Mountain Views News          Saturday, May 23, 2015

11

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Mountain Views-News Saturday, May 23, 2015 

SEAN’S SHAMELESS REVIEW

BEST MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Jeff’s Book Picks By Jeff Brown


THE LAST STAND OF THE 
TIN CAN SAILORS: THE 
EXTRAORDINARY WORLD 
WAR II STORY OF THE U.S. 
NAVY’S FINEST HOUR 

by James D. Hornfischer

 This is easily one of the 
greatest books on Naval 
Warfare ever written. The 
author, James D. Hornfischer, 
weaves together a dramatic 
David and Goliath battle in 
the Pacific, where a force of 
U.S. destroyers and cruisers 
took on a Japanese fleet over 
ten times its size. It was perhaps the 
U.S. Navy’s finest hour during WWII, 
but it came with a monumental 
price. The sacrifice of these sailors 
deserve to be honored and forever 
remembered.

THE FORGOTTEN 500: THE 
UNTOLD STORY OF THE MEN 
WHO RISKED ALL FOR THE 
GREATEST RESCUE MISSION OF 
WORLD WAR II 

by Gregory A. Freeman

 An astonishing, never-before-told 
story of the Second World War, based 
on newly declassified documents 
and exclusive interviews.In 1944 the OSS set out 
to recover more than 500 airmen trapped behind 
enemy lines in Yugoslavia. Classified for over half 
a century for political reasons, the full account of 
this unforgettable story of loyalty, self-sacrifice, and 
bravery is now being told for the first time.

D-DAY: JUNE 6, 1944: THE BATTLE FOR THE 
NORMANDY BEACHES 

by Stephen E. Ambrose

On the basis of 1,400 oral histories from the men 
who were there, bestselling author and World War 
II historian Stephen E. Ambrose reveals for the 
first time anywhere that the intricate plan for the 
invasion of France in June 1944 had to be abandoned 
before the first shot was fired. The true story of 
D-Day, as Ambrose relates it, 
is about the citizen soldiers 
- junior officers and enlisted 
men - taking the initiative 
to act on their own to break 
through Hitler’s Atlantic 
Wall when they realised that 
nothing was as they had been 
told it would be.

BATTLE CRY by Leon Uris

Originally published in 1953, 
Leon Uris’s Battle Cry is the 
raw and exciting story of 
men at war from a legendary 
American author.This is the 
story of enlisted men – Marines – at 
the beginning of World War II. They 
are a rough–and–ready tangle of 
guys from America’s cities and farms 
and reservations. Led by a tough 
veteran sergeant, these soldiers band 
together to emerge as part of one of 
the most elite fighting forces in the 
world. With staggering realism and 
detail, we follow them into intense 
battles – Guadalcanal and Tarawa – 
and through exceptional moments of 
camaraderie and bravery. Battle Cry 
does not extol the glories of war, but 
proves itself to be one of the greatest 
war stories of all time.

THE WINDS OF WAR by Herman Wouk

A Masterpiece of Historical Fiction-The Great 
Novel of America’s “Greatest Generation” Herman 
Wouk’s sweeping epic of World War II, which begins 
with The Winds of War and continues in War and 
Remembrance, stands as the crowning achievement 
of one of America’s most celebrated storytellers. Like 
no other books about the war, Wouk’s spellbinding 
narrative captures the tide of global events-and all 
the drama, romance, heroism, and tragedy of World 
War II-as it immerses us in the lives of a single 
American family drawn into the very center of the 
war’s maelstrom.

By Sean Kayden


Tanlines – “Two Thousand 
Miles” - Brooklyn, NY 
natives Jesse Cohen and 
Eric Emm make up the 
indie-electronic duo 
Tanlines. In 2012, the band 
released their debut LP, 
‘Mixed Emotions’. It was an eclectic record ranging 
from electro-pop, indie-pop, dance, and world music 
sensibilities. Their first record was a collection of 
vivacious sounding tracks with multi-instrumentalist 
Cohen at the helm and singer/guitarist Emm’s sprightly 
vocals throughout. The twosome is back with their 
highly anticipated sophomore endeavor this week, 
‘Highlights’. The ten effervescent tracks are constructed 
in such an expressive and lively manner. It encompasses 
an ethereal sonic palette from start to finish as well 
as being a compilation that’s filled with passion and 
ebullience. Cohen and Emm often take the sunny, 
upbeat route, but there are times here where a deep 
seriousness radiates on a few efforts. For example, “Two 
Thousand Miles” is a seductively dreamy endeavor. It 
starts off with a heavy snyth line that would fit right in at 
a club. However, when Emm’s vocals come into play the 
dynamic rapidly changes into a meditative soundscape. 
It just happens to be the group’s most audacious tune 
and provides the listener with the perception that 
Tanlines is a multifaceted band.

 Strange Names – “Neighborhood” - Minneapolis 
pop trio Strange Names ‘Neighborhood’ comes off the 
group’s addicting debut record, ‘Use Your Time Wisely.’ 
The song is pure 80s and it’s so much fun. It may very 
well the catchiest song of the year thus far. Synths, 
infectious drums, and jaunty guitars, “Neighborhood” 
is downright intoxicating. Trust me, you’ll start singing 
along after just one listen. It’s incredibly appealing 
from beginning to end. With better than average 
lyrics for a band in a crowded genre, Strange Names 
find themselves bringing a different approach to their 
unique style. “Neighborhood” is nostalgic is the best 
sort of way as the listener will think about to his or her 
childhood. With a penchant for 80s dance and youth on 
their side, Strange Names are definitely a band to watch 
out for throughout the year. 

 Cheerleader – “A Million Ways” – Philadelphia 
quintet Cheerleader has introduced their debut record, 
‘The Sunshine of Your Youth’ this past week. It features 
the hazy tune, “A Million Ways,” which hits the listener 
like a much-needed breath of fresh air. With wondrous 
guitars, honest vocals, and a sunny vibe to kick off one’s 
summer, “A Million Ways” brings a definite freshness 
to the realm of indie-pop. The cheeriness doesn’t end 
with “A Million Ways” either. While it is the standout 
gem, Cheerleader has indeed crafted a solid debut filled 
with songs that carry slick productions, soaring guitars, 
and a deep enthusiasm. Oscillating from fast to slow to 
fast tempo, “A Million Ways” is terrifically structured 
allowing it to become the ideal pre-summer jam. Seek 
out ‘The Sunshine of Your Youth’ no matter which 
generation you’re from. 


On the Marquee: 

Notes from the Sierra MadrePlayhouse


BUSINESS NEWS & TRENDS

FAMILY MATTERS By Marc Garlett


WHAT TO DO WHEN A 
SPOUSE SUDDENLY DIES 

The 47-year-old SurveyMonkey CEO Dave Goldberg, 
husband of Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and the 
father of two small children, died suddenly – and far 
too young – on May 1, 2015. 

Money, youth and success are no deterrents to tragedy. 
Reportedly, Goldberg died while doing an activity we 
all hope extends life -- exercising. According to the 
HYPERLINK “http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/05/
technology/dave-goldberg-cause-of-death.html?_
r=0” New York Times, while Goldberg was on 
vacation in Mexico with family and friends, he fell off 
a treadmill and died of head trauma.

Sheryl Sandberg is reported to be worth $1 billion 
herself, so her family will not face the same financial 
challenges as others who experience similar 
tragedies, yet there are still important estate planning 
considerations Sheryl must face now regardless of her 
wealth. 

And these estate planning considerations are lessons 
for all of us who have children and/or families we care 
about, whether we have $1 hundred or $1 billion.

First and foremost: the children.

Sheryl is now a single mom. She has spoken often 
about how much she relies on her husband and now 
that he is no longer there, she’ll need to identify others 
to support her in raising the kids.

On top of that, Sheryl will absolutely need to make 
sure she has named legal guardians for her kids, in case 
anything happens to her. And just naming guardians 
in a Will is not enough. 

 Sheryl needs to have a comprehensive Kids 
Protection Plan - naming both short and long-term 
guardians and giving clear instructions to the people 
named along with all of her caregivers - to ensure that 
if anything happens to her, her kids are never in the 
custody of strangers, but always under the care and 
guidance of those she chooses.

Once Sheryl’s got a Kids Protection Plan in place, she 
will need to think about probate and estate tax issues 
and how she can ensure that her family stays out of 
Court. She’ll want to keep as much of her financial 
assets as possible with her family and as little as 
possible going to the government upon her death.

Let’s examine the court issue in more detail. Any 
Californian who dies with $150,000 or more worth of 
assets in their name leave a big mess behind for their 
loved ones to clean up. And Sheryl would be leaving 
behind a VERY big mess.

 She can ensure her family stays out of Court by 
putting everything she owns into Trusts. And, ideally, 
those trusts would have lifetime asset protection 
provisions built in for her children so they can receive 
their inheritance fully protected from lawsuits, 
divorce, creditors and predators. This will also enable 
Sheryl to determine how, when, and on what her 
children can spend their inherited money.

 That’s something you likely need to consider for 
your family as well, as everyone who dies with more 
than $150,000 in assets goes through probate -- not 
just billionaires and millionaires, but everyday regular 
people too.

 Regardless of how much you have in the bank, 
you don’t want to leave your family with a big mess 
behind. There is no need to compound a tragedy by 
not planning well for the people you love. Make sure 
you protect and provide financial security for your 
loved ones. We can help.

 To your family’s health, wealth, and happiness,

A local attorney, father, and CASA volunteer (Court 
Appointed Special Advocate for Children), Marc 
Garlett is on a mission to help parents protect what 
they love most. His office is located at 49 S. Baldwin 
Ave., Ste. G, Sierra Madre, CA 91024. Schedule an 
appointment to sit down and talk about ensuring a 
legacy of love and financial security for your family by 
calling 626.355.4000 or visit www.GarlettLaw.com for 
more information.

“The Waltz” from Battledrum - Alexandra Wright and David Crane by Gina Long

In these essays, I have spoken of my great ambitions for the 
Playhouse and it is only through my good fortune of having 
enrolled some seriously talented and dedicated people to 
our cause that we are anywhere near achieving the goals 
I have for us. One of my luckiest finds was Gina Long. 
Gina is well-known to many in town having worked with 
the Sierra Madre Community Foundation and Creative 
Arts Group and has her own photography business called 
The Unexpected Portrait. She is a vivacious, friendly, 
and generous person who is one fine photographer. She 
has been our “go-to” since I first worked with her on the 
pictures for Battledrum last year and has become a vital 
member of our team.

 Taking pictures of theater is a very specific skill and 
requires a particular mindset – one which balances 
marketing with art; truth with artifice. Each picture has to 
capture the “essence” of the production without the benefit 
of context. The pictures must give a sense of the play, the 
period, and the character. The shots have to entice the 
viewer and make them want to see the show. 

Gina generally works with us twice on each production. 
She does the publicity pictures early. These are taken as 
soon as we have a cast and the costume designer has had 
a chance to pull together some “looks” for the actors. 
These are rarely the costumes that will be worn in the 
production. The other great complication about publicity 
pictures is that they are taken before we have a set. So we 
have to be very creative to evoke the right look with what 
we have at hand. Gina has been great helping us negotiate 
this obstacle. 

 My very favorite picture Gina has taken for us was one 
of the first – a publicity still for Battledrum that we call 
“The Waltz.” Not many photos get named – but this one 
is special! Gina used a filter that gave the picture the wet-
plate look of the era. The photo captures a moment from 
the play between a young girl whose plantation has been 
besieged and a young soldier who meets her in the woods. 
It evokes longing and fear and nostalgia and immediacy. 
It was a wonderful picture for the show, but in truth it’s a 
wonderful, beautiful picture that stands on its own. I like 
it so much that I have it hanging in my office at work.

 The publicity picture she took for 6 RMS RIV VU 
captures the fun of that play and also creates a bit of 
mystery. It shows the two leading characters in the midst 
of an apartment picnic they have in the play. The way 
Gina framed the two additional characters captured 
from the waist down gives the picture its mysterious 
tension. This play is infrequently performed and most 
of our audience had never heard of it, yet this picture was 
intriguing enough to capture people’s imagination about 
what the play might be about.

 The picture she took for 4000 Miles tells a story too. 
Without knowing who the ladies are or what their 
relationship is you can feel that something is happening. 
This picture was taken very early in the rehearsal process 
and yet Gina was able to capture a real moment – we were 
very lucky to have two really extraordinary actresses who 
do a lot of the work selling this picture, Alexandra Wright 
and Mimi Cozzens, but Gina’s skill was in making them 
comfortable with the camera so she could catch a “real” 
moment. Interestingly, sometimes the moments we find 
during the photo shoot inform the work in rehearsal and 
become touchstones we refer back to. 

 The second phase are the “show shots” taken during an 
actual run through – a rehearsal where the show is done 
without stopping. Usually at first dress. The set is rarely 
finished by then and the costumes are still in process, but 
the show has usually come together. Gina scrambles all 
around the house and stage capturing, as unobtrusively 
as she can, the moment to moment work that the actors 
are doing. These two examples from The Odd Couple 
and A Little House Christmas capture moments as 
they were happening – as the actors became inspired by 
wearing their costumes for the first time. We often take 
“set ups” of each show as well (these are moments from 
the show that you specifically target for photos), but in 
my experience the pictures that are taken during the run 
when the actors are less aware of being photographed are 
more fun and capture a spontaneity often lacking in the 
set ups.

I am so grateful to Gina for her talent and generosity and 
for throwing her lot in with us at SMP. Her photos really 
are worth a thousand words!

. . . . .

 The Odd Couple is delighting audiences and critics 
alike. It runs through June 27. Remember we give 20% 
discounts for groups of 10 or more who purchase their 
tickets ahead of their attendance date. Please call Mary 
Baville at 626.355.4318 to arrange your purchase. 

 As always we do it for you – our SMP family – whose 
support and loyalty mean so much to us and for whom we 
hope we bring pleasure and joy and moving experiences in 
the theater. Please let me know how you think we are doing. 
Reach me at ArtisticDirector@SierraMadrePlayhouse.org


Gina Long Photos: Above from The Odd 
Couple. Below, from Little House


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com