Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

World class baritone Nathan Gunn, right, is accompanied by Michael Bagby in "Nathan Gunn: Flying Solo" at  the Lyceum. The talented...

AS THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL GEARS UP, A LOOK AT THIS SEDUCTIVE, SUNNY, PRICEY CITY  Water is central to life in Cannes, and every manner...

The high-energy cast of "Beachtown" includes Jason Heil as Steve Novak, mayor of Beachtown, Lee Ann Kim as Susan Suhiro, town archivist....

Sean Murray's Fredrik Egerman and Karole Foreman's Desiree Armfeldt create a believable, touching couple in Cygnet Theatre's marvelous...

Five versatile actors deftly portray 42 colorful characters in a delightful production of "Around the World in 80 Days" held over at...

Elegance and style greet the eye at every turn, and antiques meet the latest in technology, at Barcelona's Claris Hotel. Here's the spectacular view from the elevator as one whisks to one's room above an artful interior courtyard. Below, right, Antoni Gaudi's famed Casa Battlo is within easy walking distance from the Claris. BARCELONA BEAUTY: CLARIS HOTEL GREETS THE GUEST WITH MUSEUM CLASS SURROUNDINGS, SUPERB SERVICE, LOCATION  STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLE

The Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles is the perfect venue for a beautifully staged "Bright Star," with a bluegrass band on stage, and a full pit orchestra in the traditional place below.  The show is spectacularly staged. MUSICAL EARNS BRAVOS, STANDING OVATIONS IN ITS TOE-TAPPING REINCARNATION  Carmen Cusack's lovely leading lady role makes the audience laugh -- and cry -- in "Bright Star." The actress played the role of Alice on Broadway. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By B

Cookie is at her happiest playing piano.  Here, she entertains at a housewarming party. Cookie serenades at friend Corby Skinner's on the...

Wading, not quite walking, on the water, sisters Cookie, left, and Olivia, make their way to the wedding on Beverly Beach. Behind them,...

Energy, enthusiasm, strong voices and high-stepping choreography make "The Music Man" a delight at Welk Resort Theatre.  CLASSIC MUSICAL...

Malaga's seafaring history dates back centuries and modern Malaga is an attractive tourist destination for good reason. MUSEUMS, HIKING,...

In the title role of Marjorie is Dee Maaske, whom we've followed in two decades at Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The versatile Maaske...

Lawrence Welk Resort, north of San Diego, California, offers housing options, restaurants, theater, golf and a charming little museum...

Horton Grand Theatre is a perfect venue for the delightfully rendered radio play version of "Miracle on 34th Street." Jennifer Grimm,...

Still packing concert halls and receiving standing ovations, Tony Bennett gives a gracious nod to his music director and accompanist,...

Elton groupies?  Cookie and Keller saw the magnificent Elton John and his fabulous band for the third time at Caesar's. The Colosseum...

San Diego Repertory Theater's "Disgraced" tackles contemporary issues of  race, religion and class in the modern world. The actors are...

"Daydreams" by Patrick Dougherty, under construction last fall at Tippet Rise, is part of a glorious landscape merging art and nature,...

GLITTER, GLAMOUR, ART, THEATER AND A FANTASTIC ORGAN CONCERT TO BOOT The historic Catalina Casino was built in record time and opened in...