In 2011, Malibu’s Jane Seymour and James Keach started the Open Hearts Foundation to much acclaim. The group supports organizations that are committed to impacting lives in the areas of health, education, arts and sports. The annual Open Hearts Gala honors individuals who have overcome adversity through love and service to others.
To celebrate its success, Jane and James opened their doors for a festive occasion, with guests including Aaron Paul, Julianne Hough, Christi Paul, J.R. Martinez, Cheap Trick, Delta Rae, Kix Brooks, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Lauren Parsekian-Paul, Molly Thompson, Brooks Laich, Chelsea Kane, Kim Campbell, Derrick Hall, John Ireland, Travis Mills and Angelica Garcia.
Jane and James hosted the fourth annual gala at their ocean view Malibu estate and pulled out all the stops. The musical program featured quite a lineup with performances by legendary rock band Cheap Trick, popular folk rock band Delta Rae and singer-songwriter Angelica Garcia.
Hosted by CNN’s Christi Paul, the event honored four remarkable individuals. They all shared their inspiring stories that exemplify the Open Hearts philosophy. The organization’s mission is to highlight selfless giving, even in the face of adversity.
The 2014 honorees include Derrick Hall, Founder of The Derrick Hall Prostate Cancer Foundation; Travis Mills, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and Founder of the Travis Mills Foundation; Lauren Parsekian-Paul and Molly Thompson, co-founders of the Kind Campaign; and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, philanthropist and advocate for patients and families dealing with the effects of dementia.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Open Hearts Foundation.
THE PLAY’S THE THING
Summertime is playtime in Topanga and the Will Geer Theater is going all out. This year, The Theatricum Botanicum is featuring an all-Shakespeare season. Although they usually put something different in the mix, this year is special in honor of the Bard’s 450th birthday.
The program features classics like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” as well as an unusual gender-bending take on “Lear,” with Ellen Geer in the title role. So head up the canyon, get into the great outdoors and enjoy some great theater.
GIMME A HEAD OF HAIR
“Veronica Mars” star Kristen Bell is letting her hair down. She’s taking a stroll down memory lane to visit the Summer of Love. You can catch Kristen at the Hollywood Bowl as she turns her talents to the famed rock musical “Hair.” She will be a familiar sight and sound to many, especially as she recently voiced a role in Disney’s hit “Frozen.” The updated production of the classic will be directed and choreographed by Adam Shankman.
The production kicks off in August amidst an exciting Bowl season, so check it out and rock on!