Left: Mona Williams (Mrs. Harrison Williams of the Cole Porter song ‘You’re the Top’), later Mona Bismarck, sketched by Rene Bouche.
Right: When I do this it isn’t half so attractive. (My face defaults to 'murderous glare' – I don't mean any of it! Do not be alarmed.)

If you are going to the Independent Shakespeare Company’s benefit vaudeville show tomorrow (which you should, because it will be great, and if there’s anything in LA you should support, it’s the ISC) here are some helpful tips from the Company for tomorrow:

This Sunday, May 19
Show time: 3 - 5pm
Location: Old Zoo, Griffith Park

WHERE IS THE STAGE?
Download directions & map here

WHERE DO I PARK?
Sundays are busy in Griffith Park! There will be a lot of signs announcing birthday parties so look for the HOT PINK SIGNS with an arrow that says “Free Shakespeare.”
Parking is free.
We suggest giving yourself an extra 30 minutes to find parking and to walk up the hill and to check in at the Will Call Table. (so aim to arrive at 2:30, or before)

DO I NEED TO PRINT MY TICKETS?
There is no need to print your tickets. We have a Will Call/Check-in Table at the top of the hill where we will check off your name.
If you are bringing friends who want to buy tickets at the door, they can do so at this table.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Pack a picnic, roll up a blanket (low back beach chairs are fine too), bring cash to buy goodies and don’t forget your sunscreen!

WHAT’S HAPPENING BEFORE (AND DURING) THE SHOW?
Concessions will be selling cold drinks and snacks!
Get your picture taken at Vizid’s free photo booth!
Buy raffle tickets for great prizes!
Enter the silent auction for one-of-a-kind sessions with ISC Company Members!
Buy ISC merchandise! There will be Vaudeville t-shirts, buttons, CD’s & posters.
(Note: we can take your credit card but cash is preferable.)

Questions? Call us at 818-710-6306. [They are very nice, do not be afraid of calling.]

HEY L.A. PEOPLE!

This Sunday (May 19) at 3:00pm at the Old Zoo in Griffith Park, the Independent Shakespeare Company is holding a benefit show, for the purpose of raising enough funds to put on their summer season of FREE awesome intelligent accessible Shakespeare. They've assembled a festive picnic basket of vaudeville-themed talent, including

- John C. Reilly (yes, that one) who will be headlining with the ISC's house band the Pinchtones
- The Lampshades, a comedy lounge act consisting of Kate Flannery of The Office and Scot Robinson of Anchorman
- Helen Slater, film and TV actress, but in this case songstress extraordinaire
- Mariachi Flor Angelina
- ¡Aparato! (described as "post-punk(y), socially conscious ethereal rock performed with traditional Mexican instruments" which is pretty intriguing if you ask me)
- Nick Bottom and the Rude Mechanicals (the amateur theatre troupe from A Midsummer Night's Dream) in a rendition (truly the only appropriate word) of Macbeth
- assorted tumblers, tricksters and "razzle-dazzlers" (this is a family-friendly show so that can only mean so many things)

Considering this is a fundraiser, the single ticket price of $30 is really surprisingly low, and $60 for a family* is practically a bargain. Please come join in the fun – you're not only getting fresh air, and afternoon out with your fellow citizens, and a really great show, but you're helping to make possible one of the best things in Los Angeles, which unlike most attractions around here has at its core the principle of being freely available to all.
*two adults and as many children as you can manage; there will be no DNA testing at the park

Something is seriously weird with the weather. These monsoon-type thunderstorms are not only happening in the wrong month but heading in exactly the opposite direction they should be. What is going on here?

Talking It Over (or, Exactly Not) and Love, Etc. (Heavy On The Etc.) are listenable on the Radio 4 iPlayer until Friday and Saturday, respectively.

I'm really not usually one for fraught domestic dramas about deeply flawed people being cruel to each other, but these are such brilliant productions, brilliantly written, directed, acted, and edited, I find I can't stop listening, even when it's really difficult to do so.

And because they don't give you any advance notice on the iPlayer: Mature content! Adult themes and situations! Those easily upset by intense interpersonal conflict should perhaps listen to the Dawn Chorus instead!