NoHo Festival Celebrates Subway, Arts

NoHo Arts District will be transformed into a global village on June 24 and 25 during the NoHo International Theatre & Arts Festival 2000, organizers said Wednesday.

This year’s two-day celebration will coincide with opening of the Metro Red Line North Hollywood station on Lankershim Boulevard between Cumpston Street and Magnolia Boulevard.

Beverly Garland, a television actress, hotel owner and honorary mayor of North Hollywood, announced the festival entertainment lineup during a news conference at the train station.

“This year’s festival is a spectacular one,” Garland said, standing on a makeshift stage before a small crowd of artists, business owners, transportation officials and reporters.

“It celebrates the diversity of L.A.,” she said. “You will see this diversity reflected in the entertainment planned for this year’s festival.”

Using the theme “Celebrating Unity through Diversity,” the festival will feature an array of performances from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both days, organizers said.

Dembreba West African Drums & Dance, Bali & Beyond Gamelan Music and Jin Jin Chinese Youth Band Orchestra are among the musical acts scheduled to perform, organizers said. Dance troupes to perform include the Millennium Dance Co., the Debbie Reynolds Studio Dance Ensemble and the Art of the Dance Academy.

The festival’s free theater program will present dramas, comedies, musicals, stand-up comedy and magic acts by artists currently performing at area theaters, organizers said.

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will present its “Magic of Television” exhibit featuring art and set decoration, costume design and supervision, sound editing, special effects, cinematography and makeup, among other television crafts.

A stunt performers show, “Name That Tune” contest and “Wheel of Fortune” contestant search also will be part of the exhibit.

Jugglers, mimes, puppeteers and storytellers will perform in a 300-seat main-stage theater, organizers said. Activities will also include arts and crafts, face painting, cultural arts displays and improvisational skits.

Following Wednesday’s news conference, transportation officials escorted Garland, festival organizers, artists and reporters on an eight-minute, 70-mph subway ride from North Hollywood beneath Cahuenga Pass to Hollywood.

“That was wonderful,” said Rana-Monique Ford, a North Hollywood actress, standing on the platform at the Hollywood/Highland station. “I am originally from Chicago, and it brings back memories.”

Dan Hirsch, a North Hollywood theater owner, said he was overwhelmed by the train’s speed and power. “That train went from zero to 70 in three seconds. I wish my car would do that.”