'Claude and We': First Christmas
'Claude and We' is the name of Sri Lanka's newest teenage entertainment
outfit - formed and directed by ''King" Claude Fernando one of Sri Lanka's
senior pianists.
They comprise ten teenage singers Zara, Riuzzri, Michael, Udharika,
Evandi, Sonari, Kavitha, Nilanthi, Motilal and Christopher.
Their Christmas VCD titled ''Claude & We - our first Christmas -
2001" contains original and popular Christmas songs.
Filming has been done in Sri Lankan style - on the beach, at various
scenic locations, and against a giant size Christmas drop, which is pictured
in the photos.
They will perform carol singing, as well as their own brand of Christmas
singing, dancing, tapping and entertaining at many popular venues in Colombo
and the suburbs during the season.
Dinesh: Star designer
Dinesh Chandrasena, the popular Lankan designer, who migrated to USA a
few years ago, is now back in the island for a short spell.
Chandrasena began his career in fashion designing with "Dress Designer
of the Year Contest" when he was just 17 years old and still in school,
is now keeping himself busy designing for the "Stars" in Hollywood.
As designer for Claire's Collection, a company dealing exclusively with
high fashion evening gowns and specialising in pageant gowns, Dinesh works
closely with celebrity clientele and has his creations featured in blockbuster
movies and on national TV in the USA. Among famous names he designs for
are Sandra Bullock for her starring role in the movie "Miss Congeniality"
and Julie Andrews for her role in "Princess Diaries."
According to him, other celebrities opting for his creations include
singer Shania Twain, Halle Berry who had her wedding gown designed by Claire's
Collection, Jeda Smith wife of Will "Fresh Prince" Smith, Stephanie Beecham,
Emma Sams, Aretha Franklyn, Mary Hart the host of "Entertainment Tonight"
and Jennifer Stallone, wife of actor Sylvester Stallone.
The Oscars this year saw quite a few of Dinesh's designs on display.
Of the personalities opting for creations by him were Julie Moran from
"Entertainment Tonight", Shaun Robbins from "Access Hollywood," Sharon
Tay the "Morning News Anchor" from KTLA Channel 5 and his close friend
and regular client Mindy Burbano, Entertainment Anchor for Channel 5 KTLA
News.
Designing for pageants is another of his specialities and he scored
a high when the gown designed by him for Miss Tennessee Lynette Cole and
worn by her at the Miss USA Pageant in Branson Missouri, saw her win the
title of Miss USA 2000.
Dinesh also designed the evening gown to be worn by his long-time friend,
who is Sri Lanka's contender for the Title of "Mrs World" Nushara Atapattu.
Nushara,who is the holder of the title "Mrs. Sri Lanka" wore a gown designed
by him at the 'Mrs. World Pageant' held at the Las Vegas Hilton on December
19 this year.
'Unduwap Asiriya' at Le Kandyan
'Le Kandyan' Hotel in Kandy has planned out a fun filled festive programme
from December 22 to 31.
Check out for the real festive atmosphere called "Unduwap Asiriya" in
the hills at Rasawasala Restuarant and hottest club 'Le Garage'.
The Dinner Buffet at Rasawasala will be on from December 22 onwards
and special nights such as BBQ Night, X'mas Eve Grand Buffet, Pasta Night,
Bharatha Rathriya, Chef's Night, Dhambane Rathriya and the 31st Night with
Live Band 'Sonic' called 'Duruthu Udanaya'.
'Le Garage' is too geared for special theme nights from 22nd onwards
such as X'mas Night, Santa vs DJ, Goodbye 2001 New Years Eve will be 'Break
Dawn 2002' with the Yes FM Crew together with MOS DJ's and Latino Dancers.
The Hottest Hi Tec Sound, and lighting system will guarantee to keep the
revellers moving well in to the dawn of the New year.
ETV's Egyptian bash
"ETV/MTV New Year Dance Party", organized by ETV, Sri Lanka's pioneer English
entertainment channel and the official channel for airing Music Television(MTV)
programmes in Sri Lanka, will come alive at the Ceylon Continental hotel
on December 31.
The ancient Egyptian era will be relocated at the hotel's newest outdoor
venue 'BBQ and Beer Garden' as well as at the adjoining Grand Ballroom.
It is said that the Egyptians threw some of the wildest parties with
beautiful women and hanky men in their palaces...and ETV will open the
Egyptian Tombs and awakens the "Party Mummies" to create the most beautiful,
mystique and rich era., when the entire Continental Hotel will transform
into ancient Egypt.
All the 31stNight Party revellers will feel like Cleopatra's and Ceasars
in all their best outfits.....You will see Pyramids.... Tombs of Mummies!!!......
Fire torches, Pillars of palaces..and be ushered by Cleopatra's of the
21nd Century...
Four of the city's leading club DJs together with Imagine DJ crew, a
choreographed fashion show with top models will be the top attracrtion
of the dance . Famous E FM DJ Shawn Cruse will be there as the compere.
The first ever Body Paint Display as a segment of fashion show on the
night is another major draw. Performances by two sexy belly dancers, Latin
Dance Acts, Fire Dance and loads of prizes and surprises including air
tickets will be there to grab.
The biggest lighting and laser show of the year with eight sky lights,
City laser colour, over 50,000 watts of sound and the pyrotechnics (special
fire works that are used for the Wrestling matches) will be some of the
top attractions at the night and handled by pioneer lighting provider in
Sri Lanka Imagine (pvt) Ltd.
Over 200 of very special Music television T. Shirts, Caps, wrist watches,
head bands, mobile phones etc. will be given away by a top Music TV DJ
Cyrus, who will be the host of this biggest Music Television Party in Asia.
The ticket prices will be 1000/= net (dance only) and1800/= net (with
dinner). The exclusive room package for the couples whose planning to enjoy
at Ceylon Continetal on the 31st noon 1st noon will be 7500/= net per couple
inclusive of the room, dinner, breakfast, and the dance. Tickets will be
on sale from the 7th of December in 18 Locations Islandwide. More details
will be on Etv, E fm, Swarnavahini & TV Times from week. Reservations
of the rooms for the 31st dance package can be done on tel 421221 (hotel)
from the 1st Dec. 2001.
This event is organized by Etv, in association with The Ceylon Entertainment.
The official newspaper, TV Times & Entertainment. Official Lighting,
Sound & DJs are from the Imaging DJ & Lighting (Pvt) Ltd. The Official
out door promoter, sets, the digital & press supply by Ravindra KRS
advertising. Total production of this event will be by Mohan Perera.
X'mas in Sigiriya Village
'Sigiriya Village' a popular resort hotel in Sigiriya has a special programme
for the festive season.
X'mas Carols and holy mass with Santa Claus in attendance will be held
on December 24. The Christmas Dinner Dance with DJs too are on the cards.
The accommodation per day on twin sharing. Full board basis will be
priced at Rs. 1725/= Crowning the 'Sigiriya Village Queen' will be the
main attraction of New Year's Dinner Dance on December 31.
The tickets are priced at Rs. 1000/= for 'Where Culture and Nature Meet',
dinner on New Year's Eve.
Story of a village in turmoil
By Susitha R. Fernando
"Kaluwara Anduna", the new teledrama by Kavithra Panangla portrays a series
of misfortunes that overtake a remote village.
'Kaluwara Anduna' now telecast on Rupavahini on Sundays at 9.30pm, the
latest tele belt. In the lead roles are Lakshman Mendis, Amiththa Weerasinghe,
Swineetha Weerasinghe, Neil Alles, Duleeka Marapana, Seetha Kumari.
The story unfolds during the time-about 1880-the colonial rulers were
overloading the country, the remote village of Kaduruhelayaya had a taste
of its local officialdom and colonial administrators.
"Kalubanda" the only son of cruel "Arachchi" is driven from the family
after he got married to a poor girl in the village, and lives a destitute's
life with his two daughters.
As time passes Muslim merchant, 'Joshep Nana' who visited the village
regularly gets killed mysteriously. Hearing the sudden death all the villagers
get excited. But Arachchi who hardly cares about the incident that has
taken place in his area of jurisdiction tries to take advantage from the
death to settle the long waited grudge against "Kalubanda" who went against
his wishes. He manages to trap 'Kalubanda' with the murder and puts him
in prison. Losing good hearted 'Kalubanda' is just another unfortunate
incident for the poverty stricken village. However Kalu Banda on his return
from prison finds the person instrumental for his suffering and faces a
sudden death.
The unfortunate events drew to a close with the strongest man in the
village 'Kalu Banda' committing suicide. Notwithstanding these shattering
events the life in Kaduruhelayaya goes on regardless.
Kavithra Panangla enters the teledrama scene as a director and producer
with this work. Palitha Perera handled the camera, Patrick David was the
art director and Rukmal Nirosh did the editing.
Visharadha Nanda Malani did the play back singing to the music score
written by Ananda Gamage and lyrics were written by Dr. Sunil Ariyaratne.
Sriyani brings 'Paradisaya' to screen
By Sanath Weerasuriya
You are cordially invited to take a step back in time. To a world before
time... to a world before civilization. Even before America's favourite
'Stone' Age.
Walk into Colombo's Liberty Cinema and be a part of rent stone age with
Flinstones.
Movie 'Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas' starring Mark Addy (The Full
Monty), Stephen Baldwin (The Usual suspects), Kristen Johnston (3rd Rock
from the Sun), Jane Krakowski (Ally McBeal), Thomas Gibson (Dharma &
Greg), Alan Cumming (Broadway's Cabaret), Alex Meneses (Dr. Quinn: Medicine
Woman), Harvey Korman (The Carol Burnett Show), and Joan Collins (Dynasty),
now runs at the Liberty.
Flintstones in Rock Vegas is directed by Brian Levant (Beethoven) and
produced by Bruce Cohen (American Beauty).
Fred Flintstone (Mark Addy) and his best friend Barney Rubble (Stephen
Baldwin) are on top of the world. They have just graduated from the Bronto
Crane Academy, and secured jobs at the rock quarry in Bedrock, and life
couldn't be better.
Wilma Slaghoople (Kristen Johnston), the beautiful young heiress and
daughter to Colonel (Harvey Korman) and Pearl Slaghoople (Joan Collins),
is miserable. Her mother, resplendent in the latest Issac Mizraki gown
as she dines on caviar, has Wilma's life mapped out for her, including
a marriage to the suave and debonair Chip Rockefeller (Thomas Gibson).
He does drive a Cadirock and he was first in his class at Princestone,
but to Wilma he's a total bore, so she runs away from home.
In bedrock, Wilma meets Betty O'Shale (Jane Krakowski), and the two
become fast friends, residing at Melrock Place and working at the local
Bronto King. Following a disasterous first date, Fred ends up falling head
over heels in love with Wilma, while Barney and Betty become inseparable.
So, leaving puppy Dino behind, Fred and Barney - along with a green alien
from outerspace, The Great Gazoo (Alan Cumming)- whisk the girls away on
a BC-10 for a romantic weekend in Rock Vegas. But chip has other plans
in mind, and with the help of Roxie (Alex Meneses), a Rock Vegas showgirl,
Rockefeller devises a plan to get Fred out of the picture once and for
all, leaving Wilma and her family's fortune all to himself.
Ten Commandments at Russian Centre
The film The Ten Commandments' will be screened at the Russian Centre auditorium
on December 29 at 5.00 p.m.
The Ten Commandments was filmed in Egypt and Sinai in 1956 on one of
the biggest sets constructed for a motion picture. The film started location
shooting in 1954 at the sites where the story originally took place. The
film was directed by Cecil B. De Mille while the Hollywood's biggest stars
head the cast. They were Charlton Heston as Moses, the prophet who led
his people to freedom, Yul Brynner as the Egyptian Rameses. Anne Baxter,
Edward G. Robinson, Vincent Price, John Carradine and Judith Anderson.
Be there at the Russian Centre, No. 10, Independence Avenue, Colombo
7 at 5.00 p.m. For further details please call Chandi on 685429/685440
between 9.00 to 4.00 p.m. on weekdays.
TV SCENE
"A Different Kind of Christmas"
Everyone Knew Him as Santa....... but Only She knew Him as Dad.
A heart-warning story of how the daughter of Santa finds the magic of
Christmas she's been running from all her life was inspired by a true story.
Santa Claus moves into a suburban California city to set up "Santa's
Dream World" in a quiet, residential part of town. As the movers unload
all his paraphernalia, including a sleigh and live reindeer, Santa befriends
some of the local boys including 10 year-old Tommy Yost, the son of city
attorney Elizabeth Yost. News of Santa's presence in town travels fast
and soon Santa is receiving visitors from all over town - including local
hot shot reporter, Frank Mallory.
On Dec. 24, Monday at 9.00 p.m. on ETV
'The Christmas Wish'
Upon the death of Warren Martin, his widow Ruth (Debbie Reynolds) and grandson
Will (Neil Patrick Harris) uncover a Christmas mystery. Within her husband's
journals, Ruth learns that for 25 years, Warren left their house on Christmas
Eve to secretly spend time with a woman named Lillian. Who can she be?
Now Will must fulfil his grandmother's Christmas wish - to find the
mysterious Lillian and discover what she may have meant to her husband.
His search will lead him to unlock the secret of his grandfather's past
and to learn the true meaning of Christmas. In a tale of family ties, forgiveness
and mystery "The Christmas Wish" will captivate viewers until its final
secrets have been told. "The Christmas Wish" is destined to become a holiday
classic enjoyed again and again by generations to come.
Sunday, December 23 at 9.30 p.m. on MTV
'Sleepless in Seattle'
What if someone you never met, someone you never saw, someone you never
knew, was the only someone for you?
It's Christmas Eve, and on this night psychologist Marcia Filedstone
has asked her radio talk show audience what they are wishing and dreaming
for during this season of hope. A little boy hears her in Seattle and reaches
for the phone.
He's got a Christmas wish, he tells her, a really big one, except it's
not for him. It's for his dad. Jonah wishes his father could find a new
wife because Dad has been so sad and lonely since Mom died a year and a
half ago.
Across the country, punching buttons on her car radio as she drives
from Baltimore to Washington, Annie Reed hears Jonah and is immediately
captivated.
Starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan
On Tuesday, December 25 (Christmas Day) at 9.30 p.m. on Sirasa TV -
Subtitled in Sinhala
'Murder Most Likely'
It's a story based on real-life events, with deceit and intrigue, mobsters
and crooked cops, and the glamour of the world's most exotic places.
As a member of an undercover drug squad in 1981, Patrick Kelly is a
charming, clever liar. But he's soon seduced by the money and glamour of
the same drug dealers he works to destroy.
Family Movie on ETV on Sunday, December 23 at 2.00 p.m. and Wednesday,
December 26 at 8.00 p.m. |
