Update, with GoFundMe info: The Broadway production of Illinoise has dedicated the entire run of the musical to production stage manager Thomas J. Gates, who was struck and killed by a New Jersey Transit train yesterday.
“With heavy hearts we mourn the passing of our Production Stage Manager, Thomas J. Gates,” the production posted on social media today. “Thom was the center of Illinoise on Broadway, a beloved friend and collaborator. We are devasted for his husband Rick, another member of the Illinoise community.
“These two amazing human beings led our company on our journey since the beginning. We dedicate the run of Illinoise to Thom and his loving memory.”
Last night’s performance of the Sufjan Stevens-Justin Peck-Jackie Sibblies Drury musical was canceled after the production received word of the tragic incident.
A resident of South Orange, New Jersey, Gates, 51, was struck and killed at 9:12 a.
“With heavy hearts we mourn the passing of our Production Stage Manager, Thomas J. Gates,” the production posted on social media today. “Thom was the center of Illinoise on Broadway, a beloved friend and collaborator. We are devasted for his husband Rick, another member of the Illinoise community.
“These two amazing human beings led our company on our journey since the beginning. We dedicate the run of Illinoise to Thom and his loving memory.”
Last night’s performance of the Sufjan Stevens-Justin Peck-Jackie Sibblies Drury musical was canceled after the production received word of the tragic incident.
A resident of South Orange, New Jersey, Gates, 51, was struck and killed at 9:12 a.
- 5/9/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Schmigadoon! the musical comedy TV series is about to become Schmigadoon! the musical comedy stage production.
Kennedy Center’s Broadway Center Stage in Washington D.C. announced today that the Schmigadoon! stage musical will get its world premiere production at the Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Theater in a run set for January 31-February 9.
Based on the Emmy-winning series that ran for two seasons on Apple TV+ from 2021-23, Schmigadoon! the musical will, like the series, focus on two New York doctors, Josh and Melissa, who go backpacking in a last-ditch attempt to save their failing relationship, but instead get lost in the woods and end up trapped in Schmigadoon, a magical town that’s a classic Golden Age musical come to life.
Casting for the stage musical was not announced.
The musical will featuring hits from the series’ Grammy–nominated score, including the Emmy–winning “Corn Puddin’”, in addition to new songs.
Kennedy Center’s Broadway Center Stage in Washington D.C. announced today that the Schmigadoon! stage musical will get its world premiere production at the Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Theater in a run set for January 31-February 9.
Based on the Emmy-winning series that ran for two seasons on Apple TV+ from 2021-23, Schmigadoon! the musical will, like the series, focus on two New York doctors, Josh and Melissa, who go backpacking in a last-ditch attempt to save their failing relationship, but instead get lost in the woods and end up trapped in Schmigadoon, a magical town that’s a classic Golden Age musical come to life.
Casting for the stage musical was not announced.
The musical will featuring hits from the series’ Grammy–nominated score, including the Emmy–winning “Corn Puddin’”, in addition to new songs.
- 5/7/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
“I really wanted to discover what wasn’t there,” explains Jeremy Jordan when asked about his portrayal of the titular figure in “The Great Gatsby.” The actor is embodying the enigmatic Jay Gatsby in a Broadway musical adaptation of the classic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. The actor is interested in exploring the “romanticism” and “mania” that exist in this confounding figure who enchants Long Island in the 1920s. Watch the exclusive video interview above.
The musical follows Nick Carraway (Noah Ricketts) who befriends the uber rich Gatsby after receiving an invitation to one of the socialite’s lavish Long Island parties. Gatsby isn’t just an extravagant host, however. He has his sights set on reclaiming his long lost love Daisy (Eva Noblezada), who happens to be Nick’s cousin. Gatsby machinations successfully lure Daisy back to him, but his secret misdeeds threaten to unravel the life he has so carefully created.
The musical follows Nick Carraway (Noah Ricketts) who befriends the uber rich Gatsby after receiving an invitation to one of the socialite’s lavish Long Island parties. Gatsby isn’t just an extravagant host, however. He has his sights set on reclaiming his long lost love Daisy (Eva Noblezada), who happens to be Nick’s cousin. Gatsby machinations successfully lure Daisy back to him, but his secret misdeeds threaten to unravel the life he has so carefully created.
- 4/23/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
This year’s Tonys will be held on June 16, so the American Theatre Wing will likely be announcing its Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in the near future. Who do you think should take home this prestigious trophy, which honors an individual’s body of work? It has gone to veteran stage performers, directors, choreographers, playwrights, songwriters, producers and designers. In some years we get multiple recipients.
Last year these honors went to actor Joel Grey and composer John Kander. The following living male Broadway vets have also received this award in the past and thus won’t be chosen again: Paul Gemignani, Alan Ayckbourn, Athol Fugard, Marshall W. Mason, Tommy Tune, James Earl Jones, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Harold Wheeler.
Here are 10 possibilities featured in our poll below, all accomplished men over the age of 65. Vote to let us know who you’d like to see honored. And take a...
Last year these honors went to actor Joel Grey and composer John Kander. The following living male Broadway vets have also received this award in the past and thus won’t be chosen again: Paul Gemignani, Alan Ayckbourn, Athol Fugard, Marshall W. Mason, Tommy Tune, James Earl Jones, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Harold Wheeler.
Here are 10 possibilities featured in our poll below, all accomplished men over the age of 65. Vote to let us know who you’d like to see honored. And take a...
- 3/26/2024
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
Kenny Ortega, the director of Disney Channel franchises High School Musical and Descendants, has returned to Paradigm for representation.
Previously at A3 Artists Agency, Ortega found his way back to the Hollywood talent agency by way of Paradigm partner and head of the New York office Jack Tantleff, and Paradigm managing partner Andrew Ruf.
Ortega’s film and TV directing and choreography work in the family and kids musical space includes 1992’s Newsies, the original Dirty Dancing, Hocus Pocus, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Pretty in Pink, Xanadu and the High School Musical franchise, for which he earned an Emmy for choreography.
He has directed and choreographed music videos, live TV and live concert performances for the likes of Miley Cyrus, Cher, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Barbara Streisand, Dianna Ross, Mick Jagger, Gloria Estefan, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, The Pointer Sisters, Kiss and The Jonas Brothers.
In 2019, Netflix plucked Ortega away from...
Previously at A3 Artists Agency, Ortega found his way back to the Hollywood talent agency by way of Paradigm partner and head of the New York office Jack Tantleff, and Paradigm managing partner Andrew Ruf.
Ortega’s film and TV directing and choreography work in the family and kids musical space includes 1992’s Newsies, the original Dirty Dancing, Hocus Pocus, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Pretty in Pink, Xanadu and the High School Musical franchise, for which he earned an Emmy for choreography.
He has directed and choreographed music videos, live TV and live concert performances for the likes of Miley Cyrus, Cher, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Barbara Streisand, Dianna Ross, Mick Jagger, Gloria Estefan, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, The Pointer Sisters, Kiss and The Jonas Brothers.
In 2019, Netflix plucked Ortega away from...
- 3/21/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Christian Bale has acted in many genres in the film industry, including musicals. He famously starred in the 1992 film Newsies, which developed a bit of a cult following over the years. It also allegedly had an unexpected effect on Bale’s movie career.
‘Newsies’ helped Christian Bale’s career thanks to Blockbuster Christian Bale | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Bale was still on the rise as an actor after doing the 1992 feature Newsies. The film was a musical where a very young Christian Bale played a homeless newsboy who later goes on strike. At the time the film came out, the Batman Begins star found himself starring in many critically and financially underwhelming movies.
Empire of the Sun, which he did with Steven Spielberg, didn’t earn as much as Spielberg’s other successful projects. Bale also had a small part in Henry V, which didn’t make much money at the box-office,...
‘Newsies’ helped Christian Bale’s career thanks to Blockbuster Christian Bale | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Bale was still on the rise as an actor after doing the 1992 feature Newsies. The film was a musical where a very young Christian Bale played a homeless newsboy who later goes on strike. At the time the film came out, the Batman Begins star found himself starring in many critically and financially underwhelming movies.
Empire of the Sun, which he did with Steven Spielberg, didn’t earn as much as Spielberg’s other successful projects. Bale also had a small part in Henry V, which didn’t make much money at the box-office,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Thomas Schumacher, longtime president and producer of Disney Theatrical Group, is stepping down from his role overseeing business operations and will instead focus on the creative elements as chief creative officer.
Schumacher, who helped shape Disney Theatrical into a powerhouse on Broadway and develop productions such as The Lion King, has been at Disney Theatrical since its inception and has been president since 1999. His two deputies, Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, will take over his duties, acting as joint executive vice presidents.
With the new role, Schumacher will retain the same title as Jennifer Lee at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pete Docter at Pixar.
The Disney executive started as executive vice president of Disney Theatrical, working alongside Peter Schneider, as Disney made its first big foray into Broadway with Beauty and the Beast in 1994. Schumacher, who was also working as president of Walt Disney Feature Animation at the time,...
Schumacher, who helped shape Disney Theatrical into a powerhouse on Broadway and develop productions such as The Lion King, has been at Disney Theatrical since its inception and has been president since 1999. His two deputies, Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, will take over his duties, acting as joint executive vice presidents.
With the new role, Schumacher will retain the same title as Jennifer Lee at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pete Docter at Pixar.
The Disney executive started as executive vice president of Disney Theatrical, working alongside Peter Schneider, as Disney made its first big foray into Broadway with Beauty and the Beast in 1994. Schumacher, who was also working as president of Walt Disney Feature Animation at the time,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Harlan County, USA
Filmmakers loves an underdog and movies have a long tradition of supporting the rights of workers, dating all the way back to the silent era. Here are some classic movies that celebrate workers’ right to strike for better wages and safer working conditions and the sometimes unlikely allies they find along the way. Many are based on true stories, including John Sayles’ masterful “Matewan,” about a coal miner strike in West Virginia, as well as Barbara Kopple’s Oscar-winning documentary, “Harlan County, USA.”
Photo credit: Disney
“Newsies” (1992)
“Headlines don’t sell papes, Newsies sell papes!” In this exuberant and pro-worker musical, Christian Bale’s Jack Kelly leads a group of newsboys in a strike against penny-pinching newspaper owner Joseph Pulitzer. They’re aided by Bill Pullman’s kindly, reform-minded journalist and, of course, Teddy Roosevelt, who was then governor of New York.
Photo credit: 20th Century
“Norma Rae...
Filmmakers loves an underdog and movies have a long tradition of supporting the rights of workers, dating all the way back to the silent era. Here are some classic movies that celebrate workers’ right to strike for better wages and safer working conditions and the sometimes unlikely allies they find along the way. Many are based on true stories, including John Sayles’ masterful “Matewan,” about a coal miner strike in West Virginia, as well as Barbara Kopple’s Oscar-winning documentary, “Harlan County, USA.”
Photo credit: Disney
“Newsies” (1992)
“Headlines don’t sell papes, Newsies sell papes!” In this exuberant and pro-worker musical, Christian Bale’s Jack Kelly leads a group of newsboys in a strike against penny-pinching newspaper owner Joseph Pulitzer. They’re aided by Bill Pullman’s kindly, reform-minded journalist and, of course, Teddy Roosevelt, who was then governor of New York.
Photo credit: 20th Century
“Norma Rae...
- 7/24/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
“When I first heard that this was the direction it was going, and then got the scripts and songs, I was in heaven,” admits Christopher Gattelli of “Schmigadoon!” Season 2. The choreographer left behind the Rodgers and Hammerstein golden age from Season 1 of the Apple TV+ series, and instead moved into the sexier, darker era of the 1960s and 1970s. The jazz hands of Bob Fosse ruled this period of musical theater, and Gattelli had a full memory stored in “the databank” in his head. Watch the exclusive video interview above.
Earlier in his career, Gattelli performed in “Fosse” on Broadway. a musical revue of the legendary choreographer’s signature dances. “I felt like I had so much of his vocabulary in my body,” says Gattelli, which set him up for success on this series. He latched on to the lyric, “a fantastical farrago” from the opening number “Welcome to Schmicago” as a source of inspiration.
Earlier in his career, Gattelli performed in “Fosse” on Broadway. a musical revue of the legendary choreographer’s signature dances. “I felt like I had so much of his vocabulary in my body,” says Gattelli, which set him up for success on this series. He latched on to the lyric, “a fantastical farrago” from the opening number “Welcome to Schmicago” as a source of inspiration.
- 6/17/2023
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
The American Psycho episode of Wtf Happened to This Adaptation? was Written and Narrated by Andrew Hatfield, Edited by Mike Conway, Produced by Lance Vlcek and John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian. Here is the text of Hatfield’s script:
Horror can take many forms and its high time we talked about something firmly in the psychological realm. Author Brett Easton Ellis is known to broach subjects that are uncomfortable or outright horrifying, but it is with his 3rd book that he went for the throat so to speak and tackle a more traditional genre topic in a thoroughly nontraditional way. American Psycho was quite controversial upon its release in 1991 and the film based on it in 2000 (watch it Here) was divisive then and it’s divisive now.
Take a look at the craftsmanship on that card as we find out what the f*ck happened to this adaptation.
Horror can take many forms and its high time we talked about something firmly in the psychological realm. Author Brett Easton Ellis is known to broach subjects that are uncomfortable or outright horrifying, but it is with his 3rd book that he went for the throat so to speak and tackle a more traditional genre topic in a thoroughly nontraditional way. American Psycho was quite controversial upon its release in 1991 and the film based on it in 2000 (watch it Here) was divisive then and it’s divisive now.
Take a look at the craftsmanship on that card as we find out what the f*ck happened to this adaptation.
- 6/2/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Picketers gathered outside Warner Bros. in Burbank today found themselves buoyed by a unique presence: Flavor Flav. The hip-hop icon-turned-reality star showed up to cheers from the assembled WGA supporters.
Dressed in a festive yellow-and-blue track suit and wearing a demure (for him) red clock around his neck, the Public Enemy also brought a boombox and blasted the group’s classic “Fight the Power.”
Possibly even better, Flav brought a lot of food.
“A true spread of burgers and pizzas at Warner Bros courtesy of Flava Flav!” wrote Abbott Elementary writer-producer Brittani Nichols on Twitter above a photo of the rapper delivering at least a dozen boxes of grub.
A true spread of burgers and pizzas at Warner Bros courtesy of Flava Flav! Please come picket and eat! #WGAstrong pic.twitter.com/V1pJZ4raIr
— Brittani Nichols *Strike Version* (@BisHilarious) May 18, 2023
Flavor Flav just arrived at WB #WGAstrong pic.twitter.
Dressed in a festive yellow-and-blue track suit and wearing a demure (for him) red clock around his neck, the Public Enemy also brought a boombox and blasted the group’s classic “Fight the Power.”
Possibly even better, Flav brought a lot of food.
“A true spread of burgers and pizzas at Warner Bros courtesy of Flava Flav!” wrote Abbott Elementary writer-producer Brittani Nichols on Twitter above a photo of the rapper delivering at least a dozen boxes of grub.
A true spread of burgers and pizzas at Warner Bros courtesy of Flava Flav! Please come picket and eat! #WGAstrong pic.twitter.com/V1pJZ4raIr
— Brittani Nichols *Strike Version* (@BisHilarious) May 18, 2023
Flavor Flav just arrived at WB #WGAstrong pic.twitter.
- 5/18/2023
- by Valerie Complex, Rosy Cordero, Matt Grobar and Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael Lerner, the character actor known from films like “Godzilla,” “Elf,” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” and who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Barton Fink,” has died, as per a report in Variety. He was 81 years old.
The news was broken by his nephew, actor Sam Lerner, a series regular on “The Goldbergs.” He wrote on his Instagram page that “it’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me. His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting. He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special.” He added, “Rip Michael, enjoy your unlimited Cuban cigars, comfy chairs, and endless movie marathon.”
A carousel of images included pictures of Lerner on set in various costumes over the years,...
The news was broken by his nephew, actor Sam Lerner, a series regular on “The Goldbergs.” He wrote on his Instagram page that “it’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me. His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting. He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special.” He added, “Rip Michael, enjoy your unlimited Cuban cigars, comfy chairs, and endless movie marathon.”
A carousel of images included pictures of Lerner on set in various costumes over the years,...
- 4/10/2023
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
An Academy Awards nominee for his performance in 1991’s Coen Brothers-directed film Barton Fink, veteran actor Michael Lerner has passed away at the age of 81 years old.
Michael Lerner made several appearances in the horror genre throughout his decades-spanning career, including the films Anguish (1987), Maniac Cop 2 (1990), and Omen IV: The Awakening (1991). You’ll also remember Lerner from the 1993 episode of “Tales from the Crypt” titled ‘People Who Live in Brass Hearses,’ one of the show’s most memorable tales.
Later in the 1990s, Michael Lerner played Mayor Ebert in the big screen movie Godzilla (1998), a role he soon thereafter reprised in the animated “Godzilla: The Series.”
Lerner’s nearly 200 credits in film and television also include The Candidate, Reflections of Murder, The Missiles of October, Ruby and Oswald, The Postman Always Rings Twice, Strange Invaders, Eight Men Out, Harlem Nights, Newsies, Blank Check, Tale of the Mummy, My Favorite Martian,...
Michael Lerner made several appearances in the horror genre throughout his decades-spanning career, including the films Anguish (1987), Maniac Cop 2 (1990), and Omen IV: The Awakening (1991). You’ll also remember Lerner from the 1993 episode of “Tales from the Crypt” titled ‘People Who Live in Brass Hearses,’ one of the show’s most memorable tales.
Later in the 1990s, Michael Lerner played Mayor Ebert in the big screen movie Godzilla (1998), a role he soon thereafter reprised in the animated “Godzilla: The Series.”
Lerner’s nearly 200 credits in film and television also include The Candidate, Reflections of Murder, The Missiles of October, Ruby and Oswald, The Postman Always Rings Twice, Strange Invaders, Eight Men Out, Harlem Nights, Newsies, Blank Check, Tale of the Mummy, My Favorite Martian,...
- 4/10/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Michael Lerner — the actor who appeared in numerous stage, film and TV roles and whose portrayal of movie mogul Jack Lipnick in Barton Fink earned him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination — died on Saturday. He was 81.
Lerner’s nephew and The Goldbergs actor Sam Lerner confirmed his uncle’s death in a tribute he penned via Instagram on Sunday. A cause of death was not immediately available.
“We lost a legend last night. It’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me,...
Lerner’s nephew and The Goldbergs actor Sam Lerner confirmed his uncle’s death in a tribute he penned via Instagram on Sunday. A cause of death was not immediately available.
“We lost a legend last night. It’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me,...
- 4/10/2023
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Michael Lerner — an actor who is known for his roles in Barton Fink, Elf, Godzilla and more — has died at 81 years old, his family announced Sunday.
His nephew, Sam, took to Instagram to share the news, writing, “We lost a legend last night. It’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me.”
The tribute included a carousel of photos of Michael throughout the years. One photo shows Micheal posed with famed comedian Eddie Murphy.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sam Lerner (@samlerner)
“His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting. He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special,” Sam wrote of his uncle.
“Everyone that knows him knows how insane he was— in the best way.
His nephew, Sam, took to Instagram to share the news, writing, “We lost a legend last night. It’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me.”
The tribute included a carousel of photos of Michael throughout the years. One photo shows Micheal posed with famed comedian Eddie Murphy.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sam Lerner (@samlerner)
“His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting. He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special,” Sam wrote of his uncle.
“Everyone that knows him knows how insane he was— in the best way.
- 4/9/2023
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
If you’re a fan of eighties and nineties movies, you most likely recognize Michael Lerner. While never a leading man, the character actor had plenty of solid roles under his belt, most memorably playing a sadistic studio boss in the Coen Bros’ classic Barton Fink. Sadly, Michael Lerner passed away over the weekend at 81 years old. His nephew, Sam Lerner, who stars on The Goldbergs, broke the news via Instagram:
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sam Lerner (@samlerner)
Lerner, who has hundreds of credits going all the way back to the sixties, had some pretty sizeable roles in a bunch of beloved movies. In addition to Barton Fink, he played the infamous gambler/ gangster Arnold Rothstein in John Sayles’ Eight Men Out, another gangster in Eddie Murphy’s Harlem Nights, and a New York Mayor that was based on Roger Ebert in Roland Emmerich’s...
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sam Lerner (@samlerner)
Lerner, who has hundreds of credits going all the way back to the sixties, had some pretty sizeable roles in a bunch of beloved movies. In addition to Barton Fink, he played the infamous gambler/ gangster Arnold Rothstein in John Sayles’ Eight Men Out, another gangster in Eddie Murphy’s Harlem Nights, and a New York Mayor that was based on Roger Ebert in Roland Emmerich’s...
- 4/9/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Michael Lerner, an actor who appeared in television shows like Clueless and Glee and was nominated for an Oscar for his role in Barton Frink, has died. He was 81 years old.
Lerner died Saturday evening, his nephew and The Goldbergs actor Sam Lerner confirmed in a tribute post on Instagram.
“We lost a legend last night. It’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me,” Sam posted. “His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting. He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special.”
Sam continued, “Everyone that knows him knows how insane he was — in the best way. I’m so lucky I got to spend so much time with him, and we’re all lucky we can continue to...
Lerner died Saturday evening, his nephew and The Goldbergs actor Sam Lerner confirmed in a tribute post on Instagram.
“We lost a legend last night. It’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me,” Sam posted. “His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting. He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special.”
Sam continued, “Everyone that knows him knows how insane he was — in the best way. I’m so lucky I got to spend so much time with him, and we’re all lucky we can continue to...
- 4/9/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael Lerner, an actor who featured in films such as “Elf,” “Godzilla” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past” and who received an Oscar nomination in best supporting actor for his performance in Joel and Ethan Coen’s 1991 psychological comedy “Barton Fink,” died Saturday evening. He was 81 years old.
Lerner’s death was confirmed by his nephew, “The Goldbergs” actor Sam Lerner, who paid tribute to his uncle through a post on Instagram Sunday afternoon. No further details regarding Lerner’s death are available at this time.
“We lost a legend last night. It’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me,” Lerner wrote. “His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting. He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special. Everyone...
Lerner’s death was confirmed by his nephew, “The Goldbergs” actor Sam Lerner, who paid tribute to his uncle through a post on Instagram Sunday afternoon. No further details regarding Lerner’s death are available at this time.
“We lost a legend last night. It’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me,” Lerner wrote. “His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting. He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special. Everyone...
- 4/9/2023
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
The film year of 2022 pretty much ended with a “music biopic”, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody (at least I’m making it the “year’s end” as it was the last advance screening I attended). It did fairly well at the box office but didn’t come close to the critical and award accolades of Bohemian Rhapsody or Judy. But that’s not going to halt Hollywood from “mining” this material, and so we’re getting a tune-filled “true” tale at the end of 2023’s first quarter. Oh, but this has a twist in that it doesn’t center around a beloved performer. No, this concerns the head of a record company. Yeah kids, in those ancient days before streaming and downloading, people went to brick-and-mortar stores and bought discs produced by these companies Aka recording labels. And one of the biggest of them in the mid-...
- 3/31/2023
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Jeremy Jordan is probably best known for his Tony and Grammy-nominated portrayal of Jack Kelly in Newsies on Broadway, as well as his many roles on television including series regulars on CW’s Supergirl, NBC’s Smash and Disney Channel’s Tangled. And now he leads a star-studded cast as the tenacious record industry giant Neil Bogart in the epic new feature film Spinning Gold. On this episode, he talks about how finding a character’s physicality and where they hold tension informs his preparation, the importance of letting every single moment of a performance tell the story, why he’s still getting used to […]
The post “Yes He Was a Visionary, but He Pissed a Lot of People Off”: Spinning Gold Star Jeremy Jordan first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “Yes He Was a Visionary, but He Pissed a Lot of People Off”: Spinning Gold Star Jeremy Jordan first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 3/21/2023
- by Peter Rinaldi
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Jeremy Jordan is probably best known for his Tony and Grammy-nominated portrayal of Jack Kelly in Newsies on Broadway, as well as his many roles on television including series regulars on CW’s Supergirl, NBC’s Smash and Disney Channel’s Tangled. And now he leads a star-studded cast as the tenacious record industry giant Neil Bogart in the epic new feature film Spinning Gold. On this episode, he talks about how finding a character’s physicality and where they hold tension informs his preparation, the importance of letting every single moment of a performance tell the story, why he’s still getting used to […]
The post “Yes He Was a Visionary, but He Pissed a Lot of People Off”: Spinning Gold Star Jeremy Jordan first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “Yes He Was a Visionary, but He Pissed a Lot of People Off”: Spinning Gold Star Jeremy Jordan first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 3/21/2023
- by Peter Rinaldi
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
"Crash" winning Best Picture over "Brokeback Mountain" is easily one of the biggest upsets in modern Oscar history. The Academy's decision was already highly contentious and has only aged like sour milk in the decades since. Ang Lee's tragic romance, on the other hand, remains a touchstone for positive queer representation in mainstream cinema. To dismiss it as the embodiment of the "Bury Your Gays" trope is to approach the film in a vacuum. At a time when homophobic humor intended to assuage the insecurities of straight audiences was commonplace in Hollywood, Lee and his "Brokeback" actors dared to take the story of two men falling in love seriously.
According to Deadline, the tale of cowboys Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist is getting a new lease on life thanks to a London stage production based on Annie Proulx's original 1997 short story (not Lee's movie). Mike Faist and...
According to Deadline, the tale of cowboys Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist is getting a new lease on life thanks to a London stage production based on Annie Proulx's original 1997 short story (not Lee's movie). Mike Faist and...
- 3/20/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
There’s no question that Christian Bale is one of the top actors of this era of film. When he joins a movie, the producers know he’s a major audience draw and pay him accordingly. But earlier in his career — specifically, in the American Psycho days — that was decidedly not the case.
That isn’t to say that Bale was seen as untalented. Even when he was a fresh-faced young actor in movies like the 1987 war film Empire of the Sun and the 1992 musical Newsies, his abilities as a performer were obvious. But that critical praise wasn’t enough to get an oddball project like American Psycho off the ground.
Christian Bale was sorely underpaid for ‘American Psycho’
Director Mary Harron went through a difficult path trying to get American Psycho made. The studio kept trying to step in on her vision for adapting the controversial Bret Easton Ellis novel,...
That isn’t to say that Bale was seen as untalented. Even when he was a fresh-faced young actor in movies like the 1987 war film Empire of the Sun and the 1992 musical Newsies, his abilities as a performer were obvious. But that critical praise wasn’t enough to get an oddball project like American Psycho off the ground.
Christian Bale was sorely underpaid for ‘American Psycho’
Director Mary Harron went through a difficult path trying to get American Psycho made. The studio kept trying to step in on her vision for adapting the controversial Bret Easton Ellis novel,...
- 3/15/2023
- by Agustin Mojica
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
According to Empire, Rob Marshall's "The Little Mermaid" -- a live-action/CGI remake of John Musker and Ron Clements' 1989 animated film of the same name -- will feature a brand new song called "For the First Time," to be sung by the titular mermaid Ariel (Halle Bailey) as she makes her first sojourn onto dry land after being transformed into a human. It was co-penned by Disney legend and award-winning songwriter Alan Menken, the Egot maestro who co-wrote the songs for the animated "Little Mermaid" movie with Howard Ashman, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Broadway superstar and songwriter behind the Disney-released animated films "Moana" and "Encanto."
Menken's return is a big deal. In 1990, he won two Academy Awards for "The Little Mermaid," taking home trophies for the film's score and for the song "Under the Sea" (for which Ashman was also awarded the Oscar). Menken and Ashman's ballad "Kiss the...
Menken's return is a big deal. In 1990, he won two Academy Awards for "The Little Mermaid," taking home trophies for the film's score and for the song "Under the Sea" (for which Ashman was also awarded the Oscar). Menken and Ashman's ballad "Kiss the...
- 3/13/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Twenty years after the fan-favorite Disney Renaissance film debuted in 1997, legendary composer Alan Menken revealed that he was working on a stage adaptation of "Hercules," the tale of a young man on his road to becoming a hero and finding out where he belongs in the world. Reunited with lyricist David Zippel, the Disney Legend created a number of all-new songs to compliment a book by Kristoffer Diaz and Robert Horn for the latest musical from the House of Mouse.
A few years later in 2019, the production made its world premiere at the Delacorte Theater in New York City's Central Park with a stellar cast that featured Jelani Alladin, who originated the role of Kristoff on stage in "Frozen," as Hercules, Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart of "Aladdin" on Broadway as Phil, star of NBC's "Smash" Krysta Rodriguez as Meg, and, instead of revisiting the character that he...
A few years later in 2019, the production made its world premiere at the Delacorte Theater in New York City's Central Park with a stellar cast that featured Jelani Alladin, who originated the role of Kristoff on stage in "Frozen," as Hercules, Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart of "Aladdin" on Broadway as Phil, star of NBC's "Smash" Krysta Rodriguez as Meg, and, instead of revisiting the character that he...
- 2/24/2023
- by Ben F. Silverio
- Slash Film
The Traitors brought friends and strangers together to play a game. There were two stars from Big Brother in the cast who knew each other. But a non-celebrity who played as a faithful was related to someone who also was on a competitive reality TV show recently.
Angelica Conti is Tommy Bracco’s cousin from ‘Big Brother’
Calafiore talked about the sixth episode of The Traitors on The Winner’s Circle. He revealed another reason he struggled with being a traitor.
“Obviously, they don’t show any of our relationships. But Angelica [Conti] was somebody I really connected with in the house. Tommy’s cousin, Tommy Bracco from Big Brother. So it was like I wanted to make sure she was having a good experience.”
Co-hosts Derrick Levasseur and Tiffany Mitchell were surprised by the news. “When you told me when I was watching the show after you said it, I couldn’t unsee it,...
Angelica Conti is Tommy Bracco’s cousin from ‘Big Brother’
Calafiore talked about the sixth episode of The Traitors on The Winner’s Circle. He revealed another reason he struggled with being a traitor.
“Obviously, they don’t show any of our relationships. But Angelica [Conti] was somebody I really connected with in the house. Tommy’s cousin, Tommy Bracco from Big Brother. So it was like I wanted to make sure she was having a good experience.”
Co-hosts Derrick Levasseur and Tiffany Mitchell were surprised by the news. “When you told me when I was watching the show after you said it, I couldn’t unsee it,...
- 2/3/2023
- by Nicole Weaver
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Lee Mack poked fun at Prince Edward during his opening monologue at the Royal Variety Performance.
The stand-up comic hosted the annual celebration at the Royal Albert Hall, which was broadcast on Tuesday (20 December) and attended by the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
In his opening speech, Mack welcomed the audience to the show, before addressing Edward, who is the youngest of Queen Elizabeth II’s children.
“I’ve got three kids,” he told the audience. “The youngest is the naughtiest. It’s always the youngest that’s the trickiest, isn’t it?
“No disrespect,” he added, while the camera cut to a laughing Edward and wife Sophie Windsor.
“There goes the knighthood,” Mack added. “Wouldn’t work for me, anyway. Sir Lee – just sounds like I’m in a bad mood.”
The 2022 Royal Variety Performance is the first to be held since the death of the Queen in September.
The stand-up comic hosted the annual celebration at the Royal Albert Hall, which was broadcast on Tuesday (20 December) and attended by the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
In his opening speech, Mack welcomed the audience to the show, before addressing Edward, who is the youngest of Queen Elizabeth II’s children.
“I’ve got three kids,” he told the audience. “The youngest is the naughtiest. It’s always the youngest that’s the trickiest, isn’t it?
“No disrespect,” he added, while the camera cut to a laughing Edward and wife Sophie Windsor.
“There goes the knighthood,” Mack added. “Wouldn’t work for me, anyway. Sir Lee – just sounds like I’m in a bad mood.”
The 2022 Royal Variety Performance is the first to be held since the death of the Queen in September.
- 12/21/2022
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Lee Mack poked fun at Prince Edward during his opening monologue at the Royal Variety Performance.
The stand-up comic hosted the annual celebration at the Royal Albert Hall, which was broadcast on Tuesday (20 December) and attended by the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
In his opening speech, Mack welcomed the audience to the show, before addressing Edward, who is the youngest of Queen Elizabeth II’s children.
“I’ve got three kids,” he told the audience. “The youngest is the naughtiest. It’s always the youngest that’s the trickiest, isn’t it?
“No disrespect,” he added, while the camera cut to a laughing Edward and wife Sophie Windsor.
“There goes the knighthood,” Mack added. “Wouldn’t work for me, anyway. Sir Lee – just sounds like I’m in a bad mood.”
The 2022 Royal Variety Performance is the first to be held since the death of the Queen in September.
The stand-up comic hosted the annual celebration at the Royal Albert Hall, which was broadcast on Tuesday (20 December) and attended by the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
In his opening speech, Mack welcomed the audience to the show, before addressing Edward, who is the youngest of Queen Elizabeth II’s children.
“I’ve got three kids,” he told the audience. “The youngest is the naughtiest. It’s always the youngest that’s the trickiest, isn’t it?
“No disrespect,” he added, while the camera cut to a laughing Edward and wife Sophie Windsor.
“There goes the knighthood,” Mack added. “Wouldn’t work for me, anyway. Sir Lee – just sounds like I’m in a bad mood.”
The 2022 Royal Variety Performance is the first to be held since the death of the Queen in September.
- 12/21/2022
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
The line-up for the 2022 Royal Variety Performance has been announced, with the annual event set to take place within days.
The event, held at London’s Royal Albert Hall, will be the first since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September.
As ever, the event is being held in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, which provides aid to those in the world of entertainment.
Previous years have seen artists including Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga and James Blunt take to the stage before the royals.
While Alan Carr has hosted proceedings for the last two years, hosting duties will this time be transferred to Not Going Out star Lee Mack.
Here’s what else we know about the event...
When is the Royal Variety Performance?
This year’s event is taking place on 1 December.
However, it will not air on TV until later in the month. The show will be shown on ITV1,...
The event, held at London’s Royal Albert Hall, will be the first since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September.
As ever, the event is being held in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, which provides aid to those in the world of entertainment.
Previous years have seen artists including Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga and James Blunt take to the stage before the royals.
While Alan Carr has hosted proceedings for the last two years, hosting duties will this time be transferred to Not Going Out star Lee Mack.
Here’s what else we know about the event...
When is the Royal Variety Performance?
This year’s event is taking place on 1 December.
However, it will not air on TV until later in the month. The show will be shown on ITV1,...
- 11/27/2022
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Click here to read the full article.
It’s the day that Disney devotees have been waiting for. The second annual Disney+ Day returns this Thursday ahead of the D23 Expo — and there’s a ton in store for superfans of Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and all things from the House of the Mouse, including a rare deal for new subscribers.
The annual celebration includes exclusive Disney+ content and releases for subscribers, such as the streaming premieres of Thor: Love and Thunder and Pinocchio; new series and originals such Cars on the Road, Tierra Incógnita, Brie Larson’s hybrid docuseries Growing Up and National Geographic’s Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory; behind-the-scenes content such as Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Thor: Love and Thunder, Dancing with the Stars: The Pros’ Most Memorable Dances and Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return; and a new original short film, Remembering, by Emmy-winning director Elijah Allan-Blitz.
It’s the day that Disney devotees have been waiting for. The second annual Disney+ Day returns this Thursday ahead of the D23 Expo — and there’s a ton in store for superfans of Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and all things from the House of the Mouse, including a rare deal for new subscribers.
The annual celebration includes exclusive Disney+ content and releases for subscribers, such as the streaming premieres of Thor: Love and Thunder and Pinocchio; new series and originals such Cars on the Road, Tierra Incógnita, Brie Larson’s hybrid docuseries Growing Up and National Geographic’s Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory; behind-the-scenes content such as Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Thor: Love and Thunder, Dancing with the Stars: The Pros’ Most Memorable Dances and Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return; and a new original short film, Remembering, by Emmy-winning director Elijah Allan-Blitz.
- 9/8/2022
- by Danielle Directo-Meston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
For those internet-obsessed denizens who keep track of such things, surely you remember last year's inaugural Disney+ Day in November of 2021. The special online event, created to mark the first anniversary of Disney's flagship streaming service, was meant to create a lasting memory by packing all the most exciting trailers, first looks, and news into a daylong celebration and giving fans a veritable buffet of content (ugh) to keep them as satisfied and stuffed as those unfortunate kids in "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory." We, uh, all know what happened to them next, don't we?
Anyway, the whole extravaganza instead ended up making headlines for all the wrong reasons, causing fans an endless amount of confusion and headaches while those of us tasked with covering the big day almost tore our hair out in unison over such a sloppily put-together mess. Yep, fun times were had by all! But...
Anyway, the whole extravaganza instead ended up making headlines for all the wrong reasons, causing fans an endless amount of confusion and headaches while those of us tasked with covering the big day almost tore our hair out in unison over such a sloppily put-together mess. Yep, fun times were had by all! But...
- 9/7/2022
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Henry Fonda, actor (1905-82)
Grammy: Best Spoken Word Album, “Great Documents” (1977)
Oscar: Best Actor, “On Golden Pond” (1981)
Tony: Best Actor, “Mister Roberts” (1948); Best Actor, “Clarence Darrow” (1975)
Oscar Hammerstein II, lyricist and producer (1895-1960)
Grammy: Best Original Cast Album, “The Sound of Music” (1960)
Oscar: Best Original Song, “The Last Time I Saw Paris” from “Lady Be Good” (1941); “It Might As Well Be Spring” from “State Fair” (1945)
Tony: Three awards for “South Pacific” (1950); Best Musical, “The King and I” (1952); Best Musical, “The Sound of Music” (1960)
Elton John
Grammy: Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group, “That’s What Friends Are For” (1986); Best Instrumental Composition, “Basque” (1991); Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (1994); Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, “Candle in the Wind” (1997); Best Show Album, “Aida” (2000)
Oscar: Best Original Son, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from “The Lion King” (1994)
Tony: Best Score, “Aida” (2000)
John Legend, songwriter and...
Grammy: Best Spoken Word Album, “Great Documents” (1977)
Oscar: Best Actor, “On Golden Pond” (1981)
Tony: Best Actor, “Mister Roberts” (1948); Best Actor, “Clarence Darrow” (1975)
Oscar Hammerstein II, lyricist and producer (1895-1960)
Grammy: Best Original Cast Album, “The Sound of Music” (1960)
Oscar: Best Original Song, “The Last Time I Saw Paris” from “Lady Be Good” (1941); “It Might As Well Be Spring” from “State Fair” (1945)
Tony: Three awards for “South Pacific” (1950); Best Musical, “The King and I” (1952); Best Musical, “The Sound of Music” (1960)
Elton John
Grammy: Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group, “That’s What Friends Are For” (1986); Best Instrumental Composition, “Basque” (1991); Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (1994); Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, “Candle in the Wind” (1997); Best Show Album, “Aida” (2000)
Oscar: Best Original Son, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from “The Lion King” (1994)
Tony: Best Score, “Aida” (2000)
John Legend, songwriter and...
- 8/29/2022
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
This year’s Disney+ Day will bring “exciting premieres” and “special perks” to subscribers on September 8. Notably, Disney+ Day will mark the streaming debut of Thor: Love and Thunder.
As per Disney’s press release: “Disney+ Day will deliver even more excitement to subscribers with additional content premiering globally on September 8 as well as celebrations across Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.”
The content includes:
–Thor: Love & Thunder, along with a making of documentary
–Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return, about the production of the series
–Frozen and Frozen 2 Sing-Alongs
–Remembering – a short film which features “a first of its kind companion Augmented Reality app, where the Ar experience is triggered by the film’s moving image”
–Welcome to the Club – a new Simpsons short
–Dancing with the Stars: The Pros’ Most Memorable Dances
–Tierra Incógnita” (Original Series Produced in Latin America
Previously announced Disney+ Day premieres include Robert Zemeckis’ Pinocchio,...
As per Disney’s press release: “Disney+ Day will deliver even more excitement to subscribers with additional content premiering globally on September 8 as well as celebrations across Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.”
The content includes:
–Thor: Love & Thunder, along with a making of documentary
–Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return, about the production of the series
–Frozen and Frozen 2 Sing-Alongs
–Remembering – a short film which features “a first of its kind companion Augmented Reality app, where the Ar experience is triggered by the film’s moving image”
–Welcome to the Club – a new Simpsons short
–Dancing with the Stars: The Pros’ Most Memorable Dances
–Tierra Incógnita” (Original Series Produced in Latin America
Previously announced Disney+ Day premieres include Robert Zemeckis’ Pinocchio,...
- 8/22/2022
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Andrew Keenan-Bolger will direct “Mikey’s Army,” a coming-of-age story that is described as “fierce and fabulous.”
“Mikey’s Army” is produced by Jamie Forshaw, executive producer of Madison Wells Live and Evan Mayer, the company’s associate producer. They are joined by Kyle Beckley (“Submissions Only”), Mike Mosallam (“Breaking Fast”) and Thomas Laub (“Slave Play”).
The short film boasts a script by Eric Ulloa (“The Nana Project” and Nickelodeon’s “Meet the Alphabeats”). It tells the story of 16-year-old Mikey Alvarez who finds himself at a pivotal moment where he must decide whether or not to be open and honest about what he is feeling inside. Not feeling quite ready for such a moment, Mikey unwittingly conjures courage from a trio of guides who appear in an explosion of glitter and glitz. Can a Drag Queen, an international pop star and an action film heartthrob tackle a mission this...
“Mikey’s Army” is produced by Jamie Forshaw, executive producer of Madison Wells Live and Evan Mayer, the company’s associate producer. They are joined by Kyle Beckley (“Submissions Only”), Mike Mosallam (“Breaking Fast”) and Thomas Laub (“Slave Play”).
The short film boasts a script by Eric Ulloa (“The Nana Project” and Nickelodeon’s “Meet the Alphabeats”). It tells the story of 16-year-old Mikey Alvarez who finds himself at a pivotal moment where he must decide whether or not to be open and honest about what he is feeling inside. Not feeling quite ready for such a moment, Mikey unwittingly conjures courage from a trio of guides who appear in an explosion of glitter and glitz. Can a Drag Queen, an international pop star and an action film heartthrob tackle a mission this...
- 8/1/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Producer Mike Finnell (Joe Dante’s long time producing partner) joins Josh and Joe to discuss a few of his favorite movies.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Avalanche (1978)
Airport (1970)
Earthquake (1974) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Matinee (1993) – Illeana Douglas’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s review, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Hollywood Boulevard (1976) – Jon Davison’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Deceived (1991)
Newsies (1992)
Milk Money (1994)
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979) – Eli Roth’s trailer commentary
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s 4K Blu-ray review, Tfh’s 30th anniversary celebration
Explorers (1985) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Innerspace (1987) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The ’Burbs (1989) – Ti West’s trailer commentary, Tfh’s ’Burbs Mania
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
Small Soldiers (1998)
A Matter of Life and Death (1946) – Glenn Erickson’s...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Avalanche (1978)
Airport (1970)
Earthquake (1974) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Matinee (1993) – Illeana Douglas’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s review, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Hollywood Boulevard (1976) – Jon Davison’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Deceived (1991)
Newsies (1992)
Milk Money (1994)
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979) – Eli Roth’s trailer commentary
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s 4K Blu-ray review, Tfh’s 30th anniversary celebration
Explorers (1985) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Innerspace (1987) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The ’Burbs (1989) – Ti West’s trailer commentary, Tfh’s ’Burbs Mania
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
Small Soldiers (1998)
A Matter of Life and Death (1946) – Glenn Erickson’s...
- 7/12/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
When Rotten Tomatoes interviewed filmmaker Werner Herzog on his 2006 film "Rescue Dawn" -- a fictional remake of his documentary "Little Dieter Needs to Fly" -- interviewer Rich Cline asked how lead actor Christian Bale was suited to playing his role. Herzog's answer was blunt and frank: "He's the best of his generation."
Bale had been acting since he was a boy, having broken out at the age of 13 in Steven Spielberg's 1987 film "Empire of the Sun." He appeared in several '90s slumber party staples -- "Newsies," "Swing Kids," "Little Women," "Velvet Goldmine" -- as well as a pile of notable horror and genre films...
The post Christian Bale's Acting Method Came Straight From Mr. Bean appeared first on /Film.
Bale had been acting since he was a boy, having broken out at the age of 13 in Steven Spielberg's 1987 film "Empire of the Sun." He appeared in several '90s slumber party staples -- "Newsies," "Swing Kids," "Little Women," "Velvet Goldmine" -- as well as a pile of notable horror and genre films...
The post Christian Bale's Acting Method Came Straight From Mr. Bean appeared first on /Film.
- 6/29/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
Steve Fickinger, who received a Tony Award for producing the blockbuster musical Dear Evan Hansen after helping bring Newsies and The Lion King to Broadway as a Disney executive, has died. He was 62.
Fickinger died suddenly Friday at his home in Laguna Beach, his niece Jessica Roy announced.
As director of creative development for Walt Disney Feature Animation, Fickinger worked on Mulan, Tarzan and Lilo & Stitch, then served as vp creative development for the Disney Theatrical Group, where he supervised the launch of a half-dozen Broadway shows, including The Lion King and Aida.
Fickinger also oversaw the Tony-winning production of Newsies, the national tour of High School Musical and the long-running Broadway production of Aladdin.
Following two decades at Disney, he exited in 2013 and created FickStern Productions, and its first endeavor, Dear Evan Hansen, opened on Broadway in 2016 en route to collecting six Tonys,...
Steve Fickinger, who received a Tony Award for producing the blockbuster musical Dear Evan Hansen after helping bring Newsies and The Lion King to Broadway as a Disney executive, has died. He was 62.
Fickinger died suddenly Friday at his home in Laguna Beach, his niece Jessica Roy announced.
As director of creative development for Walt Disney Feature Animation, Fickinger worked on Mulan, Tarzan and Lilo & Stitch, then served as vp creative development for the Disney Theatrical Group, where he supervised the launch of a half-dozen Broadway shows, including The Lion King and Aida.
Fickinger also oversaw the Tony-winning production of Newsies, the national tour of High School Musical and the long-running Broadway production of Aladdin.
Following two decades at Disney, he exited in 2013 and created FickStern Productions, and its first endeavor, Dear Evan Hansen, opened on Broadway in 2016 en route to collecting six Tonys,...
- 6/23/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Steve Fickinger, an ex-Disney creative executive and the independent producer behind “Dear Evan Hansen” and other musicals, died last week at age 62. His niece, Jessica Roy, announced via Facebook that he passed away “suddenly” at his Laguna Beach, California, home on Friday. No cause of death was revealed.
A former stage actor, Fickinger worked his way up from the Disney mail room to become the Director of Creative Development for animated features. During his tenure, he shepherded beloved Disney classics “Mulan,” “Tarzan” and “Lilo & Stitch.”
He would go on to oversee the development of Broadway shows like “Aida” and the six-time Tony-winning musical “The Lion King” in his role as Vice President of Creative Development for Disney Theatrical Group. Fickinger also had a direct hand in the Tony-winning production of “Newsies,” as well as the musical adaptations of “High School Musical” and “Aladdin.”
Also Read:
Tony Siragusa, Former NFL Champion and Fox Sports Analyst,...
A former stage actor, Fickinger worked his way up from the Disney mail room to become the Director of Creative Development for animated features. During his tenure, he shepherded beloved Disney classics “Mulan,” “Tarzan” and “Lilo & Stitch.”
He would go on to oversee the development of Broadway shows like “Aida” and the six-time Tony-winning musical “The Lion King” in his role as Vice President of Creative Development for Disney Theatrical Group. Fickinger also had a direct hand in the Tony-winning production of “Newsies,” as well as the musical adaptations of “High School Musical” and “Aladdin.”
Also Read:
Tony Siragusa, Former NFL Champion and Fox Sports Analyst,...
- 6/22/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Steve Fickinger, the Broadway producer who won a Tony for “Dear Evan Hansen,” died suddenly on Friday in Laguna Beach, Calif., representatives confirmed to Variety. He was 62.
Born in Winnetka, Ill., Fickinger began his career at Disney as a temp mail room worker, and worked his way up to become director of creative development for Walt Disney Feature Animation, where he oversaw the production of animated films including “Mulan,” “Tarzan” and “Lilo and Stitch.”
He later transitioned to the Disney Theatrical Group, where he served as V.P. of creative development. He supervised six Broadway productions during his tenure as vice president, including the Tony-winning “The Lion King,” “Aida,” “Newsies” as well as “Aladdin” and the national tour of “High School Musical.” He additionally oversaw Disney Theatrical’s musicals in schools initiative, which provided free resources and teaching artists to underfunded arts programs in schools.
Fickinger left Disney in 2013 to...
Born in Winnetka, Ill., Fickinger began his career at Disney as a temp mail room worker, and worked his way up to become director of creative development for Walt Disney Feature Animation, where he oversaw the production of animated films including “Mulan,” “Tarzan” and “Lilo and Stitch.”
He later transitioned to the Disney Theatrical Group, where he served as V.P. of creative development. He supervised six Broadway productions during his tenure as vice president, including the Tony-winning “The Lion King,” “Aida,” “Newsies” as well as “Aladdin” and the national tour of “High School Musical.” He additionally oversaw Disney Theatrical’s musicals in schools initiative, which provided free resources and teaching artists to underfunded arts programs in schools.
Fickinger left Disney in 2013 to...
- 6/22/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Steve Fickinger, a Tony Award-winning producer of Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen who, as a longtime creative executive with Disney Theatrical Group helped spearhead the development of such stage shows as Newsies and Aladdin, died suddenly at his home in Laguna Beach, California, on June 17. He was 62.
His death was announced by his niece, Jessica Roy. A cause of death was not specified.
In a two-decade career with Disney, which began as a temp in the mail room, Fickinger worked in the mid-1990s as Director of Creative Development for Walt Disney Feature Animation, overseeing such projects as Mulan, Tarzan, and Lilo and Stitch. From 1992 to 2012, he was Vice President of Creative Development for Disney Theatrical Group, supervising six Broadway shows including six-time Tony Award-winning The Lion King and Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida.
Fickinger also oversaw the Broadway production of Newsies, the national tour of High School Musical,...
His death was announced by his niece, Jessica Roy. A cause of death was not specified.
In a two-decade career with Disney, which began as a temp in the mail room, Fickinger worked in the mid-1990s as Director of Creative Development for Walt Disney Feature Animation, overseeing such projects as Mulan, Tarzan, and Lilo and Stitch. From 1992 to 2012, he was Vice President of Creative Development for Disney Theatrical Group, supervising six Broadway shows including six-time Tony Award-winning The Lion King and Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida.
Fickinger also oversaw the Broadway production of Newsies, the national tour of High School Musical,...
- 6/22/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
May Routh, the fashion illustrator turned renowned costume designer who brought iconic looks to such films as The Man Who Fell to Earth, My Favorite Year and Being There, has died. She was 87.
Routh died peacefully June 1 at her home in Los Angeles, set decorator and family spokesperson Bryony Foster told The Hollywood Reporter.
Routh also did several projects with director John Frankenheimer, starting with the acclaimed 1996 Civil War-set Andersonville and followed by another TNT miniseries, 1997’s George Wallace, starring Gary Sinise as the Alabama governor, and the big-screen action thrillers Ronin (1998) and Reindeer Games (2000).
Routh received Emmy nominations for her work on Andersonville and the 1991 CBS telefilm Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter, starring Frances Fisher and Maurice Benard.
She earned her first screen credit as a costume designer on Nicolas Roeg‘s The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976), starring David Bowie as...
May Routh, the fashion illustrator turned renowned costume designer who brought iconic looks to such films as The Man Who Fell to Earth, My Favorite Year and Being There, has died. She was 87.
Routh died peacefully June 1 at her home in Los Angeles, set decorator and family spokesperson Bryony Foster told The Hollywood Reporter.
Routh also did several projects with director John Frankenheimer, starting with the acclaimed 1996 Civil War-set Andersonville and followed by another TNT miniseries, 1997’s George Wallace, starring Gary Sinise as the Alabama governor, and the big-screen action thrillers Ronin (1998) and Reindeer Games (2000).
Routh received Emmy nominations for her work on Andersonville and the 1991 CBS telefilm Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter, starring Frances Fisher and Maurice Benard.
She earned her first screen credit as a costume designer on Nicolas Roeg‘s The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976), starring David Bowie as...
- 6/11/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Best Original Score prize is always one of the most coveted prizes at the Tony Awards. This year, the race is also one of the most competitive, pitting Michael R. Jackson’s music and lyrics for “A Strange Loop” against Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’ work for “Six: The Musical.” In recent weeks, “A Strange Loop” has pulled ahead of “Six” in our combined odds as the clear frontrunner for Best Musical, so does that mean it has an edge in the contest for score as well? How often do the two awards go hand in hand?
Watch our exclusive video interview with Tony nominee L Morgan Lee (‘A Strange Loop’)
Although it might seem intuitive that the show crowned Best Musical would also take the prize for Best Score, recent history shows how the awards often diverge. Since 2000, only 13 prize-winning shows have also won for their score, which...
Watch our exclusive video interview with Tony nominee L Morgan Lee (‘A Strange Loop’)
Although it might seem intuitive that the show crowned Best Musical would also take the prize for Best Score, recent history shows how the awards often diverge. Since 2000, only 13 prize-winning shows have also won for their score, which...
- 6/10/2022
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Even though the first Thor movie grossed almost 450 million in 2011, few people walking out of the theater probably thought the God of Thunder would go where Captain America and Iron Man could not and earn a fourth entry in his franchise. Sure, some of this achievement has to do with Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. completing their stories in Avengers: Endgame. But it has just as much to do with the revelation of Chris Hemsworth’s comedic abilities and the total tonal shift director Taikia Waititi brought to Thor: Ragnarok.
For this unprecedented fourth solo movie, Thor: Love and Thunder, Hemsworth and Waititi not only reprise their roles as Thor and Korg but they’re joined by a team of Academy Award winners and fan favorites. These remarkable talents will help tell the next chapter in Thor’s story, which finds him looking for his place in the galaxy...
For this unprecedented fourth solo movie, Thor: Love and Thunder, Hemsworth and Waititi not only reprise their roles as Thor and Korg but they’re joined by a team of Academy Award winners and fan favorites. These remarkable talents will help tell the next chapter in Thor’s story, which finds him looking for his place in the galaxy...
- 4/19/2022
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
The 2021-2022 Broadway season has been quite a busy one for actor Brandon J. Dirden. First he appeared opposite Phylicia Rashad in Manhattan Theatre Club’s presentation of Dominique Morisseau‘s play “Skeleton Crew” this past winter. Now he can be seen in Second Stage Theater’s revival of Richard Greenberg‘s 2003 Tony-winning play “Take Me Out.” After having previously appeared in award-winning Broadway productions of “Clybourne Park” (2012), “All the Way” (2014), and “Jitney” (2017), will either of Dirden’s two main stem appearances from this past year make him a first-time Tony nominee?
In “Skeleton Crew,” Dirden played Reggie, the manager of one of the last auto stamping plants in Detroit. The company is on shaky ground and the workers have to make choices about how to move forward if their plant goes under. All the while Reggie is torn between doing right by his work family and the red tape in his office.
In “Skeleton Crew,” Dirden played Reggie, the manager of one of the last auto stamping plants in Detroit. The company is on shaky ground and the workers have to make choices about how to move forward if their plant goes under. All the while Reggie is torn between doing right by his work family and the red tape in his office.
- 4/16/2022
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
Since opening its doors in 1993, the stage play and musical production company wing of the House of Mouse known as Disney Theatrical Productions Limited (or Disney On Broadway for short) has taken some of the most beloved offerings from the Disney catalogue and adapted them into larger-than-life stage musical extravaganzas. They got the ball rolling with "Beauty and the Beast" in 1994 and carried that momentum to create incredibly innovative presentations of "The Lion King," "Mary Poppins," "Newsies," "The Little Mermaid," "Aladdin," and more.
Most recently, they found success with their adaptation of "Frozen" and they have potentially exciting productions...
The post We Don't Talk About How Lin-Manuel Miranda Just Teased a Possible Broadway Adaptation of Encanto appeared first on /Film.
Most recently, they found success with their adaptation of "Frozen" and they have potentially exciting productions...
The post We Don't Talk About How Lin-Manuel Miranda Just Teased a Possible Broadway Adaptation of Encanto appeared first on /Film.
- 2/10/2022
- by Ben F. Silverio
- Slash Film
During the climactic rumble in “West Side Story,” Riff (Mike Faist) spins away from Tony (Ansel Elgort) and right into the knife held by Bernardo (David Alvarez). Everyone is frozen in shock as Riff turns back towards Tony, his face crumpled, looking younger than ever, tears welling up in his eyes. “It’s Ok, it’s Ok,” he tells his Bff. No one would question it if we got an agonizing slow death right then, but instead, Riff smiles, his face morphs into chilling clarity — dead eyes right before he’s about to drop dead — and he coolly (no pun intended) orders Tony to “take it out.” It’s a heart-stopping, devastating beat, played to perfection by Faist, who deserves some Oscar love for putting a new twist on an old character we all thought we knew.
Of the numerous changes in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of the 1957 Broadway musical,...
Of the numerous changes in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of the 1957 Broadway musical,...
- 1/27/2022
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Mike Faist is no stranger to musicals. He originated the role of Connor Murphy in the Broadway musical "Dear Evan Hansen," for which he was nominated for a Tony Award for best featured actor in a musical. He also originated the role of Morris Delancey in Disney's "Newsies." He's been in films like "The Unspeakable Act," "Wildling," and "Panic." And now, he's taking on the role of Riff in the Steven Spielberg-directed "West Side Story."
Faist is easily a standout in the cast, which is saying something. He's working with the original Anita, Rita Moreno, and the film also stars Ansel Elgort,...
The post West Side Story Star Mike Faist on Playing Riff & the 'Jet-Tivities' Weekend [Interview] appeared first on /Film.
Faist is easily a standout in the cast, which is saying something. He's working with the original Anita, Rita Moreno, and the film also stars Ansel Elgort,...
The post West Side Story Star Mike Faist on Playing Riff & the 'Jet-Tivities' Weekend [Interview] appeared first on /Film.
- 12/10/2021
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
In the latest episode of the Disney’s “For Scores” podcast, Egot-certified composer Alan Menken looks back at his history with the studio, for whom he composed songs and scores for “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin.” He also reveals there will be at least four new songs composed and written for the live-action version of “The Little Mermaid.”
Says Menken: “At first, Lin-Manuel Miranda was struggling to do Alan Menken-style songs, and he felt like, walking in Howard Ashman’s shoes was a daunting prospect. Then we wrote some songs that were in Lin’s wheelhouse and for me, walking in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s shoes was a daunting prospect, but we had a blast.”
In a two-part special, Menken speaks with host — and Variety contributor — Jon Burlingame about meeting fellow composer and songwriter Howard Ashman on an off-Broadway hit (“Little Shop of Horrors”). “Howard had very...
Says Menken: “At first, Lin-Manuel Miranda was struggling to do Alan Menken-style songs, and he felt like, walking in Howard Ashman’s shoes was a daunting prospect. Then we wrote some songs that were in Lin’s wheelhouse and for me, walking in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s shoes was a daunting prospect, but we had a blast.”
In a two-part special, Menken speaks with host — and Variety contributor — Jon Burlingame about meeting fellow composer and songwriter Howard Ashman on an off-Broadway hit (“Little Shop of Horrors”). “Howard had very...
- 9/23/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
‘Commercial Jingle for Regina Comet,’ First New Off-Broadway Musical, Announces Premiere (Exclusive)
In another sign that New York’s cultural life is coming back after a long Covid-era hiatus, “A Commercial Jingle for Regina Comet” will premiere in September. The show will be the first new musical to debut Off-Broadway since the pandemic shutdown went into effect in March 2020.
The show is the brainchild of Alex Wyse, the creator and star of “Indoor Boys” and a cast-member of Deaf West’s recent “Spring Awakening” revival, and Ben Fankhauser, one of the actors in the cast of “Newsies” and “Beautiful.” The two wrote the book, music, and lyrics. It will be directed by Marshall Pailet (“Baghdaddy”) and choreography will be overseen by Stephanie Klemons, the associate choreographer of “Hamilton.” The musical begins previews on Friday, September 17th, at the DR2 Theatre, with an opening night set for Monday, September 27th. The limited engagement will run through Sunday, November 14th, 2021.
The show follows two...
The show is the brainchild of Alex Wyse, the creator and star of “Indoor Boys” and a cast-member of Deaf West’s recent “Spring Awakening” revival, and Ben Fankhauser, one of the actors in the cast of “Newsies” and “Beautiful.” The two wrote the book, music, and lyrics. It will be directed by Marshall Pailet (“Baghdaddy”) and choreography will be overseen by Stephanie Klemons, the associate choreographer of “Hamilton.” The musical begins previews on Friday, September 17th, at the DR2 Theatre, with an opening night set for Monday, September 27th. The limited engagement will run through Sunday, November 14th, 2021.
The show follows two...
- 6/24/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Jeremy Jordan will take on the lead role of Seymour when Off Broadway’s Little Shop of Horrors returns to the stage on Sept. 21, joining original cast members Tammy Blanchard and Christian Borle under the direction of Michael Mayer.
Jordan had previously been set to join the company on March 17, 2020, before theater industry operations were suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Jonathan Groff and, later, Gideon Glick played Seymour earlier in the acclaimed revival at the Westside Theatre. The musical opened with Groff in 2019.
Jordan’s stage credits include Waitress, American Son, Finding Neverland, and Bonnie & Clyde, among others. He was Tony-nominated for 2012’s Newsies.
Tickets are on sale now for performances from September 21 through January 2, 2022.
In addition to Blanchard and Borle, other returning cast members include Tom Alan Robbins, Aaron Arnell Harrington, Salome Smith, Joy Woods, Aveena Sawyer, Eric Wright, Teddy Yudain, Stephen Berger and Chelsea Turbin.
Jordan had previously been set to join the company on March 17, 2020, before theater industry operations were suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Jonathan Groff and, later, Gideon Glick played Seymour earlier in the acclaimed revival at the Westside Theatre. The musical opened with Groff in 2019.
Jordan’s stage credits include Waitress, American Son, Finding Neverland, and Bonnie & Clyde, among others. He was Tony-nominated for 2012’s Newsies.
Tickets are on sale now for performances from September 21 through January 2, 2022.
In addition to Blanchard and Borle, other returning cast members include Tom Alan Robbins, Aaron Arnell Harrington, Salome Smith, Joy Woods, Aveena Sawyer, Eric Wright, Teddy Yudain, Stephen Berger and Chelsea Turbin.
- 5/14/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
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