The highly anticipated new Tyler Perry film “Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor” was premiered in Atlanta last week at a star-studded event that brought paparazzi out of the woodwork.

The movie, which goes wide on March 29, stars Jurnee Smollet-Bell (“The Great Debaters”), Lance Gross (“House of Payne”), Robbie Jones (“90210”), Kim Kardashian, Vanessa Williams and Brandy Norwood.

Writer-director-actor Tyler Perry spoke of what he hopes is his “most thought-provoking” movie yet, and gave high marks to his young cast. He also singled out the expectant Kardashion who attended the opening with the baby’s father, Kanye West. “Kim was very professional from day one,” said Perry.

Perry also noted that this premiere was special because it took place in his studio’s home base, and the ATL seemed a little shocked by all the “paparazzi snapping pictures through the trees.” Perry joked that while such behavior is normal in New York or Los Angeles, in Atlanta a person could get hurt.

But in a more serious vein, Perry said the film takes its tone from the subject matter: “It’s about relationships and bad choices, and about how one moment can ruin your life.”

Smollet-Bell plays Judith, an ambitious, married woman who is tempted into adultery by a sexy billionaire named Harley (Jones). Harley is ruthless in his pursuit of Judith, capitalizing on her vulnerabilities and the inattentiveness of her husband Brice (Gross). Harley wines and dines her, flies her around on his private jet, takes care of her sprained ankle, offers her much-needed passion. But things get violent as her husband finally starts to notice that things are different and Harley’s chivalrous facade starts to crumble.

The haunting words, presumably spoken by Judith’s mother, “That man is going to hurt you bad…he’s going to take you straight to hell,” foreshadow a tragic, Shakespearean end.

Kenny Watson in the role of Jesus

“The Cross and The Light,” an acclaimed musical dramatization of the passion, death and resurrection of Christ, will debut at the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts.
This production has been described as the “Broadway version of the ‘Passion of Christ’” because of its original music score, extraordinary stage production, special effects, and high‐caliber actors. “The Cross and The Light” is running for 11 performances from Palm Sunday, March 24, to Easter Sunday, March 31.
“‘The Cross and The Light’ has continually evolved over the years as we have drawn inspiration from personal experiences and thousands of audience members,” said Kelly Nieto, executive producer.
“We’ve developed a production that has received critical acclaim and are thrilled to have grown and revamped the production for its debut at the Music Hall. New audiences will love this and returning fans will have something new to experience.”
Nieto began producing “The Cross and The Light” in 2002, at which time it was named “Living Stations.”
The original music score was written by Nieto and songwriter Nick Dalbis of Crossroads Productions. This production chronicled the passion and death of Christ, and captivated audiences with its powerful musical and theatrical interpretation of the timeless Biblical story.
In 2011, the production moved from Our Lady of Sorrows in Farmington, Mich. to the iconic Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit, where it attracted more than 22,000 audience members.
After rave reviews and inspiration, Nieto decided to continue the story beyond the death of Christ and added a second act, which depicts Christ’s Resurrection to the Pentecost. The union of “Living Stations” and the second act became “The Cross and the Light.”
The cast consists of approximately 45 professional and amateur actors, including Kenny Watson, famed Detroit vocalist who is playing Jesus, and Candice Jackson, portraying Mary Magdalene. Annie Klark, music director of “The Cross and The Light,” said, “We completely recast the show this year and we’re blown away by the caliber of talent we were able to attract and place in the roles. The score is incredible and the cast’s voices are enchanting.”
Performance schedule is as following:
March 24 Palm Sunday – 7:30 p.m.
March 26 (student day) – 10 a.m.
March 27 (senior day) – 10 a.m.
March 28 (family day) – 3 p.m.; 8 p.m.
March 29 Good Friday – noon; 8 p.m.
March 30 3 p.m.; 8 p.m.
March 31 Easter Sunday – 3 p.m.; 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for “The Cross and The Light” range from $35 to $100 and are on sale now. For groups of 25 or more tickets, a 20 to 30 percent discount applies when purchased through the group sales department at 734.788.7073.
For more information about the production, show times or to purchase tickets, visit www.crossandlight.com or www.ticketmaster.com

Friday, 3/29/13 GOOD FRIDAY

Saturday, 3/30/13

Sunday 3/31/13 HAPPY EASTER!

MGM Grand Detroit Executive Pastry Chef Orlando Santos is using his creative dessert talent to create signature gourmet cupcakes and many other specialty desserts for Palette Dining Studio.
Before joining MGM Grand Detroit in 2012, Chef Santos starred on Bravo’s hit show “Top Chef Just Desserts.” Trained in the classical and contemporary art of pastries and artisanal chocolate, he is originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands and incorporates that style as well as French and American flavors into his desserts.
When asked what his favorite cupcake is, he answers that it is with his Chocolate Strawberry Champagne Sensation paired with his Orange Pineapple Sauce. He shares the recipe below.
Chef Santos went on to say, “I love creating unique flavor combinations to make people happy. Using my passion to make decadent desserts is fun and rewarding. It helps that they are a delicious treat and make thoughtful gifts.”
The cupcakes are sold inside the property’s buffet and are available in the classic chocolate and vanilla flavors, as well as options including strawberry and mocha. They can be purchased to enjoy while dining in and are among the few items that can be taken out. An order of one gourmet cupcake costs $5, and an order of four costs $18.
Chocolate Truffle Cupcake
12oz Sugar
4oz Butter
3oz Salad Oil
9 oz Cake Flour
2oz Cocoa Powder
1tsp Baking Soda
2 tsp Baking Powder
8oz Whole Milk
6 Whole Eggs
1tsp Vanilla Extract
Combine the butter sugar and salad oil in a mixing bowl and whip until light and fluffy. Sift together all dry ingredients. Add the whole eggs and vanilla extract one at a time till combined. Add dry ingredients and whole milk alternating in mixing bowl to achieve a smooth cake batter. Place in cupcake tins and bake at 350 F for 45 minutes.
Buttercream Icing
2 lbs Butter
8oz powder sugar
5oz granulated sugar
2oz egg white
1oz Strawberry Champagne Compound mix
Combine butter and powder sugar and whip until light and fluffy. Combine pasteurized egg whites and granulated sugar together and make a meringue. Add the meringue to the whipped butter and powder sugar mixture. Flavor the mixture with the strawberry champagne compound. Spread on cooled cupcakes.