April 30, 2004

After Hours: Give your regards to George M. Cohan

Photo by Chris Bennion Sean Martin Hingston leads the song and dance in "Yankee Doodle Dandy."

SEATTLE -- A musical covering the life and times of legendary showman George M. Cohan is premiering this week at the 5th Avenue Theatre.

The show, developed by 5th Avenue's David Armstrong, follows the brash song-and-dance man throughout his gritty career, as his musical comedy changed the face of Broadway. Cohan's best-known songs include "Give My Regards to Broadway," "Over There," and, of course, "Yankee Doodle Dandy."

A film about Cohan's life starring James Cagney, also called "Yankee Doodle Dandy," was released in 1942, the year Cohan died.

Tickets are $20-$64, and may be purchased by calling (206) 292-ARTS or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com. The 5th Avenue box office also sells tickets. Call (206) 625-1900 for more information, or visit www.5thavenuetheatre.org.

The show runs through May 16. The theater is at 1308 Fifth Ave.

West Coast fetes Cinco de Mayo

MEXICO CITY (AP) -- It's not Mexico's independence day.

But Cinco de Mayo does commemorate a proud moment in the country's history -- when an invading French army was temporarily held in check in 1862 by outnumbered, ill-equipped Mexicans. The victory is celebrated with parades, festivals and other cultural events throughout Mexico and some parts of the United States.

Puebla, where the homegrown victory took place, is known for its churches and chocolate-based mole sauce. But it's also where the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration is held, including a parade down Avenida Cinco de Mayo, a re-enactment of the battle using fruit as ammunition, and a concert.

Closer to home, Cinco de Mayo events include:

• Live music, food and a family-oriented carnival in Portland, May 5 to 9.

• "Charros and Dancing Horse Show" with singing cowboys and horses, the Cinco-K race, music and dance performances, at Shoppers Square in Reno, Nev., May 7 to 9.

• Food, dance, music and a dramatization of the historic battle by local grade-school students in Los Angeles around Olvera Street and other areas, May 3 to 5.

• Live entertainment at Historic State Park and fine Mexican food, in Old Town, San Diego, May 1 to 2.

Lucky dogs get royal hotel treatment

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A custom-made mahogany bed with soft cushions. Garden strolls. A private cabana. Massages. Made-to-order meals.

All that and more is in store for lucky dogs who stay at the destinations honored by Animal Fair magazine's "Five Dog Bone Awards."

Animal Fair (www.animalfair.com) chose the St. Regis Los Angeles, where canine guests can lounge poolside and stay at no extra charge with their human companions, as the "most pet-friendly hotel."

Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos, Mexico, which offers doggie massages and a braised beef supper for guest dogs, won top honors as the "most pet-friendly resort."

FinnAir was singled out as the "most pet-friendly airline" for permitting well-behaved small pets to "enjoy the comfort of his/her companion's lap," and St. Petersburg, Russia, won the award for "most pet-friendly destination."

Wendy Diamond, editor in chief of Animal Fair, chose St. Petersburg after a trip there during which she was able to dine with her dog at a fine restaurant and was even invited to bring the pooch to a performance of the Philharmonic.

Previous columns:

• After Hours: Gospel musical gives hats their due, 04-23-2004
• After Hours: Christian Marclay performs at SAM, 04-16-2004
• After Hours: Bard rocks out at Seattle Center, 04-09-2004
• After Hours: 'Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle' opens at SCT, 04-02-2004
• After Hours: Family copes with a father's death, 03-26-2004
• After Hours: Cervantes returns to the Village Theatre, 03-19-2004
• After Hours: McFerrin, Glover bring on song and dance, 03-12-2004
• After Hours: 6 months of showers bring April flowers, 03-05-2004