Actor Gary Sinise is a familiar face in Malibu and proved the perfect pick as this year’s top honoree at the 30th Annual Odyssey Ball. The John Wayne Cancer Institute gave Gary its “True Grit” award in memory of Hollywood’s 10-gallon hat hero. Maggie DiNome, who serves as director of the Cancer Prevention Program and chief of general surgery at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, was presented with “The Duke” special service award.
Gussied-up guests dressed for the occasion and were done up tip to toe as they arrived at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
The yearly fundraising effort is organized by the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary and is championed by co-chairs Martha Harper, Colleen Pennell, Elizabeth Rawjee and Jessica Royer. Guests learned that J.R. Martinez is not only an actor, but is also a motivational speaker, author and honored U.S. Army vet.
It was only fitting that he be selected as the host for this year’s fund- and awareness-raising bash, which proudly carried the theme “We Can All Be Heroes.”
First class entertainment was a delightful part of the mix with violin virtuoso Lee England, Jr. and The Company Men wowing the crowd.
The family of the late, great John Wayne has been involved with the cause since 1981. They are committed to pioneering cancer research and groundbreaking discoveries. In all, they’ve made great strides, with $1.4 million to benefit treatment and a cure this year alone.
ON YOUR TOES
The Los Angeles Music Center has no shortage of local fans, including Marc and Eva Stern, and Eli and Eddie Broad. And when it comes to dance, count Liane Wientraub in. The longtime Malibu resident knows a thing or two about ballet and has been a supporter of all things elegant, graceful and cutting-edge for years.
She can look forward to a well-rounded 2015-16 dance season.
Taking a lead on the list is the Second City and “The Art of Falling.” The famed comedy troupe mixes it up with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and will have its West Coast premiere at the Ahmanson Theatre in November.
The production is described as an unusual combo of “dance, comedy and story telling.”
Three storylines intersect and are all about losing control, be it on a plane, falling in love or doing something as seemingly mundane as a move.
Hubbard Street artistic director Glenn Edgerton has summed up the marriage of dance and inspirational comedy with, “If you allow yourself the freedom to fall, it all goes smoother. Any hesitation or inhibition and you can fall flat.” Hmm … makes sense to me.
The new season also boasts inviting evenings of Chinese classical and modern dance. Look for Cloud Gate Dance Theater of Taiwan.
If you love Alvin Ailey, you won’t want to miss those shows, run by two Alley alums. There are also some eclectic offerings in store. But the October kickoff keeps it classical with the Marinsky Ballet (once known as the famous Kirov). The company brings its talented orchestra and will perform the Southern California premiere of Alexei Ratmansky’s “Cinderella.” Ratmansky is also involved with American Ballet Theatre’s productions next year.
Whether it’s moving, modern or a new twist on classical, you’re bound to get a groove on. So enjoy and keep on dancing.