Throughout the 1950s, big-budget musicals were de rigueur for Hollywood, and there was a sudden glut of epics that sported gigantic budgets, recognizable stars, and no small amount of studio hype. Such films were exhibited as touring roadshow productions, which was a great way for films to make fistfuls of cash. Roadshow epics were also, it should be noted, a concerted ploy by studios to distract audiences from the rising threat of television. Studios felt the need to invest a lot of money into musicals and epics, hoping the massive productions could draw people into theaters and keep the industry afloat.
One might logically predict, however, that Hollywood tried to ride the trend of epics for a little longer than was healthy, and foolish overspending eventually became common. The age of the "roadshow epic" pretty much came to a close with the release of the notorious bomb "Cleopatra" in 1963.
But then,...
One might logically predict, however, that Hollywood tried to ride the trend of epics for a little longer than was healthy, and foolish overspending eventually became common. The age of the "roadshow epic" pretty much came to a close with the release of the notorious bomb "Cleopatra" in 1963.
But then,...
- 6/3/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Jeff Harris and Bernie Kukoff's sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" debuted in 1978 and ran 189 episodes over a whopping eight seasons. The series starred Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges as Arnold and Willis Jackson, two impoverished kids from Harlem whose mother had recently died. They were adopted by the wealthy Mr. Drummond (Conrad Bain), a Park Avenue millionaire. The series revolved around the relationship Arnold and Willis developed with their adopted father, new sister Kimberly (Dana Plato), and one of three kindly housekeepers. In the 1984 season, Mr. Drummond married a woman named Maggie, and she was played by Dixie Carter for two years before being replaced by Mary Ann Mobley.
"Diff'rent Strokes" wasn't just overwhelmingly popular, but it also served as a template for a decade's worth of booming sitcoms. It was "Diff'rent Strokes" that famously presented "very special episodes" about serious issues like drug addiction, homelessness, eating disorders, and looking out...
"Diff'rent Strokes" wasn't just overwhelmingly popular, but it also served as a template for a decade's worth of booming sitcoms. It was "Diff'rent Strokes" that famously presented "very special episodes" about serious issues like drug addiction, homelessness, eating disorders, and looking out...
- 5/27/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Louis Armstrong’s 1968 BBC session in London — which the legendary trumpeter and singer felt was his “last great” performance — will finally be released this summer.
Louis in London, out July 12 via Verve Records and available to preorder now, captures Armstrong and his All-Stars band on July 2, 1968, where the group played over a dozen Armstrong favorites at the BBC for a concert special that aired later that year.
Ahead of the LP’s release, listen to the evening’s unearthed rendition of his Song of the Year Grammy-winning “Hello, Dolly!...
Louis in London, out July 12 via Verve Records and available to preorder now, captures Armstrong and his All-Stars band on July 2, 1968, where the group played over a dozen Armstrong favorites at the BBC for a concert special that aired later that year.
Ahead of the LP’s release, listen to the evening’s unearthed rendition of his Song of the Year Grammy-winning “Hello, Dolly!...
- 5/22/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Jerry Herman’s musical “Hello, Dolly!” dominated the 18th Tony Awards which took place at the New York Hilton on May 24, 1964. “Hello, Dolly!” entered the ceremony with 11 nominations and walked out with ten awards including best musical, best actress for Carol Channing, original score for Herman and for Gower Champion’s choreography and direction.
Other musicals in contention for multiple awards that year were “High Spirits,” based on Noel Coward’s classic comedy “Blithe Spirit,” “Funny Girl,” which transformed Barbra Streisand into a Broadway superstar, and “110 in the Shade,” based on the straight play “The Rainmaker.”
Bert Lahr, best known as the Cowardly Lion in the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz,” won lead actor in a musical for “Foxy,” based on Ben Jonson’s “Volpone.” The musical was not a hit closed after 72 performances. Also nominated in the category was Bob Fosse for a short-lived revival of Rodgers and Hart’s “Pal Joey.
Other musicals in contention for multiple awards that year were “High Spirits,” based on Noel Coward’s classic comedy “Blithe Spirit,” “Funny Girl,” which transformed Barbra Streisand into a Broadway superstar, and “110 in the Shade,” based on the straight play “The Rainmaker.”
Bert Lahr, best known as the Cowardly Lion in the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz,” won lead actor in a musical for “Foxy,” based on Ben Jonson’s “Volpone.” The musical was not a hit closed after 72 performances. Also nominated in the category was Bob Fosse for a short-lived revival of Rodgers and Hart’s “Pal Joey.
- 5/15/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
The original 1964 Broadway production of "Hello, Dolly!" was considered a showcase for its star, Carol Channing, and little else. At the time, critics were not entirely kind, saying the show had "unnecessary vulgar and frenzied touches," and that they "wouldn't say that Jerry Herman's score is memorable." Despite the middling reviews, "Hello, Dolly!" won 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Leading Actress (for Channing), Best Direction, Best Choreography, and Best Original Score.
The mid-'60s were a weirdly fraught time for major Hollywood musicals, as the genre provided some of the era's biggest hits, but also some of its biggest bombs. In 1964, Disney had a big hit with "Mary Poppins" and Warner Bros. made bank with "My Fair Lady," so musicals were suddenly on the rise. In 1965, Fox released "The Sound of Music," adapted from the stage production by Rodgers and Hammerstein, and it proved to be one of...
The mid-'60s were a weirdly fraught time for major Hollywood musicals, as the genre provided some of the era's biggest hits, but also some of its biggest bombs. In 1964, Disney had a big hit with "Mary Poppins" and Warner Bros. made bank with "My Fair Lady," so musicals were suddenly on the rise. In 1965, Fox released "The Sound of Music," adapted from the stage production by Rodgers and Hammerstein, and it proved to be one of...
- 5/5/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Imelda Staunton will reportedly be absent from the third 'Downton Abbey' movie.The 68-year-old actress played Lady Maud Bagshaw in the first two films in the franchise but she's not expected to reprise the role because of her commitments to London stage production 'Hello Dolly!', which she will be starring in while the project films over the summer.However, Imelda's real-life husband, Jim Carter, will be back as Charles Carson, as will Hugh Bonneville as the Earl of Grantham.A source told The Sun newspaper: “This will no doubt be sad news for Downton fans, in particular those who were endeared by the character of Lady Maud.“But they will draw some comfort from the fact that two of the best-loved central characters will be returning for this third outing.“It still remains to be seen if the producers and writer Julian Fellowes will be...
- 4/10/2024
- by Viki Waters
- Bang Showbiz
Trading Spaces‘ star, Paige Davis, is all set to re-enter the spotlight with a fresh new project! Although she moved to Home Made Simple for two years right after Trading Spaces ended, what followed was a hiatus in her TV career. However, the American TV personality and actress is all set to star in an upcoming short film that will be released in June 2024. This would be her next major role since the 2022 musical Hello, Dolly, and a nice step up for her to be in the spotlight again after the Trading Spaces revival of 2018. After her
The post What is Paige Davis’ Net Worth? first appeared on TVovermind.
The post What is Paige Davis’ Net Worth? first appeared on TVovermind.
- 4/9/2024
- by Safwan Azeem
- TVovermind.com
Bette Midler might have been channel surfing Saturday when she tweeted out a query: “Is it too late for me to become a Real Housewife of Beverly Hills? I’ve never watched it, but I am in the mood to talk some s–t. And to get paid for it? A dream!”
The legendary entertainer even got the cosign from “Real Housewives” network Bravo and producer Andy Cohen.
“Talk about a glorious crossover,” the official @BravoTV X account tweeted.
“It’s time!” Cohen added.
Responding to Cohen with a retweet, Midler shared what she thinks her “Housewives” tagline would be: “I think my tagline should be, ‘Those Beaches don’t know what’s about to hit ’em!!'”
Is it too late for me to become a Real Housewife of Beverly Hills? I’ve never watched it, but I am in the mood to talk some shit. And to get paid for it?...
The legendary entertainer even got the cosign from “Real Housewives” network Bravo and producer Andy Cohen.
“Talk about a glorious crossover,” the official @BravoTV X account tweeted.
“It’s time!” Cohen added.
Responding to Cohen with a retweet, Midler shared what she thinks her “Housewives” tagline would be: “I think my tagline should be, ‘Those Beaches don’t know what’s about to hit ’em!!'”
Is it too late for me to become a Real Housewife of Beverly Hills? I’ve never watched it, but I am in the mood to talk some shit. And to get paid for it?...
- 3/31/2024
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
The films in contention for the 2024 Best Costume Design Oscar are “Barbie,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Napoleon,” “Oppenheimer,” and “Poor Things.” Our current odds posit “Barbie” (10/3) as the frontrunner, followed in order by “Poor Things” (7/2), “Killers of the Flower Moon” (9/2), “Oppenheimer” (9/2), and “Napoleon” (9/2).
Since she was previously feted for “Anna Karenina” (2013) and “Little Women” (2020), Jacqueline Durran’s ninth career nomination for “Barbie” could make her the dozenth costumer with three or more wins. As is the case this time, her 2020 bid resulted from a collaboration with director Greta Gerwig, while her 2013 one was her third of five for a Joe Wright film, after “Pride & Prejudice” (2006) and “Atonement” (2008) and before “Darkest Hour” (2018) and “Cyrano” (2022). Her remaining two bids came for “Mr. Turner” (2015) and “Beauty and the Beast” (2018).
Durran is now involved in a rematch with Jacqueline West (“Killers of the Flower Moon”), who, as a nominee for “Dune,” lost...
Since she was previously feted for “Anna Karenina” (2013) and “Little Women” (2020), Jacqueline Durran’s ninth career nomination for “Barbie” could make her the dozenth costumer with three or more wins. As is the case this time, her 2020 bid resulted from a collaboration with director Greta Gerwig, while her 2013 one was her third of five for a Joe Wright film, after “Pride & Prejudice” (2006) and “Atonement” (2008) and before “Darkest Hour” (2018) and “Cyrano” (2022). Her remaining two bids came for “Mr. Turner” (2015) and “Beauty and the Beast” (2018).
Durran is now involved in a rematch with Jacqueline West (“Killers of the Flower Moon”), who, as a nominee for “Dune,” lost...
- 3/6/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Rita McKenzie, the actress and singer best known for her boisterous performances in the one-woman show Ethel Merman’s Broadway, died Saturday in Los Angeles after a long illness, her husband, talent agent Scott Stander, announced. She was 76.
McKenzie first starred on stage as the powerful Merman — star of such iconic Broadway hits as Anything Goes, Annie Get Your Gun, Gypsy and Hello, Dolly! — in New York in 1988.
Belting out tunes like “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “I Got Rhythm” and “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” McKenzie toured throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia in what many consider the longest-running one-woman show in theatrical history.
She also starred in parts that Merman made famous: Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes!, the gunslinger in a 50th anniversary tour of Annie Get Your Gun and Rose in Gypsy.
Watch her perform here.
A native of Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, McKenzie starred...
McKenzie first starred on stage as the powerful Merman — star of such iconic Broadway hits as Anything Goes, Annie Get Your Gun, Gypsy and Hello, Dolly! — in New York in 1988.
Belting out tunes like “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “I Got Rhythm” and “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” McKenzie toured throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia in what many consider the longest-running one-woman show in theatrical history.
She also starred in parts that Merman made famous: Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes!, the gunslinger in a 50th anniversary tour of Annie Get Your Gun and Rose in Gypsy.
Watch her perform here.
A native of Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, McKenzie starred...
- 2/18/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The New Hollywood revolution was raging in 1971, and studios were rapidly transitioning from old-school leadership to boat-rocking up-and-comers who seemed to have the pulse of the Baby Boomer-driven counterculture. The age of star-studded mega-musicals and old-fashioned oaters was over; movies didn't necessarily need a serrated edge to slash into the zeitgeist, but even a weepie like Arthur Hiller's "Love Story" boasted a lived-in verisimilitude. These films, shorn of backlot artifice, were happening in the real world.
Young moviegoers weren't the only ones craving authenticity. John Schlesinger's "Midnight Cowboy" couldn't have been voted Best Picture of 1969 without significant support from gray-haired Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences members. This was a film that plunged viewers into the seamiest iteration of New York City ever captured by a studio movie, that dealt with issues of sex work and homosexuality so unflinchingly that the MPAA (now known as MPA) gave it an X-rating.
Young moviegoers weren't the only ones craving authenticity. John Schlesinger's "Midnight Cowboy" couldn't have been voted Best Picture of 1969 without significant support from gray-haired Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences members. This was a film that plunged viewers into the seamiest iteration of New York City ever captured by a studio movie, that dealt with issues of sex work and homosexuality so unflinchingly that the MPAA (now known as MPA) gave it an X-rating.
- 2/16/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Updated: There has been another round of content removal from Disney+, this time in the Emea region, which consists of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. More than 120 titles have been taken off this week, primarily Disney Channel original movies and vintage Disney live-action films, as well as a few series, including Zeke and Luther, Pepper Ann, So Random and the first three seasons of Nat Geo’s Genius and ESPN/Nat Geo docs.
According to sources, the takedowns were a result of a library title review. There have been several content purges at Disney+ over the last year amid cost-cutting, most notably the removal of a slew of original series last May.
Here is a list of movie titles that are said to be gone from Disney+ in Emea, compiled by Drew Ryan.
A Tale of Two Critters
America’s Heart and Soul
Angry Sky (ESPN)
Babes in Toyland...
According to sources, the takedowns were a result of a library title review. There have been several content purges at Disney+ over the last year amid cost-cutting, most notably the removal of a slew of original series last May.
Here is a list of movie titles that are said to be gone from Disney+ in Emea, compiled by Drew Ryan.
A Tale of Two Critters
America’s Heart and Soul
Angry Sky (ESPN)
Babes in Toyland...
- 2/3/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Anyone who didn’t perfectly predict this year’s Oscar nominees for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design has a uniquely valid excuse. This applies to all but a tiny fraction of Gold Derby’s nearly 11,000 prognosticators, whose solid consensus ultimately conflicted with the academy’s highly unusual decision to populate both categories with the same five films: “Barbie,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Napoleon,” “Oppenheimer,” and “Poor Things.” Since these two craft races have only been completely congruent twice before, it’s especially understandable that very few people anticipated this outcome.
The film that mainly tripped folks up in this case was “Napoleon,” which garnered support from only 49.9% of our users in the costume design race and scraped by with a production design backing rate of just 7.5%. In the former category, many had trouble settling on two of four on-the-bubble candidates, while the latter’s pesky fifth slot...
The film that mainly tripped folks up in this case was “Napoleon,” which garnered support from only 49.9% of our users in the costume design race and scraped by with a production design backing rate of just 7.5%. In the former category, many had trouble settling on two of four on-the-bubble candidates, while the latter’s pesky fifth slot...
- 2/2/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Film historians, critics and cineastes have heralded 1939 as the greatest year for Hollywood films. It was the year that saw the release of such classics as “Gone with the Wind,” “Stagecoach,” “Love Affair,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” “Young Mr. Lincoln” and “Wuthering Heights.” That’s just the tip of the iceberg
But what about Broadway? A case can be made for 1964, which saw the debuts of three musicals that became classics: “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Funny Girl” and “Hello, Dolly!”
Broadway was changing in the 1960s. Oscar Hammerstein II died in 1960; Irving Berlin’s last show was the disappointing 1962 “Mr. President”; and Cole Porter, who died in 1964, hadn’t had a musical on Broadway since the 1950s. Sixty years ago, a group of young talented composers and lyricists were the toast of the Great White Way.
Like Jerry Herman. He was all of 30 when “Milk...
But what about Broadway? A case can be made for 1964, which saw the debuts of three musicals that became classics: “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Funny Girl” and “Hello, Dolly!”
Broadway was changing in the 1960s. Oscar Hammerstein II died in 1960; Irving Berlin’s last show was the disappointing 1962 “Mr. President”; and Cole Porter, who died in 1964, hadn’t had a musical on Broadway since the 1950s. Sixty years ago, a group of young talented composers and lyricists were the toast of the Great White Way.
Like Jerry Herman. He was all of 30 when “Milk...
- 2/1/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: With interest in the great 20th Century American writer Thornton Wilder about to get one of its periodic surges – a major Broadway revival of Our Town is coming this year, and Hello, Dolly!, the musical based on Wilder’s 1954 play The Matchmaker, will open on London’s West End this summer in a revival starring The Crown‘s Imelda Staunton – the estate guarding the author’s works has named its first non-family Literary Executor in 28 years to oversee all of its intellectual properties.
Jeremy McCarter, the former New York Magazine drama critic and co-author with Lin-Manuel Miranda of the bestselling behind-the-scenes non-fiction book Hamilton: The Revolution, has been named Literary Executor of the Wilder Family LLC. He assumes the role this month from Thornton Wilder’s nephew Tappan Wilder, who has held the post since 1995.
Tappan Wilder announced McCarter’s appointment to Deadline today. McCarter will serve as a...
Jeremy McCarter, the former New York Magazine drama critic and co-author with Lin-Manuel Miranda of the bestselling behind-the-scenes non-fiction book Hamilton: The Revolution, has been named Literary Executor of the Wilder Family LLC. He assumes the role this month from Thornton Wilder’s nephew Tappan Wilder, who has held the post since 1995.
Tappan Wilder announced McCarter’s appointment to Deadline today. McCarter will serve as a...
- 1/8/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Barbra Streisand has revealed that she has no plans to return to the big screen anytime soon.
The Egot winner, who hasn’t starred in a movie in more than a decade, recently told People Magazine that the movie-making process can be tiring.
“I mean, it was 2009 that I was fighting for the rights to play Gypsy,” she said. “In other words, it gets exhausting, trying to come up with the structure of the movie and then have it not happen.”
But Streisand admitted that if she could have made her movies, she “never would’ve written a book. I had such good movies to make, meaning they were about things I cared about, very interesting subjects.”
The actress-singer has tried to get several projects made over the years, including The Normal Heart, Gypsy and a sequel to The Way We Were. She recently said on The Howard Stern Show...
The Egot winner, who hasn’t starred in a movie in more than a decade, recently told People Magazine that the movie-making process can be tiring.
“I mean, it was 2009 that I was fighting for the rights to play Gypsy,” she said. “In other words, it gets exhausting, trying to come up with the structure of the movie and then have it not happen.”
But Streisand admitted that if she could have made her movies, she “never would’ve written a book. I had such good movies to make, meaning they were about things I cared about, very interesting subjects.”
The actress-singer has tried to get several projects made over the years, including The Normal Heart, Gypsy and a sequel to The Way We Were. She recently said on The Howard Stern Show...
- 12/6/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Can there be any lingering doubt about who truly holds the Queen of Christmas crown? Brenda Lee has returned to the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” 65 years after the song’s 1958 recording.
The chart-topper sees the singer once known as Little Miss Dynamite breaking at least several Billboard records, including the longest wait between a song’s release and reaching #1, and the longest span between an artist’s #1 hits. At 78, Lee becomes the oldest person to ever top the chart, a record previously held by Louis Armstrong, who was 62 when “Hello, Dolly” peaked in 1964.
Just 13 when she recorded what would become one of the most beloved and enduring holiday classics, Lee has been celebrating the song’s 65th anniversary with a flurry of activity: Last month she appeared in the song’s first-ever video, featuring cameos by country stars Tanya Tucker and...
The chart-topper sees the singer once known as Little Miss Dynamite breaking at least several Billboard records, including the longest wait between a song’s release and reaching #1, and the longest span between an artist’s #1 hits. At 78, Lee becomes the oldest person to ever top the chart, a record previously held by Louis Armstrong, who was 62 when “Hello, Dolly” peaked in 1964.
Just 13 when she recorded what would become one of the most beloved and enduring holiday classics, Lee has been celebrating the song’s 65th anniversary with a flurry of activity: Last month she appeared in the song’s first-ever video, featuring cameos by country stars Tanya Tucker and...
- 12/4/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Brenda Lee is making history!
The 78-year-old singer rocketed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with her holiday classic “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” as of Monday (December 4).
This is the first time the song went to No. 1 on the chart, 65 years after its release. It’s also her third No. 1 hit, and her first since 1960.
Keep reading to find out more…For its 65th anniversary, the song received its first official video, featuring cameos from country stars Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood.
It’s now the third holiday No. 1 in Hot 100 history, and shatters the record for the longest wait from a song’s release to go No. 1.
Brenda Lee is now the oldest artist to ever top the chart, passing Louis Armstrong, who was 62 when “Hello, Dolly!” led in 1964. Congratulations!
Similarly, Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” is now at No. 4, Wham!’s “Last Christmas” is No. 5, Burl...
The 78-year-old singer rocketed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with her holiday classic “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” as of Monday (December 4).
This is the first time the song went to No. 1 on the chart, 65 years after its release. It’s also her third No. 1 hit, and her first since 1960.
Keep reading to find out more…For its 65th anniversary, the song received its first official video, featuring cameos from country stars Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood.
It’s now the third holiday No. 1 in Hot 100 history, and shatters the record for the longest wait from a song’s release to go No. 1.
Brenda Lee is now the oldest artist to ever top the chart, passing Louis Armstrong, who was 62 when “Hello, Dolly!” led in 1964. Congratulations!
Similarly, Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” is now at No. 4, Wham!’s “Last Christmas” is No. 5, Burl...
- 12/4/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
In 1964 Barbra Streisand became a star when she opened the original Broadway production of “Funny Girl” as real-life actress, singer and comedian Fanny Brice. Despite rave reviews, she ended up losing the Tony for Best Actress in a Musical to Carol Channing for “Hello, Dolly!” But in 1968 Babs made her motion picture debut in a film adaptation of “Funny Girl” directed by William Wyler, reprising her role as Fanny. She went on to win the Oscar for Best Actress (famously in a tie with Katharine Hepburn for “The Lion in Winter”). In 1970 Eileen Heckart was Tony nominated for her featured performance as Mrs. Baker in “Butterflies are Free,” but lost to her co-star Blythe Danner. But in 1972 Heckart reprised her role in a film adaptation, which won her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
SEERay Richmond: Oprah discusses taking her ‘The Color Purple’ journey full circle following Thursday night world...
SEERay Richmond: Oprah discusses taking her ‘The Color Purple’ journey full circle following Thursday night world...
- 11/29/2023
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman’s new musical Harmony debuted on November 13 after previews began on October 18 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
The musical is directed and choreographed by Tony winner Warren Carlyle, who is known for his work on The Music Man and Hello, Dolly!
Set in Berlin in 1927, Harmony tells the true story of The Comedian Harmonists, a group of talented young men who form an ensemble group. Their rise to fame is extraordinary as they sell millions of records, star in major films and perform in renowned theaters worldwide. However, by 1935, they mysteriously vanished from the spotlight. Harmony explores the peculiar disappearance of the group.
The production boasts a sensational cast of Broadway favorites, including Sierra Boggess, known for her performance in The Phantom of the Opera, Julie Benko from Funny Girl and Chip Zien, known for his role in Into the Woods.
In 1997, a world premiere...
The musical is directed and choreographed by Tony winner Warren Carlyle, who is known for his work on The Music Man and Hello, Dolly!
Set in Berlin in 1927, Harmony tells the true story of The Comedian Harmonists, a group of talented young men who form an ensemble group. Their rise to fame is extraordinary as they sell millions of records, star in major films and perform in renowned theaters worldwide. However, by 1935, they mysteriously vanished from the spotlight. Harmony explores the peculiar disappearance of the group.
The production boasts a sensational cast of Broadway favorites, including Sierra Boggess, known for her performance in The Phantom of the Opera, Julie Benko from Funny Girl and Chip Zien, known for his role in Into the Woods.
In 1997, a world premiere...
- 11/20/2023
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
Exclusive: The Crown’s Imelda Staunton will lead a revival of the classic Jerry Herman-Michael Stewart Broadway musical Hello, Dolly! into the Andrew Lloyd Webber-owned London Palladium next summer.
Echoing words in composer and lyricist Herman’s titular number, the show’s producer Michael Harrison observed that “it’s so nice to have Imelda back on stage where she belongs.”
Directed by Dominic Cooke, the production — with Staunton playing matchmaker Dolly Levi — will begin performances at the Palladium on July 6 for a strictly limited 10-week season ending September 14.
The Palladium, designed by Frank Matcham, opened on a site close to Oxford Circus in 1910, the year King Edward VII died. It was to become a favorite venue of the Royal Family, often hosting the annual Royal Variety Show in the presence of the late Queen Elizabeth II, great-granddaughter of Edward VII.
Related: 2023 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast,...
Echoing words in composer and lyricist Herman’s titular number, the show’s producer Michael Harrison observed that “it’s so nice to have Imelda back on stage where she belongs.”
Directed by Dominic Cooke, the production — with Staunton playing matchmaker Dolly Levi — will begin performances at the Palladium on July 6 for a strictly limited 10-week season ending September 14.
The Palladium, designed by Frank Matcham, opened on a site close to Oxford Circus in 1910, the year King Edward VII died. It was to become a favorite venue of the Royal Family, often hosting the annual Royal Variety Show in the presence of the late Queen Elizabeth II, great-granddaughter of Edward VII.
Related: 2023 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast,...
- 11/1/2023
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
The elite and prestitious graduate acting program of New York’s The Julliard School will go tuition-free beginning this fall, a massive shift in the economics of arts schooling and student opportunities.
The school announced the move today, explaining that the four-year masters program, which currently costs each student about $53,300 per year, will eliminate the tuition after having raised $15 million including key gifts from Broadway theater producers Stephanie P. McClelland and John Gore.
The fourth year of the four-year program has always been tuition free in order for the school to compete with the many three-year arts schools, but the switch to entirely tuition-free is a major change in the world of elite arts education.
In a statement, the school said this morning, “Today we announced that the Drama Division’s Mfa in Acting will join Julliard’s growing list of tuition-free programs. Beginning in fall of 2024, all four years...
The school announced the move today, explaining that the four-year masters program, which currently costs each student about $53,300 per year, will eliminate the tuition after having raised $15 million including key gifts from Broadway theater producers Stephanie P. McClelland and John Gore.
The fourth year of the four-year program has always been tuition free in order for the school to compete with the many three-year arts schools, but the switch to entirely tuition-free is a major change in the world of elite arts education.
In a statement, the school said this morning, “Today we announced that the Drama Division’s Mfa in Acting will join Julliard’s growing list of tuition-free programs. Beginning in fall of 2024, all four years...
- 9/27/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The American film and stage actor, renowned for her roles in the composer’s musicals, on making her West End debut in a celebration of his music
Bernadette Peters is an American singer and actor. Born in 1948 in Queens, New York, where her father worked as a delivery driver, she has appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including The Muppet Show, Ally McBeal, Silent Movie with Mel Brooks, The Jerk with Steve Martin, and Annie. But she is probably best known for her Tony award-winning work on Broadway, where she has starred in, among other musicals, Mack and Mabel, Annie Get Your Gun and Hello, Dolly! One of the foremost interpreters of the work of Stephen Sondheim, her association with the composer began in 1983 when she was cast as Dot in the first production of Sunday in the Park With George. Later this month, Peters will make her West...
Bernadette Peters is an American singer and actor. Born in 1948 in Queens, New York, where her father worked as a delivery driver, she has appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including The Muppet Show, Ally McBeal, Silent Movie with Mel Brooks, The Jerk with Steve Martin, and Annie. But she is probably best known for her Tony award-winning work on Broadway, where she has starred in, among other musicals, Mack and Mabel, Annie Get Your Gun and Hello, Dolly! One of the foremost interpreters of the work of Stephen Sondheim, her association with the composer began in 1983 when she was cast as Dot in the first production of Sunday in the Park With George. Later this month, Peters will make her West...
- 9/9/2023
- by Rachel Cooke
- The Guardian - Film News
All hail legendary song-and-dance man Gene Kelly. In the history of American film, there were unarguably two great male dancers — Fred Astaire and Kelly. Astaire’s style was romantic and sophisticated, with long lines and elegant movement. Kelly’s style was more athletic — a guy’s guy, if you will — with a scrappy style that set him apart from other dancers of his era.
Kelly appeared to be able to do it all. He could dance, sing, and act in his films, ultimately choreographing and directing them as well. In the course of his nearly four decades on film, he starred in such classics as “An American in Paris” and “Anchors Aweigh,” as well as starring and co-directing the great musicals “On the Town” and “Singin’ in the Rain.”
For his work, Kelly earned two Golden Globe nominations — one for Best Actor for 1951’s “An American in Paris” and a...
Kelly appeared to be able to do it all. He could dance, sing, and act in his films, ultimately choreographing and directing them as well. In the course of his nearly four decades on film, he starred in such classics as “An American in Paris” and “Anchors Aweigh,” as well as starring and co-directing the great musicals “On the Town” and “Singin’ in the Rain.”
For his work, Kelly earned two Golden Globe nominations — one for Best Actor for 1951’s “An American in Paris” and a...
- 8/20/2023
- by Tom O'Brien, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Starting 10 years ago, a series of quotes by Steven Spielberg about the emerging ecosystem of 21st century Hollywood went viral when they hit social media. The first came when Spielberg, along with George Lucas, addressed students at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. On a sunny June day, the filmmaker behind blockbusters like Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Jurassic Park, told an audience, “There’s going to be an implosion where three or four, or maybe even a half-dozen mega-budget movies are going to go crashing into the ground, and that’s going to change the paradigm.”
He put a finer point on it a few years later when he said, “We were around when the Western died, and there will be a time when the superhero movie goes the way of the Western.”
As both of these comments reached other members of the industry,...
He put a finer point on it a few years later when he said, “We were around when the Western died, and there will be a time when the superhero movie goes the way of the Western.”
As both of these comments reached other members of the industry,...
- 7/17/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Note: Spoilers for “Theater Camp” are included.
Searchlight Pictures’ “Theater Camp” is a delightfully fun look at the wacky world of youth theater camps that draws inspiration from some of the best documentary features. “‘Metallica Some Kind of Monster’ or ‘War Room’ [was] a huge influence on us,” codirector Nick Lieberman told TheWrap. “Frederick Wiseman’s ‘Salesman,’ those movies all have moments that are some of my favorite funniest moments in movies. The challenge was how can you create that feeling, or create that spirit or write to that spirit?”
Ben Platt and Noah Galvin play two of the teachers working with the camp’s budding actors. They also worked on the film’s original songs (with Galvin also acting as cowriter on the script). “This movie is an amalgam of all of us,” Galvin said. “The characters we play are little scrapbooks of all of the teachers and theater people...
Searchlight Pictures’ “Theater Camp” is a delightfully fun look at the wacky world of youth theater camps that draws inspiration from some of the best documentary features. “‘Metallica Some Kind of Monster’ or ‘War Room’ [was] a huge influence on us,” codirector Nick Lieberman told TheWrap. “Frederick Wiseman’s ‘Salesman,’ those movies all have moments that are some of my favorite funniest moments in movies. The challenge was how can you create that feeling, or create that spirit or write to that spirit?”
Ben Platt and Noah Galvin play two of the teachers working with the camp’s budding actors. They also worked on the film’s original songs (with Galvin also acting as cowriter on the script). “This movie is an amalgam of all of us,” Galvin said. “The characters we play are little scrapbooks of all of the teachers and theater people...
- 7/15/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
Dolly Parton was ecstatic for her senior year of high school. She hated school and couldn’t wait to graduate so she could move on with her life and start chasing her dream of becoming a star. In addition to graduating, Parton’s final year of high school also included a senior trip she was looking forward to. She and her classmates boarded a bus headed for New York. The city dazzled the “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” singer and welcomed her with a premonition.
Dolly Parton graduated in 1964
1964 was a good year for Parton. It was the year she graduated high school. She was excited the moment the clock struck midnight on January 1.
“I remember New Year’s Eve 1964,” Parton wrote in her 1994 memoir, Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business. “I was so excited that I waited up to welcome not only the New Year but the sunrise as well.
Dolly Parton graduated in 1964
1964 was a good year for Parton. It was the year she graduated high school. She was excited the moment the clock struck midnight on January 1.
“I remember New Year’s Eve 1964,” Parton wrote in her 1994 memoir, Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business. “I was so excited that I waited up to welcome not only the New Year but the sunrise as well.
- 7/7/2023
- by Kelsey Goeres
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Only one of Louis Armstrong’s songs hit No. 1 in the United States. It stopped The Beatles‘ “Do You Want to Know a Secret” from becoming a No. 1 hit. Subsequently, Paul McCartney revealed he’s not a big fan of “Do You Want to Know a Secret.”
1 cover by Louis Armstrong outperformed The Beatles’ ‘Do You Want to Know a Secret’
Many of Armstrong’s songs were covers. For example, “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “La Vie en rose,” and “Dream a Little Dream of Me” were all initially by other artists. His hit “Hello, Dolly!” was originally from the Broadway musical of the same name.
The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits said the latter song topped the Billboard Hot 100. Jazz wasn’t huge in the 1960s, so it’s incredible that Armstrong’s “Hello, Dolly!” performed that well. In addition, the tune blocked The Beatles’ “Do You Want...
1 cover by Louis Armstrong outperformed The Beatles’ ‘Do You Want to Know a Secret’
Many of Armstrong’s songs were covers. For example, “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “La Vie en rose,” and “Dream a Little Dream of Me” were all initially by other artists. His hit “Hello, Dolly!” was originally from the Broadway musical of the same name.
The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits said the latter song topped the Billboard Hot 100. Jazz wasn’t huge in the 1960s, so it’s incredible that Armstrong’s “Hello, Dolly!” performed that well. In addition, the tune blocked The Beatles’ “Do You Want...
- 7/3/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Midnight Cowboy came out in 1969, Miami Herald critic John Huddy heralded its arrival with a string of superlatives: “Staggering, shattering, heartbreaking, hilarious, tragic, raw and absurd.”
Over the years, the ranks of its admirers has only grown, among them documentary filmmaker Nancy Buirski.
“I remember feeling that it was a really radical film,” recalls Buirski, who first saw Midnight Cowboy sometime after its original release. “It felt different from anything I had seen… It was like a gut punch.”
Director Nancy Buirski
Buirski’s documentary Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy, now playing in limited release in New York, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Detroit and other cities, digs into the loam that produced such a bleak yet beautiful flower of a film. Midnight Cowboy hit theaters the same year as Hello, Dolly! and Paint Your Wagon but unlike those celluloid larks, John Schlesinger’s film...
Over the years, the ranks of its admirers has only grown, among them documentary filmmaker Nancy Buirski.
“I remember feeling that it was a really radical film,” recalls Buirski, who first saw Midnight Cowboy sometime after its original release. “It felt different from anything I had seen… It was like a gut punch.”
Director Nancy Buirski
Buirski’s documentary Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy, now playing in limited release in New York, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Detroit and other cities, digs into the loam that produced such a bleak yet beautiful flower of a film. Midnight Cowboy hit theaters the same year as Hello, Dolly! and Paint Your Wagon but unlike those celluloid larks, John Schlesinger’s film...
- 6/30/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
This isn’t Dolly Parton’s first rodeo. Adding to the seven Guinness World Records the country star already has are three shiny brand new records. Last week, the “I Will Always Love You” singer was recognized at a ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee by the international record keeper. She received the recognition with her signature grace and humility.
Dolly Parton’s new Guinness World Records
Guinness announced last week: Parton broke her own record for the female with the longest span of No. 1 hits on the U.S. top country album chart. The record began with her 1977 album New Harvest…First Gathering and book-ended with her 2020 holiday album, A Holly Dolly Christams. The country superstar remained at the top of the charts for 43 years and 156 days. The Christmas album is currently in third place behind Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard and ahead of Reba McEntire and Shania Twain.
The “Coat...
Dolly Parton’s new Guinness World Records
Guinness announced last week: Parton broke her own record for the female with the longest span of No. 1 hits on the U.S. top country album chart. The record began with her 1977 album New Harvest…First Gathering and book-ended with her 2020 holiday album, A Holly Dolly Christams. The country superstar remained at the top of the charts for 43 years and 156 days. The Christmas album is currently in third place behind Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard and ahead of Reba McEntire and Shania Twain.
The “Coat...
- 6/5/2023
- by Kelsey Goeres
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Exclusive: Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James are joining forces to star in a scorching new play by Penelope Skinner, directed by Ian Rickson, that will open in London’s West End in the fall.
Pretty hot names to have atop a theater marquee, that’s for sure.
The drama, called Lyonesse, will open at the Harold Pinter Theatre in late September or early October. Official dates are being determined.
In this new work, Skinner — who won the George Devine Award for most promising playwright in 2011 for The Village Bike — focuses on Elaine (Scott Thomas), a reclusive and brilliant actress who disappeared from public view under mysterious circumstances.
Elaine summons Kate (James), a young film executive, to her remote Cornish estate to facilitate “her glorious comeback,” according to a production source who copped me a premise of the play.
“But who really controls the stories we tell and how we get to tell them?...
Pretty hot names to have atop a theater marquee, that’s for sure.
The drama, called Lyonesse, will open at the Harold Pinter Theatre in late September or early October. Official dates are being determined.
In this new work, Skinner — who won the George Devine Award for most promising playwright in 2011 for The Village Bike — focuses on Elaine (Scott Thomas), a reclusive and brilliant actress who disappeared from public view under mysterious circumstances.
Elaine summons Kate (James), a young film executive, to her remote Cornish estate to facilitate “her glorious comeback,” according to a production source who copped me a premise of the play.
“But who really controls the stories we tell and how we get to tell them?...
- 6/2/2023
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
The Beatles achieved many extraordinary feats as recording artists through their years in the music industry. However, none was more stunning than the day they dominated the top four slots of the Billboard singles charts on Mar. 28, 1964.
Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison photographed in 1964 | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images The Beatles’ debut album dropped in 1963 in Great Britain and 1964 in the US
The Beatles’ debut album, Please Please Me, debuted in 1963. It recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of its release.
Before the release of Please Please Me, The Beatles released two singles. “Love Me Do” hit the charts on Oct. 5, 1962, and “Please Please Me” debuted on Jan. 11, 1963.
The Please Please Me album was not released in America and was a UK hit. Instead, the group’s debut album was rebranded Introducing The Beatles, and debuted in the United States on Jan. 10, 1964, with a different tracklisting. Americans...
Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison photographed in 1964 | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images The Beatles’ debut album dropped in 1963 in Great Britain and 1964 in the US
The Beatles’ debut album, Please Please Me, debuted in 1963. It recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of its release.
Before the release of Please Please Me, The Beatles released two singles. “Love Me Do” hit the charts on Oct. 5, 1962, and “Please Please Me” debuted on Jan. 11, 1963.
The Please Please Me album was not released in America and was a UK hit. Instead, the group’s debut album was rebranded Introducing The Beatles, and debuted in the United States on Jan. 10, 1964, with a different tracklisting. Americans...
- 3/28/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
This year’s Tonys will be held on June 11, so the American Theatre Wing will likely be announcing their lifetime achievement award recipient in the near future. Who do you think should be taking home this prestigious trophy? Scroll down to let us know in our poll which behind-the-scenes creative deserves the honor this year.
The Tony for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre honors an individual’s body of work, and in some years we’ve gotten multiple recipients. Last year legendary five-time Tony winner Angela Lansbury received this honor about four months before her death on October 11 at the age of 96. The following living creatives have already received this award so they’re not eligible to be chosen again: Paul Gemignani, Alan Ayckbourn, Athol Fugard, Jane Greenwood, Sheldon Harnick, Marshall W. Mason, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Harold Wheeler, and Graciela Daniele.
Here are 10 possibilities, all of them creatives over the...
The Tony for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre honors an individual’s body of work, and in some years we’ve gotten multiple recipients. Last year legendary five-time Tony winner Angela Lansbury received this honor about four months before her death on October 11 at the age of 96. The following living creatives have already received this award so they’re not eligible to be chosen again: Paul Gemignani, Alan Ayckbourn, Athol Fugard, Jane Greenwood, Sheldon Harnick, Marshall W. Mason, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Harold Wheeler, and Graciela Daniele.
Here are 10 possibilities, all of them creatives over the...
- 3/21/2023
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Tony Award nominees Jennifer Simard (Company) and Adam Godley (The Lehman Trilogy) have joined the cast of Broadway’s upcoming Britney Spears musical Once Upon A One More Time.
The musical, which updates various fairytales through Spears’ many hit songs, begins previews Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Broadway’s Marquis Theatre ahead of an official opening night on Thursday, June 22.
Simard will play the role of Stepmother and Godley will portray The Narrator. The castings were announced today by producers James L. Nederlander and Hunter Arnold.
Simard and Godley join the previously announced Briga Heelan as Cinderella, Justin Guarini as Prince Charming, and Aisha Jackson as Snow White. Additional cast will be announced at a later date.
Directed and Choreographed by Keone & Mari Madrid, Once Upon A One More Time features an original story written by Jon Hartmere that reimagines such fairytale icons as Cinderella, Snow White, Little Mermaid and others...
The musical, which updates various fairytales through Spears’ many hit songs, begins previews Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Broadway’s Marquis Theatre ahead of an official opening night on Thursday, June 22.
Simard will play the role of Stepmother and Godley will portray The Narrator. The castings were announced today by producers James L. Nederlander and Hunter Arnold.
Simard and Godley join the previously announced Briga Heelan as Cinderella, Justin Guarini as Prince Charming, and Aisha Jackson as Snow White. Additional cast will be announced at a later date.
Directed and Choreographed by Keone & Mari Madrid, Once Upon A One More Time features an original story written by Jon Hartmere that reimagines such fairytale icons as Cinderella, Snow White, Little Mermaid and others...
- 3/15/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Each week on “Whatcha Packin’,” Michelle Visage interviews the recently eliminated queen and shows us some of the runway looks they didn’t get the chance to use on the show. Following her episode 11 elimination, Marcia Marcia Marcia explains how much learning she achieved in her time on the show, including makeup tips. Watch the full episode above via the official RuPaul’s Drag Race channel on YouTube.
In her interview, Marcia breaks the news to Michelle that since the show she’s been doing really well like her role in “Kinky Boots” on Broadway. She also says that she got into drag only shortly before lockdowns for the pandemic and that she had been on a national tour of “Hello, Dolly!” around that time. For that reason, she had very little time gaining experience in the traditional spaces like nightclubs to really hone her craft before getting cast on the show.
In her interview, Marcia breaks the news to Michelle that since the show she’s been doing really well like her role in “Kinky Boots” on Broadway. She also says that she got into drag only shortly before lockdowns for the pandemic and that she had been on a national tour of “Hello, Dolly!” around that time. For that reason, she had very little time gaining experience in the traditional spaces like nightclubs to really hone her craft before getting cast on the show.
- 3/12/2023
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
It was supposed to be a night of celebration, but as the Academy Awards unfolded on April 7, 1970, there was a sense of anxiety and dissatisfaction gripping the movie business. Much like today, the industry was being divided by changing tastes and sensibilities, struggling to remain relevant in a period of social upheaval.
Just before Bob Hope took the stage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to the familiar refrain of “Thanks for the Memory,” John Wayne introduced the comic as “everybody’s friend.” But in an opening monologue, Hope made it clear to the audience that he was aligned with one ideological group in Hollywood. And even as he smiled good-naturedly, the biting tone of his jokes revealed that he was none too pleased with the direction that the movies were heading in.
“This is really a night to remember,” Hope said. “It’s such a novelty seeing actors and actresses with their clothes on.
Just before Bob Hope took the stage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to the familiar refrain of “Thanks for the Memory,” John Wayne introduced the comic as “everybody’s friend.” But in an opening monologue, Hope made it clear to the audience that he was aligned with one ideological group in Hollywood. And even as he smiled good-naturedly, the biting tone of his jokes revealed that he was none too pleased with the direction that the movies were heading in.
“This is really a night to remember,” Hope said. “It’s such a novelty seeing actors and actresses with their clothes on.
- 3/8/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Lea Michele's return to Broadway as Fanny Price in "Funny Girl" has been a major success, but fans may want to hurry and get their tickets to see the musical now because the show will have its final curtain call soon. According to Variety, the show's final performance will be held on Sept. 3, just under a year after Michele gave her debut performance as the character. The news follows the November 2022 release of a recorded album featuring Michele and her castmates, which the actor announced days before during the show's curtain call.
Audiences have been raving about Michele and the newly cast "Funny Girl" revival ever since the actor made her highly anticipated debut on Sept. 6, 2022. People reported that the actor's Fanny Brice portrayal received multiple standing ovations (at least four) - including one before she even said a word on stage - in Act I of the show.
Audiences have been raving about Michele and the newly cast "Funny Girl" revival ever since the actor made her highly anticipated debut on Sept. 6, 2022. People reported that the actor's Fanny Brice portrayal received multiple standing ovations (at least four) - including one before she even said a word on stage - in Act I of the show.
- 3/2/2023
- by Victoria Edel
- Popsugar.com
At the 25th Costume Designers Guild Awards (CDGAs) on Feb. 27 at L.A.’s Fairmont Century Plaza, special honorees will include costume designers Deborah L. Scott (Avatar: The Way of Water) and Rachael M. Stanley (Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Ally McBeal); Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Oscar nominee Angela Bassett, who will receive the Spotlight Award; and Bette Midler, who will be recognized with the Distinguished Collaborator Award.
Midler jokes with THR that the Costume Designers Guild award recognizes her “willingness to stand in front of a mirror for hours on end! What could be more delightful?” All kidding aside, Midler continues, “A great costume is like a second skin; you feel as if you belong in it. It’s very freeing because it provides so much information to the audience, and you don’t have to work so hard.”
Midler got an early taste of the work that goes into...
Midler jokes with THR that the Costume Designers Guild award recognizes her “willingness to stand in front of a mirror for hours on end! What could be more delightful?” All kidding aside, Midler continues, “A great costume is like a second skin; you feel as if you belong in it. It’s very freeing because it provides so much information to the audience, and you don’t have to work so hard.”
Midler got an early taste of the work that goes into...
- 2/26/2023
- by Degen Pener
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
(Welcome to Did They Get It Right?, a series where we take a look at an Oscars category from yesteryear and examine whether the Academy's winner stands the test of time.)
If you were to ask the average moviegoer what the best movie of all time is, chances are pretty good that Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather" would be one of the most responded answers. Since it was released in cinemas back in March 1972, Coppola's examination of corruption, violence, and capitalism through the lens of organized crime has entranced viewers and inspired countless numbers of future filmmakers. A line from this film gets quoted every single day, from "Leave the gun, take the cannoli" to, of course, "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse." When we think of the canonical greats of American cinema, "The Godfather" stands there right alongside "Citizen Kane" as the cream of the crop.
If you were to ask the average moviegoer what the best movie of all time is, chances are pretty good that Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather" would be one of the most responded answers. Since it was released in cinemas back in March 1972, Coppola's examination of corruption, violence, and capitalism through the lens of organized crime has entranced viewers and inspired countless numbers of future filmmakers. A line from this film gets quoted every single day, from "Leave the gun, take the cannoli" to, of course, "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse." When we think of the canonical greats of American cinema, "The Godfather" stands there right alongside "Citizen Kane" as the cream of the crop.
- 2/20/2023
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
In a first-time first-person account of her life and career, legendary singer, actress, director and producer Barbra Streisand will publish her memoir, My Name is Barbra, on November 7, 2023 via Penguin Random House imprint Viking. The Penguin Group made it official on Tuesday, calling the tome “engrossing and delightful.” There have been dozens of books written about the now 80-year-old artist, but this will be the first to tell her story in her own words.
And by account, it’s a lot of words. Pre-order listings have it clocking in at 1,040 pages. Fitting for a woman whose groundbreaking career has spanned six decades and included two Oscars, five Emmys, 10 Grammys, 11 Golden Globes and a Tony as well as countless other awards.
Streisand is among the handful of Egot winners and has one of the most recognizable voices in the history of popular music. She has been nominated for a Grammy 46 times.
And by account, it’s a lot of words. Pre-order listings have it clocking in at 1,040 pages. Fitting for a woman whose groundbreaking career has spanned six decades and included two Oscars, five Emmys, 10 Grammys, 11 Golden Globes and a Tony as well as countless other awards.
Streisand is among the handful of Egot winners and has one of the most recognizable voices in the history of popular music. She has been nominated for a Grammy 46 times.
- 2/8/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
The Costume Designers Guild said Tuesday that two-time Oscar nominee and Grammy, Tony and Emmy winner Bette Midler will receive the Distinguished Collaborator Award at the 25th Costume Designers Guild Awards.
The 25th annual Cdga ceremony is Monday, February 27 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.
Related Story 2023 Awards Season Calendar – Dates For The Oscars, Guilds & More Related Story Sandy Powell Becomes First Costume Designer To Receive BAFTA Fellowship Related Story Angela Bassett Set For Costume Designers Guild's Spotlight Award
Midler joins an honorees list that night that already includes Angela Bassett, who will receive the Spotlight Award; Deborah L. Scott, getting the guild’s Career Achievement Award; and costume designer Rachael M. Stanley, who will receive the Distinguished Service Award.
In addition, winners will be announced in eight categories celebrating excellence in film, TV and short-form costume design. (See the nominees list here.)
“This is such an exciting...
The 25th annual Cdga ceremony is Monday, February 27 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.
Related Story 2023 Awards Season Calendar – Dates For The Oscars, Guilds & More Related Story Sandy Powell Becomes First Costume Designer To Receive BAFTA Fellowship Related Story Angela Bassett Set For Costume Designers Guild's Spotlight Award
Midler joins an honorees list that night that already includes Angela Bassett, who will receive the Spotlight Award; Deborah L. Scott, getting the guild’s Career Achievement Award; and costume designer Rachael M. Stanley, who will receive the Distinguished Service Award.
In addition, winners will be announced in eight categories celebrating excellence in film, TV and short-form costume design. (See the nominees list here.)
“This is such an exciting...
- 2/7/2023
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
(Welcome to The Daily Stream, an ongoing series in which the /Film team shares what they've been watching, why it's worth checking out, and where you can stream it.)
The Movie: "Wall-e"
Where You Can Stream It: Disney+
The Pitch: The debate about the dangers of artificial intelligence rages on, with bots that become racist and sexist on social media and the Boston Dynamics videos that scare the crap out of most of us. From "The Matrix" to "The Terminator," we're all preparing ourselves for the inevitable singularity when robots take over the world. We don't treat them well, and it wouldn't be surprising if, down the line, we get a Disney+ show about the "Star Wars" droids getting sick of being treated like crap by everyone but a few people in a galaxy far, far away and revolt. It's terrifying, and it's probably going to happen sooner or later.
The Movie: "Wall-e"
Where You Can Stream It: Disney+
The Pitch: The debate about the dangers of artificial intelligence rages on, with bots that become racist and sexist on social media and the Boston Dynamics videos that scare the crap out of most of us. From "The Matrix" to "The Terminator," we're all preparing ourselves for the inevitable singularity when robots take over the world. We don't treat them well, and it wouldn't be surprising if, down the line, we get a Disney+ show about the "Star Wars" droids getting sick of being treated like crap by everyone but a few people in a galaxy far, far away and revolt. It's terrifying, and it's probably going to happen sooner or later.
- 1/27/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
Growing up in Philadelphia, I've experienced my fair share of harsh winters. The blizzard of 1996 stands out, but there were a number of other rough years for a while too. Although, when I moved to Chicago a few years ago, I experienced a whole new level of frigid chills. It got even worse when a polar vortex delivered such sub-zero temperatures and precipitation that people were advised not to leave their houses since even the slightest bit of exposed skin could get frostbite within minutes. Seriously, despite this year being relatively tame in comparison, midwestern winters are no joke. And someone else who knew this was Walter Matthau.
By the mid-1990s, the award-winning star of the stage and screen had quite an illustrious career. He had become known for his roles in "Bad News Bears," "King Creole," and "Hello, Dolly!," but fans probably remembered him best from his many...
By the mid-1990s, the award-winning star of the stage and screen had quite an illustrious career. He had become known for his roles in "Bad News Bears," "King Creole," and "Hello, Dolly!," but fans probably remembered him best from his many...
- 1/25/2023
- by Ben F. Silverio
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
New York designers learned several lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, not only in how to sustain a luxury-focused fashion business amid a global lockdown, but also the importance of making choices wholly rooted in personal fulfillment versus a paramount concern about the bottom line. And if a contented designer equals a commercially successful collection, perhaps that’s no accident.
That’s how both Brandon Maxwell and Carolina Herrera creative director Wes Gordon approached the Spring/Summer 2023 collections they debuted this week. Gordon’s presentation at The Plaza exuded an unabashed joy in each of its elements, from its iconic New York location to its spotlight on bright floral prints — a theme inspired by the 1911 Frances Hodgson Burnett novel The Secret Garden — and especially the show’s soundtrack, a mix of Barbra Streisand’s most exuberant Broadway and cinema hits.
“I didn’t want hipster Edm music,...
New York designers learned several lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, not only in how to sustain a luxury-focused fashion business amid a global lockdown, but also the importance of making choices wholly rooted in personal fulfillment versus a paramount concern about the bottom line. And if a contented designer equals a commercially successful collection, perhaps that’s no accident.
That’s how both Brandon Maxwell and Carolina Herrera creative director Wes Gordon approached the Spring/Summer 2023 collections they debuted this week. Gordon’s presentation at The Plaza exuded an unabashed joy in each of its elements, from its iconic New York location to its spotlight on bright floral prints — a theme inspired by the 1911 Frances Hodgson Burnett novel The Secret Garden — and especially the show’s soundtrack, a mix of Barbra Streisand’s most exuberant Broadway and cinema hits.
“I didn’t want hipster Edm music,...
- 9/17/2022
- by Laurie Brookins
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Any documentary with a score as lush and uplifting as the one that Blake Neely composed for “Good Night Oppy” has gotta be a glorified commercial for something, but at least is upfront about what it’s selling: The magic of science.
Family-friendly Stem propaganda that never feels like it was only (or even especially) made for kids, “Good Night Oppy” follows its Wall-e-like stars from their launch in 2003 all the way through their respective lifecycles on the Red Planet, which were only supposed to be 90 sols long (that’s Martian for “day”), but — in the nerd equivalent of a Hanukkah miracle — lasted for several years before the robots finally quiet quit as the people who made them watched from the sidelines some 300 million miles away. I never realized the search for water on an alien hellscape could be so darn touching.
If nothing else, “Good Night Oppy” ensures that...
Family-friendly Stem propaganda that never feels like it was only (or even especially) made for kids, “Good Night Oppy” follows its Wall-e-like stars from their launch in 2003 all the way through their respective lifecycles on the Red Planet, which were only supposed to be 90 sols long (that’s Martian for “day”), but — in the nerd equivalent of a Hanukkah miracle — lasted for several years before the robots finally quiet quit as the people who made them watched from the sidelines some 300 million miles away. I never realized the search for water on an alien hellscape could be so darn touching.
If nothing else, “Good Night Oppy” ensures that...
- 9/15/2022
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
Robert LuPone — a Tony Award nominee who also starred as Tony Soprano’s neighbour and family physician Dr. Bruce Cusamano on “The Sopranos” — has died. He was 76.
Robert was also, notably, the brother of Patti LuPone.
News of Robert’s death was shared via a statement from the off-Broadway theatre company McC Theater, which he helped to establish in 1986.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that McC founding Co-Artistic Director, Bob LuPone, passed away Saturday, Aug 27 after a three year battle with pancreatic cancer,” read a post from the organization.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by McC Theater (@mcctheater)
A graduate of Julliard, Robert’s first professional job was in the ensemble of Liza Minnelli’s The Pajama Game. He made his Broadway debut in Sweet Potato in 1968, and went on to score a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical in his...
Robert was also, notably, the brother of Patti LuPone.
News of Robert’s death was shared via a statement from the off-Broadway theatre company McC Theater, which he helped to establish in 1986.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that McC founding Co-Artistic Director, Bob LuPone, passed away Saturday, Aug 27 after a three year battle with pancreatic cancer,” read a post from the organization.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by McC Theater (@mcctheater)
A graduate of Julliard, Robert’s first professional job was in the ensemble of Liza Minnelli’s The Pajama Game. He made his Broadway debut in Sweet Potato in 1968, and went on to score a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical in his...
- 8/30/2022
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Nestled between the heartsick duplicities of "Vertigo" and the urgent duality of "Psycho" sits one of Alfred Hitchcock's most celebrated action thrillers, a story swirling in vanishing identities and betrayal. "North by Northwest" is the English director's 1959 spy film with an Oscar-nominated screenplay written by "Hello Dolly!" scribe Ernest Lehman, and it concerns an innocent man (Cary Grant) hounded by international saboteurs in a case of mistaken identity. Filled with common Hitchcock situations while staying unpredictable, the movie has found incredible lasting power beyond the Cold War years it's set in.
Above all, the "Psycho" director wanted to disrupt the common approach of action pictures, which often positioned the hapless hero in predictable moments. In the 2014 collection of writings and interviews, "Hitchcock on Hitchcock," the filmmaker describes the "rain-washed cobbles shining in the night" where these spectacles are usually set; a figure peeks from the shadows, a black limo...
Above all, the "Psycho" director wanted to disrupt the common approach of action pictures, which often positioned the hapless hero in predictable moments. In the 2014 collection of writings and interviews, "Hitchcock on Hitchcock," the filmmaker describes the "rain-washed cobbles shining in the night" where these spectacles are usually set; a figure peeks from the shadows, a black limo...
- 8/15/2022
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
“We had the chance to make something truly joyous,” explains Tony nominee Warren Carlyle of “The Music Man.” With Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster as the stars in this revival, the stage was set for the choreographer to craft a show where “you can leave all your troubles outside the doors.” He credits much of that joy to a new approach, one focused on character. Watch the exclusive video interview above.
“I have two stars who can really dance,” notes Carlyle, referencing Jackman and Foster. “So there was an opportunity there to make the show dance in perhaps a way it hasn’t done before.” Golden Age musicals of the 30s and 40s are this choreographer’s bread and butter, as seen in his efforts with previous revivals of “Finian’s Rainbow,” “Kiss Me, Kate” and “Hello Dolly!” But these classics often contain giant ensembles, so the large group numbers often become the focus for him.
“I have two stars who can really dance,” notes Carlyle, referencing Jackman and Foster. “So there was an opportunity there to make the show dance in perhaps a way it hasn’t done before.” Golden Age musicals of the 30s and 40s are this choreographer’s bread and butter, as seen in his efforts with previous revivals of “Finian’s Rainbow,” “Kiss Me, Kate” and “Hello Dolly!” But these classics often contain giant ensembles, so the large group numbers often become the focus for him.
- 6/3/2022
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
What do the 25th and 75th Tony Awards have in common? The landmark Stephen Sondheim/George Furth musical “Company,” Angela Lansbury and the beloved tuner “The Music Man.”
The gender-bender revival of “Company” is considered the front-runner for the Tony for Best Musical Revival as well as featured actress for Broadway legend Patti LuPone who brings down the house with “Ladies Who Lunch.” Elaine Stritch originated the LuPone’s character of Joanne; her rendition of “Ladies Who Lunch” is considered one of the indelible show-stopping numbers in Broadway history. Stritch was considered a shoo-in for lead actress but lost to Helen Gallagher for the revival of -the 1920s musical “No, No Nanette.” Go figure. Gallagher was good, but she wasn’t as great as Stritch.
The original “Company” waltzed into the Tony Awards — which took place at the Palace Theatre on March 28, 1971 — with a whopping 14 nominations and won six including Best Musical,...
The gender-bender revival of “Company” is considered the front-runner for the Tony for Best Musical Revival as well as featured actress for Broadway legend Patti LuPone who brings down the house with “Ladies Who Lunch.” Elaine Stritch originated the LuPone’s character of Joanne; her rendition of “Ladies Who Lunch” is considered one of the indelible show-stopping numbers in Broadway history. Stritch was considered a shoo-in for lead actress but lost to Helen Gallagher for the revival of -the 1920s musical “No, No Nanette.” Go figure. Gallagher was good, but she wasn’t as great as Stritch.
The original “Company” waltzed into the Tony Awards — which took place at the Palace Theatre on March 28, 1971 — with a whopping 14 nominations and won six including Best Musical,...
- 6/1/2022
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Image Source: Getty / Valerie Macon
Cinderella is coming back, and this time with a musical twist.
Jennifer Lopez's Nuyorican Productions, Skydance Television, and Concord Originals have joined forces to produce a limited series based on "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella," the musical version of the beloved fairy tale involving a magical fairy godmother and a lost slipper. Rachel Shukert, the creator of Netflix's "The Baby-Sitters Club," will serve as the showrunner and will also adapt the musical for the screen.
"Our partnership with Skydance and Nuyorican on this project is the first step of many towards our collective goal of championing timeless classics for a new generation and Rachel is the perfect voice to expand upon this story in a contemporary way," said Sophia Dilley, Senior Vice President of Development and Production at Concord Originals, per The Hollywood Reporter.
The original "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella" starred Julie Andrews and aired in 1957 on CBS.
Cinderella is coming back, and this time with a musical twist.
Jennifer Lopez's Nuyorican Productions, Skydance Television, and Concord Originals have joined forces to produce a limited series based on "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella," the musical version of the beloved fairy tale involving a magical fairy godmother and a lost slipper. Rachel Shukert, the creator of Netflix's "The Baby-Sitters Club," will serve as the showrunner and will also adapt the musical for the screen.
"Our partnership with Skydance and Nuyorican on this project is the first step of many towards our collective goal of championing timeless classics for a new generation and Rachel is the perfect voice to expand upon this story in a contemporary way," said Sophia Dilley, Senior Vice President of Development and Production at Concord Originals, per The Hollywood Reporter.
The original "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella" starred Julie Andrews and aired in 1957 on CBS.
- 5/11/2022
- by Eden Arielle Gordon
- Popsugar.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.