Dangers & Discoveries in Southern California

Can I share a secret with you? Even though I’ve been in the US for more than two decades, I have never been to southern California — until last weekend that is. Our Selected Shorts celebrations continued with the 25th anniversary of Selected Shorts at the Getty Museum in LA, so I journeyed across the country to celebrate this important milestone.

One of the great things about Selected Shorts events in LA is that we draw on the large community of actors there. Last weekend we welcomed back long-time readers like René Auberjonois, Josh Radnor, Thomas Gibson and his crime fighting colleague Kirsten Vangsness (perhaps best known for their work on Criminal Minds), as well as first time readers Pablo Schreiber (from Orange is the New Black), Joanna Whalley, and — an actor whose portrayal of Walter White in Breaking Bad is the epitome of danger — Bryan Cranston. And, last but certainly not least, the irrepressible and charming Jane Kaczmarek hosted all three readings.

Jane Kaczmarek, Bryan Cranston, Melora Hardin, Kirsten Vangsness, and Josh Radnor take a bow at a Selected Shorts

With three Selected Shorts events plus screenings of Art and Heart, the documentary on Isaiah Sheffer, I didn’t have much time for sightseeing. My time was pretty much spent at the Getty — not that I am complaining! With the amazing views across LA, beautiful gardens, and an impressive art collection including the amazing temporary exhibition of photographs by Robert Mapplethorpe, the Getty Museum was a wonderful place to spend a weekend.

The view of downtown LA from the Getty. Even with a little bit of California pollution, you can see for miles and miles

For those of you who missed the event, the readings will be featured in upcoming Shorts radio shows and podcasts. Stay tuned!