"Scarlett Takes Manhattan"

I've been mulling over the idea of creating an online and/or self-published burlesque-themed comic and I wanted to see what was out there already. I stumbled upon a blog post about Molly Crabapple (best name ever), the artist behind the Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School phenomenon, who published her own graphic novel, "Scarlett Takes Manhattan," in 2009. (Read the article here.) The novel stars Scarlett O'Herring, a vaudeville performer, courtesan and fire eater, who romps her way through late 19th century New York.

I'm surprised it took me a year to discover this, but it's now on my wish list.

Women Playwrights in 2010-11 SCR Season

I'm genuinely excited for the 2010-11 season of plays at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa (my workplace), especially for the production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" planned for winter of 2011. But I'm also very much looking forward to the offerings by women playwrights. Here's what the theatre has planned:



IN THE NEXT ROOM or THE VIBRATOR PLAY by Sarah Ruhl
September 26 - October 17, 2010

Broadway's latest mega-hit is set in the Victorian era, just before its corseted women shed their inhibitions. A new electric invention has been introduced to the medical world. Dr. Givings, one of its early champions, marvels at the effect it has on patients suffering from "female hysteria," while in the adjoining room, his own wife yearns for another kind of intimacy. This funny, tender and illuminating play has generated excitement from East Coast to West.

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BECKY SHAW by Gina Gionfriddo
October 22 - November 21, 2010

Like the Victorian upstart Becky Sharp, this modern Becky is unsure, overdressed and socially ambitious. But watch out! She's no shrinking violet, as the silkily cynical Max soon learns. From their first date, which includes an unscheduled visit to the police station, these 30-somethings, along with the newlyweds who set them up, surprise us—and themselves—in a comedy thriller The New York Times called "ferociously funny." Its mega-talented author writes smart crime drama for television ("Law and Order") and sharp-witted comedy for the stage.

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CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION by Annie Baker
January 9-30, 2011

Pretend to be a baseball glove. Write down your darkest secret, and lie on the floor while someone reads it out loud. Have an entire conversation using only the word "goulash." Welcome to Marty Kreisberg's acting class! In a small Vermont town, a divorced and depressed carpenter, a flirty former actress, a pouty 16-year old, and Marty's hippie husband are all a bit bored with life and looking for an outlet. But are they ready for what Marty's exercises reveal about them and their classmates? This Off-Broadway comedy triumph was extended twice by popular demand.

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Prop 8 Extinct?

Here's hoping Prop 8 goes the way of the dodo.

Music Stream: Wavves & Best Coast

My husband, JT, frequently introduces me to new music and he recently told me about two California bands: punk kids Wavves, and Best Coast, an indie band with dreamy harmonies. Rumor has it the two lead singers just happen to be dating each other. Cute. Stream them here:

Wavves "King of the Beach"

Best Coast "Our Deal"

"Little Mermaid" Ring

Disney Couture has created a yellow gold plated, hinged fish jaw ring inspired by "The Little Mermaid." Say what now? A bit morbid, but definitely fun and oddly edgy. $32 here.

Elsewhere Vintage SALE

My favorite local vintage clothing store, Elsewhere Vintage (plus their man version, Joy Ride) is having a sale. They have the best dresses, bags and hats and are located in Old Town Orange. Check 'em out!

http://www.elsewherevintage.com/

THIS BLOG: RE-VAMPTASTIC!

Hello, ladies and gents.

I've decided to re-vamp my blog and let go of the more personal, introspective entries to turn it into a stop for Orange County and Los Angeles gals (and guys as well, if they're so inclined) looking for cool things to do on a liberal arts major's salary. Here's what I'm looking to feature:

- SoCal concerts, performances and events, especially those that might appeal to the ladies
- Creative fashion: low-cost, handmade and/or DIY styles
- Book, film & music reviews, especially for, about and/or made by women
- and more...because we all want more.

This summer has been a blast and I was inspired to share all of the kick-ass events, happenings and goings-on that are held all over our area every month of the year. For a gal who grew up and went to college in Idaho (which is beautiful, but rural), constantly having exciting things to do just around the corner is still a novelty.

On occasion, I will promote my own projects or those of my friends, but I will always disclose my connections to the project if I post about it.

Hope you like it! More to come...

MEG