Photo courtesy of the HFCC Theater Department

By Sue Suchyta
“Laugh Lines,” an evening of music and humorous monologues, will be performed at 8 p.m. Aug. 13 and 14 at the Players Guild of Dearborn, 21730 Madison in Dearborn.

The show’s proceeds will benefit an uninsured Guild member, Kevin Rider, who is facing mounting medical bills after being recently diagnosed with lupus.

The show features original songs by Paul Bruce and the acting talent of Sydnee Dombrowski of Dearborn, Alex Gojkov of Redford, Angela Keller-Pelc of Allen Park and Ken Kilgore of Dearborn.

Others in the entertaining ensemble include Marybeth Kinnell of Dearborn Heights, Tiffany Mullins of Westland, Brian Townsend of Dearborn, Ron Williams of Redford and Margaret Winowiecki of Dearborn.

The comic sketches and original music find humor in virtue, vice, first dates, daydreams and day jobs as they bring laughter to center stage and help a special Guild member at the same time.

General admission tickets are $10, and will be available at the door. For more information, call the Guild at (313) 561-TKTS.

Local actors in, ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’
Royal Oak’s Waterworks Theatre Company features Dearborn and Dearborn Heights actors in its summer Shakespeare in the Park presentation of, “Two Gentlemen of Verona.”

The company features Jackie Strez of Dearborn as Silvia and Dearborn Heights resident Sean Paraventi as Antonio and Eglamour.

Whimsically set in the ’60s, the colorful costumes and shifting sexual stereotypes reinforce Shakespeare’s gender subterfuge and ambiguity.

The set features several giant red lipstick pop art columns flanking oversized candy heart boxes. The faintly phallic vibe mirrors the gender identity overlaps of the era that are subtly reinforced throughout the performance.

The bright retro costumes reflect the gender swapping theme prevalent throughout the show and take full advantage of sixties style experimentation: Women adopting the liberation of pants, men exploring the freedom of long hair and brightly colored clothing, and both genders tentatively sampling a tempting array of sexual freedoms.

The strong ensemble makes it easy to enjoy and understand the Shakespearean comedy, despite the centuries of linguistic change.

Sara Catheryn Wolf of St. Claire Shores brings heroine Julia to life with warmth and determined spunk. While embodying Shakespeare’s standard girl dressed as a male servant to win back her man, she imbues her character with forthright spunk and tenaciousness.

Lucetta, played by Jamie Weeder of Ypsilanti in a hot pink bob, serves as the female servant and the comic relief, making the most of the role: She uses humor to its best advantage while still allowing the character’s loyalty and steadfastness to be readily apparent.

The male members of the ensemble display the startled surprise of men wondering about the camaraderie of male bonding when their brotherly embraces awaken unsettling responses amongst them.

And just as the ’60s was a time of sexual experimentation, the vying between men for the same coveted female begs the question of what motivates the competition: Alpha male behavior or jealously?

The male component of the cast skillfully blends humor and naïveity into characters that show surprise and perplexity without stooping to homophobia.

Director Barton Bund gives the cast and audiences a unique and relevant look at one of the lesser performed Shakespearean romantic comedies. He brings a fresh insight and an entertaining sense of humor to his role of director, creating an enjoyable and thought- and laughter-invoking evening while highlighting one of the greatest playwrights of all time.

“Two Gentlemen of Verona” runs through Aug. 8. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 p.m., with 3 p.m. Sunday matinees. Tickets are $18, and patrons may sit in the bleachers or bring their own blanket or lawn chair.

The show is performed outdoors in Starr Jaycee Park, 1101 W. 13 Mile Road in Royal Oak. For more information, visit their Website at www.waterworkstheatre.com.

HFCC presents, “SubUrbia” at Centennial Library
The Henry Ford Community College Department of Theatre will present the Eric Bogosian drama, “SubUrbia” at 8 p.m. Aug. 19 to 21 and 26 to 28 at the Henry Ford Centennial Library Auditorium.

Set in a convenience store parking lot, the drama follows the interactions of three young men and their friends. As tensions are revealed, some escape the escalating tension, while others are left to cope with the backlash of a tragedy that could have occurred to any of them.

The student cast features Dearborn actresses Lila Ghaddar (as Sooze), Monique Tokar (as Bee Bee) and Sarah Bartles. Dearborn Heights actor Jon Stanley is also featured.

Riverview residents Eric Bennett (as Jeff), Brandon Grantz and Tim Beson (as Pony) are also in the show.

The ensemble also features Sean Gillespie of Flat Rock, Miekyle Turner of Romulus and Detroit residents Christopher Braz, Kyera Allison, Yolanda Aquino (as Erica) and Rosa Hernandez.

The show is directed by Christopher Bremer.

The Henry Ford Centennial Library is at 16301 Michigan Ave.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students with identification. The show contains adult content, and parental caution is advised.

For more information, call (313) 845-9817, or e-mail ctbremer@hfcc.edu.

Sam Worthington as Perseus

“Repo Men” (R) — Speaking of hot messes, this futuristic gorefest starring Forest Whitaker and Jude Law about two guys who repossess body parts from people who can’t make the payments could’ve been a darkly funny satire, but instead settles on the Lotsa Blood Equals Entertainment route. If you’re a fan of the “Saw” or “Hostel” films, you’ll probably like this movie, but everyone else should stay away.

“FIFA World Cup DVD Collection: 1930-2006″ (Unrated) — Spanning 15 discs, this boxed set is definitely a must-have for the hardcore soccer fan. And that soccer fan’s name is Ernie Bushmiller of Ft. Lee, N.J. Oh, I kid. I kid. There’s gotta be more than one American who’s so into soccer that they’ll shell out 90 bucks for what is essentially a 24-hour highlight reel of every goal scored in the World Cup final. Also included in the collection are 15 mini-documentaries on the world’s greatest players (Pele and … 14 other guys you’ve probably never heard of). WHOOOOO!!! SOCCER FEVER — CATCH IT!!!

“Rambo: The Complete Collector’s Set” [Blu-Ray] (R) — The set contains the high-def versions of the DVDs: “First Blood: Ultimate Edition,” “Rambo: First Blood Part II: Ultimate Edition,” “Rambo III: Ultimate Edition” and “John Rambo: Special Edition,” complete with all the bells, whistles, commentary tracks and special features included in the previous low-def releases.

TV SERIES
“The Mothers-in-Law” The Complete Series
“Sgt. Bilko: The Phil Silvers Show” First Season
“Life After People” The Complete Season Two
“Hunter” The Complete Series
“Pawn Stars” Season 2
“Sabrina the Teenage Witch” The Complete Series
“Dog the Bounty Hunter” Crime is on the Run
“21 Jump Street” The Complete Series
“Dragon Ball” Season 5
“Sabrina the Teenage Witch” The Final Season
“The City” Season 2

© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.

Lindsay Lohan

By Jill Jackson
HOLLYWOOD … I’m off again on David Letterman. I cannot understand why he thinks dumping things off the roof of the Ed Sullivan Theater onto Broadway is fun and games. Most recently tossed were bottles and bottles of champagne. In the past it has been flour, televisions and super balls. But who’s to knock success?

Names I can’t resist: Yoshimoto Kogyo. This is Japan’s leading talent agency and handles all the deals for actors and etc. in that country. Try it in your next spelling bee. And never mind the name. I understand the agency just closed a deal for $674 million. I don’t know if old Will Shakespeare meant anything about this particular agency when he wrote, “What’s in a name?” But this one is certainly BIG in the business.

The little town of Beverly Hills won’t soon forget the mobs that filled the streets outside the courthouse when Lindsay Lohan appeared for her violation of probation hearing and was sentenced to 90 days in jail. One punster declared that once she serves her sentence, we will know the real color of her hair. They don’t provide dye in the “pokey.” Marilyn Monroe has been the only actress who has created as much commotion, and it wasn’t for the same reason.

Chris Pine loves the legitimate theater and takes to the stage whenever he isn’t before the cameras. At this writing he is onstage in Los Angeles in a black comedy titled “The Lieutenant of Inishmore.”

Back to another name that baffles: From the Czech Republic comes word that Srdan Koljevic directs a film titled “The Woman With The Broken Nose,” and at the risk of being corny, that’s all I “knows” about it.

He’s not on the big screen, but he is big on the little one. Larry King announced he’s wrapping up his talk show after 25 years. Certainly not the leading-man type, he has had his share of female partners and has been married seven times. And also if you watch his show on CNN, you might wonder how many pairs of suspenders he owns. Closets full, I guess.

You come to L.A. Where to go? Farmers Market and The Grove. Food, fun and any actor might be found there enjoying it all. It’s on Fairfax Avenue.
***
BITS ‘N’ PIECES: What with Paris out of town, and Lindsay tucked away, we now have only Britney, and at the moment she seems to be quite subdued. … Tom Cruise reportedly took a substantial cut from his usual $20 million paycheck for action-thriller “Knight and Day,” now out in theaters. … And speaking of hair color, Elizabeth Taylor goes from white to black to blonde. In any color and at any age, she is still a beauty. … Charles is Robert Redford’s first name. Robert is his middle name. He liked that best, and so it is first.

© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.

Top 10 DVD Sales
1. The Book of Eli (R) (Warner)
2. Green Zone (R) (Universal)
3. Alice in Wonderland (PG) (Buena Vista)
4. Toy Story 2 (G) (Buena Vista)
5. Remember Me (PG-13) (Summit)
6. Toy Story (G) (Buena Vista)
7. Avatar (PG-13) (20th Century Fox)
8. Entourage: The Complete Sixth Season (M) (Warner)
9. She’s Out of My League (R) (Paramount)
10. Shutter Island (R) (Paramount)

© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.

By Dana Block
ALL MY CHILDREN
Liza told Tad that Damon kissed her. David didn’t do anything to help Ryan after he collapsed from head pain. Madison asked Greenlee to give Ryan a chance to move on. Marissa turned to Caleb after she failed her bar exam. Scott and Annie began planning their wedding. Caleb decided to stay in Pine Valley. Ryan was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. Wait to See: Angie gets some shocking news.

AS THE WORLD TURNS
Vienna escaped before Margo could question her about Barbara’s disappearance. Iris told Gwen that she found religion and asked if she could be a part of her granddaughter’s life again. Carly wasn’t sure what to make of the kiss she saw between Craig and Lily. Lily found it hard to put on a brave face at Molly’s bridal shower. Wait to See: Blackthorn asks Janet out on a date.

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Hope decided not to go away for college. Brooke told Ridge the truth about the night of the party, hoping it would put an end to Steffy’s blackmail. Nick and Aggie made love for the first time. Rick and Amber reminisced about all the good times they shared together. Someone tampered with Brooke’s welcome-back video. Wait to See: Hope confronts Brooke about the scandal.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Chad was devastated when his mother, Madeline, died after falling off the pier. Hope drugged Bo’s coffee and prepared to set him on fire. Rafe stole Nicole’s coded diary and began to decipher it for clues. Daniel saved Bo’s life while Hope stood in the shadows. Vivian was determined to put an end to Maggie and Victor’s friendship. Wait to See: Hope tells Bo her true feelings for him.

GENERAL HOSPITAL
Dante gave Jason a gun before his meeting with Franco. Elizabeth’s baby was kidnapped. Claire found herself attracted to Sonny. Johnny broke away from Brook Lynn’s kiss and said that he was in love with Olivia. Warren went on a rampage at the hospital with a gun. A guilt-ridden Patrick weighed the pros and cons of telling Robin about his affair. Wait to See: Claire wants to carry Sonny’s child.

ONE LIFE TO LIVE
Dani was hopeful about an experimental cancer treatment for her mother. Langston said goodbye to Markko at the airport. Viki and Charlie’s plan backfired. Jessica was worried that Ford was the father of her baby, while Natalie feared that Brody was her own baby’s daddy. Eli drugged Rex after he followed him to Boston. Layla’s mother agreed that Evangeline should be taken off life support. Wait to See: Bo pulls over Inez for reckless driving.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Nikki accepted Victor’s marriage proposal. Tucker agreed to let Jack run Jabot alongside Ashley. Malcolm’s fiancee, Sofia, was one of Tucker’s employees. Jack asked Abby to join forces with him to overpower Victor. Nikki admired Billy’s devotion to Victoria. Abby made another spectacle of herself at Nikki and Victor’s engagement party. Wait to See: Chloe has a Cinderella fantasy.

© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.

Answers
1. IBM
2. 212 degrees
3. A timid person
4. A raven and a dove
5. “Lyin’ Eyes” by the Eagles
6. El Greco
7. 5,500 miles
8. John Ford, who won four
9. Hattie Caraway of Arkansas
10. Eight

© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.

Photo by Ravin Bhandari

The world premiere of “Rhythms of India,” featuring music by A.R. Rahman and choreography by Chaula Thacker, will be performed by the Nadanta Indian dance company at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.

The performance, with dazzling costumes and sets, is designed to take the audience on a journey of discovery from India’s heritage of classical music and dance to the leading edge of contemporary Indian ar-tistic expression.

Rahman, a composer, musician and singer known as the “Mozart of Madras,” won two Oscars, two Grammys and a Globe Award for the movie “Slum Dog Millionaire.” His scheduled concert in June at the Pontiac Silverdome was cancelled when elaborate sets for the performance were destroyed in an infra-structure accident. The concert is being rescheduled.

Thacker, founder and artistic director of Nadanta, has won more than 100 awards for choreography and costume design. She has taught at colleges through-out Michigan, and her dances have been featured on television in the United States and India.

Among Thacker’s many metro Detroit students dancing or otherwise involved in the “Rhythms of In-dia” are former Riverview resident Priya Badhwar, Anjali Garg of Wyandotte and Bhavna Gupta of Grosse Ile.

Tickets ($20, $30 and $50) are available by call-ing (248) 705-8224 or e-mailing nadanta@aol.com.

The Ford Center is at 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn.

Coming up . . .
July 31, Aug. 1, Sept. 4 and 5 — Film in Detroit Historical Society series, “Radio Priest,” the story of the rise and influence of Father Charles Coughlin and the nation’s changing attitudes toward him; 1 p.m. at the Detroit Historical Museum; free with regular ad-mission (adults, $6; youths, seniors and college stu-dents, $4; children under 4, free); parking, $4; for more information, call (313) 833-1801 or go to www.detroithistorical.org.

Aug. 5 — Fund-raiser for Officer Steven Prusak, former Wayne County Sheriff Deputy and officer with the Louisville Metro Police; 5 to 10 p.m. at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Southgate; Prusak is the son of Alice Prusak of Southgate, human resources director at Crystal Gardens; tickets, $20, include din-ner, beverages and raffles; for tickets or more infor-mation, call (734) 285-2210.

Aug. 18 — Talk and slide presentation in the Downriver Council for the Arts lecture series, “Bot-ticelli and Medici Intrigue”; 7 p.m. at the Wyandotte Arts Center, 81 Chestnut; the program will examine works of Sandro Botticelli, painter for the Medici fam-ily in Florence during a period of intellectual fervor and violence; the fee is $15 per person ($10, DCA members; $5, students); for more information, call (734) 720-0671.

Sept. 19 — “An Afternoon at the Opera,” to be presented by the Bellini Opera Society and the Down-river Council for the Arts; 4 p.m. at the Wyandotte Arts Center, 81 Chestnut; featuring Eva Evola, Shawn McDonald; Karl Schmidt, Dino Valle and special guest Lara Semetko; Jacqueline Csurgai-Schmitt will be the accompanist and Dino Valle, commentator; tickets are $20 (seniors and students, $15); for tickets or more information, call the DAC at (734) 720-0671 or Bellini Opera at (313) 702-9264.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Getting an answer to a vital question involving financial matters might take longer than you’d expected. A new factor might have to be dealt with before anything can move forward. Be patient.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Use your good sense to see what might really be driving a colleague’s workplace agenda. What you learn could lead to a new way of handling some old problems.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A change of mind might once again turn out to be a good thing. True, most of your co-workers might not like the delay, but as before, they might appreciate what follows from it.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) You revel in golden opportunities this week. One cautionary note, though: Be careful to separate the gold from the glitter before you make a choice. Someone you trust can help.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Marriage is important this week, as are other partnerships. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by sentiment. Instead, try to steer a path between emotion and common sense.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Dealing with someone who has let you down is never easy. But the sooner you’re able to clear up this problem, the sooner other problems can be successfully handled.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A “friend” who is willing to bend the rules to gain an advantage for both of you is no friend. Reject the offer and stay on your usual straight and narrow path.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) After all the effort you’ve been putting in both on the job and for friends and family, it’s a good time to indulge your own needs. The weekend could bring a pleasant surprise.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) You might want to do something new this weekend. Close your eyes and imagine what it could be, and then do it, or come up with the closest practical alternative.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Your good deeds bring you the appreciation you so well deserve. But, once again, be careful of those who might want to exploit your generous nature for their own purposes.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Trolling for compliments isn’t necessary. You earned them, and you’ll get them. Concentrate this week on moving ahead into the next phase of your program.

BORN THIS WEEK: Meeting new people usually means you’re making new friends. People want to be reflected in your shining light.

© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.

Natasha Henstridge

A: Natasha has been pretty busy since playing Taylor Wethersby on “Eli Stone.” The beautiful blonde, who turns 36 on Aug. 15, recently starred in “You Lucky Dog” opposite Harry Hamlin (who I’ve redeveloped my crush on since watching “Clash of the Titans” again). She also starred in the film “The Perfect Student” and starred in the TV miniseries “Impact” with David James Elliott (”Scoundrels”).

You can catch her on Sunday, Aug. 8, in the Lifetime Original Movie “The Devil’s Teardrop,” a mystery/thriller based on the best-selling book by Jeffery Deaver. She plays a special agent assigned to catch a serial killer who’s on the rampage in Washington, D.C. Natasha co-stars with Tom Everett Scott (”That Thing You Do”) and Rena Sofer (”Just Shoot Me!”).
***
Q: Does Jeanne Cooper, who plays Katherine Chancellor on “The Young and The Restless,” have a son or two in show business? If so, who are they? — Janet C., Battle Creek, Mich.

A: The Grand Dame of daytime television does indeed have children who are actors: daughter Caren, son Collin and, most famous, son Corbin Bernsen (of “L.A. Law,” “Major League” and “Psych” fame). Jeanne’s husband (now deceased) was TV producer Harry Bernsen Jr. They divorced after 23 years of marriage, but reportedly remained best friends until his death in 2008. Corbin, 55, plays the recurring part of Father Todd Williams on his mom’s show, and he directed Jeanne, 81, in the films “Carpool Guy” and “Donna on Demand,” as well as many other projects.
***
Q: I watched “Stargate: Atlantis” from the beginning, and really like one character who wasn’t in the show for the entire run of the series. Can you give me more information on Rainbow Francks? Also, is he related to Canadian actor Don Francks? — June J., Holberg, B.C., Canada

A: Rainbow Sun Francks, 30, is indeed the son of Don Francks, as well as the brother of actress Cree Summer (who is best known for her role in “A Different World”). You can catch him this summer in the CBS police drama “The Bridge,” which airs Saturdays. He guest-stars in the ninth episode of this first season. The show, which originated in Canada, already aired his episode (titled “Never Let Me Down Again”) in April, but you might be able to catch it online or in reruns.
***
Q: Can you tell me if Jill from “Wipeout” is the same girl on the Mercury car commercials? — Burton L. in N.Y.

A: “Wipeout” co-host Jill Wagner is indeed known as the “Mercury Chick” for her commercial and print ads for Lincoln-Mercury (since 2005). The 31-year-old North Carolina native also has appeared on “Blade: The Series,” “Stargate: Atlantis” and “Bones.”

Write to Cindy at King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475; or e-mail her at letters@cindyelavsky.com. For more news and extended interviews, visit www.celebrityextraonline.com and twitter.com/Celebrity_Extra.

© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.

© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.