Chapman Alumnus Filmmaker Given an Oscar Nod
Patrick Don Vito and Mahershala Ali
Chapman University has much to be about. One of its own, film editor Patrick Don Vito, has been nominated in this year’s Academy Awards for his editing work on the Oscar-nominated film, Green Book, which chronicles the journey of African-American musician Don Shirley, played by Mahershala Ali, and his bodyguard, played by Viggo Mortensen, during a 1962 concert tour through the Deep South. Vito was the sole editor of Peter Farrelly’scomedy-drama. His recognition speaks to the hands-on, foundational experience students receive at Chapman’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. “Patrick completely understands how the craft of editing is fundamental to the art of storytelling,” says Bob Bassett, Dean of Dodge College. Not only is the nomination noteworthy, but Vito is the first Chapman graduate to receive an Oscar nod. Chapman.edu
Broadway Stars Return Home to Entertain at The Barclay
Scott Barnhardt, Jerry Mandel, Krysta Rodriguez/Photo – Skye Schmidt
Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) alumni Krysta Rodriguez’02 and Scott Barnhardt’97, who have since gone on to Broadway fame and fortune, recently returned to Orange County in a “Coming Home” performance at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. It is not their first visit back. Krysta returned to OCSA during its 30thanniversary season in 2017 to kick off its Master Artist Series and Scott has returned to OCSA as its new Director of Musical Theatre. Their performance included vignettes from their combined Broadway successes in the Tony Award-winning musicals Spring Awakening, The Book of Morman, Big River, and The Addams Family.Following their well-received performance, sponsored by Barclay President Jerry Mandeland his wife Whitney, a reception was held in their honor at the theater. TheBarclay.org
Lunch & Lecture at Sherman Library & Gardens
Join in the new offering at Sherman Library & Gardens for a Lunch & Lecture Serieson select Fridays. Gardens Director Scott LaFleurhas teamed with Chef Pascal Olhatsof the garden’s Café Jardin to create outstanding programs with guest speakers along with a delicious lunch. On March 15, landscape designer and artist Dustin Gimbelwill be speaking on “Sculpture & Modernism in the Garden.” Lunch and program from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Visit SLGardens.orgfor ticket pricing for members and visitors or call 949.673.2261.
Observations From Renowned Political Analyst
Amy Walter, national editor of The Cook Political Report, will be guest speaker for the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation’s 22ndAnnual Witte Lectures Series. Scheduled for March 8 at 7 p.m. and March 9 at 2 p.m., Walters, known as one of the best political journalists covering Washington, will share her non-partisan analysis of issues, trends and events that shape the political environment. NBPLFoundation.org
Year of the Pig Celebrated at South Coast Plaza
Year of the Pig Lunar New Year centerpiece
TheLunar New Yearwas celebrated in grand style at South Coast Plaza from January 31 to February 18, with shoppers receiving special Year of the Piggifts, gifts with purchase, red envelopes at select boutiques, and weekend cultural entertainment and activities. The opening night party in Jewel Court revealed the custom-designed grand Lunar New Year centerpiece with eight flying pig figures soaring over a giant figure of a cheerful pig inside an ornate pagoda. All-new interactive wishing trees provided a choice of celebratory messages for visitors. Now in its ninth year, the esteemed plaza’s Lunar New Year festivities are the largest and most extensive of any retail center on the West Coast. SouthCoastPlaza.com