Entries from April 2009 ↓

THE NORMAN CONQUESTS!

THE OLD VIC’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF

ALAN AYCKBOURN’S COMEDY TRILOGY, DIRECTED BY

MATTHEW WARCHUS, OPENS APRIL 23 AT CIRCLE IN THE SQUARE

GET TO KNOW THE CAST OF THE NORMAN CONQUESTS:

AMELIA BULLMORE PLAYS RUTH

JESSICA HYNES PLAYS ANNIE

STEPHEN MANGAN PLAYS NORMAN

BEN MILES PLAYS TOM

PAUL RITTER PLAYS REG

AMANDA ROOT PLAYS SARAH

www.NormanConquestsOnBroadway.com

The Old Vic’s critically acclaimed revival of THE NORMAN CONQUESTS, the comedy trilogy by Alan Ayckbourn, directed by Matthew Warchus, begins previews tonight at Circle in the Square Theatre (235 West 50th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue). Opening night is Thursday, April 23. The production will play a limited engagement of 16 weeks only.

THE NORMAN CONQUESTS comprises three full length plays – Table Manners, Living Together and Round and Round the Garden. Each individual play offers a view of one comically catastrophic weekend, shared by six spouses and in-laws, at the family house in the country. And while each play is complete on its own terms, by viewing all three plays (in any order), the audience is able, detective-like, to piece together all of the hidden secrets and lies, the outrageous, hilarious and shocking interactions, which occurred over the weekend. And there are some wonderful and brilliant surprises!

The first Broadway revival of Ayckbourn’s masterpiece will feature the original heralded company from The Old Vic: Amelia Bullmore (Ruth), Jessica Hynes (Annie), Stephen Mangan (Norman), Ben Miles (Tom), Paul Ritter (Reg) and Amanda Root (Sarah).

The first London revival of THE NORMAN CONQUESTS ran September 11-December 20, 2008 at The Old Vic and was an instant sell out. For the production, the venerable 200-year-old theatre was converted for an in-the-round staging which will be retained for Circle in the Square’s unique configuration.

Reviews for the production were ecstatic. “I came out feeling that it would be right up there on my list of all-time great theatre events,” wrote Robert Gore-Langton in the Sunday Telegraph. “You’ll laugh. A lot,” exclaimed Benedict Nightingale, The Times. “Left me helpless with hilarity,” cheered Charles Spencer in the Daily Telegraph. “Matthew Warchus’s production is wonderfully entertaining, fluent and expertly acted. I recommend seeing the whole trilogy. It’s heaven in triplicate,” raved Paul Taylor in The Independent.

THE NORMAN CONQUESTS comprises three full length plays – Table Manners, Living Together and Round and Round the Garden. Each individual play offers a view of one comically catastrophic weekend, shared by six spouses and in-laws, at the family house in the country. And while each play is complete on its own terms, by viewing all three plays (in any order), the audience is able, detective-like, to piece together all of the hidden secrets and lies, the outrageous, hilarious and shocking interactions, which occurred over the weekend. And there are some wonderful and brilliant surprises!

THE NORMAN CONQUESTS is designed by Rob Howell, with lighting by David Howe, music by Gary Yershon and sound by Simon Baker for Autograph.

THE NORMAN CONQUESTS is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Steven Baruch, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, Tom Viertel, Dede Harris, Tulchin/Bartner/Lauren Doll, Jamie deRoy, Eric Falkenstein, Harriet Newman Leve, Probo Productions, Douglas G. Smith, Michael Filerman/Jennifer Manocherian, Richard Winkler in association with Dan Frishwasser, Pam Laudenslager/Remmel T. Dickinson, Jane Dubin/True Love Productions, Barbara Manocherian/Jennifer Isaacson.

THE NORMAN CONQUESTS will be performed in repertory. The schedule is as follows:

Table Manners
Living Together
Round and Round The Garden

General Schedule

Tuesday

7:00 PM

Wednesday
2:00 PM
8:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 PM

Friday
8:00 PM

Saturday
11:00 AM
3:00 PM
8:00 PM

Week of 4/6

Tue., April 7

8:00 PM

Wed., April 8
8:00 PM

Thur., April 9

8:00 PM

Fri., April 10
8:00 PM

Sat., April 11
11:00 AM
3:00 PM
8:00 PM

Week of 4/13

Mon., April 13

8:00 PM

Tue., April 14
8:00 PM

Wed., April 15

8:00 PM

Thur., April 16

8:00 PM

Fri., April 17
8:00 PM

Sat., April 18
11:00 AM
3:00 PM
8:00 PM

Week of 4/20

Tue., April 21

8:00 PM

Wed., April 22
8:00 PM
2:00 PM

Thur., April 23

6:45 PM

Fri., April 24
8:00 PM

Sat., April 25
11:00 AM
3:00 PM
8:00 PM

All three plays will also be performed on Sunday May 17 and

Sunday June 28. (Performance times as on Saturdays).

Tickets are on sale through Telecharge at 212-239-6200, at www.telecharge.com and at the Circle in the Square box office (235 West 50th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue).

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www.NormanConquestsOnBroadway.com

Targus® Launches Its First Netbook Accessory Kit
Targus Provides Customized Line of Netbook Essentials Based Upon Users’ Needs

Targus® Inc., maker of the world’s top-selling laptop computer cases and accessories, announced today it is launching its first Netbook Accessory Kit, designed specifically to meet the everyday needs of the netbook user on the go. The new accessories kit was developed after asking hundreds of Netbook users what they needed most with their new Netbook. The Targus Netbook Accessory Kit includes the Targus Slipskin Peel Mini-Netbook Case, the Targus Ultra Mini Retractable Optical Mouse and the Targus Ultra-Mini USB 2.0 4-Port Hub.

With sales of netbook laptop computers expecting to reach 35 million in 2009 and an estimated 139 million by 2013*, Targus’ Netbook Accessories Kit offers the increasing number of netbook users compact and practical mini-laptop accessories for the ultimate in simplicity and mobility.

“The current increase of mobile networking and remote access to web-based applications has led to netbooks becoming a recognized computing device for personal and business needs alike,” said Al Giazzon, vice president of marketing at Targus, Inc. “The new Netbook Accessory Kit was created with the everyday needs of a netbook user in mind and provides all the tools needed to maximize a netbook user’s mobile experience.”

Targus 10.2″ Slipskin Peel Netbook Case (Model # TSS11101US)
The Targus 10.2″ Slipskin Peel Netbook Case is a lightweight, form-fitting, neoprene skin that shields your netbook from scratches and dust.

The case can be used alone or inside of another bag or purse for added protection. The Targus 10.2″ Slipskin Peel Netbook Case is available in black with blue accents, measures 11.25″ x 0.98″ x 8.75″ and weighs only 7.04 oz.

Targus Ultra Mini Retractable Optical Mouse (Model # PAUM01U)
The Targus Ultra Mini Retractable Optical Mouse is the perfect space-saving solution for anyone using their netbook in small spaces such as an airplane or dorm room. The device’s Optical sensor technology allows for precise mouse movements on a variety of surfaces. The retractable cable can be adjusted to the desired length to prevent cord clutter. It comes with a standard USB connection that allows for a true plug and play experience. The mouse is available in silver and black with a red LED light, measures 3″ x 1.4″ x 0.9″ and weighs a slight 1.5 oz.

Targus Ultra Mini-USB 2.0 4-Port Hub (Model # ACH102US)
The Ultra Mini USB 2.0 4-port hub is the perfect portable hub at home or on the road. With four USB ports, the Mini USB Hub allows you to simultaneously connect up to four devices to your netbook such as a camera, printer, mp3 player or USB Flash Drive. It has a transfer rate of 480 Mbps, plug and play capability and does not require an AC adapter. It is compact, easy to use and perfectly suited for the busy traveler who doesn’t want to sacrifice the convenience of external peripherals. Targus’ Ultra Mini USB 2.0 4-port hub measures 3.6″ x 1.2″ x 0.6″ and weighs 1.1 oz.

Click Here For More: http://www.targus.com/pdfviewer/temp/BUS0187_7.pdf

Targus plans to release additional netbook accessory options as netbooks continue to gain popularity. The netbook case is backed by a limited lifetime warranty and both accessories are backed by a limited one year warranty. These and other Targus accessories are available at Targus.com as well as through leading retailers, VARs, e-tailers, and direct marketers.

About Targus
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Targus invented the laptop case and continues to advance the mobile accessories category with innovative and relevant solutions for today’s mobile lifestyle. Targus products enhance productivity, connectivity, and security, liberating users to work in any and all environments with the utmost convenience and comfort. Founded in 1983, Targus headquarters are located in Anaheim, Calif., with offices worldwide and distribution agreements in more than 100 countries. For more information on Targus visit targus.com.

SEDUCTIVE SINGING SENSATION

MAUDE MAGGART

SINGS GERSHWIN, SONDHEIM, RODGERS, COLLINS

AND MORE IN HER NEW SHOW AT THE ALGONQUIN HOTEL

APRIL 14 – MAY 23

MAUDE MAGGART, the critically-acclaimed chanteuse – hailed as “bewitching” by The New York Times, “utterly enchanting” by the New York Post and “stunning” by the Los Angeles Times – will return to THE OAK ROOM of THE ALGONQUIN HOTEL for a six week engagement from April 14 – May 23. Her new show will feature songs by Stephen Sondheim (“Children and Art”), Rodgers & Hammerstein (”You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught”), Judy Collins (”First Boy I Loved”), George Gershwin (“Love Is Here To Stay), Alec Wilder (”Be A Child”) and Marshall Barer (What’s My Name?”). She will be joined by Musical Director John Boswell on piano and Yair Evnine on cello and guitar. All performances are at the Oak Room (59 West 44th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues). Please call (212) 419-9331 for reservations.

Before coming to New York, the new show will have a special preview engagement at the Gardenia in Los Angeles on April 2, 8 and 9.

MAUDE MAGGART, the vocalist who started her performing career in the clubs of New York and Los Angeles, is exploding into one of today’s most compelling international concert artists. This June she will make her third annual engagement in London as part of Jeff Harnar’s “American Songbook in London” series. Maude has been featured on NPR’s “Morning Edition,” a Time Out New York cover story and Entertainment Weekly’s “Must List.” Maude recently filmed her screen debut in a new movie about composer Kurt Weill by director/actor/screenwriter Robert Downey, Sr. She recorded a duet with Broadway and TV star John Lithgow for his CD, The Sunny Side of the Street, which was nominated for a Grammy Award. In 2007, Maude made her Australian debut as part of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.

Her latest CD, Maude Maggart Live, includes classic love songs such as “Skylark,” “I Can’t Get Started,” “All The Things You Are” and “The Song Is You,” in addition to rarely-heard vintage compositions by Kurt Weill (“The River Is So Blue”), Jerome Kern (“Let’s Begin”) and Harry Warren (“Coffee in the Morning, Kisses at Night”). Her previous CD, Maude Maggart Sings Irving Berlin, features well-known standards from Berlin’s catalog such as “The Song Is Ended,” “Always” and “What’ll I Do” in addition to lesser known songs such as “When I Leave The World Behind,” “Slumming on Park Avenue” and “Yiddisha Nightingale.” Her recordings – which has have been featured in Newsweek, on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” and on the BBC in London – are available at CDBaby.com.

MAUDE MAGGART is the scion of an acclaimed show business family: her grandmother starred in the George White Scandals, her grandfather was the star vocalist for the famed Harry James Big Band, her parents met while performing in the Broadway musical Applause and her sister is pop singer-songwriter Fiona Apple. Born and raised near 125th Street in New York City, Maude created a stir in Hollywood with her debut show at the Gardenia, when The Los Angeles Times said “Maude Maggart’s talent and imagination offer hope for the future of cabaret.”

Fostered by Andrea Marcovicci and Michael Feinstein, Maude has performed at nightclubs around the country, including Feinstein’s at the Regency in Manhattan, the Plush Room in San Francisco, the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, the Savor Room in St. Louis and Schroeder’s in San Diego. For the 92nd Street Y “Lyrics and Lyricists” series, Maude has starred in Easy to Love: The Love Songs of Cole Porter, Kurt Weill In America and Noël Coward and His Ladies, curated by Steve Ross. In 2005, she was featured in the LAByrinth Theatre Company’s Obsession benefit, curated and directed by John Patrick Shanley. Maude is the recipient of the 2005 Time Out New York Award for Special Achievement, the 2005 MAC Award for Best Female Debut and the 2005 Back Stage Award for Special Achievement.

She has headlined shows at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater Company, New York’s Downtown River to River Festival, Guild Hall in East Hampton, the Hudson Opera House, the Oregon Festival of American Music, the Bridgeport Playhouse, the Palm Beach Pops and Michael Feinstein’s “Standard Time” concert series at Carnegie Hall. For more information, please visit www.maudemaggart.com.

Belize Conquers the Inconceivable

Affordable, Exotic and Fun Family Travel – For Under $75/Night
Economical escapes await families along Belize’s Caribbean coastline and inland jungles

Belize City, Belize – April 08, 2009 – Families frantically searching for affordable and fun summer travel options will find Belize as their perfect escape, as the destination is offering stays for less than $75 per night – with each hotel promising good value, comfort and entertainment for the entire family. As one of the hottest emerging family destinations on the travel scene, Belize features an extensive selection of affordable hotel options, which can be accessed at Belize’s Toucan Trail website, www.ToucanTrail.com. An assortment of hotels of this caliber is listed below, with rooms available for $75 or less per night, and enough activities to avoid boredom complaints from the kids:

Caye Caulker

Jaguar Morning Star Guest House: Named by Travel + Leisure as one of the emerging and affordable beach destinations for 2009, Caye Caulker is ideal for those families looking to enjoy a beach vacation with tons of activities for both parents and kids. Jaguar Morning Star Guest House sits in the middle of Caye Caulker, and is a short walk from the market, beach, restaurants and water activities including kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, manatee tours, windsurfing and has bike rentals on-site. Rising above the other roof tops, the rooms at this guest house have spectacular views of both the sunrise and the sunset over the water, and offer a constant breeze throughout the day.
• Price: $45 – $60USD per night
• Telephone: 011.501.226.0347 (ask for Allison or Joanne)
• Email: joanne@btl.net
• Website: www.jaguarmorningstar.com

Da Real Macaw: Located right on one of the sandy beaches of Caye Caulker, featuring

thatched-roof cabanas, and beach-front porches Da Real Macaw is a beach family’s dream come true. The property features rooms, cabanas, condos and apartments all located within 60 yards of the blue Caribbean Sea. From Adirondack chairs set out on the beach and hammocks swaying in the cool Caribbean breeze to wireless internet and cable TV, this guest house offers everything a family could want in either a traditional or modern summer beach vacation.
• Price: beachfront rooms and cabanas are available from $20 – $70USD per night
• Telephone: 011.501.226.0459
• Email: derealmacaw@yahoo.com
• Website: www.derealmacaw.biz

Hopkins Village
Hopkins Inn: Families desiring a laid-back, relaxing vacation will love this little inn tucked away under coconut trees and red hibiscus hedges, located right on the beach of Hopkins Village. Hopkins Inn’s cabanas offer comfy beds, locally-made furniture and lots of windows to admire the picturesque Belizean landscape. The high, hardwood ceilings of each cabana gives off a cool and airy feeling capable of melting anyone’s stress away. As with Jaguar Morning Star, Hopkins Inn offers water activities such as snorkeling, diving, canoeing, fishing and windsurfing, but also is located on the mainland which gives families the option of hiking, birding, inland tours and the chance to experience more of the Belizean culture.
• Price: starting at $49USD per night and includes breakfast
• Telephone: 011.501.523.7283
• Email: hopkinsinn@btl.net
• Website: www.hopkinsinn.com

Placencia
Sea Spray Hotel: Twenty beachfront rooms and one cabana staggered along the Placencia shoreline form this cozy, family-friendly hotel. A variety of rooms are offered featuring double and single beds, ceiling fans, private showers, refrigerators, coffee makers, beach decks and hammocks overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Nearby, De Tatch Seafood Beach Bar & Grill serves some of the best cuisine in Placencia and offers Internet & email services. A variety of land and sea tours can be arranged by this family-owned and operated hotel and special rates make the rooms even more affordable throughout the summer.
• Price: $20 – $55USD per night
• Telephone: 011.501.523.3148
• Email: info@seasprayhotel.com
• Website: www.seasprayhotel.com

Cayo District
Midas Resort: Located in the heart of the Cayo District, Midas Resort offers a lush jungle property with tons of family adventure opportunities, both on and off site. The resort has cottages, cabanas, casitas and suites available for families to enjoy a relaxing evening, following a full day of adventure in the Cayo district. Breathtaking Maya ruins tower above the tree tops, giving families the chance to experience educational trips together, while winding jungle rivers let visitors take exciting river rafting and tubing rides to cool off. Then, just few minutes away, the town of San Ignacio also offers families horseback riding, birding, butterfly farms, and jungle treks.
• Price: $49 – $79USD per night
• Telephone: 011.501.824.3172
• Email: info@midasbelize.com
• Website: www.midasbelize.com

About Belize
As one of the last unspoiled places on earth, Belize offers travelers the richly rewarding authenticity they seek in a Caribbean getaway. With direct flights from the U.S. and Canada, this tropical paradise is nestled between Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. For generations, the English-speaking people of Belize have demonstrated a commitment to preserving the country’s unique charms. Belize offers a land rich in natural beauty and steep in the history and culture of its Maya past. Renowned for having the second largest barrier reef in the world, Belize’s pristine waters, exotic marine and wildlife, lush unspoiled landscapes and superb diving truly make it Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret. For more information on how you can be one with Belize, visit http://travelbelize.org/

The House of GOLDEN KAAN

Award-winning website, Punchin-dot-com, features the Walman Report and reviews of restaurants, travel, wine and theater. The grapes for GOLDEN KAAN wines are grown on selected vineyards in the Western Cape region of South Africa, contributing to high quality and authenticity.

Here are 4 suggestions, all with suggested retail price of $10. 2005 Pinotage is ruby red and loaded with plum and raspberries: Great with pork and lightly curried dishes. Spice up your meal with the 2007 South African SHIRAZ!

For something elegant, go for the 2006 Merlot, with its integrated tannins and hints of black cherry and chocolate. Lovely with veal or poultry. Sauvignon Blanc 2007 is crisp and balanced. Perfect for smoked salmon and fresh seafood like oysters, while the Pinotage Rose 2008 has a pale strawberry appearance with hints of flowers and fresh candy. Try it with sweet and sour dishes or paella. Golden Kaah offers class and value and rates A Minor on The Walman Report.

Website: http://www.goldenkaan.com/startp.html

Authentic South African PINOTAGE with a twist! This wine has an attractive pale strawberry appearance and the nose shows exuberant fresh candy with hints of flower blossoms. The palate is fresh and fruity but not sweet. A distinctive off-dry, easy-drinking wine.

The juice from earliest Pinotage grapes was drained after sufficient colour was extracted. It was then inoculated with a pure yeast strain and fermented in stainless steel tanks at approximately 15 °C. It was then racked off the fermentation lees, fined and filtered before bottling.

This fresh and fruity Rosé is best enjoyed with chicken salads, paella and sweet and sour dishes.

The opening of the House of Golden Kaan in September 2008 in Robertson celebrated the brand´s fifth year of existence.

The House of Golden Kaan is located in the midst of the wine-growing region for the Golden Kaan wines. It will serve as a modern visitor´s centre, flagship outlet and wine house, as well as an exclusive tourist destination, offering wine tastings and monthly wine specials, a South African art and culture events, a gift shop and outstanding conference and private function facilities.

The décor and services offered by the House of Golden Kaan symbolise the luxury, sense of African adventure and authenticism of the Golden Kaan brand and provide a fitting welcome to press, trade and global visitors.

Address:
The House of Golden Kaan
9 Voortrekker Road
6705 Robertson
South Africa

Contact:
Tel.: +27 23 626 1511
Fax: +27 23 626 1517
E-mail: info(at)goldenkaan.co.za

Opening Hours:
Mo – Fr: 08:30 – 17:00
Sa: 09:00 – 15:00