Odds & Ends Around the Valley

‘Rocky Horror’ Too

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has entered the ‘90s.

Last Saturday night’s screening attracted about 30 people to the General Cinema in Woodland Hills--a typical showing, according to a theater employee--for the cult film that first appeared in 1973. The film also screens each weekend at the General Cinema in Sherman Oaks.

And though few wore costumes associated with the production--the film’s early years brought out a virtual fashion show each weekend--there was plenty of entertainment. A cast of half a dozen, including aspiring actors, played out each scene of the movie as it unfolded. Meanwhile, as usual, the audience took part too, blurting out sarcastic one-liners every few seconds.

“We’re better than the Friday night cast,” insisted Jennifer Stevens, 17, who belongs to the Saturday night cast. “We’re more organized. We have a cast list. We’re not vulgar like they are.”

But last Saturday night, they weren’t completely organized. The actor playing the wimpy Brad failed to arrive on time, and some of the usual props had been left at home. Still, Stevens was determined. “We’re going to take over Friday night, too.”

Borrowing for a Second, and a Minute

You’ve heard of loaner cars. How about loaner watches?

Well, the folks at J.C. Penney’s jewelry department at Northridge Fashion Center will lend you a spare for as long as it takes to repair your watch.

“People seem really surprised that we do this,” said Nicole Batson, a sales clerk. “They may complain their watch will take a long time to fix, but they feel better when we loan them a watch.”

The loaners, Batson said, come from a collection of about 25 watches abandoned by customers who felt the necessary repairs would take too long or were too expensive. Routine cleaning costs can exceed $50, so many people would rather buy a new watch.

The loaner watches range from a $20 Timex to a $110 Casio. “People usually take watches about as good as the ones they already had,” Batson said. “A lot of people feel lost without a watch.”

Bart, the Overachiever

Bart Simpson keeps America’s youth glued to the tube.

Bart Conner wants to take them outdoors.

“The level of fitness among kids is scary,” said Conner, winner of two Gold Medals in gymnastics at the 1984 Olympics, who will lead an exercise workout today at Jackie Robinson Park in Littlerock. “Kids just get in front of their television sets, and never work out.”

About 150 youngsters, ages 6 to 12, are expected to participate in the 30-minute session, which will include strength and conditioning exercises and aerobic stretching. It will mark the beginning of the 1990 National Youth Fun and Fitness Program, conducted by the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation. About 300,000 youngsters nationwide are expected to take part.

First, Conner might have to deal with the other Bart.

“A kid on the plane heard my name was Bart,” said Conner, “and asked if I was Bart Simpson. I couldn’t believe it.”

Movable Mind Games

Speaking of stretching, the Valley’s Gym for the Mind has moved up Topanga Canyon Boulevard to Woodland Hills.

Because its five-year lease at 1942 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. expired in the spring, the gym’s owners were forced to find a new location, setting up at 4907 Topanga Canyon Blvd. But so far, it’s having a tough time finding new members.

“We took a little dip when we moved here,” said co-owner Don Cuerdon. “We had a lot more walk-in traffic there. I think we need to have a bigger sign here.”

Still, Cuerdon likes the new location. “This place has at least three times the amount of space, and we now have a pool. Plus the concept is still the same.”

The concept entails exercising the mind and body in the same place. One can lift weights, take a breather, play chess, and then lift more weights. The gym also has spirituality, writing and nutrition clubs.