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Season 2003 

June 22, 2003.  "The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe."  A one woman show written and directed by Jane Wagner.  The perfect vehicle for Lily Tomlin.  Her machine gun  line delivery, her active movement, facial expressions and power drives this play.  Her comedy made you laugh, think, imagine, analyze; but not give you time to immerse yourself in her comedy.  Will I see this play again? I don't know.  What happened? 

January 5, 2003.  "Morning's at Seven." A wonderful third remake of the 1939 and 1981 versions.  They select such wonderful people and casts to really touch the essence of the play and characters.  Two backyards in a small Midwestern Town sets the theme.  The actors: Buck Henry, Elizabeth Franz, Mary Louise Wilson, William Biff McGuire and the other professionals made us part of the story.  They acted out their desires, fantasies, envy while trying to sort out what they missed in life.  The Director Daniel Sullivan researched the original play by Paul Osborn. The play is a possible autobiography of Osborn.  It takes place in a small town in Wisconsin where Osborn's  two sisters lived next door to each other and Osborn's father was a traveling minister who was anti-social and couldn't stand his sisters.  If it comes around again try to see it.  

Season 2002

July 21, 2002.  "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife." A perfect vehicle for Valerie Harper, of the "Mary Tyler Moore Show" fame. A non stop fun comedy tale of a neurotic wife that is constantly hounded and pounded by her family that only increases her neurosis. The hounders and pounders are: Tony Roberts the husband that usually ignores his wife, Michele Lee, her long lost supposedly friend that suddenly appears in her life, Shirl Bernheim, her horrible mother that constantly tries to control her daughters life and Anil Kumer, the doorman who is her confidant and tries to protect her from the world. Grand fun. This play is a must see!! 

July 13, 2002.  "The 15th Annual French Festival." This Santa Barbara, California activity is touted to be the largest Bastille Day Celebration in the Western States.  It's been 4 or 5 years since we last participated. Nothing has changed.  It was the same crowded and boring show.  Just a bunch of people hawking  France trips. Nothing like France at all.

April 20, 2002. "The Full Monty." This outrageous musical-comedy offered us the play and a cast party. We could not refuse the invitation. The original was a movie that takes place in a shipyard in England. This version takes place in a steel mill in Buffalo, New York. Six unemployed United Steelworkers after over hearing the wives and girl friends brag about how great male strippers look while performing their acts decide to produce their own show to earn money. The average guys feel they are losers, but find the will to win. The Orchestra Conductor, Ben Whiteley was fabulous. My favorite musical numbers were "Big Black Men," "Michael Jordan’s Ball" and "Let it Go." The actors gave their all physically, mentally and emotionally to please their audience. When it returns you must see it. While waiting maybe the movie will work.

March 3, 2002. "Into the Woods" by Steven Sondheim. As I said this is not your grandmothers Little Red Riding Hood. I first enjoyed this musical play in 1988 and it was OK. This updated version is far better except that it has been lengthened. The new length is overkill. The entwining of the Grimm fairy tales: Cinderella, Little Red Ridinghood, Rapunzel and Jack and the Beanstalk is clever. We all know these fairy tales are quite gristly. People are eaten by creatures, witches cast evil spells, evil gnome’s imprison pretty princesses and wild birds kill an angry giant. Man I love horror stories! Can you imagine the beautiful Vanessa Williams playing a witch. She was magical. John McMartin as the Narrator and Mysterious Man was superb. The support cast members were enchanting.

December 9, 2001. "Aida" music by Elton John and Lyrics by Tim Rice. This is not your grandparents "Aida." Verdi is spinning in his grave to the rhythm of the music, singing and dancing. Verdi’s opera dedicated to the opening of the Suez Canal has been updated by magnificently clever stage sets, lighting and actor coordination. Hoorahs to Patrick Cassidy (Radames), Merle Dandridge (Aida) the understudy and Tim Hunter (Mereb) to name a few. The rest of the cast are versatile actors that play many parts with a passion. This is a must see play!

October 7, 2001. "The Car Man" an interesting adaptation of the 19^th century classic "Carmen." Since 1845 the femme fatale gypsy has been portrayed in a French novella, books, musicals, ballet, operas and movies. Now she is portrayed as an homme fatale dancer. Carmen’s Torero seems to have misplaced his sword and instead dances with boys and bulls. I think he should use his cape. Ole! No dialog just dancing. The musical score is authentic original Spanish. Matthew Bourne, the director and choreographer also created the boy "Swan Lake," and "Cinderella" during the London Blitz and other plays not seen at the Ahmanson. Thank God! Matt seems to be stuck in a specific genre. Will I see this play again? No. Will I recommend this play? No.

July 29, 2001. The musical "Contact" is actually three mini-plays: "The Swing" is a play based on Jean-Honore Fragonards 1767 painting. The second play is "Did you Move." The play took place in an Italian restaurant in Queens New York. A lot of angry dancing between a jealous husband and his do-it-while-your-not-here wife. The man has been cuckold by his wife. He deserved it. The third play is called "Contact." A lonely, suicidal advertising executive in New York meets a sexy blond girl in a yellow dress. He admires her hot dancing, hot music, songs, but he can’t bring himself to "Contact" her. She ends up being his neighbor. This third play saves the other two plays. When it comes around again you must see it.

December 24, 2000 Christmas Eve and the musical "Swing." The updated swing music is livelier, the dances exciting and the costumes traditional 40’s retro. This music style reminds me as a boy watching my mother dance in my uncle’s theater. We highly recommend this play.

October 15, 2000 the "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller. The Ahmanson Theatre was a perfect setting for this play. A wonderful performance by Brian Dennehy (Willie Lohman), Ron eldard (Biff), Elizabeth Franz (Linda) and the experienced company. It’s always good to see plays that imitate life in any era.

August 13, 2000 the "Dead" by James Joyce was truly dead. This new musical with early death spasms was complicated by decent Irish dancing, singing and a valiant effort by experienced actors to save this flapping turkey for the Thanksgiving axe. They seemed to rush (no intermission) and hurry the performance. Even the curtain calls were dutifully hurried. I’m suspect of a plays credibility when it has to be explained to be understood. I will not mention the actors names who did their best to save this disjointed effort.

May 28, 2000 the "Scarlet Pimpernel," "they seek him here, they seek him there, those Frenchies seek him everywhere." We found the "Scarlet Pimpernel" in the Ahmanson Theatre. Sir Percy (Douglas Sills) was magnificent in the role of the elusive Pimpernel, sink me! Chauvelin (William Paul Michals) as the French Citizen Interrogator was cunning and cruel, with a great singing voice. Marguerite (Amy Bodnar) the great French actress paid the price for being a dupe of Citizen Chauvelin. The entire company was funny and talented. You’ll enjoy the music, singing, dancing and outrageous costumes. Sink me!

May 7, 2000 "Betty Buckley’s Broadway," came to Glendora to Citrus College to perform in the Haugh Performing Arts Center We’re artsy and sophisticated, too! Also much cheaper than the Ahmanson and closer to home. The last time we saw Betty in person was in the musical "Sunset Boulevard" in London, England She portrayed Norma Desmond the out of sync wacko silent film star. I fell in love with her powerful voice, stage presence and acting. Kris, my editor and severe critic said, "I couldn’t let her pass through town and not listen to her forceful, yet sweet compelling voice." Her renditions of hits from "Sunset Boulevard", "The King and I," "Gypsy," "Cats" and "Pippen" just to name a few that held us spellbound. Pretty good for a little girl from Fort Worth, Texas ya’ll.

March 19, 2000 "Martin Guerre," the musical, the time 1560 A.D., place the French countryside. The Catholics and the Protestants are at each others’ throats blaming religion for the social and political ills of France. Martin Guerre (Hugh Panaro) is killed in war, so we think. Arnaud du Thil (Stephen R. Buntrock) becomes the imposter Martin meets Bertrande de Rols (Erin Dilly) the lonely wife of Martin. They fall in love. Yes much singing, dancing and carrying on. Shame, shame! She doesn’t mind the imposter. Years later the real Martin shows up. You need to see the musical to find out what happened.

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Sonoma, February 2000
By
John A. Vara

Sonoma, early February 2000 a great time to vacation, less people, changing weather that equates to adventure. We begin our journey to Healdsburg by leaving our home serenely nestled in the San Gabriel Valley flanked by the majestic Sierra Madre mountains of Southern California. The long drive began very early on the Foothill Freeway (210) West, easing to the Golden State Freeway (5) North, about an hour and half later leaving the mountains behind us, reaching the bottom flat lands and stopping in the town of Grapevine for breakfast and a needed stretch break.

Refreshed, enjoying our rapid journey past vast farmlands, orchards, vineyards and ranches. California is rich with almonds, pistachios, grape vineyards, vegetables, cotton, cattle, this is the San Joaquin Valley. The rest of California is equally bountiful. Speaking of cattle, the Harris Ranch is near. No time to stop and sample some of their delicious tender steaks. A nice couple from Florida later told us they also drove Highway (5) and they didn’t realize California had such extensive farmlands. Most visitors to our great state seem to think of us in terms of Hollywood, San Francisco or Disneyland. Totally narrow view!

February 4, arriving late at the Airport Hyatt Regency Hotel our usual lodgings when visiting San Francisco. The hotel is a central staging area for business and pleasure. Nearby Silicon Valley high tech companies, international universities, great culture and arts; entertainment, superior lodgings, world renown cities, harbors, bays, rivers filled with leisurely and primitive recreation areas; all within a 100 mile radius. Speaking of entertainment the California Republican Party had their convention during our stay at the hotel. Senator John McCain was smoozing everything in sight, as were others with their campaigns and favorite agendas, great fun. We use this hotel because of their good service and friendly staff. Visit on Sundays for the sumptuous Sunday champagne brunch with an extensive variety of west coast seafood, pig out for about $25.00 a person.

Sunday February 6, San Francisco sightseeing, shopping and enjoying the Moscone Center, the Metreon, Chinatown and the fashionable St. Francis Hotel at Crown Tea time, very casual wear accepted. Tea time costs about $25.00 per guest, it’s worth the price if you consider it an elegant afternoon lunch with champagne and window shopping is free. Walking in San Francisco is a joy. Moscone Center has an ice rink, park, waterfalls, shops and more. The Metreon features the latest in computer toys, all touchy feely, I went nuts! Chinatown is compelling, the noise, the crowds, the smells, the fresh vegetable and fruit stores, Chinese health products, the Asian-flavored buildings and of course the beautiful people.

Monday morning February 7 checkout time. A short drive to old town Burlingame to enjoy walking around for a couple of hours before leaving for Healdsburg. Joyously passing the time visiting "chic" shops that are my wife’s favorites she naturally purchased several "chic" items.

Monday afternoon avoiding downtown San Francisco we drove north on Highway (280) to the 19th Avenue exit left, hugging the coast past fog shrouded beautiful ocean view homes, San Francisco State University and Golden Gate Park to reach the Golden Gate Bridge. A twentieth century feat of engineering. I’ve crossed it a hundred times in all weather; this afternoon is my favorite time when the top and bottom is covered with fog, like driving through a cloud. The silence created is almost eerie. Resting for a few minutes on the north side of the bridge and taking several breathtaking photos we continue north on Highway (101) on a rainy day through San Raphael, Novato, Petaluma, Cotati, Santa Rosa and finally Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California. Aren’t those great names?

Arriving in the late afternoon, the luxurious Honor Mansion Inn was a relief, weariness from the long drive does tell on a body. Steve our gracious host and Innkeeper greeted us immediately and offered us coffee, tea, wine and cookies, luxurious afternoon comfort. Escorting us to our Rose Room where a bottle of the Inn’s Chardonnay was waiting, another luxurious touch. The room with its fireplace, antiques, private porch, huge feather bed and a private bath was totally comfortable. Daily breakfasts were gourmet caliber. The four dining evenings in Healdsburg varied from economical to somewhat extravagant, hey what are vacations about. Hark a useful tip. The restaurant reservations were made in advance for us by the Honor Mansion: First night Felix & Louie’s, we dined on rabbit, linguine, spinach and butterleaf salad, two glasses of red wine and two cappuccini. Second night Catelli’s The Rex, we dined on caesar salad, veal funghi, marinated leg of lamb & garlic mashed potatoes with a bottle of Mazzocco 1997 old vine wine. For dessert we had coffee and chocolate amaretto mousse. Third night Bistro Ralph we dined on sea bass and salmon dinners, spinach soup, goat cheese salad accompanied glasses of Langdon Merlot. Can’t forget the crème brule dessert and coffee. Fourth night we formally celebrated our Anniversary at the elegant John Ash & Co. restaurant in nearby Santa Rosa. My wife was stunningly dressed and of course I wore a tie,  jacket and formal tennis shoes. We detoured from our usual wine and chose instead a delightful bottle of champagne from Scharffenberger now Pacific Echo.

Did I forget Healdsburg? A charming old town with the traditional town square prominent. The square is bordered on three sides by art galleries, restaurants, book stores, police station, post office, a hotel, fire station and the Oakville gourmet grocery where we stocked our picnic basket for the coming picnic and much more.

The wineries. This year we visited six wineries. Why only six, you ask? First it’s easy to confuse the taste buds, second how much wine can you consume, third for health and safety’s sake, everything in moderation. One of our choices was Ferrari-Carano because of its Italian villa style, the sculptured gardens, waterfalls, statues and excellent red wine offerings of Siena, Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Another outstanding choice was Mazzoco winery with its Matrix, Carignane and Merlot wines. The serious choices continue with Rabbit Ridge and their Nebbiolo, Sangiacomo, Merlot and Barbera. The saga continues with Armida winery and it’s Merlot and Pinot Noir. A thoughtful selection, Lake Sonoma winery offering a grand Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. I saved exquisite Quivira winery for last because of its Sauvignon Blanc and the legend of Quivira. If you need to know the legend Quivira send me a note, e-mail or fax.

I’m sure you noticed I didn’t describe or rate each wine. I didn’t use estate bottled, reserve, library, cellared, age, full bodied, spicy, interesting bouquet, light and other wine provincialisms. The majority of the grapes come from the Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley and the Russian River Valley, all good mature vineyards, what else needs to be said. These six wineries produce far more wines than I noted and tasted, the prices are moderate to expensive. If you like a wine’s taste, enjoy it with your favorite food, snack or friend. Be sure and visit the California wine country.

Friday morning February 11 we leave Healdburg, heading South through the heavy traffic and heavy rain for Cambria, briefly stopping in Burlingame to rest and lunch, knowing we should have cleared San Jose before 2:00 PM. The rain complicated the bumper to bumper, stop and go traffic all the way to Gilroy. This problem caused by two lane roads connecting densely populated suburbia. Once past Gilroy the problem eased the lanes opened up, the traffic sped up and so did the rain storm. I don’t know which is worse, the most continuous foul stormy weather I’ve encountered in my home state in years or the horrible traffic.

Finally reaching Highway (46) about thirty miles north of San Luis Obispo, we bear West toward Highway (1) and Cambria. Our weather troubles intensified, more rain, fog, winds, dark winding mountain roads, with many construction signs forcing us to slow to 40 miles per hour. Twenty-three miles of tension and fear ended at Highway (1). My friends, many of you know I’ve driven cars throughout Europe, Canada, and our USA, please avoid driving this road at night, especially during inclement weather.

A short mile to East Cambria and the Olallieberry Inn, finally shelter from the foul weather. A charming and romantic 114 year old restored home with antique clocks that are not wound, hence their motto " Where time stands still." Carol Ann, Innkeeper greeted and led us to the San Simeon Room where a chilled bottle of champagne with two flutes and a lovely Anniversary greeting card awaited. Quickly unpacking and a brief rest, our umbrellas bloomed we dashed to Lin’s Restaurant home of the famous Olallieberry pie. While waiting to be seated we browsed through their gift shop full of meat, chicken and berry pies, frozen and fresh depending on your appetite and travel distance. Racks and racks of jams, tins of cookies, and hundreds of bric-a-bracs. For the curious the Olallieberry is a cross between a Loganberry and a Youngberry. Olallie is an Indian word meaning blackberry. Our dinner consisted of a chicken sandwich, a cup of soup, a Delmonico Steak, iced tea and a glass of cabernet. Nothing exotic, just reasonable and filling. Saturday morning February 12, we joined fellow couples at a boarding house style breakfast. This was great fun, the conversation, laughter and freely passing food platters along the tables. The homemade bread, muffins and the care taken in presenting their breakfast treats to their guests was appreciated. Thanks for the memories and see you again Carol Ann and Peter Irsfeld, Innkeepers.

What is Cambria? A coastal town complete with businesses, restaurants, crafts shops and other trendy places. We purchased two Tiffany style bedroom mirrors manufactured in New Jersey, two handcrafted champagne flutes by Otto Franek using the murrini technique and a small clay cat soap holder and other neat souvenirs. The day went quickly looking in stores and talking to local sales people. A friendly contrast to the angry weather. The darkness seems to come sooner during February. We returned to the Inn and prepared for our last dinner of our trip at the eclectic Robin’s Restaurant. The owners Robin and Shanny Covey carefully prepare Greek, Italian, Mexican and Asian delicacies that satisfy all tastes. Our special dinner consisted of a fresh goat cheese artichoke salad and a spinach salad. Our main courses were North Indian lamb and the brochette of filet mignon, accompanied by two zesty glasses of Merlot. Sitting in their faux indoor outdoor patio with space heaters made us, forget, that’s right, the foul weather. Very romantic. Our evening culminated with cups of coffee and a to-die-for tiramisu.

Early next morning after the "boarding house" breakfast we bid adieu to the Olallieberry Inn B&B and sped off in the rain heading South on Highway (1) past Harmony, Cayucos, Morro Bay, in San Luis Obispo we veered onto Highway (101). The traffic increases, the cold sweeping rain beating on the windshield while the rhythmic clack, clack, clack of the wipers efficiently fan away the water. Dodging and out running SUV’s and other big pushy trucks with their huge water rooster tails we speed homeward. Would we do it again under such extreme conditions? You bet.