Movie fans and critics have strong opinions about film remakes. A remake can be a whopping success or a massive flop. Filmmakers are taking a risk when they try to reimagine beloved stories fans have adored for years. Some love to see a new take on their favorite films, while others could do without it. Measuring which is “better” is …
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Dolly Parton plans Broadway comeback in 2026 with 'Hello, I'm Dolly' musical
Broadway has had great success with “Hello, Dolly.” Now get ready for “Hello, I’m Dolly.” Dolly Parton is writing new songs to go along with some of her past hits and co-writing a stage story inspired by her life for a stage musical that she hopes to land on Broadway in 2026. “I’ve written many original songs for the show …
Read More »Hollywood and Broadway star Janis Paige dead at 101
Janis Paige, a popular actress in Hollywood and in Broadway musicals and comedies who danced with Fred Astaire, toured with Bob Hope and continued to perform into her 90s, has died. She was 101. Paige died Sunday of natural causes at her Los Angeles home, longtime friend Stuart Lampert said Monday. Paige starred on Broadway with Jackie Cooper in the …
Read More »Jessica Stone, who knits Broadway and circus in thrilling 'Water for Elephants,' enjoys a Tony nod
You don’t initially see a full elephant at the Broadway musical “Water for Elephants.” It’s more like a tease. First come a pair of enormous ears. Then a trunk. And then the legs. The execution is by director Jessica Stone, who wanted to make it extra special for the audience when they finally get to see the big reveal at …
Read More »On this day in history, May 11, 1888, Irving Berlin, composer of 'God Bless America,' is born
Irving Berlin, the iconic composer and musician who created American musical standards including “White Christmas,” “Easter Parade,” “God Bless America” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” was born on this day in history, May 11, 1888. Berlin was born as Israel Baline in Temun, Siberia. His family immigrated to America to escape Russian persecution of the Jewish people when …
Read More »Audrey Hepburn's 'My Fair Lady' still needs defending 60 years later
As 2024 is the 60th anniversary year of the release of “My Fair Lady,” starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, my wife and I recently sat down to rewatch the classic. A truly iconic film which was nominated for an astounding 12 Academy Awards. It ended up winning eight, including “Best Picture,” “Best Director” and “Best Actor.” However, notably absent …
Read More »Huey Lewis not letting hearing loss define him, calls Broadway show his 'salvation'
Huey Lewis has been a rock icon since the ’80s, and he’s doing his best to enjoy his status as an elder statesman of the genre as he struggles with his hearing loss. A new Broadway musical titled “The Heart of Rock and Roll” debuts on April 22, using songs from Lewis’ catalog and giving him some “salvation” as he …
Read More »'Sunset Boulevard' sweeps London's Olivier awards
A radical restaging of Hollywood film noir musical “Sunset Boulevard” was the big winner on Sunday at the London stage Olivier Awards, taking seven trophies including best musical revival and best actress for American star Nicole Scherzinger. Soccer-themed state-of-the-nation drama “Dear England” was named best new play, while Sarah Snook and Mark Gatiss were among the acting winners. Scherzinger was …
Read More »On this day in history, March 31, 1943, 'Oklahoma!' debuts on Broadway: 'Deeply felt'
The great American musical “Oklahoma!” — which changed the trajectory of musical theater forever — graced the Great White Way for the first time on this day in history, March 31, 1943. The Pulitzer Prize-winning musical premiered 81 years ago at the St. James Theatre in New York City. It ran in that theater for almost five years, setting records …
Read More »Ariana DeBose to host Tony Awards for third consecutive year, this time at new location
It’s a new location but the same host for the Tony Awards: Ariana DeBose will make it three in a row as MC of theater’s most watched event, which this year moves uptown to Lincoln Center. The Academy Award winner and Tony Award nominee, who hosted both the 2023 and 2022 ceremonies, will be back this year for the show …
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