Barbara Neal Varma

2 months ago | latimes.com | Barbara Neal Varma

A debilitating divorce that netted me half a condo and little self-esteem had landed me here: standing in line waiting for the doors to open to L.A.’s Hollywood Men, the kind of neon-sign male strip club made famous in the “Magic Mike” movies. I was not alone, having begged my good friend, a stay-at-home mom of two I’ll call Debbie, to please, please, please come with me on this, my 35th birthday. “Sure, sounds like fun,” she said as if agreeing to a Sunday movie matinee.

2 months ago | aol.com | Barbara Neal Varma

A debilitating divorce that netted me half a condo and little self-esteem had landed me here: standing in line waiting for the doors to open to L.A.’s Hollywood Men, the kind of neon-sign male strip club made famous in the "Magic Mike" movies. I was not alone, having begged my good friend, a stay-at-home mom of two I’ll call Debbie, to please, please, please come with me on this, my 35th birthday. “Sure, sounds like fun,” she said as if agreeing to a Sunday movie matinee.

Feb 19, 2024 | salon.com | Barbara Neal Varma

"The Sopranos" turned 25 this year, stirring memories of the groundbreaking HBO series that made fictional mob boss Tony Soprano, played by the late James Gandolfini, a TV icon. I know I’ll never forget the very first time I heard “Someone’s gonna get whacked tonight!” Especially since it came from my sweet 80-year-old mom. I pressed the phone closer to my ear. “What’d you say, Mom?”“Someone’s gonna get whacked tonight.

Oct 27, 2023 | orangecoast.com | Barbara Neal Varma

56 Number of seasons the Pacific Chorale has entertained Orange County 5 Times in the 2023-24 season the chorale will sing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Pacific Symphony 40 Works of music the chorale has premiered since its inception in 1968 19 Countries the Pacific Chorale has toured in and performed for since its inception 7 Years since the group has toured internationally 519 Days the Chorale was unable to perform at Segerstrom Center due to the pandemic 200+ Number of singers,...

Oct 25, 2023 | orangecoast.com | Barbara Neal Varma

According to your website, the OCWC has been “causing treble” since 1997. Do tell. One thing that has characterized this group over the years is we do not shy away from social issues such as book bannings and gun violence. Sure, it’s nice to give a concert that’s entertaining and beautiful; but while we’ve got a voice and a stage, we want to talk about things that are important to us and our audience. Guilty of shattering glass ceilings, too? Absolutely.