HELLO AMERICA!—Again, I am reminded that having faith and believing what you are doing will contribute to the good of everyone who might need an extra push forward is a powerful force. The signing of legendary star Ruta Lee, as the grand dame of “Studio House on Laurel Canyon” sitcom is a powerful symbol of what can happen when one only believes. I am reminded of the song in the Broadway musical “The Wiz” that the late iconic star Lena Horne sang, “If You Believe” which was a powerful addition to the success of the film offering.
“Studio House On Laurel Canyon” is quite innovative as far as sitcoms are concerned. It represents a family of different colors, religions, creatively hungry people with a deep desire to conquer whatever Hollywood might offer. Because they originate from different parts of the globe, it promises to stir up much hilarity, drama and at times mystery, ones that many of us have been programmed to believe. It promises to be a kind of United Nations family journey of fun and hopefully resulting in understanding of each other.
Ruta Lee plays Lilli Fargate, who is a semi-retired film & TV star who owns a huge mansion is convinced by her old friend who owns a Strip Club, to open her house to young struggling artists in Hollywood. It would help her in maintaining the place she has been known for all during her big-time days in the industry.
When she agrees, she is flooded with actors, dancers, writers, female impersonators, musicians; all who try to persuade her to allow them to rent a space in the very iconic place associated with her name.
A few of the young hopefuls project the film image they hope to be recognized as Marilyn Monroe, James Dean or Lena Horne, Harry Belafonte, Laurence Oliver, Kathryn Hepburn or some other recognized star idolized. This is when Lilli Fargate takes charge and makes them understand that winning in the business whether it is the theatre or films is when they allow themselves to expose their own god given talent. “That’s when the magic begins to emerge,” she tells them.
Because there are so many different cultures represented in Studio House, naturally many times rare cultural misinterpretations and other social meanings which cause havoc in the place, but Lilli manages to bring calm again among her group of her very ambitious group of success hungry neophytes The teaming of Ruta Lee, Michael Plaster (writer/producer) with the legendary agency helmed by Lloyd Robinson is quite a move which, without question, can make a difference for “Studio House On Laurel Canyon.”
