Florida. The film stars Jim Belushi, Virginia Madsen, Kathy Najimy, William Levy, and Gloria Estefan. Ortega executive produced, directed, and choreographed the action adventure original movie “Disney’s Descendants” premiered on the Disney Channel July 31, 2015. Currently, he is Executive Producing, along with Campanario, a Spanish-language series for the Latino market entitled “Bandolero” and has been set to direct “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and produce with Lou Adler and Gail Berman for a Fox Network movie for television event to premiere in the fall of 2016.

Ortega has been the recipient of three Emmy Awards, back to back nominations and a DGA Award from the Director’s Guild of America, Fred & Adele Astaire’s annual Douglas Watt Lifetime Achievement Award, Bob Fosse Award, an American Choreography Lifetime Achievement Award, MTV Video Music Award, American Music Award, ALMA Award, Nosotros Golden Eagle Award, Imagen Creative Achievement Award, NAACP Award, as well as a number of others.

For his philanthropic work, Ortega has had the honor of receiving the St. Jude’s Pioneer Award, the Make A Wish Chris Greicius Celebrity Award, and the Big Brothers Big Sisters Walt Disney’s Man of the Year Award. 

For over 35 years, Abel Ramirez has been a business and cultural leader of the Pasadena community, and an inspiration to thousands. His commitment to improving the city reaches far beyond being co-owner and CEO of El Portal Restaurant and founder of Yahaira’s Café and Vanessa’s Coffee House. He’s served on the boards of the Pasadena Playhouse, Hillsides Home for Children, Playhouse District Association, Foothill Vocational Services, Latino Heritage, L.A. Food Bank, as President of the Board at Pasadena Senior Center, and Tournament of Roses for more than 30 years.

Ramirez left his homeland of Yucatan, Mexico for the United States in 1964. For over 14 years he paid his dues in the restaurant industry by working his way up from dishwasher into various administrative roles at the Huntington Hotel. He eventually took on the role of general manager of Caltech’s Athenaeum for 17 years where he was also a member of the American Association of Private Clubs. His passion for food, family and community has guided his journey as an entrepreneur, husband, and father of three sons, Armando, Ricardo and Andres.

In 1995 Ramirez purchased El Portal Restaurant and created a family centered business with Rosalia, his wife of 45 years, and their son Armando. Theirs is a dynamic partnership where Rosalia trains the chefs in authentic Yucatan cuisine and manages the administrative operations for the three restaurants, and his son, Armando, is the general manager of El Portal.

The Theatrical Diversity Project has raised over a million dollars since its 2005 inception. These funds are used to support Playhouse Diversity Initiatives, The Pasadena Playhouse’s vision to build a legacy of artistic and theatrical diversity through eclectic programming, outreach and education programs, HOTHOUSE (The Playhouse new play development program), and continued efforts for expanded audience engagement. This year’s Diversity Project fundraising benefit will coincide with the theatre’s season opener, Josefina López’s REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES, directed by Associate Artistic Director, Seema Sueko.

·         The Diversity Project’s fundraising benefit will take place on Opening Night of REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES, Sunday, September 13, 2015.

·       Pre‐show reception begins at 1:00 p.m. at El Portal restaurant located across the street from The Playhouse.

·         Curtain is at 3:00 p.m.

·         Post show party immediately following at Jacob Maarse next door to The Playhouse.

·         Patron Levels with benefits start at $1,000 for two tickets. 

·         Single tickets, which include the show and the post-party (pre‐reception not included), are $250. 

For more information about the Wells Fargo Theatrical Diversity Program, or to become a Patron of the 2015 Diversity Celebration, contact Mary Reitz, Events and Corporate Giving Manager, at (626) 204-7383 or mreitz@pasadenaplayhouse.org. 

REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES is set in a tiny sewing factory in East L.A. This award-winning comedy from acclaimed playwright Josefina López tells the story of five full-figured women racing to meet an impossible deadline to keep their sewing factory from going under. The basis for the award-winning film of the same name starring America Ferrera, REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES celebrates real bodies, life in southern California, and the incredible bond when women work together.

REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES plays September 8 through October 4 (press opening on Sunday, September 13).  The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101.  The performance schedule is Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Hill and Hudlin To Produce 88th Oscars Telecast

LOS ANGELES, CA — Emmy®-winning live television producer David Hill and Oscar®-nominated producer-director Reginald Hudlin will produce the 88th Oscars telecast, Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs announced today.  It will be their first involvement with the Academy Awards®, which will air live on the ABC Television Network on Oscar Sunday, February 28, 2016.

“We’re delighted to have this talented team on board,” said Boone Isaacs. “David is a true innovator with a dynamic personality.  His vast experience as a live events producer, coupled with Reggie’s energy, creativity and talent as a filmmaker, is sure to make this year’s Oscar telecast a memorable one.”

"What a great and exciting honor!  The quest is to honor the year in film, honor the art, and above all, make it fun," said Hill.

“I’m looking forward to working with the Academy again,” said Hudlin.  “I love every kind of film and this year’s awards will be a celebration of the total range of cinema.”

“We’re excited to work with David and Reggie,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson.  “With their enthusiasm and breadth of experience, they will bring a fresh perspective to the Oscar show.”

An executive with the Fox group of companies for more than 25 years, Hill most recently served as the senior executive vice president of 21st Century Fox, overseeing programming, digital initiatives, and other opportunities on five continents. He was previously the chairman and CEO of Fox Sports Media Group, during which time he spearheaded the integration of new technologies and multiplatform programming services across the U.S.  Hill began his career with parent company News Corporation in Great Britain, where he helped launch Sky Television, introduced the multilingual sports channel Eurosport, and created the hugely popular subscription channel Sky Sports.  While he has contributed to hundreds of Emmy nominations and awards for the network, Hill received an individual Emmy for Outstanding Live Sports Special as an executive producer of the 2011 World Series broadcast.  He also served as an executive producer on the last two seasons of “American Idol.”  He recently left Fox to start his own production company, Hilly, focusing on live and reality television. 

A writer, director, producer and executive, Hudlin received a 2012 Best Picture Oscar nomination as a producer of "Django Unchained."  Hudlin’s film credits include “Boomerang,” “The Great White Hype” and the award-winning comedy “House Party,” which he also wrote.  He executive produced the hit television series “The Boondocks” and “The Black Panther”; and has directed for “Modern Family,” “Murder in The First,” “New Girl” and “The Office.”  Last year, Hudlin produced the Academy's 6th Annual Governors Awards ceremony and has been the executive producer of the NAACP Image Awards since 2012.  Hudlin was the first President of Entertainment for BET Networks from 2005 to 2009, where he oversaw programming and developed some of the network's highest rated shows during his tenure.  He is a partner in Milestone Media, a multi-ethnic comic book company distributed by DC Comics, as well as New Nation Networks, a premium content provider in partnership with Google.  Hudlin is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Directors Guild of America, Writers Guild of America, Producers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild.  He serves on the executive board of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, and Wasatch. 

  

The Oscars ranks as television’s #1 entertainment telecast and consistently has drawn an average audience of more than 40 million viewers for the past 10 years.  The 88th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.  The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

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