True Blood’s Dr. Ludwig, Marcia deRousse To Appear At The House Of Besarab
November 3, 2009
The House of Besarab Will Welcome a Quartet of Noted Psychic Mediums on Opening Night Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009 Including Marcia deRousse
It is said that the Hollywood American Legion Post on Highland Avenue near the Hollywood Bowl, the imposing 33,000-sq.ft. Egyptian Revival-Moroccan Deco edifice where the environmental play Tamara debuted in 1983 and broke all records by holding court there through 1994, has also long been home to wanderers from beyond.
Now, as Terance Duddy and Theodore Ott’s all-new take on the legend of Dracula, THE HOUSE OF BESARAB, prepares to breathe an air of spooky paranormal activity back into one of Los Angeles’ most significant cultural monuments when it debuts there on Thursday, Nov. 12, four noted psychic-medium practitioners with a specialized penchant for raising the dead will join the opening night revelers to travel from incredible room to incredible room along with the other more earthly-bound audience members who will be shadowing the actors in this unique site-specific adventure that brings the unique experience of Tamara back to Los Angeles theatregoers.
THE HOUSE OF BESARAB’s special spiritually-inclined opening night guests include psychic actress Marcia deRousse, so memorable in her current run as the über-scary Dr. Ludwig on the hit HBO TV series True Blood; married mediums Michael and Marti Parry; and clairvoyant Donna D’Amore, author and proprietor of the Heart & Soul Healing Arts Center in Pasadena.
Marcia deRousse, the diminutive “f”-bomb spouting vampiric expert on True Blood, whose portrayal of Dr. Ludwig has generated such fan interest that a popular fan written parody column has sprung up on the True Blood website, TrueBloodNet.com featuring “Ask Dr. L,” plied her more mystical wares as the star of the TV series pilot Small Medium at Large, among many roles on television series. She was the mother of Matthew McConoughey and Gary Oldman in the feature film Tiptoes and worked on Highway to Heaven with Michael Landon, someone she believes to now be one of her spirit guides. Recently onstage she was runner-up for Best Actress for The Sugar Bean Sisters at Sierra Madre Playhouse in Entertainment Today’s annual Ticketholder Awards and appeared opposite THE HOUSE OF BESARAB’s Dr. Van Helsing, Travis Holder, in the west coast premiere of Charles Mee’s Summertime at Theatre @ Boston Court.
Miss deRousse explains, “I have been a psychic medium since I was a kid, and ‘talked’ to my spirit guides every night when I went to bed. Then when my grandma died, I was sure it was a mistake that everyone was crying beside her grave, because she was standing there winking at me saying, ‘I’m OK, honey… I’m right here.’” But religious constraints and dogma caused deRousse to repress her gift for many years until the death of her mother in 2000, when medium Brian Hurst told her on first sight, “You know you can do this, right?” deRousse is now a noted psychic, medium, and animal communicator, also adept at helping people explore past lives.
The historic 1929 Legion Hall, the place where Gable, Chaplin and Bogart hung out regularly at the Deco Bar and where parts of such films as Kubrick’s The Shining and the new Star Trek were shot, as well as being the place where Marilyn Monroe and a host of famous starlets were introduced to the Hollywood community in the Legion’s massive Auditorium, is not simply a breathtaking example of Hollywood’s early 20th-century architectural grandiosity. It is also the place where the TV series America’s Most Haunted searched for the facility’s active spirit inhabitant Marshall Wyatt and found that more things went bump in the night there than they had originally anticipated. Wyatt, longtime Bar Manager of the Post who lived for 33 years in the building, died from a fall on one of the complex network of staircases he traversed on a daily basis—and many regulars there swear he never left.
THE HOUSE OF BESARAB, which will be a much-needed benefit for the American Legion, is being produced and directed by Mr. Duddy under an Actors Equity Association Hollywood Area Theatre (H.A.T.) contract and stars Michael Hegedus as the suave but menacing Count Dracula alongside veteran Equity actors David Himes as Renfield, Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Best Actor Award winner Travis Michael Holder as Dr. Van Helsing, Chase McKenna as Mina, and Dane Bowman as Jonathan Harker. Also featured are Terra Shelman as Dr. Seward, Jason Parsons as the resident wolf-hybrid, Miliza Milo as the gypsy woman, and Megan Harwick and Sara Spink as the Count’s buxom pregnant vixens.
THE HOUSE OF BESARAB opens Thursday, Nov. 12 playing host to its psychic guests, and will continue to play Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 9pm and Sundays at 8pm through Sunday, Dec. 20 at The Hollywood American Legion Post 43, located at 2035 N. Highland Av. in Hollywood, halfway between Franklin Avenue and the Hollywood Bowl. General admission is $40.00 (on-site parking is $5.00), or the special $55.00 package includes parking, one cocktail and hors d’oeuvres at intermission. There is a 25% discount for U.S. veterans and union members of SAG, AFTRA and AEA (with proper ID presented at the door). The Deco Bar, with a complete full service of alcoholic beverages, will open nightly one hour prior to that evening’s showtime. DUE TO MATURE THEMES AND THE AVAILABILITY OF ALCOHOL, NO ONE UNDER 21 WILL BE ADMITTED!
For tickets and further information, please call the special House of Besarab / Plays 411 hotline at 323.960.7612 or log on at www.plays411.com/besarab.
IFAW Event with Kristin Bauer at LUSH Cosmetics
November 1, 2009
Kristin Bauer, who plays the hilarious vampire Pam on HBO’s True Blood, is a big advocate for IFAW and their Tails for Whales Campaign. IFAW has organized a grassroots effort to protect whales worldwide from the many threats that they face. They use pictures of Americans making the “whale tail” and combine them in a visual petition, seeking stronger leadership and policies in U.S. government. On Saturday, November 7, Kristin will be joining IFAW Director Jeff Flocken at the LUSH Cosmetics store in Santa Monica. She encourages everyone who can to come to the store between 1pm and 3pm, where you can help in this very important cause of the protecting whales:
“I’ve partnered with LUSH and IFAW. LUSH has created a cream for IFAW and is donating the proceeds to help save the whales from unnecessary deaths and extinction. I will be appearing at the LUSH store in Santa Monica on the third street promenade Nov 7th from 1pm -3pm and I’ll trade you a photo for a photo. Mine signed for yours making the Whale Tail! Let’s take a bite out of whaling!”
This event gives True Blood fans a great opportunity to see Kristin and get an autographed picture! Even if you are unable to go, you can still make your voice heard for the whales by uploading your picture to the Tails for Whales website. Another thing that would help would be to purchase the LUSH cream Kristin mentions. LUSH is a generous supporter of the IFAW effort, and proceeds earned from their “Charity Pot” products become contributions to IFAW’s marine mammal programs like the Tails for Whales campaign.
The picture below was taken by acclaimed photographer Larry DiMarzio, featuring Kristin as her True Blood character, Pam, with the cream that LUSH created for this cause. DiMarzio is a very talented guitar designer and photographer, and well-known in the music community. If you visit his website, you can see more of the great work he has done. Like Kristin, he donated his time and effort to help IFAW by doing the photo shoot.
SOURCES:
(Photo credits: Kristin Bauer, IFAW, Larry DiMarzio)
True Blood Cast Have Howling Halloween at True Blood Hounds Fundraiser
October 31, 2009
Several members of the True Blood cast attended the True Blood Hounds event in Los Angeles. The event was the first of the three day “Bow Wow Beverly Hills” dog adoption event from October 30 to November 1, and all proceeds go to support The Amanda Foundation animal rescue.
Duffy who plays Dean/Sam on True Blood was in attendance alongside his human counterparts pictured at right, including Mariana Klaveno (Lorena), Michelle Forbes (Maryann Forrester), Rutina Wesley (Tara Thornton), Tara Buck (Ginger), Kristin Bauer (Pam) and Patrick Gallagher (Chow).
The Amanda Foundation is a nonprofit rescue organization for dogs and cats, founded in 1976. Their mission is to give a second chance to the over 200,000 animals who are brought into Los Angeles County’s 28 shelters either as strays or after being given up by their owners.
The Michelle Forbes Community Blog has some wonderful photos of the cast and some costumed pets at the event, as well as video from the local ABC News Affiliate coverage of the fundraiser.
944.com had some more photos of the cast at the event as well.
SOURCE: Michelle Forbes Community Blog, The Amanda Foundation animal rescue, and KABC-TV Los Angeles
(Photo credit: Michelle Forbes Community Blog, The Amanda Foundation animal rescue, and 944dotcom)
Kristin Bauer To Appear At The Boston Mega Superfest 2009
October 31, 2009
Kristin Bauer, who portrays vampire Pam in Alan Ball’s hit HBO TV series True Blood, will be attending the Boston Mega Superfest 2009.
The Boston Mega Superfest is New England’s largest multimedia fanfest. The megafest features one the largest selections of DVDs, posters, autographs, comics, toys, videos and memorabilia from TV, movies, and rock and roll. Moreover, fans have the opportunity to mingle with their favorite creators of comics, TV and movies stars, and get the chance to pose questions to their favorite stars at a number of Q&A sessions. The event will be held at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel on November 21 – 22, 2009.
In addition to Kristin Bauer, other stars who will be appearing include James Marsters (Spike from Buffy); Bionic Woman Lindsay Wagner; Ray Park (Edgar from Heroes; and Darth Maul from Star Wars Episode I – The Phantom Menace); and Brent Spiner (Data of Star Trek: The Next Generation).
When: November 21 – 22, 2009
Where: Sheraton Framington Hotel, Farmington, Mass.
For further details: Boston Mega Superfest
SOURCE: Swords.com
Photo credit: HBO Inc.
VIDEO: Nelsan Ellis Speaks From the London MCM Expo
October 29, 2009
Nelsan Ellis, who plays the flamboyant short-order cook, Lafayette Reynold on Alan Ball’s hit HBO TV vampire series True Blood recently attended the London MCM Expo where his interview was captured on video by Essex UK TV. Nelsan discusses in detail his character Lafayette, his experiences with the fans and working on the show. It was a pleasure to watch Nelsan and to get to know him better outside of his Lafayette character because as we all know, and Nelsan has mentioned it many times, he is nothing like his character. Enjoy!
Kristin Bauer Talks About Halloween True Blood Style
October 26, 2009
In writing a piece on True Blood vampire-themed Halloween parties, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel called Wisconsin native, Kristin Bauer (True Blood’s Vampire Pam) for suggestions. Kristin Bauer, who is a native of Racine, Wisconsin, plays the delightful Pam on Alan Ball’s hit HBO TV vampire series True Blood and was asked by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel asked how a sweet girl from Wisconsin can to into such a deadly vampire.
“It’s shockingly easy. Somehow, I just try to do my most dry and sarcastic self,” she said. “The other aspect that I concentrate on is to try to physically look immortal and powerful. Honestly, I think 90% of Pam is from (costume designer) Audrey Fisher. With Audrey dressing her, the work is almost done,” said Bauer, who wears an enviable collection of high heels in the show but who prefers flip-flops at home. “The wardrobe is stunning, and the shoes are unbelievable.”
Certainly, any fan of the show knows that even Eric Northman notices that Pam has great pumps. There is a stark contrast between the “dressed-to-kill” tight-bodiced dresses and glam makeup Pam wears for work at Fangtasia and the way she dresses when she’s off duty, generally looking more like a soccer mom than a bloodsucking queen of the night. But in both settings, she has those amazing pumps, and anyone planning to dress as Pam for Halloween will have to plan the wardrobe around those Pam-tastic shoes.
Kristin also talked with the Journal Sentinel about the surge in popularity of Alan Ball’s True Blood HBO vampire drama:
I think people find the show compelling because it’s really well-written. It’s layered with social commentary and metaphors to what people deal with in life, and really, just what it’s like being alive on planet Earth.
True Blood vampires are the hot theme in Halloween this year, and the Journal Sentinel has some great recipes to spice up your get-together. In honor of Pam, they recommend serving a Vampire’s Kiss martini, which is, of course, blood red with pomegranate juice as a base.
The Vampire’s Kiss martini will be the featured drink on Thursday, when Kristin and some of the other other members of the True Blood cast and their pets will attend the True Blood Hounds event, a True Blood themed fundraiser for the Los Angeles animal rescue, the Amanda Foundation.
Kristin has other ideas for what Pam would serve her guests on Halloween, however:
“She would definitely serve, what we called at home, cannibal sandwiches, with the raw meat and onion. Blood orange martinis and … red velvet cake because it’s so sophisticated. That deep red cake, it’s so shocking. Like Pam.”
Though Kristin loves Milwaukee regional favorite kringles, she won’t be serving them to anyone during the fundraising event.
I order it all the time and have it sent to people out here. They love it. Even though everyone here is trying to lose weight, and they beg me not to send it to them, I still do because they’re so good.
Kristin has been very busy while waiting to start filming the next season of True Blood, with appearances on Private Practice, The Secret Life of an American Teenager, and Three Rivers. But she can’t wait to get back into Pam’s shoes once more:
The two hospital shows had very mortal storylines. All that human stuff is seriously taxing. I keep telling the (”True Blood“) producers to get us back into production…I seriously just want my fangs and heels back.
The fans want Kristin and the rest of the cast back as well.
For more True Blood Halloween party ideas from the Journal Sentinel, check out their character inspired recipes, including Pam’s “Vampire’s Kiss” Martini, Eric Northman’s Swedish Meatballs, Sookie Stackhouse’s “I’m a Little Bit Nutty” Pecan Pie Bars, Lafayette Reynold’s “Shut Up and Eat it” Gumbo, and Bill Compton’s “Glamour” Dip and Chips.
SOURCE: JSOnline.com
(Photo credit: HBO Inc.)
Carrie Preston and Michael Emerson Support Equality Maryland Video
October 26, 2009
Carrie Preston, who portrays the red-headed waitress, Arlene Fowler on Alan Ball’s hit HBO TV vampire series True Blood and her husband, Emmy Awards winner Michael Emerson, best known for his portrayal of Benjamin Linus on ABC’s LOST, are throwing their support behind Equality Maryland.
Both Carrie and Michael state their support for the gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual community in Maryland in their fight for equality and the right for same-sex marriage to be legal in the state. They praised the advancement that the community has had in fighting the inheritance tax laws and health benefits for same-sex couples as they send their best wishes to the attendees of Equality Maryland’s 2009 Jazz Brunch.
Alexander Skarsgard And Evan Rachel Wood Attend Gucci Event
October 26, 2009
True Blood’s Alexander Skarsgard (Eric Northman) and Evan Rachel Wood (Queen Sophie-Anne) both attend the Gucci Icon-Temporary Flash Sneaker Store in New York City on Saturday night, October 24, 2009.
Alexander told JustJared.com at the event that after filming “Straw Dogs” in Shreveport, Louisiana he flew to L.A. for a few days and stopped over in New York to take care of some business before he flys out back to Sweden.
Evan spoke with JustJared.com at the party and told them her Halloween plans by stating that she is going to dress up as Liza Minnelli, Cabaret style, with the bowler hat and stockings, the green nail polish. She explained that she will probably spend Halloween in New York, singing karaoke because “there’s nothing like Halloween in New York.”
SOURCE: JustJared.com
(Photo credits AP Photo/Andy Kropa, Freshnessmag.com, and JustJared.com)
Kristin Bauer Joins LUSH Cosmetics For Tails for Whales Campaign
October 24, 2009
Kristin Bauer, who portrays the delightful vampire Pam on Alan Ball’s hit HBO TV vampire series True Blood will be joining IFAW DC Director Jeff Flocken at the Santa Monica LUSH Cosmetics store on Saturday, November 7 in support of the IFAW Tails for Whales campaign. LUSH Cosmetics is a generous supporter of IFAW’s marine mammal programs through its Charity Pot program. According to the IFAW website:
Whales face more threats today than at any other time in history. IFAW’s Tails for Whales campaign is a grassroots visual petition advocating for stronger policy and U.S. leadership in whale protection through photographs of Americans making a ‘whale tail’ with their hands. Kristin Bauer has been a tireless advocate for IFAW and protecting whales, and looks forward to meeting the supporters who make our work possible!
WHEN:
Saturday, November 7, 2009
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
WHERE:
LUSH Cosmetics
Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA
RSVP to tailsforwhales@lush.com
If you can’t make it, get involved by uploading your photo and learning more at www.ifaw.org/tailsforwhales.
Also you can go to the IFAW website and listen to Kristin talk about the Tails for Whales.
SOURCE: IFAW
(Photo credit: IFAW)
Kristin Bauer Wears Cadsawan Necklace For Tails For Whales
October 24, 2009
Kristin Bauer, Pam in True Blood, sported the reinvented anchor necklace from Cadsawan Jewelry aimed for the Tails For Whales campaign.
Like Alexander Skarsgard who plays Eric Northman in the True Blood, Kristin is an ardent supporter of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) especially for the Tails For Whales campaign.
Kristin said,
“All of my favorite possessions have a great story behind them.” “This jewelry may seem an insignificant way to address the issues facing whales, but it’s made from recycled materials, all the money supports IFAW’s whale work, and I can wear it as an object that resonates with deep personal meaning. It ultimately reflects something I care passionately about, protecting animals. Plus, it’s gorgeous. I’m still a woman.”
Recently, Cadsawan Jewelry created the Fluke Collection which is an entire line based on the fight to save the whales.
So if you want to support the cause and own a piece of the Fluke Collection just like Kristin and Alex, head over Cadsawan Jewelry.
Source: SkarsgardNews
(Photo credit: ifaw.org)
