REALITY CHOP SHOP SWAP
It’s a one-of-a-kind match made in TV heaven. On one side, a red carpet Barbie doll stylist from celebrity-studded Salon Prive in West Hollywood. On the other, a heavily tattooed, trash-talking punk princess from a grungy Vegas hole-in-the-wall called Curl Up N Dye.
The latest smackdown between the ladies of the WWE? Nope, it’s the second season of the Style Network’s hair-raising swap show “Split Ends.” The program puts two polar opposites to the test to work in one anothers environments and it couldn’t be more extreme.
What unfolds is an unforgettable journey that is emotionally explosive, surprisingly touching and flat-out hilarious.
In episode one, we meet hardcore Heather Mills, from Vegas grappling with high profile glamizon hair on posh Beverly Hills beauties while professionally pampered Tami Jensen attempts liberty spike Mohawks on menacing roller derby queens.
Working without a usual team of assistants, Tami struggles to hold her blow dryer and Heather tries to hold her Gordon Ramsay-worthy tongue. The question is can they hold their own in a world of demanding divas and kick-butt clientele?
From the nicotine-stained walls of Curl Up N Dye to the polished marbled halls of Salon Prive, these two stylists and a zany cast of supporting characters are pushed out of their comfort zones where they learn to adapt, survive and thrive.
As someone who has produced dozens of reality shows, I can tell you that nailing the right concept with people worth watching is an art form that doesn’t always work. Happily in this case, it is well worth the watch. So if you’re looking for a fun-filled summer diversion, tune into this delightful snippet of reality TV. When it comes to shear enjoyment, “Split Ends” is a cut above.
New episodes of “Split Ends” premiere Saturdays at 6 p.m. on the Style Network.
BOWLED OVER
Speaking of summer diversions, the hills are alive as the Hollywood Bowl kicks off an impressive new season. Friday’s opening night gala honors two legendary talents. Los Angeles Opera General Director Placido Domingo and longtime Hollywood Bowl conductor John Mauceri will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining locals like John Raitt and Randy Newman. “The Producers” song-and-dance man Jason Alexander and school of rocker Jack Black will also be on-hand for one splashy celebration under the stars.
The season continues with appearances by Malibu jazz master Lee Ritenour, jumping jivesters Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, sexy songbird Diana Krall, ’80s wonder band the Pet Shop Boys, Mississippi blues man B. B. King and, of course, the dazzling Fourth of July fireworks spectacular.
From classics to reggae to rock and roll, there’s a program for every musical taste. So what are you waiting for? Break out the picnic basket, grab a blanket and head for the hills.
Got a hot local happening or cool event?
Contact kimdevore@malibutimes.com.