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From left to right, Claire Jacobs as Annelle, Angela Galli as Clairee, Marlena Shapiro as Quiser and Laura Barnes as Shelby. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Theatre Co. announced its production of “Steel Magnolias,” set to captivate audiences at the stunning Boatique Winery.

Showcasing the timeless charm of Robert Harling's classic play, this production promises an unforgettable theatrical experience against the backdrop of picturesque vineyards and rolling hills.

The Lake County Theatre Co.’s rendition of “Steel Magnolias” will run on March 15, 16 and 17, and March 22, 23 and 24, offering multiple opportunities for audiences to immerse themselves in the heartfelt story of love, friendship and resilience.

Set in the cozy intimacy of Boatique Winery, this production offers a unique ambience, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative. Audiences can expect to be transported into the charming Southern world of Truvy's Beauty Salon, where laughter and tears intertwine, and bonds are forged that withstand life's toughest trials.

In celebration of our esteemed seniors, the Lake County Theatre Co. is delighted to host a special “Senior Night” on March 15. All seniors aged 60 and above can avail themselves of discounted tickets priced at $15, allowing them to join in the magic of “Steel Magnolias” at a fraction of the cost.

“We are thrilled to bring Steel Magnolias to the stage at Boatique Winery,” said Becky Vreeland, director of the production. “The combination of this timeless story and the enchanting setting promises to create an unforgettable theatrical experience for our audiences.”

Tickets for Steel Magnolias at Boatique Winery are available now. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this beloved play come to life in one of Lake County's most beautiful settings.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.lctc.us.
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‘DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS’ RATED R

Together, the Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan, have an undeniably eclectic style touching on different genres.

Notable, in no particular order, are “Raising Arizona,” “Fargo,” “The Big Lebowski,” and “No Country for Old Men,” just to name a few.

Going his own way with “Drive-Away Dolls” is Ethan Coen directing and co-writing the script with his wife Tricia Cooke. There’s an interesting story about their unconventional relationship that one can easily check on the internet.

A brief description of this one-brother effort is a lesbian road trip in which two young women, the libidinous Jamie (Margaret Qualley) and sexually uptight Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan), travel from Philadelphia to Tallahassee.

They rent a “drive-away” car that needs to be delivered to where they are going. One of the highlights just might be the encounter with rental agent Curlie (the amusing Bill Camp) who runs a dubious establishment.

Jamie’s just had a bitter breakup with Sukie (Beanie Feldstein), a Philadelphia cop who shows up later in an amusing confrontation with two thugs in pursuit of her ex-lover and Marian.

The road trip is an excuse for Jamie, who speaks with a hillbilly Southern accent, to frequent every lesbian dive bar on their journey. What the girls don’t know is that they were given the wrong car which contains a mysterious briefcase and hatbox.

A nasty crime boss known as The Chief (Colman Domingo) has tasked two lunkhead goons, the loquacious Arliss (Joey Slotnick) and ineptly trigger-happy Flint (C.J. Wilson), to retrieve the contents of the drive-away Dodge Aries.

The closet lesbian Marian, a bookworm avidly reading Henry James novels, eventually loses her inhibitions. Matt Damon shows up as Senator Channel, who has an interest in the briefcase, and Sukie arrives on the scene to get rid of an annoying small dog Jamie left behind.

During the trip to Florida, the girls have a blowout on the highway. Maybe the flat tire is symbolic, as the air goes out of “Drive-Away Dolls” long before the final destination.

While “Drive-Away Dolls” may be offbeat (with the help of some psychedelic interludes), any hope for a zany screwball comedy never fully materializes as one would wish for a film with an ostensible Coen knack.

TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS

The TCM Classic Film Festival returns to Hollywood for its usual four-day extravaganza of a wide range of programming topics beginning on Thursday, April 18. Festival attendees also get the chance to attend “meet and greets” with TCM guests and enjoy panel discussions.

The central theme is “Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film.” While the film schedule is only partially available, the 50th anniversary presentation of “Chinatown,” a neo-noir starring Jack Nicholson’s private eye embroiled in a political corruption coverup and murder investigation, fits the theme.

In addition to the classic venue of the Chinese Theatre for screenings, TCM will be celebrating its 15th annual Classic Film Festival by returning to one of its original homes in the beautifully restored and beloved Egyptian Theatre.

In partnership with the American Cinematheque and owned by Netflix, the Egyptian is capable of screening digital cinema, 35mm and 70mm film, and nitrate prints. The theater will host revealing conversations as TCM hosts and notable guests get a chance to this glorious temple of cinema.

TCM is pleased to announce two of the confirmed screenings at the Egyptian will be a nitrate 35mm print of 1950’s “Annie Get Your Gun,” as well as a new 70mm print of “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962).

The Festival will open in a red carpet gala event with the 30th anniversary screening of the classic neo-noir “Pulp Fiction,” and two-time Academy Award-nominee, Golden Globe and Emmy winner John Travolta will be in attendance.

“Pulp Fiction” is described by Ben Mankiewicz, TCM Primetime Anchor and Official Host of the Festival, as “Quentin Tarantino’s magnum opus and the beginning of a well-deserved comeback for John Travolta.”

Among the announced films, Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller “North by Northwest” (1959) fits the theme. In this case, the most wanted person is Cary Grant’s debonaire advertising executive forced to run for his life after being mistaken for a secret agent.

In a case of mistaken identity, Grant’s Roger Thornhill is thought to be a man by the name of George Kaplan by James Mason’s foreign spy Philip Vandamm and his henchman Leonard (Martin Landau).

While the bad guys try to eliminate Thornhill, circumstances lead the advertising man to be framed for murder. On the run from the police, Thornhill manages to board a train to Chicago where he meets Eva Marie Saint’s beautiful blonde, Eve Kendall, who helps him dodge the authorities.

Is there more to Eve than what appears to be? A dramatic escape at the top of Mt. Rushmore is breathtaking. “North by Northwest” is ranked among the greatest American films of all time by the prestigious American Film Institute, a well-deserved accolade.

More exciting news about the 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.
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Gwendolen van Wyk (Viola/Cesario) and Dakota Laiwa McKay (Orsino) in the Mendocino College production of Twelfth Night, the musical. Photo by Scott Spears.

UKIAH, Calif. — The Mendocino College Theatre Arts Department will present the musical adaptation of “Twelfth Night” this month in Mendocino College’s Center Theatre on the Ukiah Campus.

Originally produced by the Public Theatre in New York City in 2016, this joyous jazz-funk musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy “Twelfth Night” is set in a modern world inspired by the music and culture of New Orleans.

This musical comedy about love and mistaken identities will run for two weekends only March 7 to 17 in the Mendocino College Center Theatre.

Conceived by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub, with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub, the play features a large multi-generational cast of performers. The show features an onstage New Orleans-style jazz-funk band.

“It will be an extraordinary spectacle that will make your heart sing,” said Director Reid Edelman.

The production is appropriate for all audiences ages 11 and older.

With musical direction by Janice Hawthorne Timm, original choreography by Eryn-Schon-Brunner, and vocal direction by Marilyn Simpson, the production will feature costumes and scenery created by students in Mendocino College’s CTE program in technical theater under the direction of faculty & staff members Steve Decker, Kathy Dingman-Katz, and David Wolf.

The associate music director is Charlie Seltzer and alumna Shianne Robertson is the costume design assistant. Sarah Jansen is the production Stage Manager. The assistant stage manager is Phaedra Swearengin.

The talented cast features 23 actors and singers and eight onstage musicians, including many students and alumni of the Theatre Arts Department’s Conservatory Cohort ensemble. Conservatory alums Rickie Emilie Farah and Dakota Laiwa McKay play Countess Olivia and Duke Orsino, the two royal patrons of the realm of Illyria where the action unfolds.

The plot thickens when Viola (played by college theatre alumna Gwendolen van Wyk) and her twin brother Sebastian (played by local musician Julian Sterling) are separated in a shipwreck.

Viola comes to Ilyria and decides to disguise herself as a male in order to obtain a job in Orsino’s court. When Orsino sends Viola, now disguised as Cesario, to woo Olivia on his behalf, Olivia falls in love with Cesraio. Meanwhile, Viola has fallen in love with Orsino, creating a romantic love triangle which drives the plot.

When Sebastian too washes up on the shores of Illyria, looking identical to Cesario, a hilarious comedy of mistaken identities ensues.

The show also features theater alum Charm Kilbane as the pirate Antonio who rescues Sebastian and falls in love with him. Feste the clown (played by theater major Heidi Peterman) holds the antics together with her humorous jests and musical wit.

The subplot involves a prank executed by Olivia’s uncle Sir Toby Belch (played by theater major Eduardo Lalo Torres) and housemaid Maria (played by theater major Jasmine Norris) in which Olivia’s pompous butler Malvolio (played by Carlo Amora-Mora) becomes hilariously unhinged.

Supporting roles also include Schuyler Marcier as Belch’s friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Percival Knutson as the groundskeeper Fabian, and a wide array of professional local musicians, actors and several delightfully talented children.

The cast also includes Les Clow, Hannah Hinrichs, Shianne Robertson, Gina Henebury, Laura Henebury, Esteban Orozco, Tommy Thurston, K.L. Whiterock, Apollo Anderson, Cora Brunner, Margot Dowdney, Prema Sophia Peralta and Owen Sapien.

The stage band features music directors Janice Timm and Charlie Seltzer as well as Joe Swearengin (percussion), Michael Charnes (guitar), Jean-François Buy (Bass), Vicente Dominguez (Trombone), Kobi Hasunuma (trumpet) and Alejandro Dominguez (Saxophone).

Twelfth Night will have a “pay what you wish preview” on Thursday, March 7. Opening night is Friday March 8. Opening night will include a free gala reception starting one hour before the show.

The performance on Saturday, March 9 benefits the Mendocino College Foundation and student scholarships. A free glass of wine is included with the ticket price for this performance.

Following the opening weekend, additional performances are Thursday, March 14, Friday, March 15, and Saturday, March 16, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 17 at 2 p.m.

Tickets cost $20 general, $15 students and seniors, and are available at the Mendocino Book Company, online at www.ArtsMendocino.org and at the door as available.

The performance on Thursday, March 14, is a special discount night, with all tickets costing only $10. Audiences are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.

For information, call 707-468-3172 or visit http://www.mendocino.edu/the-arts/theatre.
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UKIAH, Calif. — The School of Performing Arts & Cultural Education, or SPACE, presents Noche de Estrellas directed by Olivia Zamora on Saturday, March 16, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The performances will take place at the SPACE Theater, 508 West Perkins St., Ukiah.

Noche de Estrellas this year will be 100% live mariachi music with some local community members getting a chance to perform with the mariachi for the very first time.

The show will feature Luther Burbank Center’s Mariachi’s Ensemble, Mariachi Cantares de Mi Tierra.

LBC’s Mariachi Ensemble is a year-round program serving over 120 students focusing on much more than music. Led by LBC’s Music Specialist, Matthew Isais Bowker, students learn critical social and emotional skills including perseverance, leadership, cooperation, and collaboration in addition to technique, musicianship, and stage presence through the lens of mariachi.”

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for youth under 18.

Tickets are available and Mendocino Book Co. (cash or check), SPACE box office and www.spaceperformingarts.org.

For information, call 707-462-9370 or visit www.spaceperformingarts.org.
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The water towers near Middletown, California, that will be transformed by the “Water Basket” project. Photo courtesy of the Middletown Art Center.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — The Middletown Rancheria, Callayomi Water District, and the Middletown Art Center are inviting Middletown area residents and participants of the Middletown Area Town Hall, or MATH, to join the jury for the Water Basket Project design selection.

They are seeking two representatives from MATH attendees and two2 representatives from the Middletown area public.

In the event that there are more qualified candidates than available slots, a blind selection will take place. Additionally, up to two additional community seats may be added if the number of interested participants exceeds 20.

The jury will be tasked with selecting two to four designs for each tank to move to the public input stage. Approximately 20 designs have been submitted.

To be considered for the jury process, please submit a brief statement explaining why you believe you would be a good fit for this task. Include your name, address, phone number, and email, and either email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or drop off your statement and contact information in a sealed envelope at the Middletown Art Center, located at 21456 Highway 175.

The jurying process will take place in mid-March, on a date and time convenient for all seated jurors at the Middletown Art Center. The exact date and time are to be determined but will likely be in the late afternoon or evening.

Selected designs for each tank will be available for public viewing and input in April both prior to and after the MATH meeting, and for two weeks at the Callayomi Water District Office, the Tribal Office, and the Middletown Art Center. Exact dates will be announced.

This call for jurors aims to find a design that will resonate with the community within the context of the project's goals. For more information on the project and design criteria, please visit https://middletownartcenter.org/water-basket.html.

For inquiries or further information, please contact the Middletown Art Center at 707-355-4465 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Middletown Art Center is a Lake County nonprofit dedicated to engaging the public in art making, art education, and art appreciation. Through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and community events, the Art Center provides a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, striving to create an inclusive and accessible space for all.

To learn more and donate to support other MAC arts and cultural programs visit middletownartcenter.org or call 707-809-8118. The MAC is located at 21456 Highway 175 in Middletown.












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‘UPGRADED’ Rated R

An original movie on Amazon Prime, “Upgraded” is billed as a romantic comedy, and yet, thematically it also has much in common with “The Devil Wears Prada” as parallels exist where young assistants labor for diabolical bosses.

Beyond Meryl Streep’s despotic fashion editor Miranda Priestly’s treatment of Anne Hathaway’s beleaguered assistant, Melanie Griffith’s struggling secretary taking advantage of her boss in 1988’s “Working Girl” would appear to offer thematic inspiration as well.

“Upgraded” benefits enormously from the very likable central character of Ana Santos (Camila Mendes), an auction house assistant with a master’s degree in art history who dreams of opening up an art gallery.

Meanwhile, Ana is up to her neck in credit card debt and is bunking at her sister Vivian’s (Aimee Carrero) cramped studio apartment that is shared with Vivian’s fiancé Ronnie (Andrew Schulz), a stereotypical Brooklynite who wishes Ana would go back to Florida.

Anxious to climb the corporate ladder at the upscale Erwin auction house, Ana must contend with autocratic boss Claire (Marisa Tomei) who treats underlings with unbelievably callous disdain.

Even worse for Ana is the condescension from Claire’s malicious personal assistants, Suzette (Rachel Matthews) and Renee (Fola Evans-Akingbola), both of whom have the haughty attitude of runway models.

Stepping up to save her boss from embarrassment at an auction, Ana is invited to join Claire and the assistants on a spontaneous business trip to London. With no thanks to her employer, Ana scores a first-class upgrade.

While hanging out in the airline’s private lounge, Ana encounters a handsome Brit traveler, Will (Archie Renaux), and in meet-cute fashion they flirt during the flight after ending up as seatmates.

During the course of the flight, Ana gives the impression that she holds an executive position at the auction house, which obviously leads to complications. It’s bad enough she’s relegated to staying at a seedy hotel.

Ana’s fortunes rise when she meets Will’s actress mother Catherine (Lena Olin), who is planning to have her collection of exquisite art put up for auction and wants Ana to handle the details.

“Upgraded” finds its humor in the challenges for Ana as the lowly assistant gamely tries to keep up a very tenuous charade. A few twists and turns add to the charm of this film.

TRUE CRIME STORIES ON PEACOCK

During the pandemic lockdown, Australian author Liane Moriarty listened to true-crime podcasts which inspired her latest best-selling novel “Apples Never Fall,” leading to an adaptation for a limited series to premiere in March on Peacock.

The native of Sydney, Australia found her New York Times best sellers “Big Little Lies” and “Nine Perfect Strangers” adapted into successful series for HBO and Hulu, respectively.

“Apples Never Fall” centers on the seemingly picture-perfect Delaney family. Former tennis coaches Stan (Sam Neill) and Joy (Annette Bening) have sold their successful tennis academy and are ready to start what should be the golden years of their lives.

While they look forward to spending time with their four adult children (Jake Lacy, Alison Brie, Conor Merrigan-Turner and Essie Randles), everything changes when a wounded young woman knocks on Joy and Stan’s door, bringing the excitement they have been missing.

According to the novel, the four grown children, who all endured paternal discipline of being coached to professional tennis glory, have settled into lives far removed from sports, where they found either their own successes or failures.

Tension aside from an apparent dysfunctional household, when Joy suddenly disappears, the children are forced to re-examine their parents’ so-called perfect marriage as their family’s darkest secrets begin to surface.

Naturally, in such cases of disappearance, suspicion falls upon the spouse. An interesting statistic out of Australia, is that on average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner. How things turn out in “Apples Never Fall” will be left to be revealed in the series.

True crime manifests itself in the Peacock documentary “Pathological: The Lies of Joran van der Sloot,” a story told through rare interviews with victims’ family members, eyewitnesses and experts on the criminal mind.

The documentary reveals new insights into how Joran van der Sloot’s lifelong pattern of violence and pathological lying leads to the deaths of two young women that attracted pervasive media attention.

Few killers have ever murdered again after they became famous for another killing, but on the fifth anniversary of Natalee Holloway’s disappearance, Joran murders 21-year-old Stephany Flores in Peru.

Hauntingly, Joran’s trip to Peru is financed by money he extorted from Natalee Holloway’s mother, Beth, after falsely promising to reveal where to locate Natalee’s body for a price.

In 2023, 18 years after Natalee’s vanishing, Beth Holloway finally gets her day in court with Joran, who admits for the first time that he murdered her daughter.

The Dutch native’s admission brings some long-sought comfort to Natalee’s family, but Joran’s history of deceit and manipulation leads some to question the details in his latest story. The documentary looks to unpack some of the details.

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.

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