One of the major themes of Kendrick Lamar’s new Drake diss “euphoria” is the accusation that his rap foe is a “scam artist” and “a master manipulator and habitual liar too.” As it turns out, the seemingly jumbled audio in the intro lays the groundwork by sampling dialogue from the 1978 film The Wiz.
Shortly after the song’s release on Tuesday, multiple fans clipped the brief sample and played the line backward, revealing it to be dialogue from the movie in which The Wiz (played by Richard Pryor) says, “Everything they say about me is true.” Scroll down for the reversed audio below.
For full context, Pryor’s line is taken from a scene in which his character is exposed to be Herman Smith, a washed-up politician from Atlantic City. Admitting to the deception, he says, “Everything they say about me is true. I’m a phony.”
The Genius...
Shortly after the song’s release on Tuesday, multiple fans clipped the brief sample and played the line backward, revealing it to be dialogue from the movie in which The Wiz (played by Richard Pryor) says, “Everything they say about me is true.” Scroll down for the reversed audio below.
For full context, Pryor’s line is taken from a scene in which his character is exposed to be Herman Smith, a washed-up politician from Atlantic City. Admitting to the deception, he says, “Everything they say about me is true. I’m a phony.”
The Genius...
- 5/1/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
One of the major themes of Kendrick Lamar’s new Drake diss “euphoria” is the accusation that his rap foe is a “scam artist” and “a master manipulator and habitual liar too.” As it turns out, the seemingly jumbled audio in the intro lays the groundwork by sampling dialogue from the 1978 film The Wiz.
Shortly after the song’s release on Tuesday, multiple fans clipped the brief sample and played the line backward, revealing it to be dialogue from the movie in which The Wiz (played by Richard Pryor) says, “Everything they say about me is true.” Scroll down for the reversed audio below.
For full context, Pryor’s line is taken from a scene in which his character is exposed to be Herman Smith, a washed-up politician from Atlantic City. Admitting to the deception, he says, “Everything they say about me is true. I’m a phony.”
The Genius...
Shortly after the song’s release on Tuesday, multiple fans clipped the brief sample and played the line backward, revealing it to be dialogue from the movie in which The Wiz (played by Richard Pryor) says, “Everything they say about me is true.” Scroll down for the reversed audio below.
For full context, Pryor’s line is taken from a scene in which his character is exposed to be Herman Smith, a washed-up politician from Atlantic City. Admitting to the deception, he says, “Everything they say about me is true. I’m a phony.”
The Genius...
- 5/1/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
With its list of May 2024 releases, Amazon Prime Video is giving us the kindest gift of all: cougar Anne Hathaway.
May 2 sees the premiere of The Idea of You, a romantic-comedy that features Hathaway as a 40-year-old mom finding romance with a 24-year-old boy band singer (Nicholas Galitzine). Having saved the medium of film forever, Prime Video is celebrating with some big time library titles this month as well. American Fiction and BlacKkKlansman arrive on May 14 and will be followed by Creed and Pearl: An X-traordinary Origin Story on May 16.
For its TV offerings, Prime is leading off with Outer Range season 2 on May 16. This James Brolin sci-fi Western will continue the mysteries of the strange happenings on Thanos’ ranch. Reality TV fans will be able to enjoy the Daniel Tosh-hosted competition series The Goat on May 9.
Here’s everything coming to Prime Video and Freevee in April – Amazon...
May 2 sees the premiere of The Idea of You, a romantic-comedy that features Hathaway as a 40-year-old mom finding romance with a 24-year-old boy band singer (Nicholas Galitzine). Having saved the medium of film forever, Prime Video is celebrating with some big time library titles this month as well. American Fiction and BlacKkKlansman arrive on May 14 and will be followed by Creed and Pearl: An X-traordinary Origin Story on May 16.
For its TV offerings, Prime is leading off with Outer Range season 2 on May 16. This James Brolin sci-fi Western will continue the mysteries of the strange happenings on Thanos’ ranch. Reality TV fans will be able to enjoy the Daniel Tosh-hosted competition series The Goat on May 9.
Here’s everything coming to Prime Video and Freevee in April – Amazon...
- 5/1/2024
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
The 2024 Tony Awards nominations were announced on Tuesday, April 30. Out of all the nominees spread across 26 categories, 23 fascinating facts, stats, trivia and achievements stand out as particularly noteworthy.
1. The following shows only received one Tony nomination: “The Great Gatsby,” “Gutenberg! The Musical!,” “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” “Patriots” “Uncle Vanya” and “The Who’s Tommy.”
2. The following Broadway productions from this past season were completely snubbed: “The Cottage,” “Harmony,” “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” “How to Dance in Ohio,” “I Need That,” “Once Upon a One More Time,” “The Shark is Broken” and “The Wiz.”
3. The following individuals nominated last year are recognized again this year: Kai Harada, Tim Hatley, Amy Herzog, Brian d’Arcy James, Natasha Katz, Bradley King, Tom Kitt, Gareth Owen, Emilio Sosa, Jessica Stone, and Kara Young.
SEETony Awards snubs: ‘Patriots,’ Steve Carell, Chip Zien …
4. Some noteworthy names who happen to be nominated for producing at least one...
1. The following shows only received one Tony nomination: “The Great Gatsby,” “Gutenberg! The Musical!,” “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” “Patriots” “Uncle Vanya” and “The Who’s Tommy.”
2. The following Broadway productions from this past season were completely snubbed: “The Cottage,” “Harmony,” “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” “How to Dance in Ohio,” “I Need That,” “Once Upon a One More Time,” “The Shark is Broken” and “The Wiz.”
3. The following individuals nominated last year are recognized again this year: Kai Harada, Tim Hatley, Amy Herzog, Brian d’Arcy James, Natasha Katz, Bradley King, Tom Kitt, Gareth Owen, Emilio Sosa, Jessica Stone, and Kara Young.
SEETony Awards snubs: ‘Patriots,’ Steve Carell, Chip Zien …
4. Some noteworthy names who happen to be nominated for producing at least one...
- 4/30/2024
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
Growing up in Omaha, Amber Ruffin didn’t have many role models who looked like her. “I had not seen Black female performances that weren’t a stereotype and honestly, it was a while until it became regular.” Luckily, there were two movies on regular rotation in her home: “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “The Wiz.”
The first started Oscar-winner Whoopi Goldberg, in whose hyphenate shoes Ruffin would follow, becoming an actor, host, writer and comedian. And the latter was the big-screen adaptation of the revolutionary 1974 Broadway musical, a retelling of “The Wizard of Oz” with an all-Black cast and bumping tunes that blended rock, gospel and soul. Says Ruffin of the films, “They were just so specific and weird that it was like an invitation to be yourself. So I had to squeeze all of the belonging out of those two movies and they lasted me well beyond childhood.”
One...
The first started Oscar-winner Whoopi Goldberg, in whose hyphenate shoes Ruffin would follow, becoming an actor, host, writer and comedian. And the latter was the big-screen adaptation of the revolutionary 1974 Broadway musical, a retelling of “The Wizard of Oz” with an all-Black cast and bumping tunes that blended rock, gospel and soul. Says Ruffin of the films, “They were just so specific and weird that it was like an invitation to be yourself. So I had to squeeze all of the belonging out of those two movies and they lasted me well beyond childhood.”
One...
- 4/30/2024
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Stereophonic became the most nominated play in Tony Awards history Tuesday, scoring a surprisingly strong 13 nominations for the 2024 Tony Awards, including acting nods for almost the entire cast. Several other shows also saw most of their leading roles nominated, including Days of Wine and Roses, which closed early but still saw nominations for its leads Kelli O’Hara and Brian D’Arcy James, as well as Merrily We Roll Along, which saw nominations for its three leads, Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez.
Stereophonic also landed a best score nomination, a bit unusual since the production is a play, but it features original songs written by ex-Arcade Fire member Will Butler for the fictional band at the center of the story. While the songs in the play have been praised, the nomination is a bit atypical given that most of the songs featured in the musical are delivered in snippets,...
Stereophonic also landed a best score nomination, a bit unusual since the production is a play, but it features original songs written by ex-Arcade Fire member Will Butler for the fictional band at the center of the story. While the songs in the play have been praised, the nomination is a bit atypical given that most of the songs featured in the musical are delivered in snippets,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Caitlin Huston and Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With 36 productions eligible for this year’s Tony Awards, there were plenty of names missing when nominations were announced by Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Renée Elise Goldsberry on Tuesday morning. Among the most surprising 2024 Tony nominations snubs was “Patriots.” Peter Morgan‘s history play about Russia earned three Olivier Award nominations last year, including Best New Play, Actor (Tom Hollander) and Featured Actor (Will Keen). In New York, it only scored one for Michael Stuhlbarg, who took over the role played by Hollander in the UK; Keen, who reprises his role as Vladimir Putin, did not score a nomination in a category stuffed with “Stereophonic” performers.
The revival of “The Who’s Tommy” also significantly underperformed. Gold Derby users predicted it would land three nominations for Best Musical Revival, Best Actor for Ali Louis Bourzgui and Best Choreographer for Lorin Latarro, but it only earned one bid in the top revival category.
The revival of “The Who’s Tommy” also significantly underperformed. Gold Derby users predicted it would land three nominations for Best Musical Revival, Best Actor for Ali Louis Bourzgui and Best Choreographer for Lorin Latarro, but it only earned one bid in the top revival category.
- 4/30/2024
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
The Alicia Keys musical Hell’s Kitchen and new play Stereophonic, about a fictional band in the 1970s, led the Tony nominations with 13 nominations each.
The Outsiders, a musical based on the 1967 S.E. Hinton book, followed with 12 nominations and the revival of Cabaret, starring Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin, followed with nine nods.
With its 13 noms, Stereophonic set a record for the most Tony nominations for a play, surpassing previous record holder Slave Play’s 12 noms in 2020.
Stereophonic‘s surprisingly strong performance even included a best score nomination despite it being a play.
In the best musical category, Hell’s Kitchen and The Outsiders were nominated, alongside the dance-based show Illionise, with music from Sufjan Stevens’ album and a book by Justin Peck and Jackie Sibblies Drury; Suffs, a musical about the women’s suffrage movement with a score and book by Shaina Taub; and Water for Elephants, based on the 2006 novel,...
The Outsiders, a musical based on the 1967 S.E. Hinton book, followed with 12 nominations and the revival of Cabaret, starring Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin, followed with nine nods.
With its 13 noms, Stereophonic set a record for the most Tony nominations for a play, surpassing previous record holder Slave Play’s 12 noms in 2020.
Stereophonic‘s surprisingly strong performance even included a best score nomination despite it being a play.
In the best musical category, Hell’s Kitchen and The Outsiders were nominated, alongside the dance-based show Illionise, with music from Sufjan Stevens’ album and a book by Justin Peck and Jackie Sibblies Drury; Suffs, a musical about the women’s suffrage movement with a score and book by Shaina Taub; and Water for Elephants, based on the 2006 novel,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A new musical, a musical revival and a new play with music will dominate the 2024 Tony Awards nominations, according to our official odds in 17 of the 26 categories. The latest revival of the classic John Kander and Fred Ebb musical “Cabaret,” fresh off a smash run on the West End, and the new musical “Hell’s Kitchen” that is loosely based on the life of Alicia Keys and her music will both net at least seven nominations. New works “Days of Wine and Roses,” “Here Lies Love” and “Suffs” and the starry revival of Stephen Sondheim‘s notorious flop “Merrily We Roll Along” will also earn substantial nominations tallies.
Playwright David Adjmi‘s “Stereophonic” will lead this year’s crop of plays and play revivals with at least five nominations. Right behind are five other works – two new shows and three revivals – that will all tie at least four nominations apiece,...
Playwright David Adjmi‘s “Stereophonic” will lead this year’s crop of plays and play revivals with at least five nominations. Right behind are five other works – two new shows and three revivals – that will all tie at least four nominations apiece,...
- 4/28/2024
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
The 2023-2024 Broadway season that kicked off last June with the opening of “Grey House” featured 36 productions of new and revived musicals and plays. This staggeringly crowded year – especially this spring with its 19 openings in March and April alone – means that the nominations for the 77th Tony Awards will likely be as unpredictable as ever, so review our official racetrack odds in the top 17 of 26 categories. The nominations will be announced on the morning of April 30 by Tony winners Jesse Tyler Ferguson (“Take Me Out”) and Renée Elise Goldsberry (“Hamilton”).
These official odds for the 77th Tonys are derived from the predictions of our Experts, Editors, Top 24 Users, All-Star Top 24 and all our Users, who make up the largest and often savviest bloc of predictors.
Below, see our 2024 Tony Awards predictions in 17 of the 26 categories. Make or edit your predictions before the nominations are unveiled on April 30.
Musicals
Best Musical...
These official odds for the 77th Tonys are derived from the predictions of our Experts, Editors, Top 24 Users, All-Star Top 24 and all our Users, who make up the largest and often savviest bloc of predictors.
Below, see our 2024 Tony Awards predictions in 17 of the 26 categories. Make or edit your predictions before the nominations are unveiled on April 30.
Musicals
Best Musical...
- 4/28/2024
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Wayne Brady said he isn’t fazed by how people view him after he came out as pansexual.
The Wiz star and Let’s Make a Deal host opened up about his sexuality last August.
After revealing he was pansexual, Brady referred to himself as “Bisexual — with an open mind!”
He’s since commented more about his situation, including talking about the “inappropriate” messages he received since coming out.
More recently, he appeared on The Sherri Shepherd Show to discuss various topics.
At one point, the actor and comedian commented on how he feels about people viewing him differently now. Based on his answer, he’s stopped caring what people think, which seems like the healthiest approach.
Brady addresses people’s changed perspectives about him
During her conversation with Brady, Sherri brought up his big announcement when he came out as pansexual.
“As you’ve come into your own and into your truth,...
The Wiz star and Let’s Make a Deal host opened up about his sexuality last August.
After revealing he was pansexual, Brady referred to himself as “Bisexual — with an open mind!”
He’s since commented more about his situation, including talking about the “inappropriate” messages he received since coming out.
More recently, he appeared on The Sherri Shepherd Show to discuss various topics.
At one point, the actor and comedian commented on how he feels about people viewing him differently now. Based on his answer, he’s stopped caring what people think, which seems like the healthiest approach.
Brady addresses people’s changed perspectives about him
During her conversation with Brady, Sherri brought up his big announcement when he came out as pansexual.
“As you’ve come into your own and into your truth,...
- 4/27/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
The Tony Awards Administration Committee met for the fourth and final time during the 2023-2024 Broadway season on April 26, to discuss eligibility of 12 productions for the 77th Annual Tony Awards in 2024.
The productions discussed were: “The Wiz,” “Suffs,” “Stereophonic,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Cabaret,” “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” “Patriots,” “Mary Jane,” “Uncle Vanya,” “Illinoise,” “Mother Play,” and “The Great Gatsby.”
The most impactful decision of this announcement is the determination that both Steve Carell and William Jackson Harper will be eligible for Lead Actor in a Play for the Lincoln Center Theatre revival of “Uncle Vanya.” Most prognosticators assumed that Harper would contend in the Featured Actor race. This category switch means that Lead Actor in a Play will have a guaranteed five nominees. Conversely, Anika Noni Rose was not bumped up to the Lead Actress in a Play category, so that race will contain just four guaranteed nominees...
The productions discussed were: “The Wiz,” “Suffs,” “Stereophonic,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Cabaret,” “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” “Patriots,” “Mary Jane,” “Uncle Vanya,” “Illinoise,” “Mother Play,” and “The Great Gatsby.”
The most impactful decision of this announcement is the determination that both Steve Carell and William Jackson Harper will be eligible for Lead Actor in a Play for the Lincoln Center Theatre revival of “Uncle Vanya.” Most prognosticators assumed that Harper would contend in the Featured Actor race. This category switch means that Lead Actor in a Play will have a guaranteed five nominees. Conversely, Anika Noni Rose was not bumped up to the Lead Actress in a Play category, so that race will contain just four guaranteed nominees...
- 4/26/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
April on Broadway, to mangle a phrase from a showtune classic, is bustin’ out all over with no fewer than 14 new plays and musicals set to open before the April 25 Tony Award eligibility cutoff date. So crowded are the final weeks of the 2023-24 theater season that three days each will see the openings of two shows, a Broadway rarity.
Check this page to see Deadline’s takes. Whether you use this page as a guide or as an invitation to argue, drop by often for the latest on Broadway’s offerings. And there’ll be plenty of offerings indeed — here’s the schedule of April openings: The Outsiders (April 11), Lempicka (April 14), The Wiz (April 17), Suffs (April 18), Stereophonic (April 19), Hell’s Kitchen (April 20), Cabaret (April 21), Patriots (April 22), The Heart of Rock and Roll (April 22), Mary Jane (April 23), Illinoise (April 24), Uncle Vanya (April 24), Mother Play (April 25), The Great Gatsby (April 25).
Below...
Check this page to see Deadline’s takes. Whether you use this page as a guide or as an invitation to argue, drop by often for the latest on Broadway’s offerings. And there’ll be plenty of offerings indeed — here’s the schedule of April openings: The Outsiders (April 11), Lempicka (April 14), The Wiz (April 17), Suffs (April 18), Stereophonic (April 19), Hell’s Kitchen (April 20), Cabaret (April 21), Patriots (April 22), The Heart of Rock and Roll (April 22), Mary Jane (April 23), Illinoise (April 24), Uncle Vanya (April 24), Mother Play (April 25), The Great Gatsby (April 25).
Below...
- 4/26/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The nominees for the 2024 Drama League Awards were announced April 22, 2024, by Vanessa Williams and past Drama League winner Bebe Neuwirth. Winners will be announced during the 90th Annual Drama League Awards ceremony at the Ziegfeld Ballroom on Friday, May 17.
These kudos honor both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions and are famous for their catch-all acting category, the Distinguished Performance Award. An actor can only win it once in their career. After they have won, they can never be nominated again. This year, a whopping 54 performers are nominated.
See 2024 Tony Awards eligibility rulings (round 2): ‘Appropriate’ is officially a revival, ‘The Notebook’ actors split up
The expansive production categories mean that many Tony Awards hopefuls heard their name called this morning. Ten Broadway musicals were nominated in the Outstanding Production of a Musical race. Notable omissions include “Back to the Future: The Musical,” “The Great Gatsby” and critical darling “Days of Wine and Roses...
These kudos honor both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions and are famous for their catch-all acting category, the Distinguished Performance Award. An actor can only win it once in their career. After they have won, they can never be nominated again. This year, a whopping 54 performers are nominated.
See 2024 Tony Awards eligibility rulings (round 2): ‘Appropriate’ is officially a revival, ‘The Notebook’ actors split up
The expansive production categories mean that many Tony Awards hopefuls heard their name called this morning. Ten Broadway musicals were nominated in the Outstanding Production of a Musical race. Notable omissions include “Back to the Future: The Musical,” “The Great Gatsby” and critical darling “Days of Wine and Roses...
- 4/22/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Nichelle Lewis Makes Broadway Debut in 'The Wiz,' Gets Support from Big Stars at Opening Night Show!
The Broadway revival of The Wiz is officially open!
Nichelle Lewis is playing the lead role of Dorothy in the beloved musical and she looked gorgeous in green while attending the opening night party on Wednesday (April 17) in New York City.
The Broadway newcomer was joined at the celebration by co-stars Wayne Brady, Deborah Cox, Melody A. Betts, Kyle Ramar Freeman, Phillip Johnson Richardson, and Avery Wilson at the opening night celebration. The opening comes two months after the show played in Los Angeles for the final stop of the North American tour.
Some of the celebs who were in attendance at the opening included Hillary Clinton, Anna Wintour, engaged couple Ben Platt and Noah Galvin, Lachanze, Ben Vereen, Peppermint, Sherri Shepherd, Tamron Hall, Common, Leslie Uggams, and writer Amber Ruffin.
Get your tickets now to see The Wiz on Broadway.
Nichelle Lewis is playing the lead role of Dorothy in the beloved musical and she looked gorgeous in green while attending the opening night party on Wednesday (April 17) in New York City.
The Broadway newcomer was joined at the celebration by co-stars Wayne Brady, Deborah Cox, Melody A. Betts, Kyle Ramar Freeman, Phillip Johnson Richardson, and Avery Wilson at the opening night celebration. The opening comes two months after the show played in Los Angeles for the final stop of the North American tour.
Some of the celebs who were in attendance at the opening included Hillary Clinton, Anna Wintour, engaged couple Ben Platt and Noah Galvin, Lachanze, Ben Vereen, Peppermint, Sherri Shepherd, Tamron Hall, Common, Leslie Uggams, and writer Amber Ruffin.
Get your tickets now to see The Wiz on Broadway.
- 4/19/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
The Wiz has returned in a Broadway revival starring Wayne Brady, Deborah Cox, and others.
The cast includes Emmy-winner Brady in the show’s titular role and Grammy-winning Cox as Glinda the Good Witch.
They’ve been appearing on various morning programs and talk shows to promote their big event by discussing their roles, what this show represents, and more.
The co-stars recently appeared on CBS Mornings and talked to Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil, and Vladimir Duthiers.
While some may have found the interview entertaining and insightful, several critics called Gayle out for her involvement in the segment.
In particular, one question Gayle asked drew criticism from a viewer, while another brought up something else that bothered them about the interview.
Wayne Brady and Deborah Cox talked The Wiz on CBS Mornings
The Wiz stars Wayne Brady and Deborah Cox promoted their musical during a CBS Mornings interview with Gayle asking several questions.
The cast includes Emmy-winner Brady in the show’s titular role and Grammy-winning Cox as Glinda the Good Witch.
They’ve been appearing on various morning programs and talk shows to promote their big event by discussing their roles, what this show represents, and more.
The co-stars recently appeared on CBS Mornings and talked to Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil, and Vladimir Duthiers.
While some may have found the interview entertaining and insightful, several critics called Gayle out for her involvement in the segment.
In particular, one question Gayle asked drew criticism from a viewer, while another brought up something else that bothered them about the interview.
Wayne Brady and Deborah Cox talked The Wiz on CBS Mornings
The Wiz stars Wayne Brady and Deborah Cox promoted their musical during a CBS Mornings interview with Gayle asking several questions.
- 4/18/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
On Wednesday night, Broadway’s Marquis Theatre celebrated the official opening of the highly anticipated revival of The Wiz.
After a successful pre-Broadway tour that began last year, this new production breathes new life into the beloved musical. Under the direction of Schele Williams, known for her work on The Notebook and with choreography by JaQuel Knight, this revival promises an exciting and contemporary take on an enduring classic.
Taking on the iconic role of Dorothy is newcomer Nichelle Lewis, who brings a fresh and vibrant energy to the stage. Joining her is a star-studded cast that includes Wayne Brady as The Wiz, Deborah Cox as Glinda, Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, and Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow.
The ensemble comprises talented performers, including Allyson Kaye Daniel as Addaperle and Anthony Murphyas Lord High Underling.
After a successful pre-Broadway tour that began last year, this new production breathes new life into the beloved musical. Under the direction of Schele Williams, known for her work on The Notebook and with choreography by JaQuel Knight, this revival promises an exciting and contemporary take on an enduring classic.
Taking on the iconic role of Dorothy is newcomer Nichelle Lewis, who brings a fresh and vibrant energy to the stage. Joining her is a star-studded cast that includes Wayne Brady as The Wiz, Deborah Cox as Glinda, Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, and Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow.
The ensemble comprises talented performers, including Allyson Kaye Daniel as Addaperle and Anthony Murphyas Lord High Underling.
- 4/18/2024
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
Before Dorothy’s mother passed away, she had a favorite saying, as Aunt Em reminds her grieving niece in the opening scene of The Wiz: “The hard stuff is there to let you know just how good you got it.” And while that’s a curious mantra to undergird a production of a Broadway musical, there’s something to it in the latest revival.
The first musical by a Black composer to win Tony Awards for best musical and best score, this well-loved show turns 50 next year. If Schele Williams’s simplistic and sometimes bewildering staging doesn’t itself demonstrate how the show has held up across those decades, she wisely steers all attention toward the main event: the stunning vocal performances from her cast. And since the show’s underwhelming visuals feel like less of a distraction than an afterthought, it’s easy enough to put the “hard...
The first musical by a Black composer to win Tony Awards for best musical and best score, this well-loved show turns 50 next year. If Schele Williams’s simplistic and sometimes bewildering staging doesn’t itself demonstrate how the show has held up across those decades, she wisely steers all attention toward the main event: the stunning vocal performances from her cast. And since the show’s underwhelming visuals feel like less of a distraction than an afterthought, it’s easy enough to put the “hard...
- 4/18/2024
- by Dan Rubins
- Slant Magazine
Broadway’s spring newcomers continued pulling in the city’s tastemakers, tourists and the merely curious last week, with overall box office down about 10% from the previous week but most new shows filling at least 90% of their seats.
Topping the newcomers was Cabaret with Eddie Redmayne as the Emcee (full title of the revival: Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club), fill all seats at the August Wilson Theatre and grossing $1,731,227 for seven previews. Opening night is April 21.
Second highest earner of the previewing or just-opened shows was The Wiz, grossing $1,288,057 for seven performances at the Marquis, with attendance at 93% of capacity. Opening night is April 17.
Two productions had their opening weeks: The Outsiders, selling out the Jacobs and grossing $787,966; and Lempicka, which opened Sunday night following days of heavily comped press previews, with attendance at 94% of capacity at the Longacre and grosses a modest $344,080.
Some other notable showings among the new productions:
Suffs,...
Topping the newcomers was Cabaret with Eddie Redmayne as the Emcee (full title of the revival: Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club), fill all seats at the August Wilson Theatre and grossing $1,731,227 for seven previews. Opening night is April 21.
Second highest earner of the previewing or just-opened shows was The Wiz, grossing $1,288,057 for seven performances at the Marquis, with attendance at 93% of capacity. Opening night is April 17.
Two productions had their opening weeks: The Outsiders, selling out the Jacobs and grossing $787,966; and Lempicka, which opened Sunday night following days of heavily comped press previews, with attendance at 94% of capacity at the Longacre and grosses a modest $344,080.
Some other notable showings among the new productions:
Suffs,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Fifty years ago, “Good Times” became the first sitcom to depict a two-parent Black American family. Now, Netflix is debuting a present-day animated reboot chronicling the Evanses two generations after the original. Set in Chicago’s Cabrini Green projects in the same apartment from the 1970s dramedy, the series follows Reggie (J.B. Smoove), his wife Beverly (Yvette Nicole Brown) and their children, Junior (Jay Pharoah), Grey (Marsai Martin) and Dalvin (Slink Johnson). Black people aren’t a monolith, and respectability politics certainly aren’t the answer to racism, sexism, bigotry and homophobia. Yet it’s puzzling that this mind-numbing series is how creator Ranada Shepard is paying homage to such a classic show while trying to speak to 21st-century Black people. It’s also very clear why Netflix decided against sending out screeners for review.
In the season opener, “Meet the Evans of New,” we learn about the new occupants of apartment 17C.
In the season opener, “Meet the Evans of New,” we learn about the new occupants of apartment 17C.
- 4/12/2024
- by Aramide Tinubu
- Variety Film + TV
The talented Wayne Brady will appear in an iconic role this month as he suits up for his latest adventure in entertainment.
Brady, best known for hosting TV’s Let’s Make a Deal, and his improv comedy skills on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, has also had plenty of unique roles on stage.
Now, he will appear in the Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz as the title character.
He recently addressed what it’s like to take on that role as he admired a larger-than-life image of himself as the character.
“Does it really sink in when you see your face on the wall?” CBS Sunday Morning’s interviewer asked him.
“I think it sinks in. This never gets old,” he admitted, adding, “I mean, come on. It’s my big old head on Broadway.”
Brady talks about the ‘the energy to live up to’ the role of The Wiz...
Brady, best known for hosting TV’s Let’s Make a Deal, and his improv comedy skills on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, has also had plenty of unique roles on stage.
Now, he will appear in the Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz as the title character.
He recently addressed what it’s like to take on that role as he admired a larger-than-life image of himself as the character.
“Does it really sink in when you see your face on the wall?” CBS Sunday Morning’s interviewer asked him.
“I think it sinks in. This never gets old,” he admitted, adding, “I mean, come on. It’s my big old head on Broadway.”
Brady talks about the ‘the energy to live up to’ the role of The Wiz...
- 4/10/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
A Let’s Make a Deal contestant got a bit handsy while contemplating an offer for another prize.
During a recent segment on the show, Wayne Brady was on stage wearing a mustache as he presented a game for prizes.
The pair of contestants had to write down either “TV” or “Camp” on white cards to see if their answers matched to win a prize.
When Brady asked them to reveal their cards, the buzzer sounded as they each had a different answer.
“Oh no. Oh, my goodness. Well, that was not a match,” Brady said before asking each of them to explain why they answered the way they did.
“Because I like TVs,” the woman said after the guy said he wrote camping because he was “going camping tomorrow” and has a lot of TVs.
Brady told a contestant he touched the prize ‘without consent’
Despite their answers not matching up,...
During a recent segment on the show, Wayne Brady was on stage wearing a mustache as he presented a game for prizes.
The pair of contestants had to write down either “TV” or “Camp” on white cards to see if their answers matched to win a prize.
When Brady asked them to reveal their cards, the buzzer sounded as they each had a different answer.
“Oh no. Oh, my goodness. Well, that was not a match,” Brady said before asking each of them to explain why they answered the way they did.
“Because I like TVs,” the woman said after the guy said he wrote camping because he was “going camping tomorrow” and has a lot of TVs.
Brady told a contestant he touched the prize ‘without consent’
Despite their answers not matching up,...
- 4/6/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
Broadway box office soared last week, as five productions joined the roster, one returned and no fewer than 30 of the 32 shows saw attendance at 90% of capacity or more. Twenty productions were sell-outs.
A raft of recent arrivals were among the strong box office performers, with The Outsiders, The Wiz, Suffs, Hell’s Kitchen and The Great Gatsby filling all seats at their respective venues. The Who’s Tommy came within sight of the $1M mark.
In all, the 32 shows grossed a whopping $37,095,505 for the week leading up to the Easter holiday, a 30% increase over the previous week and an 8% jump over last year at this time. Total attendance for the week ending March 31 was 271,802, an 18% boost over the previous week. More than 96% of all seats were occupied. Average ticket price was $136.48.
Among the notable entries:
Appropriate, starring Sarah Paulson and Corey Stoll, began its commercial transfer at the Belasco, grossing $777,541, with...
A raft of recent arrivals were among the strong box office performers, with The Outsiders, The Wiz, Suffs, Hell’s Kitchen and The Great Gatsby filling all seats at their respective venues. The Who’s Tommy came within sight of the $1M mark.
In all, the 32 shows grossed a whopping $37,095,505 for the week leading up to the Easter holiday, a 30% increase over the previous week and an 8% jump over last year at this time. Total attendance for the week ending March 31 was 271,802, an 18% boost over the previous week. More than 96% of all seats were occupied. Average ticket price was $136.48.
Among the notable entries:
Appropriate, starring Sarah Paulson and Corey Stoll, began its commercial transfer at the Belasco, grossing $777,541, with...
- 4/2/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Wayne Brady is known for his improv skills on Whose Line Is It Anyway? and for enticing contestants with better offers on Let’s Make a Deal.
He also shows his talents in a touring production of the classic musical, The Wiz.
The 51-year-old recently revealed several other wild jobs he had before television and is now featured as the host of an intriguing group experiment.
While contestants can receive cash prizes for those deals, Pay Progress Forward relies on a group’s generosity to determine whether they win.
A new YouTube video begins with the notion that many Americans live “paycheck to paycheck.”
However, the financial technology company Chime believes its experiment will show that struggling individuals want to help others in addition to themselves.
Wayne Brady hosts Chime’s group experiment
“You can either double your money, or you can pay it forward. Which would you like to do?...
He also shows his talents in a touring production of the classic musical, The Wiz.
The 51-year-old recently revealed several other wild jobs he had before television and is now featured as the host of an intriguing group experiment.
While contestants can receive cash prizes for those deals, Pay Progress Forward relies on a group’s generosity to determine whether they win.
A new YouTube video begins with the notion that many Americans live “paycheck to paycheck.”
However, the financial technology company Chime believes its experiment will show that struggling individuals want to help others in addition to themselves.
Wayne Brady hosts Chime’s group experiment
“You can either double your money, or you can pay it forward. Which would you like to do?...
- 3/26/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
Before making it big on television, Wayne Brady worked his way up with several unique jobs.
Interestingly, those jobs involved characters he played, which helped prepare him for future gigs like Whose Line Is It Anyway? and other roles.
During his appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Brady was asked about those early jobs, including one involving some iconic heroes.
“A lot of theater, but I was a Black Power Ranger- not the Black Power Ranger, that’s a gentleman named Walter,” he shared.
Brady indicated he was a “knockoff Power Ranger” working at kids’ parties, but it didn’t go well.
“I did this party. I tried to do flips. I can’t flip. I tried to kick. I can’t kick,” he said, revealing he knew it was probably time to quit that job.
Brady revealed he quit another job during Whose Line Is It Anyway?...
Interestingly, those jobs involved characters he played, which helped prepare him for future gigs like Whose Line Is It Anyway? and other roles.
During his appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Brady was asked about those early jobs, including one involving some iconic heroes.
“A lot of theater, but I was a Black Power Ranger- not the Black Power Ranger, that’s a gentleman named Walter,” he shared.
Brady indicated he was a “knockoff Power Ranger” working at kids’ parties, but it didn’t go well.
“I did this party. I tried to do flips. I can’t flip. I tried to kick. I can’t kick,” he said, revealing he knew it was probably time to quit that job.
Brady revealed he quit another job during Whose Line Is It Anyway?...
- 3/23/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
It’s often said it goes down in the DMs, and Wayne Brady has said it’s “shocking” what sorts of messages he’s received since coming out as pansexual.
Last year, The Let’s Make a Deal host revealed he was pansexual, which means he is attracted to all people regardless of gender or identity.
GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, indicates that the term is one of several that is under a “bi+ umbrella.”
During the interview where he came out as pansexual, Brady clarified that after doing research, he considered himself “bisexual — with an open mind.”
“In doing my research, both with myself and just with the world, I couldn’t say if I was bisexual, because I had to really see what that was, especially because I really have not gotten a chance to act on anything,...
Last year, The Let’s Make a Deal host revealed he was pansexual, which means he is attracted to all people regardless of gender or identity.
GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, indicates that the term is one of several that is under a “bi+ umbrella.”
During the interview where he came out as pansexual, Brady clarified that after doing research, he considered himself “bisexual — with an open mind.”
“In doing my research, both with myself and just with the world, I couldn’t say if I was bisexual, because I had to really see what that was, especially because I really have not gotten a chance to act on anything,...
- 3/16/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
In the two weeks since Gold Derby launched the 2024 Tony Awards nominations predictions center, over 600 users have made their preliminary picks for which shows, performers and creatives will land coveted nominations. This season, 20 musicals and musical revivals will compete for only a handful of slots in each category, making this one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory. Scroll to the bottom of the article for a tally of nominations by show in 10 of the 15 musical categories based on our current combined odds.
In the top category of Best Musical, our savvy users predict three shows are out front: “Suffs,” with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub, “The Notebook,” with score by Ingrid Michaelson and “Here Lies Love,” featuring a score by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim. Rounding out our current top five are “Days of Wine and Roses” by Tony-winning composer Adam Guettel and the incoming “Lempicka,” directed by Tony winner Rachel Chavkin.
In the top category of Best Musical, our savvy users predict three shows are out front: “Suffs,” with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub, “The Notebook,” with score by Ingrid Michaelson and “Here Lies Love,” featuring a score by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim. Rounding out our current top five are “Days of Wine and Roses” by Tony-winning composer Adam Guettel and the incoming “Lempicka,” directed by Tony winner Rachel Chavkin.
- 3/12/2024
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Since their inception, the directing categories at the Tony Awards have mostly been a boys’ club. Not only are the vast majority of winners men, but so are most of the nominees. But the 2024 ceremony could upend these statistics as more women are helming Broadway shows than ever before. This could finally be the year where they make up the majority of directing nominees.
This season there are 13 women directors on Broadway. Four of them will contend for Best Director of a Play: Lila Neugebauer (“Appropriate” and “Uncle Vanya”), Anne Kauffman (“Mary Jane”), Tina Landau (“Mother Play”), and Whitney White (“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding”). Another nine women will vie for Best Director of a Musical: Sammi Canold (“How to Dance in Ohio”), Rachel Chavkin (“Lempicka”), Rebecca Frecknall (“Cabaret”), Maria Friedman (“Merrily We Roll Along“), Mari Madrid, Leigh Silverman (“Suffs”), Jessica Stone (“Water for Elephants”), Danya Taymor (“The Outsiders”), and...
This season there are 13 women directors on Broadway. Four of them will contend for Best Director of a Play: Lila Neugebauer (“Appropriate” and “Uncle Vanya”), Anne Kauffman (“Mary Jane”), Tina Landau (“Mother Play”), and Whitney White (“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding”). Another nine women will vie for Best Director of a Musical: Sammi Canold (“How to Dance in Ohio”), Rachel Chavkin (“Lempicka”), Rebecca Frecknall (“Cabaret”), Maria Friedman (“Merrily We Roll Along“), Mari Madrid, Leigh Silverman (“Suffs”), Jessica Stone (“Water for Elephants”), Danya Taymor (“The Outsiders”), and...
- 3/11/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal are slated to star in Othello on Broadway in spring 2025.
The production, which will see Washington in the title role and Gyllenhaal as Iago, will be directed by Kenny Leon, who directed this season’s Purlie Victorious and previously directed Washington in A Raisin in the Sun and Fences, opposite Viola Davis.
In addition to those stage credits and a lengthy film career, Washington has previously starred on Broadway in Julius Cesar, Checkmates and most recently, the 2018 revival of Iceman Cometh, in a large cast which also included Austin Butler. His upcoming film credits include Gladiator 2.
Gyllenhaal has starred in three Broadway shows, including Sunday in the Park with George and most recently in the 2019 production of A Life, a one-person monologue, which was paired with Tom Sturridge in Sea Wall. His next movie, the action thriller Road House, is due to premiere at...
The production, which will see Washington in the title role and Gyllenhaal as Iago, will be directed by Kenny Leon, who directed this season’s Purlie Victorious and previously directed Washington in A Raisin in the Sun and Fences, opposite Viola Davis.
In addition to those stage credits and a lengthy film career, Washington has previously starred on Broadway in Julius Cesar, Checkmates and most recently, the 2018 revival of Iceman Cometh, in a large cast which also included Austin Butler. His upcoming film credits include Gladiator 2.
Gyllenhaal has starred in three Broadway shows, including Sunday in the Park with George and most recently in the 2019 production of A Life, a one-person monologue, which was paired with Tom Sturridge in Sea Wall. His next movie, the action thriller Road House, is due to premiere at...
- 3/6/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In the early 1990s, Michael Jackson had plans to buy Marvel to play its most famous superhero, Spider-Man, in a film adaptation. He discussed his plans with none other than the creator of the superhero, Stan Lee, who was a friend of Jackson. However, his plans never materialized. According to one rumor, Jackson may have played a role in Sony acquiring the rights to the character from Marvel.
Michael Jackson may have influenced Sony’s acquisition of Spider-Man
This rumor suggests that Sony was supposed to give the role of Uncle Ben in the Tobey Maguire-led film to the Smooth Criminal artist. However, Sony couldn’t cast him in the role and instead gave him a cameo role of Agent M in Men in Black II.
Michael Jackson May Have Kicked Off The Events That Led To MCU v. Ssmu Over Spider-Man
Michael Jackson rumoredly wanted to play Uncle Ben...
Michael Jackson may have influenced Sony’s acquisition of Spider-Man
This rumor suggests that Sony was supposed to give the role of Uncle Ben in the Tobey Maguire-led film to the Smooth Criminal artist. However, Sony couldn’t cast him in the role and instead gave him a cameo role of Agent M in Men in Black II.
Michael Jackson May Have Kicked Off The Events That Led To MCU v. Ssmu Over Spider-Man
Michael Jackson rumoredly wanted to play Uncle Ben...
- 3/2/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Broadway will honor the late actor, dancer and singer Hinton Battle with the traditional dimming of marquee lights on March 12.
The lights will dim at Broadway’s Shubert, Marquis, St. James, New Amsterdam, Samuel J. Friedman, Circle in the Square, Hayes, Vivian Beaumont and Todd Haimes theaters for the traditional one minute at exactly 6:45 p.m./Et.
“The passing of Hinton Battle has had a profound impact within the Broadway community as we mourn the loss of a true theatrical legend,” said Jason Laks, Interim President of The Broadway League, adding that Battle’s family had been consulted about the tribute venues. “Hinton Battle will be remembered for his incredible array of roles on Broadway. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans.”
Battle died January 30,at the age of 67. A trained ballet dancer who studied at the renowned Jones-Haywood School of Ballet in Washington, D.C. and...
The lights will dim at Broadway’s Shubert, Marquis, St. James, New Amsterdam, Samuel J. Friedman, Circle in the Square, Hayes, Vivian Beaumont and Todd Haimes theaters for the traditional one minute at exactly 6:45 p.m./Et.
“The passing of Hinton Battle has had a profound impact within the Broadway community as we mourn the loss of a true theatrical legend,” said Jason Laks, Interim President of The Broadway League, adding that Battle’s family had been consulted about the tribute venues. “Hinton Battle will be remembered for his incredible array of roles on Broadway. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans.”
Battle died January 30,at the age of 67. A trained ballet dancer who studied at the renowned Jones-Haywood School of Ballet in Washington, D.C. and...
- 3/1/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Lucille Lortel Awards hold a special place in the New York theater community as the only awards body in the city to exclusively honor Off-Broadway. This year’s ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at NYU Skirball.
SEE2024 Broadway musicals: Spring season preview includes ‘Cabaret,’ ‘The Wiz’ and the songs of Alicia Keys
The Lortel Awards are produced by the Off-Broadway League and the Lucille Lortel Theatre, with additional support provided by Tdf (the non-profit formerly known as Theatre Development Fund). The ceremony will, as always, be open to the public, with tickets available for purchase beginning April 4.
The ceremony will recognize productions which opened in the 2023-2024 Off-Broadway season, which runs April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024. Nominations for the Lortel Awards will be announced on Thursday, April 4, with a special nominees breakfast soon after on April 17.
In addition to these key dates, the Lortel Awards also revealed the...
SEE2024 Broadway musicals: Spring season preview includes ‘Cabaret,’ ‘The Wiz’ and the songs of Alicia Keys
The Lortel Awards are produced by the Off-Broadway League and the Lucille Lortel Theatre, with additional support provided by Tdf (the non-profit formerly known as Theatre Development Fund). The ceremony will, as always, be open to the public, with tickets available for purchase beginning April 4.
The ceremony will recognize productions which opened in the 2023-2024 Off-Broadway season, which runs April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024. Nominations for the Lortel Awards will be announced on Thursday, April 4, with a special nominees breakfast soon after on April 17.
In addition to these key dates, the Lortel Awards also revealed the...
- 2/26/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, today announced that multiple EmmyAward-winning and Grammy Award-nominated actor, producer, singer, dancer, songwriter, author, and television personality Wayne Brady will host the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
The GLAAD Media Awards honor media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues.Since 1990, the GLAAD Media Awards have grown to be the most visible annualLGBTQ awards show in the world, sending powerful messages of acceptance to audiences globally.
“It is with immense pride that I was asked to host this year’s GLAAD Media Awards ceremony, celebrating a community that has welcomed me with open arms,” said Brady. “The stories created by and for LGBTQ people bring us closer to a world of unity, inclusivity and acceptance and I’m honored to help recognize...
The GLAAD Media Awards honor media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues.Since 1990, the GLAAD Media Awards have grown to be the most visible annualLGBTQ awards show in the world, sending powerful messages of acceptance to audiences globally.
“It is with immense pride that I was asked to host this year’s GLAAD Media Awards ceremony, celebrating a community that has welcomed me with open arms,” said Brady. “The stories created by and for LGBTQ people bring us closer to a world of unity, inclusivity and acceptance and I’m honored to help recognize...
- 2/7/2024
- Look to the Stars
Wayne Brady has a new gig with GLAAD.
The Emmy Award-winning multihyphenate has been tapped to host the 35th annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton on March 14. News of Brady teaming up with the media advocacy organization comes after he came out as pansexual to People in August 2023, telling the magazine his definition of “pan means being able to be attracted to anyone who identifies as gay, straight, bi, transsexual or nonbinary. Being able to be attracted across the board.”
On the heels of the revelation about his sexuality, Brady joined GLAAD’s Spirit Day concert held at the Belasco in Los Angeles on Oct. 18. Ten days later, he also showed support for another LGBTQ organization, Glsen, by turning up at a fundraising event at NeueHouse Hollywood. He nodded to the warm welcome in his GLAAD statement. He also supports Broadway Backwards and the Gay...
The Emmy Award-winning multihyphenate has been tapped to host the 35th annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton on March 14. News of Brady teaming up with the media advocacy organization comes after he came out as pansexual to People in August 2023, telling the magazine his definition of “pan means being able to be attracted to anyone who identifies as gay, straight, bi, transsexual or nonbinary. Being able to be attracted across the board.”
On the heels of the revelation about his sexuality, Brady joined GLAAD’s Spirit Day concert held at the Belasco in Los Angeles on Oct. 18. Ten days later, he also showed support for another LGBTQ organization, Glsen, by turning up at a fundraising event at NeueHouse Hollywood. He nodded to the warm welcome in his GLAAD statement. He also supports Broadway Backwards and the Gay...
- 2/6/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
From singing backup at Elvis Presley’s 1968 comeback TV special to writing Michael Jackson’s “She’s Out of My Life” to arranging the vocals on Billy Joel’s An Innocent Man, longtime Quincy Jones collaborator Tom Bahler has had an improbably jam-packed music career. But as he sees it, the peak of it all came in January of 1985, when Jones called upon him to arrange the array of superstar vocals on “We Are the World.”
With a new documentary on the song, The Greatest Night in Pop, out now on Netflix,...
With a new documentary on the song, The Greatest Night in Pop, out now on Netflix,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Brian Hiatt
- Rollingstone.com
Hinton Battle, the Tony-winning performer who originated the role of The Scarecrow in Broadway’s The Wiz, has died. He was 67.
The actor died Tuesday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles following a lengthy illness. In a statement, a rep told The Hollywood Reporter that his family has no plans to disclose his cause of death.
Battle made his Broadway debut in the original production of Broadway’s The Wiz and then won three Tonys — all in the category of featured actor in a musical — for his work in Sophisticated Ladies (1981), The Tap Dance Kid (1984) and Miss Saigon (1991). An NAACP Image Award winner, the actor, director, producer and choreographer was also a SAG and Critics Choice nominee, honored for his work as part of the ensemble of 2007’s movie musical Dreamgirls.
Born in 1956, Battle studied at the prestigious Jones Haywood School of Ballet in Washington, D.C. and...
The actor died Tuesday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles following a lengthy illness. In a statement, a rep told The Hollywood Reporter that his family has no plans to disclose his cause of death.
Battle made his Broadway debut in the original production of Broadway’s The Wiz and then won three Tonys — all in the category of featured actor in a musical — for his work in Sophisticated Ladies (1981), The Tap Dance Kid (1984) and Miss Saigon (1991). An NAACP Image Award winner, the actor, director, producer and choreographer was also a SAG and Critics Choice nominee, honored for his work as part of the ensemble of 2007’s movie musical Dreamgirls.
Born in 1956, Battle studied at the prestigious Jones Haywood School of Ballet in Washington, D.C. and...
- 1/31/2024
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hinton Battle, a three-time Tony Award-winning actor who first brought to life the role of Scarecrow in Broadway’s The Wiz, has died. He was 67. His passing was confirmed by his friend, actor and choreographer Debbie Allen, who shared the news on her Instagram page. “Today I honor Hinton Battle, my dear friend who left us to dance and sing in God’s Ensemble last night,” she wrote. “He fought this battle to live and be creative impacting audiences and young people across the globe.” She continued, “Let us always hold him high in our hearts and in our mind’s eye and forever speak his name.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Debbie Allen (@therealdebbieallen) A cause of death has not been revealed at time of writing. Battle was born on November 29, 1956, in West Germany, part of the Baumholder Army Military Community, and raised in Washington,...
- 1/31/2024
- TV Insider
Hinton Battle, a three-time Tony Award winning actor who originated the role of Scarecrow in Broadway’s The Wiz, died yesterday. He was 67.
His death was confirmed by his friend, the actor and choreographer Debbie Allen. A cause was not disclosed.
“Today I honor Hinton Battle, my dear friend who left us to dance and sing in God’s Ensemble last night,” Allen wrote on Instagram today. “He fought this battle to live and be creative impacting audiences and young people across the globe. Let us always hold him high in our hearts and in our mind’s eye and forever speak his name.”
Launching his Broadway career in The Wiz (1975), Battle would go on to appear in such celebrated musicals as Dancin’, Sophisticated Ladies, Dreamgirls, The Tap Dance Kid, Miss Saigon and the longrunning revival of Chicago. He won Tony Awards for Best Featured Actor/Musical for Sophisticated Ladies...
His death was confirmed by his friend, the actor and choreographer Debbie Allen. A cause was not disclosed.
“Today I honor Hinton Battle, my dear friend who left us to dance and sing in God’s Ensemble last night,” Allen wrote on Instagram today. “He fought this battle to live and be creative impacting audiences and young people across the globe. Let us always hold him high in our hearts and in our mind’s eye and forever speak his name.”
Launching his Broadway career in The Wiz (1975), Battle would go on to appear in such celebrated musicals as Dancin’, Sophisticated Ladies, Dreamgirls, The Tap Dance Kid, Miss Saigon and the longrunning revival of Chicago. He won Tony Awards for Best Featured Actor/Musical for Sophisticated Ladies...
- 1/30/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Just weeks ago, Sir Elton John became the 19th entertainer to win the highly desirable Egot by claiming his first ever Emmy Award. And now, which person is the most likely to be the 20th Egot later this year, in 2025 or beyond? Here is a summary of the 80 people who have the best chance right now.
The most likely duo could be composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (actually meaning a 20th and 21st Egot if they win). They are producers and songwriters for the third season of “Only Murders in the Building,” so they will have a couple of opportunities in September at the Emmys. They first won an Oscar, Tony, and Grammy.
For the 2024 Grammys, nobody is nominated who could become an Egot, so the next possible chance would be 2025. There are a total of 25 people who have won everything needed except a Grammy. They are actress Ellen Burstyn,...
The most likely duo could be composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (actually meaning a 20th and 21st Egot if they win). They are producers and songwriters for the third season of “Only Murders in the Building,” so they will have a couple of opportunities in September at the Emmys. They first won an Oscar, Tony, and Grammy.
For the 2024 Grammys, nobody is nominated who could become an Egot, so the next possible chance would be 2025. There are a total of 25 people who have won everything needed except a Grammy. They are actress Ellen Burstyn,...
- 1/29/2024
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Tonight, CBS will celebrate the 60th broadcast anniversary of Let’s Make a Deal with a primetime special.
The 9 p.m. episode will offer up over $600,000 in prizes, including a guaranteed $60,000 cash prize and a chance to win an Aston Martin valued at over $300,000. It will also pay tribute to its original stars – host and creator Monty Hall and model Carol Merrill.
On top of all that, this season marks Wayne Brady’s 15th anniversary of hosting the show. Here, the multi-hyphenate performer — who is currently in San Francisco where’s he performing The Wiz through mid-February — talks about celebrating the milestone, how long he expects to keep making those deals, and what’s the latest on his Hulu reality show Wayne Brady: The Family Remix.
Deadline After 15 years, what keeps it so fresh for you?
Wayne Brady Anyone who watches the show knows that it’s not the same.
The 9 p.m. episode will offer up over $600,000 in prizes, including a guaranteed $60,000 cash prize and a chance to win an Aston Martin valued at over $300,000. It will also pay tribute to its original stars – host and creator Monty Hall and model Carol Merrill.
On top of all that, this season marks Wayne Brady’s 15th anniversary of hosting the show. Here, the multi-hyphenate performer — who is currently in San Francisco where’s he performing The Wiz through mid-February — talks about celebrating the milestone, how long he expects to keep making those deals, and what’s the latest on his Hulu reality show Wayne Brady: The Family Remix.
Deadline After 15 years, what keeps it so fresh for you?
Wayne Brady Anyone who watches the show knows that it’s not the same.
- 1/24/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The African American Film Critics Association and the Grammy Museum on Monday unveiled a yearlong collaborative program to spotlight the intersectionality between music and content created for film, television and multimedia platforms. The initiative will be held at the Grammy Museum’s state-of-the-art facilities in downtown Los Angeles at LA Live, designed to celebrate the fusion of music and storytelling.
The program event will offer live musical performances, panel discussions, educational clinics and Ted Talk-style lectures, bringing together luminaries and entertainment, advertising and marketing experts. The goal is to raise awareness of music’s pivotal role in shaping the narratives that influence audiences worldwide.
“So many people are unaware of the role that music plays in so many of the things that we see and do each day,” Aafca co-founder Gil Robertson said. “Through our partnership with the Grammy Museum, our goal is to highlight how music functions to...
The program event will offer live musical performances, panel discussions, educational clinics and Ted Talk-style lectures, bringing together luminaries and entertainment, advertising and marketing experts. The goal is to raise awareness of music’s pivotal role in shaping the narratives that influence audiences worldwide.
“So many people are unaware of the role that music plays in so many of the things that we see and do each day,” Aafca co-founder Gil Robertson said. “Through our partnership with the Grammy Museum, our goal is to highlight how music functions to...
- 1/8/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Is the NFL the only thing holding linear television together? It sure seems like it. According to Sports Business Journal, pro football accounted for 93 of the most-watched TV shows in 2023. College football took three more slots. That leaves just four non-football programs in the Top 100.
The most-watched event, as you might imagine, was the Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl in February. The NFL playoffs also filled up the top slots. But even regular season football games appear in the 30-million-viewer ballpark.
The only non-football programs to appear on the list are the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (#23 at 27.35M), President Biden’s State of the Union (#37 at 25.39M), the Academy Awards (#63 at 18.76M), and the post-Super Bowl debut of “Next Level Chef” (#93 At 15.66M).
Notably, two streaming-exclusive games cracked the Top 100: Prime Video’s Black Friday Seahawks-Cowboys game and the Sept. 14 Vikings-Eagles game.
Just 10 years ago, shows like “The Big Bang Theory...
The most-watched event, as you might imagine, was the Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl in February. The NFL playoffs also filled up the top slots. But even regular season football games appear in the 30-million-viewer ballpark.
The only non-football programs to appear on the list are the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (#23 at 27.35M), President Biden’s State of the Union (#37 at 25.39M), the Academy Awards (#63 at 18.76M), and the post-Super Bowl debut of “Next Level Chef” (#93 At 15.66M).
Notably, two streaming-exclusive games cracked the Top 100: Prime Video’s Black Friday Seahawks-Cowboys game and the Sept. 14 Vikings-Eagles game.
Just 10 years ago, shows like “The Big Bang Theory...
- 1/5/2024
- by Ben Bowman
- The Streamable
Herman “Hy” Levine, a 48-year veteran of the film industry who rose through the marketing ranks at Universal and Disney, died Dec. 27 in Rockville, Md. after suffering from pancreatic cancer. He was 87.
Levine was an executive Disney from 1986 to 1998, rising to the rank of Vice President of Co-Op Advertising at the time when the studio began stepping up its movie output under CEO Michael Eisner after a particularly fallow period in the early 1980s. In his position, Levine was responsible for print and outdoor advertising on all Disney features, including those that fell under the Touchstone and Hollywood Pictures banners.
Among the films Levine helped launch were such animated megahits as “The Lion King,” “Aladdin” and “The Little Mermaid” as well as live-action titles such as “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?,” “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” and “Beaches.” Levine worked closely with then film marketing chief Bob Levin as...
Levine was an executive Disney from 1986 to 1998, rising to the rank of Vice President of Co-Op Advertising at the time when the studio began stepping up its movie output under CEO Michael Eisner after a particularly fallow period in the early 1980s. In his position, Levine was responsible for print and outdoor advertising on all Disney features, including those that fell under the Touchstone and Hollywood Pictures banners.
Among the films Levine helped launch were such animated megahits as “The Lion King,” “Aladdin” and “The Little Mermaid” as well as live-action titles such as “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?,” “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” and “Beaches.” Levine worked closely with then film marketing chief Bob Levin as...
- 1/2/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Herman (Hy) Levine, who had a nearly 50-year career in the film industry and worked with Lew Wasserman, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Dick Cook, and many other prominent executives, has died at 87.
Levine died Dec. 27 in Rockville, MD, following a short battle with pancreatic cancer, according to his son, Stuart Levine, who is the VP editorial and media relations at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming.
Levine was at Disney from 1986-1998 and rose to VP of co-op advertising at the time when the studio was accelerating its film output after a particularly fallow period. In his position, Levine was responsible for the print and outdoor advertising for all the Disney features, which also fell under the Touchstone and Hollywood Pictures banner.
Among the many films where Levine played a vital role in their success were The Lion King, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Down and Out in Beverly Hills and Beaches.
Levine died Dec. 27 in Rockville, MD, following a short battle with pancreatic cancer, according to his son, Stuart Levine, who is the VP editorial and media relations at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming.
Levine was at Disney from 1986-1998 and rose to VP of co-op advertising at the time when the studio was accelerating its film output after a particularly fallow period. In his position, Levine was responsible for the print and outdoor advertising for all the Disney features, which also fell under the Touchstone and Hollywood Pictures banner.
Among the many films where Levine played a vital role in their success were The Lion King, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Down and Out in Beverly Hills and Beaches.
- 1/2/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Zorro and Expats are the big shows coming to Prime Video in January. The former is what Amazon are calling a “bold reinterpretation” of the classic hero El Zorro for 2024. Starring Miguel Bernardeau as Diego de la Vega and Renata Notni as Lolita Marquez, it’s definitely an intriguing-sounding action-adventure series, with a ten-episode first season based on the iconic character originally created by Johnston McCulley all the way back in 1919.
Meanwhile, upcoming drama series Expats is based on the bestselling 2016 novel The Expatriates by Janice Y. K. Lee, and follows “the vibrant lives of a close-knit expatriate community” in Hong Kong. Nicole Kidman has been known for picking the right kind of shows to lead in the past, so let’s hope this is another banger for the actress, who is also on board as an executive producer here.
Here’s everything coming to Amazon Prime Video and Freevee this month.
Meanwhile, upcoming drama series Expats is based on the bestselling 2016 novel The Expatriates by Janice Y. K. Lee, and follows “the vibrant lives of a close-knit expatriate community” in Hong Kong. Nicole Kidman has been known for picking the right kind of shows to lead in the past, so let’s hope this is another banger for the actress, who is also on board as an executive producer here.
Here’s everything coming to Amazon Prime Video and Freevee this month.
- 1/1/2024
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
Exclusive: Married actors Lena Headey (Game of Thrones) and Mark Menchaca (Ozark) have been set to star in Long Pork, a revenge thriller short helmed by up-and-comer Iris Dukatt, who also wrote the screenplay.
Produced by Madhouse Films, the rising female led-production company founded by Katherine Romans and Charlie Sarah Traisman, as well as Elizabeth Valenti, the film takes place in a future post-Roe America where all reproductive rights have been banned. Headey plays Lily Williams, master chef at the renowned Foal’s Steakhouse, who lost her only daughter to forced birth under the federal ban. When Lily learns that Philip Anderson (Menchaca), the judge responsible for denying her daughter’s abortion request, is coming to dine at Foal’s, she enlists her team of cooks to exact bloody revenge, setting the stage for revolution.
Also starring in the pic, intended as a proof of concept for a feature, include Catherine Curtin,...
Produced by Madhouse Films, the rising female led-production company founded by Katherine Romans and Charlie Sarah Traisman, as well as Elizabeth Valenti, the film takes place in a future post-Roe America where all reproductive rights have been banned. Headey plays Lily Williams, master chef at the renowned Foal’s Steakhouse, who lost her only daughter to forced birth under the federal ban. When Lily learns that Philip Anderson (Menchaca), the judge responsible for denying her daughter’s abortion request, is coming to dine at Foal’s, she enlists her team of cooks to exact bloody revenge, setting the stage for revolution.
Also starring in the pic, intended as a proof of concept for a feature, include Catherine Curtin,...
- 12/1/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Kicking October to the curb and bringing in some November goodness is a fresh slate of new content headed to Paramount Global’s streamer Paramount+, including the sequel to the hit 1997 film “Good Burger.”
Paramount+ started off November by adding more than 30 titles to its library, some of which include “Above the Rim,” Season 15 of “Ink Master,” “Gladiator” and “The Color Purple.”
And if you’re looking for some holiday movies to watch with the family, you can deck the halls with “Happy Christmas,” “Mistletoe Ranch” or “Christmas Eve.” When the kids go to sleep, adult-friendly treats like “Bad Santa” and “Bad Santa 2” are also available.
The highly-anticipated “Good Burger 2,” which stars Kel Mitchell, Keenan Thompson, Shar Jackson, Carmen Electra, Josh Server, Alex R. Hibbert, Lori Beth Denberg and Lil Rel Howery, hits the platform on Nov. 22
Here’s everything coming to Paramount+ this November, from “The Truman Show” to “Paw Patrol.
Paramount+ started off November by adding more than 30 titles to its library, some of which include “Above the Rim,” Season 15 of “Ink Master,” “Gladiator” and “The Color Purple.”
And if you’re looking for some holiday movies to watch with the family, you can deck the halls with “Happy Christmas,” “Mistletoe Ranch” or “Christmas Eve.” When the kids go to sleep, adult-friendly treats like “Bad Santa” and “Bad Santa 2” are also available.
The highly-anticipated “Good Burger 2,” which stars Kel Mitchell, Keenan Thompson, Shar Jackson, Carmen Electra, Josh Server, Alex R. Hibbert, Lori Beth Denberg and Lil Rel Howery, hits the platform on Nov. 22
Here’s everything coming to Paramount+ this November, from “The Truman Show” to “Paw Patrol.
- 11/3/2023
- by Raquel 'Rocky' Harris
- The Wrap
Halloween has arrived, and celebrities have gone all out to dress up as other pop cultural icons. The SAG-AFTRA guidelines for Halloween this year advised members to not post photos of costumes inspired by struck work on social media, to choose costumes inspired by generalized Halloween tropes or to dress up as characters from non-struck content like cartoons or other animated TV shows.
“SAG-AFTRA issued Halloween guidance in response to questions from content creators and members about how to support the strike during this festive season. This was meant to help them avoid promoting struck work, and it is the latest in a series of guidelines we have issued,” the guild said in a statement.
But not all actors complied.
Megan Fox did dress up as Gogo Yubari from “Kill Bill” with boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly, and she tagged SAG-AFTRA in her Instagram post. Other celebrities have found more creative...
“SAG-AFTRA issued Halloween guidance in response to questions from content creators and members about how to support the strike during this festive season. This was meant to help them avoid promoting struck work, and it is the latest in a series of guidelines we have issued,” the guild said in a statement.
But not all actors complied.
Megan Fox did dress up as Gogo Yubari from “Kill Bill” with boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly, and she tagged SAG-AFTRA in her Instagram post. Other celebrities have found more creative...
- 10/31/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
What a difference 40 years makes. After opening to pans and a run of only 16 official performances in 1981, Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s musical “Merrily We Roll Along” has been remounted on Broadway for the very first time. Maria Friedman has stepped into the director role once occupied by Sondheim’s frequent collaborator Hal Prince — “Merrily” was their first flop after an impressive string of successful shows in the 70s. The revival opened on Oct. 10 at the Hudson Theatre for a run slated to end in March.
“Merrily” boasts marquee names Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez, and Daniel Radcliffe. The trio play Franklin Shepard, Mary Flynn, and Charley Kringas, respectively, the three creatives at the heart of the musical that’s told in reverse over the course of 20+ years. It begins in a moment of personal and professional disillusionment and estrangement and unspools to a simpler, earlier time when their friendships...
“Merrily” boasts marquee names Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez, and Daniel Radcliffe. The trio play Franklin Shepard, Mary Flynn, and Charley Kringas, respectively, the three creatives at the heart of the musical that’s told in reverse over the course of 20+ years. It begins in a moment of personal and professional disillusionment and estrangement and unspools to a simpler, earlier time when their friendships...
- 10/11/2023
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
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
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