Glitz, glamour and gore visited the Burnight Center theater for ‘Hollywood Forever’, by the Cerritos College Cosmetology Departments Annual Student Hair and Makeup Showcase originally created by Pat Novinski, Instructor, Department Chair of Cosmetology. 

The showcase was a modern and retrospective look at the design and esthetic of various icons of the many eras of Hollywood. 

The showcase was commenced by a spirited dance number, choreographed by Alyssa Zambrano, which had a style and flare that was reminiscent of the golden age of Hollywood.

Tributes to celluloid heroes in showbiz appeared big as life. The model portraying Marilyn Monroe circa 1955 blew kisses and waved sweetly to the audience.

We had Breakfast at Tiffany’s with Audrey Hepburn in her trademark small black dress. David Bowie glammed and Lady Gaga sparkled.

We journeyed back to the land of Oz once again with Dorothy and her friends. Michael Jackson moon walked and Vampira haunted us beautifully with blood dripping from her lips.

With the efforts of the cosmetology department, these icons one by one took center stage once more and reminded the audience of the majesty and mystique they contributed in the entertainment industry.

Cosmetology major Holly Markert, President of the cosmetology club took charge of putting this showcase together. 

Markert had 2 weeks of preparation to put this event together and it proved to be a challenge she was more than prepared for. 

Working under pressure is not new or unwelcomed to her, “I’m glad that I’m the person they chose to be able to put this production together because it was a lot of work. It was stressful for me, but I have a very high tolerance for stress.” 

Markert stayed in the wings but did get a sense of the audience reaction. ‘I had goose bumps through most of the show every time I heard the audience cheer.’ She said.

“I saw the light in the eyes in the people that were watching, that were excited with what they were participating in, and that really made it exciting for me.” Markert said.

The Lucille Ball’s character, fashioned by Cosmetology major Melissa Guillen and April Hicks generated big laughs as she paid tribute to ‘Lucy’s Italian Movie’ episode 23 of season 5 of the ‘I love Lucy’ series, Guillen explains, ‘We ran with it. There were a couple of ideas but this one stuck out the most.’ 

Lucy stomped the ground crushing imaginary grapes in perfect Lucille Ball comedic style. 

Last minute changes and other challenges did not manage to stop undecided major Carolina Perez from creating her masterpiece with Vampira.

Her original model came down with stomach flu, so a last minute change resulted in psychology major Alejandra Sanchez to step in and haunt us all. “We just met today. I was doing makeup and I was asked to fill in.” Her macabre portrayal of the original mistress of the dark proved to be an audience favorite.

Cosmetology major Tawny Moore was out to bring fear to the audience. She recreated the ground grabbing ghoulish girl from ‘The Grudge.’ 

“I love gory movies. The show needed more horror so I wanted to give something that’s different, so we had her crawling on the floor and the black eye makeup.”

With help from Monique Eunice, cosmetology major. Eunice played the vengeful spirit as she crawled on the floor drumming up screeches and thrilled laughter from a captive audience.

Thanking Spaghetti for everything she is today, the recreation of Sophia Loren was achieved beautifully by Amber Lacour and Celina Magana. 

Amy Winehouse’s character left the wine at home but still managed to ooze controversy across the stage, compliments of esthetician major Christina Mosqueda and cosmetology major Julia Ayala.

‘Hollywood Forever’ is an annual event sponsored and produced by the cosmetology department.

It is meant to bring attention to the services provided by the cosmetology department and all the student body is invited to benefit from its talented students and low rates. For more information please contact Pat Novinski at 562-860-2451 ext. 2956