Exclusive: Scott Bakula will return to the New York stage this winter in an Off Broadway, world premiere production of the new musical The Connector, conceived and directed by Daisy Prince with music and lyrics by Tony winner Jason Robert Brown (Parade) and a book by Jonathan Marc Sherman.
A production of the acclaimed Off Broadway non-profit company McC Theater, The Connector will begin performances at McC Theater’s Newman Mills Theater on January 12, 2024, with an opening night set for February 6. The limited engagement will run through February 18, 2024.
Set in the rapidly changing media and magazine worlds of the late 1990s (the title refers to a revered publication), The Connector also will feature choreography by Karla Puno Garcia, co-choreographer of the Broadway-found Days of Wine and Roses.
In addition to Bakula, who will play a character named Conrad, the large cast of The Connector will include Sweeney Todd‘s Joanna Carpenter,...
A production of the acclaimed Off Broadway non-profit company McC Theater, The Connector will begin performances at McC Theater’s Newman Mills Theater on January 12, 2024, with an opening night set for February 6. The limited engagement will run through February 18, 2024.
Set in the rapidly changing media and magazine worlds of the late 1990s (the title refers to a revered publication), The Connector also will feature choreography by Karla Puno Garcia, co-choreographer of the Broadway-found Days of Wine and Roses.
In addition to Bakula, who will play a character named Conrad, the large cast of The Connector will include Sweeney Todd‘s Joanna Carpenter,...
- 10/5/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Out of all the winners (and also-rans) in the 26 competitive categories at the 2022 Tony Awards, 18 results stand out as particularly noteworthy when considered in the context of history. So what were this year’s most interesting facts, records, and milestones? Check out the complete list of winners here.
1. The following productions that received multiple Tony nominations, but went home empty-handed were “American Buffalo,” “Caroline, or Change,” “Clyde’s,” “For Colored Girls,” “Flying Over Sunset,” “Hangmen,” “How I Learned to Drive,” “Macbeth,” “Mr. Saturday Night,” “The Music Man,” “Potus,” and “Trouble in Mind.”
SEESecond Stage Theater (‘Take Me Out’) earns 1st Tony Award since purchasing a Broadway house
2. The following individuals who had multiple nominations this year, but went home empty-handed were set designer Beowulf Boritt (“Flying Over Sunset” and “Potus”), director/choreographer Camille A. Brown (“For Colored Girls”), actor/book writer Billy Crystal (“Mr. Saturday Night”), director/book writer Conor McPherson...
1. The following productions that received multiple Tony nominations, but went home empty-handed were “American Buffalo,” “Caroline, or Change,” “Clyde’s,” “For Colored Girls,” “Flying Over Sunset,” “Hangmen,” “How I Learned to Drive,” “Macbeth,” “Mr. Saturday Night,” “The Music Man,” “Potus,” and “Trouble in Mind.”
SEESecond Stage Theater (‘Take Me Out’) earns 1st Tony Award since purchasing a Broadway house
2. The following individuals who had multiple nominations this year, but went home empty-handed were set designer Beowulf Boritt (“Flying Over Sunset” and “Potus”), director/choreographer Camille A. Brown (“For Colored Girls”), actor/book writer Billy Crystal (“Mr. Saturday Night”), director/book writer Conor McPherson...
- 6/13/2022
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Brian Yorkey (13 Reasons Why) has optioned the film rights to Dan Mathews’ memoir Like Crazy: Life with My Mother and Her Invisible Friends, tapping Ted Malawer (Halston) to adapt it for the screen.
Like Crazy follows Mathews and his outlandish mother Perry on an odyssey of self-discovery, as the former navigates the perils and rewards of taking in a fragile parent—ultimately discovering she had lived her entire adult life as an undiagnosed schizophrenic. Surrounded by a rag-tag community that rallies to help them, and one man who just may become the love of Mathews’ life, their story descends into the mysteries of mental illness but rises with resilient love.
Atria/Simon & Schuster published Mathews’ memoir in 2020. Yorkey will produce the film adaptation alongside his EVP of Development Jeff Sommerville for their That Kid Ed Productions, as part of the company’s growing feature development slate.
“Dan’s...
Like Crazy follows Mathews and his outlandish mother Perry on an odyssey of self-discovery, as the former navigates the perils and rewards of taking in a fragile parent—ultimately discovering she had lived her entire adult life as an undiagnosed schizophrenic. Surrounded by a rag-tag community that rallies to help them, and one man who just may become the love of Mathews’ life, their story descends into the mysteries of mental illness but rises with resilient love.
Atria/Simon & Schuster published Mathews’ memoir in 2020. Yorkey will produce the film adaptation alongside his EVP of Development Jeff Sommerville for their That Kid Ed Productions, as part of the company’s growing feature development slate.
“Dan’s...
- 5/16/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Yes, you can finally watch Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton” at home. And yes, it’s just as ingenious, energizing and brilliant as you’ve been hearing for the last several years — inspiring everyone from musicians to theater artists to former Trump official John Bolton. But the filmed version of the 2015 Broadway megahit, shot with the original cast in 2016 and premiering this week on Disney+, is a very particular work.
For one thing, it’s less a musical film than a recorded stage performance, like those concert films you see on HBO. Shot at Broadway’s Richard Rodgers Theatre in 2016, this “Hamilton” does not attempt to escape or transcend its stage roots — even in the ways that recent live TV musical productions like “Grease Live!” and “The Sound of Music” have by moving within various sets on a vast soundstage or studio lot.
Thomas Kail, who directed the stage show, here...
For one thing, it’s less a musical film than a recorded stage performance, like those concert films you see on HBO. Shot at Broadway’s Richard Rodgers Theatre in 2016, this “Hamilton” does not attempt to escape or transcend its stage roots — even in the ways that recent live TV musical productions like “Grease Live!” and “The Sound of Music” have by moving within various sets on a vast soundstage or studio lot.
Thomas Kail, who directed the stage show, here...
- 6/30/2020
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
La Jolla Playhouse has announcedthe complete cast and creative team for its upcoming musical Fly, based on the J.M. Barrie novel Peter and Wendy, with book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph Playhouse's Guards at the Taj, Broadway's Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo music by Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award winner Bill Sherman music director for Sesame Street orchestrator for In the Heights lyrics by Obie Award winner Kirsten Childs The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin and Rajiv Joseph, direction by multiple Tony Award-winning producer Jeffrey Seller Hamilton, Rent, Avenue Q, In the Heights, and co-choreographed by three-time Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler Hamilton, Bandstand and Stephanie Klemons In the Heights. Fly will run February 18 - March 29 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre.
- 1/9/2020
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
It is such a beautiful thing to hear stories of actors opening doors for each other but so many things have happened in the career of Daniel J. Watts because of generosity shown to him and the generosity he has shown to others. From Andy Blankenbuehler to Adrienne Warren the list is long and filled with those who were his champions because of his glorious talent and equally glorious heart. He is slaying nightly as Ike Turner in the Broadway musical Tina.
- 1/6/2020
- by Little Known Facts w/ Ilana Levine
- BroadwayWorld.com
In the latest edition of Hollywood Insider's 'Full Commentary' and 'Reactions From Stars'- we focus on 'Bombshell'. Watch Taylor Swift, Dame Judi Dench, Idris Elba, James Corden, Tom Hooper, Jennifer Hudson, Jason Derulo, Francesca Hayward, Larry & Laurent Bourgeois, Andy Blankenbuehler, Rebel Wilson, Laurie Davidson, Debra Hayward, & team and team give their views on the making of Bombshell. For more comments, watch the full episode.
- 12/30/2019
- by Hollywood Insider Staff Writer
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
Evan Rachel Wood didn't like movie adaptation of the classic musical "Cats", and has minced no words in condemning the Hollywood film. She says it is the "worst movie" that she has ever seen.
Featuring Andrew Lloyd Weber's iconic music and team of dancers under the guidance of Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, the film, helmed by Oscar-winning director Tom Hooper, re-imagines the musical for a new generation.
Also Read:?Madonna's ex-husband Guy Ritchie shares family picture on Christmas
The actress took to Twitter to express her views about the movie, reports dailymail.co.uk.
"#Cats is actually worse than I thought it would be, And I already thought it would be horrible," Wood posted.
"But....I am actually speechless. Why would you change the choreography? I...am Speechless," she said, referring to the choreography of the original stage musical.
"Its not the casts fault," she said, referring to the star-studded cast including Taylor Swift,...
Featuring Andrew Lloyd Weber's iconic music and team of dancers under the guidance of Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, the film, helmed by Oscar-winning director Tom Hooper, re-imagines the musical for a new generation.
Also Read:?Madonna's ex-husband Guy Ritchie shares family picture on Christmas
The actress took to Twitter to express her views about the movie, reports dailymail.co.uk.
"#Cats is actually worse than I thought it would be, And I already thought it would be horrible," Wood posted.
"But....I am actually speechless. Why would you change the choreography? I...am Speechless," she said, referring to the choreography of the original stage musical.
"Its not the casts fault," she said, referring to the star-studded cast including Taylor Swift,...
- 12/26/2019
- GlamSham
Taylor Swift attended “cat school” to learn what Jellicles can and Jellicles do. To prepare for “Cats,” the big-screen adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1981 musical, Swift and her co-stars enrolled in classes to master the movements of their four-legged characters. In the film, Swift plays Bombalurina, a rabble-rousing outsider who sprinkles catnip over the Jellicle ball.
Swift didn’t phone (or meow) in her performance in “Cats,” starring Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Jason Derulo, Ian McKellen and Judi Dench. She wanted to be ready for her big number, “Macavity,” and in case Lloyd Webber enlisted her to write a new song for the movie. When he did, their collaboration was fast and easy, in the form of “Beautiful Ghosts,” a confessional ballad performed by the stray cat Victoria (Francesca Hayward) that serves as a bookend to “Memory,” the production’s signature song (belted out by Hudson).
On the morning...
Swift didn’t phone (or meow) in her performance in “Cats,” starring Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Jason Derulo, Ian McKellen and Judi Dench. She wanted to be ready for her big number, “Macavity,” and in case Lloyd Webber enlisted her to write a new song for the movie. When he did, their collaboration was fast and easy, in the form of “Beautiful Ghosts,” a confessional ballad performed by the stray cat Victoria (Francesca Hayward) that serves as a bookend to “Memory,” the production’s signature song (belted out by Hudson).
On the morning...
- 12/20/2019
- by Ramin Setoodeh
- Variety Film + TV
Attention, moviegoers searching for the worst movie of the year: We have a late-breaking winner. Cats slips in right under the radar and easily scores as the bottom of the 2019 barrel — and arguably of the decade. Even Michael Bay’s trash trilogy of soul-destroying Transformers movies can’t hold a candle. What happened?
Wasn’t the stage production of Cats — music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by poet T.S. Eliot — an award-winning smash from Broadway to Tokyo? It was. But in this all-star, all-awful screen version, directed by Tom Hooper...
Wasn’t the stage production of Cats — music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by poet T.S. Eliot — an award-winning smash from Broadway to Tokyo? It was. But in this all-star, all-awful screen version, directed by Tom Hooper...
- 12/19/2019
- by Peter Travers
- Rollingstone.com
Back in the summer of 2015, the co-directors of Disney’s “Zootopia” went rogue, disregarding the advice of their corporate colleagues and appearing onstage at the Annecy animation festival disguised as the talking-animal cartoon’s fur-covered lead characters, an anthropomorphic rabbit and her foxy best friend. The audience ate it up, but behind the scenes, the Disney suits were sweating. For decades, the family entertainment company had been dealing with a very specific group of enthusiasts, identified as “furries,” who get off on dressing up in full-body animal costumes, drawing inspiration wherever they can find it. By now, Disney lawyers know how to deal with that crowd, but other studios have to learn the hard way.
I mention this because it’s just one of dozens of things the folks at Universal seem not to have taken into consideration before making a movie version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s long-running musical...
I mention this because it’s just one of dozens of things the folks at Universal seem not to have taken into consideration before making a movie version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s long-running musical...
- 12/19/2019
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
The film of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats” arrives without so much buzz as hisses thanks to a trailer released back in July which seemed to horrify more than to suggest a beloved fantasy musical that has, according to provided production information, been staged for over 81 million people in more than 50 countries and in 19 languages since its London premiere in 1981.
In its original theatrical presentation, “Cats” was weird, yes, but also an admirably immersive, intimate blend of junkyard pizzazz, busy makeup, leg warmers, T.S. Eliot rhymes and Webber earworms that, in its nonsensical Jellicle-osity, added up to something reasonably transportive. It never purred, but it pranced, preened and projected enough to be cat-video distracting, even as it augured decades of stage musicals that favored the flashy over the finely tuned.
But Tom Hooper’s jarring fever dream of a spectacle is like something that escaped from Dr. Moreau’s creature...
In its original theatrical presentation, “Cats” was weird, yes, but also an admirably immersive, intimate blend of junkyard pizzazz, busy makeup, leg warmers, T.S. Eliot rhymes and Webber earworms that, in its nonsensical Jellicle-osity, added up to something reasonably transportive. It never purred, but it pranced, preened and projected enough to be cat-video distracting, even as it augured decades of stage musicals that favored the flashy over the finely tuned.
But Tom Hooper’s jarring fever dream of a spectacle is like something that escaped from Dr. Moreau’s creature...
- 12/19/2019
- by Robert Abele
- The Wrap
Tom Hooper’s 2019 adaptation of “Cats” unfolds as an absurd and frequently nonsensical array of light and color, with actors bathed in ill-conceived CGI fur against a similarly invented London backdrop. Fans of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway blockbuster, and anyone familiar with the movie’s viral trailer that stoked excitement and horror in equal measures, will know that sounds about right.
Hooper’s “Cats” adaptation delivers on those expectations and then some, which makes it a fascinating mess of exuberant musical numbers and scintillating digitized sets. Those human-cat terrors already looked ridiculous slinking about a giant junkyard set in body-suits; who thought that closeups would actually improve the show?
But there’s the rub: The argument against “Cats” also makes the case for its existence, because everything ludicrous about the show has been cranked up to 11, with a restless artificial camera and actors so keen on upstaging one another...
Hooper’s “Cats” adaptation delivers on those expectations and then some, which makes it a fascinating mess of exuberant musical numbers and scintillating digitized sets. Those human-cat terrors already looked ridiculous slinking about a giant junkyard set in body-suits; who thought that closeups would actually improve the show?
But there’s the rub: The argument against “Cats” also makes the case for its existence, because everything ludicrous about the show has been cranked up to 11, with a restless artificial camera and actors so keen on upstaging one another...
- 12/19/2019
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Oscar®-winning director Tom Hooper transforms Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-shattering stage musical into a breakthrough cinematic event.
Cats stars James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson and introduces Royal Ballet principal dancer Francesca Hayward in her feature film debut.
Featuring Lloyd Webber’s iconic music and a world-class cast of dancers under the guidance of Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, the film reimagines the musicalfor a new generation with spectacular production design, state-of-the-art technology, and dance styles ranging from classical ballet to contemporary, hip-hop to jazz, street dance to tap.
The film also stars Robbie Fairchild (Broadway’s An American in Paris), Laurie Davidson (TNT’s Will), hip-hop dance sensation Les Twins (Larry and Laurent Bourgeois), acclaimed dancer Mette Towley (featured in videos for Rihanna and Pharrell Williams’ N.E.R.D.), Royal Ballet principal dancer Steven McRae, and rising-star singer Bluey Robinson.
Cats stars James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson and introduces Royal Ballet principal dancer Francesca Hayward in her feature film debut.
Featuring Lloyd Webber’s iconic music and a world-class cast of dancers under the guidance of Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, the film reimagines the musicalfor a new generation with spectacular production design, state-of-the-art technology, and dance styles ranging from classical ballet to contemporary, hip-hop to jazz, street dance to tap.
The film also stars Robbie Fairchild (Broadway’s An American in Paris), Laurie Davidson (TNT’s Will), hip-hop dance sensation Les Twins (Larry and Laurent Bourgeois), acclaimed dancer Mette Towley (featured in videos for Rihanna and Pharrell Williams’ N.E.R.D.), Royal Ballet principal dancer Steven McRae, and rising-star singer Bluey Robinson.
- 12/2/2019
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Oscar-winning director Tom Hoopers star-studded musical "Cats" will release in India on January 3, 2020.
The film features Taylor Swift, Jennifer Hudson, James Corden, Idris Elba, Ian McKellen, Rebel Wilson, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo and introduces Royal Ballet principal dancer Francesca Hayward.
Also Read:?Taylor Swift stuns on the January 2020 issue of British Vogue
Featuring Lloyd Webber's iconic music and team of dancers under the guidance of Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, the film re-imagines the musical for a new generation.
The film also stars Robbie Fairchild, Laurie Davidson, hip-hop dance sensation Les Twins, acclaimed dancer Mette Towley, Steven McRae, and rising-star singer Bluey Robinson.
One of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, the stage musical "Cats" saw its world premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981.
Universal Pictures presents the Working Title Films and Amblin Entertainment production, in association with Monumental Pictures and The Really Useful Group.
The film features Taylor Swift, Jennifer Hudson, James Corden, Idris Elba, Ian McKellen, Rebel Wilson, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo and introduces Royal Ballet principal dancer Francesca Hayward.
Also Read:?Taylor Swift stuns on the January 2020 issue of British Vogue
Featuring Lloyd Webber's iconic music and team of dancers under the guidance of Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, the film re-imagines the musical for a new generation.
The film also stars Robbie Fairchild, Laurie Davidson, hip-hop dance sensation Les Twins, acclaimed dancer Mette Towley, Steven McRae, and rising-star singer Bluey Robinson.
One of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, the stage musical "Cats" saw its world premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981.
Universal Pictures presents the Working Title Films and Amblin Entertainment production, in association with Monumental Pictures and The Really Useful Group.
- 12/2/2019
- GlamSham
Oscar®-winning director Tom Hooper transforms Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-shattering stage musical, Cats, into a breakthrough cinematic event. Check out the film’s new trailer up above!
Cats stars James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson and introduces Royal Ballet principal dancer Francesca Hayward in her feature film debut.
Featuring Lloyd Webber’s iconic music and a world-class cast of dancers under the guidance of Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, the film reimagines the musical for a new generation with spectacular production design, state-of-the-art technology, and dance styles ranging from classical ballet to contemporary, hip-hop to jazz, street dance to tap.
The film also stars Robbie Fairchild (Broadway’s An American in Paris), Laurie Davidson (TNT’s Will), hip-hop dance sensation Les Twins (Larry and Laurent Bourgeois), acclaimed dancer Mette Towley (featured in videos for Rihanna and Pharrell Williams’ N.E.
Cats stars James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson and introduces Royal Ballet principal dancer Francesca Hayward in her feature film debut.
Featuring Lloyd Webber’s iconic music and a world-class cast of dancers under the guidance of Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, the film reimagines the musical for a new generation with spectacular production design, state-of-the-art technology, and dance styles ranging from classical ballet to contemporary, hip-hop to jazz, street dance to tap.
The film also stars Robbie Fairchild (Broadway’s An American in Paris), Laurie Davidson (TNT’s Will), hip-hop dance sensation Les Twins (Larry and Laurent Bourgeois), acclaimed dancer Mette Towley (featured in videos for Rihanna and Pharrell Williams’ N.E.
- 11/21/2019
- by Administrator
- CinemaNerdz
Oscar®-winning director Tom Hooper transforms Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-shattering stage musical into a breakthrough cinematic event. “Cats” will be released on December 20th, just in time for Christmas! Cats stars James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson and introduces Royal Ballet principal dancer Francesca Hayward in her feature film debut. Featuring Lloyd Webber’s iconic music and a world-class cast of dancers under the guidance of Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, the film reimagines the musical for a new generation with spectacular production design, state-of-the-art technology, and dance styles ranging from classical ballet to contemporary, hip-hop to jazz, street dance to tap. The film also stars Robbie Fairchild (Broadway’s An American in Paris), Laurie Davidson (TNT’s Will), hip-hop dance sensation Les Twins (Larry and Laurent Bourgeois), acclaimed dancer Mette Towley (featured in videos for Rihanna and Pharrell Williams’ N.
- 11/20/2019
- by Kristyn Clarke
- Age of the Nerd
To fumble as a choreographer on “Fosse/Verdon,” FX’s sterling limited series depicting the life, love and legacy of Bob Fosse and Gwen Vernon, would be failing while standing in the brightest of spotlights, exposed to the most savage of television, film, dance, and theater critics.
To succeed would be to risk not being noticed at all.
That was the challenge entered into by three-time Tony winner and “Fosse/Verdon” co-producer Andy Blankenbuehler (“Hamilton”), who painstakingly choreographed the series’ first three episodes, and then taken up by actress and Broadway veteran Susan Misner (“The Americans”) who stepped in when Blankenbuehler heeded the (cat) call and departed the production to head up choreography on Tom Hooper’s “Cats.”
As it happened, Misner was already signed on to “Fosse/Verdon,” portraying Fosse’s first wife, actress Joan McCracken, when she got a call from Blankenbuehler about expanding her responsibilities on the series.
“[Andy] called...
To succeed would be to risk not being noticed at all.
That was the challenge entered into by three-time Tony winner and “Fosse/Verdon” co-producer Andy Blankenbuehler (“Hamilton”), who painstakingly choreographed the series’ first three episodes, and then taken up by actress and Broadway veteran Susan Misner (“The Americans”) who stepped in when Blankenbuehler heeded the (cat) call and departed the production to head up choreography on Tom Hooper’s “Cats.”
As it happened, Misner was already signed on to “Fosse/Verdon,” portraying Fosse’s first wife, actress Joan McCracken, when she got a call from Blankenbuehler about expanding her responsibilities on the series.
“[Andy] called...
- 8/5/2019
- by Libby Hill
- Indiewire
One of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, the stage musical Cats received its world premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981, where it played for 21 years and earned the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical. In 1983, the Broadway production became the recipient of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and ran for an extraordinary 18 years. Since opening in London in 1981, Cats has continuously appeared on stage around the globe, to date having played to 81 million people in more than fifty countries and in nineteen languages. It is one of the most successful musicals of all time. Now, Oscar®-winning director Tom Hooper transforms Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-shattering stage musical into a breakthrough cinematic event. Now, the first trailer for the long-awaited adaption has been released!
Cats stars James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson,...
Cats stars James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson,...
- 7/20/2019
- by Mike Tyrkus
- CinemaNerdz
Watch out, Avatar and Endgame. With never-before-seen “digital fur technology,” Tom Hooper’s Cats is here to redefine the form of the moving image. If one has stopped laughing over the solemn magnitude imparted in the first featurette for the forthcoming musical adaptation, they can now turn their eyes towards the trailer–which is baffling, to say the least.
Starring Taylor Swift, Idris Elba, James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Rebel Wilson, and Francesca Hayward, with help from Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, Universal and company is clearly aiming for something ambitious with the Andrew Lloyd Webber and T.S. Eliot adaptation. If they will fully succeed remains to be seen.
Check out the trailer below.
Cats opens on December 20.
Starring Taylor Swift, Idris Elba, James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Rebel Wilson, and Francesca Hayward, with help from Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, Universal and company is clearly aiming for something ambitious with the Andrew Lloyd Webber and T.S. Eliot adaptation. If they will fully succeed remains to be seen.
Check out the trailer below.
Cats opens on December 20.
- 7/18/2019
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Before the official trailer for “Cats”– a big-screen all-star adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s record-breaking 1981 stage musical — pounces upon the general public on Friday, Universal dropped a bit of catnip in the form of a behind-the-scenes tease this week.
Academy-Award-winning director Tom Hooper (“The King’s Speech”), who oversaw the cinematic version of another Broadway tune-filled sensation, 2012’s “Les Miserables,” is calling the shots. Given that the adaptation led to eight Oscar nominations and three wins, including a supporting trophy for Anne Hathaway, “Cats” seems to be in good hands.
The well-bred cast seems to be designed to appeal to every movie-going demographic from around the globe. The troupe includes Taylor Swift as Bombalurina, James Corden as Bustopher Jones, Rebel Wilson as Jennyanydots, Jason Derulo as Rum Tum Tugger, Idris Elba as Macavity, Ian McKellen as Gus the Theatre Cat and Judi Dench as Old Deuteronomy. As for who...
Academy-Award-winning director Tom Hooper (“The King’s Speech”), who oversaw the cinematic version of another Broadway tune-filled sensation, 2012’s “Les Miserables,” is calling the shots. Given that the adaptation led to eight Oscar nominations and three wins, including a supporting trophy for Anne Hathaway, “Cats” seems to be in good hands.
The well-bred cast seems to be designed to appeal to every movie-going demographic from around the globe. The troupe includes Taylor Swift as Bombalurina, James Corden as Bustopher Jones, Rebel Wilson as Jennyanydots, Jason Derulo as Rum Tum Tugger, Idris Elba as Macavity, Ian McKellen as Gus the Theatre Cat and Judi Dench as Old Deuteronomy. As for who...
- 7/18/2019
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
Here’s your first look at the upcoming and highly anticipated film version of Cats. The first trailer hits this Friday.
Oscar-winning director Tom Hooper transforms Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-shattering stage musical into a breakthrough cinematic event.
Cats stars James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson and introduces Royal Ballet principal dancer Francesca Hayward in her feature film debut.
Cats will be in theaters this Christmas, December 20.
Featuring Lloyd Webber’s iconic music and a world-class cast of dancers under the guidance of Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, the film reimagines the musical for a new generation with spectacular production design, state-of-the-art technology, and dance styles ranging from ballet to contemporary, hip-hop to jazz, street to tap. Universal Pictures presents a Working Title Films and Amblin Entertainment production, in association with Monumental Pictures and The Really Useful Group.
Cats is produced by Debra Hayward,...
Oscar-winning director Tom Hooper transforms Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-shattering stage musical into a breakthrough cinematic event.
Cats stars James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson and introduces Royal Ballet principal dancer Francesca Hayward in her feature film debut.
Cats will be in theaters this Christmas, December 20.
Featuring Lloyd Webber’s iconic music and a world-class cast of dancers under the guidance of Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, the film reimagines the musical for a new generation with spectacular production design, state-of-the-art technology, and dance styles ranging from ballet to contemporary, hip-hop to jazz, street to tap. Universal Pictures presents a Working Title Films and Amblin Entertainment production, in association with Monumental Pictures and The Really Useful Group.
Cats is produced by Debra Hayward,...
- 7/17/2019
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
This story about “Fosse/Verdon” first appeared in the Movies & Limited Series issue of TheWrap’s Emmy magazine.
Susan Misner plays the important role of Joan McCracken, legendary choreographer/director Bob Fosse’s second wife, in the FX limited series “Fosse/Verdon.” But that was by no means the trickiest thing Misner had to do on the adventurous eight-part series, which uses the style of Fosse’s own work to tell the story of the charged professional and personal relationship between Fosse (Sam Rockwell) and dancer, actress and choreographer Gwen Verdon (Michelle Williams).
No, it’s Misner’s offscreen job that provided the real challenge on “Fosse/Verdon.” The New Jersey-born actress has lots of movies under her belt, and she’s danced in several of them, including the Oscar-winning “Chicago” in 2002. But she’s never before been credited as a choreographer on screen — and there has to be something terribly daunting...
Susan Misner plays the important role of Joan McCracken, legendary choreographer/director Bob Fosse’s second wife, in the FX limited series “Fosse/Verdon.” But that was by no means the trickiest thing Misner had to do on the adventurous eight-part series, which uses the style of Fosse’s own work to tell the story of the charged professional and personal relationship between Fosse (Sam Rockwell) and dancer, actress and choreographer Gwen Verdon (Michelle Williams).
No, it’s Misner’s offscreen job that provided the real challenge on “Fosse/Verdon.” The New Jersey-born actress has lots of movies under her belt, and she’s danced in several of them, including the Oscar-winning “Chicago” in 2002. But she’s never before been credited as a choreographer on screen — and there has to be something terribly daunting...
- 6/13/2019
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The making of one of filmmaker Bob Fosse’s early triumphs, the sizzling “Big Spender” sequence from the 1969 musical “Sweet Charity,” kicks off the opening moments of the first episode of FX’s bio-limited series “Fosse/Verdon” in the same sultry style for which the legendary director-choreographer was known. It juxtaposes the film’s dancers in a sinuous, sexy lead-up to the memorable performance, intercutting with similar, rhythmic verve through the on-set process of the perfectionist Fosse (Sam Rockwell), bolstered by canny course corrections conjured by his wife and muse, actress-dancer Gwen Verdon (Michelle Williams).
Thomas Kail
Director
“We’re teasing the audience before we give them what they really want, which is the number, unvarnished and uncut. We started shooting the dance sequence first and just realized that these dancers, the set, hair, makeup, wardrobe were so on point that we ended up covering it from as many angles as...
Thomas Kail
Director
“We’re teasing the audience before we give them what they really want, which is the number, unvarnished and uncut. We started shooting the dance sequence first and just realized that these dancers, the set, hair, makeup, wardrobe were so on point that we ended up covering it from as many angles as...
- 6/6/2019
- by Scott Huver
- Variety Film + TV
Fosse/Verdon is one dance drama that isn't content to watch from an orchestra seat.
"We very rarely present it from the front. We present it from the inside," choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler told TV Guide.
It's a comment that speaks to both the camera's perspective on the FX drama and the
...
Read More >
Other Links From TVGuide.com Fosse/VerdonSam RockwellMichelle WilliamsAndy Blankenbuehler...
"We very rarely present it from the front. We present it from the inside," choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler told TV Guide.
It's a comment that speaks to both the camera's perspective on the FX drama and the
...
Read More >
Other Links From TVGuide.com Fosse/VerdonSam RockwellMichelle WilliamsAndy Blankenbuehler...
- 4/8/2019
- by Kelly Connolly
- TVGuide - Breaking News
Jennifer Hudson delivered an anthemic rendition of “Memory” to cap Universal Pictures’ CinemaCon presentation on Wednesday.
Universal and Working Title didn’t release any footage from “Cats,” the studio’s big-screen adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, because studio chief Donna Langley said the film’s effects are so complicated that they have nothing to show the audience of theater owners. The studio did bring a handsomely mounted behind-the-scenes look at the movie, which featured stars such as Rebel Wilson, James Corden, Taylor Swift, and Ian McKellen dancing in motion-capture enabled leotards.
“We spent a very, very long time preparing how to be a cat,” said Judi Dench, who plays Old Deuteronomy.
Flexing their inner feline required some CGI assistance. Director Tom Hooper (“The King’s Speech”) said the film will deploy “digital fur technology.” Sets were built three or four times bigger than normal in order to replicate...
Universal and Working Title didn’t release any footage from “Cats,” the studio’s big-screen adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, because studio chief Donna Langley said the film’s effects are so complicated that they have nothing to show the audience of theater owners. The studio did bring a handsomely mounted behind-the-scenes look at the movie, which featured stars such as Rebel Wilson, James Corden, Taylor Swift, and Ian McKellen dancing in motion-capture enabled leotards.
“We spent a very, very long time preparing how to be a cat,” said Judi Dench, who plays Old Deuteronomy.
Flexing their inner feline required some CGI assistance. Director Tom Hooper (“The King’s Speech”) said the film will deploy “digital fur technology.” Sets were built three or four times bigger than normal in order to replicate...
- 4/3/2019
- by Rebecca Rubin and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Ask production designer Maria Djurkovic how she researched period-accurate sets for the late 1970s-set espionage miniseries “The Little Drummer Girl,” which airs on AMC, and she answers: books, the internet, some personal experience. But then she brings up her secret weapon: Philip Clark.
“Phil is something like a detective,” she says. “He can respond to a very specific brief, and my inbox will soon be filled with thousands of images that are appropriate. He has a skill of tracking everything down.”
It may take a village to shoot a TV series, but historically based shows such as “Drummer Girl,” Starz’s “The Spanish Princess,” FX’s “Fosse/Verdon,” History’s “Vikings,” Amazon’s “The Man in the High Castle” and PBS Masterpiece’s “Victoria” rarely get very far without some added know-how.
It’s these outside experts who make the shows historically believable. But even though their work is invaluable, their...
“Phil is something like a detective,” she says. “He can respond to a very specific brief, and my inbox will soon be filled with thousands of images that are appropriate. He has a skill of tracking everything down.”
It may take a village to shoot a TV series, but historically based shows such as “Drummer Girl,” Starz’s “The Spanish Princess,” FX’s “Fosse/Verdon,” History’s “Vikings,” Amazon’s “The Man in the High Castle” and PBS Masterpiece’s “Victoria” rarely get very far without some added know-how.
It’s these outside experts who make the shows historically believable. But even though their work is invaluable, their...
- 3/27/2019
- by Randee Dawn
- Variety Film + TV
The solemn and gruff Dick Cheney is not someone you would expect to be a chipper, song and dance man, but Adam McKay’s Best Picture-nominated film “Vice” nearly featured a lavish musical number.
McKay directed a sequence in which Steve Carell’s Donald Rumsfeld is showing Christian Bale’s Dick Cheney the ropes inside a D.C. cafeteria, but it was ultimately cut from the movie. Rumsfeld starts to explain that every interaction and meeting could be a win or lose opportunity and chance for advancement, when who should stand up to burst out into song but Brittany Howard, the bluesy frontwoman for rock band Alabama Shakes.
Howard sings about the more underhanded techniques politicians use to get things done, like strategically leaking things to the press but then being publicly outraged about it as a way of preventing people from sitting into meetings.
Also Read: Before Christian Bale...
McKay directed a sequence in which Steve Carell’s Donald Rumsfeld is showing Christian Bale’s Dick Cheney the ropes inside a D.C. cafeteria, but it was ultimately cut from the movie. Rumsfeld starts to explain that every interaction and meeting could be a win or lose opportunity and chance for advancement, when who should stand up to burst out into song but Brittany Howard, the bluesy frontwoman for rock band Alabama Shakes.
Howard sings about the more underhanded techniques politicians use to get things done, like strategically leaking things to the press but then being publicly outraged about it as a way of preventing people from sitting into meetings.
Also Read: Before Christian Bale...
- 3/12/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
During the “Vice” press tour, the cast and crew revealed that the was a musical number that was cut from the eventual eight-time Oscar nominee. Now you can finally see it, and well, it was the right call to cut it.
Thanks to our sister site Rolling Stone, you can watch the ditty below, which will also be an extra on the DVD and Blu-Ray releases for the film, out April 2 (it’s out on digital on Tuesday). The number, which runs two minutes and 20 seconds, features vocals from Alabama Shakes‘ Brittany Howard and was from the sequence early in the film when Donald Rumsfeld (Steve Carell) shows Dick Cheney (Christian Bale) the D.C. ropes. As Rumsfeld shares his pearls of wisdom about climbing the ladder and leaking things to the press over lunch, Howard and other D.C. staffers break out into song and dance. It was choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler of “Hamilton.
Thanks to our sister site Rolling Stone, you can watch the ditty below, which will also be an extra on the DVD and Blu-Ray releases for the film, out April 2 (it’s out on digital on Tuesday). The number, which runs two minutes and 20 seconds, features vocals from Alabama Shakes‘ Brittany Howard and was from the sequence early in the film when Donald Rumsfeld (Steve Carell) shows Dick Cheney (Christian Bale) the D.C. ropes. As Rumsfeld shares his pearls of wisdom about climbing the ladder and leaking things to the press over lunch, Howard and other D.C. staffers break out into song and dance. It was choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler of “Hamilton.
- 3/12/2019
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
When filmmaker Adam McKay shot his Dick Cheney biopic, Vice, it originally included a surprise musical number that featured Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard. In the clip, premiering at Rolling Stone, Donald Rumsfeld (Steve Carell), attempts to explain to a young Cheney (Christian Bale) how things work in Washington, D.C. “You have to look at this town like a big chessboard,” Rumsfeld says, paving the way for Howard to take the reins.
“So you want to climb that ladder, where power’s served upon a patter?” she sings. “Hear only...
“So you want to climb that ladder, where power’s served upon a patter?” she sings. “Hear only...
- 3/11/2019
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Like an earlier teaser, the new official trailer for FX’s Fosse/Verdon offers plenty of glimpses of Cabaret dancers and onstage strutters, but now we’re seeing more personal scenes of Broadway’s famous couple in good times and bad.
The limited series chronicles five decades in what FX calls the “romantic and creative partnership” of director and choreographer Bob Fosse (Sam Rockwell) and dancer and actress Gwen Verdon (Michelle Williams). Describes FX: “Only Bob can create the groundbreaking musicals that allow Gwen to showcase her greatness. Only Gwen can realize the unique vision in Bob’s head. Together, they will change the face of American entertainment – at a perilous cost.”
The new trailer also provides peeks at the Broadway milieu of the era, including the newcomer Ann Reinking (Margaret Qualley) who will follow in Verdon’s footsteps in more ways than one.
Also depicted in the series: playwright...
The limited series chronicles five decades in what FX calls the “romantic and creative partnership” of director and choreographer Bob Fosse (Sam Rockwell) and dancer and actress Gwen Verdon (Michelle Williams). Describes FX: “Only Bob can create the groundbreaking musicals that allow Gwen to showcase her greatness. Only Gwen can realize the unique vision in Bob’s head. Together, they will change the face of American entertainment – at a perilous cost.”
The new trailer also provides peeks at the Broadway milieu of the era, including the newcomer Ann Reinking (Margaret Qualley) who will follow in Verdon’s footsteps in more ways than one.
Also depicted in the series: playwright...
- 2/28/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Five-six-seven-eight!
The official trailer for FX’s “Fosse/Verdon” has dropped, and it’s full of Michelle Williams and Sam Rockwell’s sex and dancing — and lots of sexy dancing. Oh, and so many sets of jazz hands and even some crying.
Based on Sam Wasson’s “Fosse” biography, the eight-episode limited series tells the story of the singular romantic and creative partnership between the director-choreographer Bob Fosse (Rockwell) and the dancer-actress Gwen Verdon (Williams).
Per FX’s official description: “He was a visionary filmmaker and one of theater’s most influential choreographers and directors, she was the greatest Broadway dancer of all time. Together they changed the face of American entertainment — at a perilous cost.”
“Fosse/Verdon” will feature Fosse’s choreography and will “explore the hidden corners of show business, the price of pursuing greatness, and the suffering inflicted in the name of art.”
Also Read: 'Fosse/Verdon': FX...
The official trailer for FX’s “Fosse/Verdon” has dropped, and it’s full of Michelle Williams and Sam Rockwell’s sex and dancing — and lots of sexy dancing. Oh, and so many sets of jazz hands and even some crying.
Based on Sam Wasson’s “Fosse” biography, the eight-episode limited series tells the story of the singular romantic and creative partnership between the director-choreographer Bob Fosse (Rockwell) and the dancer-actress Gwen Verdon (Williams).
Per FX’s official description: “He was a visionary filmmaker and one of theater’s most influential choreographers and directors, she was the greatest Broadway dancer of all time. Together they changed the face of American entertainment — at a perilous cost.”
“Fosse/Verdon” will feature Fosse’s choreography and will “explore the hidden corners of show business, the price of pursuing greatness, and the suffering inflicted in the name of art.”
Also Read: 'Fosse/Verdon': FX...
- 2/28/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
After cutting the subversive complexities of “The Big Short” with Adam McKay, editor Hank Corwin quickly realized that it was just a warm up for “Vice,” the Shakespearean dramedy about the unprecedented rise to power of political operative-turned VP Dick Cheney (Oscar nominee Christian Bale).
“This was very provocative and really hard,” said Corwin, who earned his second Oscar nomination for this wacky, non-linear, surreal farce. “But life isn’t linear, and films shouldn’t be either. There’s so much ambiguity in power and the pursuit of power, and we looked at ‘Patton’ as a model of ambiguity.
“With ‘The Big Short,’ I tried to contextualize things with the culture. On this, we didn’t fall into it as much. Initially, when we started in Wyoming, we wanted it to feel like ‘Giant.’ We treated Dick Cheney as an Everyman in his pursuit of power, under the influence of...
“This was very provocative and really hard,” said Corwin, who earned his second Oscar nomination for this wacky, non-linear, surreal farce. “But life isn’t linear, and films shouldn’t be either. There’s so much ambiguity in power and the pursuit of power, and we looked at ‘Patton’ as a model of ambiguity.
“With ‘The Big Short,’ I tried to contextualize things with the culture. On this, we didn’t fall into it as much. Initially, when we started in Wyoming, we wanted it to feel like ‘Giant.’ We treated Dick Cheney as an Everyman in his pursuit of power, under the influence of...
- 2/15/2019
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
FX will premiere its Fosse/Verdon limited series on Tuesday April 9, the network announced today.
Production on the eight-episode series starring Michelle Williams as dancer/actress Gwen Verdon and Vice Oscar nominee Sam Rockwell as director/choreographer Bob Fosse is underway in New York City.
The premiere date was announced by Chuck Saftler, President, Program Strategy and COO, FX Networks.
Based on Sam Wasson’s biography Fosse, the FX series chronicles the romantic and creative partnership between Broadway legends Fosse and his Sweet Charity star Verdon. Fosse/Verdon will include Fosse’s choreography and, says FX, will explore “the hidden corners of show business, the price of pursuing greatness, and the suffering inflicted in the name of art.”
In addition to Williams and Rockwell, the limited series’ cast includes Norbert Leo Butz, Margaret Qualley, Aya Cash, Nate Corddry, Susan Misner, Bianca Marroquin, Kelli Barrett, Evan Handler, Rick Holmes, Paul Reiser,...
Production on the eight-episode series starring Michelle Williams as dancer/actress Gwen Verdon and Vice Oscar nominee Sam Rockwell as director/choreographer Bob Fosse is underway in New York City.
The premiere date was announced by Chuck Saftler, President, Program Strategy and COO, FX Networks.
Based on Sam Wasson’s biography Fosse, the FX series chronicles the romantic and creative partnership between Broadway legends Fosse and his Sweet Charity star Verdon. Fosse/Verdon will include Fosse’s choreography and, says FX, will explore “the hidden corners of show business, the price of pursuing greatness, and the suffering inflicted in the name of art.”
In addition to Williams and Rockwell, the limited series’ cast includes Norbert Leo Butz, Margaret Qualley, Aya Cash, Nate Corddry, Susan Misner, Bianca Marroquin, Kelli Barrett, Evan Handler, Rick Holmes, Paul Reiser,...
- 1/23/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The finger snaps, angled poses and glimpses of Weimar decadence come fast and furious in FX’s first teaser for Fosse/Verdon, the upcoming limited series about Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon. Only one word is uttered: After the dancers have been put through the paces, Fosse, played by Sam Rockwell, orders “Again!”
Verdon is played by Michelle Williams.
Also in the cast: Norbert Leo Butz, Margaret Qualley, Aya Cash, Nate Corddry, Susan Misner, Bianca Marroquin, Kelli Barrett (as Liza Minnelli), Evan Handler, Rick Holmes and Paul Reiser. Ethan Slater, who recently starred as Broadway’s SpongeBob SquarePants, will play Joel Grey, with Byron Jennings as George Abbott and Laura Osnes as Shirley MacLaine.
Exec producing are Thomas Kail, Steven Levenson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Joel Fields, Miranda, Rockwell, Williams and George Stelzner, with Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions producing. Levenson, who will serve as showrunner, wrote the premiere episode...
Verdon is played by Michelle Williams.
Also in the cast: Norbert Leo Butz, Margaret Qualley, Aya Cash, Nate Corddry, Susan Misner, Bianca Marroquin, Kelli Barrett (as Liza Minnelli), Evan Handler, Rick Holmes and Paul Reiser. Ethan Slater, who recently starred as Broadway’s SpongeBob SquarePants, will play Joel Grey, with Byron Jennings as George Abbott and Laura Osnes as Shirley MacLaine.
Exec producing are Thomas Kail, Steven Levenson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Joel Fields, Miranda, Rockwell, Williams and George Stelzner, with Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions producing. Levenson, who will serve as showrunner, wrote the premiere episode...
- 1/7/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
This year's Kennedy Center Honors boasted plenty of stunning performances, but only one got everyone in the audience on their feet.
While Adam Lambert's emotional cover of Cher's "Believe" had people getting teary-eyed (including Cher herself), and Kelly Clarkson blew the crowd away with her powerful version of Reba McEntire's "Fancy," it was Cyndi Lauper's rendition of "If I Could Turn Back Time" that inspired audience members like Kristin Chenoweth, Amanda Seyfried, and Whoopi Goldberg to leap from their seats. As soon as Lauper took the stage, Cher burst out laughing and yelled down, "You told me you were going to Los Angeles!" Lauper smiled and simply said, "I lied," before diving into her spirited take on Cher's iconic 1989 hit.
The 72-year-old "I Got You Babe" singer, who recently celebrated the opening of a Broadway show about her life and career, was one of eight phenomenal...
While Adam Lambert's emotional cover of Cher's "Believe" had people getting teary-eyed (including Cher herself), and Kelly Clarkson blew the crowd away with her powerful version of Reba McEntire's "Fancy," it was Cyndi Lauper's rendition of "If I Could Turn Back Time" that inspired audience members like Kristin Chenoweth, Amanda Seyfried, and Whoopi Goldberg to leap from their seats. As soon as Lauper took the stage, Cher burst out laughing and yelled down, "You told me you were going to Los Angeles!" Lauper smiled and simply said, "I lied," before diving into her spirited take on Cher's iconic 1989 hit.
The 72-year-old "I Got You Babe" singer, who recently celebrated the opening of a Broadway show about her life and career, was one of eight phenomenal...
- 12/29/2018
- by Quinn Keaney
- Popsugar.com
CBS’ Wednesday night broadcast of the 41st annual “Kennedy Center Honors” saw a year-over-year increase in total viewers for the special and a dip to a new all-time low among adults 18-49, according to overnight data from Nielsen.
Last night’s show posted a 0.6 rating in the key demo, slipping 14 percent from the 2017 event, which had a 0.7 rating in preliminary numbers. However, the special was up 6 percent in overall eyeballs, with the 2018 broadcast bringing in 6.58 million viewers compared to last year’s 6.19 million.
The “Kennedy Center Honors” — which paid tribute to Cher, Philip Glass, Reba McEntire, Wayne Shorter, along with “Hamilton” team Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, Andy Blankenbuehler and Alex Lacamoire — didn’t have much in the way of competition among the other broadcast networks, as it was the only original programming to air during Wednesday primetime.
Also Read: Ratings: NBA Steals Christmas Day Primetime for ABC
And though it...
Last night’s show posted a 0.6 rating in the key demo, slipping 14 percent from the 2017 event, which had a 0.7 rating in preliminary numbers. However, the special was up 6 percent in overall eyeballs, with the 2018 broadcast bringing in 6.58 million viewers compared to last year’s 6.19 million.
The “Kennedy Center Honors” — which paid tribute to Cher, Philip Glass, Reba McEntire, Wayne Shorter, along with “Hamilton” team Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, Andy Blankenbuehler and Alex Lacamoire — didn’t have much in the way of competition among the other broadcast networks, as it was the only original programming to air during Wednesday primetime.
Also Read: Ratings: NBA Steals Christmas Day Primetime for ABC
And though it...
- 12/27/2018
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jasmine Cephas Jones and Phillipa Soo – three original cast members from the acclaimed musical Hamilton – reunited to perform their soulful showcase “The Schuyler Sisters” during the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington D.C. The ceremony took place December 2nd and aired Wednesday, the 26th on CBS.
The trio alternated between Destiny’s Child-like R&B harmonies and rapped interludes on the laid-back track, which introduces the characters of Angelica, Eliza and Peggy Schuyler. Hamilton mastermind Lin-Manuel Miranda gazed on from the audience – smiling, cheering and blowing kisses to the singers.
The trio alternated between Destiny’s Child-like R&B harmonies and rapped interludes on the laid-back track, which introduces the characters of Angelica, Eliza and Peggy Schuyler. Hamilton mastermind Lin-Manuel Miranda gazed on from the audience – smiling, cheering and blowing kisses to the singers.
- 12/27/2018
- by Ryan Reed
- Rollingstone.com
CBS celebrates the exciting, lengthy careers of four performers tonight on the Kennedy Center Honors. And for the first time ever, an influential and popular Broadway show is also among the tributes. The network airs the 2018 “Kch” ceremony tonight at 8:00 Et/Pt honoring Cher, Reba McEntire, Philip Glass, Wayne Shorter and the “Hamilton” team of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, Andy Blankenbuehler and Alex Lacamoire.
We’ve got the full spoilers list of performers below for the 41st annual event, which is hosted by 2017 honoree Gloria Estefan, and was held in Washington, D.C. earlier this month. The tribute segments are in the order they air on the two-hour program.
SEEKennedy Center Honors: 50 Entertainers Who Deserve To Be Selected
Reba McEntire:
Bobby Bones – opening remarks
Kelly Clarkson — “Fancy”
Lady Antebellum — “Is There Life Out There”; ‘The Greatest Man I Never Knew”
Melissa Peterman — remarks
Kristen Chenoweth — “Doin’ What Comes...
We’ve got the full spoilers list of performers below for the 41st annual event, which is hosted by 2017 honoree Gloria Estefan, and was held in Washington, D.C. earlier this month. The tribute segments are in the order they air on the two-hour program.
SEEKennedy Center Honors: 50 Entertainers Who Deserve To Be Selected
Reba McEntire:
Bobby Bones – opening remarks
Kelly Clarkson — “Fancy”
Lady Antebellum — “Is There Life Out There”; ‘The Greatest Man I Never Knew”
Melissa Peterman — remarks
Kristen Chenoweth — “Doin’ What Comes...
- 12/26/2018
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Adam McKay’s “Vice” is dividing film critics left and right, but it could have been even more polarizing had the writer-director found a way to incorporate an “incredible” and “breathtaking” musical number scene featuring Steve Carell’s Donald Rumsfeld and Christian Bale’s Dick Cheney. The scene had been rumored about for some time (Carell even mentioned during a recent Uproxx interview), but McKay finally spilled the details of the cut sequence in an interview with Variety.
“I couldn’t get that one to work,” McKay said. “It was kind of when Rumsfeld is teaching Cheney about Washington D.C. and how to get ahead. It’s sort of like ‘neither a borrower nor a lender be,’ he’s kind of giving him that speech. But the speech is about, ‘Who cares about anything? You’ve got to just get ahead of people, making your moves.’ I think there was a line in it,...
“I couldn’t get that one to work,” McKay said. “It was kind of when Rumsfeld is teaching Cheney about Washington D.C. and how to get ahead. It’s sort of like ‘neither a borrower nor a lender be,’ he’s kind of giving him that speech. But the speech is about, ‘Who cares about anything? You’ve got to just get ahead of people, making your moves.’ I think there was a line in it,...
- 12/18/2018
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Adam McKay’s “Vice” has clearly divided critics, with some calling it a bold and daring analysis of one of the most pivotal figures in American politics, and others mincing no words in labeling it, full stop, the worst film of the year. But, as a filmmaker friend confides, “Divisive is always better. Otherwise, you go gently into that good night.”
Both fan and hater alike can at least agree that McKay at times breaks form in drastic fashion with the film. Shakespearean pillow talk from Christian Bale and Amy Adams might not work for you, but you sure as hell weren’t expecting it in a Dick Cheney biopic.
One outrageous sequence (which actor Steve Carell mentioned earlier today) was left behind on the cutting room floor, and it had achieved a level of lore even before the film first started screening over a month ago. “Is the musical number still in there,...
Both fan and hater alike can at least agree that McKay at times breaks form in drastic fashion with the film. Shakespearean pillow talk from Christian Bale and Amy Adams might not work for you, but you sure as hell weren’t expecting it in a Dick Cheney biopic.
One outrageous sequence (which actor Steve Carell mentioned earlier today) was left behind on the cutting room floor, and it had achieved a level of lore even before the film first started screening over a month ago. “Is the musical number still in there,...
- 12/18/2018
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Variety Film + TV
Universal and Working Title’s feature adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical Cats has started filming with the studios announcing the official parts to many of the castmembers who have already been announced, i.e. Taylor Swift who will play Bombalurina, James Corden as Bustopher Jones, and as many have surmised, Jennifer Hudson is Grizabella.
Also starring is Dame Judi Dench as Old Deuteronomy, Jason Derulo as Rum Tum Tugger, Idris Elba as Macavity, Sir Ian McKellen as Gus, Rebel Wilson as Jennyanydots and Francesca Hayward as Victoria. Deadline exclusively broke many of the Cats castings.
Many have wondered how Cats will appear on screen, and the Tom Hooper-directed production is using a new technology to transform cast members into a vivid new vision of their characters.
Hooper adapted with Lee Hall (Billy Elliot), and is producing with Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, as well as Debra Hayward,...
Also starring is Dame Judi Dench as Old Deuteronomy, Jason Derulo as Rum Tum Tugger, Idris Elba as Macavity, Sir Ian McKellen as Gus, Rebel Wilson as Jennyanydots and Francesca Hayward as Victoria. Deadline exclusively broke many of the Cats castings.
Many have wondered how Cats will appear on screen, and the Tom Hooper-directed production is using a new technology to transform cast members into a vivid new vision of their characters.
Hooper adapted with Lee Hall (Billy Elliot), and is producing with Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, as well as Debra Hayward,...
- 12/12/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Andy Blankenbuehler may be best known for his work on Broadway, most famously choreographing Hamilton, as well as Cats, Bandstand, and more. However, according to the Tulsa World, Blankenbuehler is gearing up to take on something completely new to him choreographing a ballet. He is working with the Tulsa Ballet on a project that will have its world premiere as part of the company's 'Signature Series' performance in May.
- 12/9/2018
- by Stephanie Wild
- BroadwayWorld.com
Cher, country singer Reba McEntire and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda were among those honored Sunday evening at the annual Kennedy Center Honors. Hosted by Gloria Estefan, the program celebrated a lifetime achievements in the arts for its honorees, who also included jazz musician Wayne Shorter, composer Philip Glass and music director Alex Lacamoire.
The celebration commenced with a memorial to President George H.W. Bush, who died last week at 94 and attended numerous Kennedy Center Honors during his presidency. “I think it’s appropriate to recognize the passing of a...
The celebration commenced with a memorial to President George H.W. Bush, who died last week at 94 and attended numerous Kennedy Center Honors during his presidency. “I think it’s appropriate to recognize the passing of a...
- 12/3/2018
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Washington, D.C. — It was a celebration of a broad spectrum of American music — from country and jazz to musical theater and modern minimalism — at the 41 annual Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday.
That’s when the nation’s capital paused from its political concerns to toast eight showbiz titans for excellence: Superstar multi-hyphenates Cher and Reba McEntire, along with composer/pianist Philip Glass, and jazz saxophonist/composer Wayne Shorter. Tapped for a special honor was the creative quartet behind the musical “Hamilton” – writer and star Lin-Manuel Miranda, director Thomas Kail, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler and music director Alex Lacamoire.
President Donald Trump declined to attend the event for the second straight year or host the traditional pre-gala reception for honorees at the White House. The decision, while breaking with longstanding tradition, was announced earlier and was met without visible dissent since Trump’s presence would have overshadowed the event, if not impacted it directly.
That’s when the nation’s capital paused from its political concerns to toast eight showbiz titans for excellence: Superstar multi-hyphenates Cher and Reba McEntire, along with composer/pianist Philip Glass, and jazz saxophonist/composer Wayne Shorter. Tapped for a special honor was the creative quartet behind the musical “Hamilton” – writer and star Lin-Manuel Miranda, director Thomas Kail, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler and music director Alex Lacamoire.
President Donald Trump declined to attend the event for the second straight year or host the traditional pre-gala reception for honorees at the White House. The decision, while breaking with longstanding tradition, was announced earlier and was met without visible dissent since Trump’s presence would have overshadowed the event, if not impacted it directly.
- 12/3/2018
- by Paul Harris
- Variety Film + TV
During Sunday night’s Kennedy Center Honors, host Gloria Estefan honored George H.W. Bush, who died November 30.
“Before we begin with a tribute to our first honoree,” said Estefan. “I think it’s appropriate to recognize the passing of a wonderful man who dedicated his life to service and who graciously attended this event many times during his administration, laughing, applauding, singing along and even shedding a tear from right up there in the presidential box.”
Estefan said that Bush was a “gentle kind man” that her family will never forget.
This year’s ceremony honored music and Hollywood icon Cher, composer Philip Glass, country superstar Reba McEntire as well as jazz musician Wayne Shorter. Writer and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, director Thomas Kail, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, and music director Alex Lacamoire were also honored as trailblazers for their groundbreaking smash musical Hamilton.
Also in attendance were Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi,...
“Before we begin with a tribute to our first honoree,” said Estefan. “I think it’s appropriate to recognize the passing of a wonderful man who dedicated his life to service and who graciously attended this event many times during his administration, laughing, applauding, singing along and even shedding a tear from right up there in the presidential box.”
Estefan said that Bush was a “gentle kind man” that her family will never forget.
This year’s ceremony honored music and Hollywood icon Cher, composer Philip Glass, country superstar Reba McEntire as well as jazz musician Wayne Shorter. Writer and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, director Thomas Kail, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, and music director Alex Lacamoire were also honored as trailblazers for their groundbreaking smash musical Hamilton.
Also in attendance were Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi,...
- 12/3/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Four more artists were added to the four-decade tradition of Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C. on Sunday. The 41st annual program, which will air December 26 on CBS, also celebrated the recent blockbuster success of the Broadway show “Hamilton” with a unique trailblazers award. We’ve got the complete list of performers for the 2018 Kch ceremony, which was hosted by 2017 honoree Gloria Estefan, and featured tributes to Cher, Reba McEntire, Philip Glass, Wayne Shorter and the “Hamilton” team of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, Andy Blankenbuehler and Alex Lacamoire.
SEEKennedy Center Honors: 50 Entertainers Who Deserve To Be Selected
Reba McEntire:
For the country music superstar, Kelly Clarkson presented comments and a performance of “Fancy.” Former “Reba” co-star Melissa Peterman spoke, and other performers were Kristen Chenoweth and Brooks and Dunn.
Wayne Shorter:
For the jazz legend, Jason Moran and Bernie Williams offered tributes. A band was headlined by...
SEEKennedy Center Honors: 50 Entertainers Who Deserve To Be Selected
Reba McEntire:
For the country music superstar, Kelly Clarkson presented comments and a performance of “Fancy.” Former “Reba” co-star Melissa Peterman spoke, and other performers were Kristen Chenoweth and Brooks and Dunn.
Wayne Shorter:
For the jazz legend, Jason Moran and Bernie Williams offered tributes. A band was headlined by...
- 12/3/2018
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Robbie Fairchild has joined the cast of Universal Pictures and Working Title’s film adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “Cats,” in which he will play the character Munkustrap.
Based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot, the musical was one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history. It received its world premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981 where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances. The ground-breaking production was the winner of the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for best musical. The Broadway production ran for 18 years and, in 1983, was the recipient of seven Tony Awards including best musical.
Tom Hooper will direct and also adapted the screenplay along with Lee Hall. Tony Award-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler will choreograph the dances for the film.
Fairchild joins a star-studded cast that already includes Taylor Swift, Judi Dench, Idris Elba, Ian McKellen,...
Based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot, the musical was one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history. It received its world premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981 where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances. The ground-breaking production was the winner of the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for best musical. The Broadway production ran for 18 years and, in 1983, was the recipient of seven Tony Awards including best musical.
Tom Hooper will direct and also adapted the screenplay along with Lee Hall. Tony Award-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler will choreograph the dances for the film.
Fairchild joins a star-studded cast that already includes Taylor Swift, Judi Dench, Idris Elba, Ian McKellen,...
- 11/29/2018
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Gloria Estefan, who received a Kennedy Center Honors medal last year, has been set to host the 41st annual Kennedy Center Honors next month on CBS. The show, which will feature performances and tributes, is being taped Sunday at the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, DC ahead of its broadcast December 26 at 8 Pm Et/Pt.
This year’s event will honor Cher, composer Philip Glass, Reba McEntire and jazz great Wayne Shorter with the honors, which recognize artists who have made enduring and indelible marks on the culture. Hamilton‘s co-writer and star Lin-Manuel Miranda, director Thomas Kail, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler and music director Alex Lacamoire will receive a special Kennedy honor for being “trailblazing creators of a transformative work that defies category.”
Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss will executive produce the special for a fourth consecutive year. Weiss returns as director. Last year’s broadcast of the event,...
This year’s event will honor Cher, composer Philip Glass, Reba McEntire and jazz great Wayne Shorter with the honors, which recognize artists who have made enduring and indelible marks on the culture. Hamilton‘s co-writer and star Lin-Manuel Miranda, director Thomas Kail, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler and music director Alex Lacamoire will receive a special Kennedy honor for being “trailblazing creators of a transformative work that defies category.”
Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss will executive produce the special for a fourth consecutive year. Weiss returns as director. Last year’s broadcast of the event,...
- 11/26/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Andy Blankenbuehler has signed on to choreograph the upcoming Universal-Working Title film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical “Cats,” Variety has confirmed.
Blankenbuehler, who choreographed the recent revival of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s hit musical, is also known as the choreographer for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton.” He has won three Tonys, for his work on “Hamilton,” “Bandstand,” and “In the Heights.” He also received an Olivier for “Hamilton” and was honored by the Kennedy Center in 2018.
Blankenbuehler has also worked in television, including on the Lionsgate-ABC remake of “Dirty Dancing,” “America’s Got Talent,” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” He staged concert work for both Elton John and Bette Midler, and he conceived, directed and choreographed the hit Caesars Palace production “Nights On Broadway.” He is currently working on FX’s upcoming limited series about the lives of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon.
The upcoming “Cats...
Blankenbuehler, who choreographed the recent revival of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s hit musical, is also known as the choreographer for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton.” He has won three Tonys, for his work on “Hamilton,” “Bandstand,” and “In the Heights.” He also received an Olivier for “Hamilton” and was honored by the Kennedy Center in 2018.
Blankenbuehler has also worked in television, including on the Lionsgate-ABC remake of “Dirty Dancing,” “America’s Got Talent,” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” He staged concert work for both Elton John and Bette Midler, and he conceived, directed and choreographed the hit Caesars Palace production “Nights On Broadway.” He is currently working on FX’s upcoming limited series about the lives of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon.
The upcoming “Cats...
- 11/24/2018
- by Erin Nyren
- Variety Film + TV
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