From l, Jillian Reynolds, Giuliana Rancic, Kris Jenner, and Patrick Wayne.

Truer words were never spoken. “Strength happens when you have no other choice,” said Giuliana Rancic, co-star of E!’s Fashion Police, and, more importantly, cancer survivor. Giuliana shared her story with a room full of women who absolutely understood the health crisis, a double mastectomy, she went through. All on hand were strong supporters of the Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies. The organization known as the ABCs honored Giuliana, along with Good Day LA’s Jillian Reynolds and Kris Jenner, the Keeping up with the Kardashians’ mom, at the annual Mother’s Day Luncheon to benefit cancer research at the John Wayne Cancer Institute.

The sons of John Wayne, Patrick and Ethan, helped with the presentations and spoke about their iconic dad, who died of cancer, plus other members of their family who fought the disease. “We’re all part of Team Duke, and the Wayne family is committed to the cancer research being done in memory of our father,” Patrick said. He also had high praise for ultra-funny actress-comedienne Lisa Ann Walter who emceed the Women of Achievement event.

Sporting a plunging neckline Lisa Ann said, “With a mom who is a 30-year breast cancer survivor, I vowed to flaunt mine every day of my life. But it gets a little harder after four kids!”

Lisa Ann entertained the crowd with a brief Q&A with Kris Jenner, asking the Kardashian mom if she’ll ever be on Dancing with the Stars. Kris replied, “I might have done it about six years ago, but not now. Kim proved she really can’t dance, getting voted out early. But my son Rob came in second place last season, so we’ll leave on a high note.”

Gloria Gebbia, president of the ABCs, thanked Beverly Cohen and Lana Schervone who co-chaired the event, and Sherry Rosenblum chaired the fashionable boutiques set up for the event at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Among the celebrities supporting the ABCs event were Leeza Gibbons, former Miss America Mary Ann Mobley, Catherine Bach, Rosa Blasi, David Spade, and the incomparable Ruta Lee. Wearing her signature wide-brim hat, Ruta chatted about the SHARE Boomtown Gala, June 1, at the Beverly Hilton, with special guest stars Neil Sedaka, Lainie Kazan, and John O’Hurley. So You Think You Can Dance producer-choreographer Bonnie Lythgoe told me she was “thrilled to help with the dance numbers and join the chorus.” It should be a great show with the forever young SHARE gals kicking up their heels.

Mother of the Year Award

From l, Ellen Brooks and Christine Devine.

More wonderful women enjoyed the special 83rd Mother’s Day luncheon and fashion show benefiting Cedars-Sinai’s The Helping Hand group. Following in the footsteps of past honorees Doris Day, Lucille Ball, Betty Ford, Dolores Hope, and Shirley Jones, Jeanne Pritzker received the Mother of the Year Award.

What makes Jeanne really special is her dedication to Foster Care Counts, noted Helping Hand president Nan Krasne, and Ellen Brooks, v.p. and luncheon chair. Mother to six of her own, Jeanne is also a foster mom and for the past four years the Pritzkers have hosted foster children and their families on Mother’s Day. When she was presented her award, Jeanne asked for volunteers to come to her home to help make cookies for the 2,000 foster folks she expected over the weekend.

Christine Devine was the perfect host for the gathering, since the Emmy-winning Fox 11 news anchor has helped to find “forever homes for amazing youngsters” with her “Wednesday Child” segments encouraging adoption.

A spectacular fashion show presenting the Kevan Hall Collection capped off the heartwarming afternoon at the Beverly Hills Hotel. It featured well-tailored classic styles emphasizing sensuously draped silhouettes, enjoyed by all the Helping Hand ladies.

For more exclusive event photos visit www.tolucantimes.com.

Doctors on the runway.

Beaming smiles radiated like sunshine for the “April Showers” themed fashion show luncheon presented by the wonderful ladies from the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center Guild. The annual event is the flagship fundraiser for the Guild and always fills the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Universal Hotel. Its popularity is not only because so many support the Guild’s worthy goals, but also the fashion show features doctors from St. Joe’s strutting the catwalk.

“The celebrity physicians and staff models who escort the beautiful models down the runway are always a highlight,” said PSJMC Guild president Kathleen Marsden, who welcomed everyone to last week’s event. She also asked all the Guild ladies to stand up and take a well-deserved bow for all their efforts year round. Special recognition went to hardworking Lucy Brown, Jo Massimini, and their committee for organizing the fabulous event.

The “April Showers” afternoon was sprinkled with laughs thanks to master of ceremonies Harold Greene, the award-winning journalist from CBS 2 News and KCAL. Sister Rose Byrne gave an Irish blessing and called the Guild women a “tremendous gift, those who touch lives with their generous service.” Sister Colleen Settles, the Chief Mission Officer, gave the invocation. And while we’re counting our blessings, let’s give a shout-out to Grace Patz, at 98 she’s a dynamo in charge of reservations. Marian Enos also deserves praise for all her work on the program book, and press chairwoman Terry Campbell. All in the Guild are working hard to honor their pledge to raise half a million dollars for the Hycy and Howard Hill Neuroscience Institute in Burbank.

The fashion show was presented by Lucinda Miedema of Couture Productions, and ballroom dance professionals Michael Kuka and Natalia Lind wowed everyone with their tangos. But it was the doctors strolling the runway with the oh-so-lovely professional models that provided the most entertainment for the crowd. Honorary Guild member Dr. Raul Mena always gets cheers, and joining him were doctors Daniel Eisenberg, Mark Gerard, Rex Hoffman, Franklin Kase, Michael Marvi, Stephen McNeese, George Teitelbaum, Shahan Yacoubian, and Stephan Yacoubian, plus the foundation’s Ron Blitzer. I’ll bet all their mothers would be very proud of their “model” sons!

Chicago Has?Christie Brinkley Strutting Her Stuff

One of the world’s most successful supermodels, the dynamic Christie Brinkley will reprise her “killer” role in the musical smash Chicago, May 15 to 27 at the Pantages Theatre. Brinkley has already received critical acclaim playing “Roxie Hart” in the Tony Award-winning show on Broadway and in London’s West End. Also starring is John O’Hurley as tap dancing lawyer “Billy Flynn.” Chicago producer Barry Weissler says, “I’m excited to share with audiences the stellar performance that Christie delivers.”

In addition to her phenomenal supermodel career, Christie is known for her commitment to health and fitness. She wrote and illustrated a health and beauty book, Christie Brinkley’s Outdoor Beauty and Fitness Guide which topped The New York Times bestseller list. She also shines as a photographer, designer, actress, and philanthropist. Plus she has launched a line of natural skin care products as part of her new company, Christie Brinkley Beauty.

But more than that, she is a proud mother of three children, Sailor Lee and Jack Paris, and actress/singer Alexa Ray Joel. No doubt she’s looking forward to celebrating Mother’s Day.

My Three Sons Day

Did you know that My Three Sons Day in Los Angeles will be proclaimed at City Hall on May 16? Councilman Tom LaBonge will designate the day as “My Three Sons Day in Los Angeles.” Attending the event will be sons Barry Livingston, Stan Livingston, and Tim Considine. Other cast members, series regulars, and guest stars are expected to attend the ceremony as well.

The TV comedy My Three Sons was an American institution from 1960 to 1965 on ABC, and then CBS until 1972. The show chronicled the life of a widower, played by Fred MacMurray, raising his three sons. The sons were played by Tim Considine, Don Grady, Stanley Livingston, and later Barry Livingston. The series also featured William Frawley, of I Love Lucy fame, and later William Demarest. Towards the end of its long run, the wonderful Beverly Garland joined the show as the ideal step-mom.

Kudos to all the moms everywhere.

Burbank welcomes KCET at ribbon-cutting ceremony at The Pointe.

After nearly 50 years in Hollywood, KCET has moved to Burbank, headquartered at The Pointe building right next to NBC in the heart of the media district. Last week the occasion was marked by a “welcome to the neighborhood” reception and a ribbon-cutting ceremony with KCET executives and local dignitaries.

Most notable about the event was the extraordinary amount of sincere pride on the faces of everyone in attendance, from the head of the community-friendly station Al Jerome, to the familiar faces of Socal Connected’s Val Zavala and LA Tonight’s Roy Firestone.

Naturally, the Mayor of Burbank, Jess Talamantes, was beaming when he gave a short speech noting, “We’re thrilled to have the nation’s largest independent public television station serving southern and central California make its home with us. They could not have chosen a better location than the media capital of the world, which is Burbank, and the new state-of-the-art Pointe building.”

Representing The Pointe, Jeff Worthe, president of Worthe Real Estate said, “It’s been a friendship since the beginning. This is exactly the type of tenant we built this facility for and so we want to welcome them and thank everybody who’s been involved with bringing them into our family.”

KCET president and CEO Al Jerome thanked everyone “for coming to help us celebrate. About a year ago, we began working with a great team scouring the vast territory of L.A. county for a new place to hang our shingle— more accurately, our satellites. One of the places we looked at was the NBC lot, where several of us had spent time earlier in our careers. That’s where we met Jeff Worthe, who said ‘why don’t you coming over and look at The Pointe?’ It was love at first sight, but there were many considerations. We wanted our new home to allow us to continue to grow technologically, given the rapid pace of change in the media today. We wanted to be near the heart of the creative community in Southern California so we could easily scheme a bunch of new partnerships for local production and community services. And finally, we wanted our new home to allow our employees to enjoy a more open work environment.”

Jerome went on to praise Worthe and his team, “who helped us make a very tough decision” regarding the big move. And Gary Olson, president and CEO of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce was acknowledged “for being very instrumental in planning this celebration.” Olson was gushing, “It’s a glorious day in Burbank. KCET is adding to the luster of our entertainment sector here in Burbank. Without a doubt, the chief economic engine for Burbank is entertainment.”

After the ribbon-cutting, tours of the new studio facilities were conducted. And Val Zavala was happy to include a demonstration of the new virtual reality set. Jerome said the station is “outfitted with brand new equipment, state-of-the-art technology, and a cost-efficient new media environment.” Gordon Bell, KCET’s senior vice president of operations and engineering, led the relocation efforts to The Pointe. Entertainment tenants in the building include Warner Bros., DC Comics, and Outlook Amusements.

KCET, which broke away from the PBS stations in January, will have television production and broadcasting from the new facilities. Jerome said, “As the largest independent station serving Southern California, this move solidifies our commitment to continue to serve as the primary public media voice in our region and give our viewers a fresh take on local news, information, and the arts.”

On June 16, the station will host a special open house for KCET supporters and the community.

Volunteers of all ages at “Comcast Cares Day.”

NBC Universal’s local community service day called “Comcast Cares Day” had more than 450 volunteers help improve Lankershim Elementary School. The wonderful volunteers were made up of NBC Universal and Comcast employees, along with family and friends from the community, helping with the beautification project at the local school. It was great to see some moms, dads, and kids working side by side to make murals that not only made the school’s campus more colorful, but also more inspiring with motivating messages on the murals. Some of the kids mentioned that they were excited to do this because it was their community and their school.

Ron Meyer, president and COO of Universal Studios; Bob Greenblatt, chairman NBC entertainment; Suzanne Kolb, president E!; and Steve Dolcemaschio, president Comcast Entertainment Studios, launched the big day and thanked all the volunteers for their efforts. Also a $25,000 check from the Comcast Foundation was presented to the non-profit partner of the event, City Year Los Angeles.

It was a joyous atmosphere created by the volunteers as they painted 20 wall murals, 31 college murals, and 10 storage bin murals, as well as enhancing the school grounds by cleaning, landscaping, and improving the playing fields for Lankershim Elementary’s K-5th students. They were grooving to tunes from Scratch DJ Academy and sipping Jamba Juice smoothies.

Comcast Cares Day is in its 11th year and is one of the largest days of corporate volunteerism.

“Smash” stars, from l, Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty.

The NBC Universal Summer press day held at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena was a “smash.” And that’s not just because the two ultra-talented stars of NBC’s musical drama Smash, Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty, were on hand. It was because they were joined by such a variety of stars from the network’s shows, and they all created a fun atmosphere talking about their shows and their lives.

The series Smash is filmed in New York, and Broadway veteran Megan Hilty (Wicked, 9 to 5) was gushing when she talked about the theater community holding Smash viewing parties on Monday nights, when the Broadway shows get the night off.

Because of their loyal viewers, the show (with its season finale May 14) will be back this fall, but the ladies are keeping busy until then. “I’m back in L.A. working on my music,” said Sherman Oaks’ own Katharine McPhee. “And I just got back from West Africa working with the Malaria No More project giving them a helping hand.”

Megan said she’s doing a short run of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in New York. “And I have my first record deal, so I’ll be working on my music, too.”

Speaking of music, Carson Daly is a busy fellow. When he wakes up he does the 97.1 AMP FM radio morning show, and before he falls asleep he does the NBC late night talk show Last Call with Carson Daly. And in between he hosts The Voice. Carson told me he credits his radio broadcasting career for shaping the timing skills he needs for his hosting chores.

For her interview session, Mariska Hargitay discussed her journey playing the role of Olivia Benson for 13 seasons on Law & Order: SVU airing Wednesday (season finale May 23). But even more impressive was hearing Mariska talk about the Joyful Heart Foundation, a charity she created that offers healing, wellness, and empowerment programs for survivors of abuse. She said, “The Joyful Heart is about the courage to heal, and our programming is dedicated to honoring that brave decision.” This year Mariska will get a well-deserved star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The imaginative Grimm airs on NBC Fridays at 9 p.m. (season finale May 18) and has a pick up for this fall. It’s a police detective series that has a fantasy/monster spin on it and stars David Giuntoli, Russell Hornsby, Silas Weir Mitchell, and Bitsie Tulloch. They were there along with executive producers Sean Hayes, David Greenwalt, and Jim Kouf. Also on hand was veteran makeup effects artist Barney Burman, a true makeup magician who creates the incredible Grimm creatures that make the show extra special.

While having one of those creatures stalk him on stage, David Giuntoli beamed that their genre fans are “the greatest fans you could hope for. They keep you accountable too. And they imagine the world beyond even what we may imagine sometimes. That’s really cool.”

Community stars Joel McHale, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Jim Rash. The wacky community college sitcom that is part of NBC’s loaded-with-laughs Thursday night lineup, and will have its season finale May 24. In addition to being a great comedian, Rash won an Academy Award for co-writing The Descendants. Yvette said he hasn’t changed since receiving the award, but Joel jokes that he’s now “insufferable.”

The creativity of the show reminds me of the type of “out of the box” episodes that Scrubs used to do. But Yvette said because all the characters are grounded, they never feel that the writers have gone too far, “even though we’ve been in space in a chicken bus, there was a zombie apocalypse, a Dungeons and Dragons theme, and the school has been overrun with a paint ball war.” Joel insisted that “no one is doing anything like this on television. I feel like it’s Christmas morning every time I open a script.”

From l, Peter Van Norden, Barbara Bain, and David Roberts in “Love Struck.”

If love makes the world go ’round, then the play Love Struck will be spinning gloriously at the Beverly Hills Playhouse from May 11 to 27. The show is seven one act plays about “the search for, the disappointment in, the hope for, the joy of love. It’s all there,” says Barbara Bain, who is part of Love Struck’s stellar cast. “The short plays are richly textured. Each one has something we all can relate to with the well-observed experiences.”

Bain’s costars agree. Nick Ullett says, “The show illuminates all aspects of love. And the plays have moments when somebody realizes that they’re in love. That is perhaps the universal moment that illuminates all of our lives, when you find in someone that which you need in yourself. It is a universal theme.”

Peter Van Norden also stars and explains, “Every piece in the show has a little twist in it. Some are serious, like ‘Identity,’ which I do with Barbara Bain, playing my dying wife, and a surprising truth is revealed.” Van Norden praises the scripts of award-winning playwright Dale Griffiths Stamos, “who gives every play a unique tone and hook to keep the audience very satisfied.”

There are lots of surprises with the stories from Stamos, who Bain credits with bringing variety and tremendous depth to the show, “and she wrote some pieces with me in mind.” Bain says, “These are small plays, but they’re not small in thinking. A wonderful cast has come together for this and people will have a good time, no doubt.”

Three Roses Players and Venice Sky Productions present Love Struck, directed by Maggie Grant, at the Beverly Hills Playhouse located at 254 S. Robertson Blvd. in Beverly Hills (between Olympic and Wilshire). It runs May 11 to 27, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $32, seniors $25. Mother’s Day Special, May 13, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. All Moms 1/2 price at both shows, plus each Mom gets a rose. Call (323) 960-7787, or online: www.plays411.com/lovestruck.

“Duke” stars Steven Weber.

Man’s best friend gets the spotlight in a worthwhile show. A stray border collie helps a homeless veteran find purpose in life in Duke, a great new Hallmark Channel movie premiering Saturday, April 28. Steven Weber (Brothers & Sisters, Wings) stars in the story inspired by true events. The touching tale focuses on the special relationship between a good but broken man and the dog who becomes his constant companion. After returning from war, Marine Sergeant Terry Pulaski (Weber) and a dog named Duke both take a journey that binds them as soul mates and helps the healing process.

The movie makes an effort to understand the struggles of our soldiers and their families. Terry wants to be a good father and husband, but PTSD and a disabling injury from serving in Iraq has him deeply depressed. His wife Bethany (Kendal Cross) reluctantly brings home a stray dog knowing that Terry and their daughter will immediately fall in love with Duke.

A pivotal moment comes when Fourth of July fireworks give Terry painful flashbacks of the war, and only Duke can comfort him as they huddle together. After that Duke and Terry are inseparable, even when he decides to leave his home after doctors order him to take a medical discharge. Odd jobs and homelessness fill ten years for Terry. But when Duke gets seriously ill, a visit to a veterinary clinic changes everything.

Also featured with Weber and Cross (Caprica) in the film are Sarah Smyth (50/50), Allison Hossack (Reaper), and Martin Cummins (V). And two Border Collies, Zeek and Tanner took turns at playing the amazing dog Duke. Kudos to Hallmark putting the spotlight on the healing powers of pets.

There was also the recently announcement of the launch of “Hallmark Channel’s Pet Project,” a campaign celebrating pets and the many ways they enrich our lives as cherished family members. The project aims to raise awareness of the epidemic of pet homelessness and encourage pet adoption through public service announcements and programming elements, such as this Fall’s American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards. Plus a resource and pet-finder website www.hallmarkchannel.com/petproject, and a partnership with PetSmart Charities will further the goal of helping families find their new best friend.

Worthy Events

Speaking of animals: The Sunset Safari, an after-hours visit to the LA Zoo for Safari Club families is being hosted by the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) on April 21. In addition to “animal walkabouts,” there’s a buffet dinner and music as part of the festivities. The Safari Club is the non-profit GLAZA’s giving society in support of the Zoo and its various wildlife programs.

On a different night, the stars are lined-up for the Survivor Mitzvah Project “Celebrity Reading,” Sunday, April 22, at the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Museum of Tolerance. Among those scheduled to appear are Ed Asner, Frances Fisher, Elliott Gould, Lainie Kazan, and Valerie Harper, who explains it is a fund-raiser to help the elderly and forgotten Holocaust Survivors in Eastern Europe. “We are all familiar with movies like Sophie’s Choice and Schindler’s List, but the Survivor Mitzvah Project puts names and faces to those isolated Holocaust survivors living in poverty. I was thrilled with the chance to help in a way that would directly support these people. For those who truly want to offer a mitzvah [a kindness] to another human being, this is a golden opportunity,” says Harper.

The Beverly Hills Bar Association Barristers are dishing up the 24th annual Vintage Bouquet on April 29, from noon to 4 p.m. at the historic Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. It is open to the public and the popular food and wine festival benefits the BH Bar Foundation’s pro bono legal services programs.

Another worthy event is the 10th annual Bogart Wine Aficionado Dinner on May 10, set up at The Bazaar at the SLS Hotel. It is to benefit the Bogart Pediatric Cancer Research Program, and is themed “Going out in Style: 10 Great Wines for 10 Great Years,” with world-class wines matching the gourmet cuisine. It should be the connoisseur’s dream evening.

Kyle Massey and Margie Barron.

There are a lot of terrific kids in the entertainment industry. I discovered that back in the ’80s when I was the West Coast correspondent for the teen dream magazine Tiger Beat. It was an opportunity to get to know many great youngsters. Only a few go bad and they’re the ones you hear about. But mostly I respect child performers because they have to work as hard as the adult actors plus juggle school work. And they have to handle the scrutiny of their young lives in the spotlight.

Some kids use their fame to help worthwhile causes, as I saw recently at the birthday-themed GBK Celebrity Lounge co-hosted by Tiger Beat and Bop at the SLS Hotel. It was in celebration of the Kids’ Choice Awards, and the event supported the American Cancer Society, which wants “more birthdays and less cancer,” said Jeb Baird, ACS regional vice president.

There was a huge birthday cake “wall” along with cupcakes created by Bread Basket Cake Company, and I went crazy over it almost as much as Dancing with the Stars alumnus Kyle Massey. He’s a great example of a multi-talented kid star who is a terrific young man. Kyle told me he has the “Dancing with the Stars: Live in Las Vegas” show debuting at the Tropicana next week. “That’s what is exciting in my life,” he beamed.

Pop star Cody Simpson and Diary of a Wimpy Kid star Zack Gordon were seen with the yummy Welch’s Fruit Snacks and Sabra hummus snacks. And very important to emphasize making life better with nutrition and fitness was Bios Life Slim. MGA Entertainment had their new bald Bratz doll called True Hope, which reflected a kid fighting cancer with strength and fierceness. The celebrity-favorite RevitaLash Advanced mascara and new hair product, American Apparel, RockaBella Jewels, and ImPress Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails were also among the fashion and beauty products enjoyed by trendy Aubrey O’Day from Celebrity Apprentice, plus The Hunger Games’ young stars Amandla Stenberg, Kalia Prescott, and Willow Shields.

Amandla Stenberg and Gavin Keilly.

Ematic electronics wowed Glee’s Vanessa Lengies, Wizards of Waverly Place’s Jennifer Stone, A.N.T. Farm’s Jake Short, and all the celebrity guests with the Tablets PCs and MP3 Players that fit their tuned-in lifestyles. And Modern Family’s Nolan Gould especially enjoyed the Toy State Road Rippers wild toy cars.

Along with all the fun stuff, GBK founder Gavin Keilly made sure there was a focus on the charitable Dream Center that rescues people from poverty, and the Model Citizen Fund, which fills backpacks with emergency supplies for homeless kids. Glee coach Dot Marie Jones thought it was a great party that had kids helping kids.

Billy Elliot the Musical

If you like stories about talented kids, head to the Pantages Theatre for Billy Elliot the Musical (April 10 to May 13). The Tony-winning show is about a blue-collar British lad who wants to join a ballet dance class in a town where that’s weird for a young boy to do. It takes place during a miners’ strike during tough economic times, and turns into a celebration of a boy’s journey to make his dancing dreams come true. And there’s a message to take home from the show, that your talent can inspire a whole community.

Billy Elliot was a hit movie in 2000 and later was developed for Broadway featuring music by Elton John. Now the nation tour of the show has come to Hollywood with four boys alternately playing Billy because the singing and dancing role is so demanding. The big cast is actually filled with lots of kids who kick up their heels during the high-energy numbers. Ah, youth!

From l, Robert Standley (Youngman), Jack Heller (Tennessee Williams, in front), Louise Davis (Rose Williams, in back) and Tamara Braun (Woman) in “Tennessee in the Summer.”

The play Tennessee in the Summer is based on the life of Tennessee Williams. Starring as the prolific playwright is Jack Heller, who has an impressive background on stage, and has appeared on screen in Henry Jaglom’s Queen of the Lot, plus in the play, Just 45 Minutes from Broadway, which will be released as a film later this summer. As a teenager walking up Broadway, Heller actually met Tennessee Williams. It was an inspiring moment in his life, which is why it’s so fascinating for Heller to play Williams now.

“I find his characters so colorful, and I remember a line in A Streetcar Named Desire, ‘The one thing in life I cannot abide is deliberate cruelty.’ With that line, I determined him to be a compassionate man. Yet researching I learned that he could be quite cruel, because of his fears, plus a great deal of guilt due to family turmoil,” Heller says. All of that will be revealed in the riveting show. And Heller points out that “90 per cent of the dialog is based on actual quotes from Williams.”

“He is the American poet of the theater, writing in such a lyrical way;” that is what Heller hopes the audiences will remember about the play. “Along with the thought that no matter how talented a person is, addiction and fear can destroy their creativity.”

The show is directed by Sal Romeo and written by Joe Besecker, also starring Tamara Braun, Louise Davis, Robert Standley and Lisa Thayer. At the Sidewalk Studio Theatre located at 4150 Riverside Dr. in Burbank. It runs April 13 to May 20, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20; call 800-838-3006, or online at www.brownpapertickets.com.

Brightly dressed in their colorful Easter best, from l, Jeri Ryan, Mary Willard, and Jo Anne Worley.

How many fabulous and fashionable ladies does it take to have fun while making a positive impact in young lives? That answer is easy — as many as you can stuff into the Crystal Ballroom at the Beverly Hills Hotel — as I saw when the Guild of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles (BBBSLA) presented its annual Accessories for Success spring luncheon. The event also featured a fashion show with the trendiest styles from Neiman Marcus, and prior to the luncheon an “Accessories Boutique” featured an array of vendors donating a portion of sales proceeds to BBBSLA. Jamie Lee Curtis was checking out the goodies at the charitable “pop-up” boutique. Also Jo Anne Worley, Pam Dawber, and Sarah Purcell, among many others.

Mary Willard, guild president, welcomed everyone, and acknowledged that a successful event takes a team effort, and part of that team was the emcee, Revenge star Amber Valletta. But the real stars that afternoon were the honorees: Anne Globe, Chief Marketing Officer, DreamWorks Animation SKG; and Sharon Harroun Peirce, Board Director of BritWeek and LA’s BEST.

“Both of our honorees have demonstrated a long-standing commitment as role models for civic involvement and at-risk youth. We are honored to celebrate these remarkable women for their generosity and myriad contributions to our community,” said Tiffany Siart, president and CEO of BBBSLA, who repeated a quote that I really liked. She said, “We can’t always build a future for our children, but we can build our children for the future.”

Jeffrey Katzenberg, DreamWorks Animation SKG CEO, presented the “Excellence in Mentoring Award” to Anne Globe, chief marketing officer for DreamWorks. Even though he’s her boss, Katzenberg noted that Globe has actually been a mentor to him. Most recently, Globe oversaw the successful launches of Kung Fu Panda 2 ($660 million gross worldwide), and Puss in Boots ($535 million gross worldwide, to date). But Globe is never too busy to be a mentor with The Hollywood Reporter/Big Brothers Big Sisters Women in Entertainment Mentoring Program.

Stunning actress Jeri Ryan (Body of Proof) presented the “Innovator Award” to her dear friend Sharon Harroun Peirce, board director of BritWeek and LA’s BEST, the after school program which serves 28,000 elementary school children in some of L.A.’s most difficult neighborhoods. Ryan said Peirce has organized a children’s literacy project in L.A., but the amazing lady has also supported many schools and students around the world, “helping kids on three continents.”

I think Jeri Ryan can take her place among the BBBSLA ladies as a great role model. She certainly was a strong force when she was doing her Star Trek: Voyager role, and now she is currently starring in the ABC series Body of Proof, as boss to Dana Delany’s Medical Examiner character. When I spoke with Ryan during a recent TV press tour, she said she enjoys her sometimes protagonist role “because it’s kind of fun to shake things up a little bit.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles has been shaking things up for 57 years. It’s the oldest, largest youth mentoring organization, and has served children and families facing adversity. They provide one-to-one youth mentoring services, carefully screening volunteer mentors and matching them with youth, and provide ongoing support for our volunteers, mentees, families, schools, businesses, and community partners. Kudos to them and the co-chairs of the spring event, guild members Sandy Bilson, Laura Lizer, and Vicki Martin. Joni Berry, Jackie Collins, NancyJane Goldston, and Joanna Poitier served as honorary co-chairs, and everyone had fun.