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From the Library
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From the City
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Sierra Madre Playhouse Reviews by
Fran Syverson (updated 2/2/10)
Commercial
Properties Available
572 E. Green St., Pasadena, multiple units of
various sizes, 340 sq. ft. to 3,250 sq. ft.,
click here for
more info, or on the logo above for more listings.
Contact Dan
Alle or Carole Walker, (626) 795-2255
FOR RENT
Beautiful condo unit
available w/fireplace, walking distance to village, furnished option, available
mid-April. 2 B/R, 1 Ba, ac, pool, garage, patio, fireplace. Please call
for details @ 626-446-8453
***********
FOR RENT
Back house, 1 B/R plus
den/office. Hardwood floors, a/c, washer/dryer, refrigerator included.
Applications being accepted, available Mar. 1st. Call for details @ 626
355-8949
 (2/2/10)
Grand Opening and Chamber Ribbon
Cutting at Butterfly Effect Day Spa
On Saturday from 4 to 7pm, owner Rita Fichera and
staff welcomed dozens of folks to their new Butterfly Effect Day Spa grand
opening and ribbon cutting. Champagne was served, lots of hors d'oeuvres
were offered, and the first 100 guests received gift bags. There were also
about half a dozen prize drawings. Delicious cupcakes by "Dipped" were
also served, and a couple of vendors were offering product, as well.
Fichera
is a licensed esthetician, and the Day
Spa offers many opportunities to "Captivate Your Beauty." The menu
includes eyelash extensions, brow services, make up, waxing, facials, peels,
light treatments massage therapy and body treatments. They also do Spa
Parties. To view many more photos from the event,
click here.
(1/1/10PR)
The 40th Annual Wine and Gourmet Tasting Fundraiser
Well, the 2009 holidays are
behind us. We welcome the exciting New Year. May 2010 bring hope, peace, and
prosperity. The festive atmosphere of the
holiday season will be recreated at our 40th Annual Wine and Cuisine
Tasting Gala. Again being held at Alverno’s extraordinary Villa in Sierra Madre,
the evening will feature wines from dozens of vintners and delectable cuisine
from more than 20 local restaurants.Mark Friday evening, February 19th,
on your calendars. The affair will take place from 7:00 – 9:30pm. Our new early
bird premier will be from 6:00 – 7:00pm. Special food, premium wines, door
prizes, live music, a distinctive badge and early access to our main event will
highlight this new addition to our celebration. A wine expert will also be on
hand to transform us into bon vivant connoisseurs of fine wines. Sponsored by the Friends of the
Sierra Madre Library tickets are available at: Sierra Madre Public Library, The
Bottle Shop, Arnold’s Frontier Hardware, Iris Intrigue, Charcuterie, Savor the
Flavor and Sierra Madre Books. They will also be available on line at
www.SierraMadreLibraryFriends.org .
Tickets are $60 each for the main event. And $80 gets you into the main event
AND the early bird premier. Tickets are limited so purchase your tickets early.All funds raised enable the
library to add new acquisitions and additions to collections, support library
services and programs, and make improvements to the building and grounds. Our featured artist for this
year’s event is Gail Holl. Gail received her early
training at the Philadelphia College of Art. She was a teacher for many years
before marrying and raising a family. When her own children reached school age,
Gail got involved with the Art Docent Program at Highland Oaks School. She
eventually became chairwoman, a position she held for 4 years. Gail then took a
year at LACMA to study to become an art docent. When she decided she would
rather paint than talk about art, she started taking classes from various
masters of the medium, including Heinz Rosein, Feeling Lyn, Jim Burns, Margot
Lennartz, and others. Gail is pleased to be able to offer her talent to the
Sierra Madre Library for their wine tasting fundraiser.
From the
City
MUD REMOVAL: AFTER THE STORM
After surviving the Santa Anita Fire
in 2008, the City of Sierra Madre has been fortunate thus far to have withstood
subsequent rain storms without personal injury or major property damage.
However, with the thousands of cubic yards of mud and debris already coming down
the hillsides, and thousands of cubic yards still expected in future storms, one
of the main challenges for City staff is the “clean-up” after the storm.
The following is a review of the
post-storm assistance provided by the City of Sierra Madre:
o City streets will be cleared as
quickly as possible when it is safe to do so. Public Works crews are not allowed
to put themselves or the safety of others in jeopardy to clear a street during a
storm.
o Neither hand crews nor medium to
heavy machinery or vehicles are effective during heavy rains. Shoveling or
scooping muddy water is an inefficient use of the City’s resources.
o The clearing of streets will be
prioritized by considering access for public safety vehicles and number of
affected trapped residents.
o Mud and debris deposited on private
property is the responsibility of the property owner. City staff cannot enter
private property to remove mud and debris after the storm.
o Private property owners are allowed
to deposit mud and debris from their property onto the public street, within
seven days following the storm, for collection by City crews. (For the most
recent, January 18th to 22nd storm; by Friday, February 5, 2010.)
o Please contact the Sierra Madre
Public Works Department at (626) 355-7135 with as much advance information as
possible including the location and timing of when the mud and debris will be
placed on the street.
o Under no circumstances can mud or
debris be deposited in the streets in such a way as to create a hazard to
vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
o Please be advised that
street-sweepers are not designed to eliminate dust or compacted mud remaining
after a major storm.
It may take time and patience to
return the street to pre-storm condition. The City of Sierra Madre thanks its
residents for their understanding and all their efforts to assist with the
post-storm clean up.
Carter DB Cleanout-Haul Route Map
The County of Los Angeles will be
cleaning out the Carter Debris Basin tentatively starting on Wednesday February
3, 2010 for about 7 days between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. The materials will be
hauled to Santa Anita Sediment Placement Site in the City of Arcadia. The haul
route is attached (click on link above) and the County will be distributing
notice flyers to the residents along the haul route on Monday February 1, 2010.
***********************
Applications being accepted for
Senior Recreation Leader
The City of Sierra Madre is now
accepting applications for the Senior Recreation Leader position. The Senior
Recreation Leader is a front line position that implements recreation programs
and leisure services for middle and high school students at the Youth Activity
Center. For more information on the position please
click here.
**********************
Artists Open Studio Tour
Through an Open Studio Tour on June
6, 2010, the Friends of the Sierra Madre Arts in partnership with the Community
Arts Commission will spotlight local artists to provide citizens an opportunity
to enjoy the remarkable creativity found within our village. To be considered
for this juried event,
complete this
application. Return applications to Open Studio Tour
– Sierra Madre, 232 W. Sierra Madre
Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024, no later than Monday, March 1, 2010. Please see
the attached application. The City will be selling tickets for the tour in
advance for $15 and $20 at the door. Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards
Sierra Madre public arts programs.
From the Library
Travelers and Collectors 2010
Season Premier
On Friday, February 12, Kathy and
Gary Symons will open Sierra Madre Public Library’s 2010 Travelers and
Collectors season with their “armchair travelogue,” “Ethiopia: Tribes, Religion,
and Wildlife.” The program will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Sierra Madre City Hall
Council Chambers. Accompanied by six other travelers, the Symons visited
Ethiopia in January of 2009, where they joined thousands of local pilgrims on
January 7 in the Holy City of Lalibela, also known as “The New Jerusalem,” for
Christmas services. Their subsequent itinerary included stops at many
monasteries where they viewed exquisite decorative murals, and excursions
through the countryside where they captured exotic wildlife on film. In southern
Ethiopia they met tribal peoples with elaborate face and body scarifications,
lip plugs, and red clay-dyed hair. The Symons have traveled to more than 70
countries worldwide in their quest to learn about unique cultures.
Travelers and Collectors is held the
second Friday of the month, February through May, at 7:30 p.m., in the Sierra
Madre City Hall Council Chambers, 232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. All programs are
free and open to the public. A schedule is available for takeaway at the Library
Service Desk, and can also be found on the Library website,
www.sierramadre.lib.ca.us.
Travelers and Collectors is sponsored by the Friends of the Sierra Madre
Library. For more information please call Catriona Shafer at (626) 355-7186.
*******************
“Zorro” Book Discussion at Sierra Madre
Library - Celebrating
Sierra Madre’s 2010 “One Book One City”
“Zorro,” by Isabel Allende, will be the topic of
Sierra Madre Public Library’s Third Thursday Book Club meeting on Thursday,
February 18 at 11:00 a.m. (Editor's Note: I've received another press
release that says this discussion is on Tuesday the 16th, so the date is up in
the air. I've got an inquiry in to the library, and will post the correct
date when I receive a response.) Everyone is invited to join in this informal
discussion of the adventure novel selected as Sierra Madre’s “One Book One City”
for 2010. This event is free and will take place in the Library’s Reference
Room.
First published in 2005, “Zorro” tells the story
of the youthful Diego de la Vega and the political and personal conflicts, world
travels, and affairs of the heart that lead him to become the swashbuckling
champion of the oppressed in 19th century California.
Isabel Allende, the most widely read Latin
American author in the world, has written novels that have been translated into
27 languages, including the acclaimed “Portrait in Sepia”, “Ines of My Soul”,
“Daughter of Fortune,” “House of the Spirits,” and the 2009 “La Isla Bajo el
Mar,” to be released in English later this year. Her work has won countless
international literary awards and she has been honored by numerous universities
and arts, literature, and feminist organizations around the world. Allende was
born in Chile, traveled extensively with her family as a child, and then
established a career as a journalist in her home country before fleeing the
military coup in 1973. She now lives in northern California.
One Book One City hopes to inspire members of our
community to share in reading the same good book at the same time and to
participate in events honoring the work. A docent-guided tour of the San
Gabriel Mission, a prominent location in “Zorro,” is currently scheduled for
Saturday, February 27, at 1:00 p.m. Limited free transportation will be
available (first call, first reserved); reservations will need to be made by
February 22. Contact the Library at 626-255-7186. Cost for the tour is $5 per
person.
********************
The Sierra Madre Public Library is located at 440
W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre 91024. For more information, please call
Catriona Shafer at 626-355-7186.
Joke(s) of the Day
Thousands of Jokes
Stock Report...Helium was up. Feathers
were down. Paper was stationary. Knives were up sharply. Pencils lost a few
points. Hiking equipment was trailing. Elevators rose, while escalators
continued a slow decline. Light switches were off. Mining equipment hit rock
bottom. Diapers remained unchanged. Shipping lines stay...ed
at an even keel. Balloon prices were inflated. Batteries exploded trying to
recharge the market. Pork futures are a little lean, but tires are
comin' round. Baseball futures are hit and miss...
***********************
The latest medical journal
reports that doctors have discovered a cure for water on the
brain...apparently all that's required is a tap on the head.
************************
I just read where Forest Lawn has raised the
price of burial, which I can understand. What’s a little more difficult to
understand, is that they blamed it on the cost of living…
Quote(s) of the Day
"The grass is not, in fact, always
greener on the other side of the fence. Fences have nothing to do with it. The
grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water
with you and tend the grass wherever you may be." -- Robert Fulgum
California
Lottery
Winners -
Includes the most recent winning results / numbers for all games
Games - Includes links to each game individually, as well as current
estimated jackpot amounts
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Saturday, 2/6/10, 1:30pm
-
City Council to Meet in Emergency Session to Proclaim a State of Emergency
Click
to view agenda
 (Saturday,
2/6/10, 7pm)
City Downgrades to Green Flag Alert
The City of
Sierra Madre has moved to a Green Flag Alert for mudslides and debris flows
in the hillside communities.
Mandatory
Evacuation orders have been lifted for all areas in the City of Sierra
Madre.
City officials
are closely watching local rain forecasts. The National Weather Service has
posted an 80% chance of rain for this evening (Saturday, 1/6/2010).
A Green Flag
Alert is issued when there is an 80% chance or more of precipitation.
Affected residents should get ready for potential evacuation and keep close
watch on weather forecasts.
There still
the possibility of hazards as streets may become flooded or blocked by
debris with the intermittent storm cells that may pass over the area this
evening. Parking restrictions have been lifted for the Upper and Lower
Canyon.
Sandbags are
available at the City Yards. Residents must fill and transport their own
bags.
Bailey Canyon
Park, Mt. Wilson Trail, and Chantry Road will remain closed until further
notice.
(Saturday,
2/6/10, 11am) MUD
UPDATE
The City of Sierra Madre
issued a Red Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud
flow areas. The Los Angels County Public Works Department issued a Phase 2
Mud Alert. A Phase 2 Alert indicates moderate debris and mudflows at
widespread locations. Phase 3 – the potential exists for significant debris
and mudflows to be widespread. Mandatory evacuations are in place.
The following locations
are now under a Mandatory Evacuation Order and the streets are closed to
both vehicular and pedestrian traffic:
-
All streets above
Churchill and Canyon Crest
-
All streets above
Brookside and Sturtevant
-
All streets above
Lotus Lane at Camillo
-
The private sections
of Auburn Avenue above Elm Street.
Additional Important
Information:
-
An evacuations
center has been set up at the Community Recreation Center, 611 E. Sierra
Madre Blvd.
-
A debris deflection
structure will be erected at the northern Brookside Lane & Woodland Drive
intersection by 1:00 PM.
-
Sand and sandbags
are available 24 hours a day at the City Maintenance Facility. The address
is 621 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. The sand and sandbags are located north of the
Sierra Vista Park tennis courts, and next to the Sierra Madre Rose Float
building. Residents must fill their own bags and are advised to bring a
shovel.
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Bailey Canyon Park,
Mt. Wilson Trail, and Chantry Road are all closed until further notice.
The City of Sierra Madre
is appreciative of the diligent preparations and friendly cooperation that
its residents have demonstrated through all of our recent emergencies.
For updates and future
emergency information, please be sure to monitor the City’s Communication
tools:
City Website (www.cityofsierramadre.com
)
SMTV3, (channel 3 on Time
Warner Cable)
Sierra Madre Emergency
Blog (www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com.)
Email Alerts “eBlasts” -
To register for email alerts please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com, click
on AccessSierraMadre, and then click CommunicationLink to register your
email address.
Additional information on
how to protect your home can be found on the City’s website,
www.cityofsierramadre.com. Mud incident updates can be found at
www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com.
(Saturday,
2/6/10, 8:45) -
MUD UPDATE Just
spoke to James Carlson at the City. Woodland at the bridge is blocked.
Skyland is blocked. At Lotus Lane there is some blockage. Sierra Madre EOC
will be opening shortly. Crews will begin to clear the streets as soon as it
is safe and they can do it effectively with their machinery.
...Updates
to Channel 3, the emergency blog and an e-blast will take place as soon as
staff can do it.
(2/6/10, 6:30am)
Mud Update
I just took a look around,
and with the exception of the mud in the road at Skyland, most everything
seems to be clear. There’s some mud in the road at Stonehouse above Grand
View, but not enough to close anything down or cause any damage (yet).
Stonehouse is barricaded on the south side of Grand View. There’s a little
dirt in the road by the bridge above Mary’s Market, but otherwise everything
in that area seems clear, Alta Vista, Yucca Trail, etc. Went to the end of
the road, no issues. One Carter is clear at both driveways.
I think I may have
misreported something in my 5:05am update, when I said that the resident at
801 Skyland was evacuated. I think what was said was that they were put on
voluntary evacuation, not that they were evacuated (it was 5am and I had
just woke up). Now that I’ve had a cup of coffee and gone by and seen all
the upstairs lights on at 6am, I’m thinking, I’ve seen lots more mud there
and they didn’t evacuate, so I think I just misheard the watch commander.
I'll be posting some pics in a few minutes
on www.SierraMudre.info.
 (Saturday,
2/6/10, 5:05am)
Mudflow on
Skyland, City Upgrades to Yellow Flag Alert:
Just spoke with SMPD Watch Commander Kamchamnan who informed me that within
the last hour there was mud flow at 801 Skyland. Skyland at that location
is now closed. Sgt. Kamchamnan also informed me that the City has upgraded
to Yellow Flag alert status, and we will be receiving notices from the City
to that effect shortly.
For official
information about mudslide and debris flow preparations, please visit
www.cityofsierramadre.com
and click “Emergency Preparedness Links” and “Ready for 7” on the home page.
Updates will also be issued on SMTV3 (Time Warner-channel 3) and the City’s
Emergency Blog (http://sierramadrepio.blogspot.com/).
For additional (unofficial) information, please visit
www.SierraMudre.info
Howard Thayer Syverson Passes Away
Howard Thayer Syverson passed away peacefully on
January 29, 2010, in Duarte, California. He was born on
October 13, 1926, in Long Beach, moved to Santa Monica
after the 1933 earthquake, and graduated from Santa
Monica High School in 1943.
Howard met Frances Mueller in a physics class
at UCLA before he enlisted in the Navy and was
sent to V-12 officers' training at the University of
Wisconsin, Madison. After his discharge, Howard earned
his BS in chemical engineering at UW before returning
to California. He was hired by the Ralph M.
Parsons Company in Los Angeles and had a 42-year
career designing refinery and chemical plant units,
including refineries in Turkey, Senegal, and Germany.
He became a computer guru for Parsons before the
rest of the world had heard of computers.
Howard and Fran were married on May 21, 1950,
after a two-year courtship. Their first home was in
Whittier, where they started raising their three
children, Steven, Nancy, and Mark, before they moved to
La Habra. As choir members, he and his family were active
in the First United Methodist Church in Whittier. The Syversons enjoyed annual backpacking trips in the
High Sierras. Howard and Fran moved to Pasadena,
then Sierra Madre, where they lived for 27 years
before moving to Westminster Gardens in Duarte.
Howard had an insatiable curiosity about the
world, so he and Fran started traveling in 1975
and continued the rest of his life. They've
visited Asia, Africa, Europe, Russia, and the Pacific
on numerous trips. Howard also loved reading on
virtually any topic, particularly history, philosophy,
and science. He started a second career in tax
preparation, becoming an Enrolled Agent. He and Fran
attended live theater and concerts regularly,
played bridge with friends, and were active
in the Church of the Good Shepherd in Arcadia.
Howard is survived by his wife and life-partner of 59 years,
Fran; children Steve Syverson (Diana) and Nancy Kirkwood
(Ken); grandchildren Grant Kirkwood, Holly Warner (Kevin),
Nissa Syverson, and Mark T. Syverson; one great-grandchild on the way;
nieces, nephews and cousins. His son, Mark H. Syverson, preceded him in
death in 1997. Howard will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A
memorial service and reception will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday,
February 15 at Church of the Good Shepherd, United Methodist, 400 W. Duarte
Road, Arcadia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sierra Madre
Playhouse, Sierra Madre Library, or Church of the Good Shepherd Foundation.
(2/2/10)
Dr. Paul Neiby and Wife Louise
Honored as 2009 Citizen(s)
 of
the Year by Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce
The Sierra Madre Chamber of
Commerce honored, for the first time, two people as its Citizen(s) of the Year
at its annual Citizen of the Year/Board Installation dinner on Friday. The
late Dr. Paul Neiby and his wife
Louise were chosen to receive the Chamber's 2009 Citizen(s) of the Year award.
On Dec. 22nd, Chamber president Matt Krantz presented the couple with a bouquet of flowers as
the announcement was made by Susan Henderson, a member of the Chamber of
Commerce Board of Directors, and president of Sierra Madre Kiwanis.
The
dinner was held in the Chandelier Room at Santa Anita Park. About one hundred
guests turned out to remember Paul, who passed away Jan. 13th, and to honor
Louise, who described the evening as "bittersweet."
The
evening began with a cocktail hour featuring entertainment by the Mercy Powell
(jazz) Quartet. After a brief welcome by 2007 Citizen of the Year Pete
Siberell, in his 17th year at Santa Anita and Director of Community
Service & Special Projects for the L. A. Turf
 Club, Chamber President Krantz
handed the evening’s emceeing duties over to Susan Henderson. It was the
Kiwanis Club which nominated the Neibys for Citizen of the Year. Henderson
introduced Vince Johnson, who had been requested by the Neibys to perform at the
event. Johnson performed several tunes on piano while guests had the
opportunity to peruse half a dozen items available at the silent auction table.
This was the first time the Chamber has employed a silent auction at the Citizen
of the Year dinner, and based on the success of this first one, it likely will
become a new annual activity.
 Reverend Dick Anderson gave the invocation, and the guests
sat down to a delicious three-course dinner of
Mediterranean Salad, Smoked Mozzarella Capicola Chicken, and Northwestern
Seasonal Fruit Tart. Following dinner, Henderson introduced
a long list of honored guests, including nearly a
dozen former Citizens of the Year. Chamber President Matt Krantz then
presented Certificates of Appreciation to outgoing Board members Elizabeth
Booth, Halcyon Koerber, Linda Thunes
 and Enid Joffe. He also introduced the new Board of
Directors for 2010, which consists of Elaine Aguilar, Allyn Colbert, Henderson,
Laura Hirsh, Sue Lamb, Janette Ledea, Krantz, Robin Salzer and Neil Vance.
Click here for more coverage of this event,
including nearly three dozen photos, and links to the tribute video presentation
shown at the dinner.
 (2/2/10)
Upcoming
Sierra Madre Chamber Events
February Mixer at Robin’s
Woodfire BBQ Grill
Thursday, Feb. 11th
at Robin’s Woodfire BBQ Grill, 395 N. Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, 5:30 – 7pm.
Business networking, great
food!! $10/members, $15/non-members.
March
Mixer at Sierra Madre Woman’s Club
Thursday, Mar. 11th
at the Sierra Madre Woman’s Club, 550 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., 5:30 – 7pm,
$10/members, $15/non-members – City Council candidates invited, business
networking, great food lovingly prepared by women of the Club.
Wistaria
Festival
Sunday, March 14th,
Downtown Sierra Madre, 9am to 5pm. View the world’s largest blossoming
plant from 9am to 4pm. Entry to the vine is free, round-trip shuttle ride
to the vine is $10/pre-sale, $15/day of the event. Pre-order your shuttle
tickets at www.WistariaTickets.com. Downtown festival (admission is free)
features the works of 175 juried artisans and crafters. Shop at downtown
stores, enjoy live music at multiple outdoor venues, kids attractions,
remote broadcast by KOLA 99FM. Fun for the whole family!!
“The Sensuous
Senator” Brings Naughty Political Romp to Sierra Madre Playhouse
By Fran Syverson
Tired of political
rhetoric and politicians scandalous shenanigans? How about seeing a play
where it’s all in fun? Then you’ll want to see “The Sensuous Senator”
currently at the Sierra Madre Playhouse.
It has all the
trappings of a “naughty political romp,” as it’s billed. Red, white and blue
bunting draped across the dais…the campaigners wearing glittery Old Glory
flag pins in their lapels…all is ready. The moment is at hand to introduce
the Senator and his wife, who is always at his side. And now: the speeches.
Senator Harry Douglas
acknowledges his introductions, proclaims he will run for President, and
then immodestly proceeds to list his many virtues, most notable of which are
his commitment to family values, truth, fidelity, and on and on. Speeches!
Applause! Probing questions from the press—most artfully dodged!
The accolades, the
political platitudes in “The Sensuous Senator” are so stereotypical that we
might think they were lifted from today’s headlines and that we’re at home
watching TV!
But “doth the Senator
protest too much”? We wonder—for soon the curtains open and we can peek into
behind-the-scenes maneuvering that goes on in the Senator’s townhouse.
Over coffee, talk turns
to concern about questions posed by Betty Morrison of that pesky news
magazine, “The Intruder.” Senator Douglas confers with two close
Congressmen, his nephew Jack Maguire (Brendan Shanahan) and Clyde Salt
(Charles Howerton.) The former is a relative newcomer to Congress and an
innocent, the latter an old hand, cynical and a bit bruised by realities.
Soon Lois, the
Senator’s wife, must catch a flight to Chicago, so Salt and Maguire also
leave.
And lo! The Senator’s
sensuous side emerges! “Aha! I’m alone for the weekend!” And he dials
Veronica, his secretary. He’s petulant when she tells her “honeybear” that
she can’t be with him, but Douglas soon goes to Plan B—and phones an agency
for an “escort.”
Then, for the next hour
and a half, the audience is treated to a riotous mélange of mishaps, as one
by one, the people in his life arrive at the Senator’s home, basically
unannounced. Congressman Salt has locked himself out of his house. Maguire
wants to strategize his uncle’s campaign further. Gorgeous and frisky blonde
Fiona arrives from ‘the agency.’ Scott Vinci as the plodding policeman keeps
turning up to “check things out,” always at inopportune moments—as if there
are any other moments during this wild evening! And voluptuous Veronica
changes her mind and comes to enjoy time with her boss, also changing her
clothes into something for evocative for the occasion. With Tanya C. Edwards
effective as Morrison, the persistent news-snoop, it’s more than a full
house!
Of course it’s a silly
plot! It is, after all, as a bedroom farce. So buy into it, ignore the
improbabilities, and laugh your way through the risqué and somewhat bawdy
story that hinges on skimpy premises and even skimpier apparel!
“The Sensuous Senator,”
written by Michael Parker, abounds with pantomimed humor and
double-entendres. Laughs become better and better as the jokes build on
previous set-ups.
Maguire’s (Shanahan’s)
height plays to advantage in a couple of rollicking skits, and his wide-eyed
innocence make him a perfect foil for Fiona’s amorous advances, so
well-depicted by Kerry Jade Aberman. Mark Tydell is a smooth operator, well
up to the demands of playing the sensuous Senator with his befuddled quips
and inventive alibis.
Activity in the bedroom
gives new meaning to the phrase “undercover agency.” And Melanie Rashbaum
spends a good deal of time under the bed as Veronica, impatiently
awaiting her tryst.
The Senator’s wife
brings perhaps the only moments of seeming sanity in a story deep with
illogical, evasive explanations of the goings-on. Lois Douglas’s role is
shared by Donna Cherry, who charmed us on opening night and will continue
through the early portion of the run, and Jenifer Winkler, who will then
portray Lois.
David Calhoun’s
split-screen stage with its two stairways and several doors allows people to
be in either the bedroom or living room without running into each other,
important for the rampant confusion. Helping Calhoun with set construction
were Patt Paezynski, Brendan Shanahan, Karen Young, and Mike Dessin. Dessin
also is stage manager and plays Marty Richmond.
Lois Tedrow brings her
usual deft touch to the costuming, all the way from bumbling Clyde Salt’s
argyle sox and plaid bathrobe, to Veronica’s and Fiona’s clothes seemingly
right out of Victoria’s Secret.
Ken Salzman returns to
the Playhouse as director, with Thelma Diaz assisting. Ward Calaway is
producer; Barry Schwam,
sound designer; and Steve
Shaw, sound operator.
Maureen Davis handles the
lighting, critical as the scenes shift from room to room. Elaina Present,
Sierra Senzaki, and Karen Young are the lighting crew. Anne Marie Atwan is
again in charge of properties.
Credit John Johnson and
Calaway with program design. Donald Songster did the production photography,
and Kate VanDevender created the poster art. Philip Sokoloff is publicist.
Childish squeals of
laughter could be heard on opening night, for the fast-moving antics onstage
were very funny. We might note, however, that even the title of “The
Sensuous Senator” suggests it might not be considered exactly “family fare.”
If they’re young enough, little ones won’t “get” some of the adult jokes;
for adolescents, it’s another matter. Now you know.
But for adults, this
“naughty political romp” as it’s called on the program cover, is hilariously
entertaining. Enjoy it
at the Sierra Madre
Playhouse weekends through Feb. 27. Curtain time is 8 p.m. Fridays and
Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. for Sunday matinees. Admission is $20 general, $17
for seniors (65+) and students (13-17), and $12 for children 12 and under.
The Sierra Madre Playhouse
is located at 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. City lots offer free
parking. Pre- or post-theater dining at local restaurants on Baldwin Avenue
and Sierra Madre Boulevard can enhance your theater-going experience. For
ticket reservations or more information, phone (626) 355-4318, or visit the
website,
www.sierramadreplayhouse.org, for online ticketing. For group
reservations, call (626) 836-2125.
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