LUMIERE, radiant and light is precisely what I want when I apply products to my delicate skin.”Lumiere De Vie” was love at first sight when I saw the ornate bottle in which this skin sensation is housed. Elegant enough for a Park Avenue boudoir, the art deco design says “Nothing but the best”.
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With spring around the corner, it’s the perfect time to illuminate your world.
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“Courage is just fear that said it’s prayers, and I spend a lot of time on my knees”
Shelley Fisher
The most fascinating thing about Shelley Fisher and her one-woman show “The Hebrew Hillbilly” is Shelley’s indomitable spirit. Sticks and stones can’t break her bones and names will only encourage this chanteuse to sing louder.
If Dolly Parton had a Jewish Doppelganger it would surely be Shelley Fisher. “The Hebrew Hillbilly”, not only a poignant dramatic solo show, is also an original musical starring Memphis singer/songwriter Fisher. Accompanied by Platinum Award winning song writers Harold Payne (on guitar) and Ken Hirsch (on keyboard and musical director), the show is a departure from traditional solo faire and engages the audience, clapping, cheering and swaying from our seats. Shelley’s show is like watching American Idol set in a country bar, so much talent with a lot of “y’all”
Fisher presents a milieu of life experiences, pulling and enticing us along with wit, humor and pathos, as we partake in her unique southern childhood and her journey to become a famous singer. Through her eyes we experience isolation, loss of a parent, first love, marriage, missed opportunities and motherhood.
So what’s it like to be a Jewish Hilbilly? Shelley describes: “Growing-up in the land of Shalom y’all instilled me with a sense of pride in my heritage of survivors and thrivers; happy to assimilate but unwavering in my quest for identity, achievement and justice. She describes southern barbeque as wonderful and a challenge: “As my Mama always said: “Our house is kosher but our stomachs aint”. The show is filled with these delicious antidotes.
In chance meeting with Elvis Presley on an airplane, Elvis gives her sound words of advice “Don’t lose your sparkle in California or you’ll become another hardened broad”.
And true to his words, Fisher did just that. Despite her difficult times, her sparkle is still so bright that you’ll need a pair of Ray-Bans to watch as she illuminates the stage. Fisher is gutsy, talented and reminds us all that we don’t need the validity of fame to feel worthy. In a town full of struggling artist stories Shelley’s resounds because she is living proof that you can survive this business and keep your priorities in check. Although Shelley sings songs that will melt your heart or bust your side laughing, she acknowledges that her true success was having a daughter and attributes her as “The reason for the whole damn thing”.
Honest and authentic, Shelly leaves us rooting for her success while wondering how she was overlooked in the Hollywood game of craps. But then we realize, it’s never too late-this sparkly gem is simply a late bloomer and is in fact, RIGHT on time.
Shelley’s next performance of “The Hebrew Hillbilly” is March 17th at The Soho Playhouse in New York. Tickets are available at: www.sohoplayhouse.com.
For more information: http://www.hebrewhillbilly.com/
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I like to get to the heart of the matter, and fortunately so did Shelley in our one-on- one interview:
RB: How do you feel about finally receiving the break that you so deserve?
SF: Bring it on!
RB: Does success now, have a different meaning then it did when you were a young woman?
SF: I wasn’t prepared. I did the best I could but I didn’t have any idea about life and managing the ups and downs of showbiz. There was a fundamental darkness, perhaps self-sabotage like “I don’t deserve this”.
RB: In your show, you tell a story how a “missed” phone call from NBC cost you to loose a big job presenting an award on TV to The Bee Gees. How would things be different if you got that call today?
SF: That was 26 years ago. Now, I would have a cell phone! I was in the emergency room with my daughter at the time and couldn’t be reached.
RB: But what if you missed the call again?
SF: I would keep going. I would have a better handle on it. If I do get a break, I will handle it humbly. This Industry is for whores and pimps. Nothing else like it can set you up to put you down.
RB: If a genie were to appear and grant you a wish, what would it be?”
SF: To keep doing the show. I’d like it to get bigger and include multimedia. To never give-up. Perhaps turn it into a movie with Harvey Weinstein producing. I would play the role of my mother. She was the most powerful role model, and the most fascinating person-good and bad.
RB: What can advice to do you have for other people in your stage of life?
SF: As you get older it is easy for people to disregard you. It’s all about your own positive thinking. I will never give-up my dream.
Looking to revamp your look for 2013? Look no further-Suzy Hair Designs –my latest discovery-is not only a hair stylist extraordinaire, but also a make-up connoisseur. Whether on a movie set or in her Glendale salon, clients will benefit from her sixteen years of expertise. John Savage, pop singer Jennifer Young, and actor/director Emilio Rosso are just a few of Suzy’s celebrity clients. I had the good opportunity to sit in Suzy’s magical chair prior to a recent photo shoot. While there, I asked about her loyal clientele and she explained, it’s all about the “trust” and her desire to make her clients happy.
Suzy specializes in cuts, color and hair extensions. And some exciting news if you have a special occasion coming-up; Suzy offers a full service package that includes hair, make-up and photographs by PKM Images.
“Whatever look comes into your mind… imagination is good”
(Which she certainly had plenty of in my photo shoot…see below).
Model/Actress : Rachel Bailit
MUA/Hair: Suzy Ovsepyan studios
Photo: Pkm Images, 2012 all rights reserved
To gaze upon Grace Valerie, one might expect a pop diva or definitely a breaker of hearts. But look a little deeper into this vocal wonder and you’ll find a lovable, grounded woman living her life with purpose, while incidentally climbing the music charts.
“I don’t want to be somebody else” Valerie told me in our recent phone conversation. She explains that’s why she is not afraid to write song lyrics that are close to her heart.
Born in Russia, Grace was heavily influenced by Christina Aguilera, whom she said she “would die” if she ever met! Grace hosted a television show “Mobius” while studying at the University in Russia. A long way from home, Valerie is now in Los Angeles working with the Grammy winning producer, Randy Jackson. With one hit single “When the Lights Go Down” on the dance charts and a second song ” Don’t Want To Be Waiting” just released on i tunes (the day we spoke), Valerie’s full-length album will be out later this year.
I asked Valerie about her fabulous sense of style and she attributed it to her mother who loved to dress her up in beautiful things as a child. And yes, in a culture where stylists dominate, this beauty usually styles herself. She loves to experiment
Other interesting facts about Grace:
A regular Tweeter, Grace loves and appreciates the simple tweets with her fans, especially when they care to ask, “How was your day?”
She is interested in working to help children in around the world who are in need: “They depend upon us and cannot do anything for themselves”.
She loves to travel. Her favorite trip: “South Africa”.
When I asked her if she had any vices or indulgences, she was quick to reply: “Sweets”. Her favorites: Banana Pudding, or Apple Pie with ice cream and carmel sauce. She even admitted that she could eat chocolate for breakfast. Now that’s our kind of girl!
Before we said goodbye, she shared a few last words from the heart: “Never give-up. Especially if you believe you are doing the right thing”.
Grace Valerie, you are definitely doing the right thing with style and true to your name, with Grace.
Forget Broadway. Los Angeles has its very own “ Monty” that opens, pushes, and seals the envelope on its predecessor. Housed at the Third Street Theatre with a live jazz band and multi-dimensional media sets, the audience is engaged on multiple levels.
With a looming election where candidates sling rhetoric and competing concern for the “working class”, what could be more relevant than a play about a group of unemployed mill workers and their struggles for survival and dignity? The juxtaposition of this struggle with the sexiness and playfulness of the “striptease solution” for the worker’s woes is what makes the play interesting. But behind Terrence McNally’s clever dialogue and fanciful musical lyrics, lie the real human dilemmas in times of financial hardship: loss of child custody, strains on a marriage, lies and deceptions, and the dispossession of self confidence and in life.
The strong ensemble cast acts with an enthusiasm and determination reminiscent of Clifford Odet’s taxicab drivers in “Waiting for Lefty”, proving the play to be timeless and universal.
Extended through November 11th, more information can be found here: http://www.thirdstreettheatre.org/Third_Street_Theatre/The_Full_Monty.html
..Is just NO fun without cute colorful rain boots that scream, “Look at me” (ok, so we can’t all dance like Gene Kelly but that doesn’t mean we don’t need attention). Seriously, most of us dread those dark grey wet days but how exciting to have a reason to get dressed-up in your happy LAMO boots and beat the blues!
Coziness and warmth are insured with a natural sheepskin fiber lining. With five bright colors to choose from, you’re rainy day wardrobe has the potential to score some serious fashionista points at the office or while simply splashing in the puddles with the kids.
The boots are a steal at 119. a pair. More varieties available on the website:
Ok, back to your singing and splashing! You sing so well when you feel good about yourself!
Childhood is a notorious time for ambitious dreaming: flying to the moon, becoming a major league baseball player, or a prima ballerina. But for Debra Ehrhardt, star of the solo show “Jamaica Farewell”, living in the United States was one dream that was worthy of risking her life. A mesmerizing, touching tale, Debra’s determination rings loud and clear into our own subconscious and stirs our emotions into a windstorm. Growing-up during the revolution in Jamaica, with an unpredictable future, Debra’s optimism was fueled by the glamourization of the United States and her belief that “Anything you can dream of you can find in America”.
Although the play serves as a political reflection of war, poverty and desperation, Debra writes and performs with such humor and pathos that at times one cannot not help but compare her talents with that of Lucille Ball. Disguising herself as a nun to get a Visa, introducing her CIA boyfriend to Goat Testicle Soup, smuggling money out of the country and escaping a murderer, are all pare for the course.
The audience can’t help but cheer on our heroine. We also question ourselves as to whether we take forgranted our good fortune to be living in the country of her dreams.
Debra is a generous performer, holding absolutely nothing back from her audience In return, we are thankful that dreams do come true, evident as Debra proudly shares at the conclusion of the play “I’ve been a citizen for twenty years”. In a time when immigration reform tops the news and political visas are scrutinized and often hard to come by, Debra’s story hits a hot spot.
Debra will be performing “Jamaica Farewell” on October 6th at the Santa Monica Playhouse on For information: www.jamaicafarewelltheplay.com
When we hear a story about one’s decision whether to have a child (or not) it’s in a women’s magazine or a Chick Lit book. Rarely do we consider the male’s point of view. To my surprise, I was taken on a deep and wonderful journey at The Santa Monica Playhouse at Doug Knott’s one-man show “The Last of the Knotts”. It is a moving play about a man’s struggle to navigate his feelings of parental resentment, exploration, love and the pressure to carry on his family name. A Poet, Doug Knott’s writing is a fine tuned melody, rich in content with many emotional turns. When describing a love affair he writes, ” We swam together like long neck swans”.
Coincidentally, Doug Knott has the voice and comedic flair of another great Knott, actor Don Knotts. Combining that with a younger leaner look of Walter Matthau, Knott has all the makings of a great comedian. Like an agile hummingbird, Knott makes his way from one of three chairs on stage with only a quick musical transition, before he delves into his next story. He keeps the audience alert and in anticipation.
Knott chronicles his life’s beginnings with his early childhood in Florida, an overbearing Father, later life in New York City, experimentation with drugs and his first love and perhaps last love. But what is most touching, and sad, is Knott’s hard fast decision not to have children. I believe that every audience member, male or female, can relate to Knott’s emotional struggle over his decision and it’s inherent consequences. Knott’s ”bare all” honesty is admirable but harrowing as we live through his life altering choice. One leaves the theater with much to think about; Knott’s final decision but also with our own. Perhaps it’s a warning, a wake-up call or merely a confirmation of what we know to be true about our own lives. Either way, “The Last of Knott’s” is a play to be remembered.
June 28 , July 26, August 30, September 27 @8:00pm at The Santa Monica Playhouse
Tickets: http://www.goldstar.com
What to do when you have a “Hair 911” day? Don’t Panic. Help is on the way and he’s British, good looking and comes in a take home bottle.
Trichologist and all around hair genius, Phillip Kingsley has created the Elasticizer treatment. Originally created for Audrey Hepburn, This pre-shampoo treatment delivers elasticity, bounce and shine to hair.
I was treated to the deep conditioning treatment while visiting the beautiful Morrison Hair salon in North Laguna Beach. Housed in a cozy Spanish bungalow, I was greeted by celebrity Hair Stylist Tab Salsman (Jo Frost, Lindsay Davenport, Bands: Slipknot, True Religion and Stray Cats).
While enjoying my 20-minute treatment, Tab explained how Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer is especially suited for people with scalp issues. The Morrison Salon is the only West Coast salon that carries the Kingsley hair line. The Kingsley Hair Institute is based in New York and the U.K. (Brit Gwyneth Paltrow swears by the products in her newsletter “Goop”).
Tab followed my treatment with an outstandingly sleek blow-dry from which I could immediately see the improved sheen and overall condition of my hair.
He sent me off with take home treatments, which I plan to use regularly. My scalp is happy and you know what they say about a happy scalp? No, either do I, but I’m sure it’s good.
What are you waiting for? Start Elasticizing at home or even better, pack your bathing suit and take a drive down to Laguna Beach this summer. It’s the perfect “post-beach” indulgence.
http://www.philipkingsley.com/hair-treatments.html
Celebrity hair Stylist Tab Salsman performs his hair “magic” on a client.
I’ve just returned from Paris, my mind like a panoramic camera, filled with images. My lens focused on street fashion, I walked Boulevard Les Rues and other avenues of the world’s most fashionable city. It is an understatement to say that “un foulard”, the scarf, is a most crucial piece in a French person’s outfit. In every color, pattern, size and texture, the scarf adds the “Je Ne Cest Quoi” feel and like a ribbon, ties the ensemble together.
I was surprised (and slightly disappointed) to see just how Boho chic the Parisians have become. I strongly believe this casualness has become a world fashion statement. The key to fashion is to look like you are “not trying” and to remain comfortable at all times. Ballet flats are the rage. Combined with jeans or a dress. Tres simple.
The true chic street women are the bicycle riders. In Big wedge heels or stilettos, these women navigate the streets in an admirable balancing act.
“Cheap Chic” can be found on the rue de rivoli with rows of stores that reminded me of downtown Manhattan. H&M, Etam, C&A, Jennyfer… to name a few.
The major fashion trends in these affordable stores are t-shirts with American sayings and positive self-affirming messages about love and life, baby floral prints, scarf patterned dresses, and skulls images.
I did not see any designer bags, or imitations (of designer bags). The look is minimal, practical, youthful and at the same time very sexy and sophisticated. As feminine as the woman are, the men are modern day Gene Kellys. I adored their sense of adventure wearing bright scarf’s and espadrilles.
Other accoutrements include brightly colored big headphones, cigarettes, cell phones, strong make-up and tiny colored cars.
Most importantly, the French people look joyful. Accessible. Real. Perhaps Marie Antoinette would not have embraced Boho Chic, but this French generation stands a better chance at a happy ending. (with a warm intact neck and comfortable feet).
