Dorothy Cunningham: Chamber Members Go to Summit
Local chamber members from the San Gabriel Valley Legislative Coalition of Chambers recently attended the chamber legislative summit in Sacramento.
They were Beth Costanza, Chamber Director and Diane Chapman from Arcadia and Linda Payne, Chamber Director from Temple City. They met with Assemblymen Ed Hernandez, Anthony Portantino, Bob Huff, Anthony Adams, Mike Feuer, and Mike Eng and Senators Jack Scott and Bob Margett.
The collective message they carried was to ensure that the San Gabriel Valley receives a fair share of transportation funds sent to Los Angeles County. They specifically asked for support for the Gold Line Foothill Extension. They also learned about the high-occupancy toll lanes proposed.
They were there to insist that a major portion of the federal funds received from the tolls will be used in the San Gabriel Valley.
They are watch dogs promoting the economic vitality of our community.
CHORUS LINE IS BACK IN TOWN
In spite of inclement weather, crowds were waiting at the Ahmanson Theatre on opening night of “A Chorus Line.”
When the curtain rose, the performers were greeted with loud calls and applause and the audience was not disappointed. It is a show to remember.
“A Chorus Line” is the longest running show in Broadway history. The first performance took place in 1975. It closed on Broadway in April 1990.
Many say it is the best musical ever, winning every award imaginable, including nine Tonys, five Drama Desk Awards, and a Pulitzer. Restaged and sharpened, it is as close as one can come to the original 1975 version.
The mirrored background seemingly enlarges the cast, making it more effective than ever. Originally choreographed and directed by Michael Bennett, Bob Avian is the current director and Baayork Lee, the choreographer.
The musical opens with auditions of the dancers having to come forth explaining why they wanted to dance. They spoke of the bumps in the road of life that would happen today such as their bruised failures, sexual awakenings, rejections, and love of dancing. They were just a bunch of artists wanting the opportunity to dance. Special among the songs were the familiar “What I Did For Love,”"I Hope I Get It,” and “One.”
The dance overshadows the song. The soloists were excellent. They love the dancing as they will continue to dance until they are no longer physically able as time itself defies mortality.
“A Chorus Line” runs until July 6.
RETIRED TEACHERS TO HEAR ARBORETUM UPDATE
What’s new at the Arboretum? This is what the California Retired Teachers Association, No. 71, will hear when Dr. Mark Wourms, CEO, of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia brings them up to date on Friday, June 13, at its luncheon meeting. The event will take place at the Senior Center Building in Arcadia Park, 405 Santa Anita Ave.
In the four short years that Dr. Wourms has been CEO, the Arboretum has opened six new garden installations, revitalized the green houses, and given new life to untraveled sections of the garden.
Known for being an energetic, personable speaker, Dr. Wourms will update the retired teachers group on the Korean garden project and upcoming summer events and exhibits.
Address correspondence for Dorothy Cunningham to The Weekly Star, 1210 N. Azusa Canyon Road, West Covina, CA 91790. You can also reach Dorothy via e-mail at decunningham9@sbcglobal.net
(c) 2008 San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.