TWO FOR THE SHOW
It was a light-hearted evening of song and dance as revelers turned out for the annual “What A Pair!” celebrity concert at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica. Superstar surgeon Dr. Armando Giuliano joined Debbie Gibson, Jason Alexander and Sharon Lawrence to benefit the John Wayne Cancer Institute. The program featured eclectic pairings of personalities from the worlds of television, theater, film and song.
The event was started by film executive Jo Levi DiSante in honor of her mom and sister who both battled breast cancer. In 2001, she enlisted her high profile pals to help put on a fundraising cabaret and it’s been a showstopper ever since.
Over the years, a host of stars has headlined including Rita Wilson, Deborah Harry, Jolie Fisher, Patricia Heaton and Megan Mullaly. This year’s lineup featured Elaine Hendrix, Sharon Lawrence and Kim Raver, to name a few. The cast is almost always made up of women, but that didn’t stop “Seinfeld” alum Jason Alexander from getting in on the act. He was going to perform even if he had to take the stage in drag and he did just that, looking a lot like Tony Curtis’ Josephine in “Some Like It Hot.”
The melodies and merriment are all for a good cause, of course, and will help Saint John’s continue its life-saving work. “We are so thankful for “What A Pair!” and their support of the John Wayne Cancer Institute at the Saint John’s Health Center,” said Dr. Giuliano, the institute’s Chief of Science and Medicine. “These funds allow our doctors and scientists to continue leading-edge research, improving the quality of life for all.”
Since its first show, “What A Pair!” has raised more than $1.6 million in the fight against breast cancer and brought a lot of smiles along the way.
FRIGHT NIGHT
It’s time to break out your ghostly “Thriller” get-ups and that glittering Elvis garb because Halloween is right around the corner. This year you’ll find spooky soirées all over town.
Trekkie Leonard Nimoy will be hosting his Halla Gala to benefit the Santa Monica Museum of Art. Revelers are encouraged to come as their “secret selves” for an evening of “fantasy, fashion and fun.” Mr. Spock isn’t just an intergalactic superstar; he’s also an accomplished shutterbug. That’s why the Oct. 31 event will feature some out-of-this-world pics from his upcoming exhibit “Secret Selves.”
Ghoulish guests can also marvel at some fanciful installations by Miriam Wosk as well as “The Art of Give and Take” by Allen Ruppersberg. A few fiendish friends will even score a portrait session with the host himself.
On Oct. 24, scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis returns to the Barker Hangar for her annual Dream Halloween bash. It’s a blast for the little ones with elaborate games, costume characters, arts and crafts, and a live stage show. The event benefits the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation.
On a musical note, it’s a “don’t miss” at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The Los Angeles Philharmonic is cranking up the creep with a Halloween night presentation of “Nosferatu.” The black and white silent horror classic will be shown on the big screen while the hall’s magnificent pipe organ sends chills down your spine.
Trick or treat!
Got a hot happening or cool event? Send the 411 to kimdevore@malibutimes.com.