The cast of NBC’s “Smash.”

When you name a show Smash, you better have a lot of confidence because critics can turn that title against you quickly. Fortunately the pilot of new NBC series Smash (premiering Feb. 6 at 10 p.m.) captures your attention just as quickly and never lets the audience go. It has the beauty and heartbreak of the Broadway Theater as its backdrop, with the most interesting characters, schemers and dreamers of all types, to enjoy as the intriguing story unfolds.

Smash also has a stellar cast and an impressive production team since it started as an idea from executive producer Steven Spielberg. And it has show-stopping music integrated into the storytelling because the series centers around people trying to make a great musical about Marilyn Monroe. The backstage drama follows the successful songwriting duo of Julia (Emmy-winner Debra Messing, Will & Grace) and Tom (Christian Borle). Julia wrestles with the process of adopting a child with her husband Frank (Brian d’Arcy James), while she seizes the opportunity to write another Broadway hit.

A key ingredient to Smash’s strength is the rivalry that develops between two actresses vying for the lead role of Marilyn Monroe. There is the youthful, inexperienced Midwestern beauty Karen (Sherman Oaks’ own Katharine McPhee, of American Idol fame). And there is stage veteran Ivy Bell (Megan Hilty, Wicked and 9 to 5: The Musical), who is determined to leave the chorus line and finally get her big break. Both light up the screen when they perform, and more than hold their own in scenes with Oscar-winner Anjelica Huston (Prizzi’s Honor) playing Eileen, a tenacious producer who jumps on board the Marilyn project with brilliant director Derek (Jack Davenport, Pirates of the Caribbean films), whose talent is matched by his ego and amorality.

There are a lot of stereotypical themes explored, such as the backstabbing rivalries, the casting couch, egocentric directors, working as a waitress between auditions, etc.; so I had to ask McPhee and Hilty if the show reflects their experiences? “The stereotype is there for a reason. I have worked in a restaurant,” Katharine said. “I wouldn’t say I’ve experienced backstabbing, but I was testing for a film and the actor who was reading opposite me had rehearsed with a girl who was at the same agency. So you think, ‘well, gee, that’s not fair.’ But it’s the business and you just pick up where you left off and keep going. So it definitely happens.”

Megan agreed and explained, “I think the genius of making this idea into a series is that when you are a live theater performer, you’re giving so much of yourself and there’s so much at stake when you’re out and exposing yourself in front of hundreds of thousands of people, that it naturally sets the tone and sets the stage for high drama. It’s because the adrenaline’s going and the stakes are so high. There’s so much at stake and this show definitely taps into all of those things. And, yes, all of those stereotypes are there for a reason. And the drama that happens behind the curtain is way more interesting than what’s happening on the stage.”

For all those reasons, the life of Marilyn Monroe is a great analogy for the struggles that go on in the theater world, according to Megan. She thinks it’s the perfect parallel because “her story is one of tragedy, heartbreak, glamour, love, and all things that make for great drama, all things that people want to watch and are intrigued by, which is why we’re still talking about her today.”

In addition to executive producer Steven Spielberg, the talent behind the scenes includes playwright Theresa Rebeck, David Marshall Grant, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Oscar-winners for Chicago), and Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey also serve as executive producers. Smash is a production of Universal Television in association with DreamWorks. The pilot was directed by Michael Mayer, and original songs are written by Tony and Grammy winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray).

Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment, was excited when he talked about Smash being “something very ambitious” for the network. The “oohs” and “aahs” heard from TV critics when he showed clips from upcoming episodes validated his faith in the production. Tune in Mondays on NBC.

Chi Dynasty of Studio City hosted a Chinese New Year celebration featuring Chinese drummers.

Last week the Year of the Dragon arrived in Studio City with much fanfare and great food thanks to the Chi Dynasty restaurant on Ventura Boulevard. It was a wonderful gift to the community with Chi Dynasty hosting a celebration of the Chinese New Year. Owner Rob Vinokur called it a great event that gave people a taste of Chinese culture with a festive community atmosphere. Co-owner Mike Israyelyan said that an authentic Chinese experience can also be enjoyed by diners at the restaurant throughout the year.

The event was open to the public and tasty complimentary appetizers and beverages were enjoyed. The Chinese New Year activities featured traditional lion dance performers and Chinese drummers who used the tented parking lot in front of Chi Dynasty as their stage. It was also buzzing with Kung Fu as well as face painting for the youngsters and a magician for the young at heart. Gift bags were handed out too.

But the real treats were inside the Chi Dynasty restaurant, which has a great reputation for outstanding service, value, and the best Chinese cuisine. Authentic Roast Duck Mandarin, Mongolian Beef, Pork Szechwan, and Sizzling Scallops and Shrimp with Garlic Sauce, are just a few of the items on the mouth-watering menu, prepared by chefs dedicated to serving the freshest and finest ingredients. Chi Dynasty brings together authentic Chinese influences with a contemporary approach to Asian fare.

Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Dancing with the Stars) was on hand, and he is a frequent diner at Chi Dynasty. Also seen were Vincent Pastore (The Sopranos) and Camille Guaty (Gotta Kick It Up), who came to enjoy the New Year festivities as well.

Chi Dynasty is located at 12229 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City. For reservations and more information, call (818) 753-5300.

Madeleine Stowe.

The ABC series Revenge has a cast of beautiful people, but none is more stunning than Madeleine Stowe (The Last of the Mohicans) who plays the powerful matriarch Victoria Grayson and the Hamptons’ Grand Dame of dark secrets. It’s a delicious character whose past includes having an affair with a good man who she wrongly frames as a terrorist. He dies in jail, but Amanda (Emily VanCamp), the daughter of the man, seeks revenge on everyone connected with destroying her father’s life, especially the heinous witch who was most responsible.

Stowe is astonished at some of the shocking things her character does, but she loves it. “I think the idea that you are in a place that is sunny and bright (summertime in the Hamptons), and all of these dark undercurrents are going on. It makes for a really interesting story. I think that all villains have light and shadow and weird things about them, and they are conflicted,” she said, defending her role.

Revenge has found a loyal audience that loves the idea of crushing the rich and powerful, and Stowe is not surprised by that. “We are in a particular time in history where I think that the average American wants to see the takedown of the rich. I think to observe these over-privileged people who have everything at their fingertips but get pulled down and given a comeuppance, might be some sort of vicarious thrill for people,” she said. “This escapist fantasy is very satisfying.” Yes, indeed!

Emily VanCamp (previously seen on Brothers & Sisters) is the young leading lady setting the wheels of reprisal in motion. She reported that she does believe in revenge, “I guess, if it’s justified, although I’m more into the idea of forgiveness. But it’s a lot of fun to play. I can live all those feelings through the character. It’s really a challenge to tackle something like this.”

One thing that isn’t a challenge for VanCamp is looking great in the glamorous styles she gets to wear as she infiltrates the well-heeled crowd. She beamed, “My gorgeous wardrobe is a throw back to the old movie star fashions.”

A man who knows all about fabulous styles for the rich and famous is Fred Hayman, who celebrated the publication of his biography, Fred Hayman: The Extraordinary Difference, the Story of Rodeo Drive, Hollywood Glamour, and the Showman Who Sold It All, by Rose Apodaca. The book has more than 300 photographs to illustrate the life of the man who became an arbiter of style thanks to his iconic Giorgio Beverly Hills store. It’s certainly a book that the well-heeled crowd would enjoy.

Now let’s talk about the “Makeovers For Mutts” event, which had celebrities coming out to support the Much Love Animal Rescue organization. Health and wellness expert Jillian Michaels (Biggest Loser) was honored with the Much Love Animal Rescue’s Golden Heart Award for her dedication and work in rescuing animals. She proudly reports she has three rescues as part of her family, and was introduced to “Jillian,” the newest Much Love rescue who was named in Michaels’ honor.

The event was hosted by Dr. Davis B. Nguyen who has a tradition of sponsoring charity galas. Renowned for his transformative makeovers on humans, facial plastic surgeon Dr. Nguyen also has a passion for helping animals. The generous plastic surgeon contributed a cosmetic makeover to anyone contributing $1,000 or more, and that garnered $16,000 alone.

The red-carpet event was held at the Peninsula Hotel with Jillian Michaels and other pet-loving celebrities: Michael Weatherly (NCIS), Robert Wahl (Aril$$), Award-winning composer Diane Warren, Dancing with the Stars competitor and supermodel Joanna Krupa, Valerie Fitzgerald (host of HGTV’s Selling LA), and actress and animal activist Katie Cleary (Deal or No Deal). They were among more than 300 guests who gathered and an estimated $30,000 was raised via donations, raffles, and silent auctions. “The event exceeded our expectations,” says Stacy Bodell of Much Love Animal Rescue. Dr. Nguyen said he was proud to support the “worthy endeavor, an organization whose mission is to rescue abandoned and abused shelter animals, and help find them loving homes.” Kudos to all beautiful creatures great and small.

Geoff Stults of “The Finder.”

There are some pretty cool guys on TV nowadays. One of my favorite new discoveries right now is Geoff Stults, the star of The Finder on Fox TV. Geoff has been in a couple of big films, J. Edgar and She’s out of My League, but on The Finder he gets to show off his leading man qualities. He seems to have the same roguish appeal of a young James Garner in The Rockford Files. And in fact the Bones spin-off is very reminiscent of that great old private detective show.

The Finder is about Walter Sherman (Stults), a sort of a heroic fellow who doesn’t always follow the rules, yet still charms the pants off everyone he meets. But he has a tragic back story, as a decorated hero who suffered a battle injury that left him with a damaged brain. The blow to his head has also increased his powers of perception which makes him great at finding things. He finds solutions to problems in unconventional ways, and he is driven with dogged determination to complete a task. Stults said, “He helps people find the unfindable. That’s the thing that drew me to the character and the show. He can be quirky and doesn’t take himself seriously.”

He works out of a bar in the Florida Keys, a dive appropriately called The Ends of the Earth. The bar is owned by Walter’s great sidekick Leo (Michael Clarke Duncan), who looks after his pal. Also helpful is the Deputy U.S. Marshal Isabel Zambada (Mercedes Masohn), who provides inside information when needed, and wants to see her “boyfriend” get some professional help for his head. Stults said, “It’s a great dynamic with the cast. Whatever we go through, we’re there for each other.”

The setting in Florida helps with the show’s quirkiness because, Stults said, “It seemed like a good venue to meet a lot of oddball individuals.” It’s a fun show thanks to the setting and Stults. Tune in Thursdays on Fox.

Also during the recent Television Critics Association press tour I got to hang out with other interesting fellows. There was an interview session with the “Bad Boys” of the CW Network that proved to be entertaining thanks to Ed Westwick from Gossip Girl, Jared Padalecki from Supernatural, Shane West from Nikita, Joseph Morgan from The Vampire Diaries, Kristoffer Polaha from Ringer, and Wilson Bethel from Hart of Dixie.

All of the bad boys have devilish charms that get them in to and out of trouble on their shows, whether it’s Ed on the Upper East Side, or Wilson in the Deep South, or Shane kicking butt around the world. Actually Jared claimed to be the top bad boy because he’s a supernatural hunter who battles the things that go bump in the night. But Joseph said he’s the best bad boy because he has “way too much fun playing pure evil.” Then there’s Kristoffer who has done some bad things in the name of love. Haven’t we all?

While photos of the bad boys in action were being projected on the huge screens in the ballroom of the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, all the guys started kidding one another about their “badness.”

Joseph said he worries that the writers might want to soften his vampire character Klaus. He said, “I think they can make him more human and relatable without necessarily taking away any of his badness. I think that it’s possible to have someone who is an antihero who does tear hearts out and break necks, and still you can kind of relate to him on a certain level.” Oh, really?

When asked about his bad boy fighting skills on the action-packed Nikita, Shane said, “I’m faking it. All the credit goes to Maggie Q, who is phenomenal. It’s embarrassing how good she is and you have to live up to those expectations. I spend a lot of time in the gym and at the gun range trying to keep up.”

Ed explained that money makes him bad, “because my character is incredibly wealthy, and money can get you into a lot of trouble. That has made for some interesting storylines on Gossip Girl.”

Much sweeter than any of the other so-called bad boys was Hart of Dixie’s Wilson Bethel who said, “My character’s not too bad. He just has so much fun that it’s kind of hard not to love the rascal. And I ride motorcycles and write poetry.” So much for the bad boy image.

Margie Barron with Cesar Millan of the “Dog Whisperer.”

There is a man with a special skill who has turned his talent into the most unique TV show on the airwaves. Cesar Millan is the host of the Dog Whisperer series, which just started a new season on a new network. Cable’s Nat Geo Wild is now the new home to the show that documents Cesar’s amazing ability to rehabilitate problem pooches. It’s really fascinating to watch how he reverses intensive situations of bad behavior by his calm and assertive manner. If only his skills with our four-legged friends would work as well with two-legged critters — oh, but I digress. At a recent Nat Geo Wild party for the launch of the Dog Whisperer’s eighth season, I caught up with the proud Cesar who told me about some incredible doggy tales.

“We’re tackling cases and topics that are more complicated than ever this season, and I’m excited to share my special understanding of the way dogs’ minds factor into their overall behavior and well-being,” he explained. “Upcoming is the Army Brats episode [airs Jan. 21] focusing on the dogs of military families at the Fort Hood Army base. I helped an Australian shepherd overcome a fear of men in uniform right before her owner came home from deployment. And there was a Shetland shepherd who barked nonstop at planes and helicopters that flew overhead at the base.” After “Cesar’s boot camp” these dogs now follow orders much better.

Among other upcoming highlights are retraining dogs with phobias and obsessions; and nipping and biting problems that can be solved with retraining people along with the dogs. It was interesting to hear that a wagging tail doesn’t mean it’s a happy dog that isn’t going to bite you. And Cesar reported some home-wrecking hounds are part of the special 150th Dog Whisperer episode airing on Valentine’s Day.

Currently underway at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena is the Television Critics Association’s winter press tour, where a lot of special programs have been showcased. PBS was the first up with tremendous entertainment a major part of their presentations. Anna Deavere Smith, the author, playwright, and actress, did excerpts from her one-woman show “Let Me Down Easy” premiering Jan. 13 on Great Performances. It is a thought-provoking collection of real people that she portrays as she lets their voices be heard through hers.

PBS had Michael Feinstein on hand on a different night, and he gave a cabaret performance to highlight his American Songbook II series airing Feb. 3, 10, and 17. The B-52’s retro musical group had a performance and press conference for their B-52’s with the Wild Crowd show coming in March. And seeing a cuddly Koala bear up close, as the folks from the Nature series talked about filming May’s Cracking the Koala Code show, was adorable and also very special.

Napoleon Dynamite is a new animated series, joining the Fox TV Animation Domination lineup with its premiere on Jan. 15 on Fox. The show is about the adventures of America’s most “awesomely awkward teenager” and his family and friends as they navigate small town life in Idaho. It features the voices of the film’s original cast, including Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez, Tina Majorino, Aaron Ruell, Jon Gries, Sandy Martin, and Diedrich Bader. Mike Scully is executive producer, along with Jared Hess and Jerusha Hess, who wrote and directed the original film that became a phenomenon.

Just like the movie, the best thing about the Napoleon Dynamite cartoon show is that it never gets offensive. Jared Hess said, “We have fun finding jokes that are based on characters and the environment they’re in. It pushes us creatively to find ways to be really funny, and yet make it comfortable for your whole family to watch this.” It’s a smart comedy that offers good clean humor. That’s refreshing nowadays. That makes it special.

The classy denizens of “Downton Abbey.”

It is the 40th anniversary of PBS’ Masterpiece Theatre and the classy show’s executive producer Rebecca Eaton is happy to have her “beloved” Downton Abbey series back on this season’s schedule. “It’s a hit,” Eaton proudly says, and the fans of the show can rejoin the denizens of Downton Abbey as their glittering culture is on the precipice of cataclysmic change, thrown into the tumult of World War I. It is an exquisite historical drama that follows the lords and ladies as well as their spirited servants who inhabit the estate. Downton Abbey, Season 2 returns Jan. 8, and airs every Sunday through Feb. 19 on PBS. For everyone who enjoyed the pageantry of the royal Will and Kate wedding last year, this is your cup of tea.

Putting the posh realism in the production about a bygone era is Gareth Neame, of NBC Universal International, managing director in the UK. He produces Downton Abbey, which he also created with writer Julian Fellowes. Neame is an old friend of Masterpiece, having done hundreds of hours of co-productions for them. He knows the UK territory and is familiar with the location of Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey is filmed. “This is a quintessentially British genre, this sort of country house, historical drama, with Julian Fellowes’ outstanding writing,” Neame told me, explaining that the castle was designed by the House of Parliament architect.

Drawing you into their beautiful world is the stunning cast, including Harry Potter’s Maggie Smith as Violet, Countess of Grantham; Elizabeth McGovern playing Cora, Lady Grantham; Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary, plus Dan Stevens as her lover Matthew Crawley; and the delicious Siobhan Finneran as the troublemaking servant O’Brien, who everybody loves to hate.

The clothes on the series are amazing; even the simplest costumes are very lavish and detailed, and that has created some challenges for the production. Neame noted that the women especially change into five or six different outfits in any one day. “That’s what they did, these aristocrats who had no function whatsoever. So the women particularly spent most of their day dressing and undressing, changing into something else for breakfast, for tea, for dinner. That makes it very difficult in editing. Sometimes you want to move scenes around, and you’re constricted by them being dressed for tea, not lunch.”

It was a fascinating era that producer Eaton loves to share, and she also had great news to share that Viking River Cruises has just joined Masterpiece as a sponsor. “We could not be more thrilled with this company, which is the foremost luxury river cruise company in the world. They sponsor trips in Europe, in the Far East, in Southeast Asia, India, and Russia. And their people are our people. Their clientele so matches the Masterpiece demographic that we are truly a marriage made in heaven, and delighted with this partnership.” Kudos to Viking for giving us the best from the Brits.

Now for an American classic: The Miss America Pageant. Brooke Burke-Charvet is co-hosting the 2012 Miss America Pageant with The Bachelor’s Chris Harrison. It will air live on ABC from the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 9 p.m. The lovely Dancing with the Stars co-host and past winner will be back on the show’s season 14 when it premieres March 19 on ABC with a new set of mirror-ball trophy hopefuls.

Are you ready for more classics? In the new year, there will be a double dose of Betty White on NBC. The beloved actress turns 90 on Jan. 17, and NBC will mark the big occasion with a 90-minute special. Betty White’s 90th Birthday: A Tribute to America’s Golden Girl will air on Monday, Jan. 16, at 8 p.m. And following the celebration will be a preview of Betty’s upcoming NBC series Betty White’s Off Their Rockers, a crazy sketch show that will also feature hidden camera pranks.

Ed Asner and Betty White will reunite on TV Land’s Hot in Cleveland. The former Mary Tyler Moore Show co-stars will tape an episode in February and it is scheduled to air next summer. Betty had a ball playing the man-hungry Sue Ann Nivens who was always trying to nail Ed’s crusty old character Lou Grant. So will there be romantic sparks between them decades later? We hope so.

Hot in Cleveland is a sitcom that has been featuring a bunch of great comedy stars from the past. Among those making appearances so far have been Mary Tyler Moore, Carl Reiner, Tim Conway, Hal Linden, Bonnie Franklin, Juliet Mills, John Mahoney, and Dave Foley, with more to come in the new season, including Asner.

Speaking of Ed Asner, he’ll be guest-starring on Hawaii Five-O, reprising the same character he played on the original series back in 1975. And the new episode of the CBS crime show will use footage from the 36-year-old episode. Like vintage wine, Asner has only gotten better as time goes by.

Bryan Cranston.

Among the “most fascinating people of 2011,” according to respected journalist Barbara Walter’s annual list, were the Kardashians, Pippa Middleton, Donald Trump, Derek Jeter, Herman Cain, and Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Really? Now I know that President Obama revealed that he, Michelle, and their daughters enjoy watching ABC’s Modern Family, but that doesn’t make everyone on the show “fascinating.” To Walter’s credit, she picked Steve Jobs as her top choice, but mostly everyone else on the list is just tabloid fodder.

When Yahoo! did a survey I think they came up with more interesting choices. George Clooney, Johnny Depp, and Ryan Gosling came out on top as the New Year’s Eve dream dates for most of the women. Jennifer Aniston and Halle Berry were the top choices for the guys. The survey also asked about celebrities they would avoid: not surprising Charlie Sheen and Snooki were the un-favorites. Not to be outdone with surveys, TiVo ranked the top TV moments and the Steelers incomplete pass at Super Bowl XLV took first place, followed by the eulogy of Charlie Sheen’s character in the fall premiere of Two and a Half Men.

Dianna Agron.

I like that the SAG Awards nominations list the members in the ensemble categories, because it recognizes that performances are a collaborative effort. In the TV drama ensemble category, SAG gave nods to Boardwalk Empire, Breaking Bad, Dexter, Game of Thrones, and The Good Wife; TV comedy ensemble, 30 Rock, The Big Bang Theory, The Office, Modern Family, and Glee; and for outstanding film casts, The Artist, Bridesmaids, The Descendants, Midnight in Paris, and The Help were worthy of the spotlight.

KCET gave their own nod to Gary Oldman and recently presented him with the Lumiere Award at a special screening of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, a thrilling film getting well-deserved attention this awards season.

It seems everyone is coming out with lists this time of year — so why not us? I did a quick survey of the staff at The Tolucan Times to get a sense of what movies, TV shows, and celebrities our folks find fascinating. Since Greg Smith had just seen Young Adult, that was his choice for favorite recent movie. Naturally, the hot star Charlize Theron was his pick for the celebrity he would most want to hang out with on New Year’s Eve. And Greg says Glee’s stunning blonde Dianna Agron is the sexiest star on TV. Serg Escobar had some wild picks with Immortals as his favorite movie, plus Dexter and Breaking Bad as his top TV shows. Bryan Cranston he says is the best actor on TV.

The top TV dramas for Frank Barron are Fringe, NCIS: LA, and The Closer with Kyra Sedgwick. The former Malcolm in the Middle dad and three-time Emmy-winner for Breaking Bad, Bryan Cranston is also an outstanding choice according to Frank. He says Cranston’s body of work (he had five major movies release this year) is the most impressive in Hollywood. “And he’s a super nice guy, who will have an even bigger 2012, with the films Rock of Ages, Total Recall, and Red Tails among his upcoming projects,” Frank reports. Of course I agree with my husband Frank, especially with praise for Bryan. As for my top ten list for the new TV shows debuting this fall on the broadcast networks (in no particular order): Grimm, Last Man Standing, Hart of Dixie, Revenge, New Girl, 2 Broke Girls, Suburgatory, Pan Am, Once Upon a Time, and Terra Nova. Please notice that they are all scripted series, not to be confused with the “scripted” reality programs that have become tantamount to train wrecks for networks in search of ratings without substance. Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox now.

The ladies in the office say they still swoon over George Clooney, whether in The Descendants or The Ides of March, the heartthrob’s two big movies this year. “He’s the closest thing we have to Cary Grant,” says Alicia Apaghian. She also has a crush on Alec Baldwin, and picked his NBC show 30 Rock as the top TV comedy. Lynn Matevosian’s favorite movie is The Help, favorite TV show is Glee, and hottest hunk is The Ides of March’s Ryan Gosling. Although Lynn mentioned it would be nice to ring in the New Year with Gosling, her first choice is always to celebrate with her mother.

Sarah Rustam certainly agrees with Clooney being the most fascinating movie star, but her favorite TV show is House, and The Tree of Life with Brad Pitt is her choice for best movie. The original Swedish-film Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is publisher Mardi Rustam’s choice for one of the most outstanding films he saw this year. Also outstanding was Meryl Streep’s performance in The Iron Lady. And he agrees with Sarah that George Clooney is great “and deserves an Oscar this year.”

Happy New Year to all!

Veronica Dunne stars in this inspired production of “Cinderella Christmas.”

Cinderella Christmas was brought back to the El Portal Theatre by popular demand, and it continues to be a magnificent holiday treat. The fun-filled family friendly British Panto-style musical was a hit last holiday season, and lovely newcomer Veronica Dunne has returned in triumph to the titled role. Her sweet voice is ideal for the contemporary songs “Taking Chances” and “Breakaway.” Helping her spin the magic for the twisted classic fairytale is a new and extraordinary cast that makes the make-believe believable.

Outrageous side-splitting humor comes from Mark Edgar Stephens and Jeff Sumner playing the garishly dressed ugly stepsisters Cowel and Seecrest (it’s an inside joke everyone gets). They bring hilarity to a performance of Katy Perry’s “California Gurls.” Trying to avoid those “girls” is the gangly Prince Charming, with Nico Evers-Swindell giving the role a dorky spin. He delights with the “Just Haven’t Met You Yet” musical number with his manservant Dandini, played by David Hernandez (American Idol). But when Cinderella and the Prince duet on Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now,” Dunne and Evers-Swindell shine the brightest.

For vocal highlights, Shoshana Bean (Wicked), as the down-to-earth Fairy Godmother, delivers “When You Believe” and “Over the Rainbow” with the power of someone who can really grant wishes. And star-power is provided by comedy veteran Fred Willard who plays Cinderella’s down-on-his-luck father, Baron Hardup. Willard knows his way around funny bits and milks every laugh with ease.

Key to making a British Panto show work is audience participation, and that’s the role of Buttons, skillfully executed by Todd Buonopane. He speaks directly to the audience and gets them involved, especially the little tykes who excitedly cheer for the good guys and jeer the mean stepsisters. At the end of the show Buttons conducts the crowd-pleasing sing-a-long and brings some lucky kids on stage. It’s a good time for everyone, even Blitzen the miniature pony who pulls Cinderella’s carriage and trots off to the royal ball. Dancers Jesus Solario, Jonathan Platero, Randi Strong and Amber Williams add excitement to the show with the “Just Dance” and “Low” numbers.

Super-lively direction by Bonnie Lythgoe (from So You Think You Can Dance, Australia), the Lythgoe Family Production was written by Kris Lythgoe, who produced with Becky Baeling. Also part of the team is choreographer Mark Ballas (of Dancing with the Stars fame), musical director Michael Orland, and a bit of magic courtesy of Ed Alonzo. Lavish sets and costumes are part of the spectacular storybook production.

On the heels of his wildly successful A Snow White Christmas, which had a three week run earlier in December, producer Kris Lythgoe can be proud that he has brought the British Panto theater experience to California, and he intends to make it an annual tradition.

Cinderella Christmas will play until Jan. 8. Call the El Portal box office for tickets at (818) 508-4200, or online at www.elportaltheatre.com.

From l, Rob Gonzalez and Kevin Richardson.

Nothing says “Home for the Holidays” like a brassy Vegas-style band blasting classic holiday tunes! That was the essence of the Home for the Holidays Concert to Benefit the Angeles Clinic Foundation. The audience got a warm fuzzy feeling, especially when hearing “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” sung ultra-cool by Kevin Richardson (of Backstreet Boys fame) along with Skyler Stonestreet. They got together for the duet on a special musical night at the grand Montage Beverly Hills. It was a show that had a retro flavor to it, with a sense of the old Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra ring-a-ding-ding days. You know, when just pure talent grabs the spotlight on an intimate stage and entertains the heck out of the cocktail crowd. That’s what it was like with the Backstreet Boys’ Richardson and Rob Gonzalez as the headlining performers for the concert.

With a voice as smooth as Dino’s and piano-playing skills nonpareil, Gonzalez was the force behind putting the show together, and said, “We intend to make this an annual event.” Best known for his trademark concerts that partner with worthy charities, Rob is a great recording artist, songwriter, and performer who founded Music Equals Love, Inc., a company he said is “dedicated to reinventing the music industry by making the music about giving back rather than excess.” That’s a great idea.

Looking sharp in his tux, Richardson channeled Sinatra’s classy style. Kevin explained that long before becoming a member of the platinum-selling group the Backstreet Boys, he’d listen to Sinatra and Dean Martin records with his dad, who died of cancer. “So tonight’s performance is dedicated to his memory; that’s why I’m supporting the Angeles Clinic Foundation.” The non-profit is one of the leading cancer treatment centers in the world.

Adding to the celebration were guest performers Gina Gonzalez, of the “Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band,” and Skyler Stonestreet rocking all the Christmas songs. Plus there was dancing from acclaimed film choreographer Tara Nicole Hughes (Chicago, Burlesque, Nine), with a bevy of gorgeous Santa’s helpers.

Rocking the Red Kettle

Margie Barron and Mario Lopez.

Another great holiday concert helping a worthy cause was Rock the Red Kettle at Universal CityWalk last weekend, supporting the Salvation Army. “It’s always exciting here at CityWalk, but it’s especially tonight with great performances. Even though the weather is not cooperating, we’re here raising a lot of money for underprivileged kids, families, and everyone in need,” Extra’s Mario Lopez told me as a little sprinkle hit during the festivities. At CityWalk’s “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue, hundreds were on hand, and millions watched via the Cambio live stream online, where viewers clicked to donate in support of the great cause.

“I think it’s important to give back whenever you have the opportunity and the Salvation Army has been doing their Red Kettle campaign for 120 years, and helping people in need even longer. That’s amazing. It’s a great turn out and I’m honored to be part of this,” said Lopez who hosted the event. It featured some of the hottest young stars in showbiz. First up was Honor Society, then Greyson Chance, and later Hanson. Little girls were going wild for Cody Simpson singing “On My Mind,” there were screams for Drake Bell sporting a wild plaid suit, and sweet Rebecca Black introduced Colbie Caillat, gushing praise for the “Brighter Than the Sun” songbird. All joined forces to entertain and help spread the word about the wonderful work done by the Salvation Army. Major George Hood was there proudly representing the Salvation Army leadership.

An old friend from his Saved by the Bell days, Mario Lopez told me he was looking forward to a happy holiday and showed me the reason why. He took out a picture of his one-year-old daughter Gia, looking like a super cute cherub.

On a different night other “angels” were in the spotlight. For A Place Called Home’s Gala for the Children, three long-time supporters of the youth community center were honored. Executive vice president of Disney Studios, Frank Chiocchi received the Angel of the Children Awards; CEO of Walden Media, Michael Bostick received the Children’s Inspiration Award; and Latham & Watkins’ Peter Gilhuly was honored with the Debrah Constance Humanitarian Award.

Nights like these, filled with generous spirits, bring out the joy of the season. Merry Christmas to all.

For more exclusive photos go to www.tolucantimes.com.

From l, Burbank Mayor Jess Talamantes, Anne Laughlin, and PSJMC Guild President Kathleen Marsden.

The spirit of Christmas was enjoyed by the Providence St. Joseph Medical Center Guild, when they celebrated 65 years of service with a holiday luncheon at Lakeside Golf Club. It was a fun gathering for the awesome volunteers with the organization. Everyone got a history lesson from Anne Laughlin, an original founding member who talked about how it all began in 1946 when doctors were very scarce in the Valley. When she gave the group a blessing before lunch, Sister Rose Byrne praised the ladies for their tremendous work helping with their “gift of giving to others.” And they continue to give, with all proceeds from the lunch going to benefit the Hyce and Howard Hill Neuroscience Institute.

The Guild’s dedicated Terry Campbell introduced program Chairwoman Marian Enos, President Kathleen Marsden, and special guest, the Mayor of the City of Burbank Jess Talamantes. The Mayor, who has a 32-year career of service as a Burbank firefighter (and graduate of John Burroughs High School), said his met his wife Sandy, a nurse, at St. Joe’s. “So I have a very special connection with you,” he told the Guild members.

Another special guest was Jim Maurer, a superb pianist who has been volunteering at the hospital for more than seven years. He plays in St. Joe’s main lobby to bring joy to others. What-a-guy.

The entertainment for the afternoon was by Henry Samuels, a unique musician who plays the harmonica. But that statement doesn’t do his talent justice. The 88-year-old Samuels is a master of the chromatic harmonica and a former Harmonica Rascal. He’s had an impressive career making that humble little instrument sound like a full orchestra, and he got the ladies to sing along to big band hits. He was even more extraordinary when he did a Fiddler on the Roof medley. For the livelier “New York, New York” number, several of the Guild ladies formed a chorus line, and Sister Rose sat tapping her toes. There was infectious enthusiasm from everyone, especially a trio of wonderful ladies I was happy to meet, Mary O’Mara, Barb Little, and Marg Layne. It was nice to see the dedicated Guild ladies get a chance to kick up their heels.

Santa’s Knitting Circle

La Knitterie Parisienne in Studio City is a warm and wonderful oasis where creative people gather to knit, tell stories, and share a friendship and love of yarn. It’s like that throughout the year, but around the holidays the queen of the shop, Edith Eig said, “It’s extra festive, because people are making things for their families and friends, and we all share stories about our homes, here at our home away from home.”

Edith wants to get people “hooked” on knitting because, “It’s good for your soul; not only do you get a nice hat, scarf, or warm sweater out of the experience, but after a tough year it would be good for people to take time to relax. When you knit your hands are busy, but your mind can go else where. Or you can enjoy the company of your friends.” Eig said it’s nicer when you have a group of friends around you, and her shop has its sip-and-knit gathering every Wednesday and Saturday when the ladies bring their knitting, pour some wine, and engage in great conversation.” There are more men knitting too, she noted. “A doctor has just joined us, saying it is good to keep his hands nimble.”

The La Knitterie Parisienne group has also turned into Santa’s helpers with Edith getting her knitting circle to do little squares to make blankets for the Warm Up America organization that helps the homeless and others in need of warmth and caring.

Ho-Ho-Hollywood

One of Santa’s Hollywood helpers is Lash Fary, who established Distinctive Assets in 1999. Actually Fary gets to play Santa all year long, as the go-to-guy for producing fabulous gift bags and backstage gift lounges for many major awards show, including the always awesome celebrity suite for the Grammys. He has a knack for product introduction, placement, events, and branding opportunities and is credited with starting the celebrity swag bag craze more than a decade ago. And the super nice guy is always helpful with charity events and worthwhile causes.

This year he has created a special holiday gift package for some of Hollywood’s brightest stars who haven’t been too naughty. Among the dozens of folks on his nice list are Jennifer Love Hewitt, Halle Berry, Miley Cyrus, Charlize Theron, Tori Spelling, and Chelsea Handler. They are all set to enjoy Ballroom Dance and Latin Dance for Beginners with Brian Fortuna; Nair Milk & Honey Roll-on; Chocolatines Holiday Collection; Lalo Fitness DVDs; Ceek Jewelry; Fetch for cool pets; Little Miss Muffin dolls; Botanolution all natural skincare products; Sebbag Essentials; Live In Fitness Enterprise retreat packages; and Barefoot Dreams chic throws. According to Lash, those trendy goodies are just some of the things on Santa’s “must-have” list, along with the spirit of the season.

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