Mountain Views News, Pasadena Edition [Sierra Madre] Saturday, February 11, 2017

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Mountain Views-News Saturday, February 11, 2017 

Jeff’s Book Pics By Jeff Brown

On the Marquee: 

Notes from the Sierra MadrePlayhouse


Spy Princess: The Life of Noor 
Inayat Khan by Shrabani 
Basu

This is the remarkable biography 
of Noor Inayat Khan, code named 
“Madeleine”. The first woman 
wireless transmitter in occupied 
France during WWII, she was 
trained by Britain’s SOE and 
assumed the most dangerous 
resistance post in underground 
Paris. Betrayed into the hands 
of the Gestapo, Noor resisted 
intensive interrogation, severe 
deprivation and torture with 
courage and silence, revealing 
nothing to her captors, not even 
her own name. She was executed 
at Dachau in 1944. “Spy Princess” 
details Noor’s inspiring life from 
birth to death, incorporating 
information from her family, 
friends, witnesses, and official 
records including recently released 
personal files of SOE operatives. 
It is the story of a young woman 
who lived with grace, beauty, 
courage and determination, and 
who bravely offered the ultimate 
sacrifice of her own life in service 
of her ideals. Her last word was 
“Liberte”.

The Women Who Lived 
for Danger: The Agents of 
the Special Operations 
Executive by Marcus Binney

 The Special Operations Executive 
was formed by Winston Churchill 
in 1940 to “set Europe ablaze.” In 
the SOE women were trained to 
handle guns and explosives, work 
undercover, endure interrogation 
by the Gestapo, and use complex 
codes. In The Women Who Lived 
for Danger, acclaimed historian 
Marcus Binney recounts the story 
of ten remarkable women who were 
dropped in occupied territories to 
work as secret agents.Once they 
were behind enemy lines, theirs was 
the most dangerous war of all, as 
they led apparently normal civilian 
lives while in constant danger of 
arrest. They organized dropping grounds for 
arms and explosives destined for the Resistance, 
helped operate escape lines for airmen who had 
been shot down over Europe, and provided Allied 
Command with vital intelligence. 
SOE women agents came from all 
walks of life: from the dazzling 
Polish Countess Krystyna Skarbek 
(alias Christine Granville) and 
the American Virginia Hall, who 
was from a rich Baltimore family, 
to Marguerite Knight, a secretary 
in Walthamstow. Petite Lisa de 
Baissac lived next to Gestapo 
headquarters in Poitiers playing 
the part of a quiet widow, while 
twenty-year-old student Paola 
Del Din was sent to find a way 
through the German front line 
in Florence. Hot-tempered Paddy 
O’Sullivan deflected a German 
officer from examining her suitcase 
by making a date with him, and 
Alix d’Unienville feigned madness 
when captured.The stories of these 
women agents -- some famous, some 
virtually unknown -- are told with 
the help of extensive new archive 
material. Their exploits form a new 
chapter of heroism in the history 
of warfare matched only by their 
determination, resourcefulness, 
and ability to stay cool in the face of 
extreme danger.

Our Mothers’ War: American 
Women at Home and at the 
Front During World War II by 
Emily Yellin 

Our Mothers’ War is an eye-opening 
and moving portrait of women 
during World War II, a war that 
forever transformed the way women 
participate in American society. 
Never before has the vast range of 
women’s experiences during this 
pivotal era been brought together in 
one book. Now, Our Mothers’ War 
re-creates what American women 
from all walks of life were doing and 
thinking, on the home front and 
abroad. These heartwarming and 
sometimes heartbreaking accounts 
of the women we have known as 
mothers, aunts, and grandmothers 
reveal facets of their lives that have 
usually remained unmentioned and 
unappreciated. Our Mothers’ War 
gives center stage to one of WWII’s most essential 
fighting forces: the women of America, whose 
extraordinary bravery, strength, and humanity 
shine through on every page.

THE ACTING BUG


By Artistic Director, Christian Lebano

When I was twelve, I was cast as King Richard the 
Lionhearted in a school performance of Robin Hood. 
I was thrilled that I was the only member of the cast 
who had a costume change (from disguised friar to 
King) – my mother, less so, as she was responsible 
for making TWO costumes. I remember so clearly 
the moment that I revealed myself as the King by 
lowering my hood. I remember feeling free and, 
strangely – or prophetically, being exactly where I 
belonged. Belonged being the operative word. The 
play was so well received by the school that we were 
asked to do a “command performance” for the PTA 
in the evening.

 In high school I was cast as Atticus Finch in our 
production of To Kill a Mockingbird (loyal patrons 
will remember that I reprised this role some 45 
years later at SMP!) I remember so vividly the 
moment that I stepped downstage during the trial 
to give my summation to the jury and caught the 
light in my eyes and realized that the audience was 
listening, waiting for me to speak. I felt so powerful 
as the vehicle for telling that story. I felt so at home 
on that stage - and in that moment. Time stopped. 
It was that moment that made me want to make 
this my life.

 I have had the good fortune to have many more 
remarkable experiences on stage – in a production 
of Othello in Conservatory, in Cymbeline at Utah 
Shakes, in Henry V at Ashland, in Opus at the 
Fountain Theater here in Los Angeles. And in every 
play I have done at SMP. From the Stage Manager 
in Our Town (my introduction to SMP – which got 
me through my mother’s death during the run), to 
Atticus, to Jerry in God’s Man in Texas, and now as 
Sean in Bee-luther-hatchee.

 I haven’t been on stage in three years – I will 
never again let it go so long. Acting is indescribably 
fulfilling for me (though were you to see me 
minutes before a performance you might think 
you were looking at a condemned man – I get 
so nervous and anxious.) It is transporting and 
cathartic and liberating and fun – oh, so much 
fun – and it is HARD. I’ve forgotten how hard it is. 
Hard because it calls for a degree of concentration 
that we are not often asked to provide. And the 
moment that concentration breaks – even for the 
briefest of seconds – catastrophe looms. 

 My eyes fall on someone that I know in the 
audience, I say a line a little differently, I overhear 
a comment from the house, something falls 
backstage, an ambulance goes by, your scene-
partner skips a beat or gives you a different cue, 
all of these are invitations to “step away” for a 
moment. But if you do, you’ll miss your next cue 
or mangle the next line or be late in responding 
or you’ll initiate a cross at the wrong moment and 
then if you aren’t careful to bring yourself back 
these can cascade as you begin to think about your 
missteps! And yet, the peril is worth it. Telling a 
story, sharing an idea, exploring a theme with the 
audience, being “in the moment” with you scene-
partners, being “someone else” for a little while is 
why I fell in love with this. It’s why I will always be 
an actor first. 

 As always we here at SMP do all of this for you – 
our faithful patrons. I look forward to seeing you 
from the stage and in your favorite seats, at Bee-
luther-hatchee! There are very few performances 
left – we close next Saturday, February 18. I do hope 
you’ll come – and stay to talk to me afterwards. 
For tickets please call Mary in the box office at 
626.355.4318. Hope to see you soon! 


SEAN’S SHAMELESS REVIEWS: 


By Sean Kayden

RETAIL SPACE - YOU CAN CATCH A 
LOBSTER WITH EGGS BUT NOT EGG SALAD

Retail Space is the 
amalgamation of Brook-
lyn-based duo, Isabelle 
Burnet and Jacob Rosse. 
The notion of quitting their day jobs to pursue their 
daydream became a reality for the two as they are set to 
release the strangely entitled sophomore record, “You 
Can Catch A Lobster With Eggs But Not Egg Salad.” 
The synth-pop group showcases their many strengths 
and talents with delicate storytelling, effective beats, 
and pushing their eclectic sound to new heights. 
Comparable to female-male duos such as Sylvan Esso 
and Tennis, Retail Space demonstrate a real knack for 
lyric writing since the record was pitched as a story 
about the end of a relationship between two people, 
with “one sinking into the depths of the sea and the 
other watching it from land.” The eleven tracks evolve 
into something quite exquisite, subtly alluring, and 
wonderfully executed. The journey from beginning to 
end is a vibrant and absorbing one that takes patience 
and a keen ear to fully appreciate it every step of the 
way. “You Can Catch A Lobster With Eggs But Not 
Egg Salad” isn’t a love story record, but a story about 
love and the diminishing of that very love. 

 The album begins with the lush and fluid, “Blue 
Jeans.” It’s a nostalgic endeavor that shines throughout 
with Burnet’s longing, appealing vocals only to be 
matched with Rosse’s enchanting arrangements that 
feel contagious and glistening. Next up is “Calling 
Out Your Name For Nothing,” a gleaming alternative-
pop jam that can be measured with great depth 
and insight. With lighthearted vocals, crisp guitar 
tones, and subdued drums, Retail Space starts off 
very strong with the first two tracks here. “Can’t 
You Tell How Much It Means” features Rosse on 
the vocals and it’s a nice switch up to say the least. 
His vocals are a bit deeper with more conviction to 
boot with a dreamlike, Fleetwood Mac style vibe to 
the arrangements. Nonetheless, “Can’t You Tell How 
Much It Means” breathes a rejuvenated life into the 
genre. It’s a highlight off the record and one that 
deserves much attention. “Don’t Ask Me Why” has 
Rosse in the frontman position again supplied with 
harmonies from Burnet. This one slows things down 
with an unhurried flow and more emphasis on story 
than sound. It still puts the listener in a hypnotic 
vortex with careful precision and grace. 

 “How Far Would You Go” has Burnet back in the 
driver seat and the dreamy tones are kept in tact. A 
contemplative track seeking answers to many of life’s 
questions between two lovers, “How Far Would You 
Go” effortlessly seeps into the listeners’ minds and 
hearts. “Underneath” has Retail Space once again 
placing the listener in a dreamy state of mind as it 
moves along with gorgeous, colorful tones that create 
such a strong visual portrait. “Tide Tables” turns it up 
with an infectious drumbeat and a faster movement 
than previous tracks. One of the finer tracks here 
is called, “Pinky Swear.” It’s a tightly crafted, warm 
toned artistic piece of work that is hypnotic and the 
sprightliest configuration found on the record. “When 
You Were Gone” closes out the record in a melancholy 
sort of way. Not maudlin or sappy, but in a heartening 
and pondering approach. It’s real subtle and honest 
whilst wrapping up the record in a very quiet and 
unobtrusive manner. That’s how the record, for the 
most part, kind of is throughout. It never overstays its 
delightful welcome nor does it falsely take a misguided 
direction or approach in what it’s trying to convey and 
set out. “You Can Catch A Lobster With Eggs But Not 
Egg Salad” sheens with unique attraction, a solicitous 
approach to songwriting, and sentiments that linger 
well after its peaceful conclusion. 

All Things By Jeff Brown

MORE RUPERT SPIRA QUOTES

From the viewpoint of the earth, the sun comes 
and goes, whereas it is, in fact, always present. 
Likewise, from the viewpoint of the body and 
mind, our essential nature of pure Awareness 
comes and goes, but, in its own experience of 
itself, it is ever-present.

 All experience is illuminated, or made knowable, 
by the light of pure Knowing. This Knowing 
pervades all thoughts, feelings, sensations and 
perceptions, irrespective of their particular 
characteristics. We are this transparent, 
unchanging Knowing.

 Our self – luminous, open, empty Awareness – 
cannot be enlightened. It is already the light that 
illuminates all experience. Nor can a separate 
self be enlightened, for when the separate self 
faces the light of Awareness, it vanishes, just as a 
shadow does when exposed to the sun

Artist: Retail Space

Album: You Can Catch A Lobster With Eggs 
But Not Egg Salad

Self-Released

Release Date: February 10th, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS & TRENDS

FAMILY MATTERS By Marc Garlett


(RE)DEFINING FAMILY: 
ESTATE PLANNING FOR 
THE POST-NUCLEAR 
FAMILY

 

Blended families, unmarried couples, assistive 
reproductive technology (ART) and same-sex 
marriages all challenge the traditional concept 
of “family” – at least as it’s been known for legal 
purposes. 

 Significant changes in the way we define family 
culturally means families are often left without the 
valuable protection they need, in the event of a 
death or incapacity of a loved one. 

 As these legal definitions and our personal 
situations expand, so do the priorities of the 
modern estate plan. 

 No longer is estate planning just for the wealthy, 
who wish to save money on their taxes; it’s for all of 
us who want to ensure our legal system recognizes 
and protects the one’s we love.

 For example, if you are in a life partnership you 
may be “married” in the eyes of your community, 
but not in the eyes of the law. As such, your partner 
would have no legal right to see you or make 
decisions on your behalf, if you were hospitalized. 

 Even if you are married, your spouse or partner 
would not be able to access your financial accounts 
without court intervention, without proper legal 
planning in advance. And, if you are not married, 
the Court is unlikely to give a non-legal spouse 
access and would instead appoint a professional 
fiduciary before allowing your unmarried partner 
access.

 If you are part of a blended family (meaning 
one or both spouses have children from a 
prior relationship) or have children who aren’t 
biologically both yours and your spouse’s (or non-
spouse partner), you need to include provisions in 
your estate plan that clearly define the inheritance 
rights of all children, biological or not. 

 It is vitally important that you clearly state any 
legally established relationships between you, your 
spouse (or non-spouse partners and loved ones) 
and your children, biological or otherwise, to 
ensure your wishes will be carried out in the event 
of your death or incapacity. If you do not do this, 
your kids could end up in the care of someone you 
would never want and taken out of the home of the 
non-biological parent they are living with. 

 Whatever your family’s configuration may be, 
estate planning is your chance to safeguard the 
people you love and your assets on your own 
terms and per your own definitions. With the 
uncertainty of the current political and social 
climate, developing a carefully crafted plan tailored 
to your family’s needs is more important now than 
ever.

 Dedicated to empowering your family, building 
your wealth and delivering your legacy,

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.


NUTS AND BOLTS OF ACTING TECHNIQUE 

A FOUR MONTH INTENSIVE 

Sundays, January 15 - May 7 (No class Easter, April 16) 

2:00pm - 4:00pm 

Zydeco Casting Studios 

626-355-4572 

Nuts and Bolts begins at the beginning and proceeds in a clear and detailed step by step manner... clarifying 
your understanding of the process of acting... giving you a “tool kit” to own and use... providing you with a solid 
foundation from which to work. This will always be the most important step an actor can take on the path to a 
rewarding career.

Career Launching 
Pad

ZERO TO SPEED...in 6 
weeks 

LEARN THE PROCESS

 ..step by step 

COMMERCIAL AUDITION TECHNIQUES... 

CAMERA TECHNIQUE... 

PROFESSIONAL TOOLS... 

CAREER ADMININSTRATION 

Be completely ready and... 

LAUNCH AT THE AGENT SHOWCASE! 

Can we brag? Over 80% of our graduates have signed with top industry agents. If working as an 
actor is your goal...this class was designed to meet it!

COMMERCIALS A-Z 

Sundays, January 8 - Febuary 12 

5:00pm to 9:00pm 

Zydeco Casting Studios 

Call: 626-355-4572


www.mountainviewsnews.com

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