What A Rush! A Backstage Look at Hollywood RUSH-ing Miracle
By Stevie St. John
When sizzling Hollywood talent RUSH to save young lives, anything can happen!
Top actors, writers and directors from the silver screen, the small screen and the stage are coming together to pull off a Hollywood miracle: writing, producing and staging six hilarious short plays in the space of one day!
The curtain rises on the second annual Hollywood Rush on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m., but the RUSH really begins the previous evening. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it will be like when some of L.A.’s hottest talent come together for this adrenaline-pumping creative adventure!
Saturday, Feb. 18
7 p.m.: Actors, writers and producers gather at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre, eager to give back but also worried about what they’ve gotten themselves into.
A heartfelt thank you from executive producers Jason Kennedy, Kate Payne and Zibby Allen inspires everyone and reminds them why they’re giving their time—to raise money for the Baby Dragon Fund, which supports the Center’s meth recovery, mental health and youth services.
7: 15 p.m.: Producers and directors are paired up, and the talent is broken into six casts. Each cast will create a hilarious play … to be staged the next evening!
All of the casts grapple with how to incorporate the night’s theme (Baby Dragon) and a few lines form a song, into their script. Last year’s song was the Partridge Family’s “I Think I Love You.” So one team, for example, had to incorporate the line, “But what am I so afraid of?” We can’t reveal the song for this year, but we’re sure it’ll hit just the right note!
9 p.m.: A hotel conference room is transformed into the writers’ room, where inspired ideas (and coffee) flow freely all night.
Sunday, Feb. 19
8 a.m.: Writers and directors meet to “storyboard” (create a visual picture for) the plays. Slap-happy writers head home to catch up on sleep before show time.
9 a.m.: The actors arrive and breakfast is served. The cast and crew fuel up for a frantic—and exhilarating—day!
10 a.m.: The actors scramble to memorize lines.
11 a.m.: Volunteers hit the town to nab things like plastic palm trees, hats, scarves and other prop and costume essentials … quickly and on a tight budget.
3 p.m.: Rehearsals begin.
4 p.m.: Hair and make-up time. The day’s hectic pace doesn’t mean the stars can’t take time to be ready for their close-ups! Which means…
5:30: Red carpet photos!
7 p.m.: Curtain! The show must go on … whether the cast is ready or not! Six hilarious, just-finished skits, live-action “commercials” for the generous sponsors and a whole lot of laughs!
8:30 p.m. - midnight: Wrap party for the cast, crew and VIP guests!
About the Baby Dragon Fund
From the actors to the writers, directors, producers, runners and other volunteers, dozens of people give their time to make Hollywood Rush happen. Why? Because proceeds benefit the Baby Dragon Fund, which provides vital funding for the Center’s youth and mental health services and crystal meth recovery services.
Watch Hollywood Rush to Save Lives
Sunday, Feb. 19 - 7 p.m.
Wilshire Ebell Theatre
Tickets:
- General $45
- Preferred seating $75
- VIP $240 (includes valet parking, VIP seating and admission to the star-studded wrap party!)
