Face off

It's that time of year again, when the U.S. Open Series comes to town and fluorescent green becomes the new black.

But according to New York publicist Leah Minium, this year, it's another color that will be hitting the stands: "Evian Pink."

She says there's a secret to how tennis stud James Blake keeps his cool look while playing on the courts.

"Style-savvy tennis fans at the Olympus U.S. Open Series and New York's U.S. Open will be able refresh their sun-drenched skin with a specially designed Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray," Minium said.

"Proving his talents reach far beyond the court, tennis superstar and Evian poster-boy James Blake is proud to add his design to the Limited Edition James Blake Brumisateur for fans to walk away with as a memento from their time spent with Evian at the U.S. Open Series."

Blake, 28, who grew up in Fairfield, Conn., with singer John Mayer and who attended Harvard, was given the nickname "Squirt Gun" growing up, according to Minium.

Now, it's his tennis fans pulling the trigger on his new design.

"It's a chance to take him to the court and spend face time with this eighth-ranked American when looking for a quick revival," said Minium, referring to the bonuses of using the new product.

Also, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Blake's Limited Edition Design will go to support the United States Tennis Association's Tennis and Education Foundation and the Harlem Jr. Tennis Education Program.

Blake's design follows the curvaceous shape of the traditional Evian Brumisateur, with each bottle featuring an autograph image and action shot of Blake offering up his game-winning serve. The signature pink bubbles have evolved into a row of miniature pink tennis balls that capture the spirit of the U.S. Open while subtly reflecting the purity of the water inside.

And if you aren't able to make it the Big Apple for the U.S. Open Series, the James Blake Brumisateur is also available for sale at www.ShopEvian.com for $5.50.

More tickets

Good news from the Star Plaza Theatre last week.

Star Plaza Theatre CEO and Talent Buyer Charlie Blum and his staff have announced another show added to the the line-up of their upcoming regional show staged by Star Productions "Disney's High School Musical," which will feature our own region's stellar talent.

Star Productions presents "Disney's High School Musical" as a community theater production, running Aug. 15, 16 and 17 with tickets ranging from $20 to $25.

Over the weekend, sales began for the new afternoon show at 2 p.m. on Aug 16, in addition to the 8 p.m. show that day.

Tickets available at Ticketmaster and the Star Plaza box office or by calling (219) 791-1234 or (312) 559-1212.

Proceeds from that performance will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at ppotempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.

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