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
Only 19 people have won the awards grand slam known as the Egot. They are (in chronological order of achievement) composer Richard Rodgers, actress Helen Hayes, actress Rita Moreno, actor John Gielgud, actress Audrey Hepburn, composer Marvin Hamlisch, orchestrator Jonathan Tunick, writer/director/composer Mel Brooks, director Mike Nichols, actress Whoopi Goldberg, producer Scott Rudin, composer Robert Lopez, singer and actor John Legend, composer Tim Rice, composer Andrew Lloyd
Webber, composer Alan Menken, actress/producer Jennifer Hudson, actress Viola Davis and composer Elton John.
There are a total of eight people who have won a combination of the Tony, Oscar and Grammy without an Emmy Award. The two living people are featured in this photo gallery because they could still achieve the Egot. They are composer Benj Pasek and composer Justin Paul.
The six deceased people are actor Henry Fonda, composer Oscar Hammerstein, composer Alan Jay Lerner, composer Frank Loesser, composer...
Webber, composer Alan Menken, actress/producer Jennifer Hudson, actress Viola Davis and composer Elton John.
There are a total of eight people who have won a combination of the Tony, Oscar and Grammy without an Emmy Award. The two living people are featured in this photo gallery because they could still achieve the Egot. They are composer Benj Pasek and composer Justin Paul.
The six deceased people are actor Henry Fonda, composer Oscar Hammerstein, composer Alan Jay Lerner, composer Frank Loesser, composer...
- 1/23/2024
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Sir Elton John just won his first Emmy Award on Monday night’s ceremony, making him the 19th person ever to achieve an Egot. His Disney+ program “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium” was nominated for Best Variety Special (Live) against “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage,” “The Oscars,” “Super Bowl Lvii Halftime Show” and “75th Annual Tony Awards.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member has also won two Oscars for Best Original Song (“Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from “The Lion King” in 1994; and I’m Gonna Love Me Again” from “Rocketman” in 2019). He won a Tony Award for the original score of “Aida” in 2000. And he’s a five-time Grammy Award winner for “That’s What Friends Are For” (1987), “Basque” (1992), “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (1995), “Candle in the Wind” (1998) and “Aida” (2001).
SEEElton John songs: 25 greatest hits ranked worst to best
Only 18 people previously have won...
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member has also won two Oscars for Best Original Song (“Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from “The Lion King” in 1994; and I’m Gonna Love Me Again” from “Rocketman” in 2019). He won a Tony Award for the original score of “Aida” in 2000. And he’s a five-time Grammy Award winner for “That’s What Friends Are For” (1987), “Basque” (1992), “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (1995), “Candle in the Wind” (1998) and “Aida” (2001).
SEEElton John songs: 25 greatest hits ranked worst to best
Only 18 people previously have won...
- 1/16/2024
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Alice Walker published her acclaimed novel “The Color Purple” in 1982. It sold five million copies; Walker became the first Black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize and she also received the National Book Club Award. Three years later, Steven Spielberg directed the lauded film version which made stars out of Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover. It earned 11 Oscar nominations. The story revolves around a young woman who suffers abuse from her father and husband for four decades until she finds her own identity. Not exactly the stuff of a Broadway musical.
But the 2005 tuner version received strong reviews, ran 910 performances and earned ten Tony nominations, winning best actress for Lachanze. The 2015 production picked up two Tonys for best revival and actress for Cynthia Erivo. The movie musical version opened strong Christmas Day with $18 million and is a strong contender in several Oscar categories especially for Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks.
But the 2005 tuner version received strong reviews, ran 910 performances and earned ten Tony nominations, winning best actress for Lachanze. The 2015 production picked up two Tonys for best revival and actress for Cynthia Erivo. The movie musical version opened strong Christmas Day with $18 million and is a strong contender in several Oscar categories especially for Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks.
- 1/2/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Howard Rosenman made his way to a screening of Bradley Cooper’s Maestro at the Academy a few weeks back, and admits that before he took a seat, he really wanted to not like it.
The veteran producer (Father of the Bride, Call Me by Your Name) tried to sell a project based on the life and career of Leonard Bernstein years ago but says he “didn’t have the juice” to get it off the ground. But what Rosenman does have is close personal ties to the iconic composer, a man he says dramatically changed the course of his life — and then some. Instead of hating it, Rosenman, 78, tells The Hollywood Reporter that he was so floored by Cooper’s film that he couldn’t stop crying. “It’s a masterpiece,” he says.
The quick backstory. In 1967, Rosenman, who is Jewish, was in medical school in Philadelphia. Amid a rising conflict in Israel,...
The veteran producer (Father of the Bride, Call Me by Your Name) tried to sell a project based on the life and career of Leonard Bernstein years ago but says he “didn’t have the juice” to get it off the ground. But what Rosenman does have is close personal ties to the iconic composer, a man he says dramatically changed the course of his life — and then some. Instead of hating it, Rosenman, 78, tells The Hollywood Reporter that he was so floored by Cooper’s film that he couldn’t stop crying. “It’s a masterpiece,” he says.
The quick backstory. In 1967, Rosenman, who is Jewish, was in medical school in Philadelphia. Amid a rising conflict in Israel,...
- 12/14/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When Barbra Streisand delivered her 992-page memoir to her editor at Viking earlier this year, did anyone urge her to cut? Even gently?
Not that it would have done any good, for Streisand has a lot to say and her opus was termed “exhausting, ecstatic and undeniably moving” by the New Yorker this week.
Streisand hasn’t changed. On her first day of shooting On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970), when her director Vincente Minnelli shouted “cut,” she shook her head, saying she intended to keep going.
Minnelli had made great movies like An American In Paris and Gigi and had even survived working with (and being married to) Judy Garland. “One doesn’t say ‘no’ to Minnelli,” Streisand was warned by legendary writer Alan Jay Lerner (My Fair Lady).
Neither had as yet learned their Barbra lesson. Nor had her agent, Sue Mengers, who later tried to...
Not that it would have done any good, for Streisand has a lot to say and her opus was termed “exhausting, ecstatic and undeniably moving” by the New Yorker this week.
Streisand hasn’t changed. On her first day of shooting On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970), when her director Vincente Minnelli shouted “cut,” she shook her head, saying she intended to keep going.
Minnelli had made great movies like An American In Paris and Gigi and had even survived working with (and being married to) Judy Garland. “One doesn’t say ‘no’ to Minnelli,” Streisand was warned by legendary writer Alan Jay Lerner (My Fair Lady).
Neither had as yet learned their Barbra lesson. Nor had her agent, Sue Mengers, who later tried to...
- 12/7/2023
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor Clint Eastwood has starred in a variety of movies, but was once mostly known for action films like Dirty Harry. Still, the filmmaker wasn’t afraid of branching out in his younger years. But when he did a film that was too unlike his typical work, his inner circle panicked.
Everyone thought Clint Eastwood was making a big mistake doing this feature Clint Eastwood | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
After building his reputation as an action star, Eastwood wanted to experiment with other genres. To do this, he began eyeing the feature Every Which Way but Loose. The 1978 movie was a huge departure from Eastwood’s usual work. The veteran actor played a trucker and part-time fighter with a pet orangutan named Clyde. Although it had action elements, it functioned heavily as a comedy, targeting a much younger audience than Eastwood’s films were used to.
When his team discovered Eastwood was actually considering the project,...
Everyone thought Clint Eastwood was making a big mistake doing this feature Clint Eastwood | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
After building his reputation as an action star, Eastwood wanted to experiment with other genres. To do this, he began eyeing the feature Every Which Way but Loose. The 1978 movie was a huge departure from Eastwood’s usual work. The veteran actor played a trucker and part-time fighter with a pet orangutan named Clyde. Although it had action elements, it functioned heavily as a comedy, targeting a much younger audience than Eastwood’s films were used to.
When his team discovered Eastwood was actually considering the project,...
- 11/14/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
(Welcome to Did They Get It Right?, a series where we look at Oscars categories from yesteryear and examine whether the Academy's winners stand the test of time.)
Best Original Song is such an odd category. On the Academy Awards broadcast, it is the one that gets the most airtime, as it is typical to perform all five of the nominated tunes during the show. While this is technically meant to showcase the nominees, it is really an excuse to break up what would be a fairly monotonous, long awards show.
However, most of the songs nominated for Best Original Song aren't all that interesting. A lot of the time, these tunes aren't integral to the film itself in the slightest, and they are simply musical wallpaper to play over the end credits of a movie as you file out of the theater. This is also the category most susceptible...
Best Original Song is such an odd category. On the Academy Awards broadcast, it is the one that gets the most airtime, as it is typical to perform all five of the nominated tunes during the show. While this is technically meant to showcase the nominees, it is really an excuse to break up what would be a fairly monotonous, long awards show.
However, most of the songs nominated for Best Original Song aren't all that interesting. A lot of the time, these tunes aren't integral to the film itself in the slightest, and they are simply musical wallpaper to play over the end credits of a movie as you file out of the theater. This is also the category most susceptible...
- 9/17/2023
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
Despite appearances on television throughout the past five decades, Sir Elton John just received his first ever Emmy Awards nomination. His Disney+ program “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium” is nominated for Best Variety Special (Live). A win would elevate him into a legendary Egot champion, the 19th person to join that exclusive club.
Nominees in this category are “Super Bowl Lvii Halftime Show Starring Rihanna,” “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage,” “The Oscars” and “75th Annual Tony Awards.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member already has two Oscars for Best Original Song (“Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from “The Lion King” in 1994; and I’m Gonna Love Me Again” from “Rocketman” in 2019). He won a Tony Award for the original score of “Aida” in 2000. And he’s a five-time Grammy Award winner for “That’s What Friends Are For” (1987), “Basque” (1992), “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (1995), “Candle...
Nominees in this category are “Super Bowl Lvii Halftime Show Starring Rihanna,” “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage,” “The Oscars” and “75th Annual Tony Awards.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member already has two Oscars for Best Original Song (“Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from “The Lion King” in 1994; and I’m Gonna Love Me Again” from “Rocketman” in 2019). He won a Tony Award for the original score of “Aida” in 2000. And he’s a five-time Grammy Award winner for “That’s What Friends Are For” (1987), “Basque” (1992), “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (1995), “Candle...
- 7/19/2023
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
The Broadway revival of Camelot is ending its run on July 23.
The revival of the Lerner & Loewe musical, which features a revised book by Aaron Sorkin, began its run on March 9 at the Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater and opened on April 13.
The revival of the 1960 musical received mixed reviews, but capacity dipped to 80 percent and grosses fell in recent weeks. Additionally, Camelot received five Tony Award nominations, including best revival of a musical, but did not take home any trophies. The production had planned to extend through at least Sept. 3.
The Bartlett Sher-directed revival, originally written by Alan Jay Lerner and centering on King Arthur’s creation of his kingdom and the love triangle between Arthur, Queen Guenevere and Sir Lancelot, featured a slightly trimmed down story and snappier dialogue, courtesy of Sorkin, who also removed all supernatural elements from the plot. Sorkin and Sher had previously...
The revival of the Lerner & Loewe musical, which features a revised book by Aaron Sorkin, began its run on March 9 at the Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater and opened on April 13.
The revival of the 1960 musical received mixed reviews, but capacity dipped to 80 percent and grosses fell in recent weeks. Additionally, Camelot received five Tony Award nominations, including best revival of a musical, but did not take home any trophies. The production had planned to extend through at least Sept. 3.
The Bartlett Sher-directed revival, originally written by Alan Jay Lerner and centering on King Arthur’s creation of his kingdom and the love triangle between Arthur, Queen Guenevere and Sir Lancelot, featured a slightly trimmed down story and snappier dialogue, courtesy of Sorkin, who also removed all supernatural elements from the plot. Sorkin and Sher had previously...
- 6/28/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Revivals have been a mainstay of Broadway for decades. But it wasn’t until the 31st ceremony in 1977 that the Tony Awards added a new category honoring these productions. The nominees for the inaugural prize were “Guys and Dolls,” “The Cherry Orchard” and “The Three Penny Opera” with “Porgy and Bess” taking the honors. Other winners over the years included “The Pirates of Penzance,” “Anything Goes,” “Death of a Salesman,” “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Gypsy.”
In 1994, the category was divided into best revival of a musical with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” winning the award and “An Inspector Calls” taking home the best revival of a play honor.
This year’s nominees in both categories celebrate the work of Stephen Sondheim, Henrik Ibsen and three landmark black playwrights: August Wilson, Suzan-Lori Parks and Lorraine Hansberry. Here’s a closer look at this year’s contenders.
Best Revival of a Musical
“Into the Woods”
“Company,...
In 1994, the category was divided into best revival of a musical with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” winning the award and “An Inspector Calls” taking home the best revival of a play honor.
This year’s nominees in both categories celebrate the work of Stephen Sondheim, Henrik Ibsen and three landmark black playwrights: August Wilson, Suzan-Lori Parks and Lorraine Hansberry. Here’s a closer look at this year’s contenders.
Best Revival of a Musical
“Into the Woods”
“Company,...
- 6/8/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s Camelot never achieved the status of their My Fair Lady. But the 1960 musical about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, long cherished for its lush score and evergreen songs, attained a kind of mythic status, becoming a potent symbol of a certain political moment in our national history. Shortly after the assassination of J.F.K. in 1963, Jacqueline Kennedy told a reporter that her husband was a big fan of the romantic and idealistic musical and suggested, quoting a lyric from the title song, that the Kennedy era was, like Camelot itself, a “brief shining moment” that must never be forgotten.
I recently spoke with Bartlett Sher, director of the new Lincoln Center Theater revival of Camelot, currently at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Sher previously helmed a string of deluxe musical revivals at the same theater over the past 15 years:...
I recently spoke with Bartlett Sher, director of the new Lincoln Center Theater revival of Camelot, currently at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Sher previously helmed a string of deluxe musical revivals at the same theater over the past 15 years:...
- 5/8/2023
- by Gerard Raymond
- Slant Magazine
The Tony Awards Administration Committee met on April 28, for the third and final time during the 2022-2023 Broadway season, to discuss the eligibility of 11 productions for the 76th Annual Tony Awards. This year’s ceremony will be held at the United Palace in Washington Heights, and will broadcast live on Sunday, June 11, 2023, on the CBS Television Network, and stream live and on demand on Paramount+. The Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing.
The productions under discussion were: “Life of Pi,” “Shucked,” “Fat Ham,” “Camelot,” “Peter Pan Goes Wrong,’ “The Thanksgiving Play,” “Prima Facie,” “Good Night, Oscar,” “Summer, 1976,” “New York, New York,” and “The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window.”
See 2023 Tony Awards eligibility rulings (round 2): Stephen McKinley Henderson, Linedy Genao confirmed as lead actors
The following determinations were made:
Hiran Abeysekera will be considered eligible in the Lead Actor in a Play...
The productions under discussion were: “Life of Pi,” “Shucked,” “Fat Ham,” “Camelot,” “Peter Pan Goes Wrong,’ “The Thanksgiving Play,” “Prima Facie,” “Good Night, Oscar,” “Summer, 1976,” “New York, New York,” and “The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window.”
See 2023 Tony Awards eligibility rulings (round 2): Stephen McKinley Henderson, Linedy Genao confirmed as lead actors
The following determinations were made:
Hiran Abeysekera will be considered eligible in the Lead Actor in a Play...
- 4/28/2023
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Aaron Sorkin, whose adaptation of the classic Lerner & Loewe musical Camelot opened on Broadway earlier this month, will be eligible for Tony consideration in the Best Book of a Musical category, the Tony administration committee ruled today.
The Camelot book was originally written by Alan Jay Lerner (Frederick Loewe composed the music) but Sorkin’s revisions for the new Lincoln Center Theater production were apparently substantial enough to merit consideration for a Tony Award.
Among other changes, Sorkin vastly revised the dialogue, changed the Morgan Le Fay character from a sorceress to a scientist, and generally did away with the supernatural elements prevalent in the original book. (Camelot was adapted by Lerner and Loewe from T.H. White’s 1958 novel The Once and Future King.)
The Tony committee’s decision was one of a number of rulings that came out of today’s third and final eligibility meeting. Tony nominations will be announced Tuesday,...
The Camelot book was originally written by Alan Jay Lerner (Frederick Loewe composed the music) but Sorkin’s revisions for the new Lincoln Center Theater production were apparently substantial enough to merit consideration for a Tony Award.
Among other changes, Sorkin vastly revised the dialogue, changed the Morgan Le Fay character from a sorceress to a scientist, and generally did away with the supernatural elements prevalent in the original book. (Camelot was adapted by Lerner and Loewe from T.H. White’s 1958 novel The Once and Future King.)
The Tony committee’s decision was one of a number of rulings that came out of today’s third and final eligibility meeting. Tony nominations will be announced Tuesday,...
- 4/28/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
There was a moment I knew much was going wrong with Aaron Sorkin's musical bookwriting debut with the "Camelot" Broadway revival. It arrives when Phillipa Soo groans at the title number "Camelot" with an attitude that reads "Is this guy seriously doing a musical number?"
Yet, the same scene builds to a realization that Sorkin's penmanship can go right. It's when the young King Arthur (Andrew Burnap) persuades his arranged betrothed, Guenevere (Soo), of a risky experiment: "Together we may discover if power might be harnessed as a force of good." The promise of this experiment persuades the skeptical princess that her marital purpose might yield a net gain — as long as she doesn't over-test her obligations.
Those aware of "Camelot" and its often-adapted legend source material (credited to T.H. White's "The Once and Future King" in this case) know that the burgeoning passions between Guenevere and the...
Yet, the same scene builds to a realization that Sorkin's penmanship can go right. It's when the young King Arthur (Andrew Burnap) persuades his arranged betrothed, Guenevere (Soo), of a risky experiment: "Together we may discover if power might be harnessed as a force of good." The promise of this experiment persuades the skeptical princess that her marital purpose might yield a net gain — as long as she doesn't over-test her obligations.
Those aware of "Camelot" and its often-adapted legend source material (credited to T.H. White's "The Once and Future King" in this case) know that the burgeoning passions between Guenevere and the...
- 4/19/2023
- by Caroline Cao
- Slash Film
What’s a Camelot without a little magic?
Aaron Sorkin works up an answer to that question in the new Lincoln Center Theater production of the 1960 Lerner & Loewe musical, and the result is an adaptation that seems at every turn to be pleading its case for its own relevance. Where the West Wing creator conjured a real sort of writerly sorcery in 2018 with his transformation of the beloved property To Kill A Mockingbird into a new, relevant and thrilling stage work, his efforts this time around often seem strained in their attempts to drag Camelot into the 21st Century.
In its way, Camelot, at least as we’ve come to know it until now, is, in its stodgy and fitful way, a musical as emblematic of the 1960s as the more obvious generation-defining theatrical statements of the era (“Gimme a head with hair!”). Camelot, with its “might for right” social...
Aaron Sorkin works up an answer to that question in the new Lincoln Center Theater production of the 1960 Lerner & Loewe musical, and the result is an adaptation that seems at every turn to be pleading its case for its own relevance. Where the West Wing creator conjured a real sort of writerly sorcery in 2018 with his transformation of the beloved property To Kill A Mockingbird into a new, relevant and thrilling stage work, his efforts this time around often seem strained in their attempts to drag Camelot into the 21st Century.
In its way, Camelot, at least as we’ve come to know it until now, is, in its stodgy and fitful way, a musical as emblematic of the 1960s as the more obvious generation-defining theatrical statements of the era (“Gimme a head with hair!”). Camelot, with its “might for right” social...
- 4/14/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The films in contention for the 2023 Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar are “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Glass Onion,” “Living,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” and “Women Talking.” Our odds currently indicate that “Women Talking” (10/3) will win the award, followed in order of likelihood by “All Quiet on the Western Front” (37/10), “Glass Onion” (9/2), “Top Gun: Maverick” (9/2), and “Living” (9/2).
“Glass Onion” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” which are, respectively, the first sequels to 2019’s “Knives Out” and 1986’s “Top Gun,” are the first pair of continuation films ever nominated against each other in this category. Included among the seven sequels that have contended here before are winners “The Godfather Part II” (1975) and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2004) and nominees “Before Sunset” (2005), “Toy Story 3” (2011), “Before Midnight” (2014), “Logan” (2018), and “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” (2021).
Of the 11 individual writers in this year’s lineup, only Sarah Polley (“Women Talking”) has competed for this particular award before.
“Glass Onion” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” which are, respectively, the first sequels to 2019’s “Knives Out” and 1986’s “Top Gun,” are the first pair of continuation films ever nominated against each other in this category. Included among the seven sequels that have contended here before are winners “The Godfather Part II” (1975) and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2004) and nominees “Before Sunset” (2005), “Toy Story 3” (2011), “Before Midnight” (2014), “Logan” (2018), and “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” (2021).
Of the 11 individual writers in this year’s lineup, only Sarah Polley (“Women Talking”) has competed for this particular award before.
- 3/11/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: A first-look photo and a new trailer for Aaron Sorkin’s upcoming Broadway adaptation of the classic Lerner & Loewe musical Camelot arrives just as Lincoln Center Theater announces the full cast for the production. In addition to the previously announced Andrew Burnap (as Arthur), Phillipa Soo (as Guenevere), and Jordan Donica (as Lancelot Du Lac), the new Camelot will include Fergie Philippe (Hamilton) as Sir Sagramore and Dakin Matthews (who appeared in Sorkin’s To Kill A Mockingbird) as Merlyn/Pellinore.
Also joining the cast are Taylor Trensch (as Mordred), Marilee Talkington (as Morgan Le Fey), Anthony Michael Lopez (as Sir Dinadan), and Danny Wolohan (as Sir Lionel).
Featuring a book by Sorkin, based on the original book by Alan Jay Lerner, Camelot will reteam Sorkin with Mockingbird director Bartlett Sher. Previews begin on Thursday, March 9, at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater, with an opening night set for Thursday,...
Also joining the cast are Taylor Trensch (as Mordred), Marilee Talkington (as Morgan Le Fey), Anthony Michael Lopez (as Sir Dinadan), and Danny Wolohan (as Sir Lionel).
Featuring a book by Sorkin, based on the original book by Alan Jay Lerner, Camelot will reteam Sorkin with Mockingbird director Bartlett Sher. Previews begin on Thursday, March 9, at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater, with an opening night set for Thursday,...
- 2/2/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
We’re now about halfway through the 2022-2023 Broadway season, and there are currently seven productions of musicals set to open this spring. Could we be seeing any of them contend at this year’s Tony Awards? Below, find the plot description of each musical as well as the awards history of its author, cast, creative team, and the opening and (where applicable) closing dates.
“Bad Cinderella” (previews begin February 17; opens March 23)
In this loose adaptation of the classic fairy tale, the fields are idyllic, the prince is charming, and the townsfolk are ravishing in the beautiful kingdom of Belleville. One stubborn peasant stands in the way of absolute perfection: Cinderella. To those in Belleville, the damsel is the distress.
This musical features a book by Oscar winner Emerald Fennell, music by six-time Tony winner Andrew Lloyd Webber, and lyrics by Tony winner David Zippel. The production previously premiered in...
“Bad Cinderella” (previews begin February 17; opens March 23)
In this loose adaptation of the classic fairy tale, the fields are idyllic, the prince is charming, and the townsfolk are ravishing in the beautiful kingdom of Belleville. One stubborn peasant stands in the way of absolute perfection: Cinderella. To those in Belleville, the damsel is the distress.
This musical features a book by Oscar winner Emerald Fennell, music by six-time Tony winner Andrew Lloyd Webber, and lyrics by Tony winner David Zippel. The production previously premiered in...
- 1/20/2023
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
Sir Elton John performed live in Los Angeles Sunday night on Disney+ for what he proclaims as one of his last times. The program “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium” will be eligible next September for Best Variety Special (Live) at the Emmys. With a television win, John would become one of the legendary Egot champions in an exclusive club.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member already has two Oscars for Best Original Song (“Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from “The Lion King” in 1994; and I’m Gonna Love Me Again” from “Rocketman” in 2019). He won a Tony Award for the original score of “Aida” in 2000. And he’s a five-time Grammy Award winner for “That’s What Friends Are For” (1987), “Basque” (1992), “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (1995), “Candle in the Wind” (1998) and “Aida” (2001).
Seeegot alert! Viola Davis could now win a Grammy to become 18th...
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member already has two Oscars for Best Original Song (“Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from “The Lion King” in 1994; and I’m Gonna Love Me Again” from “Rocketman” in 2019). He won a Tony Award for the original score of “Aida” in 2000. And he’s a five-time Grammy Award winner for “That’s What Friends Are For” (1987), “Basque” (1992), “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (1995), “Candle in the Wind” (1998) and “Aida” (2001).
Seeegot alert! Viola Davis could now win a Grammy to become 18th...
- 11/22/2022
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Lincoln Center Theater’s upcoming Broadway revival of Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot will star Andrew Burnap as Arthur, Phillipa Soo as Guenevere, and Jordan Donica as Lancelot Du Lac, Lct announced today.
The new take on the classic musical, featuring a book by Aaron Sorkin based on the original by Alan Jay Lerner, begins performances on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at Lct’s Vivian Beaumont Theater, with an official opening on Thursday, April 13.
Soo has become one of Broadway’s biggest stars since her performance of Eliza Schuyler in the original cast of Hamilton, and most recently appeared as Cinderella in Broadway’s Into the Woods.
Burnap won the 2021 Tony Award for Best Lead Actor in a Play for his performance in Matthew Lopez’s The Inheritance and will appear in Disney’s upcoming live-action Snow White.
Donica’s Broadway credits include Lct’s My Fair Lady revival and The Phantom of the Opera and,...
The new take on the classic musical, featuring a book by Aaron Sorkin based on the original by Alan Jay Lerner, begins performances on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at Lct’s Vivian Beaumont Theater, with an official opening on Thursday, April 13.
Soo has become one of Broadway’s biggest stars since her performance of Eliza Schuyler in the original cast of Hamilton, and most recently appeared as Cinderella in Broadway’s Into the Woods.
Burnap won the 2021 Tony Award for Best Lead Actor in a Play for his performance in Matthew Lopez’s The Inheritance and will appear in Disney’s upcoming live-action Snow White.
Donica’s Broadway credits include Lct’s My Fair Lady revival and The Phantom of the Opera and,...
- 11/1/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Henry Fonda, actor (1905-82)
Grammy: Best Spoken Word Album, “Great Documents” (1977)
Oscar: Best Actor, “On Golden Pond” (1981)
Tony: Best Actor, “Mister Roberts” (1948); Best Actor, “Clarence Darrow” (1975)
Oscar Hammerstein II, lyricist and producer (1895-1960)
Grammy: Best Original Cast Album, “The Sound of Music” (1960)
Oscar: Best Original Song, “The Last Time I Saw Paris” from “Lady Be Good” (1941); “It Might As Well Be Spring” from “State Fair” (1945)
Tony: Three awards for “South Pacific” (1950); Best Musical, “The King and I” (1952); Best Musical, “The Sound of Music” (1960)
Elton John
Grammy: Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group, “That’s What Friends Are For” (1986); Best Instrumental Composition, “Basque” (1991); Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (1994); Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, “Candle in the Wind” (1997); Best Show Album, “Aida” (2000)
Oscar: Best Original Son, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from “The Lion King” (1994)
Tony: Best Score, “Aida” (2000)
John Legend, songwriter and...
Grammy: Best Spoken Word Album, “Great Documents” (1977)
Oscar: Best Actor, “On Golden Pond” (1981)
Tony: Best Actor, “Mister Roberts” (1948); Best Actor, “Clarence Darrow” (1975)
Oscar Hammerstein II, lyricist and producer (1895-1960)
Grammy: Best Original Cast Album, “The Sound of Music” (1960)
Oscar: Best Original Song, “The Last Time I Saw Paris” from “Lady Be Good” (1941); “It Might As Well Be Spring” from “State Fair” (1945)
Tony: Three awards for “South Pacific” (1950); Best Musical, “The King and I” (1952); Best Musical, “The Sound of Music” (1960)
Elton John
Grammy: Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group, “That’s What Friends Are For” (1986); Best Instrumental Composition, “Basque” (1991); Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (1994); Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, “Candle in the Wind” (1997); Best Show Album, “Aida” (2000)
Oscar: Best Original Son, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from “The Lion King” (1994)
Tony: Best Score, “Aida” (2000)
John Legend, songwriter and...
- 8/29/2022
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
The Lincoln Center Theater production of Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot with a new book by Aaron Sorkin will arrive on Broadway next spring rather than this fall, producers announced today.
Camelot, which will reteam Sorkin (who is writing the book based on the original Alan Jay Lerner book) with his To Kill A Mockingbird director Bartlett Sher, will now begin previews at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater on Thursday, March 9, 2023, with an official opening on Thursday, April 13, 2023.
The production previously had been set to begin performances this November. No reason was given for the rescheduling.
Based on The Once and Future King by T.H. White, Camelot, Lerner and Loewe’s 1960 follow up to their My Fair Lady, is, as described by the production, “a story about the quest for democracy, striving for justice, and the tragic struggle between passion and aspiration, between lovers and kingdoms.”
This musical features such characters as King Arthur,...
Camelot, which will reteam Sorkin (who is writing the book based on the original Alan Jay Lerner book) with his To Kill A Mockingbird director Bartlett Sher, will now begin previews at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater on Thursday, March 9, 2023, with an official opening on Thursday, April 13, 2023.
The production previously had been set to begin performances this November. No reason was given for the rescheduling.
Based on The Once and Future King by T.H. White, Camelot, Lerner and Loewe’s 1960 follow up to their My Fair Lady, is, as described by the production, “a story about the quest for democracy, striving for justice, and the tragic struggle between passion and aspiration, between lovers and kingdoms.”
This musical features such characters as King Arthur,...
- 6/29/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Next season, Lincoln Center Theater under the direction of Andr Bishop will bring the world ofLerner Loewes CAMELOTto vibrant life once again when it produces a new version of the classic tale, reimagined for the 21stcentury. Featuring a book by Academy and Emmy Award winning writer Aaron Sorkin, based on the original book by Alan Jay Lerner, and direction by Bartlett Sher,Lerner Loewes CAMELOTis scheduled to begin performances on Thursday, November 3 and open on Thursday, December 8 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater 150 West 65 Street.
- 3/28/2022
- by Nicole Rosky
- BroadwayWorld.com
Aaron Sorkin has found his Broadway follow-up to To Kill A Mockingbird: The West Wing creator will pen a new book for the classic Lerner & Loewe musical Camelot.
The Lincoln Center Theater revival of the 1960 musical will reunite Sorkin and Mockingbird director Bartlett Sher, with previews set to begin at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater on Thursday, November 3, with an opening night of Thursday, December 8. Casting and design team will be announced later.
In announcing the project today, Lincoln Center Theater described “a new version of the classic tale” and said the musical will be “reimagined for the 21st century.” Sorkin’s new book will be based on the original by Alan Jay Lerner.
Camelot, based on T.H. White’s 1958 novel The Once and Future King, features an original score by Lerner and Frederick Loewe, including now-classic songs “If Ever I Would Leave You,” “What Do the Simple Folk Do?...
The Lincoln Center Theater revival of the 1960 musical will reunite Sorkin and Mockingbird director Bartlett Sher, with previews set to begin at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater on Thursday, November 3, with an opening night of Thursday, December 8. Casting and design team will be announced later.
In announcing the project today, Lincoln Center Theater described “a new version of the classic tale” and said the musical will be “reimagined for the 21st century.” Sorkin’s new book will be based on the original by Alan Jay Lerner.
Camelot, based on T.H. White’s 1958 novel The Once and Future King, features an original score by Lerner and Frederick Loewe, including now-classic songs “If Ever I Would Leave You,” “What Do the Simple Folk Do?...
- 3/28/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
If at first you don’t succeed, try again. Just one year after failing to score an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for penning Netflix’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” Aaron Sorkin is back and vying once more to become the latest screenwriter to take home both screenplay Oscars. This time, he’s eligible for writing the script for the upcoming film “Being the Ricardos.”
The movie stars Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, respectively, and depicts the personal and professional relationships between the married couple and “I Love Lucy” co-stars over the course of a particularly fraught week in 1952. Early reactions to the film have been overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising Kidman’s performance. The movie is currently sitting in sixth place in Gold Derby’s combined odds for Best Original Screenplay at 14/1, but it’s been on the rise of late,...
The movie stars Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, respectively, and depicts the personal and professional relationships between the married couple and “I Love Lucy” co-stars over the course of a particularly fraught week in 1952. Early reactions to the film have been overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising Kidman’s performance. The movie is currently sitting in sixth place in Gold Derby’s combined odds for Best Original Screenplay at 14/1, but it’s been on the rise of late,...
- 11/23/2021
- by Kaitlin Thomas
- Gold Derby
“Schmigadoon!” creator Cinco Paul may have based the premise of his six-episode Apple TV Plus comedic musical on “Brigadoon”, but he hadn’t actually seen the Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner play, nor the 1954 film, when doing so. His love of musicals in general inspired the series. And as he was developing his lead characters and their relationships, he drew on musicals from “The Sound of Music” to “The King and I.”
“Those old musicals were big and they had huge ensembles and we wanted to pay tribute to that,” Paul tells Variety. “I always felt the more authentic the musical numbers were, the better the comedy and then the show as a whole would be.”
“Schmigadoon,” which launches with its first two episodes July 16 on Apple’s streamer, follows couple Melissa (Cecily Strong) and Josh (Keegan-Michael Key) as they stumble into a seemingly magical town where everyone breaks out into song and dance.
“Those old musicals were big and they had huge ensembles and we wanted to pay tribute to that,” Paul tells Variety. “I always felt the more authentic the musical numbers were, the better the comedy and then the show as a whole would be.”
“Schmigadoon,” which launches with its first two episodes July 16 on Apple’s streamer, follows couple Melissa (Cecily Strong) and Josh (Keegan-Michael Key) as they stumble into a seemingly magical town where everyone breaks out into song and dance.
- 7/15/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
The musical groove of Amazon Studios’ “Annette” has landed within the confines of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. While the terms “strange” and “quirky” will be understatements used to describe the operatic musical, it’s the type of eclectic and artistically charged cinematic endeavor that has always brought a cinephile to the movies, and one that could appeal to the European voting arm of the Academy Awards in multiple artisan categories, and attainably major recognition for Simon Helberg in supporting actor. Contingent on how the rest of the dense and packed year shakes out from other studios, there could be a prospect for its top-billed stars, and perhaps even a best picture nomination play. Still, it will require an ardent and vocal base within the Oscar ranks to get this kind of peculiar object through the awards machine.
“Annette” tells the story of stand-up comedian Henry McHenry (Adam Driver) and...
“Annette” tells the story of stand-up comedian Henry McHenry (Adam Driver) and...
- 7/6/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
A line-up of nearly 30 stars – from Glenn Close, Patti LuPone, Darren Criss, Kelsey Grammar and David Alan Grier to Jake Gyllenhaal, Joshua Henry and Phillipa Soo – will perform title songs from more than 20 musicals for a special livestreamed musical event next month benefiting The Actors Fund.
The event, called Show of Titles, will feature title songs of Broadway musicals spanning nine decades, from “Lady Be Good” to “The Light in the Piazza.” In addition to the above-mentioned performers, the line-up includes Annaleigh Ashford, Len Cariou, Santino Fontana, Isabelle Huppert, Norm Lewis, Rob McClure, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Melba Moore, Jessie Mueller, Eva Noblezada, Kelli O’Hara, Laura Osnes, Steven Pasquale, Michael Rupert, Ernie Sabella, Lea Salonga, Will Swenson, Aaron Tveit, Leslie Uggams, Vanessa Williams and Patrick Wilson.
Making special appearances will be Broadway Inspirational Voices, Candice Bergen, Danny Burstein, Bryan Cranston, Sheldon Harnick, John Kander, Angela Lansbury, John Lithgow, Lindsay Mendez, Phylicia Rashad,...
The event, called Show of Titles, will feature title songs of Broadway musicals spanning nine decades, from “Lady Be Good” to “The Light in the Piazza.” In addition to the above-mentioned performers, the line-up includes Annaleigh Ashford, Len Cariou, Santino Fontana, Isabelle Huppert, Norm Lewis, Rob McClure, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Melba Moore, Jessie Mueller, Eva Noblezada, Kelli O’Hara, Laura Osnes, Steven Pasquale, Michael Rupert, Ernie Sabella, Lea Salonga, Will Swenson, Aaron Tveit, Leslie Uggams, Vanessa Williams and Patrick Wilson.
Making special appearances will be Broadway Inspirational Voices, Candice Bergen, Danny Burstein, Bryan Cranston, Sheldon Harnick, John Kander, Angela Lansbury, John Lithgow, Lindsay Mendez, Phylicia Rashad,...
- 5/17/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Apple TV+ released a first look at forthcoming seres, Schmigadoon!, as cast and creatives behind the musical comedy were present at today’s winter TCA virtual Q&a session to talk about the new series, a parody of iconic musicals, which will debut in the summer.
“It is a love letter to golden age musicals from start to finish,” declared creator, showrunner, and executive producer Cinco Paul, accompanied by EP and director Barry Sonnenfeld as well as star and producer Cecily Strong, who plays Melissa Gimble, and Keegan-Michael Key, who also stars as Josh Skinner.
Written by Despicable Me duo Paul and Ken Daurio, Schmigadoon! follows a couple who on a backpacking trip designed to reinvigorate their relationship when they discover a magical town in which everyone acts as if they’re in a musical from the 1940s. They then discover that they can’t leave until they find “true love.
“It is a love letter to golden age musicals from start to finish,” declared creator, showrunner, and executive producer Cinco Paul, accompanied by EP and director Barry Sonnenfeld as well as star and producer Cecily Strong, who plays Melissa Gimble, and Keegan-Michael Key, who also stars as Josh Skinner.
Written by Despicable Me duo Paul and Ken Daurio, Schmigadoon! follows a couple who on a backpacking trip designed to reinvigorate their relationship when they discover a magical town in which everyone acts as if they’re in a musical from the 1940s. They then discover that they can’t leave until they find “true love.
- 2/19/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
After becoming the first solo female composer to win a Golden Globe for original score, Iceland native Hildur Guonadottir became the third solo woman to ever win an Oscar in the category, thanks to her haunting music for “Joker” — a gender-related feat that was 22 years in the making. She also is just the ninth female ever nominated for Best Musical Score, earning one of the 11 bids – the most for any 2019 release — for the comic-book-inspired drama starring Joaquin Phoenix.
The first female to compete for a musical score Academy Award was Angela Morley, who collaborated with Douglas Gamley to adapt Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe‘s music for 1974’s “The Little Prince.” She would get a second chance with the Sherman Brothers with her adapted score for 1977’s “The Slipper and the Rose.” Marilyn Bergman would become the first-ever female winner in 1983 along with husband Alan Bergman and Michel Legrand,...
The first female to compete for a musical score Academy Award was Angela Morley, who collaborated with Douglas Gamley to adapt Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe‘s music for 1974’s “The Little Prince.” She would get a second chance with the Sherman Brothers with her adapted score for 1977’s “The Slipper and the Rose.” Marilyn Bergman would become the first-ever female winner in 1983 along with husband Alan Bergman and Michel Legrand,...
- 2/10/2020
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
James Taylor will take on the Great American Songbook on the singer’s upcoming album American Standard, due out February 28th. The LP is Taylor’s first since 2015’s Before This World and 19th overall.
“I’ve always had songs I grew up with that I remember really well, that were part of the family record collection — and I had a sense of how to approach, so it was a natural to put American Standard together,” Taylor said in a statement. “I know most of these songs from the original...
“I’ve always had songs I grew up with that I remember really well, that were part of the family record collection — and I had a sense of how to approach, so it was a natural to put American Standard together,” Taylor said in a statement. “I know most of these songs from the original...
- 1/23/2020
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
After becoming the first solo female composer to win a Golden Globe for original score, Iceland native Hildur Guonadottir is the ninth woman Oscar-nominated in the Best Musical Score category for her work on “Joker,” earning one of the 11 bids – the most for any 2019 release — for the comic-book-inspired drama starring Joaquin Phoenix.
The first woman to compete for a musical score Academy Award was Angela Morley, who collaborated with Douglas Gamley to adapt Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe‘s music for 1974’s “The Little Prince.” She would compete a second time with the Sherman Brothers with her adapted score for 1977’s “The Slipper and the Rose.” Marilyn Bergman would become the first-ever female winner in 1983 along with husband Alan Bergman and Michel Legrand, for Barbra Streisand‘s “Yentl.”
Two more Oscar-nabbing woman composers would follow: Rachel Portman for 1996’s “Emma” and Anne Dudley for 1997’s “The Full Monty.” Lyn...
The first woman to compete for a musical score Academy Award was Angela Morley, who collaborated with Douglas Gamley to adapt Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe‘s music for 1974’s “The Little Prince.” She would compete a second time with the Sherman Brothers with her adapted score for 1977’s “The Slipper and the Rose.” Marilyn Bergman would become the first-ever female winner in 1983 along with husband Alan Bergman and Michel Legrand, for Barbra Streisand‘s “Yentl.”
Two more Oscar-nabbing woman composers would follow: Rachel Portman for 1996’s “Emma” and Anne Dudley for 1997’s “The Full Monty.” Lyn...
- 1/14/2020
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
“Goddamn it Chief, you’re about as big as a damn mountain! “
Get ready to laugh, cry, scream, sigh, and sing along with some of the greatest movies ever made, because throughout 2020, Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies are teaming up for the fourth year in a row to present the hugely popular TCM Big Screen Classics Series in movie theaters nationwide.
In addition to pristine digital projection and movie-quality sound, each presentation will also feature all-new pre- and post-film commentary from popular TCM hosts, showcasing what makes each of these unique cinematic achievements such an important – and lasting – part of movie history. We hope you can share this exciting news with fellow movie lovers!
Now in its fourth year, the TCM Big Screen Classicsseries continues to grow in popularity. In 2019, many events in the series experienced sold-out audiences and ranked near or at the top of box-office results – showcasing...
Get ready to laugh, cry, scream, sigh, and sing along with some of the greatest movies ever made, because throughout 2020, Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies are teaming up for the fourth year in a row to present the hugely popular TCM Big Screen Classics Series in movie theaters nationwide.
In addition to pristine digital projection and movie-quality sound, each presentation will also feature all-new pre- and post-film commentary from popular TCM hosts, showcasing what makes each of these unique cinematic achievements such an important – and lasting – part of movie history. We hope you can share this exciting news with fellow movie lovers!
Now in its fourth year, the TCM Big Screen Classicsseries continues to grow in popularity. In 2019, many events in the series experienced sold-out audiences and ranked near or at the top of box-office results – showcasing...
- 12/4/2019
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Denise Nickerson, who played the bratty, bloated Violet Beauregarde in 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and a sweet-natured orphan bedeviled by ghosts and werewolves on the classic ’60s supernatural soap Dark Shadows, died Wednesday night at a hospital near her home in Colorado. In declining health since suffering a stroke last year, Nickerson was removed from life support by her family earlier that day. She was 62.
Nickerson’s son Josh Nickerson posted news of his mother’s death on Facebook after keeping friends and fans apprised of her health issues. Denise Nickerson was a longtime attendee at fan conventions for both Wonka and Dark Shadows.
“She’s gone,” Nickerson’s family posted on Facebook.
Born in New York City in 1957, Nickerson began acting on shows including The Doctors and Flipper before landing her breakthrough role in 1968 as little Amy Jennings on Dan Curtis’ gothic soap opera Dark Shadows. Teamed with young David Henesy,...
Nickerson’s son Josh Nickerson posted news of his mother’s death on Facebook after keeping friends and fans apprised of her health issues. Denise Nickerson was a longtime attendee at fan conventions for both Wonka and Dark Shadows.
“She’s gone,” Nickerson’s family posted on Facebook.
Born in New York City in 1957, Nickerson began acting on shows including The Doctors and Flipper before landing her breakthrough role in 1968 as little Amy Jennings on Dan Curtis’ gothic soap opera Dark Shadows. Teamed with young David Henesy,...
- 7/11/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman and Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Composer-arranger Sid Ramin, a longtime associate of Leonard Bernstein who won an Oscar, an Emmy and a Grammy for his work in film, TV and theater, died of natural causes Monday (July 1) at his home in New York City. He was 100.
Ramin won a 1961 Academy Award for adapting the music of “West Side Story,” which he had originally orchestrated for composer Leonard Bernstein on Broadway in 1957 (with fellow arranger Irwin Kostal). He won a 1961 Grammy for the “West Side Story” soundtrack album, and a 1983 Daytime Emmy for music for TV’s “All My Children.”
Ramin’s musical career encompassed every aspect of show business. He started in the early days of live television, arranging for Milton Berle’s “Texaco Star Theatre” from 1948 to 1956. “There was no second take,” Ramin once reminisced about the insane pace of live TV. “What you did was on the air, good or bad.”
He began...
Ramin won a 1961 Academy Award for adapting the music of “West Side Story,” which he had originally orchestrated for composer Leonard Bernstein on Broadway in 1957 (with fellow arranger Irwin Kostal). He won a 1961 Grammy for the “West Side Story” soundtrack album, and a 1983 Daytime Emmy for music for TV’s “All My Children.”
Ramin’s musical career encompassed every aspect of show business. He started in the early days of live television, arranging for Milton Berle’s “Texaco Star Theatre” from 1948 to 1956. “There was no second take,” Ramin once reminisced about the insane pace of live TV. “What you did was on the air, good or bad.”
He began...
- 7/3/2019
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Peter Bart: ‘Rocketman’s Strong Start Will Launch Exotic Mix Of Musical Biopics From Elvis To Aretha
With Rocketman opening strongly this past weekend at 3,500 theaters, and with a dozen other music-driven movies huddled at the starting line, one movie milestone is being studiously ignored: the 50th anniversary of Paint Your Wagon.
At its opening, Roger Ebert called Paint “a lump of a movie.” Its failings, he wrote, display all that could go wrong in the music genre – a comment that should resonate with Celine Dion, David Bowie, Boy George, Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, Carole King, Elvis Presley, Judy Garland and, yes, even the Beatles, all of whose stories will be immortalized in upcoming musical biopics.
Having lived through the production of Paint Your Wagon, I’m more than a little surprised by this sudden musical gridlock.
Some context: Fifty years ago, with box office dwindling, Hollywood turned to the musical genre in the hope of re-awakening a golden era. But instead of discovering a new Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers,...
At its opening, Roger Ebert called Paint “a lump of a movie.” Its failings, he wrote, display all that could go wrong in the music genre – a comment that should resonate with Celine Dion, David Bowie, Boy George, Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, Carole King, Elvis Presley, Judy Garland and, yes, even the Beatles, all of whose stories will be immortalized in upcoming musical biopics.
Having lived through the production of Paint Your Wagon, I’m more than a little surprised by this sudden musical gridlock.
Some context: Fifty years ago, with box office dwindling, Hollywood turned to the musical genre in the hope of re-awakening a golden era. But instead of discovering a new Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers,...
- 6/6/2019
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
The Venice Film Festival has designated Julie Andrews the recipient of the 2019 Golden Lion for Career Achievement. The Mary Poppins and Sound Of Music star will receive the honor at the 76th Lido event which runs August 28-September 7.
Andrews responded today, “I am so honored to have been selected as this year’s recipient of the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. The Venice Film Festival has long been recognized as one of the world’s most esteemed international film festivals. I thank the Biennale for this acknowledgement of my work and I look forward to being in that beautiful city in September for this very special occasion.”
Venice chief Alberto Barbera noted, “At a very young age, Ms Andrews made a name for herself in the music halls of London and, later, on Broadway thanks to her remarkable singing and acting talent. Her first Hollywood movie, Mary Poppins, gave her top-tier star status,...
Andrews responded today, “I am so honored to have been selected as this year’s recipient of the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. The Venice Film Festival has long been recognized as one of the world’s most esteemed international film festivals. I thank the Biennale for this acknowledgement of my work and I look forward to being in that beautiful city in September for this very special occasion.”
Venice chief Alberto Barbera noted, “At a very young age, Ms Andrews made a name for herself in the music halls of London and, later, on Broadway thanks to her remarkable singing and acting talent. Her first Hollywood movie, Mary Poppins, gave her top-tier star status,...
- 3/8/2019
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Kyle MacLachlan with Anne-Katrin Titze in Batsheva on his role in Giant Little Ones: "It's the language and I think a perspective that is one that we don't necessarily hear that often." Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Keith Behrman's perceptive Giant Little Ones stars Josh Wiggins as teenager Franky, Kyle MacLachlan and Maria Bello as his parents, Darren Mann as best friend Ballas, plus Taylor Hickson, Peter Outerbridge, Stephanie Moore, Olivia Scriven, Kiana Madeira, Hailey Kittle, and Niamh Wilson.
In David Lynch's Twin Peaks, Kyle MacLachlan eerily transformed from Agent Dale Cooper to Dougie Jones and in last year's highly successful The House With A Clock In Its Walls, starring Cate Blanchett and Jack Black, Kyle morphed into a fantastically eldritch warlock, a role he enjoyed playing very much, he told me when we met. In high school he performed in Cole Porter's Anything Goes, Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers' Oklahoma!
Keith Behrman's perceptive Giant Little Ones stars Josh Wiggins as teenager Franky, Kyle MacLachlan and Maria Bello as his parents, Darren Mann as best friend Ballas, plus Taylor Hickson, Peter Outerbridge, Stephanie Moore, Olivia Scriven, Kiana Madeira, Hailey Kittle, and Niamh Wilson.
In David Lynch's Twin Peaks, Kyle MacLachlan eerily transformed from Agent Dale Cooper to Dougie Jones and in last year's highly successful The House With A Clock In Its Walls, starring Cate Blanchett and Jack Black, Kyle morphed into a fantastically eldritch warlock, a role he enjoyed playing very much, he told me when we met. In high school he performed in Cole Porter's Anything Goes, Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers' Oklahoma!
- 3/3/2019
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Oscar-winning film composer and symphony orchestra conductor Andre Previn died Thursday at his home in Manhattan, his manager confirmed to the New York Times. He was 89.
The former enfant terrible of motion picture scoring and accomplished jazz pianist was honored with four Academy Awards. He won the first two, for best scoring of a musical picture (a category that has since been retired), for “Gigi” and “Porgy & Bess” in 1958 and 1959, respectively, while still in his 20s. He then won two for best adaptation or treatment (another retired sub-category) in 1963 and 1964 for “Irma la Douce” and “My Fair Lady,” respectively.
He later abandoned films to conduct such esteemed orchestras as the London Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Previn’s jazz influence was pianist Art Tatum and, from the age of 12, he developed a proficiency in jazz piano, which led to his first film assignment at age 16, while still a...
The former enfant terrible of motion picture scoring and accomplished jazz pianist was honored with four Academy Awards. He won the first two, for best scoring of a musical picture (a category that has since been retired), for “Gigi” and “Porgy & Bess” in 1958 and 1959, respectively, while still in his 20s. He then won two for best adaptation or treatment (another retired sub-category) in 1963 and 1964 for “Irma la Douce” and “My Fair Lady,” respectively.
He later abandoned films to conduct such esteemed orchestras as the London Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Previn’s jazz influence was pianist Art Tatum and, from the age of 12, he developed a proficiency in jazz piano, which led to his first film assignment at age 16, while still a...
- 2/28/2019
- by Richard Natale
- Variety Film + TV
The York Theatre Company concludes its 25th Anniversary of its acclaimed Musicals in Mufti series celebrating the work of the legendary librettist and lyricist Alan Jay Lerner with the third show in the 2019 Winter series the NY premiere of the Lolita, My Love, with music by John Barry and book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, as edited by Erik Haagensen. The show officially opened last night, February 24. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the celebration below...
- 2/25/2019
- by Genevieve Rafter Keddy
- BroadwayWorld.com
The York Theatre Company concludes the 25th Anniversary of its acclaimed Musicals in Mufti series celebrating the work of the legendary librettist and lyricist Alan Jay Lerner with the third show in the 2019 Winter series the NY premiere of Lolita, My Love, with music by John Barry and book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, as edited by Erik Haagensen. Directed by Emily Maltby and with music direction by Deniz Cordell, the 13-member cast features George Abud The Band's Visit as Clare Quilty, Caitlin Cohn The Secret Garden as Dolores 'Lolita' Haze, Robert Sella Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as Humbert Humbert, Thursday Farrar Aida as Dr. June Ray, and Jessica Tyler Wright Sweeney Todd as Charlotte Haze, with Becca Fox Singin' in the Rain, Hanako Greensmith Spring Awakening, Victoria Huston-Elem Finding Neverland, Jay Aubrey Jones Assassins, Kennedy Kanagawa Into the Woods, Max Meyers Buddy The Buddy Holly Story, Mark Montague A Very Brady Musical,...
- 2/23/2019
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Ruthie Ann Miles continues to soldier on in the wake of tragedy.
The Tony Award winner has booked her first gig since the car crash that took the life of her 5-year-old daughter and the loss of her unborn baby less than a year ago.
On March 4, 2019, the actress, 35, will join Lin-Manuel Miranda in a performance of Camelot to benefit New York City’s Lincoln Center, where the concert will be held, according to a press release from the theater.
Miranda will star as King Arthur and Miles will play Nimue, the enchantress who gives the legendary monarch his magical sword,...
The Tony Award winner has booked her first gig since the car crash that took the life of her 5-year-old daughter and the loss of her unborn baby less than a year ago.
On March 4, 2019, the actress, 35, will join Lin-Manuel Miranda in a performance of Camelot to benefit New York City’s Lincoln Center, where the concert will be held, according to a press release from the theater.
Miranda will star as King Arthur and Miles will play Nimue, the enchantress who gives the legendary monarch his magical sword,...
- 1/31/2019
- by Maura Hohman
- PEOPLE.com
As of this writing “Jesus Christ Superstar” is predicted to win this year’s Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album with 82/25 odds. It’s a live recording of NBC’s Emmy-winning telecast, unlike the other nominees, which are studio recordings of traditional stage productions. Could that help or hurt “Superstar”?
This isn’t the show’s first time at the Grammys. The original concept album was nominated for Album of the Year back in 1972, but lost to Carole King for her second studio album, “Tapestry.” The very next year the Broadway cast recording was nominated for Album of the Year, but it lost too; Grammy voters picked “The Concert for Bangladesh” by George Harrison and Friends instead. So the iconic rock opera has a major Grammy Iou, especially considering how its creators — composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice — went on to win multiple Grammys themselves.
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This isn’t the show’s first time at the Grammys. The original concept album was nominated for Album of the Year back in 1972, but lost to Carole King for her second studio album, “Tapestry.” The very next year the Broadway cast recording was nominated for Album of the Year, but it lost too; Grammy voters picked “The Concert for Bangladesh” by George Harrison and Friends instead. So the iconic rock opera has a major Grammy Iou, especially considering how its creators — composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice — went on to win multiple Grammys themselves.
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- 1/8/2019
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
This article marks Part 13 of the Gold Derby series analyzing 84 years of Best Original Song at the Oscars. Join us as we look back at the timeless tunes recognized in this category, the results of each race and the overall rankings of the winners.
The 1974 Oscar nominees in Best Original Song were:
“I Feel Love” from “Benji”
“Blazing Saddles” from “Blazing Saddles”
“Wherever Love Takes Me” from “Gold”
“Little Prince” from “The Little Prince”
“We May Never Love Like This Again” from “The Towering Inferno”
Won: “We May Never Love Like This Again” from “The Towering Inferno”
Should’ve won: “I Feel Love” from “Benji”
While 1973 marked perhaps the strongest Best Original Song line-up of the decade, 1974 nearly competes with the truly dreadful 1972 as the decade’s bottom of the barrel in original music for the big screen. If not for a couple of these nominees, this category would be...
The 1974 Oscar nominees in Best Original Song were:
“I Feel Love” from “Benji”
“Blazing Saddles” from “Blazing Saddles”
“Wherever Love Takes Me” from “Gold”
“Little Prince” from “The Little Prince”
“We May Never Love Like This Again” from “The Towering Inferno”
Won: “We May Never Love Like This Again” from “The Towering Inferno”
Should’ve won: “I Feel Love” from “Benji”
While 1973 marked perhaps the strongest Best Original Song line-up of the decade, 1974 nearly competes with the truly dreadful 1972 as the decade’s bottom of the barrel in original music for the big screen. If not for a couple of these nominees, this category would be...
- 12/5/2018
- by Andrew Carden
- Gold Derby
Ghostlight Records has announced the release of Lerner amp Loewe's Brigadoon - New York City Center 2017 Cast Recording in physical, digital and streaming formats on Friday, December 7. Brigadoon has book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe. Released to celebrate both the 70th anniversary of the original production of the show and the Alan Jay Lerner Centennial, the recording is based on the New York City Center Annual Gala Production, which was directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, with Jack Viertel serving as artistic advisor. Brigadoon stars Kelli O'Hara, Patrick Wilson and Stephanie J. Block, and features the Encores Orchestra led by Music Director Rob Berman...
- 11/9/2018
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
This article marks Part 1 of the Gold Derby series reflecting on films that contended for the Big Five Oscars – Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Screenplay (Original or Adapted). With “A Star Is Born” this year on the cusp of joining this exclusive group of Oscar favorites, join us as we look back at the 43 extraordinary pictures that earned Academy Awards nominations in each of the Big Five categories beginning with the eight that were shut out of these top races.
At the 31st Academy Awards ceremony, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (1958) was well-positioned for Oscar glory. Critically acclaimed and commercially successful, the film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play was up in six categories, including the Big Five, plus Best Cinematography.
Instead of emerging victorious, however, the film found itself steamrolled over. It would lose Best Picture and Best Director (Richard Brooks) to the musical “Gigi” and its filmmaker,...
At the 31st Academy Awards ceremony, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (1958) was well-positioned for Oscar glory. Critically acclaimed and commercially successful, the film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play was up in six categories, including the Big Five, plus Best Cinematography.
Instead of emerging victorious, however, the film found itself steamrolled over. It would lose Best Picture and Best Director (Richard Brooks) to the musical “Gigi” and its filmmaker,...
- 10/4/2018
- by Andrew Carden
- Gold Derby
by Nathaniel R
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Alan Jay Lerner, one of the most crucial figures in the American songbook. The lyricist, librettist, and screenwriter was born in New York City. That's where he first made his mark, too, on Broadway with his first big hit Brigadoon in 1947. Soon he went Hollywood, working on original movie musicals as well as transfers of his famous work from the stage, and garnering 7 Oscar nominations and 3 wins. His career ended with The Little Prince (1974) but at the time of his death in 1986 he was working on a musical adaptation of My Man Godfrey and had started work on Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, though his only efforts are in the song "Masquerade" (uncredited).
Earlier this summer I had the opportunity to moderate a screening of My Fair Lady (1964) and my guest was Amy Asch who...
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Alan Jay Lerner, one of the most crucial figures in the American songbook. The lyricist, librettist, and screenwriter was born in New York City. That's where he first made his mark, too, on Broadway with his first big hit Brigadoon in 1947. Soon he went Hollywood, working on original movie musicals as well as transfers of his famous work from the stage, and garnering 7 Oscar nominations and 3 wins. His career ended with The Little Prince (1974) but at the time of his death in 1986 he was working on a musical adaptation of My Man Godfrey and had started work on Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, though his only efforts are in the song "Masquerade" (uncredited).
Earlier this summer I had the opportunity to moderate a screening of My Fair Lady (1964) and my guest was Amy Asch who...
- 8/31/2018
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
All hail legendary song-and-dance man Gene Kelly on the 106th anniversary of his birth on August 23. In the history of American film, there were unarguably two great male dancers — Fred Astaire and Kelly. Astaire’s style was romantic and sophisticated, with long lines and elegant movement. Kelly’s style was more athletic — a guy’s guy, if you will — with a scrappy style that set him apart from other dancers of his era.
Kelly appeared to be able to do it all. He could dance, sing, and act in his films, ultimately choreographing and directing them as well. In the course of his nearly four decades on film, he starred in such classics as “An American in Paris” and “Anchors Aweigh,” as well as starring and co-directing the great musicals “On the Town” and “Singin’ in the Rain.”
For his work, Kelly earned two Golden Globe nominations — one for Best...
Kelly appeared to be able to do it all. He could dance, sing, and act in his films, ultimately choreographing and directing them as well. In the course of his nearly four decades on film, he starred in such classics as “An American in Paris” and “Anchors Aweigh,” as well as starring and co-directing the great musicals “On the Town” and “Singin’ in the Rain.”
For his work, Kelly earned two Golden Globe nominations — one for Best...
- 8/23/2018
- by Tom O'Brien and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Irish Repertory Theatre's On A Clear Day You Can See Forever begins performances tonight, June 15 The show stars Tony Award-nominee Stephen Bogardus Bright Star, John Cudia The Phantom of the Opera, and Tony Award-nominee Melissa Errico Finian's Rainbow. On A Clear Day features music by Burton Laneand book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. The cast held a preview event last night, June 14, and BroadwayWorld got in on the action Check out photos below...
- 6/15/2018
- by Walter McBride
- BroadwayWorld.com
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