WWII Hollywood tradition brought back

By Kat Kramer

HOLLYWOOD TODAY (Hollywood, CA) 5/17/08 –  Some may recall the famed, local Hollywood Canteen Club that opened during World War II on Cahuenga Boulevard.  If you were alive back then, you are probably familiar with it.  It was started by legendary actors Bette Davis and John Garfield, and a movie was even made where they played themselves, along with then – ingénue, Joan Leslie.  It’s title?  “Hollywood Canteen.”  Well on Sunday, May 18, actors Jon Voight, James Caan, and a good number of other celebrities will participate in The Hollywood Canteen’s Veteran BBQ at the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration.  They are scheduled to serve lunch to 12,000 veterans and their families.  It is hosted by The Beverly Hills Creative Arts Temple, led by Jeff Cutler and Joann Roth-Oseary.  It’s an “unorthodox congregation,” that promotes social service.

According to Rabbi Jerry Cutler, head of the Creative Arts Temple, “The veterans have unselfishly given of themselves – it’s about time we give something back.”  It will be a memorable day of fun, and will draw together veteran’s families from all over Southern California.  Entertainment will include the LA All-Stars band featuring Rockstar, and storytelling by Screen Actor’s Guild Foundation’s Book Pals.  For info please visit http://www.creativeartstemple.org/hollywoodcanteen.

Andrea Michaels Extraordinary Events is producing the affair, and the barbecue is catered by Joann Roth-Oseary’s, “Someone In The Kitchen.”  It’s clear that the original “Hollywood Canteen” inspired the May 18 event, a memorable moment where the most glamorous stars of the day volunteered to wait tables, cook, and entertain the three million soldiers who dropped in, free of charge.  “Hollywood Canteen” begins at noon on Sunday, May 18, at The Wadsworth Theater, on the grounds of the West Los Angeles, VA.