Jodi Jackson’s Hollywood

If you love this musical like I do and have watched this amazing story either on film or on Broadway, you will just love the history and new adaptation of this beloved show.

Richard Rodgers lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by The Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp. Music Supervision and Additional Orchestrator Andy Einhorn choreography by Danny Mefford directed by Jack O’ Brien.

Cast Includes:

Mother Abbess……………………………………..CHRISTIANE NOLL

Maria Rainer, a Postulant at Nonnberg

Abbey ……………………………………………….CAYLEIGH CAPALDI

Sister Berthe, Mistress of Novices…………………………………………..LISA ROSETTA STRUM

Sister Margaretta, Mistress of Postulants…………………………………………………..TESS PRIMACK

Sister Sophia…………………………………………MEREDITH LUSTIG

Captain Georg von Trapp………………………………………………………….KEVIN EARLEY

Franz, the butler………………………………………….JOHN ADKISON F

Frau Schmidt, the housekeeper………………………………………JENNIFER MALENKE Liesl…………………………………………………… ARIANA FERCH

Friedrich…………………………….. TORBEN MULARSKI

Louisa ………………………………………..SKYLAR MATTHEWS

Kurt ………………………………………………………………..REECE BOYLE

Brigitta……………………………………………. HADDIE MAC

Marta………………………………………. BERKELEY WALUK

Gretl …………………………………………..BEVERLY BEESON

Rolf Gruber…………………………………………………IAN COURSEY

Elsa Schraeder………………………………………….KATE LOPREST Ursula…………………………………………….SYDNEY K. BORCHERS

Max Detweiler…………………………………..NICHOLAS RODRIGUEZ

Herr Zeller ………………………………DANIEL ROBERT SULLIVAN

Baron Elberfeld ……………………..MARK BRADLEY MILLER

Baroness Elberfeld ………………………….LISA ROSETTA STRUM

A New Postulant……………………………….SYDNEY K. BORCHERS

Admiral von Schreiber………………………….COREY GREENAN

CAYLEIGH CAPALDI (Maria Rainer) is honored to be making her Broadway National Tour debut bringing this iconic and vital story to life. Off-Broadway & West End: Titanique (Rose, Céline Dion). West End: Figaro (Sienna). Regional: Frozen (Elsa, US regional premiere), Putting it Together (The Younger Woman), Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), Into the Woods (Cinderella), and Little Women (Jo March). TV/Film: “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” “Mrs. Fletcher.” As an influencer and creator, she has garnered over 300K followers and 100M views across socials. Recent honors graduate of Columbia University and Berklee College of Music, Londoner-turned-New Yorker, and fluent Mandarin speaker. Gratitude to M+D+N+G, Kimberly, her Stewart team, Dave, Telsey and Beanie for being one of my favorite things. @cayleigh.capaldi CayleighCapaldi.com

KEVIN EARLEY (Captain Georg von Trapp). Broadway: Old Friends, Les Misérables, Thoroughly Modern Millie and A Tale of Two Cities. Off-Broadway: Death in Death Takes a Holiday (Drama Desk Nom). Recent Regional: Pierre in Natasha Pierre and…, Dysart in Equus, Andrews in Titanic, Hart in 9 to 5, and Archibald in The Secret Garden. Awards: Joseph Jefferson Award, Drama Critics Circle Award and 4 Ovation Award noms. Albums: Death Takes a Holiday, A Tale of Two Cities, Secondhand Lions, and Ripper.

CHRISTIANE NOLL (Mother Abbess). Broadway/Tour: Dear Evan Hansen, Ragtime (Tony/ Drama Desk Nomination), Elf, Chaplin (Drama Desk Nomination), Urinetown, Mambo King’s, Ain’t Nothin But The Blues, Jekyll and Hyde, Grease, Miss Saigon, City of Angels. Television/ Film: “The Equalizer,” “FBI: Most Wanted,” “Ruth,” “Evil,” “Madame Secretary,” “L&O: SVU,” “The Good Fight,” “L&O: Organized Crime,” “The Bite,” The Sound of Music Live!, The King and I (Singing Anna). Other: Partnership, God of Carnage, Fun Home, Next to Normal, Follies, Encores! 1776, Closer Than Ever (Off Broadway Alliance Award). Symphony Soloist – 100 0rchestras worldwide. @christiane.noll

NICHOLAS RODRIGUEZ (Max Detweiler). Grammy nominee. Broadway: Company, Tarzan. Tour: The Sound of Music (Captain Georg von Trapp), The Eyes of the World (PBS). Off-Broadway: Toxic Avenger, Almost Heaven. Symphonic Soloist, including Carnegie Hall, Boston Pops, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, White House. Film: Sex and the City 2 (soundtrack). TV: One Life to Live (GLAAD Award), Madam Secretary, Tommy.

ARIANA FERCH (Liesl). National Tour debut! Regional: Little Women (Beth), Mamma Mia (Ali), Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins). Recent graduate of Oklahoma City University with a BM in Musical Theatre and Vocal Performance. Immense gratitude to ATB Talent, Jack O’Brien, Chuck Koslowske, her glorious family, and her two sisters who taught her the joy of music. She dedicates this to her beloved papa Fred in heaven. @ari_ferch Jeremiah 31:3

IAN COURSEY (Rolf Gruber) is a Maryland native and a proud graduate of the University of Michigan Musical Theatre program. He was recently seen on the 1st National Tour of Dear Evan Hansen. He would like to think his family, his team at HCKR, John, Rolando, and Danmian. iancoursey.com

TORBEN MULARSKI (Friedrich) is thrilled to join the cast of The Sound of Music for his second national tour! Recently toured with A Christmas Story: The Musical (Ralphie Parker) and is excited to be back on the road. A 6th grader from Barrington, IL, Torben studies dance, theatre, and piano at The Cary-Grove Performing Arts Centre and loves playing football, basketball, and trombone. Many thanks to his family for generously supporting his dreams! Proudly represented by Gray Talent Group. IG: @torbenmularski

SKYLAR MATTHEWS (Louisa) is thrilled to join the SOM National Tour! Recently seen in the world premiere of Wonder the musical (Charlotte, ART), Annie (Pepper/Annie US, National Tour), and Fun Home (Small Alison, TheaterWorks, Hartford). TV/Film/VO highlights: Baby Girl (Feature Film), “FBI” (CBS), Scoot & Missy (Short Film), and “SoundTrekkers” Audio Series (YOTO).

KATE LOPREST (Elsa Schraeder). Broadway: First Date (Allison), Hairspray (Amber), Xanadu, Wonderland, Drowsy Chaperone. Tour: Wicked (Glinda, u/s Nessa), Little House on the Prairie (Nellie Oleson, 1st Nat’l). Regional: The Guthrie, Asolo Rep, Barrington Stage, Ogunquit Playhouse, Washington National and Dallas Opera Theatre and more. Select TV: ADA Heidi Russell on “Law & Order: SVU,” “FBI,” “Boardwalk Empire” (Corrine). For Juliette and Jam

For 65 years, “The Sound of Music” has been one of our “favorite things.” With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed – it’s meant to be shared. Now, a critically acclaimed North American tour brings the cherished musical to stages across the country to teach a new generation to sing. From May 5-24, the company will be performing at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre.

Directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien (“Hairspray”), this vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the von Trapp family will captivate audiences with its universal themes of love, resilience and the power of music.

Featuring beloved songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “Edelweiss,” “The Sound of Music” is the iconic tale of a spirited nun who chooses not to live behind closed doors – and, by following her heart, learns to climb every mountain.

“The Sound of Music” features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by The Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp. The 1965 Oscar-winning film recently celebrated its 60th anniversary and continues to be one of the most successful movie musicals of all time.

The 1965 Oscar-winning film recently celebrated its 60th anniversary and continues to be one of the most successful movie musicals of all time.

The Hollywood Pantages Theatre

6233 Hollywood Blvd.

Los Angeles, California 90028

For tickets and information, visit broadwayinhollywood.com/events/detail/sound-of-music.

https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/events/detail/sound-of-music

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This is just a great find in this sleepy little town. But Banning has really grown leaps and bounds, it is the true gateway to the Coachella Valley. Many desert goers stop in this town to check it out and a have some fantastic fare at this new establishment. Its smack dap in the center of the Old Banning Town. Banning, California, historically known as “Stagecoach Town, USA” due to its1860s role as a Colorado Stage & Express Line stop, continues to celebrate this heritage despite previous debates over removing the tagline.

I was really surprised by the lovely interior and the overall vibe of this new truly great restaurant. Stephanie and her husband Clayton Robinsin have done a stellar job of providing good clean, healthy cuisine in this town, which has not seen the like of this great food ever. Restaurants are few and far between in Banning.

“Crafting Culinary Delights with a Local Touch”

Meet Stephanie Robinson, the heart and soul behind Farm 2 Fork Restaurant & Bakery. With a culinary philosophy deeply rooted in honoring the land and the seasons, Stephanie’s creations bring a symphony of flavors to your table. Her dedication to sourcing the finest local produce and transforming them into culinary masterpieces embodies the essence of our farm to table commitment. Join us on a gastronomic journey that reflects the passion and creativity of our talented chef.

Experience the Best of Local Agriculture

Discover their passion for fresh, locally sourced ingredients and artisanal baking. Their commitment to quality and sustainability drives our farm-to-table approach, ensuring every dish and pastry tells a story of our vibrant community. Join us in celebrating the flavors of the season.

Here’s what I Tried:

Blueberry Rosemary Lemonade, with fresh squeezed lemonade muddled with fresh blueberries and a house-made Rosemary syrup. The perfect presentation and great blueberry flavor, a nice drink to accompany my terrific lunch.

Cheese Melt and Tomato Bliss, with pairs garlic rosemary bread with melty cheese, served alongside creamy tomato basil soup. The cheese melt is wonderful, but the real star of this whole dish is this unique tomato soup.

Tangy Watermelon Bowl, a medley of watermelon and strawberries with raspberry vinaigrette, topped with feta and candied pecans. This is a delightful combination, with perfect crisp watermelon, just to die for.

Pineapple Medley Bowl, a vibrant medley of tangy pineapple and cucumber, with a basil salt drizzle. You would not think that this would be a good match, but it really works. The pineapple is sweet and the cucumber is a nice refreshing touch.

Berry Blossom Mixed Greens Salad, a perfect mix of fresh greens tossed with sweet berries, crisp green apples, feta cheese and candied pecans, finished with their house balsamic dressing. A perfect balance of sweet, tart, and crunchy in every bite. A really lovely salad with such great health conscience ingredients. It will make you so happy.

Chicken and Waffle Sliders, with crispy chicken bites between mini waffles with hot honey or syrup served with fresh fruit. The chicken is light and crispy, and the lovely waffle really brings it all together, a great slider.

Beef Slider Trio, a juicy slider with melty cheese, tangy pickles, and house-made sauce on toasted mini buns served with side of fruit, or Maysie’s slaw. The meat is tender and moist with nice flavor, another great slider.

BBQ Chicken Stack & Chips, slider with brioche bun filled with smoked, pulled chicken breast meat with Maysie’s BBQ Sauce and slaw. Served with a side of potato chips. The meat is sweet with the great texture, a delicious slider .

Dessert:

Cranberry Muffin, really a huge hearty muffin with a streusel type top. Delicious goodness.  Just the perfect muffin, with great nuanced flavors, but not too sweet. A great way to end my wonderful experience.

This is just a wonderful new place to get breakfast or lunch in this up-and-coming area. Banning has so much to offer, it is right in the middle of so many fun things to do and see. Banning is a city in Riverside County, it is situated in the San Gorgonio Pass, also known as Banning Pass. It is so close to Morongo and Palm Springs, so you can really come here when you’re going to any of the local cities and attractions. You too will feel comfortable here and enjoy all of the bounty that Farm 2 Fork Cafe Bakery has to offer.

Farm 2 Fork Cafe Bakery

42 W Ramsey St.

Banning, CA 92220

(951) 922-1100

https://www.farm2forkcafebakery.com

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The best Italian food by far comes from these amazing Drago Brothers. It is always the finest ingredients with the best authentic Italian recipes, that coupled with so much heart, what else could you ever want?

There was an event with the Mayor of Beverly Hills, Dr. Sharona Nazarian called “Spotlight with Sharona” in March of this year. It was a great stroll down Canon Drive in Beverly Hills, checking out some of the quintessential establishments on this highly respected part of Beverly Hills. Yes, it is the triangle, but Canon has some notable places to discover. The event goers visited Bacio Di Latte, Il Pastaio, Xi’an, and Spago. Each place met us with amazing nonalcoholic libations and wonderful samples. On that day when I visited Il Pastaio, Giacomino was making a great penne pasta and his lovely wife Alexandra. She asked me about the tastings I did in the past at their various Drago restaurants and offered me up some new tastings. I never tried the food at Via Alloro, so I was greatly honored to be asked to try a nice section of fare. I will also be doing another tasting with them soon at their restaurant in Sherman Oaks – Panzanella, I can’t wait for that one.

The Drago brothers (Celestino, Tanino, Calogero, and Giacomino) are renowned Sicilian-born restaurateurs who have shaped the Los Angeles Italian dining scene with a collection of 9 individual, high-quality restaurants known for authentic, Sicilian-influenced, cuisine. They offer a great deal of authenticity and charm to every experience. Just dropping their names alone will give you great street cred!! But really, enjoy their charm, but stay for their wonderful cuisine.

Here’s What I Had:

Cocktails:

Razzle Dazzle Martini with Absolut Citron Vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon, raspberry puree, and a sugar rim.

Traditional Martini with Titos and a splash of olive juice, a splash of vermouth – with 4 stuffed blue cheese olives.

Pomegranate Lychee Martini with Absolut Vodka, soho lychee, fresh pomegranate juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.

Each cocktail was done to perfection; traditional martini stemware is what I love.  They are rich in flavor, and all seemed to go down super easy.

Soup:

Farro E Funghi, spelt and mushroom soup. It is creamy and rich, and the spelt adds just the right amount of texture, truly amazing.

Salad:

Insalata di Bietole with red beets, curly endive salad with imported buffalo mozzarella, pistachio and aged balsamic. The freshness of the beets really completes the whole flavor profile and makes for one delicious starter.

Pasta:

Gnocchi al Nero di Seppie e Granchio, Squid ink gnocchi with fresh crab meat, Thai cherry tomato, and a brandy white wine sauce.  This is a unique pasta dish, and the fresh crab makes it over the top – with lovely, sweet goodness.

Pappardelle al Ragu D’ Anatra, with homemade pappardelle pasta with duck ragù and Reggiano cheese. These homemade thick gorgeous egg noodles bring on all of the flavor from the delectable ragu. A super scrumptious pasta.

Filetto di Baccala, with fresh black cod served with sweet, mashed potatoes, fresh pomegranate and madeira sauce. The cod is flaky and moist and is cooked to pure perfection.

Seafood Al Fredo Pasta, spaghetti with shrimp, scallops and calamari, in a gorgeous velvety alfredo sauce. This pasta was by far my favorite, it is so silky smooth, just what my Nonna used to make.

Bistecca Di Manzo Grilled 18 oz. Ribeye steak with asparagus and baked potato onion terrine. The meat was super tender and very flavorful, with great accompaniments.

Dessert:

Affogato al Tartufo di Cioccolato with chocolate truffle Ice Cream topped with whip cream and an espresso shot. The perfect decadent way to end my exquisite dinner.

Wine:

Jordan – Chardonnay, I just loved this wine with any of the seafood dishes, it blended so well.

Brunello di Montepulciano, a perfect accompaniment with the steaks, just rich and gorgeous.

The staff was so wonderful, from Armin Ansari to manager Rudy, with Oscar and Jeremy all tending to everything that would make my dining experience more joyful, they accomplished that and more. Armin had great knowledge about Italy and beyond, while Rudy was able to give lots of Beverly Hills tidbits, seeing that he had worked at many establishments for close to 20 years. My conversations were enlightening and made me feel welcome and super comfortable. The interior is warm and bright, and they play great 70’s and 80’s adult rock, and the wrap around patio is always lively and inviting.

I just can’t say enough about this wonderful Italian cuisine! When you are craving really delicious authentic Italian food just go to any of the Drago Brothers restaurants, they will all keep you super happy and satisfied.

Drago Restaurants & Locations (As of April 2026):

Il Pastaio: Located in Beverly Hills, this is arguably the most famous Drago restaurant, known for its busy, vibrant, and upscale atmosphere.

Via Alloro: A Beverly Hills restaurant opened by Giacomino and Tanino Drago, featuring authentic Sicilian food and a, large wrap-around patio.

Celestino Ristorante: Located in Pasadena and run by Calogero Drago, offering a, refined, yet casual, dining experience.

Drago Centro: Located in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), this venue, overseen by Celestino Drago, specializes in, inventive, fine-dining, Italian cuisine.

Piccolo Paradiso: A charming and popular, trattoria, in, Beverly Hills.

Tanino Ristorante:  in Westwood.

Il Segreto: in Bel Air.

Panzanella Ristorante: in Sherman Oaks.

Drago Bakery: Provides, baked goods, and breads, to the family restaurants.

Via Alloro

Village on Canon

301 N Canon Dr.

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

(310) 275-2900

Seeing this show makes you just feel like you are transported into a simpler time when music really made a difference in people’s lives. It leads you down a road that is fraught with hardships and abuse but reminds us with hard work and faith that you can overcome all obstacles.

Tina Turner, from humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into the global Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Tina Turner didn’t just break the rules; she rewrote them. This new stage musical reveals the untold story of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of her age, gender, and race. One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner, has won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history. This show originally opened on Broadway on November 7, 2019, and was nominated for 12 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Featuring her much loved songs, TINA: The Tina Turner Musical is written by Olivier Award-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd. Presented in association with Tina Turner.

Who’s Who:

Tina Turner & Erwin Bach

Executive Producers

Katori Hall

Book

Frank Ketelaar & Kees Prins

Book

Phyllida Lloyd

Director

Anthony Van Laast

Choreographer

Mark Thompson

Set & Costume Designer

Nicholas Skilbeck

Original Music Supervision, Arrangements, and Additional Music

Sharika Niles

Associate Director

Janet Rothermel

Associate Choreographer

Sordelet, Inc.

Fight Direction

Murnane Casting

Casting

Alvin Hough Jr.

Tour Music Supervisor

Ethan Popp

Orchestrator

Shane French

Music Director/Conductor

John Miller

Music Coordinator

Bruno Poet

Lighting Designer

Nevin Steinberg

Sound Designer

Jeff Sugg

Projection Designer

Campbell Young Associates

Hair, Wigs & Make Up Designer

Gloria Bontrager-Thomas

Production Stage Manager

Brian Cedric Jones

Company Manager

An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is, to put it mildly, simply the best! It’s an electrifying sensation that brings the essence of her stunning stage presence to life, set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, including Let’s Stay Together, Better Be Good to Me, I Want to Take You Higher, River Deep – Mountain High, Private Dancer, Proud Mary and What’s Love Got to Do With It? When she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October, 2021, Tina became one of only three women in the institution’s history to be inducted twice (first in 1991 alongside Ike Turner).

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is brilliantly written as a stunning tribute to the trailblazing Queen of Rock and Roll by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall. The current tour is directed to stunning perfection by Phyllida Lloyd with creatively energetic choreography by Anthony Van Laast with music direction by Daniel Mollett.

Before her passing on May 23, 2023, at the age of 83, Tina was deeply involved with the development of the Broadway musical that shares her inspiring journey from cotton fields in the South to a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. The hardships she endured that range from a cold-hearted mother and drunken father, her abusive relationship with Ike Turner who discovered Tina (then Anna Mae Bullock) in St. Louis at age 17, to record executives who would not sign her simply due to the color of her skin, are left behind once she found the courage to stand up for herself and what SHE wanted to do with her life. From that point forward, there was no stopping Tina from becoming a worldwide sensation, working her way up the ladder as a single mother with two sons. With each step being told with brilliantly written and staged clarity to make you weep tears of both joy and heartbreak.

The cast is led by Supreme Belter and extraordinary dancer, Darilyn Burtley, who totally captivated the audience with her sincere portrayal of Tina’s hardships and impeccably stunning stage presence stepping into Tina’s performance shoes and sparkling costumes that were worn by the beloved singer. Each time she took to the stage singing, it felt just like seeing Tina in person again. This is especially true during the show’s big production numbers that add the required brassy and flashy staging the Queen of Rock and Roll deserves. Some of the strong supporting cast is the young Claire Davy (alternating with Auset Jones as young Anna Mae and young Alline), energetic and spritely in her portrayal of young Anna Mae learning to share her voice from revival meetings as a child through her early years. Other cast standouts include Monty Kane as Ike Turner who is portrayed honestly including all his faults, with K. Bernice as Zelma Bullock, Eva Ruwé as Gran Georgeanna and Eleni Kutay as Rhonda Graam, who is Tina Turner’s manager for ten years before Tina ventured to Europe to find her own way as a Rock and Roll singer like David Bowie and Mick Jagger, both of whom she performed with after her solo career took off.

What a great show, filled with wonderful music, glitz, and glamour. It really covers all of the nuances that created this superstar.

The Hollywood Pantages Theater

6233 Hollywood Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA. 90028

*Some content was taken off of their website.

This is the most iconic neighborhood bakery café ever in Los Angeles, created by previous owner Jane herself. They now have 8 locations, so you really have no excuse to not try their magical bounty! They have lunch, including salads, soup, sandwiched, brunch, and of course many sweet items. I went to the one in West Hollywood, which is walking distance from my home office. I remember, back in the day, walking over here on any given morning and having a wonderful coffee press with a big, huge croissant. Always a great way to start my morning. I have been in this fabulous neighborhood for 35 years, so Sweet Lady Jane was always a way to bring the comforts of home into my very refined palate.  It’s all one big happy experience no matter what you try at Sweet Lady Jane.

When you go to someone’s party and they see you coming in with a Sweet Lady Jane Bag and cake box, you immediately become the most popular person at the party. This highly recognized staple in the greater So Cal area is thought as major prestige.  Knowing that, the host will go crazy for your very thoughtful gift. Plus, the fact that the cakes and other bakeries items are the highest quality.

Owners, Matthew Clark and Julie Ngu, were customers before. When Matthew heard on the local news that Sweet Lady Jane was closing, Julie said, “Wouldn’t it be crazy if we bought this store?’ The closure was in Feb 2024; and in 3 weeks they managed to get their permits along with everything else needed to purchase the business, starting process of reopening the original Melrose store and 7 others in the Los Angeles area.  They also have a few newly purchased food trucks that are for street fairs and farmers markets. Mathew believes that Sweet Lady Jane was meant to bring neighborhood people together in a happy environment with great food and wonderful baked goodies, that treat the mind, body, and soul to a lovely experience. Mathew is very hands on. He manages to get out to every location weekly and he has hired the best managers, seeing that all of them are keeping to their original mission statement. He is very proud that his staff loves their jobs and that they continue with the glorious history that Sweet Lady Janes food and baked goods have to offer. They are going to start adding homemade gelato soon, and the first store to have this will be their downtown store.

Matthew has had many promotional deals, the most recent is buy 1 lunch item, get the second one free. He says that he does that just so their customers can try different food items and not have to pay full price. Their busiest time is for lunch. Sweet Lady Jane also does many catering jobs along with getting lots of online orders for the major studios in the area.

What else can I say, this is just the best way to spend a morning, afternoon, or evening. It’s in a busy West Hollywood shipping area, seconds away from Melrose place. They have free parking behind the building.

Here’s What I tried.

Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

Cappuccino

Cold Brew Coffee

Iced Mache Latte

All of the beverages were just perfect.

Salads:

Caprese Salad, with fresh mozzarella, Himalayan Sea Salt, freshly cracked pepper on a bed of arugula threshold, and basil served with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Lots of fresh cheese and lovely tomatoes, making this salad a real keeper.

SLJ Salad with baby lettuce, jicama cucumber, kidney beans tomatoes, Gorgonzola cheese olives, green onions hearts of palm, and quinoa served with lemon olive oil vinaigrette. This is a great filling salad with lots of great ingredients.

Triple Berry Salad with dried apricot caramelized, walnuts, strawberries, raspberries, on a bed of mixed greens with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The dried caramelized apricots set this salad apart, its really great.

Soups:

Tomato Basil Soup, with fresh basil, and as a grilled cheese baguette, with cheddar cheese and grilled tomatoes. This very special combination; it was just so luscious, I would order this every time.

Sandwiches:

Chicken Curry Sandwich, with all white meat, chicken, and a light curry dress seasoning with scallions, fresh tomato, and lettuce. This is a must have sandwich, the curry flavor is light and wonderful. The best part is the raisin bread that they put it on.

Albacore, Tuna Sandwich, with white albacore tuna, lemon juice celery, scallions, tomato, and lettuce. A straightforward healthy sandwich.

Brunch:

The Scramble, with three eggs scrambled, chives, bacon, a freshly baked baguettes, butter, and orange marmalade preserve. The bread with the eggs really makes this so amazing.

Triple Berry Challah French Toast with fresh seasonal berries, powdered sugar, and maple syrup. Oh my, I could not get enough of this dish.

Side:

Egg Salad, egg salad can be easy to screw up, but Sweet Lady Jane really makes the perfect egg salad. When I was a child, my dad would always get me this sandwich for lunch near his business in Beverly Hills. This sandwich was great and brought back lots of wonderful memories for me.

Cakes:

Heavenly Dark Chocolate Cake – Layers of decadent chocolate cake with a divine chocolate buttercream and lush chocolate ganache, this is every chocolate lover’s dream. Unapologetic and heaven-sent, you won’t regret it.

The New Beverly Cake – The Beverly – A customer favorite! Yellow cake layered with Cordillera chocolate mousse, vanilla cream and rich ganache wrapped in Divine chocolate glaze and decorated with cocoa nibs, buttercream flowers, with an edible gold leaf.

Proper Carrot Cake – Nice and spiced, our carrot cake is a cozy crowd-pleaser. Made with our special blend of warming spices, walnuts and raisins, our walnut-caramel filling adds a touch of sophistication to the cream cheese. Every bite takes you a bit further in your reverie.

The Waldorf Red Velvet Cake – Sumptuous red velvet cake like you’ve never had it. Bittersweet cocoa and elegant vanilla notes mingle with luscious cream.

Triple Berry Cake – Our world-famous Triple Berry Cake. Fresh blueberries, strawberries and raspberries layered between lightly

Chocolate Cake Pop, their chocolate cake pop is built on a foundation of rich, fudgy cake — dense with cocoa flavor — then hand-dipped in a glossy dark chocolate shell that snaps just right. Indulgent without being over the top and deeply satisfying in every single bite. One is never quite enough. This one’s for the chocolate devotee.

Vanilla Cake Pop, some flavors just never fade. Their vanilla cake pop is made with pillowy, fragrant vanilla cake — warm with floral notes and a gentle sweetness — hand-shaped and finished in a pristine white candy coating that gives way to something impossibly soft inside. Refined, timeless, and the kind of thing you keep thinking about long after the last bite

*Disclaimer: Sweet Lady Jane lovingly crafts all of our baked goods on shared equipment that also handles tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, and wheat.

Every single cake and cupcake I tried were just the best thing you would ever put in your mouth. It’s just so worth going there for a slice of your favorite cake or a cupcake, or any of their baked items. It’s a real treat that you just have to experience. I was also able to try a nice array of cupcakes, each was otherworldly.

Chef Bernie has been with Sweet Lady Jane for 20 years; everything is homemade from original recipes. Whatever your culinary pleasure is, Sweet Lady Jane has it all, with the best most wonderful cake assortment ever. It’s a neighborhood spot, come relax, good food and the best desserts in town. You just got to walk in those famous doors, and you will see what I am talking about.

“TODAY IS THE SWEETEST DAY”

Locations;

Melrose, Downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Larchmont, Studio City, Calabasas, Encino, Santa Monica, San Fernando – cakes pick-ups only.

Sweet Lady Jane

8360 Melrose Avenue

West Hollywood, CA. 90069

(323) 653-7145

Sun – Wed: 8:00am – 12:00am Thur – Sat: 8:00am – 1:00am

Cafe Service 8:00am – 5:00pm

https://sweetladyjane.com/

It you want to laugh your derrière off, go see this fantastic musical romp. It is so hilarious, and you will just laugh until your face hurt.

Spamalot is a Tony-winning musical comedy “lovingly ripped off” from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It follows King Arthur and his knights on a surreal, music-filled quest for the Holy Grail. Ultimately parodying Arthurian legends and Broadway tropes, the musical comedy features taunting Frenchmen, killer rabbits, and the Lady of the Lake.

My favorites actors and characters:

King Arthur – Major Attaway.

Sean Bell played many roles and he nailed each one.

Amanda Robles – The Lady of The Lake.

Leo Roberts – Sir Galahad, The Black Knight, Prince Herberts Father.

There were many other standouts, but these were my stellar performers.

The Quest Begins: King Arthur, accompanied by his coconut-clapping servant Patsy, recruits Knights of the Round Table (Bedevere, Robin, Lancelot, and Galahad) to join him in Camelot, a place resembling a Las Vegas resort.

Divine Mission: God instructs Arthur to find the Holy Grail, a mission supported by the Lady of the Lake, who acts as a diva-like romantic interest.

Absurd Challenges: The knights encounter ridiculous obstacles, including flatulent French soldiers, the Knights Who Say Ni, a killer rabbit, and “Not Dead Fred”.

Resolution: After various chaotic adventures, the Grail is found under a seat in the audience (or a designated spot on stage). The play concludes with Arthur marrying the Lady of the Lake (who reveals her name is Guinevere), Sir Lancelot marrying Prince Herbert, and everyone following the advice to “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”.

Like the film, it is a highly irreverent parody of the Arthurian Legend, but it differs from the film in many ways, especially in its parodies of Broadway theatre. Eric Idle, a member of the Monty Python team, wrote the musical’s book and lyrics, and collaborating with John Du Prez on the music. Running since March 17, 2005, it was directed by Mike Nichols and won three Tony Awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical of the 2004–2005 season.

Idle explained the title in a February 2004 press release about the musical: “I like the title Spamalot a lot. We tested it with audiences on my recent US tour, and they liked it as much as I did, which is gratifying. After all, they are the ones who will be paying Broadway prices to see the show. It comes from a line in the movie which goes: ‘we eat ham, and jam and Spam (food) a lot.”

Tagline: A new musical (lovingly) ripped off from the motion picture.

The show that set Broadway back 1,000 years…returns!

Peter Marks of The Washington Post exclaims, “It’s UNFAIR to make me laugh this much! SPAMALOT is a tightly packed clown car speeding to musical theater nirvana!”

SPAMALOT, which first galloped onto Broadway in 2005, features a book & lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. The original Broadway production was nominated for fourteen Tony Awards and won three, including Best Musical.

The musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, has everything that makes a great knight at the theatre, from flying cows to killer rabbits, British royalty to French taunters, dancing girls, rubbery shrubbery, and of course, the Lady of the Lake. SPAMALOT features well-known song titles such as “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” “Find Your Grail” and more that have become beloved classics in the musical theatre canon.

SPAMALOT is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.

Spamalot

6233 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles California 90028

(323) 468-1770

March 24 – April 12 – 2026

https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/

Some Content Was Taken off of their website.

What a nice surprise, a new Thai place right down the street from my vacation house. With its fantastic attention to really great Thai food, with a large wonderfully curated menu, I am a real fan of this new spot.

Owners David and Joy Holcomb had a food truck and a food stall before opening this brick-and-mortar business. They were at Morongo in the desert outlets. This restaurant was a Thai place – Yuthaipa – before David and Joy took it over.  They completely remodeled the patio by adding new paint, and canopy’s, new kitchen, and many other details. David says he met Joy while he was a dealer at Morongo and they really hit it off. So much so that when it was her time to go back to her homeland of Thailand, he told he not to go and they got married 2 weeks after meeting. That was 13 years ago, now with 2 daughters and Joy’s Mom living with them, it is a real family affair. Joy loves that she can test out all of her amazing recipes that she learned from what she calls “her mentor – drunk chef – back in Thailand”. She fondly remembers how he would have her taste many kinds of Thai herbs and seasonings to create most of these spectacular dishes. She tests out most of her recipes on her husband and he says he has gained some weight since this whole food project started, but he really doesn’t mind. Chef Jorge Barrios came from the previous business but is happy to guide both David and Joy into many new and exciting recipes. David truly loves his business, his kids, and above all his wife. He even told me that they had a celebrity come in for the tiger tacos all the way from Hollywood, Anthony Anderson. Yes, they are worth the drive.

Here’s What I Tried:

Drink:

Thai Tea with Blue Milk, this is just a beautiful rendition of the ever-popular Thai tea, except for the top layer is blue, which is called Butterfly Pea.

Salad:

Papaya salad, this salad is both tangy and sweet, with the great peanut crumbles, but it does pack a heated punch.

Rice:

Mala Fried Rice with Beef, the color of this rice is very appealing, and the flavor will blow your hair back.

Noodles:

Pad Thai with Shrimp. One of my favorite Thai dishes and this one did not disappoint. There is not sugar or msg in any of their menu items. This dish is healthy and super flavorful. The shrimps are also plump and delicious.

Drunken Noodle, with chicken. Another great flavor profile, great balance with super tender chicken, a delicious choice.

Krapau Noodles with ground beef. This is new and the noodles are the main reason to order this delectable menu item.

Curry:

Green Curry with Chicken. This is a very fragrant curry dish, it is sweet and spicy, just a very soothing curry.

Tacos:

Tiger Tacos with Beef. This taco is very simple. The meat is really tender with the nice well-rounded balance flavors; it is just off the charts.

Red Wine Tacos with Beef. The meat here is sweet with it being super tender, this one made me a fan.

Tom Yum Taco with Shrimp. I love shrimp in anything, the Tom Yum is what you would find in a Tom Yum soup, so it is just the best taco.

Joy also gave me her Devil Spice and Spice Bomb to take home. That was so kind of her, I can’t wait to try it!

They play good music; they will get misters installed for summertime dining. Now they have bench tables with fans canvas canopy to keep the heat out. Joy is an architect by trade, so she knows great design. She took what was a not-so-great environment and turned into clean crisp lines, with lots of attention to detail.

They really want their customers to know that when you come to Thai Street Food Yucaipa BKK78 you are treated like family. Good clean Thai food, great music, and good vibes in the heart of Uptown Yucaipa. In the short time they have been at this location, they have had many repeat customers. Many customers just can’t get enough of their wonderful recipes and menu items; it just keeps them coming back for more. I personally know from what I tried that this restaurant will catch on quick. Soon there will be lines around the block, so come and try their delicious food while you don’t have to wait. You too can enjoy great natural Thai food that is good to the last bite.

Thai Street Food Yucaipa BKK78

35134 Yucaipa Blvd.

Yucaipa, CA. 92399

909-654-0245

https://o.spoton.com/BL-1EA4-9ADE-2988

The Wow Creations Oscar Gift Suite is always something that I really look forward to. I see so many of my Hollywood friends and enjoy schmoozing with the best of them. The gifts are a great attraction as well, but for me it is always the sense of community that I get when I am there. I am always made to feel comfortable and at home, for sure in my element.

Here is who was there:

Raconteuse

Tracy Doyle Ife Storms

Esthetica-La

Art Lewin Bespoke

Bailin Botanicals

Maika Cenju

Dr. Mincas Natural Beauty

Unshakable Sonya Mcdonald

Invanti

Relax Far Infrared

Brain Juice

Flows Tasty Treats

Ungun

Courageous Woman Carmen K. Maendel

James Tobin Champagne

Made With Love Lemonade

MB Implants

Italian Pizza

There was so much fun and love in the room, getting ready for the Oscars every year is always a pleasure. Where else can you visit with Joe Mantegna, brilliant actor and Kato Kaelin, world’s most famous house guest, in the same room, just saying. Winding down from award season for me in a bit of a letdown, but hey there is always next year!

Wow Creations

www.wowcreationsmedia.com

This fun outdoor Mexican spot is right in the heart of West Hollywood, a new taqueria from a team that includes the owner of Tu Madre, is celebrating its grand opening in West Hollywood. Guac Daddy’s owners describe it as a Mexico City-inspired restaurant that serves a menu of mesquite-grilled meats in tacos, burritos, vampiros, and quesadillas. They play great Tejano music, the outdoor area is a great communal gathering spot.

At Guac Daddy you are made to feel like you could be in any tropical place in the world when enjoying their very delicious Mexican creations on the outdoor patio. Manager Jennifer Valencia gave me some nice suggestions and offered me a credit to sample some great menu items.

Here’s What I tried:

Drinks:

Straws Guava Lemonade Berry Drink, a very refreshing drink with lots of great strawberry flavor. It is bright, bold, and beautifully balanced. Sweet strawberries and tropical guava meet tart lemonade for the ultimate fruity refresher. Sunshine in a cup.

Food:

Deluxe Box – When one bite just won’t cut it.

2 Tacos, 1 Koreano Taco, served with thin slices of sirloin marinated in soy sauce garlic and peppers, served with onion, cilantro, guaca-salsa and salsa Roja.

1 Carne Asada Taco, Mesquite grilled steak, Monterey jack cheese, served con-todo w/ onion, cilantro, guaca-salsa and salsa Roja.

1 Quesadilla, 1 Quesadilla, Cheese and an extra grilled Chicken, with Monterey jack cheese, served con-todo w/ onion, cilantro, guaca-salsa and salsa Roja.

1 Vampiro, Birria, soft tortilla grilled to crunchy and smothered with melted Monterey jack cheese and topped with adobo chuck steak, served con-todo w/ onion, cilantro, guaca-salsa and salsa Roja.

1 Mulita, Carne Asada Mulita, Mesquite grilled steak, Monterey jack cheese, served con-todo w/ onion, cilantro, guaca-salsa and salsa Roja.

Totopos and Guac, spicy guac and totopos, creamy, chunky, and packed with fresh lime, cilantro, and just the right hit of jalapeño — their house spicy guac is made fresh daily and served with crunchy, golden totopos. They have 2 kinds of salsa, and the guacamole was thick and delicious.

Fish Baja Taco, with cod battered in masa tempura (gf) and fried, cabbage, garlic crema, hibiscus pickled onion on each, served con todo. flour tortilla. Delicious cod deep fried with cabbage and lime. The fish is moist and the crunchy cabbage adds another layer; this would be my go to for this menu.

Shrimp Baja Taco, with grilled shrimp, cabbage, garlic cream and hibiscus pickled onion on each served con todo, flour tortilla. I just loved the very big plump shrimps, and the accompaniments are truly perfect.

The design is just adorable, they will be opening another Guac Daddy on Fairfax where Oki-Dog used to be, I am sure that location will be equally as fun. With strewn lighting and a cool tin roof type wall siding, its all very hip and exciting. When you’re in the mood for quick and easy Mexican food with great namesake guacamole try Guac Daddy.

Guac Daddy – West Hollywood 

7401 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90046

(323) 250-0326

Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

Friday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm

https://www.guacdaddy.com/

What a wonderful romp into the world of Tim Burton’s original film and story. What a great triumph, to adapt this super fun world into a musical.  You have got to go see this very imaginative, wonderfully executed musical.

Here’s the cast:

Beetlejuice – Ryan Stajmiger, Lydia – Leianna Weaver, Barbara – Kaitlin Feely, Adam -David Wilson, Charles -Jeff Brooks, Delia – Bailey Frankenberg, Priest – Dan Mason.

Music & Lyrics By Eddie Perfect, Book By Scott Brown And  Anthony King Based On The Geffen Company Picture, With A Story By Michael Mcdowell & Larry Wilson, Ryan Stajmiger Leianna Weaver, Kaitlin Feely, David Wilson, Jeff Brooks, Bailey Frankenberg,  Alessandra Casanova, Mai Caslowitz , Adam Fields, Da’zaria Harris, Dan Mason,  Justin Baret Neftali, Benitez Mathew Blasio Ian, Dembek Carly, Natania Grossman, Haley Izurieta, Sterling Nelson, Jones Michael,  P. Korner, Catie Leonard, Nick Signor,  Jillian Worthing, Nicole Zelka, Scenic Design David Korins, Costume Design William Ivey Long, Lighting Design Kenneth Posner, Sound Design Peter Hylenski, Projection Design Peter Nigrini, Exclusive Tour Direction The Road Company, Tour Marketing & Press Allied Global, Marketing Digital & Social Media Spotco, Casting Geoff Josselson, Casting Musical Supervision, Orchestration & Incidental Musical.

Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, Beetlejuice Is “Screamingly Good Fun!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!

The ghost-with-the-most is coming to life on stage in this original musical based on Tim Burton’s wonderfully demented film of the same name. Directed by Alex Timbers, BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager obsessed with the whole “being dead thing.” Lucky for Lydia, her new house is haunted by a recently deceased couple and a degenerate demon with a thing for stripes. When Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, he comes up with the perfect plan involving exorcism, arranged marriage and the biggest sandworms Broadway has ever seen.

Summary:

The musical starts with everyone attending the funeral of Emily Deetz, Charles Deetz‘s wife and Lydia Deetz‘s Mother, where Lydia Deetz sings about how seeing her mother made her extremely upset (Prologue: “Invisible”). Beetlejuice enters, and talks to the audience (“The Whole “Being Dead” Thing“). He explains to the audience that he is a demon from hell and needs someone alive to say his name three times, so he can be seen by everyone and spread fear.

After this, we are introduced to Adam and Barbara Maitland, a perfectly normal, slightly boring couple who are considering having a baby and starting a family. However, they fear the consequences and worry they’ll regret their decision. As they discuss plans for their future, they fall through the creaky floorboards of their house and die, with Beetlejuice gleefully watching. (“Ready, Set, Not Yet“) Beetlejuice finds the Handbook for the Recently Deceased, and throws it away to hide it from the Maitlands. When Adam and Barbara reappear as ghosts, Beetlejuice offers to be their guide (“The Whole “Being Dead” Thing, Pt. 2“). The Maitlands are hesitant, but want their house back, so they accept Betelgeuse’s offer (“The Whole “Being Dead” Thing, Pt. 3“). The three see Charles and his new mistress Delia moving into their house, and evacuate into the attic. Delia and Charles wish to keep their affair a secret from Lydia. Lydia enters and is angered about them moving houses, but Charles answers that they are “moving forward” and that he wants Lydia to stop wearing black and stop mourning, in time for a business dinner in two days. Delia attempts to “life coach” her, but gives up, leaving Lydia to mourn her mother (“Dead Mom“).

In the attic, Beetlejuice tries teaching the deceased couple to scare the new residents; but when they prove reluctant, Beetlejuice leaves the attic for the roof. (“Fright of Their Lives“) Barbara encourages Adam to haunt the newcomers whilst covered in bed sheets, as they can’t be seen otherwise, (“Ready, Set, Not Yet Reprise“). Delia continues trying to teach Lydia to recover from her grief but is rebutted. (“No Reason“) After Delia leaves, Lydia stumbles upon a shrouded Adam and Barbara, and follows them to the attic, where they conspire with her to scare Charles and Delia out of the house. Lydia rushes into Charles’ room and discovers Delia in Charles‘bed, and Charles explains that he has now proposed to Delia. Lydia storms out of the room. Beetlejuice, on the roof, sees Lydia, and is shocked when he learns that Lydia can hear and see him. (“Invisible Reprise“). He persuades Lydia to say his name three times, so he can help her scare Charles. Lydia does not trust him, and Adam and Barbara concur, despite Beetlejuices forcing them to praise him. Lydia pushes Beetlejuice off the roof and persuades Barbara and Adam to possess Charles, Delia, and their dinner guests. (“Say My Name“) At the dinner, later on, Adam and Barbara force the guests to sing (“Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)“), but the guests, to Lydia’s dismay, are intrigued by the genuinely haunted house. Charles and Delia are excited at the idea of making a fortune. Lydia becomes desperate, and summons Beetlejuice, who chases everyone except Lydia out of the house and Adam and Barbara back into the attic.

“Broadway is about to Get a Little Weirder”

Run, don’t walk to this outrageous, fantastic, musical, you will be glad you did.

Hollywood Pantages Theater

6233 Hollywood Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA. 90028

https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/

• Note some content taken off of their website.
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