The great Broadway Crunch of Spring 2024, when 18 new productions opened between mid-March and late April – 19 if you count the commercial transfer of Appropriate – seems to be showing early signs of the inevitable shake-out, with one show (Lempicka) closing soon and a few others already playing to houses with attendance at 80% of capacity or less.
For the week ending May 5 – the first full week after the April 30 Tony nominations announcement – while overall box office was down about 7% for all shows and attendance off about 6% from the previous week, a good number of the newcomers were filling more than 90% of their seats. Some much more.
Selling out were An Enemy of the People, which grossed $1,048,286; Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, grossing $1,920,289 and not far off from the August Wilson Theatre’s house record set by the recent Funny Girl; and Hell’s Kitchen, $1,270,519.
A very slight tier below were the newcomers...
For the week ending May 5 – the first full week after the April 30 Tony nominations announcement – while overall box office was down about 7% for all shows and attendance off about 6% from the previous week, a good number of the newcomers were filling more than 90% of their seats. Some much more.
Selling out were An Enemy of the People, which grossed $1,048,286; Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, grossing $1,920,289 and not far off from the August Wilson Theatre’s house record set by the recent Funny Girl; and Hell’s Kitchen, $1,270,519.
A very slight tier below were the newcomers...
- 5/7/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
At the beginning of Act Two of “Merrily We Roll Along,” Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, Lindsay Mendez and other ensemble members sing “It’s A Hit!,” celebrating the successful opening of characters Charlie and Frank’s first Broadway musical. Indeed, one could say the same about this revival of “Merrily,” not just because of its smash box office receipts, but also because of the seven Tony Awards nominations that it received on April 30. This recognition from New York theatre’s highest honor is a true redemption for the show, whose original production was a notorious flop for composer Stephen Sondheim and director Hal Prince that ran only 16 regular performances and earned only a single bid for Sondheim’s original score. But how does this production’s Tony success compare to other recent revivals of the late composer’s works?
The seven nominations “Merrily” received are for Best Musical Revival, three...
The seven nominations “Merrily” received are for Best Musical Revival, three...
- 5/2/2024
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Fumi Nikaido could be one of several “Shōgun” stars who go on to earn Emmy nominations for their career-best work in the FX series.
Adapted from James Clavell‘s 1975 historical book of the same name, Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks’ limited series follows multiple factions all vying for control over the five Regents in Japan at the end of the 16th century. Meanwhile, a British sailor (Cosmo Jarvis) begins a brand new life after becoming shipwrecked in Japan and entering the service of Hiroyuki Sanada‘s Lord Yoshii Toranaga.
Jarvis and Sanada are both competing for lead actor nominations and so, too, is Anna Sawai. Nikaido, meanwhile, is one of several supporting players who are looking for an Emmy citation for their work on the show. Nikaido plays Ochiba no Kata, a consort of the Japanese leader Taikō (Taikō’s death is the incident that triggers the five Regents power...
Adapted from James Clavell‘s 1975 historical book of the same name, Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks’ limited series follows multiple factions all vying for control over the five Regents in Japan at the end of the 16th century. Meanwhile, a British sailor (Cosmo Jarvis) begins a brand new life after becoming shipwrecked in Japan and entering the service of Hiroyuki Sanada‘s Lord Yoshii Toranaga.
Jarvis and Sanada are both competing for lead actor nominations and so, too, is Anna Sawai. Nikaido, meanwhile, is one of several supporting players who are looking for an Emmy citation for their work on the show. Nikaido plays Ochiba no Kata, a consort of the Japanese leader Taikō (Taikō’s death is the incident that triggers the five Regents power...
- 4/26/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
True crime is getting more and more entertaining by the day and I don’t if that’s a good thing or a bad one. We have another brilliant true crime drama series, Under the Bridge, created by Quinn Shephard. Based on a 2005 book of the same name by Rebecca Godfrey, the Hulu series is set in 1997 and it follows the murder case of a 14-year-old girl which we see through the eyes of local police officer Cam Bentland and the author Godfrey. Under the Bridge stars Lily Gladstone and Riley Keough in the lead roles with Virtika Gupta, Chloe Guidry, Javon “Wanna” Walton, and Izzy G starring in supporting roles. So, if you love the thrilling and dreadful story of Under the Bridge, here are some other shows that have similar tone and story elements that you should check out next.
Under the Banner of Heaven (Hulu) Credit – FX...
Under the Banner of Heaven (Hulu) Credit – FX...
- 4/21/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Demi Moore, 61, Dares to Bare in Crystal Mesh Gown at Dal Cuore alle Mani Dolce & Gabbana Exhibition
I’ve always admired Demi Moore. Her incredible figure and daring yet classy red carpet style never disappoint. One of her most notable red-carpet moments to date came at the Dolce & Gabbana 40th anniversary gala, where she wore a glittering sheer gown from the Italian luxury fashion house, no less.
Demi Moore was among the celebrities invited to the inauguration of the Dal Cuore alle Mani (From the Heart to the Hands) exhibition at Palazzo Reale. In addition to honoring Dolce & Gabbana’s legacy, the exhibition celebrates Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s creative process, including the Italian artisans and cultural heritage that influenced their work.
Other guests include Lupita Nyong’o, Lily James, Naomi Campbell, Olivia Culpo, Helen Mirren, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Cher. All wore breathtaking outfits, but I think the evening’s most eye-catching dress belonged to Demi Moore.
Demi Moore stuns in a see-through crystal mesh gown...
Demi Moore was among the celebrities invited to the inauguration of the Dal Cuore alle Mani (From the Heart to the Hands) exhibition at Palazzo Reale. In addition to honoring Dolce & Gabbana’s legacy, the exhibition celebrates Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s creative process, including the Italian artisans and cultural heritage that influenced their work.
Other guests include Lupita Nyong’o, Lily James, Naomi Campbell, Olivia Culpo, Helen Mirren, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Cher. All wore breathtaking outfits, but I think the evening’s most eye-catching dress belonged to Demi Moore.
Demi Moore stuns in a see-through crystal mesh gown...
- 4/8/2024
- by Anne De Guia
- Your Next Shoes
There are regular true crime podcasts, and then there's "Happy Face," an endlessly disturbing 12-part deep dive into the life of a serial killer -- as told by his own daughter. The podcast from iHeartMedia first debuted in 2018, telling the harrowing story of the years Melissa Moore spent being raised by the man who would eventually become known as The Happy Face Killer. Now, a new Paramount+ series based on the same story is in the works with an intriguing cast and crew and Moore on board as an executive producer.
"Happy Face" will be the first true crime series released via the Paramount-owned streamer since 2020's "Interrogation," and only the second to date. While competing streamers like Peacock have been in the true crime adaptation game from the start (see: "Dr. Death"), Paramount+ has mostly made the "Yellowstone" extended universe its bread and butter up until this point.
"Happy Face" will be the first true crime series released via the Paramount-owned streamer since 2020's "Interrogation," and only the second to date. While competing streamers like Peacock have been in the true crime adaptation game from the start (see: "Dr. Death"), Paramount+ has mostly made the "Yellowstone" extended universe its bread and butter up until this point.
- 3/23/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Happy Face has rounded out its series regular cast, adding Khiyla Aynne (Circuit Breakers) and Benjamin Mackey (The Morning Show) alongside Annaleigh Ashford, Dennis Quaid, James Wolk and Tamera Tomakili. David Harewood (Homeland) also joins the upcoming Paramount+ drama series in a recurring role. The series hails from creator and executive producer Jennifer Cacicio and executive producers Robert and Michelle King. Filming began this week in Vancouver. See Ashford’s Instagram announcement below.
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story, Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life.
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story, Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life.
- 3/20/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Happy Face is rounding out its series regular cast, adding Tamera Tomakili (Winning Time) alongside Annaleigh Ashford, Dennis Quaid and James Wolk to Paramount+’s upcoming drama series. The series hails from creator and executive producer Jennifer Cacicio and executive producers Robert and Michelle King.
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed. Throughout,...
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed. Throughout,...
- 3/14/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
As expected, Broadway’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will end its run this spring when stars Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster conclude their limited 12-week engagements on May 5.
Tveit and Foster have been playing the roles of Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett, respectively, since last month, having replaced original stars Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford. While box office figures since the new leads took over remain strong, average attendance has slipped from the previous sell-out numbers to around 90% of capacity in most recent weeks.
According to a show spokesperson, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street was originally intended to conclude its run in January 2024 following the departures of Groban and Ashford, but extended through May 5 with the castings of the popular Tveit and Foster, who began performances Friday February 9.
In addition to Tveit and Foster, the replacement cast also includes Heartstopper actor Joe Locke, who...
Tveit and Foster have been playing the roles of Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett, respectively, since last month, having replaced original stars Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford. While box office figures since the new leads took over remain strong, average attendance has slipped from the previous sell-out numbers to around 90% of capacity in most recent weeks.
According to a show spokesperson, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street was originally intended to conclude its run in January 2024 following the departures of Groban and Ashford, but extended through May 5 with the castings of the popular Tveit and Foster, who began performances Friday February 9.
In addition to Tveit and Foster, the replacement cast also includes Heartstopper actor Joe Locke, who...
- 3/12/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will conclude its run this spring.
The production, which is currently starring Aaron Tveit (Moulin Rouge!, Fox’s Grease: Live) as Sweeney Todd and Sutton Foster (Younger, The Music Man) as Mrs. Lovett, will close on May 5, as the two leads end their 12-week run in the show.
The musical, directed by Thomas Kail, began performances at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Feb. 26, 2023, and opened on March 26, with Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford in the starring roles. The production was originally meant to end in January 2024, at the end of their run, according to a spokesperson for the production, but was extended with the casting of Tveit and Foster.
The revival of Stephen Sondheim musical has done well at the box office, particularly with Groban and Ashford in the lead roles, when it often brought in close to $2 million per week,...
The production, which is currently starring Aaron Tveit (Moulin Rouge!, Fox’s Grease: Live) as Sweeney Todd and Sutton Foster (Younger, The Music Man) as Mrs. Lovett, will close on May 5, as the two leads end their 12-week run in the show.
The musical, directed by Thomas Kail, began performances at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Feb. 26, 2023, and opened on March 26, with Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford in the starring roles. The production was originally meant to end in January 2024, at the end of their run, according to a spokesperson for the production, but was extended with the casting of Tveit and Foster.
The revival of Stephen Sondheim musical has done well at the box office, particularly with Groban and Ashford in the lead roles, when it often brought in close to $2 million per week,...
- 3/12/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When The Thundermans aired its final episode on Nickelodeon in 2018, it went out the way it came in five years before: as a laugh-track-studded, half-hour comedy about a family of superheroes living in a fictional suburb called Hiddenville. The jokes were plentiful. The vibes were warm. The pet bunny was evil. (More on that in a moment.)
But when the idea of a reunion movie first came up years later, says Kira Kosarin, who played Thunderman teen daughter Phoebe in the original series, things looked and felt a lot different.
More from TVLineYellowstone's Kelly Reilly Shares How Little Wing Helped...
But when the idea of a reunion movie first came up years later, says Kira Kosarin, who played Thunderman teen daughter Phoebe in the original series, things looked and felt a lot different.
More from TVLineYellowstone's Kelly Reilly Shares How Little Wing Helped...
- 3/11/2024
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: James Wolk (Ordinary Joe) has been tapped as a lead opposite Annaleigh Ashford and Dennis Quaid in Paramount+ upcoming drama series Happy Face. Quaid will play the titular role of the real-life serial killer notoriously called “Happy Face” because of the smiley faces he drew on evidence where he bragged about his crimes. Ashford stars as his daughter, Melissa.
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man...
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man...
- 3/8/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Ryan Murphy on Friday suddenly unveiled his future plans for Niecy Nash-Betts, who very recently grabbed gold for her role as Glenda in the prolific producer’s Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.
Via Instagram, Murphy dropped a teaser for Grotesquerie, a new horror drama that will premiere this fall on FX.
More from TVLinePachinko and Godzilla to Shōgun: Anna Sawai Hasn't Quite Processed the 'Strange' Moment She's Having9-1-1 Taps The Flash Vet Rick Cosnett to Play Cruise Director in Season 7TVLine Items: Gerald McRaney Joins New Dan Fogelman Show, Coda Star Added to Foundation and More
The all-text video,...
Via Instagram, Murphy dropped a teaser for Grotesquerie, a new horror drama that will premiere this fall on FX.
More from TVLinePachinko and Godzilla to Shōgun: Anna Sawai Hasn't Quite Processed the 'Strange' Moment She's Having9-1-1 Taps The Flash Vet Rick Cosnett to Play Cruise Director in Season 7TVLine Items: Gerald McRaney Joins New Dan Fogelman Show, Coda Star Added to Foundation and More
The all-text video,...
- 2/23/2024
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Happy Face has cast its killer. Dennis Quaid is joining Annaleigh Ashford on the Paramount+ project, which was ordered to series back in November 2021. It has been delayed for various reasons.
The new series is inspired by the Happy Face podcast and the book Shattered Silence by Melissa Jesperson-Moore with M. Bridget Cook. The eight-episode first season will revolve around Melissa (Ashford), who discovers her father (Quaid) is a serial killer.
Paramount+ revealed more about the series in a press release.
Paramount+ today announced that Emmy Award and two-time Golden Globe-nominated actor Dennis Quaid will star in the new original drama series Happy Face. Quaid will play the titular role of the real-life serial killer notoriously called “Happy Face” because of the smiley faces...
The new series is inspired by the Happy Face podcast and the book Shattered Silence by Melissa Jesperson-Moore with M. Bridget Cook. The eight-episode first season will revolve around Melissa (Ashford), who discovers her father (Quaid) is a serial killer.
Paramount+ revealed more about the series in a press release.
Paramount+ today announced that Emmy Award and two-time Golden Globe-nominated actor Dennis Quaid will star in the new original drama series Happy Face. Quaid will play the titular role of the real-life serial killer notoriously called “Happy Face” because of the smiley faces...
- 2/20/2024
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Paramount+ today announced that Emmy Award and two-time Golden Globe-nominated actor Dennis Quaid will star in the new original drama series Happy Face. Quaid will play the titular role of the real-life serial killer notoriously called “Happy Face” because of the smiley faces he drew on evidence where he bragged about his crimes. He joins the cast alongside previously announced actress Annaleigh Ashford, who is set to star as his daughter, Melissa. The eight-episode first season will begin production this spring in Vancouver and premiere exclusively on Paramount+ globally in 2025. Happy Face is inspired ... Read more...
- 2/16/2024
- by Thomas Miller
- Seat42F
Dennis Quaid (Photo credit: Derrek Kupish / Provided by Paramount+)
Dennis Quaid (Lawmen: Bass Reeves) is slipping into the world of a serial killer who used a smiley face as his calling card for Paramount+’s Happy Face. Emmy nominee Quaid will star as the Happy Face Killer in the streamer’s new drama, inspired by the killer’s daughter Melissa Moore’s autobiography, Shattered Silence, and her Happy Face podcast.
Emmy nominee Annaleigh Ashford (Welcome to Chippendales) was previously announced to play Melissa. Filming is expected to get underway this spring, with Paramount+ targeting a 2025 premiere for the eight-episode season.
“Happy Face for Paramount+ jumps off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life,” reads Paramount+’s synopsis.
Dennis Quaid (Lawmen: Bass Reeves) is slipping into the world of a serial killer who used a smiley face as his calling card for Paramount+’s Happy Face. Emmy nominee Quaid will star as the Happy Face Killer in the streamer’s new drama, inspired by the killer’s daughter Melissa Moore’s autobiography, Shattered Silence, and her Happy Face podcast.
Emmy nominee Annaleigh Ashford (Welcome to Chippendales) was previously announced to play Melissa. Filming is expected to get underway this spring, with Paramount+ targeting a 2025 premiere for the eight-episode season.
“Happy Face for Paramount+ jumps off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life,” reads Paramount+’s synopsis.
- 2/16/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Dennis Quaid is taking on a new role as the infamous Happy Face Killer in Paramount+'s new series, Happy Face.
The Happy Face Killer gained his name from the smiley faces he would draw on evidence and in letters to the media while bragging about his heinous crimes.
Quaid will take on the role alongside co-star Annaleigh Ashford, who will play the role of Melissa, the Happy Face Killer's daughter.
Everything we know about Paramount+'s Happy Face series: Cast, release date, trailer, and more
Right now, the only cast members we know about for Happy Face are Dennis Quaid and Annaleigh Ashford as the two main characters.
It's too early for a trailer, but we expect more details will come before long.
What we do know is that this is an eight-episode first season, and production will begin in Vancouver this spring, with a release date planned for...
The Happy Face Killer gained his name from the smiley faces he would draw on evidence and in letters to the media while bragging about his heinous crimes.
Quaid will take on the role alongside co-star Annaleigh Ashford, who will play the role of Melissa, the Happy Face Killer's daughter.
Everything we know about Paramount+'s Happy Face series: Cast, release date, trailer, and more
Right now, the only cast members we know about for Happy Face are Dennis Quaid and Annaleigh Ashford as the two main characters.
It's too early for a trailer, but we expect more details will come before long.
What we do know is that this is an eight-episode first season, and production will begin in Vancouver this spring, with a release date planned for...
- 2/16/2024
- by Devin Piel
- TVfanatic
Last month, it was announced that Melissa Moore’s autobiography Shattered Silence, which previously inspired the podcast Happy Face, is getting a Paramount+ streaming series adaptation that’s also titled Happy Face. Annaleigh Ashford – whose credits include B Positive, American Crime Story, and Masters of Sex – had already signed on to star in the series at that time, and now The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Dennis Quaid, whose long lists of credits includes the likes of The Day After Tomorrow, Innerspace, Frequency, and Jaws 3D, will be playing a serial killer on the show.
Happy Face will see Ashford taking on the role of Melissa, who at age 15, discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as “Happy Face.” As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison. Melissa is drawn back into her...
Happy Face will see Ashford taking on the role of Melissa, who at age 15, discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as “Happy Face.” As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison. Melissa is drawn back into her...
- 2/16/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Dennis Quaid, seen above channeling his inner Randy Quaid in Deon Taylor’s The Intruder, will play a madman once more in the upcoming Paramount+ series “Happy Face.”
Variety reports this morning that Quaid will play the real-life serial killer known as “Happy Face” in the upcoming series, which also stars Annaleigh Ashford (“American Crime Story”).
The website details, “The series is inspired by the podcast of the same name from iHeartMedia and Melissa Moore, the book “Shattered Silence” written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook, and Moore’s true-life story.”
Here’s the official plot synopsis for the show: “Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is...
Variety reports this morning that Quaid will play the real-life serial killer known as “Happy Face” in the upcoming series, which also stars Annaleigh Ashford (“American Crime Story”).
The website details, “The series is inspired by the podcast of the same name from iHeartMedia and Melissa Moore, the book “Shattered Silence” written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook, and Moore’s true-life story.”
Here’s the official plot synopsis for the show: “Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is...
- 2/16/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Paramount+’s drama Happy Face has found its title star.
Dennis Quaid will star with Annaleigh Ashford in the series and will play very much against type in the role of a notorious serial killer nicknamed “Happy Face” because he drew smiley faces on evidence in boasting about his crimes. The series, from executive producers Robert and Michelle King (Evil, The Good Fight) and showrunner Jennifer Cacicio, is based on the real-life story of Melissa Moore, the daughter of the killer; the true-crime podcast Happy Face, from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and Moore’s autobiography Shattered Silence, written with M. Bridget Cook.
The show will use Moore’s story as a jumping-off point to tell a story of how Melissa (Ashford) is drawn back into her father’s world after decades of not having contact with him. Happy Face (Quaid), in prison for his crimes, finds a way to force himself...
Dennis Quaid will star with Annaleigh Ashford in the series and will play very much against type in the role of a notorious serial killer nicknamed “Happy Face” because he drew smiley faces on evidence in boasting about his crimes. The series, from executive producers Robert and Michelle King (Evil, The Good Fight) and showrunner Jennifer Cacicio, is based on the real-life story of Melissa Moore, the daughter of the killer; the true-crime podcast Happy Face, from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and Moore’s autobiography Shattered Silence, written with M. Bridget Cook.
The show will use Moore’s story as a jumping-off point to tell a story of how Melissa (Ashford) is drawn back into her father’s world after decades of not having contact with him. Happy Face (Quaid), in prison for his crimes, finds a way to force himself...
- 2/16/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dennis Quaid has signed on for a leading role in the upcoming Paramount+ series “Happy Face,” Variety has learned.
Quaid will appear alongside previously announced star Annaleigh Ashford. The series is inspired by the podcast of the same name from iHeartMedia and Melissa Moore, the book “Shattered Silence” written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook, and Moore’s true-life story.
In real life, Moore discovered at 15 that her father was the serial killer known as “Happy Face,” due to the smiley faces he drew on evidence where he bragged about his crimes. As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison.
The official description for the series states that it jumps off from Moore’s real life story. “Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father,” the description reads. “After decades of no contact,...
Quaid will appear alongside previously announced star Annaleigh Ashford. The series is inspired by the podcast of the same name from iHeartMedia and Melissa Moore, the book “Shattered Silence” written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook, and Moore’s true-life story.
In real life, Moore discovered at 15 that her father was the serial killer known as “Happy Face,” due to the smiley faces he drew on evidence where he bragged about his crimes. As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison.
The official description for the series states that it jumps off from Moore’s real life story. “Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father,” the description reads. “After decades of no contact,...
- 2/16/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Dennis Quaid is set to star opposite Annaleigh Ashford in Paramount+ upcoming drama series Happy Face. Quaid will play the titular role of the real-life serial killer notoriously called “Happy Face” because of the smiley faces he drew on evidence where he bragged about his crimes. Ashford stars as his daughter, Melissa.
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed.
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed.
- 2/16/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Winter had a chilling effect on Broadway last week, with most shows reporting at least some downturn at the box office and overall receipts dropping nearly 10% from the previous week.
In all, box office for the 24 productions totaled $21,192,251 for the week ending February 11, with attendance of 187,573 down about 12% from the previous week.
Only a half-dozen shows bucked the downward trend, most notably Sweeney Todd, which on February 9 welcomed Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster as the permanent replacements for Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford (understudies had been filling in since the originals departed January 14). Grosses for the Sondheim revival were up $402,763 for a $1,260,185 total.
Joining the roster was The Notebook, just a few seats shy of selling out all of its first three previews at the Schoenfeld Theatre. The production, with music by Ingrid Michaelson and a book by Bekah Brunstetter, grossed $364,678 for the three performances, with a healthy average ticket...
In all, box office for the 24 productions totaled $21,192,251 for the week ending February 11, with attendance of 187,573 down about 12% from the previous week.
Only a half-dozen shows bucked the downward trend, most notably Sweeney Todd, which on February 9 welcomed Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster as the permanent replacements for Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford (understudies had been filling in since the originals departed January 14). Grosses for the Sondheim revival were up $402,763 for a $1,260,185 total.
Joining the roster was The Notebook, just a few seats shy of selling out all of its first three previews at the Schoenfeld Theatre. The production, with music by Ingrid Michaelson and a book by Bekah Brunstetter, grossed $364,678 for the three performances, with a healthy average ticket...
- 2/13/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Broadway said goodbye last week to two well-regarded but underperforming productions, with both Harmony and Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch posting better-than-usual weekly box office as last-chancers grabbed seats.
Harmony, the Barry Manilow-Bruce Sussman musical about the real-life 1920s German singing group the Comedian Harmonists, filled a robust 99% of seats at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, grossing $853,055 for the week ending February 4. That’s a bump of $145,978 over the previous week.
Purlie Victorious, the universally acclaimed revival of the Ossie Davis comedy starring Leslie Odom Jr. and Kara Young, grossed $706,882, a boost of $58,090 over the previous week. Still, the production filled only 81% of seats at the Music Box.
In all, the 25 Broadway productions grossed $23,493,675, a slight 5% bump over the previous week (and nearly identical to last year’s gross for the week). Total attendance was 213,281, about 2% over the previous week and 9% over last year at this time.
Harmony, the Barry Manilow-Bruce Sussman musical about the real-life 1920s German singing group the Comedian Harmonists, filled a robust 99% of seats at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, grossing $853,055 for the week ending February 4. That’s a bump of $145,978 over the previous week.
Purlie Victorious, the universally acclaimed revival of the Ossie Davis comedy starring Leslie Odom Jr. and Kara Young, grossed $706,882, a boost of $58,090 over the previous week. Still, the production filled only 81% of seats at the Music Box.
In all, the 25 Broadway productions grossed $23,493,675, a slight 5% bump over the previous week (and nearly identical to last year’s gross for the week). Total attendance was 213,281, about 2% over the previous week and 9% over last year at this time.
- 2/6/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s the day of the 2024 Grammy Awards and we’ll be bringing you all of the red carpet arrival photos throughout the evening!
So many celebs are expected to be in attendance at music’s biggest night on Sunday (February 4) at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The Recording Academy hands out so many awards each year that they can only give out a certain amount during the televised show. The rest are handed out during an afternoon awards ceremony, so some celebs have been there all day!
Make sure to tune in Tonight for the Grammys, hosted by Trevor Noah for the fourth time. The show is airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ starting at 8pm Et. Check out the full list of nominations, led by Sza with a whopping nine nods!
Head inside to check out the full list of celebs attending the Grammys…
Keep...
So many celebs are expected to be in attendance at music’s biggest night on Sunday (February 4) at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The Recording Academy hands out so many awards each year that they can only give out a certain amount during the televised show. The rest are handed out during an afternoon awards ceremony, so some celebs have been there all day!
Make sure to tune in Tonight for the Grammys, hosted by Trevor Noah for the fourth time. The show is airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ starting at 8pm Et. Check out the full list of nominations, led by Sza with a whopping nine nods!
Head inside to check out the full list of celebs attending the Grammys…
Keep...
- 2/4/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Broadway box office held fairly steady last week, with Sweeney Todd‘s post-Groban slide at least partially offset by gains from most other shows. In all, the 25 productions grossed $24,615,726 for the week ending January 28, about 4% greater than the previous week.
Attendance was up about 5% to 217,847.
Box office for Sweeney, which recently saw the departures of original stars Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford, was on the decline for the second consecutive week, down about $19,000 to $776,081. Attendance at the Lunt-Fontanne was at 90% of capacity, but a low average ticket price – $81.97 – kept total receipts modest. The trend likely will slow or stop with the February 9 arrivals of starry replacements Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster.
In the final week of its limited run, Gutenberg! The Musical! set a house record at the James Earl Jones Theatre, taking in $1,462,227 and playing to standing room only crowds. Producers announced yesterday that the musical, starring Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells,...
Attendance was up about 5% to 217,847.
Box office for Sweeney, which recently saw the departures of original stars Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford, was on the decline for the second consecutive week, down about $19,000 to $776,081. Attendance at the Lunt-Fontanne was at 90% of capacity, but a low average ticket price – $81.97 – kept total receipts modest. The trend likely will slow or stop with the February 9 arrivals of starry replacements Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster.
In the final week of its limited run, Gutenberg! The Musical! set a house record at the James Earl Jones Theatre, taking in $1,462,227 and playing to standing room only crowds. Producers announced yesterday that the musical, starring Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells,...
- 1/30/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Broadway box office took a slide last week as receipts for Sweeney Todd fell by more than $1 million with the departures of Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford (and before the February 9 arrival of big-name replacements Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster).
Overall, box office for the 25 Broadway productions was off by 15% from the previous week, with receipts for the week ending January 21 (the first week of the annual Broadway Week 2-for-1 discount promotion) totaling $23,589,174. Attendance of 204,612 was down only 6% (and holding about even with last season at this time).
Average ticket price for all shows was $115.29, down from $126.70 the previous week.
Most of the productions reported a drop in receipts, though none on the scale of the $1,315,747 hit taken by Sweeney: The acclaimed Sondheim musical revival grossed $795,400, compared to the massive $2,111,147 for the previous week, when Groban and Ashford came to the ends of their limited runs.
Overall, box office for the 25 Broadway productions was off by 15% from the previous week, with receipts for the week ending January 21 (the first week of the annual Broadway Week 2-for-1 discount promotion) totaling $23,589,174. Attendance of 204,612 was down only 6% (and holding about even with last season at this time).
Average ticket price for all shows was $115.29, down from $126.70 the previous week.
Most of the productions reported a drop in receipts, though none on the scale of the $1,315,747 hit taken by Sweeney: The acclaimed Sondheim musical revival grossed $795,400, compared to the massive $2,111,147 for the previous week, when Groban and Ashford came to the ends of their limited runs.
- 1/23/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Way back in (checks notes) July last year, we reported on the Emmy nominations, noting that the strikes could delay it. Welp, delay it they did, and the 2023 ceremony has just happened in Los Angeles on Monday night. The ceremony, hosted by actor and comedian Anthony Anderson, had little reference to the strikes, but did dig back into TV history given that it was the 75th ceremony. Recent history, though, was more on voters' minds as Beef, Succession and The Bear continued their small screen awards domination.
Succession and The Bear nabbed six trophies each across acting, directing and writing categories, while Beef took home five. Other winners included Jennifer Coolidge (for The White Lotus) and Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story's Niecy Nash-Betts.
Here are the main winners…
Outstanding Drama Series
Andor
Better Call Saul
The Crown
House Of The Dragon
The Last Of Us
Succession – Winner
The White Lotus...
Succession and The Bear nabbed six trophies each across acting, directing and writing categories, while Beef took home five. Other winners included Jennifer Coolidge (for The White Lotus) and Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story's Niecy Nash-Betts.
Here are the main winners…
Outstanding Drama Series
Andor
Better Call Saul
The Crown
House Of The Dragon
The Last Of Us
Succession – Winner
The White Lotus...
- 1/16/2024
- by James White
- Empire - TV
The 2023 Emmy Awards just wrapped up!
The winners were being revealed live on Fox on Monday (January 15) at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
In order to be eligible for this year’s awards, TV shows needed to air between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023.
This was actually the 2023 Emmy Awards show, which was scheduled to take place in September. The ceremony was delayed due to the Hollywood labor disputes, so it was added to the awards season calendar on a Monday night. The Emmys aired live with Anthony Anderson hosting the event.
See all of the nominees…
Outstanding Drama Series
Andor
Better Call Saul
The Crown
House of the Dragon
The Last of Us
Succession - Winner
The White Lotus
Yellowjackets
Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary
Barry
The Bear - Winner
Jury Duty
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Only Murders in the Building
Ted Lasso
Wednesday
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Jeff Bridges,...
The winners were being revealed live on Fox on Monday (January 15) at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
In order to be eligible for this year’s awards, TV shows needed to air between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023.
This was actually the 2023 Emmy Awards show, which was scheduled to take place in September. The ceremony was delayed due to the Hollywood labor disputes, so it was added to the awards season calendar on a Monday night. The Emmys aired live with Anthony Anderson hosting the event.
See all of the nominees…
Outstanding Drama Series
Andor
Better Call Saul
The Crown
House of the Dragon
The Last of Us
Succession - Winner
The White Lotus
Yellowjackets
Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary
Barry
The Bear - Winner
Jury Duty
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Only Murders in the Building
Ted Lasso
Wednesday
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Jeff Bridges,...
- 1/16/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
In an emotional speech at the Emmy Awards Monday night, Niecy Nash-Betts dedicated her award to “every Black and brown woman who has gone unheard yet over-policed.”
Marla Gibbs and Quinta Brunson presented the Emmy for best supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or TV movie, which the actress won for her role in Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.
As Nash-Betts took to the stage, she called it a “divine moment” and thanked co-creator Ryan Murphy “for seeing me.” She also showed her appreciation for her co-star, Evan Peters, and Netflix.
“Every single person who voted for me, thank you,” she added. “And my better half, who picked me up when I was gutted from this work, thank you.”
Nash-Betts also thanked herself “for believing in me and doing what they said I could not do. And I want to say to myself in front of...
Marla Gibbs and Quinta Brunson presented the Emmy for best supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or TV movie, which the actress won for her role in Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.
As Nash-Betts took to the stage, she called it a “divine moment” and thanked co-creator Ryan Murphy “for seeing me.” She also showed her appreciation for her co-star, Evan Peters, and Netflix.
“Every single person who voted for me, thank you,” she added. “And my better half, who picked me up when I was gutted from this work, thank you.”
Nash-Betts also thanked herself “for believing in me and doing what they said I could not do. And I want to say to myself in front of...
- 1/16/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Emmys 2024: The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri & Succession’s Matthew Macfadyen Win For Their Outstanding Performances ( Photo Credit – IMDb )
The wait is finally over, and the 75th Emmy Awards are finally happening after being delayed for several months. HBO series Succession is leading with the most nominations, followed by The White Lotus and Beef. Succession, The Bear and Beef took home most of the awards at the Emmys 2024. Host Anthony Anderson kickstarted the night with a bang.
The actors and the fans waited eagerly to find out which television stars made it this time. It’s a neck-to-neck fight between the stars who got nominated. Scroll below to get more details.
The first award was presented at night for the best actress in a supporting role in a comedy series, and The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri took home the award for her outstanding performance. The second award of the night was Lead Actress,...
The wait is finally over, and the 75th Emmy Awards are finally happening after being delayed for several months. HBO series Succession is leading with the most nominations, followed by The White Lotus and Beef. Succession, The Bear and Beef took home most of the awards at the Emmys 2024. Host Anthony Anderson kickstarted the night with a bang.
The actors and the fans waited eagerly to find out which television stars made it this time. It’s a neck-to-neck fight between the stars who got nominated. Scroll below to get more details.
The first award was presented at night for the best actress in a supporting role in a comedy series, and The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri took home the award for her outstanding performance. The second award of the night was Lead Actress,...
- 1/16/2024
- by Esita Mallik
- KoiMoi
The 2023 Emmy Awards are finally here — and the stars have come out to collect their trophies.
On Monday, the biggest names in television gathered for the 2023 Emmys Awards, nearly five months after they were initially scheduled to take place. The show, which was set for September 2023, was postponed in July due to the then-ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA. Nominations for the award show were released just one day before the WGA strike went into effect, meaning the actors would not be able to campaign on...
On Monday, the biggest names in television gathered for the 2023 Emmys Awards, nearly five months after they were initially scheduled to take place. The show, which was set for September 2023, was postponed in July due to the then-ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA. Nominations for the award show were released just one day before the WGA strike went into effect, meaning the actors would not be able to campaign on...
- 1/16/2024
- by Jodi Guglielmi
- Rollingstone.com
It’s going to be a star-studded night at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards and we’ll be bringing you the best red carpet fashion all evening long!
The show is taking place on Monday (January 15) at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
This is actually the 2023 Emmy Awards show, which was scheduled to take place in September. The ceremony was delayed due to the Hollywood labor disputes, so it was added to the awards season calendar on a Monday night. The Emmys will air live on Fox with Anthony Anderson hosting the event. Check out the list of nominations!
We’ll be updating this post all night long, so keep checking back to see all of the best fashion.
Head inside to check out all of the red carpet photos…
Keep scrolling to see all of the photos from the red carpet…
Only Murders in the Building’s Selena Gomez...
The show is taking place on Monday (January 15) at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
This is actually the 2023 Emmy Awards show, which was scheduled to take place in September. The ceremony was delayed due to the Hollywood labor disputes, so it was added to the awards season calendar on a Monday night. The Emmys will air live on Fox with Anthony Anderson hosting the event. Check out the list of nominations!
We’ll be updating this post all night long, so keep checking back to see all of the best fashion.
Head inside to check out all of the red carpet photos…
Keep scrolling to see all of the photos from the red carpet…
Only Murders in the Building’s Selena Gomez...
- 1/15/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
The delayed 2023 Emmy Awards are airing tonight, and it might be months since you’ve seen the list of nominees!
The nominations were announced all the way back in July 2023, but due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes that were happening at the time, the 2023 show was delayed. It normally would have aired in September 2023, but instead, is airing tonight (January 15).
In order to be eligible for this year’s awards, TV shows needed to air between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023.
See all of the nominees…
See the full list of nominations…
Outstanding Drama Series
Andor
Better Call Saul
The Crown
House of the Dragon
The Last of Us
Succession
The White Lotus
Yellowjackets
Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary
Barry
The Bear
Jury Duty
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Only Murders in the Building
Ted Lasso
Wednesday
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Jeff Bridges, The Old Man
Brian Cox,...
The nominations were announced all the way back in July 2023, but due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes that were happening at the time, the 2023 show was delayed. It normally would have aired in September 2023, but instead, is airing tonight (January 15).
In order to be eligible for this year’s awards, TV shows needed to air between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023.
See all of the nominees…
See the full list of nominations…
Outstanding Drama Series
Andor
Better Call Saul
The Crown
House of the Dragon
The Last of Us
Succession
The White Lotus
Yellowjackets
Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary
Barry
The Bear
Jury Duty
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Only Murders in the Building
Ted Lasso
Wednesday
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Jeff Bridges, The Old Man
Brian Cox,...
- 1/15/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Clockwise l to r: Some Like It Hot (Marc J. Franklin), Waitress (Josh Lehrer), Spamalot (Joan Marcus), Legally Blonde (Paul Kolnik)Graphic: The A.V. Club
It’s nothing new for Broadway creatives to look to Hollywood for inspiration, but the trend has gotten a little out of hand in recent years.
It’s nothing new for Broadway creatives to look to Hollywood for inspiration, but the trend has gotten a little out of hand in recent years.
- 1/15/2024
- by Cindy White
- avclub.com
The Happy Face television series is finally moving forward. Paramount+ ordered the series in November 2021 and it's heading into production later this year with Annaleigh Ashford (B Positive) as the star.
Inspired by the Happy Face podcast and the book Shattered Silence written by Melissa Jesperson-Moore with M. Bridget Cook, the series will revolve around Melissa (Ashford) who discovers her father is a serial killer. Jennifer Cacicio (Your Honor) and Robert and Michelle King are behind the series.
Read More…...
Inspired by the Happy Face podcast and the book Shattered Silence written by Melissa Jesperson-Moore with M. Bridget Cook, the series will revolve around Melissa (Ashford) who discovers her father is a serial killer. Jennifer Cacicio (Your Honor) and Robert and Michelle King are behind the series.
Read More…...
- 1/9/2024
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Paramount+ today announced that Emmy-nominated and Tony Award-winning actress Annaleigh Ashford will star in the new original drama series Happy Face. Michael Showalter has been tapped to direct the first episode. The eight-episode first season will begin production this year and premiere exclusively on Paramount+ in 2025. Happy Face is executive produced by Jennifer Cacicio – who also serves as showrunner – and Robert and Michelle King, Liz Glotzer, Melissa Moore, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson, Michael Showalter and Jordana Mollick. Ashford will play the lead role of Melissa in the series, which is inspired ... Read more...
- 1/9/2024
- by Thomas Miller
- Seat42F
As she nears the end of her run in Broadway’s Sweeney Todd, Annaleigh Ashford has nabbed another bloody good gig.
The B Positive star will lead Happy Face, a Paramount+ drama about the daughter of a convicted serial killer. The series is based on the true story of Melissa Moore, who was 15 when she learned her father was a murderer known as “Happy Face.” Moore chronicled her story in the autobiography Shattered Silence and iHeartPodcasts’ Happy Face podcast.
More from TVLineHow to Watch the 2024 Golden Globes Livestream OnlineGet Paramount+ 7-Day Free Trial - Binge The Curse, Frasier, Fellow Travelers,...
The B Positive star will lead Happy Face, a Paramount+ drama about the daughter of a convicted serial killer. The series is based on the true story of Melissa Moore, who was 15 when she learned her father was a murderer known as “Happy Face.” Moore chronicled her story in the autobiography Shattered Silence and iHeartPodcasts’ Happy Face podcast.
More from TVLineHow to Watch the 2024 Golden Globes Livestream OnlineGet Paramount+ 7-Day Free Trial - Binge The Curse, Frasier, Fellow Travelers,...
- 1/8/2024
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
Melissa Moore’s autobiography Shattered Silence inspired the podcast Happy Face, and now the podcast is getting a Paramount+ streaming series adaptation! Annaleigh Ashford – whose credits include B Positive, American Crime Story, and Masters of Sex – has signed on to star in the series, with Michael Showalter on board to direct the first episode.
I mainly know Showalter from an actor in projects like The State and Wet Hot American Summer, but his TV directing credits include episodes of Search Party, Love, Grace and Frankie, In the Dark, The Shrink Next Door, The Dropout, and I Love That for You. He has also directed the feature films Spoiler Alert, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, The Lovebirds, The Big Sick; Hello, My Name Is Doris; and The Baxter.
Happy Face will see Ashford taking on the role of Melissa, who at age 15, discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as “Happy Face.
I mainly know Showalter from an actor in projects like The State and Wet Hot American Summer, but his TV directing credits include episodes of Search Party, Love, Grace and Frankie, In the Dark, The Shrink Next Door, The Dropout, and I Love That for You. He has also directed the feature films Spoiler Alert, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, The Lovebirds, The Big Sick; Hello, My Name Is Doris; and The Baxter.
Happy Face will see Ashford taking on the role of Melissa, who at age 15, discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as “Happy Face.
- 1/8/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Paramount+’s long-in-the-works crime drama series Happy Face is headed to production with Emmy-nominated and Tony Award-winning actor Annaleigh Ashford set as the lead. Michael Showalter has been tapped to direct the first episode of the the CBS Studios-produced series, from executive producers Jennifer Cacicio – who also serves as showrunner – and Robert and Michelle King. Filming on the eight-episode first season is slated to begin production this year for a 2025 premiere on Paramount+.
Happy Face reunites Ashford with the Kings having guest starred on their other two Paramount+/CBS Studios original series, the current hit Evil the recently wrapped The Good Fight.
The CBS Studios-produced Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
Happy Face reunites Ashford with the Kings having guest starred on their other two Paramount+/CBS Studios original series, the current hit Evil the recently wrapped The Good Fight.
The CBS Studios-produced Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
- 1/8/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Perhaps no single theatrical image sums up Broadway’s 2023 more effectively than Jessica Chastain’s Nora leaving her dreary, unfulfilled doll house life to exit directly into the unlimited possibilities of an honest-to-god New York City street.
Unless maybe it’s that huge tree that sprouts up smack dab in the middle of an abandoned Southern plantation home after the Appropriate cast has left the stage, a gut-punch reminder that the sins of a nation’s past don’t just wither away because we don’t want to see them.
Or maybe it was Leslie Odom Jr. delivering that eulogy-coda in Purlie Victorious, blessing his “Africanic brothers” — and the audience — with the words “Now may the Constitution of the United States go with you; the Declaration of Independence stand by you; the Bill of Rights protect you; and the State Commission Against Discrimination keep the eyes of the law upon you,...
Unless maybe it’s that huge tree that sprouts up smack dab in the middle of an abandoned Southern plantation home after the Appropriate cast has left the stage, a gut-punch reminder that the sins of a nation’s past don’t just wither away because we don’t want to see them.
Or maybe it was Leslie Odom Jr. delivering that eulogy-coda in Purlie Victorious, blessing his “Africanic brothers” — and the audience — with the words “Now may the Constitution of the United States go with you; the Declaration of Independence stand by you; the Bill of Rights protect you; and the State Commission Against Discrimination keep the eyes of the law upon you,...
- 12/29/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
In the 2022-2023 Broadway season, the first full season since theaters were closed due to the pandemic, audience numbers were down by 17 percent from 2018-2019, according to a study released Monday by the Broadway League.
This came as the season included high-grossing shows, such as Sweeney Todd, starring Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford and Funny Girl starring Lea Michele. That said, 2018-2019 was a record year for Broadway attendance and grosses. And the audience that returned after the theatrical shutdown was younger and more diverse.
As has been noted by members in the industry, suburban theatergoers, which had been a key audience segment, have been slow to return post-pandemic, with 14 percent of overall admissions coming from this segment in the 2022-2023 season, marking the lowest number on record in 23 years of the survey.
Industry members have theorized that the reluctance to work from offices in the city, which may have...
This came as the season included high-grossing shows, such as Sweeney Todd, starring Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford and Funny Girl starring Lea Michele. That said, 2018-2019 was a record year for Broadway attendance and grosses. And the audience that returned after the theatrical shutdown was younger and more diverse.
As has been noted by members in the industry, suburban theatergoers, which had been a key audience segment, have been slow to return post-pandemic, with 14 percent of overall admissions coming from this segment in the 2022-2023 season, marking the lowest number on record in 23 years of the survey.
Industry members have theorized that the reluctance to work from offices in the city, which may have...
- 12/11/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hank Azaria, who recently went public with his thanks to his friend, the late Matthew Perry, for helping him get sober in 2006, has joined the producing team – along with Jason Biggs and Edie Falco – of The White Chip, an upcoming Off Broadway “recovery comedy” by Sean Daniels.
Also announced today was the cast additions of Crystal Dickinson (Clybourne Park) and Jason Tam (A Chorus Line), who join the previously announced Joe Tapper (You Can’t Take It With You).
“We are so happy to welcome new producers and cast members to our production of Sean’s essential, life-saving play,” said producer Annaleigh Ashford in a statement. “Hank, Jason and Edie, all extraordinary artists, have so selflessly shared their stories of recovery with the public, so to have them join us in amplifying this play is a true honor. We are over the moon, too, that Crystal and Jason – both powerhouse talents – will join Joe onstage.
Also announced today was the cast additions of Crystal Dickinson (Clybourne Park) and Jason Tam (A Chorus Line), who join the previously announced Joe Tapper (You Can’t Take It With You).
“We are so happy to welcome new producers and cast members to our production of Sean’s essential, life-saving play,” said producer Annaleigh Ashford in a statement. “Hank, Jason and Edie, all extraordinary artists, have so selflessly shared their stories of recovery with the public, so to have them join us in amplifying this play is a true honor. We are over the moon, too, that Crystal and Jason – both powerhouse talents – will join Joe onstage.
- 11/16/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
For the second consecutive year, Broadway cast albums made a clean sweep of the Grammy nominations for Best Musical Theater Album, shutting out both the West End and Off Broadway.
Competing for the 2023 Grammy will be Kimberly Akimbo, Parade, Shucked, Some Like It Hot and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Three of the five nominees are new shows, while two – Parade and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street – are revivals.
With today’s announcement, the Grammys reprise last summer’s Tony Awards, when all five of the productions made strong showing in both nominations and wins. At the Tonys, Kimberly Akimbo won top honors for Best Musical and Best Original Score, while Parade was named Best Musical Revival – three wins that might be most relevant as a Grammy predictor.
Still, the Tonys also awarded performances from Some Like It Hot and Shucked – Kimberly Akimbo‘s Victoria Clark and Bonnie Milligan took the Actress nominations in those categories – while Parade‘s Michael Arden was honored for his direction. David Lindsay-Abaire won Best Book for Kimberly Akimbo.
Like last year, all five of the nominees are Broadway cast albums, bucking a previous nomination trend that saw strong showings from both London, Off Broadway and even a concept album from a TikTok musical (the 2022 winner The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical).
Related: 2023-24 Awards Season Calendar – Dates For Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, Tonys, Guilds & More
Even in years when the nominations are more representative of theater both Broadway and non-Broadway, the Grammy winner almost always is a Broadway cast album, Bridgerton being the notable exception. The 2023 winner was the revival of Into The Woods, which began life Off Broadway as an Encores! presentation but took the Grammy for the recording of its subsequent Broadway staging.
Also worth noting: Of the five 2024 nominees, one has already closed (the limited engagement of Parade starring Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond), two will definitely be closed by the time the winners are announced on Feb. 4; and one – Sweeney Todd – will have lost its original leads (the final performances of Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford are January 14; Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster step in beginning February 9 for 12 weeks only).
The 2024 Best Musical Theater Album nominees, as listed by the Grammys, are:
Kimberly Akimbo – John Clancy, David Stone & Jeanine Tesori, producers; Jeanine Tesori, composer; David Lindsay-Abaire, lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)
Parade – Micaela Diamond, Alex Joseph Grayson, Jake Pedersen & Ben Platt, principal vocalists; Jason Robert Brown & Jeffrey Lesser, producers; Jason Robert Brown, composer & lyricist (2023 Broadway Cast)
Shucked – Brandy Clark, Jason Howland, Shane McAnally & Billy Jay Stein, producers; Brandy Clark & Shane McAnally, composers/lyricists (Original Broadway Cast)
Some Like It Hot – Christian Borle, J. Harrison Ghee, Adrianna Hicks & NaTasha Yvette Williams, principal vocalists; Mary-Mitchell Campbell, Bryan Carter, Scott M. Riesett, Charlie Rosen & Marc Shaiman, producers; Scott Wittman, lyricist; Marc Shaiman, composer & lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street – Annaleigh Ashford & Josh Groban, principal vocalists; Thomas Kail & Alex Lacamoire, producers (2023 Broadway Cast)...
Competing for the 2023 Grammy will be Kimberly Akimbo, Parade, Shucked, Some Like It Hot and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Three of the five nominees are new shows, while two – Parade and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street – are revivals.
With today’s announcement, the Grammys reprise last summer’s Tony Awards, when all five of the productions made strong showing in both nominations and wins. At the Tonys, Kimberly Akimbo won top honors for Best Musical and Best Original Score, while Parade was named Best Musical Revival – three wins that might be most relevant as a Grammy predictor.
Still, the Tonys also awarded performances from Some Like It Hot and Shucked – Kimberly Akimbo‘s Victoria Clark and Bonnie Milligan took the Actress nominations in those categories – while Parade‘s Michael Arden was honored for his direction. David Lindsay-Abaire won Best Book for Kimberly Akimbo.
Like last year, all five of the nominees are Broadway cast albums, bucking a previous nomination trend that saw strong showings from both London, Off Broadway and even a concept album from a TikTok musical (the 2022 winner The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical).
Related: 2023-24 Awards Season Calendar – Dates For Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, Tonys, Guilds & More
Even in years when the nominations are more representative of theater both Broadway and non-Broadway, the Grammy winner almost always is a Broadway cast album, Bridgerton being the notable exception. The 2023 winner was the revival of Into The Woods, which began life Off Broadway as an Encores! presentation but took the Grammy for the recording of its subsequent Broadway staging.
Also worth noting: Of the five 2024 nominees, one has already closed (the limited engagement of Parade starring Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond), two will definitely be closed by the time the winners are announced on Feb. 4; and one – Sweeney Todd – will have lost its original leads (the final performances of Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford are January 14; Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster step in beginning February 9 for 12 weeks only).
The 2024 Best Musical Theater Album nominees, as listed by the Grammys, are:
Kimberly Akimbo – John Clancy, David Stone & Jeanine Tesori, producers; Jeanine Tesori, composer; David Lindsay-Abaire, lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)
Parade – Micaela Diamond, Alex Joseph Grayson, Jake Pedersen & Ben Platt, principal vocalists; Jason Robert Brown & Jeffrey Lesser, producers; Jason Robert Brown, composer & lyricist (2023 Broadway Cast)
Shucked – Brandy Clark, Jason Howland, Shane McAnally & Billy Jay Stein, producers; Brandy Clark & Shane McAnally, composers/lyricists (Original Broadway Cast)
Some Like It Hot – Christian Borle, J. Harrison Ghee, Adrianna Hicks & NaTasha Yvette Williams, principal vocalists; Mary-Mitchell Campbell, Bryan Carter, Scott M. Riesett, Charlie Rosen & Marc Shaiman, producers; Scott Wittman, lyricist; Marc Shaiman, composer & lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street – Annaleigh Ashford & Josh Groban, principal vocalists; Thomas Kail & Alex Lacamoire, producers (2023 Broadway Cast)...
- 11/10/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
A project that due to the pandemic saw the lead shifting from Claire Foy to Sarah Paulson, production on Karrie Crouse and Will Joines‘ Dust would take place around August of last year in New Mexico with Annaleigh Ashford, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Bill Heck and Amiah Miller among the cast. Dust is scheduled to be released by Searchlight Pictures with plans to launch the film via Hulu but we sense that this psychological horror thriller is of interest because it was workshopped at the Sundance Institute Writer’s Lab — dating all the back to 2014. Prior to this feature debut, the tandem worked in the short film form.…...
- 11/10/2023
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford are exiting Sweeney Todd on Broadway in January 2024 and their replacements have been revealed to be Broadway vets Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster!
You may have previously seen Aaron in his Tony Award winning role in Moulin Rouge! The Musical, as well as Sutton in her Tony nominated performance in The Music Man. Sutton is a 7 time nominee and 2 time winner at the Tonys as well. They’ll take on the roles of Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett, respectively.
Keep reading to find out more…
Annaleigh and Josh will be playing their roles until January 14 and Sutton and Aaron will take over on February 9. Their final performance will be May 5, 2024.
You can buy tickets to see either Josh or Annaleigh, or Sutton and Aaron, on Ticketmaster right now! The show is phenomenal and if you’re in the New York City area, it’s a must-see!
You may have previously seen Aaron in his Tony Award winning role in Moulin Rouge! The Musical, as well as Sutton in her Tony nominated performance in The Music Man. Sutton is a 7 time nominee and 2 time winner at the Tonys as well. They’ll take on the roles of Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett, respectively.
Keep reading to find out more…
Annaleigh and Josh will be playing their roles until January 14 and Sutton and Aaron will take over on February 9. Their final performance will be May 5, 2024.
You can buy tickets to see either Josh or Annaleigh, or Sutton and Aaron, on Ticketmaster right now! The show is phenomenal and if you’re in the New York City area, it’s a must-see!
- 10/31/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster will take over the roles of Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett, respectively, in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street on Broadway.
The two Tony Award winners take over the roles from Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford, who will play their final performance on Jan. 14. Tveit and Foster will start performances on Feb. 9 and play their final performance on May 5.
Tveit comes to the role after winning a Tony Award for his performance in Moulin Rouge! The Musical and appearing on Broadway in Catch Me If You Can, Next to Normal, Wicked and Hairspray. On screen, Tveit has appeared in Apple TV’s Schmigadoon, Grease: Live, Graceland, Les Miserables and more.
Foster is a two-time Tony Award winner for her roles in Thoroughly Modern Millie and Anything Goes and has been nominated for seven Tony Awards, including her most recent Broadway role starring in...
The two Tony Award winners take over the roles from Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford, who will play their final performance on Jan. 14. Tveit and Foster will start performances on Feb. 9 and play their final performance on May 5.
Tveit comes to the role after winning a Tony Award for his performance in Moulin Rouge! The Musical and appearing on Broadway in Catch Me If You Can, Next to Normal, Wicked and Hairspray. On screen, Tveit has appeared in Apple TV’s Schmigadoon, Grease: Live, Graceland, Les Miserables and more.
Foster is a two-time Tony Award winner for her roles in Thoroughly Modern Millie and Anything Goes and has been nominated for seven Tony Awards, including her most recent Broadway role starring in...
- 10/31/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tony winners Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster will take over as the stars of Broadway’s hit revival Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street for a limited engagement beginning in February, producer Jeffrey Seller confirmed today.
As previously announced, Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford will play their final performances as Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett on Sunday, January 14, 2024. Tveit and Foster will begin performances on Friday, February 9, 2024, for 12 weeks only. Their final performance will be Sunday May 5.
A first-look photo of Tveit and Foster in character was released today.
Tveit won a 2020 Tony Award for his performance in Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and previously appeared on Broadway in Catch Me If You Can, Next to Normal, Wicked and Hairspray. He has been seen in both seasons of the Apple TV+ musical comedy series Schmigadoon, with additional film and TV credits including Grease: Live, One Royal Holiday, American Horror Stories,...
As previously announced, Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford will play their final performances as Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett on Sunday, January 14, 2024. Tveit and Foster will begin performances on Friday, February 9, 2024, for 12 weeks only. Their final performance will be Sunday May 5.
A first-look photo of Tveit and Foster in character was released today.
Tveit won a 2020 Tony Award for his performance in Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and previously appeared on Broadway in Catch Me If You Can, Next to Normal, Wicked and Hairspray. He has been seen in both seasons of the Apple TV+ musical comedy series Schmigadoon, with additional film and TV credits including Grease: Live, One Royal Holiday, American Horror Stories,...
- 10/31/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The new musical Here We Are, which is the final show from legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, has officially debuted off-Broadway.
A star-studded crowd stepped out to attend the performance on Sunday night (October 22) at The Shed’s Griffin Theatre in New York City.
Among the stars pictured in the gallery are Lee Pace, John Benjamin Hickey, Katie Holmes, Jim Parsons, Sara Bareilles, Phillipa Soo, Sarah Paulson, Nathan Lane, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Paul Rudd, Andy Cohen, Chris Rock, Jane Krakowski, Annaleigh Ashford, Josh Groban, Zachary Quinto, and Josh Gad.
Josh and Annaleigh are currently starring in the revival of Sondheim‘s Sweeney Todd while Sara and Phillipa recently led the revival of Sondheim‘s Into the Woods.
Cast members photographed at the opening night party included David Hyde Pierce, Steven Pasquale, Rachel Bay Jones, Bobby Cannavale, and Micaela Diamond.
The New York Times says that the show “is a worthy and loving...
A star-studded crowd stepped out to attend the performance on Sunday night (October 22) at The Shed’s Griffin Theatre in New York City.
Among the stars pictured in the gallery are Lee Pace, John Benjamin Hickey, Katie Holmes, Jim Parsons, Sara Bareilles, Phillipa Soo, Sarah Paulson, Nathan Lane, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Paul Rudd, Andy Cohen, Chris Rock, Jane Krakowski, Annaleigh Ashford, Josh Groban, Zachary Quinto, and Josh Gad.
Josh and Annaleigh are currently starring in the revival of Sondheim‘s Sweeney Todd while Sara and Phillipa recently led the revival of Sondheim‘s Into the Woods.
Cast members photographed at the opening night party included David Hyde Pierce, Steven Pasquale, Rachel Bay Jones, Bobby Cannavale, and Micaela Diamond.
The New York Times says that the show “is a worthy and loving...
- 10/24/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Update: Gaten Matarazzo, the Stranger Things star who has received raves from critics and audiences alike with his performance as the lovable apprentice Toby in the Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd, has joined cast mates Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford in setting a final performance date.
Matarazzo will play his final show on November 5. A replacement has not been announced announced.
As previously announced, Groban and Ashford will continue in the show through Sunday January 14, 2024. All three of the actors have been with the musical since it began previews at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Feb. 26.
Matarazzo’s departure date was announced on the Sweeney Todd Instagram past.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sweeney Todd Broadway (@sweeneytoddbway)
Prevous, Oct. 19: Broadway’s Sweeney Todd stars Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford will play their final performances in the Stephen Sondheim revival on Sunday January 14, 2024, concluding their 46-week run...
Matarazzo will play his final show on November 5. A replacement has not been announced announced.
As previously announced, Groban and Ashford will continue in the show through Sunday January 14, 2024. All three of the actors have been with the musical since it began previews at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Feb. 26.
Matarazzo’s departure date was announced on the Sweeney Todd Instagram past.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sweeney Todd Broadway (@sweeneytoddbway)
Prevous, Oct. 19: Broadway’s Sweeney Todd stars Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford will play their final performances in the Stephen Sondheim revival on Sunday January 14, 2024, concluding their 46-week run...
- 10/24/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.