Alex Theatre

Reno Chamber Orchestra performs at The Alex GLENDALE -- The Reno Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Music Director Vahe Khochayan, will perform on Sunday at The Alex Theatre in Glendale. Featured violin soloist is Catherine Manoukian. The Toronto-based musician has appeared on major stages throughout North America, Europe and Asia, to great critical acclaim. The orchestra was founded in 1974 by Maestro Khochayan, with the support of a select group of musicians.

Ani Amirkhanian Dancer and choreographer Elizabeth "Jill" Sanzo, who took her foothills dance company to award-winning heights, died unexpectedly on Friday. She was 70. Sanzo, a resident of Burbank, was known for delighting audiences in her annual production of "The Nutcracker" ballet at the Alex Theatre in Glendale. A professional dancer, Sanzo was the owner and director of Ballet Petit, a dance studio in La Canada Flintridge, and was the artistic director of the Ballet of the Foothills.

Jackson Bell A week devoted to remembering the Armenian Genocide will culminate with two events Sunday, on the 90th anniversary of the atrocity. "This is a day to remember those who have died in the genocide," said Alina Azizian, executive director of the Armenian National Committee's Glendale Chapter. "It's also about raising awareness and standing up against human-rights violations happening around the world." More than 1.5 million Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turks between 1915 and 1923 in what is widely considered the first genocide of the 20th century.

Glendale merchants are coordinating a summer film series at the Alex Theatre in hopes of bringing more people to the downtown area, while raising funds for local charities. “The Untouchables” kicks off the series tonight with a VIP reception at 6, catered by Damon’s Steak House. The series is co-sponsored by the Downtown Glendale Merchants Assn. and Massage Envy Spa. “We’re very, very excited about it,” said Helen McDonagh, owner of Massage Envy Spa and merchants association board member.

Nearly 60 students in Burbank's summer Showcamp sang and sauntered around on stage in Burbank High School's auditorium Friday afternoon. Costumed in animal-print outfits and yellow-spotted dresses, the Whos and Citizens of the jungle Nool sang back and forth from either side of the stage while they practiced for the camp's production of "Seussical the Musical." "It's the biggest show we have ever done in every aspect as far as cast, set," Showcamp director Darrell Bishop said.

Send DATEBOOK items to Burbank Leader, 221 N. Brand Blvd., 2nd Floor, Glendale, CA 91203 or fax to (818) 241-1975. Submissions must be received two weeks before publication. ? The ?Light and Hope? stained glass window display opens at the Forest Lawn Museum, 1712 S. Glendale, Glendale. The exhibit continues until Jan. 11. The display will depict the seven most significant events in the birth and the early life of Christ. Admission is free. Call (800) 204-3131 or visit forestlawn.

JOYCE RUDOLPH Producer/Director Garry Marshall has titled the FalconTheatre's third subscription season "A Season of Starlight!" with several Tony and Emmy Award-winning actors performing as well as directing. Marshall welcomes his good friends Hector Elizondo and Jack Klugman, along with such notable stars as Charles Durning, Paul Dooley, Sonny Van Dusen, Judith Ivey and the voice of Lisa Simpson, Yeardley Smith, all working at the Falcon, at 4252 Riverside Drive, this upcoming five-play season.

Some people remember when an evening at the movies cost only 25 cents. For those who do, but also for those who don't, the Alex Film Society kicks off its 12th season by resurrecting a popular era of entertainment with its "Vaudeville Extravaganza" at 8 p.m. Saturday. "Because the Alex Theatre was built as a vaudeville movie palace in 1925, we thought it would be good to go back to its roots," said Brian Ellis, media spokesman for the society. This is the sixth year the society will begin its season with a vaudeville show.

JOYCE RUDOLPH Beginning its third season, Burbank's Media City Ballet is rehearsing its first full-length production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker," scheduled for two performances Dec. 14 at The Alex Theatre in Glendale. Choreographer is Natasha Middleton, artistic director for the ballet company. John Pomeroy, lead animator of The Walt Disney Co., is creating backdrops. Shows are at 2 and 7 p.m., with the second performance being a fund-raiser for the Burbank Boys & Girls Club.

Send DATEBOOK items to the News-Press and Leader, 111 W. Wilson Ave., Suite 200, Glendale, CA, 91203 or fax to (818) 241-1975. Submissions must be received two weeks before publication. TODAY Glendale Community College Theatre Arts, Music and Dance departments present Cole Porter's musical comedy "Anything Goes" at 8 p.m. tonight and 2 p.m. Sunday in the Auditorium Mainstage Theatre, 1500 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale. Tickets are $15, $12 for students and seniors and $8 for groups.