With the 96th Academy Awards in the history books, it’s time to become obsessed over the 77th Tony Awards. Nominations are April 30th with the awards set to air on CBS on June 16 from Lincoln Center. Among the contenders for Tony nominations are many musicals based on movies including “Back to the Future,’ “The Notebook,” “Water for Elephants” and “The Outsiders”: high profile revivals such as Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People” with Jeremy Strong; “Cabaret” with Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne and the Who’s “Tommy”; imports from London and transfers from off-Broadway.
Do you remember the Tony landscape 50 years ago? The 28th annual honors took place April 21, 1974, at the Shubert Theater and aired on ABC. And to say it was a star-studded affair is something of an understatement. Robert Preston, Peter Falk, Cicely Tyson, Florence Henderson hosted; presenters included Al Pacino –-let’s hope he had better...
Do you remember the Tony landscape 50 years ago? The 28th annual honors took place April 21, 1974, at the Shubert Theater and aired on ABC. And to say it was a star-studded affair is something of an understatement. Robert Preston, Peter Falk, Cicely Tyson, Florence Henderson hosted; presenters included Al Pacino –-let’s hope he had better...
- 3/14/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
There was barely a dry eye in the house at the Los Angeles premiere three decades ago of HBO’s landmark AIDS’ film “And the Band Played On.” During the end credit sequence set to Elton John’s “The Last Song” was a montage of well-known people who had died of AIDS or were HIV positive including Ryan White, Rock Hudson, Anthony Perkins, Rudolf Nureyev, Arthur Ashe, Michael Bennett, Liberace, Halston, Peter Allen, Denholm Elliott, Brad Davis, Amanda Blake and Robert Reed.
No wonder emotions were running high. Deaths were rising every year. According to Social Security Administration, some 37,000 people died of HIV Illness in 1993. And it would be three years before the introduction of Haart-highly active antiretroviral therapy-that is often called the anti-hiv “cocktail.”
Based on Randy Shilts’ 1987 best-seller, “And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic,” the acclaimed film, which premiered on HBO on Sept.
No wonder emotions were running high. Deaths were rising every year. According to Social Security Administration, some 37,000 people died of HIV Illness in 1993. And it would be three years before the introduction of Haart-highly active antiretroviral therapy-that is often called the anti-hiv “cocktail.”
Based on Randy Shilts’ 1987 best-seller, “And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic,” the acclaimed film, which premiered on HBO on Sept.
- 9/11/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Pamela Blair, who originated the role of Valerie Clarke in the Broadway musical A Chorus Line and appeared in several soap operas, has died. She was 73.
The actress died Sunday at her home in Mesa, Arizona, The Washington Post reported. Blair had a lengthy battle with complications related to Clippers disease, a nervous system disorder, her friend Scott Withers told the newspaper.
Born on Dec. 5, 1949, in Bennington, Vermont, Blair, who had a passion for the arts from a young age, moved to New York as a teenager to pursue a career in acting and dancing. She studied drama at the Hb Studio and attended the National Ballet Academy, where she met choreographer Michael Bennett, who would becoming a frequent collaborator.
She made her Broadway debut in 1968 in Promises, Promises, where she worked alongside Bennett. A few years later, Blair was in the original company for 1972’s musical Sugar, adapted from...
The actress died Sunday at her home in Mesa, Arizona, The Washington Post reported. Blair had a lengthy battle with complications related to Clippers disease, a nervous system disorder, her friend Scott Withers told the newspaper.
Born on Dec. 5, 1949, in Bennington, Vermont, Blair, who had a passion for the arts from a young age, moved to New York as a teenager to pursue a career in acting and dancing. She studied drama at the Hb Studio and attended the National Ballet Academy, where she met choreographer Michael Bennett, who would becoming a frequent collaborator.
She made her Broadway debut in 1968 in Promises, Promises, where she worked alongside Bennett. A few years later, Blair was in the original company for 1972’s musical Sugar, adapted from...
- 7/27/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Pamela Blair, who originated the role of the surgically enhanced Valerie Clark in the Broadway smash A Chorus Line, died Sunday at her home in Phoenix, Arizona, following a lengthy illness. She was 73.
Her death was reported by friends on social media, including her A Chorus Line co-star Baayork Lee. “I am very sad to say my Sagittarian sister Pam Blair has gone to play with her [A Chorus Line] colleagues among the clouds,” wrote Lee in a Facebook post. Sharing a Dec. 5 birthday, the two actors “always wrote to one another no matter where we were on that day,” Lee said, recalling how Blair ” brought the house down every night” with the showstopping performance of “Dance: Ten, Looks: Three.”
“You are free now Pammie so dance, dance, dance among the stars,” Lee wrote.
Blair’s signature song, a paean to the show-biz benefits of plastic surgery, is perhaps more commonly known as “T&a,...
Her death was reported by friends on social media, including her A Chorus Line co-star Baayork Lee. “I am very sad to say my Sagittarian sister Pam Blair has gone to play with her [A Chorus Line] colleagues among the clouds,” wrote Lee in a Facebook post. Sharing a Dec. 5 birthday, the two actors “always wrote to one another no matter where we were on that day,” Lee said, recalling how Blair ” brought the house down every night” with the showstopping performance of “Dance: Ten, Looks: Three.”
“You are free now Pammie so dance, dance, dance among the stars,” Lee wrote.
Blair’s signature song, a paean to the show-biz benefits of plastic surgery, is perhaps more commonly known as “T&a,...
- 7/24/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Robin Wagner, a set designer who worked on more than 50 Broadway plays and musicals over a 50-year career and won three Tony Awards for best scenic design, has died. He was 89.
Wagner died in his sleep on Monday in New York City, publicist Matt Polk told The Hollywood Reporter after receiving confirmation from Wagner’s daughter Christie Wagner Lee.
His Broadway play and musical design credits between 1961 and 2012 included the original productions of Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Angels in America, Victoria/Victoria, The Producers, The Boy From Oz, A Chorus Line, 42nd Street and Dreamgirls. Wagner also designed Crazy For You and Chess for London’s West End.
Rather than a stage designer with a painterly style, Wagner was a pioneer of mobile, automated sets on Broadway with productions like On the Twentieth Century and Dreamgirls. Because of his innovations, the large-scale use of technology to smoothly move and shift...
Wagner died in his sleep on Monday in New York City, publicist Matt Polk told The Hollywood Reporter after receiving confirmation from Wagner’s daughter Christie Wagner Lee.
His Broadway play and musical design credits between 1961 and 2012 included the original productions of Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Angels in America, Victoria/Victoria, The Producers, The Boy From Oz, A Chorus Line, 42nd Street and Dreamgirls. Wagner also designed Crazy For You and Chess for London’s West End.
Rather than a stage designer with a painterly style, Wagner was a pioneer of mobile, automated sets on Broadway with productions like On the Twentieth Century and Dreamgirls. Because of his innovations, the large-scale use of technology to smoothly move and shift...
- 5/30/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
James Patterson has inked an exclusive first-look deal with Skydance Television, which is in production on an adaptation of his Alex Cross series starring Aldis Hodge.
As part of the deal, Patterson will develop a slate of series based on his top-selling book series Women’s Murder Club and Michael Bennett, along with the internationally acclaimed book series Private and the soon-to-be published books Jane Smith and Holmes, Miss Marple and Poe.
Related Story Diarra Kilpatrick Strikes Overall Deal With BET, Lands Straight-To-Series Order For Dark Comedy At BET+ Related Story 'Ghosted' Director Dexter Fletcher & Skydance Reunite On 'Fountain Of Youth'; James Vanderbilt Penning Script Related Story Malcolm D. Lee Extends First-Look Deal With Universal Television
“In speaking with David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and the team, it quickly became clear Skydance is only interested in making quality entertainment with top talent,” said Patterson. “This kind of partnership...
As part of the deal, Patterson will develop a slate of series based on his top-selling book series Women’s Murder Club and Michael Bennett, along with the internationally acclaimed book series Private and the soon-to-be published books Jane Smith and Holmes, Miss Marple and Poe.
Related Story Diarra Kilpatrick Strikes Overall Deal With BET, Lands Straight-To-Series Order For Dark Comedy At BET+ Related Story 'Ghosted' Director Dexter Fletcher & Skydance Reunite On 'Fountain Of Youth'; James Vanderbilt Penning Script Related Story Malcolm D. Lee Extends First-Look Deal With Universal Television
“In speaking with David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and the team, it quickly became clear Skydance is only interested in making quality entertainment with top talent,” said Patterson. “This kind of partnership...
- 3/21/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Best-selling author James Patterson has signed an exclusive first-look deal with Skydance Television.
Under the terms of the deal, Patterson will develop television adaptations of his best selling book series “Women’s Murder Club” and Michael Bennett books, as well as book series “Private” and the soon-to-be published books “Jane Smith” and “Holmes, Miss Marple and Poe.”
“In speaking with David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and the team, it quickly became clear Skydance is only interested in making quality entertainment with top talent,” said Patterson. “This kind of partnership is exactly what we have been seeking for James Patterson Entertainment, as we continue to grow our brand across every area of the business.”
News of the deal comes as Skydance TV is currently working on “Cross,” a series adaptation of Patterson’s Alex Cross novels, with Aldis Hodge set to star as the iconic character. The series is also being produced by...
Under the terms of the deal, Patterson will develop television adaptations of his best selling book series “Women’s Murder Club” and Michael Bennett books, as well as book series “Private” and the soon-to-be published books “Jane Smith” and “Holmes, Miss Marple and Poe.”
“In speaking with David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and the team, it quickly became clear Skydance is only interested in making quality entertainment with top talent,” said Patterson. “This kind of partnership is exactly what we have been seeking for James Patterson Entertainment, as we continue to grow our brand across every area of the business.”
News of the deal comes as Skydance TV is currently working on “Cross,” a series adaptation of Patterson’s Alex Cross novels, with Aldis Hodge set to star as the iconic character. The series is also being produced by...
- 3/21/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
James Patterson is moving his TV deal.
The author has signed an exclusive first-look pact with Skydance Television, under which he’ll adapt a number of books for the studio including Women’s Murder Club, Michael Bennett, Private and the upcoming Jane Smith and Holmes, Miss Marple and Poe.
Patterson had been based at Entertainment One since 2020, and before that had a long history with CBS Studios. Patterson’s new pact extends his relationship with Skydance TV, for whom he’s already adapting Cross as an Amazon/Freevee series.
“James Patterson is one of the most successful authors in publishing of all time,” said Matt Thunell, Skydance Television president. “He is a master of his craft, who transcends genres and crosses borders with every story he writes. The Skydance team is thrilled to have the opportunity to bring his remarkable library to television screens all around the world. And we could...
The author has signed an exclusive first-look pact with Skydance Television, under which he’ll adapt a number of books for the studio including Women’s Murder Club, Michael Bennett, Private and the upcoming Jane Smith and Holmes, Miss Marple and Poe.
Patterson had been based at Entertainment One since 2020, and before that had a long history with CBS Studios. Patterson’s new pact extends his relationship with Skydance TV, for whom he’s already adapting Cross as an Amazon/Freevee series.
“James Patterson is one of the most successful authors in publishing of all time,” said Matt Thunell, Skydance Television president. “He is a master of his craft, who transcends genres and crosses borders with every story he writes. The Skydance team is thrilled to have the opportunity to bring his remarkable library to television screens all around the world. And we could...
- 3/21/2023
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London, Feb 23 (Ians) The European Commission (EC) on Thursday directed all employees to remove Chinese short-video making app TikTok from their corporate devices.
The Commission’s Corporate Management Board decided to suspend the use of the TikTok application on its corporate devices and on personal devices enrolled in the Commission mobile device service.
“This measure aims to protect the Commission against cybersecurity threats and actions which may be exploited for cyber-attacks against the corporate environment of the Commission. The security developments of other social media platforms will also be kept under constant review,” the EC said in a statement.
The suspension also extends to workers’ personal devices where they are used for work purposes.
“The measure is in line with Commission strict internal cybersecurity policies for use of mobile devices for work-related communications. It complements long-standing Commission advice to staff to apply best practices when using social media platforms and...
The Commission’s Corporate Management Board decided to suspend the use of the TikTok application on its corporate devices and on personal devices enrolled in the Commission mobile device service.
“This measure aims to protect the Commission against cybersecurity threats and actions which may be exploited for cyber-attacks against the corporate environment of the Commission. The security developments of other social media platforms will also be kept under constant review,” the EC said in a statement.
The suspension also extends to workers’ personal devices where they are used for work purposes.
“The measure is in line with Commission strict internal cybersecurity policies for use of mobile devices for work-related communications. It complements long-standing Commission advice to staff to apply best practices when using social media platforms and...
- 2/23/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
San Francisco, Feb 3 (Ians) US Senator Michael Bennett has urged Apple CEO Tim Cook and Google CEO Sundar Pichai to immediately remove TikTok from their app stores in a letter Thursday, calling it an unacceptable risk to American national security.
In the letter, the Senator from Colorado highlighted the danger of TikTok’s extensive reach in the US.
“Like most social media platforms, TikTok collects vast and sophisticated data from its users, including faceprints and voiceprints. Unlike most social media platforms, TikTok poses a unique concern because Chinese law obligates ByteDance, its Beijing-based parent company, to support, assist, and cooperate with state intelligence work,” wrote Bennet.
TikTok is now the third-most popular social media app in the US, with over 100 million American users spending more than 80 minutes per day on the app.
Bennet explains how the combination of TikTok’s reach, aggressive data collection, and Chinese law obligations endangers US security.
In the letter, the Senator from Colorado highlighted the danger of TikTok’s extensive reach in the US.
“Like most social media platforms, TikTok collects vast and sophisticated data from its users, including faceprints and voiceprints. Unlike most social media platforms, TikTok poses a unique concern because Chinese law obligates ByteDance, its Beijing-based parent company, to support, assist, and cooperate with state intelligence work,” wrote Bennet.
TikTok is now the third-most popular social media app in the US, with over 100 million American users spending more than 80 minutes per day on the app.
Bennet explains how the combination of TikTok’s reach, aggressive data collection, and Chinese law obligations endangers US security.
- 2/3/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Exclusive: Richard Flood (Grey’s Anatomy) and Acushla-Tara Kupe (Mr Corman) have been cast as leads in The Gone, a mystery drama series for RTÉ and New Zealand’s Tvnz that brings together Irish and Māori culture. The pair will front the series, which goes into principal photography on location in Auckland and Te Aroha, New Zealand this week, with further shooting taking place in Ireland’s capital Dublin late this year.
New Zealand’s Kingfisher Films and About Joan co-producer Blinder Films are co-producing, in association with another Kiwi firm, Southern Light Films. Te Puna Kairangi, the New Zealand Government’s Premium Productions for International Audiences Fund and New Zealand’s Screen Production Grant; Screen Ireland/Fís Éireann; Nz On Air; and the Bai Sound & Vision Fund have all supported the production. Red Arrow International Studios has the distribution rights.
The Gone stars Flood as Theo Richter, an Irish detective...
New Zealand’s Kingfisher Films and About Joan co-producer Blinder Films are co-producing, in association with another Kiwi firm, Southern Light Films. Te Puna Kairangi, the New Zealand Government’s Premium Productions for International Audiences Fund and New Zealand’s Screen Production Grant; Screen Ireland/Fís Éireann; Nz On Air; and the Bai Sound & Vision Fund have all supported the production. Red Arrow International Studios has the distribution rights.
The Gone stars Flood as Theo Richter, an Irish detective...
- 9/12/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
In September of 2019, Bernie Sanders announced from the Democratic presidential primary debate stage that, if elected, he would “cancel all student debt in this country.”
Elizabeth Warren made a similar proposal during her campaign, but the progressives’ plans to nullify the vast majority of student loan debt — 1.75 trillion, a quantity larger than the Gdp of Canada — were dismissed as fanciful by many fellow Democrats and outright extremist by their GOP detractors. President Joe Biden was among the skeptics and didn’t come around to the idea of a more modest...
Elizabeth Warren made a similar proposal during her campaign, but the progressives’ plans to nullify the vast majority of student loan debt — 1.75 trillion, a quantity larger than the Gdp of Canada — were dismissed as fanciful by many fellow Democrats and outright extremist by their GOP detractors. President Joe Biden was among the skeptics and didn’t come around to the idea of a more modest...
- 8/25/2022
- by Nikki McCann Ramirez and Kara Voght
- Rollingstone.com
The Lehman Trilogy, Company, A Strange Loop, Mj and Sweet Charity were among the big winners at tonight’s Tony Awards. And Sweet Charity wasn’t even staged this season.
Credit Ariana DeBose for the blink-and-miss-it shout-out to the Bob Fosse classic — and for much else that went right with tonight’s fast-moving ceremony broadcast on CBS. When DeBose, who has mentioned Sweet Charity as being on her Broadway wish list, pulled American Buffalo nominee Sam Rockwell from the audience to do a quick bit of “Rich Man’s Frug” from the great 1966 musical, she made a case both for a revival and for her stake as one of the Tonys’ great hosts.
75th Annual Tony Awards: Deadline’s Full Coverage
DeBose will crop up more than once on this list of highlights from tonight’s broadcast. So will Mj, Patti LuPone’s salary and that “big, Black and queer-ass...
Credit Ariana DeBose for the blink-and-miss-it shout-out to the Bob Fosse classic — and for much else that went right with tonight’s fast-moving ceremony broadcast on CBS. When DeBose, who has mentioned Sweet Charity as being on her Broadway wish list, pulled American Buffalo nominee Sam Rockwell from the audience to do a quick bit of “Rich Man’s Frug” from the great 1966 musical, she made a case both for a revival and for her stake as one of the Tonys’ great hosts.
75th Annual Tony Awards: Deadline’s Full Coverage
DeBose will crop up more than once on this list of highlights from tonight’s broadcast. So will Mj, Patti LuPone’s salary and that “big, Black and queer-ass...
- 6/13/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Dazzling in a bright white topcoat and pants, Tony Awards host Ariana DeBose trumpeted progress on Broadway in a high-energy opening number and monologue. See video of the musical portion above.
The West Side Story Oscar winner rattled off a number of “firsts” for this year’s Tonys, which featured a field with a large number of Black and LGBTQ+ nominees. A Strange Loop‘s L. Morgan Lee made history as the first openly trans Tony-nominated performer, while Six composer Toby Marlow and The Skin of Our Teeth costume designer Montana Levi Blanco became the first non-cisgender Tony winners. Plus, James Earl Jones and Lena Horne are having Broadway theaters named for them.
75th Annual Tony Awards: Deadline’s Full Coverage
Summing up, DeBose declared, “‘The Great White Way’ is becoming more of a nickname as opposed to a how-to guide.”
The host also hailed Broadway’s ability to navigate the coronavirus pandemic,...
The West Side Story Oscar winner rattled off a number of “firsts” for this year’s Tonys, which featured a field with a large number of Black and LGBTQ+ nominees. A Strange Loop‘s L. Morgan Lee made history as the first openly trans Tony-nominated performer, while Six composer Toby Marlow and The Skin of Our Teeth costume designer Montana Levi Blanco became the first non-cisgender Tony winners. Plus, James Earl Jones and Lena Horne are having Broadway theaters named for them.
75th Annual Tony Awards: Deadline’s Full Coverage
Summing up, DeBose declared, “‘The Great White Way’ is becoming more of a nickname as opposed to a how-to guide.”
The host also hailed Broadway’s ability to navigate the coronavirus pandemic,...
- 6/13/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Engaging, well-paced, aurally pleasing, and exceedingly entertaining from start to finish, the Hollywood Bowl's A Chorus Line is an exceptional presentation of this iconic show which celebrates those hard-working, ultra-talented, under-paid men and women who willingly choose a volatile career in which they sing and dance their hearts out in the background of a musical. It is set in the far out mid-70's, hence, the show is a retro-tastic trip down memory lane as it showcases a day of auditions for eight chorus member positions in a brand new musical opening on Broadway. For this Bowl version of A Chorus Line, producers enlisted TV hostactor Mario Lopez and then filling the rest of the large 17-member cast with a diverse group of proven triple-threat stage professionals. The resulting show is, hands down, one of the most well-performed musical productions that I have seen at the Bowl. From the execution...
- 7/30/2016
- by Michael L. Quintos
- BroadwayWorld.com
Do you know the choreographers behind your favorite Broadway shows? From the early days of the Great White Way to the greatest hits of the past ten years, here are 12 legendary choreographers who have (literally) given shape to Broadway as we know it. Bob AvianA frequent collaborator of Michael Bennett’s, Avian began his career as a dancer in shows like “West Side Story” and “Funny Girl,” and later became a choreographer, producer, and director in his own right. He shared 1976 and 1979 Tony Awards with Bennett for their work on “A Chorus Line” and “Ballroom,” respectively, and was nominated for his solo choreography in “Miss Saigon” (1991) and “Sunset Boulevard” (1994). Michael BennettThis great choreographer debuted on Broadway with (very) short-lived musicals “A Joyful Noise” in 1966 and “Henry, Sweet Henry” in 1967, before hitting it big with the Jerry Orbach-starring “Promises, Promises” in 1968. He partnered with Stephen Sondheim in the early 1970s for “Company” and “Follies,...
- 8/25/2015
- backstage.com
Exclusive, Updated At 6:06 p.m. with comments about Spotlight at end: You might call August, 2014 a full-circle month for Mark Ruffalo. His performance as Ned Weeks in Ryan Murphy‘s HBO version of The Normal Heart earned one of that film’s astonishing 16 Emmy nominations, with the winners to be announced on Aug. 25. He’s eager to catch the Broadway revival of the 1996 stage play that launched his career, Kenneth Lonergan‘s This Is Our Youth, which begins on the 18th with Michael Cera and Kieran Culkin.
Writing about his work in Lonergan’s You Can Count On Me, the New York Times’ Stephen Holden said, “Mr. Ruffalo’s star-making performance deserves to be added to the list of charismatic, grownup lost boys that includes the Marlon Brando of A Streetcar Named Desire and the Jack Nicholson of Easy Rider.”
Yet this is the same guy who plays the Hulk in the Avengers franchise.
Writing about his work in Lonergan’s You Can Count On Me, the New York Times’ Stephen Holden said, “Mr. Ruffalo’s star-making performance deserves to be added to the list of charismatic, grownup lost boys that includes the Marlon Brando of A Streetcar Named Desire and the Jack Nicholson of Easy Rider.”
Yet this is the same guy who plays the Hulk in the Avengers franchise.
- 8/11/2014
- by Jeremy Gerard
- Deadline
You may not have seen A Chorus Line but most everyone knows the song “One” thanks to its endless use in other productions (think Treehouse of Horror V, Phineas and Ferb, Scrubs) throughout the years. Since the play debuted Off-Broadway in 1975, it has gone on to become one of the best known musicals of the latter 20th Century. One reason it endured a run of 6137 performances on Broadway was its emotional honesty, bare bones set, and soul-bearing songs. As conceived by Michael Bennett, it was brought to life by Marvin Hamlisch (music), Edward Kleban (lyrics), and James Kirkwood Jr. (book) at a time when everyone was doing a little soul searching.
By the time the 1985 film adaptation from director Sir Richard Attenborough arrived, it was heralded as a return of the musical to the movies. Unfortunately, the so-so movie failed to ignite that revival and was mostly rejected by those who adored the film.
By the time the 1985 film adaptation from director Sir Richard Attenborough arrived, it was heralded as a return of the musical to the movies. Unfortunately, the so-so movie failed to ignite that revival and was mostly rejected by those who adored the film.
- 1/20/2014
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
Today we are talking to an instantly recognizable stage and screen performer known for a variety of powerful and memorable roles, including those which have earned her two Tony Awards as well as two Emmys - the elegant and cool Bebe Neuwirth. Talking all about the songs and stories that play a part in her fantastic new live solo album Stories In NYC Live At 54 Below, the versatile triple-threat opens up about many of her masterful collaborations over the years - including working with Michael Bennett on A Chorus Line and Bob Fosse on Sweet Charity, not to mention her iconic portrayal of Velma Kelly in the original cast of the still-running revival of Kander amp Ebb's Chicago. Plus, Neuwirth shines a light on some of her most celebrated screen roles, as well, including offering a candid behind the scenes story from her unforgettable scene in Woody Allen's Celebrity and more.
- 12/21/2013
- by Pat Cerasaro
- BroadwayWorld.com
As Thanksgiving dinner looms, allow me to take you back into the Broadway vault with the legend of “Turkey Lurkey Time,” an unassuming dance number from a late ’60s musical that has reached iconic status in the musical theater world. Quite frankly, I can’t think of another song in the Broadway lexicon that co-exists with “Turkey Lurkey” in that unique space between wondrous and Wtf.
The song is from a 1968 show called Promises, Promises – a musical adaptation of the 1960 classic The Apartment – which featured music by Burt Bacharach, lyrics by Hal David, and a book by Neil Simon. The...
The song is from a 1968 show called Promises, Promises – a musical adaptation of the 1960 classic The Apartment – which featured music by Burt Bacharach, lyrics by Hal David, and a book by Neil Simon. The...
- 11/27/2013
- by Marc Snetiker
- EW.com - PopWatch
Every performer has a horror story about auditions – a bullying director, falling over, not having done their homework. But what's the secret of nailing that part?
Last September, Alice Jane Murray queued in the rain outside the London Palladium for five hours, waiting to take her chance at the open auditions for A Chorus Line, the legendary 1970s show about a group of Broadway dancers looking for their big break. Eventually, she was ushered on stage with a group of 50 other hopefuls, and asked to do a double pirouette on the left, and then another on the right. Her future rested on their perfect execution. "I just went with the thought that this is who I am and what I can do," she told me afterwards. "And if they don't like it, I can't do anything about it. It may just be that they're not looking for someone with your hair colour or your height.
Last September, Alice Jane Murray queued in the rain outside the London Palladium for five hours, waiting to take her chance at the open auditions for A Chorus Line, the legendary 1970s show about a group of Broadway dancers looking for their big break. Eventually, she was ushered on stage with a group of 50 other hopefuls, and asked to do a double pirouette on the left, and then another on the right. Her future rested on their perfect execution. "I just went with the thought that this is who I am and what I can do," she told me afterwards. "And if they don't like it, I can't do anything about it. It may just be that they're not looking for someone with your hair colour or your height.
- 2/25/2013
- by Lyn Gardner
- The Guardian - Film News
Paper Mill Playhouse presents A Chorus Line, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical conceived, choreographed and directed by Michael Bennett, with book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch, and lyrics by Edward Kleban. The official press opening was yesterday, October 7, and it included a special tribute to composer Marvin Hamlisch. Check out photos from the curtain call below...
- 10/8/2012
- by Genevieve Rafter Keddy
- BroadwayWorld.com
Paper Mill Playhouse will present A Chorus Line, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical conceived, choreographed and directed by Michael Bennett, with book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch, and lyrics by Edward Kleban. The production will be directed and choreographed by Mitzi Hamilton, one of the dancers in Bennetts original taped workshop that inspired the 1975 Musical. John ONeill will serve as Music DirectorConductor. A Chorus Line started performances last night, October 3. Check out highlights from the show in the video below...
- 10/4/2012
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
Paper Mill Playhouse will present A Chorus Line, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical conceived, choreographed and directed by Michael Bennett, with book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch, and lyrics by Edward Kleban. The production will be directed and choreographed by Mitzi Hamilton, one of the dancers in Bennetts original taped workshop that inspired the 1975 Musical. John ONeill will serve as Music DirectorConductor. A Chorus Line started performances last night, October 3. BroadwayWorld brings you some first shots from the production below...
- 10/4/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Paper Mill Playhouse will present A Chorus Line, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical conceived, choreographed and directed by Michael Bennett, with book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch, and lyrics by Edward Kleban. The production will be directed and choreographed by Mitzi Hamilton, one of the dancers in Bennetts original taped workshop that inspired the 1975 Musical. John ONeill will serve as Music DirectorConductor. A Chorus Line will begin performances on October 3.The cast just met the press, and BroadwayWorld was there for all the festivities. Check out complete photo coverage below...
- 9/27/2012
- by Genevieve Rafter Keddy
- BroadwayWorld.com
Bww TV Exclusive: Meet the Cast of Paper Mill Playhouse's A Chorus Line- Plus a Performance Preview!
Paper Mill Playhouse will present A Chorus Line, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical conceived, choreographed and directed by Michael Bennett, with book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch, and lyrics by Edward Kleban. The production will be directed and choreographed by Mitzi Hamilton, one of the dancers in Bennetts original taped workshop that inspired the 1975 Musical. John ONeill will serve as Music DirectorConductor. A Chorus Line will begin performances on October 3.The cast just met the press, and BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was there to chat with the whole gang. Check out what they had to say by clicking below...
- 9/26/2012
- by BroadwayWorld TV
- BroadwayWorld.com
Open Auditions For A Chorus Line To Commence On 1 October At The London Palladium
Open auditions for the first London revival of the legendary Broadway production of A Chorus Line will commence on Monday 1 October at 10am – 6pm at the London Palladium (main entrance on Argyll Street) with registration from 9am – 12noon.
The producers are looking for superb male and female dancers/singers aged 18 to 35 to appear in the revival of this multi-award winning musical directed and staged by the original creative team Bob Avian and Baayork Lee.
The production rehearses from 2 January 2013 with first preview on 2 February and press night on 19 February. Equity contract.
Michael Bennett’s production of A Chorus Line won nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama when it opened on Broadway in 1975 and went on to become the then longest running musical on Broadway achieving an astonishing 6137 performances. It features some of musical...
Open auditions for the first London revival of the legendary Broadway production of A Chorus Line will commence on Monday 1 October at 10am – 6pm at the London Palladium (main entrance on Argyll Street) with registration from 9am – 12noon.
The producers are looking for superb male and female dancers/singers aged 18 to 35 to appear in the revival of this multi-award winning musical directed and staged by the original creative team Bob Avian and Baayork Lee.
The production rehearses from 2 January 2013 with first preview on 2 February and press night on 19 February. Equity contract.
Michael Bennett’s production of A Chorus Line won nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama when it opened on Broadway in 1975 and went on to become the then longest running musical on Broadway achieving an astonishing 6137 performances. It features some of musical...
- 9/11/2012
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
Today we are talking to a Broadway stalwart with a string of hit shows on his resume - Cats, A Chorus Line, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Whos Tommy, Chicago and more included - as well as hit solo albums of his own, such as his new release Change Begins With Me the one and only Matt Zarley. He also shares all about the shoot for the three music videos for the songs on his new dance album - Wtf and Forgive Me included. Additionally, he shares his thoughts on Broadway now versus when he started out in the late-80s, Gillian Lynne versus Michael Bennett, as well as opinions on Glee, his own favorite shows and scores, co-stars careers and much, much more...
- 11/8/2011
- by Pat Cerasaro
- BroadwayWorld.com
One of my most indelible memories of my dear friend Annette Cardona, who passed away last Wednesday at age 63 after a swift and unexpected battle with cancer, is sitting with her at the opening night of the revival of "A Chorus Line" a few years ago. Tears streamed down her face through most of the performance, partially because her mentor and pal Michael Bennett had asked her to play one of the major roles in the original New York production, but after a long and arduous decision process, Annette had chosen instead to take another juicy offer—to play Aldonza/Dulcinea in "The Man of La Mancha" on Broadway opposite Herschel Bernardi.But neither the memory of her fast friendship with the late great Bennett nor the loss of a plum role in a historic production was the main reason "A Chorus Line" brought tears to Annette's eyes. Granted, as she was.
- 8/10/2011
- by help@backstage.com (Travis Michael Holder)
- backstage.com
Innovative costume designer for stage and screen, she won an Oscar and three Tonys
Theoni V Aldredge, who has died aged 88, could and did do anything with clothes, on Broadway stage or film; outfit Joe Papp's earliest Romeo and Juliet for $120 or promise embarrassed guys cast as showgirls in La Cage Aux Folles that they would never have to shave their chests or legs. More than 1,000 performers wore Aldredge clothes nightly on Broadway in 1984, in five different productions, and she raided each show impromptu, "policing", she called it, "to make sure the kids are all Ok". Broadway dimmed its lights on Tuesday to mark her death.
She was born Theoni Vachliotis, the daughter of the Greek army surgeon-general in Salonika, but emigrated to the Us, wanting to be "where there hadn't been a war". She had begun her lifelong doll collection, and maintenance of its wardrobe, as a child.
Theoni V Aldredge, who has died aged 88, could and did do anything with clothes, on Broadway stage or film; outfit Joe Papp's earliest Romeo and Juliet for $120 or promise embarrassed guys cast as showgirls in La Cage Aux Folles that they would never have to shave their chests or legs. More than 1,000 performers wore Aldredge clothes nightly on Broadway in 1984, in five different productions, and she raided each show impromptu, "policing", she called it, "to make sure the kids are all Ok". Broadway dimmed its lights on Tuesday to mark her death.
She was born Theoni Vachliotis, the daughter of the Greek army surgeon-general in Salonika, but emigrated to the Us, wanting to be "where there hadn't been a war". She had begun her lifelong doll collection, and maintenance of its wardrobe, as a child.
- 1/28/2011
- by Veronica Horwell
- The Guardian - Film News
DVD Playhouse—October 2009
By
Allen Gardner
The Wizard Of Oz 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’S Edition (Warner Bros.) A true highlight in digital restoration technology, Warner Bros. restoration of the 1939 classic is cause for celebration. The Technicolor of the late ‘30s looks as though it was shot yesterday, and is especially stunning on Blu-ray, which was produced by scanning each of the film’s original Technicolor camera negatives using 8K resolution. From this scan, a final “capture” master was created in 4K, yielding twice the resolution seen in the master utilized for the film’s previous DVD release. Judy Garland’s Dorothy is charming as ever, and the entire cast: Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley and Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch, are all stellar. Four disc set bonuses include: Sing-along track; Documentaries and featurettes; Two 1914 silent films produced by Oz author L. Frank Baum, based on his stories...
By
Allen Gardner
The Wizard Of Oz 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’S Edition (Warner Bros.) A true highlight in digital restoration technology, Warner Bros. restoration of the 1939 classic is cause for celebration. The Technicolor of the late ‘30s looks as though it was shot yesterday, and is especially stunning on Blu-ray, which was produced by scanning each of the film’s original Technicolor camera negatives using 8K resolution. From this scan, a final “capture” master was created in 4K, yielding twice the resolution seen in the master utilized for the film’s previous DVD release. Judy Garland’s Dorothy is charming as ever, and the entire cast: Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley and Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch, are all stellar. Four disc set bonuses include: Sing-along track; Documentaries and featurettes; Two 1914 silent films produced by Oz author L. Frank Baum, based on his stories...
- 10/15/2009
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
If you've been lamenting the lack of DVDs of specifically queer interest in the past few weeks, now would be a good time to check out the New Releases shelf for a song-and-dance documentary, an international romance and a potty-mouthed animated musical.
Read on for more!
You don't have to be a Broadway fanatic to love the fascinating documentary Every Little Step, about the audition process for the 2005 revival of A Chorus Line. The directors were granted unprecedented access to the months of tryouts—and since A Chorus Line itself is a musical about an audition, the movie has a fascinating meta quality as it mirrors itself throughout.
If you're one of those people who wish the film had spent more time talking about the original production conceived by gay producer Michael Bennett in the 1970s, don't miss the DVD extras, which include lots more interviews — Donna McKechnie (above, with...
Read on for more!
You don't have to be a Broadway fanatic to love the fascinating documentary Every Little Step, about the audition process for the 2005 revival of A Chorus Line. The directors were granted unprecedented access to the months of tryouts—and since A Chorus Line itself is a musical about an audition, the movie has a fascinating meta quality as it mirrors itself throughout.
If you're one of those people who wish the film had spent more time talking about the original production conceived by gay producer Michael Bennett in the 1970s, don't miss the DVD extras, which include lots more interviews — Donna McKechnie (above, with...
- 10/14/2009
- by ADuralde
- The Backlot
As critics work to predict this year’s Oscar nominees, “Every Little Step” has been listed on various lists for best documentary. James D. Stern and Adam Del Deo’s doc watches as actors audition to star in the 2006 revival of “A Chorus Line.” The film interweaves the contemporary story with that of the musical’s creator, director and choreographer Michael Bennett, in 1974. Bob Mondello on NPR describes the film: “The filmmakers …...
- 10/13/2009
- Indiewire
‘Every Little Step’ is a documentary regarding the auditioning for a Broadway show. It is basically a 90 minute package where you find magnificent dancing, singing and the Great White Way and has had success with it.
The movie is produced by Stern and Del Deo. They made a huge effort just like the time spent in the creation of the original production in 1975.
The opening of Cassie’s “The Music and the Mirror” reflects a blend of skill and artistry in the movie which deserves great appreciation.
There are two stories in ‘Every Little Step’; first is the creation of ‘A Chorus Line’ by Michael Bennett in 1974 and the second is how the production got together. The late Michael Bennett, in 1974, sat down...
(more...)...
The movie is produced by Stern and Del Deo. They made a huge effort just like the time spent in the creation of the original production in 1975.
The opening of Cassie’s “The Music and the Mirror” reflects a blend of skill and artistry in the movie which deserves great appreciation.
There are two stories in ‘Every Little Step’; first is the creation of ‘A Chorus Line’ by Michael Bennett in 1974 and the second is how the production got together. The late Michael Bennett, in 1974, sat down...
(more...)...
- 8/7/2009
- by admin
- ReelSuave.com
[An indieWIRE review from Reverse Shot.] Part tribute to “A Chorus Line” creator Michael Bennett and part comparative chronicle of both the 1975 original and 2006 Broadway revival of his Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, “Every Little Step” covers a lot of ground in 90 minutes. There’s plenty of memorable material, from Bennett’s reel-to-reel audio recordings that became the basis for the show’s celebrated monologues to candid footage on stage …...
- 4/16/2009
- Indiewire
[An indieWIRE review from Reverse Shot.] Part tribute to “A Chorus Line” creator Michael Bennett and part comparative chronicle of both the 1975 original and 2006 Broadway revival of his Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, “Every Little Step” covers a lot of ground in 90 minutes. There’s plenty of memorable material, from Bennett’s reel-to-reel audio recordings that became the basis for the show’s celebrated monologues to candid footage on stage …...
- 4/16/2009
- Indiewire
This week brings a bumper crop of indie and arthouse releases with something to suit all tastes, even if their added box office is outdone by "Crank: High Voltage."
Download this in audio form (MP3: 12:38 minutes, 17.3 Mb) Subscribe to the In Theaters podcast: [Xml] [iTunes]
"American Violet"
In our politically expedient, hyper-add times, director Tim Disney reminds us African-Americans had it tough in the post-civil rights era long before Katrina with this Texas-set drama based on true story. As much a legal thriller as anything else, "American Violet" stars Alfre Woodward as the steely mother of Dee Roberts (Nicole Beharie), a woman wrongly scooped up from the projects amidst a mass drug raid and harassed into a plea bargain. With the help of an Aclu attorney (Tim Blake Nelson) and an ex-cop (Will Patton), she must go up against a callous district attorney (Michael O'Keefe), who's playing a numbers game in pursuit of federal money,...
Download this in audio form (MP3: 12:38 minutes, 17.3 Mb) Subscribe to the In Theaters podcast: [Xml] [iTunes]
"American Violet"
In our politically expedient, hyper-add times, director Tim Disney reminds us African-Americans had it tough in the post-civil rights era long before Katrina with this Texas-set drama based on true story. As much a legal thriller as anything else, "American Violet" stars Alfre Woodward as the steely mother of Dee Roberts (Nicole Beharie), a woman wrongly scooped up from the projects amidst a mass drug raid and harassed into a plea bargain. With the help of an Aclu attorney (Tim Blake Nelson) and an ex-cop (Will Patton), she must go up against a callous district attorney (Michael O'Keefe), who's playing a numbers game in pursuit of federal money,...
- 4/15/2009
- by Neil Pedley
- ifc.com
If you're not a fan of Broadway musicals, you might not see the point of a documentary like Every Little Step , though it's quite an achievement, being the first time that cameras have been allowed to capture the entire audition process for a high-profile Broadway revival while at the same time dissecting what made the original production so popular. The musical in question is "A Chorus Line," created 35 years ago by choreographer Michael Bennett after gathering a group of New York dancers to discuss their lives and the audition process. By 1983, "A Chorus Line" was the longest running American musical in Broadway history, and by the end of its run, it had been seen by more than 6 million, grossing over $300 million in the U.S. alone. In 2005, plans began to...
- 4/14/2009
- Comingsoon.net
New York -- Sony Pictures Classics is about to acquire "Every Little Step," the Endgame Entertainment doc about "A Chorus Line" that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The company is in final negotiations to acquire North American and Australian rights for a price in the mid-high six figures.
Despite the barren market for docs, a number of distributors were keenly interested in the film. Endgame's Adam Del Deo and Jim Stern co-directed the pic, which looks at a set of actors auditioning for the revival of the popular Broadway show several years ago. Senator, Roadside Attractions and Miramax were among those who were circling the pic earlier in the fest.
The project, which began life as a potential nonscripted television show, was packaged by William Morris Independent, which repped the filmmakers. HBO had shown early interest in doing the project as a special, but John Breglio, attorney to...
The company is in final negotiations to acquire North American and Australian rights for a price in the mid-high six figures.
Despite the barren market for docs, a number of distributors were keenly interested in the film. Endgame's Adam Del Deo and Jim Stern co-directed the pic, which looks at a set of actors auditioning for the revival of the popular Broadway show several years ago. Senator, Roadside Attractions and Miramax were among those who were circling the pic earlier in the fest.
The project, which began life as a potential nonscripted television show, was packaged by William Morris Independent, which repped the filmmakers. HBO had shown early interest in doing the project as a special, but John Breglio, attorney to...
- 9/15/2008
- by By Steven Zeitchik and Gregg Goldstein
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The dancers who inspired A Chorus Line are fuming because they won't receive royalties from the forthcoming Broadway revival of the musical. A Chorus Line has grossed $280 million worldwide, and the original production was the longest-running show in Broadway history. Its origins lie in a late-night gathering at a rehearsal studio in Manhattan in January 1974, where choreographer Michael Bennett invited 19 of Broadway's best dancers to talk about their lives. The dancers spent more than 12 hours sharing their experiences, and these memories form the basis of the show. Bennett later arranged to split a portion of the box office takings and royalties with them, but these royalty agreements apply only to the original production - and not a revival. Wayne Cilento, one of the dancers, claims, "When we were young and stupid, we kind of signed our lives away, and they exploited that. We were the authors of the show and we should have been paid accordingly." John Breglio, executor of Bennett's estate, says the dancers will have to negotiate with the heirs to the Bennett estate if they wish to claim royalties from the new production.
- 10/3/2006
- WENN
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