Masiela’ Favorite Reads

Masiela Lusha is not only famous as an actress but is also widely known for her flair for writing. When she was asked to pick her favorite books, it came as a surprise to all that she selected Aesop’s Fables and the original German translation of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Everyone thought that a writer of her caliber would choose something different like a good book of poetry. Therefore her choice amazed all, as these two books are widely considered to be children’s books. But for Masiela any book that is well written is a good pick, and both Aesop’s Fables and Grimm’s Fairy Tales belong to that category.

Children’s and Household Tales widely known today as Grimm’s Fairy Tales is her favorite as (in her words) “It's so fun reading the early stories on some of our country's most popular fairy tales. They were much darker then and were originally used to scare kids instead of entertain them!"

Aesop’s Fables or Aesopica, as we all know, are stories that conveyed a positive message. Though it was actually meant for children, these stories drive home moral values that can be found beneficial by all, irrespective of age. Masiela, truly this is a good pick as these fables are more relevant in today’s world than it was at the time of Aesop.

The Little Sister is now a Twin Sis!

Audiences are in for a surprise. The younger sister of ‘Bionic woman’, Becca, is now on a transformation phase. Gone are the days of adorable innocence and Lucy Hale is now staring in ‘Privileged’, to be aired on CW from September 2008. The story is an adaptation from the book ‘How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls’. Hale plays a bubbly and charismatic girl who wants to go and prove herself out. She feels the character is a part of her own self! Ashley who plays the other twin, shares a rare chemistry with Hale.

Lucy was one of the American Juniors band members who struck a chord with the audiences. She has come a long way from being a band member to being cast in a lead role. This proves that talent at anytime is more powerful than anything else.

A Charity Foundation with a Purpose

Not every person feels charitable. Not every person DOES charity. There’s a huge difference in thinking good and doing good. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of one incident that becomes a turning point; just like King Ashoka who turned to Buddhism with gusto after a bloody war. This is exactly what comes to mind when you read about Masiela Lusha’s life changing moment in Balkans, where she saw hopelessness and suffering that brought out the missionary in her to form ‘The Masiela Lusha Foundation’.

The foundation is still embryonic and hasn’t taken off on a full scale yet. It however, has great dreams and plans for making a difference to the lives of many children and their homeless families. They visualize tapping the potential, intelligence and strength of each individual who hasn’t been given a chance to realize them. Mothers and children will be nurtured to move on to a better life. The foundation will be working in tandem with other charitable organizations, with the pursuit to provide the best facilities.

The first of many targets is the construction of a community shelter in Palmdale, and a school nearby. Another goal is to build a community across America and Europe that shares success stories. It would be a haven for people who look to have a new lease on life. The third and the most primary aim, is to build the Masiela Lusha Foundation Academy, specifically established to groom children for leadership. Children will be encouraged to explore literature, delve into inspiring biographies and debate about successful leadership philosophies. The intention is to strengthen the students to face the world and make a difference.

Masiela’s charitable spree was visible even during her school days initially, and later during her stint with the ABC, when she participated in community service activities on a large scale. Here’s a wish that her foundation is resilient, and has the support system to stand through the worst. If every one of us takes a leaf out of Masiela’s book and really do some charity, the world would be an infinitely better place to live in.

The Young Face of Popular Stars

Two movies with very intriguing storylines, are hitting the theatres this autumn. Joe Wright’s ‘The Soloist’ and Gary Fleder’s ‘The Express’. Both of them have as protagonists, two very popular African American actors. While Jamie Foxx stars in the former, ‘Finding Forrester’ star Rob Brown takes the lead in the latter.

But what’s most common between the two movies? You’ll observe the presence of young Justin Martin in both the flicks. He plays the teenage version of the stars. You’ll be amazed to see the uncanny resemblance he carries with both the actors. Fits the bill perfectly. We’ll probably see him taking on the mantle and filling in their large shoes as an adult actor very soon.

Emily, Actor Theatre Personality

What is so special about theatre performers? They are actors who bring out varied emotions alive on the stage. There’s no re-take and it should be a coordinated effort from the entire cast. Emily O’Brien of ‘The Young and the Restless’ was the surprise package in the spring season of theatre festivals.

American College Theatre Festival is a blooming ground for budding talent. This festival is special for Emily, since she as alumni, has enacted scenes from "Moon over Buffalo," "Autobahn," "Dylan," and "Lend Me a Tenor". What a surprise to fans like me, who thought that she was a newcomer in the acting arena.

The varying tones combined with apt expressions seemed to be coming from a seasoned actress. Emily is a bundle of acting talent. Be it dramas or theatre she seems to walk away with all the accolades. It is no surprise that Emily was a finalist at the ACTF Festival in Phoenix, and a nominee at the festival in Utah. She also won the 3rd place for "Othello" at the DTASC Shakespeare Festival.

Theatre is one place which showcases the versatility of an actor. Actors like Emily make theatre personalities all the more unique and special.

Becoming Carmen Lopez…

Talking about ‘The George Lopez Show’, what’s the first thing that you recall? If your answer is ‘Carmen Lopez’, then it’s not surprising at all. That’s the kind of impact she left on us. Carmen Lopez is not just the favorite of viewers, but she’s Masiela’s favorite character too. Becoming Carmen Lopez has been an experience Masiela cherishes the most. So, wouldn’t you want to know how she became the Carmen who won our hearts? Here you go!

Masiela was just 16 when she auditioned for the role of Carmen Lopez. Since the character was just 13, she went to the audition dressed in an over-sized fuchsia pink sweater with Winnie the Pooh overalls. During the audition when Masiela proudly exclaimed that George’s character reminded her of her own father, the entire room burst out laughing and one of the writers said, “We’re sorry to hear that!” Masiela instantly fell in love with the crew and their relationship bloomed into a friendship during the following year.

It was almost a month, before Masiela received a call for the final auditions. While she continued to act during this period, she realized that none of her other roles was as appealing to her as Carmen. During her second audition at the ABC building, Masiela delved into her imagination and gave a performance that projected her aptitude for the role. It was this performance that introduced the unforgettable Carmen to us. Two hours later, Masiela got a call from the producers with an offer that changed her life forever.

Masiela Lusha went on to rock the show as Carmen Lopez. As a vehement, zealous, vigorous teenager, she won the hearts of many. Masiela still has many roles to play and many things to prove, but as Carmen, she’ll always remain in our hearts.

Why is Emily Beaming with Joy?

Do you want to know the reason behind the big smile on Emily’s face? Well, she was recently honored by MiraCosta College where she learned the nuances of acting. She was inducted in the College’s new Theatre Hall of Fame along with three others. The others are Wendell Wright, Kathi Nishimoto and Joshua Everett Johnson. Isn’t that a moment to feel proud?

The theatre Hall of Fame, which was unveiled on the occasion, has photos of notable alumni of the College’s theatre department. This has been done to motivate the current students who will get to know the inspiring journey of these eminent personalities.

Emily O’ Brien, who belonged to the class of 2005, was present on the occasion and was very much overwhelmed by the felicitation ceremony. She along with Johnson (class of 2003) spoke about their wonderful experiences at MiraCosta. She didn’t forget to thank Mr. Bishop, the theatre professor, for the skills that she learned from him during the acting class. She made special mention about ‘script–scoring’, a skill that she acquired from him.

Emily had been to very many events and has been felicitated on many occasions but she is going to cherish this occasion for sure, as it is special.