I recently had the opportunity to sit down with three of the stars of the new film “Step Up.” Drew Sidora, Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum are new to the industry, but are on the fast track for success.

Drew Sidora, who plays Lucy, is a Chicago native who is a singer/songwriter, dancer and actress. Before landing her role in “Step Up,” she had appearances in multiple television shows including a recurring role on “That’s So Raven.” Her film credits include “Divas,” “Never Die Alone” and “White Chicks.”

For more than twenty-seven centuries Chinese acrobats have been thrilling audiences, making it the “longest running” folk art form in history. On Sunday, August 20 the Golden Dragon Acrobats (GDA) will take the stage at The Centre for Performing and Visual Arts in Newnan.

In China, acrobats are revered much the same way prima ballerinas and opera singers are in the West. The performers of the Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of this honored tradition, mixing award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes and ancient and contemporary theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty.

This Saturday night, August 19, Grammy Award-winner Crystal Gayle will bring her rich vocals and trademark long hair to the Villages Amphitheater.

Born Brenda Gail Webb in Paintsville, Kentucky in January of 1951, Gayle was the youngest of eight children. The coal miner’s daughter developed a love for country, pop, folk, rock ‘n roll, gospel and Broadway show tunes early on an began performing and recording in the early 1970’s.

It was Gayle’s fourth album, “We Must Believe in Magic” (1977), which featured the hit single “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” and broadened her audience. “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” reached number one on the U.S. country music charts and also became the number two pop single. The album became a best seller and Gayle became the first female country artist to reach Gold Album status. She won a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for the single, and in 1977 and 1978 she was chosen the Country Music Association's "Female Vocalist of the Year."

When previews for this film started going around, someone said that it was “the scariest film since ‘Alien.’” I knew then that I would have to see this movie. Is it as good as the Ridley Scott sci-fi horror classic? No, but it does stand on its own as an original film with some genuine suspense, intensity and scares.

It's the time of year again for the 17th annual Kidz Fest (formerly The Last Fling). This year Kidz Fest is scheduled for Saturday, August 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Shakerag Knoll at 191 McIntosh Trail in Peachtree City. This year’s free rides include: The Great Rock Wall, The Giant Slide, Iron Man Obstacle Course, Rock em' Sock em' (jousting game) and Monster Truck Moon Walk. The ever popular Money Machine will also be free for children as long as their parents fill out a brief survey. Prizes will also be awarded at the Money Machine.

In the wake of such popular Bollywood-themed movies as “Monsoon Wedding” and “Bride & Prejudice,” the new musical “Bombay Dreams” explores the booming Bollywood film industry. Showing August 11-13 at The Fox Theatre, “Bombay Dreams” promises excitement and fun for all.

“We are delighted to present a spectacular new production of the sizzling song and dance sensation, ‘Bombay Dreams,’” stated Christopher B. Manos, producer of Theater of the Stars. “This dazzling musical about India’s Bollywood, the world’s largest and most popular film industry, is sure to entertain and delight, both audiences who are new to the epic musical productions, and people who are familiar with the genre.”

Terry Kay to discuss works at first of new lecture series

Nationally acclaimed, award-winning novelist and screenwriter Terry Kay will share insights on his works and relate some of his distinctive southern wisdom at “An Evening with Terry Kay,” August 24, 2006 at 7 p.m. The event is the first in the new “Authors of Excellence Series” cosponsored by CLICK (Certified Literacy is Coweta’s Key) and the Odyssey Reading Group of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The program promises to be a real treat for Kay fans and anyone interested in southern literature, creative writing or wry wit. The event will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 576 Roscoe Road in Newnan.

[The Citizen recently sat down with “World Trade Center” director Oliver Stone, star Maria Bello and John and Donna McLoughlin, whose real life experience the film was based upon. The following is a result of that conversation.]

Five years ago, Maria Bello was in New York City for a movie premiere. It was a nice September morning, and Bello had stopped at a news stand. That was all it took for Bello to know that this was not going to be just any ordinary day.

Oliver Stone has become sort of a joke over the past couple of years as a radical left-wing conspiracist with a big ego and an even bigger mouth. After the bloated failure of 2004’s “Alexander,” the idea of Stone directing a movie about the Sept. 11 attacks seemed like a recipe for disaster. So it comes as a surprise that it is Stone’s dignity and humility - as well as four terrific performances - that keep “World Trade Center” grounded in emotional realism even as its script lets him down.

In the new dance film “Step Up,” Tyler Gage, played by Channing Tatum (“She’s the Man”), is a foster kid from the wrong side of Baltimore’s tracks. A self proclaimed rebel, he and his buddies Mac and Skinny spend their time playing basketball, stealing cars for a local chop shop and hitting the local party scene where Tyler shows off his impressive street style dance moves.

Dear Lord Baby Jesus, thank you for this wonderful film. It brightened up my summer at the cinema and will more than likely make a wonderful addition to my DVD collection when it is released.

Otis (Kevin James) is a cow who is a big party animal among a barnyard full of animals who act like humans. But his dad Ben (Sam Elliot) is the leader of the barnyard and is more serious about life on the farm. One day when Otis comes into the barn meeting covered in chicken feathers, Ben is embarrassed. (I’m not going to tell you how the feathers happened!) That night, Ben tells Otis that he found him running in the forest and he took him in as his own son. In reply, Otis asks Ben if he can go to the party inside the barn that night, and sadly Ben says yes.

The Legacy Theatre, a new, full-time professional theatre, is holding open auditions for non-equity performers its 2006-07 mainstage and children’s seasons. The theatre is looking for all ethnicities and age groups. Mainstage shows include:

Popular kid’s comes to The Fox

The first national tour of "Dorothy The Dinosaur's Dance Party" comes to town this weekend! Dorothy and her friends will dance their way into Atlanta’s Fabulous Fox Theatre August 5 for three performances at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Everybody knows and loves The Wiggles, but sometimes Greg, Murray, Anthony and Jeff are so busy that they don’t have a chance to visit all their fans. So, The Wiggles are sending their best friends out on the road to entertain the children of America with "Dorothy The Dinosaur's Dance Party." The Wiggles themselves have designed, arranged and produced "Dorothy The Dinosaur's Dance Party" as a special treat for their devoted fans and it is a great new way to experience The Wiggles’ music and entertain your children. Dorothy and her friends are very excited about this new show, and can’t wait to visit your area.

Sales tax holiday ends Sunday

On Monday, children will be loading onto school buses and filling classrooms as the 2006-2007 school year begins. Before the kiddies head back to school, however, parents across the state will be stock piling paper, colored pencils, calculators and new clothes - just to name a few items on the laundry list of back to school neccessities!

“Barnyard: The Original Party Animals” tells the story of a happy-go-lucky cow named Otis (Kevin James) who would rather spend his time goofing off with his farm friends than taking on responsibility in the footsteps of his father, Ben (Sam Elliot). Ben is the strong and steady leader of the barnyard, running meetings and scheduling patrol shifts to keep the hungry coyotes at bay. His mission in life is to see that while he is alive, no animal be harmed on his farm. Otis thinks that it shouldn’t be his or his father’s responsibility to look after the other animals- he feels everyone should watch out for themselves.

I was a little too young when “Miami Vice” was on television, so I missed the whole phenomena of fluorescent t-shirts beneath suits with rolled up sleeves. Michael Mann, who created the television show, went on to make some great movies like “Heat” and “Collateral,” and has now gone back to the idea that made him famous, giving it the full-blown Hollywood treatment.

Lucas Nickel is a boy who always gets picked on by the neighborhood bully. Then afterwards, he takes his frustration out on the ants that are in his backyard.

Dogwood Church, in cooperation with the Peachtree City Recreation Department, will host the second “Movie Under the Stars” on Friday, August 4, at the Baseball, Soccer Complex on South Highway 74 in Peachtree City. Dogwood will show the movie “Dreamer,” rated PG, at this free event. "Dreamer" tells the story of a father who, for the love of his daughter, sacrifices almost everything to save the life of an injured racehorse and bring the promising filly back to her former glory. The film stars Kurt Russell ("Miracle"), Dakota Fanning ("War of the Worlds") and Kris Kristofferson ("Lone Star"). The film will be shown on a screen that is 50 feet tall and 50 feet wide.

Dancing queens take stage

It boasts more productions playing around the world than any other musical, a total of 11 global productions generate over $8 million a week in ticket sales, its been seen by more than 27 million people and over 18,000 people see the show around the world every night: it’s “Mamma Mia!”

In the new movie “My Super Ex-Girlfriend,” Luke Wilson plays Matt Saunders, a nice guy who always ends up dating girls with, well let’s just say, some “mental stability” issues. When he meets Jenny Johnson (Uma Thurman), a quiet art gallery manager, she seems perfect. What Matt doesn’t know is that his new girlfriend is also the well known superhero, G-Girl. While things are going great, Jenny reveals to Matt the secret she’s never told anyone, and swears Matt to secrecy. Meanwhile Matt continues to harbor a secret crush on his friend and coworker, Hannah (Anna Faris). A double date planned by Matt winds up with Hannah’s boyfriend calling to cancel and Jenny becoming extremely jealous of their friendship.

DJ (voiced by Mitchell Musso) is a kid who knows that the house across the street is haunted. When his parents leave to go to a dentist convention, he is left with the evil babysitter who breaks a plant pot and threatens to blame DJ for it.

I am a fan of the View Askew-niverse, which includes all of the films by Kevin Smith, many of which feature the characters of Jay and Silent Bob. The first film was “Clerks” and now the sequel, appropriately titled “Clerks II” is in theaters.

Want to learn to dance, sing, act, and play the piano, guitar, or violin? Georgia Academy of Dance and the Performing Arts is hosting an open house and class registration on July 29 and August 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. 

On Sunday, July 30, the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church Council on Missions will host a Ministries Expo for non-profit organizations. The event is open to the public and the family Sunday school class will provide complimentary coffee, soft drinks, and doughnuts.

The American Diabetes Association's (ADA) annual Victory Over Diabetes (VOD) program is moving to the Georgia International Convention Center on Saturday, August 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Director and child stars of “Monster House” animated in recent interview

Last week I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Gil Kenan, the director of “Monster House,” and two of the young stars of the film, Spencer Locke and Sam Lerner. The enthusiasm of these three while discussing the film was palpable. They had been traveling around the country, attending screenings and meeting with the press, and response to the film has been very positive thus far.

The interview took place in a round-table setting with other members of the print media.

Double delight at the Villages this weekend

The Grammy-Award winning band Blood Sweat & Tears (BS&T) will perform with Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night, at the Villages Amphitheater on Saturday, July 22.

Formed in New York City in 1967, Blood Sweat & Tears is a daring and innovative band with a fiery fusion of jazz and rock, blues and the classics. They were the first contemporary band to break through the iron curtain with the historic 1970 tour of Eastern Europe. BS&T are also famous for their headlining appearances at Woodstock, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.

Second annual cook-off takes place this weekend

Teams across Georgia will be gathering to compete in the Coweta Up in Smoke Barbecue Cook-off this weekend. The Cook-off will be held at the Coweta Fairgrounds and Conference center.

Teams can compete in a number of categories, including ribs, shoulder and brisket cook-offs, as well as dessert competitions.

The new animated film “Monster House” boasts Robert Zemeckis and Steven Spielberg as Executive Producers. While they may not have been too hands-on during the making of this film, as they were both working on their own films while this was in production, one can easily see the influence that their movies had on the writers and director. “Monster House” is a rollicking suburban adventure, much like “The Goonies,” offering up thrills, chills and laughs for the entire 90 minute running time.