Simply Brilliant!

Romeo and Juliet, directed by Jason Carmichael on Saturday, August 14,
2010 at The Hayworth Theater in Los Angeles, CA was simply brilliant.
Coco Waters captivated the audience with her portrayal of Juliet.  Cassia
Hemenway appeared well beyond her years while displaying versatility and
stage presence.  Nine year-olds Francisco Orozco and Alastair
Douglas-Baird did more than hold their own while working with youth that
averaged fifteen years of age.  Anthony Ramirez played a plethora of
characters and DeAndre Caldwell-Feazell portrayed a fierce villain who was
cool and calculated.

The “Seasoned Veteran” of the cast was fifteen year-old Al Douglas, who
delivered a knockout lead performance as Romeo.  Late addition Adrian
Orozco blended in nicely, while Jarifari Brooks dazzled the crowd with
his humor and dance moves.  Juan Escalante showed consistency and allowed
the play to flow perfectly with his narratives and duo roles.  Many
observers suggested that Vaniah Hemenway should reconsider her pursuit of
a basketball career and focus solely on acting and the theater was left
mesmerized by Shontiera Screws’ dancing, combined with her fantastic
acting.  There was only ONE consensus at the Hayworth Theater last
Saturday:  encore!!!

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On September 25, 2010, a one mile jog dubbed “Run With Me” is due for

takeoff! Currently, Luke Hughes of Serve LA is leading a running club

that meets three times a week. It has garnered the growing interest of the

diverse local downtown area. People who are routinely dismissed,

negatively stereotyped and ignored, run side by side with the mainstream of

society. “Run With Me” joins a list of other community

participatory initiatives that United Steps has undertaken in the recent

past—Skate With Me, Pedal With Me and Poetry With Me. Apart from

obvious health and fitness benefits, participants have the unique opportunity

to network productively within and beyond their community.

More importantly, they also chart and implement personal development

plans to rise above their circumstances while having fun. Thanks to

Brett Byrd of Give Your Sole, those without shoes also have the opportunity

to get involved. On any given Monday, Wednesday or Friday, lace

up and meet at the corner of 5th Street and San Pedro Street in downtown

Los Angeles at 11:00 am. Get fit. Have fun. Be productive.