Grace Murray

California, Los Angeles

Journalist at Freelance

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orangecoast.com

Articles

“Weirdly Walter”: Julia Walton’s Latest Novel Brings Heart, Humor, and Hard Truths for Young Readers

3 days ago | orangecoast.com | Grace Murray

The Chapman and UC Irvine alum has written several books for older kids and young adults, and had her debut young adult novel “Words on Bathroom Walls” turned into a feature film. Her fourth book follows a charming and hilarious young boy named Walter. He has only ever known a life spent with his hero and idol—his father. When he finds himself starting fifth grade in a new town and at a new school without his dad, his whole life feels turned upside down.
Events in O.C. this week: May 7th through 13th

1 week ago | orangecoast.com | Grace Murray

OPENS MAY 8ANNUAL MUCK JAZZ FESTFor 20 years, the Muckenthaler has hosted its jazz festival that runs from the beginning of May through the beginning of June. The Fullerton Jazz Orchestra will kick off the festival with a performance on May 8 with clarinetist and saxophonist Ken Peplowski. Glenn Cashman will perform saxophone alongside other musicians on May 15.
Top Things to Do in O.C.: April 30th through May 6th

2 weeks ago | orangecoast.com | Grace Murray

OPENS APRIL 30“FENCES”Once at the top of his game as a star in the Negro baseball leagues, Troy Maxson finds himself struggling to get by as a garbage man in Pittsburgh. It’s 1957 and Maxson is now a father and a husband, but dealing with his own disappointments threatens to ruin his life as he knows it. The Pulitzer Prize-winning tragic drama by August Wilson is a powerful and emotional examination of the African American experience.
Events this week in O.C.: April 23rd through 29th

3 weeks ago | orangecoast.com | Grace Murray

OPENS APRIL 23“HAMILTON”The life story of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton unfolds in musical form with a robust R&B, hip hop, and jazz-infused score. The critically acclaimed musical has won 11 Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, a Grammy, and more. Developed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the tragic story offers a unique look at the beginning of the nation with commentary on education, culture, and politics.
Top Things to Do in O.C.: April 16th through 22nd

1 month ago | orangecoast.com | Grace Murray

APRIL 18“A FABULOUS 50TH: CHICAGO AND A CHORUS LINE!”Broadway was forever changed when “Chicago” and “A Chorus Line” hit the stage in the summer of 1975 with incredible soundtracks, actors, and storylines. Both musicals went on to win multiple Tony Awards each and have continued to surprise and delight audiences decades later. This performance gathers Broadway legends to perform the music of Marvin Hamlisch and Kander & Ebb.
Events this week in O.C.: April 9th through 15th

1 month ago | orangecoast.com | Grace Murray

APRIL 12 AND 13IMAGINOLOGYEvery year, the OC Fair and Event Center invites the public to a free day of STEAM education events. From preschool to high school, all students and their families are welcome to participate in demonstrations, workshops, competitions, hands-on learning experiences, and more. The Centennial Farm will open its doors for visitors, and kids are welcome to participate in 4-H events along with a handful of other competitions, including chess and engineering.
Gluten-Free Baking Star Lisa Altfest on Food Network Fame and Her Magical Cake Creations

1 month ago | orangecoast.com | Grace Murray

In 2012, Altfest launched A Real Sweet Thing, her custom, 100 percent gluten-free cookies and cakes business. She made a name for herself with her elaborate designs, which range from towering, tiered cakes to intricately piped sugar cookies. Altfest has worked to popularize gluten-free baking by competing on shows such as Hulu’s “Baker’s Dozen” and Food Network’s “Halloween Cookie Challenge,” and she also recently released an e-book.
Events this week in O.C.: April 2nd through 8th

1 month ago | orangecoast.com | Grace Murray

APRIL 3 THROUGH 6“THE WINTER’S TALE”Experience the premiere of a new show from American Ballet Theatre. Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon brings Shakespeare’s dramatic play to life as a dancing spectacular. Featuring beautiful costumes and detailed sets, the ballet depicts a tumultuous tale of love stories and relationships facing uncertainty and tension.
Events this week in O.C.: March 26th through April 1st

1 month ago | orangecoast.com | Grace Murray

OPENS MARCH 28“FANCY NANCY THE MUSICAL”Nancy and four of her friends must work together to prepare for their first show together, “Deep Sea Dances.” The 6-year-old is certain she and her friend Bree will be cast as mermaids, but Nancy is shocked to discover she’s been chosen to play a tree instead. But, if there’s one thing Nancy does best, it’s make anything and everything fancy. With her usual flare and pizzazz, she will make the most of her role.
Behind the Scenes with Hisa Takakuwa: Shaping Actors, Storytellers, and Artists

1 month ago | orangecoast.com | Grace Murray

Takakuwa wears a lot of hats in her role at South Coast Repertory. In her 33 years with the theater, she has performed onstage, taught acting, directed and produced shows, developed curriculum, managed community outreach, and more. But it never gets old. Not even the yearly performances of “A Christmas Carol” that she’s either acted in or directed since the year she started. For Takakuwa, the opportunity to inspire new performers keeps her job fresh and exciting.