SPOTLIGHT
A SPOOKY SPECIAL
For young adults, Darren Shan is to humorous horror what J.K. Rowling
is to magical fantasy. The Brit, author of “Cirque Du Freak” and “The
Vampire’s Assistant,” will appear at the Newport Beach Central Library on
Tuesday to talk about the worlds he creates.
“Cirque Du Freak” is the story of a boy named Darren and his friend
Steve who are obsessed with seeing the acts of the Cirque Du Freak --
including a performing spider. Since spiders are Darren’s obsession, the
show is irresistible. However, the spider’s handler turns out to be a
vampire, and Darren is horrified when he hears Steve beg the man to make
him one too.
Warner Bros. has just bought the film rights for “Cirque du Freak” and
“The Vampire’s Assistant,” which continues the story of Darren.
“I was always interested in horror, both books and movies, and loved
giving myself nightmares,” Shan said. “Many of the books I write now are
rooted in delightfully chilling childhood scare sessions, when I’d keep
myself awake at night, imagining horrible scenarios.”
Shan, whose real name is Darren O’Shaughnessy, has said that he
considers Stephen King and Ray Bradbury to be his idols.
The event is co-sponsored by the library and the Tale of a Whale
Bookstore in Irvine.
FYI
Where: Newport Beach Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
Cost: Free
Call: (949) 717-3801.
Someone cares for a comedy night
Someone Cares Soup Kitchen will hold a comedy night dinner twice on
Saturday to benefit the kitchen’s programs, which provide around 81,000
meals a year. Chef Leon Matthews will be in charge of the meal. The night
will include dinner and a performance by stand-up comedians.
FYI
Where: Someone Cares Soup Kitchen, 720 West 19th St., Costa Mesa
When: 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Cost: $50 in advance, $65 at the door
Call: (949) 548-8861
PLANNING AHEAD
‘RIGOLETTO’
Opera Pacific will present “Rigoletto” by Giuseppe Verdi as the
opening opera of its 2001-02 season.
Tuesday, November 6
RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY FAIRE
The eighth annual Religious Diversity Faire will be held at UC Irvine.
Thursday, November 8
NUMERICALLY SPEAKING
5: The number of Uncle Sam costumes -- their entire stock -- rented
out by Costume Connection in Costa Mesa for Halloween.
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