Debby Dutilh

Kentwood Players is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year with a delightful program of plays including a joyous musical prodution of The Wizard of Oz, currently running through December 12 at Kentwood Playhouse. The Wizard of Oz was chosen to honor the 70th anniversary of the MGM film classic.

Director, Meredith Sweeney, is rightfully excited about the "Munchkin wrangling" efforts of parents, families, young actors and crew members alike who participated in the success of this absolutely charming production and her debut as a director. The cast of 24 kids ranging in age from 6 - 16 are all part of Kentwood Kids, a weekly workshop where kids learn all about theater, from acting to auditioning, stage production and design. Kentwood Kids Instructor, Drew Fitzsimmons, enthusiastically explained that the group, which began with 7 kids, now has over 70 participants. The speed with which the kids learn their lines and their innate ability to remain unperturbed when problems arise always impress him. He says that through learning the nuts and bolts of acting, they also grow and mature. Newcomers are welcomed by all the members with support and encouragement to do their best and have fun.

Kentwood Players Publicity Director, Shari Barrett, introduced me to some of the young stars: ten-year old Camilla Vietina, who plays Dorothy, spoke with the poise and experience of a young actor who has already performed in three previous plays. "Acting is fun," she says, and she is looking forward to auditioning for her next role. Cowardly Lion, played by Francesca Farina, trembled and wimpered on stage, but has no lack of courage in real life! She's all smiles when she remarks how wonderful it is to be on stage and perform. And who can resist a pup? When the question of Toto's role came up, Meredith decided that Toto would be played by an actor as well and auditions were held. Rather than singing or dancing, six-year old Karine Trapenard landed the part in her own way -- with an unforgettable "ARF!"-- thus delighting us all with an unforgettable Toto. Other cast members include Monica Allan, Amanda Araque, Madison Browning, Makenzie Browning, Elizabeth Cruz, Samantha Cruz, Ella Cunningham, Madison Dewberry, Emma Erenmark, Rachel Evans, Ezekiel Fredericks, Logan Hannig, Trinity King, Kobe Kubes, Steven Lerner, Hayley Novack, Valentina Povolo, Josiah Taylor, Alan Tapenard and Rocio Vietina.

The Scarecrow (Amanda Araque), Dorothy (Camilla Vietina), Tin Man (Emma Erenmark), Cowardly Lion (Francesca Farina) and Toto (Karine Trapenard) search for their hearts desires at the end of the rainbow.

(Picture and text from Kentwood Players Flyer)

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, written by L. Frank Baum, and originally published on May 17, 1900, is acclaimed as a classic childrens novel. As I was watching it, singing along to Somewhere Over the Rainbow -- which by the way I chose as my wedding theme -- I thought to myself, it's more than a childrens novel. It is a classic in the true sense of the word with the universal theme that true friendship is often all it takes to reveal what we wometimes believe we don't possess, what already lies deep within each of us -- heart, courage and brains -- and the desire to live our dreams. In any case, that is the general conclusion of one young actor who says, "The best thing about Kentwood Kids is making friends!" Out of the mouth of babes.

The Wizard of Oz is playing at the Kentwood Playhouse in Westchester, CA 90045, with two perfomances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on December 12. To purchase tickets, call (310) 645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org

I had the pleasure today of meeting local author and award winning journalist Susan Zeidler.

While growing up in Long Island, Susan developed her love for the arts, notably reading, writing and music. She started writing plays as a young child, studied piano and went on to perform around the world. She also has two screenplays, "Tailspin" and "Hit Single" to her credit.

In her first novel, The Practice Room, Susan weaves her experiences as a musician and journalist into the musical and magical voyage of a young girl set against modern events. The reader accompanies Zoey Browne as she is taken back and forth between time and worlds, leading to one teen's coming of age and growth as a musician.

Sunday, dec 6, vergari dance center.
Susan Zeidler will be signing her new book, The Practice Room, 6216 W. Manchester Ave, Westchester, CA 90045: 3-5 pm.

Del Rey News, both on-line and in print, is always chock-full of exciting articles about local happenings and the people making them happen. Art and Soul Home Staging is proud to have been featured in the latest edition alongside many other local businesses and organizations contributing to keep Westchester, Culver City, Playa del Rey, Marina del Rey and Venice vibrant and thriving.

Of course, I think all of the articles are worthwhile and informative. Alas, I can't cite them all here-- after all that's what the local press is for! Nevertheless, for the Arts in Art and Soul, here are just a few.

Because my mom was an actress at Kentwood Players in Westchester way back at their beginning, I have a special fondness for little theater, especially, this one who is celebrating its 60th anniversary. I know their current production "A Little Night Music" is the same high quality of all the others.

Here's a mouth watering note that Art and Soul Home Staging delights in is Tacone Flavor Grill, located on Sepulveda Blvd in El Segundo and whose "chefs consider Flavor to be an Art form". They use ingredients from around the world to prepare "food that explodes with unstoppable flavor." This definitely appeals to my globetrotter tastebuds!

And while all of us stagers and designers are flipping through Elle Decor, shopping at the newest Target in Culver City's newly opened Westfield Shopping Center or looking for the perfect accessories at Home Goods in Westchester, seeking inspiration for our current projects and holiday themes, we must also remember that not everyone is fortunate enough to have a home. I am disturbed when I learn that according to Los Angeles County data, one in every 32 people in Venice is homeless! And my Soul is deeply touched when I learn that the Venice Community Housing Corporation will give a chance to supply housing for the homeless with the purchase of a 20-unit apartment building in Venice. VCHC Director, Steve Clare, notes this is "truly a community response that faces us all - helping the homeless get back on their feet." What a wonderful mission and call to action for each of us to give back to our communities not only as the Holiday Season gets into full swing, but year round.

I'd like to thank Stephen L Hadland, Editor at Del Rey News, his staff and especially Stephanie Singh Smith for offering to feature Art and Soul Home Staging in the November publication.

Enjoy the local news!

Art and Soul Home Staging and Redesign works with home sellers and realtors in Westchester, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Marina del Rey, Culver City, Los Angeles and surrounding communities by offering services to prepare property for resale.

For more information contact Debby Dutilh (424) 227-0061 or by email

Having grown up in Westchester, I've always had a soft spot for Venice Beach, and I get excited when there's a reason to celebrate community. Ask any local what their favorite street is in the area and chances are they'll reply "Abbot Kinney", often followed by Main Street, both literally and geographically. On Sunday, September 27 the 25th Annual Abbot Kinney Festival with an expected attendance of 150,000 is being held. Abbot Kinney is full of original artsy shops selling anything from eclectic books, to captivating floral arrangements, design furniture, and art galleries.

If you're a local like I am, then you've probably seen the same funky original personalities perform, skate board, or work out in public on the Venice Boardwalk year after year. Although I lived abroad for many years, each return trip home always included a trip to the Boardwalk with the obligatory purchase of T-shirts, sunglasses and beach gear, usually at sunset. Every visitor we've had from around the world still wants to go there and is delighted to see it really is just like the post cards. Who hasn't seen the skate boarding granny or been to the bookstore at the Sidewalk Café? How about The Rose Café, located on nearby Rose Avenue. It's still the place to meet up with old-time friends or get acquainted with new ones for the first time.

The Abbot Kinney Festival is sure to be a wonderful fun way to spend the day by taking part in local activities and supporting their mission of "celebrating community, beauty and goodwill."

I'll be there and hope to see you there, too! Come on out and Celebrate Community this weekend!

http://www.abbotkinney.org/

Less than 48 hours after being staged by Art and Soul Home Staging, this Playa Vista Townhouse received a offer that is in negotiation. Prior to that, it had been listed mid-July without getting any serious offers.

Playa Vista boasts the best of Southern California living with a fantastic location near Playa del Rey and Marina del Rey, close to shops and restaurants, easy access to LAX and the freeways, and a vast array of activities and amenitites for its residents. However, these are just some of the elements that buyers are looking at. With so many Playa Vista properties to choose from, make your listing stand above the others by showcasing it with Professional Home Staging by Art and Soul Home Staging.

Wouldn't you love to get serious offers this fast? Call a Professional Home Stager to prepare your next listing so that it outshines the competition!

Art and Soul Home Staging proudly serves Los Angeles and the beach communities.