#and the winner for best performance with a hot dog - drama

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There’s more?? From my favorite interview day?? NO WAY.

[ewh111]

2022 Annual List of Favorite Film & TV Experiences

Happy new year!  

2022 brought back some semblance of normalcy. Highlights include: virtual Sundance Film Festival seeing 16 films in 4 days in January, my first in-person Super Bowl and seeing the LA Rams win in February, return after three year absence of my special fundraiser dinners that I cook (back-to-back nights of a 16 course dinner focused on Shanghai & Sichuan cuisine) in April, attending my 35th college reunion in May, helping to celebrate the life of dear friend and colleague Ted Walch at the end of summer, and in November, going on my first global travel since the pandemic on a work trip (postponed from March 2020) that took me to Sydney, Singapore, Jakarta, Tokyo, and Kyoto. And on the family front, we continued our weekly Sunday family Zooms which began at the outset of the pandemic, still going strong at 146 weeks and counting.

Hope you have had a safe and healthy holiday season and all the best for a fabulous 2023!

Cheers, Ed

And greetings from my girls Freddy and Maxie, aged 10 and 9 respectively.

Now on to this year's compilation of my favorite film and other streaming experiences. I’m still limiting my visits to the movie theater with off-peak visits, so my most of my film intake is still via streaming. Please let me know your thoughts!

Best of the Year

Everything Everywhere All At Once

One of the trippiest film experiences ever! My first question after my initial viewing was "What drugs were the Daniels (as the directors are collectively known) on when they wrote this film? And what kind of pitch did they make to get it made? One of the most original, absurdly outlandish, and description-defying films in recent memory. What seemingly starts as a Chinese immigrant family drama centered around harried traditional mother (Michelle Yeoh), rebellious lesbian daughter, and sweet, endearing father (Ke Huy Quan of Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom) quickly turns into a bonkers, multiverse journey to save the world. Along the way, laundromat owner Yeoh’s embattled audit brings her face-to-face with a delightfully droll Jamie Lee Curtis as meticulous IRS bureaucrat with hilarious interludes involving googly eyes, hot dog fingers, dildoes, butt plugs, and everything bagels. For those of you thoroughly confused, EEAAO does boil down to a story of redemption and reconciliation between mother and daughter and finding joy and meaning in the things that matter in our hectic, fractured daily lives…told in an absurdly funny and crazy way and gets even better after multiple viewings. Trailer: https://youtu.be/wxN1T1uxQ2g

Black Comedies Set on Islands…With Donkeys

Triangle of Sadness

This Cannes Palm d’Or winner intrigued me with its trailer which evoked a luxury yacht-based White Lotus-esque send up of the wealthy, but this dark dramedy threw a completely unexpected curveball, desert-island third-act that stuck with me long after I left the theater. There’s very sharp writing and performances—the verbal jousting over a dinner check, Woody Harrelson’s hilarious Marxist captain trading drunken barbs with a manure-selling Russian capitalist guest, and the ship’s Filipina toilet manager portrayed by a commanding Dolly De Leon who is largely responsible for the memorable third act. The film continues to grow on me with repeated viewing. FYI, this film is not safe for the emetophobic, as there is an overlong scene with projectile vomiting, the likes of which have not been seen since Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life. Oh, and be warned that there is also a donkey-beating. Trailer: https://youtu.be/VDvfFIZQIuQ

The Banshees of Inisherin

Great to see the In Bruges duo of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson back together, this time as best friends whose friendship is abruptly cut short by one party which results in ever-increasing, devastating consequences in this bleak but humorous and deeply affecting black comedy from writer-director Martin McDonough. Oh, and Jenny the donkey deserved better. Trailer: https://youtu.be/uRu3zLOJN2c

N.B. It seems to be quite the year for donkeys. I am excited but have yet to see EO, Poland’s Academy Award entry, about the adventures of a donkey named EO.

Pretentious Rich People Getting Their Comeuppance…On An Island

The Menu

As a fan of food, I really enjoyed this comically dark film with Ralph Fiennes playing to perfection the mad genius chef of the Hawthorn, a fictional restaurant on a remote Pacific Northwest island. With a fine ensemble cast directed by Mark Mylod (Succession) and with helping hands from the creator of Chef’s Table as well as the Michelin-starred chef Dominque Crenn, an exclusive $1,250 a head night at the Hawthorn turns into a twisted horror/satire of elevated food experiences and those who partake. Trailer: https://youtu.be/C_uTkUGcHv4

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

If you liked Knives Out, you'll thoroughly enjoy Glass Onion, which gleefully brings back Daniel Craig as dandy Southern super-sleuth Benoit Blanc, this time for a murder mystery party on an island presided over by tech billionaire played by Edward Norton with his friendly band of disruptors including Janelle Monae, Leslie Odom Jr, Dave Bautista, Kathryn Hahn, and Kate Hudson. Trailer: https://youtu.be/gj5ibYSz8C0

Films About Musical Royalty

Tár

While I thought this might go down the road of a #metoo or #cancelculture themed movie, this is actually a towering, slow-burn character study with an intense and sensational Cate Blanchett as the fictional Lydia Tár, the EGOT-winning, brilliant and demanding world-class conductor of the Berlin Symphony whose trail of manipulation, abusive behavior, and hubris eventually catches up with her and the resulting finale is…well, I’ll just leave that for you to watch and react. All the accolades for her tremendous performance are well deserved. Trailer: https://youtu.be/Na6gA1RehsU

Elvis

A sensational Austin Butler brings the King back to life on the big screen. Butler truly embodies Elvis in his heartfelt performance. Baz Luhrmann’s film is not so much traditional biopic as it is a musical that captures the spectacle and cultural phenomenon of Elvis, bringing America out of the innocence of the 1950s, as seen through the eyes of Elvis’s notorious manager Col. Tom Parker (Tom Hanks)—and Luhrmann does it in the grand, dazzling style that only he can do. Perhaps a bit garish and bombastic for some, as an unabashed Luhrmann fan, I loved it. Trailer: https://youtu.be/wBDLRvjHVOY

Action Epics Based on Real Life Rebels

RRR

Wow. I was not expecting to be totally enthralled by S.S. Rajamouli’s Tollywood (Telugu language) film. Hands down, RRR (which stands for Rise Roar Revolt) will be the most glorious, hyperbolic, action-bromance-musical political epic spectacle you'll see all year. The laws of physics-defying action scenes are reminiscent of the operatic violence and stylized fight scenes of 300 and John Woo films. Taking place in 1920s British colonial India, the story centers on two men (loosely based on real life rebels), one a tribal warrior and the other an Indian policeman working for the British forces, who become friends, then enemies, and then eventually friends again and team up as Indian revolutionaries against the British Empire in action sequences that are just bonkers. And to top it all off, there are the exuberant Indians vs. Brits dance-off scene and the joyful credits dance number celebrating Indian freedom fighters (check out the extra links below). Don't miss it. Trailer: https://youtu.be/NgBoMJy386M

Naatu Naatu Dance Sequence: https://youtu.be/OsU0CGZoV8E

Solay Credits Sequence: https://youtu.be/2cyzCReoNgU

The Woman King

Based on the true story of a fierce all-woman warrior unit in the West African kingdom of Dahomey in the 19th century, Viola Davis’s powerful performance and Gina Prince-Bythewood’s confident directing elevates this to a full-blown epic with warmth and inspiration. Trailer: https://youtu.be/3RDaPV_rJ1Y

Nope, Not Your Typical Horror Films

Nope

Yup. Jordan Peele has done it again, this time with a UFO pic that raises questions about our society’s fascination with spectacle, as well as obsession in the pursuit of the perfect shot. With stunning visuals (much of the film was shot on IMAX to create a totally immersive feel) and tingly suspense, Peele has created a film whose meaning you can debate all day—Erasure of Black and marginalized people from history? Dangers of taming nature or exploiting trauma for profit? But at the end of the day, Peele has created yet another impressive and indelible piece of work. Trailer: https://youtu.be/In8fuzj3gck

Bones and All

A film about cannibalism? Yup. I was intrigued with where the appeal in this would be. But seen as a metaphor for queerness and addiction, Luca Guadagnino has actually created a tasteful (pun intended) and surprisingly tender romantic cannibal road pic—a flesh-eating Bonnie and Clyde-like trek across Reagan-era middle America. Guadagnino superbly depicts outcasts living on the edge of society, searching for identity and place. Not for the faint of heart, as it does not shy from the gruesomeness of their addiction. Strong performances from Taylor Russell, Timothée Chalamet, and Mark Rylance with memorable cameos by Chloë Sevigny and an almost unrecognizable Michael Stuhlbarg. Trailer: https://youtu.be/0Nu7Z9AxGNg

More Global Cinema

Decision To Leave

An engrossing, enigmatic slow-burn noir detective mystery with heavy dose of seductive romance and obsessive longing and tinges of Hitchcock’s Vertigo. Winner of the 2022 Cannes Best Director award, Park Chan-wook steps aside from the violence and sex of his earlier films and masterfully pulls you into this intricate web of intrigue, and just when you think you've figured out the tricky complications between the obsessive married insomniac detective and the wife of an apparent suicide victim he’s investigating, Park takes you in a different direction and ultimately to its devastating end. Trailer: https://youtu.be/9aMHyTqvIvU

All Quiet on the Western Front

An impressive and truly stunning German adaptation of the famous German novel about the horrors of war as idealistic and naive boys get swept up in nationalistic fervor only to find the stark realities of being on the front lines of the Great War. A memorable performance by Felix Kammerer in his screen debut as lead character Paul Bäumer, as he experiences the unending hells of war in intimate and personal ways. WWI’s trench warfare with flamethrowers, hand-to-hand combat, and surging tanks is terrifyingly and vividly experienced by Bäumer and indelibly depicted. This epic rivals Sam Mendes's 1917 in its beautifully shot, immersive portrayal of the bleak and brutal wretchedness of pointless war and perhaps the best war film since Saving Private Ryan. Trailer: https://youtu.be/hf8EYbVxtCY

Bullet Train

Ok, this is not an international film, but it does takes place on a Japanese bullet train. High-octane, fun thrill ride of a comedic crime film with code-named hired guns like Ladybug, Tangerine, and Lemon, each with quirky traits, all crossing paths on a Shinkansen in pursuit of a silver briefcase. The smart-alecky, joyful, and fun cast is led by Brad Pitt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Bad Bunny, and Sandra Bullock. Enjoy the ride. Trailer: https://youtu.be/0IOsk2Vlc4o

AND OTHER ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCES

Top Gun: Maverick, The Fabelmans, Cha Cha Real Smooth; Good Luck to You, Leo Grande; The Batman, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Exiles, Downfall: the Case Against Boeing, Wildcat, My Policeman, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (Nicolas Cage playing himself), Navalny, Turning Red, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio

IN THE QUEUE

Empire of Light, Women Talking, Till, The Whale, Avatar: The Way of Water. Bardo, She Said, Emancipation

FAVORITE STREAMING EXPERIENCES

Heartstopper—LOVE LOVE LOVE this sweet, charming, and adorable story of first love between two British school boys based on the bestselling YA graphic novels. For those who need a total antidote to Euphoria, this is it. Trailer: https://youtu.be/FrK4xPy4ahg

Young Royals—Take Heartstopper, add a large dose of The Crown, and plunk it down in an elite Swedish boarding school and you get this gripping drama involving a teen prince and his love interest from the other side of the tracks. Teen drama that feels real and natural. Trailer: https://youtu.be/rHmw87EpGIM

The Bear—Superbly intense and stress-inducing drama that I couldn’t stop watching, revolving around a young fine dining chef (Jeremy Allen White) who returns home to run his late brother’s Chicago hot beef sandwich eatery and oversee its colorful cast of employees that comprise a dysfunctional “family.” And if, like me, you’ve worked in a restaurant, The Bear is fully capable of giving you PTSD, especially the one-take episode 7. Trailer: https://youtu.be/y-cqqAJIXhs

The White Lotus—Season 2 in Sicily surpasses the first and brings back Jennifer Coolidge!! Trailer: https://youtu.be/Baflc_0XVfY

1899—From the folks who brought you Dark—this time trippy things happen on a cruise ship at the end of the 19th century.  Trailer: https://youtu.be/ulOOON_KYHs

Slow Horses—If you like Gary Oldman, you’ll love this spy drama where he runs an outfit of MI5 castoffs. Trailer: https://youtu.be/O9ZJChzPn0U

The Old Man—Another spy vs. spy drama, this time it’s in America with the CIA, pitting Jeff Bridges vs. John Lithgow. Trailer: https://youtu.be/xDu1Q9r6HDo

The Righteous Gemstones—I’m not sure how I missed this when it first came out, but this hysterical series is the mega-church version of Succession led by patriarch Eli Gemstone played by John Goodman and two sons played by Danny McBride and Adam Devine. It’s an absurd hoot. Trailer: https://youtu.be/t383UpoLV5k

Abbott Elementary—Top notch mockumentary style workplace sitcom that gets teachers and schools with a great cast. Trailer: https://youtu.be/cO-_7oi-61Y

Euphoria—Not for faint of heart. I thought season one was fine, but season two went to a whole different level. Zendaya is amazing. Some of the most realistic and gritty portrayal of addiction and its ripple effects. Trailer: https://youtu.be/0BG3c1ika48

House of the Dragon—For the GOT crowd. Love the dragons! Trailer: https://youtu.be/DotnJ7tTA34

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In Touch, November 2

You can buy a copy of this issue for your very own at my eBay store: https://www.ebay.com/str/bradentonbooks

Cover: Scott Peterson goes free -- Laci Peterson’s family nightmare 

Page 1: Contents 

Page 2: Style News -- hot new collab between The Vampire’s Wife X H&M -- the celeb-fave teams up with the affordable retailer for a killer gothic-glam collection 

Page 4: The Bachelorette goes bonkers -- meet Tayshia Adams’ men 

Page 6: Crib of the Week -- The Silence of the Lamb house in Perryopolis, Pennsylvania for $298,500, Number of the Week -- 5 days of fittings actress Emma Corrin had to recreate Princess Diana’s wedding gown for The Crown, Winners of the Week -- Dexter fans as Michael C. Hall is returning for a limited-series reboot of the popular Showtime drama which ran from 2006 to 2013, Loser of the Week -- The Ellen DeGeneres Show as ratings for the talk show’s Season 18 premiere week drop 38 percent 

Page 8: Up Close -- Tom Cruise does one of his own stunts on the set of Mission: Impossible 7 in Rome, then gives fans the heart 

Page 9: Cardi B in Sin City celebrating her 28th birthday, Kate Middleton inspects cells during a visit to the Institute of Reproductive and Development Biology in London 

Page 10: Kaitlyn Bristowe busts out a break-dancing move at the end of her tango with Artem Chigvintsev on Dancing With the Stars ‘80s night 

Page 12: Justin Bieber sitting out by the pool with his dog showing off the new pair of Crocs he designed for the company, Naomi Watts keeps her facial covering on as hair and makeup work their magic on set in Canada, Gwyneth Paltrow is unrecognizable as she treats herself to a spa day in NYC 

Page 14: Reese Witherspoon voted, Liam Hemsworth pretending to teach his fitness expert pal Ross Edgley how to train, Kelly Osbourne showing off her 85-pound weight loss 

Page 15: Anne Hathaway makes a terrifying transportation in the trailer for The Witches, Kim Kardashian and old pal Paris Hilton in matching SKIMS velour tracksuits 

Page 16: Billboard Music Awards -- host Kelly Clarkson, John Legend dedicated his emotional performance to his wife Chrissy Teigen, Brandy, Sheila E. accompanied Kelly Clarkson onstage 

Page 17: Lizzo, Sia, Billie Eilish 

Page 18: Play Date -- Kanye West with daughter North and son Saint and nephew Reign on a weekend getaway to Colorado 

Page 19: Sofia Richie and Nicole Richie and her daughter Harlow, Selma Blair and son Arthur 

Page 20: Lily Collins has chosen Paris for her upcoming wedding to Charlie McDowell because she fell in love with the city while filming there and Charlie loves the idea of a destination wedding 

Page 21: Don’t expect to see Prince Harry playing much polo on this side of the pond because in Montecito where he and wife Meghan Markle now live there are a group of rich polo girls who go after men even if they’re married and Harry is considered to be the ultimate catch but Meghan has done her research and knows who to watch so they aren’t going to get near Harry, R. Kelly was recently assaulted at Chicago’s Metropolitan Correctional Center and now there’s a video of the moments leading up to the violent attack and according to court documents claim guards didn’t intervene at first to help Kelly as fellow inmate Jeremiah Farmer punched the singer

Page 22: Cover Story -- Scott Peterson getting away with murder -- the convicted murderer is a step closer to going free thanks to the actions of a juror who reached out to him in prison 

Page 26: Kylie Jenner vs. Kendall Jenner -- sisters at war -- an epic fight on KUWTK reveals deeper issues between Kylie and Kendall -- Kylie and Kendall grew up so close but they’ve let too much come between them now 

Page 28: John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John’s unbreakable bond -- how Olivia is helping John heal in the wake of his wife’s tragic death 

Page 30: Dominic West’s twisted marriage -- The Affair star Dominic gets cozy with actress Lily James but he and his wife Catherine FitzGerald insist their relationship is strong 

Page 32: Drew Barrymore’s amazing weight loss journey -- how Drew dropped 20 pounds to get in the best shape of her life

Page 36: The Big Interview -- Ross Mathews -- red carpets are boring now -- the outspoken star misses Hollywood’s more glamorous days 

Page 38: Shop Now -- Halloween Spirit -- Fright This Way! 

Page 40: Entertainment 

Page 42: Animal Overload -- my bunny looks like Don King 

Page 46: Horoscope -- Scorpio Gabrielle Union turned 48 on October 29 

Page 48: Last Laughs 

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When the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Neil Simon died on August 27 he left behind a rich legacy of laughter. Arguably the most successful playwright in American history, Simon was nominated for 17 Tony Awards, he won three: for author of “The Odd Couple,” and twice for best play, for “Biloxi Blues” and “Lost in Yonkers.” More impressively, Simon ruled comedy on the Broadway stage for decades.

Simon’s move to the movies proved his work transcended mediums as well with 3 Best Screenplay Academy Award nominations to his credit for Material from (his own) Previous Source, and 1 Best Writing Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen for The Goodbye Girl (1977). He won the Pulitzer for “Lost in Yonkers” in 1991 and was bestowed many more honors throughout his storied career. Oddly, none of that came to mind when I heard the news of Simon’s death. Not the recognition, not the over 9,000 Broadway performances of his work, and not the many movies he’s penned that I am fond of. What came to mind first was how my beloved New York City died a little with him.

Neil Simon

Yes, the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Neil Simon is New York. The city has been a major player in numerous movies I never tire of. Just think of The Odd Couple, Barefoot in the Park, Brighton Beach Memoirs, The Goodbye Girl, The Out of Towners, or The Prisoner of Second Avenue. Without the flavors, the sounds, and the smells of New York they wouldn’t be as good. New York is in every line of dialogue, in every accent, and in every move of the characters. Simon, a Bronx native, wrote about what he knew and what he knew was urban family drama. He had a heightened awareness of what is funny in people even at their worst. Perhaps the best example of that is “The Prisoner of Second Avenue,” Simon’s eighth long-running play, which ran for 798 performances from 1971 to 1973.

Peter Falk and Lee Grant in the original Broadway production of Neil Simon’s The Prisoner of Second Avenue

The Prisoner of Second Avenue Playbill, 1971

The Broadway production of “The Prisoner of Second Avenue” was directed by Mike Nichols, who was a frequent Neil Simon collaborator. Nichols won four Tonys for directing Simon material – “Barefoot in the Park” in 1964, “The Odd Couple” in 1965, “Plaza Suite” in 1968, and “Prisoner” in 1972. Although most of Simon’s work is autobiographical, “The Prisoner of Second Avenue” is an exception as it is based on his first wife’s uncle who went bankrupt and had a nervous breakdown in his forties.

Mike Nichols and Neil Simon after a show rehearsal in March 1968, in New York City.

I didn’t get to see “The Prisoner of Second Avenue” on Broadway, but would have loved to. The play starred Peter Falk as Mel Edison, Lee Grant as Edna Edison, and Vincent Gardenia, who won the play’s second Tony Award, as Mel’s brother Harry. The production was also nominated for Best Play, but lost to “Sticks and Bones.”

Neil Simon wrote the screenplay to the movie version of The Prisoner of Second Avenue, directed by Mel Frank and released in 1975. Now this I’m familiar with, which is why I chose it as my back-up for The Neil Simon Blogathon. I couldn’t get my hands on my first choice, Robert Moore’s Chapter Two (1979), which is overlooked and one of his favorites. Nonetheless, I’m happy to offer my thoughts on The Prisoner of Second Avenue, perhaps Simon’s darkest comedy.

Prisoner carries a punch thanks to Mel Frank’s terrific direction, memorable performances by the film’s two leads, and Simon’s sharp dialogue. Neil Simon commented on the story’s theme saying, “I don’t think audiences expect or want me to write serious plays. Maybe I was a little more successful with ‘Prisoner’. It’s a serious play that’s very funny.” Yeah, it is. And it translates wonderfully to the screen showing a brutal New York both by happenstance and in actuality. There’s a reason why the films of the 1970s took an upswing on violence. The City was a violent place in the 1970s and although Neil Simon got a lot of slack for portraying it in such a manner – even being accused of hating New York due to Prisoner – he depicted what he saw. Simon said of this to the New York Daily News: “Who hates it? I love it. I’m writing about big city life. The problems in ‘Prisoner’ are not exclusive to New York. People are robbed everywhere. There are major strikes in London, Paris, every major city. I only single out New York because I happen to live there.”

In another interview Simon speaks of remembering a time when he got in taxi cabs and had long discussions with the drivers about baseball. Suddenly as of the early 1970s a wall was put up to protect the drivers from being robbed and the passenger couldn’t get out of the car until the driver opened the door remotely. He depicts this in a scene at the beginning of Prisoner of Second Avenue after the protagonist, Mel Edison, chases a bus in sweltering heat. This is not a pretty picture, but we’re in for an affecting, uproariously funny adventure.

Anyone who has lived in a city like New York has to know all about what happens to Mel and Edna Edison. Their story is quite simple, but fraught with problems. The married couple lives in one of them tenement buildings, as Marjorie Main’s character in Meet Me in St. Louis would say, and encounter any number of tribulations one after another until poor Mel suffers a nervous breakdown. As the movie opens the City is in its eighth consecutive day of a heat wave as its inhabitants scurry through the bustling streets. Mel Edison steps out of his building and misses his bus. It’s the first sign that this is not going to be a good day for Mel. What we don’t know is that missing his bus is the least of his problems because in the coming days he will be nagged by the noisy airline stewardesses that live next door, by barking dogs, a continuously flushing toilet, rude neighbors, and a smell of garbage so potent it reaches the Edison’s 14th floor apartment. In addition, Mel is fired from his job of 22 years and is robbed of all his belongings including his liquor! I mean, the poor guy can’t catch a break. Mel’s saving grace is his wife, Edna, who gives as good as she can take. They are perfectly suited in character as are the two actors are playing against each other. They are the ultra-talented Jack Lemmon and Anne Bancroft.

Anne Bancroft and Jack Lemmon as Edna and Mel Edison

The Prisoner of Second Avenue is the third of four appearances by Jack Lemmon in a film written by Neil Simon. The others are The Odd Couple (1968), The Out of Towners (1970) and The Odd Couple II (1998). You probably know I can go on and on about Jack Lemmon’s talent and his performance in The Prisoner of Second Avenue because I already have in previous posts so I’ll try to keep this short.

In Prisoner Jack plays one of his “everyman” characters, the kind of man he is most associated with. His performance in this is astounding. One of his best, in my opinion, and that’s something considering he could do no wrong in my eyes. As is often the case, I am blown away when Jack says absolutely nothing, when he adds his signature poignancy to the broad comedy that makes him one of the all-time best. Despite quip after quip, the funny repartee, and the incredible circumstances presented this character, the truth is that Mel is deeply disillusioned, he is at the end of his rope and there’s nothing funny about that. No one could have given such a role in such a film the depth given it by Jack Lemmon. He breaks my heart – in another comedy. That’s Jack’s gift. Neil Simon described Jack’s talent saying, “there are terrific actors today that are good at what they do, but no one could open up like Jack Lemmon, no one could surprise you like Jack Lemmon.” He does so in Prisoner time and time again.

Anne Bancroft matches Lemmon word for word and feeling for feeling in this terrific movie. Her delivery is essential Simon epitomizing exactly what draws me to his material. She is funny, she is truthful, she is broad, and she too gives you the feels when the time calls for it. Prisoner is the first of two Neil Simon written films starring Bancroft. The second is Paul Bogart’s Broadway Bound (1992).

Gene Saks, who directed the Simon-penned The Odd Couple (1968), Brighton Beach Memoirs (1986), Barefoot in the Park (1967), and Last of the Red Hot Lovers (1972) plays Mel’s brother Harry in The Prisoner of Second Avenue and does a fine job of it. Elizabeth Wilson plays Mel’s sister Pauline and Florence Stanley reprises her role as Pearl from the play. You can also see Oscar-winner F. Murray Abraham as the taxi driver in the beginning of the movie and Sylvester Stallone appears as a guy who Mel thinks pickpockets him.

As much as I admire The Prisoner of Second Avenue it’s story is not unique Simon fare. Not only does Jack Lemmon also star in The Out of Towners, but that 1970 movie has many thematic similarities with Prisoner such as the exasperation of having every conceivable thing that can go wrong go wrong to a couple. Neil Simon also wrote a play that’s a very funny take on the biblical story of Job, titled “God’s Favorite” that was produced for the stage in 1974. This one wasn’t made into a film, but I’m familiar with it because it’s included in one of his anthologies. “God’s Favorite” also centers on a family except this time they live in a Long Island mansion. The patriarch of the family is a pious man named Joe Benjamin who is pushed to the limit by one of God’s messengers when he does not succumb to temptation. Everything imaginable is thrown Joe’s way as he is tested over and over again. It’s an enjoyable piece and worth a read.

As I was watching The Prisoner of Second Avenue today I reminisced about how long I’ve been a Neil Simon fan. No doubt I didn’t get the nuances in this work when I was a much younger person, when I first became aware of his talent through movies, but the laughter was just as heartfelt. This many years later, this many more laughs enjoyed, I can say with certainty that Neil Simon is the person I would most have liked to write like. I feel deeply connected to his words despite the fact that none of the families he wrote about are like mine. In fact, had I not been exposed to Neil Simon plays for the entirety of my life I would not be the person that I am nor would New York City be the same in my mind. Both are better because of him.

Thanks, Doc.

◊

Be sure to visit Caftan Woman and Wide Screen World to read much more on the work of this memorable talent in The Neil Simon Blogathon.

Neil Simon (July 4, 1927 – August 26, 2018)

Neil Simon’s THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE When the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Neil Simon died on August 27 he left behind a rich legacy of laughter.

[aion-rsa]

The Tourist: Jamie Dornan’s Best Screen Roles

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

In most cases, an actor being cast as a character without a name doesn’t signal great things for the career. Nobody’s queuing up for an autograph from ‘woman in lift’ or ‘angry hot dog customer 2’. Jamie Dornan’s lead role in BBC crime thriller The Tourist bucks that trend. In the six-part series, Dornan plays “The Man”, a nameless (at least to begin with) Irishman who loses his memory when his car is forced off the road in the Australian desert. With barely a clue to go on, he has to find out who he is, what’s he doing there, and most importantly, why somebody’s trying to kill him.

Dornan is great in The Tourist – intense, funny, unpredictable and convincing at every stage of his character’s gradual discovery. It’s comfortably among his best performances so far, and one of the better received projects Dornan’s starred in (it’s fair to say that the Fifty Shades film trilogy, the 2018 Robin Hood and last year’s Emily Blunt-starring Irish romance Wild Mountain Thyme were not critical darlings). The Tourist fans looking for more Dornan need look no further. Here’s a selection of his best on-screen roles so far.

The Fall (2013 – 2016)

This Belfast-set BBC thriller, currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer and Netflix, made Dornan’s name before he brought Fifty Shades’ Christian Grey to the screen in 2015. In the Allan Cubitt crime drama, Dornan plays Paul Spector, a serial killer of women who leads a double life as a family man and bereavement counsellor. Dornan stars alongside Gillian Anderson, who plays Supt. Stella Gibson, the detective tasked with hunting Spector down. He’s intense, she’s relentless, and their cat-and-mouse dynamic kept audiences rapt for three series. There are apparently plans for more from Gibson’s character in a possible future return to the drama, though without Dornan.

The Siege of Jadotville (2016)

This multiple Irish Film and Television Award-winner dramatises the true story of the Irish Army unit posted to the Congo in 1961 as part of a UN peacekeeping mission. Mercenaries and Katangese soldiers laid siege to the unit, which resisted surrender until eventually being taken and held prisoner, before being freed in a prisoner exchange. The war drama‘s mission was to right the wrong done to the unit’s reputation by a military cover-up about the truth of the siege. Dornan won acclaim for the role of Commandant Pat Quinlan, unit leader, and the film’s action scenes were roundly praised. The Siege of Jadotville is available now to stream on Netflix.

Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar (2021)

Serial killer, army commandant, S&M billionaire… we could be forgiven for thinking that Dornan’s roles tended towards the humourless, but here comes Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar to prove us wrong. Written by and starring Bridesmaids‘ Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, the bonkers comedy tells the story of two Nebraska women who get tangled up in a super-villain revenge plot while on a resort holiday in Florida. Dornan plays Edgar, love interest to Star (Wiig) and henchman to the villainous Sharon Fisherman (Wiig in a wig). It’s daft, absurd fun and features Dornan pouring his heart out to various seagulls in this instant classic pop ballad. It’s available to stream on Hulu in the US and Disney Plus in the UK.

Death and Nightingales (2018)

Back to serious Dornan. This three-part BBC drama currently available to buy on Amazon Prime Video was adapted by The Fall‘s Allan Cubitt from the acclaimed 1992 Irish novel by Eugene McCabe. Set in Ireland in the 1880s, it’s the story of Beth Winters (played by The Nevers‘ Ann Skelly), step-daughter of a staunch Protestant, and pregnant by Catholic rebel Liam Ward. It’s a dark period drama that explores religious division in Irish history, with strong performances from Skelly, Dornan and co-star Matthew Rhys.

Once Upon a Time (2011 – 2013)

ABC fantasy Once Upon a Time offers some escapist fun for Dornan fans, if not for his character whose storyline saw him under the control of evil queen Regina. Season one cast the actor as modern-day sheriff Graham Humbert, whose fairy tale counterpart was Snow White’s Huntsman – a brutal recluse raised by wolves who fell under Regina’s spell. Think romance, fight-scenes, forest backdrops and ultimately, tragedy. The long-running series is available to stream on Hulu in the US and Disney Plus UK.

Belfast (2021)

Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographical comedy-drama stages the director’s childhood memories of 1960s Belfast, amid a backdrop of first love, community mistrust and religious division. Jamie Dornan stars opposite Outlander‘s Catriona Balfe as the Irish protestant parents of young Buddy, played by newcomer Jude Hill. The film came out in cinemas in November 2021, and has already been nominated for and won several awards, as well as being talked about as a potential Oscar nominee. See Dornan use those pipes in this clip of his character serenading his girl with pop hit ‘Everlasting Love’.

See also: A Private War (2018) in which Dornan plays Liverpudlian war photographer Paul Conroy opposite Rosamund Pike as American journalist Marie Colvin, plus a short early role in Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film Marie Antoinette playing Count Axel von Fersen, the young Swedish lover of Kirsten Dunst’s French queen.

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The Tourist is available now to stream in full on BBC iPlayer.

The post The Tourist: Jamie Dornan’s Best Screen Roles appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[socialattractionuk]

The perfect first date idea for every star sign

Where shall we go? (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)

First impressions are important.

That means that when you’re romancing someone new, the first date has got to be brilliant – fun, romantic, and memorable for all the right reasons.

That can be tricky to nail.

Need some help? Try looking to the stars.

Each person’s star sign can reveal exactly the kind of date that will make them smile.

So before you book that restaurant, find out your match’s birthday, then read on to plan the perfect date.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Aries has a pathological competitive streak three miles wide. The route to happy (peaceful) dates with an Aries is to find a ‘common enemy’, something you join forces to overcome/survive.

For instance: escape rooms, treasure hunts, zombie death mazes, paintball etc.

Basically, sanctioned warfare where you are on their side (never, repeat never, go up against them, because that date will not go so well…).

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Taureans all have one thing in common: a love of good food and drink. So, keep it simple and make the date a food-based one, and they’ll be happy as Larry.

Perhaps you make it more memorable by adding a twist of your own. Maybe it’s dinner on a river cruise boat, a picnic at a haunted spot, a surprise destination based on their favourite cuisine, a cooking workshop, or a food treasure hunt.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Think like a ten-year-old. Geminis need variety, spice and adventure (they get bored in a nanosecond). They need to be mentally stimulated at all times.

Think: circuses, novelty pop up events, theme parks, seaside jaunts, quiz nights, water parks, cinema triple bills etc. Keep this star sign on their toes and they’ll keep on coming back for more.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancerians are fans of PDA (Picture: Getty Images)

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Cancerians love PDAs, oysters and champagne, melt-type behaviour and flattery, so whatever your version of romance is, dial it up and add some more.

Moonlight and water turn them on, as they’re ruled by the moon and they adore the ocean, being a Water element sign. If you live near the sea, a river, lake, canal, spa, pool bar… go. At night.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Leos love drama, noise and showbusiness, so tickets to a hot event in town will turn their heads. Without fail.

They love to show off about where they’ve been and who they’ve seen, so you’re also giving them a good reason to tell their friends about you.

Karaoke can work. They love watching others perform, and, after a few, may even surprise you with a turn of their own (whatever happens, give them a round of applause).

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Virgos needs to mentally prepare for everything they do. So, whatever you’re doing, give them advance warning, and explain the practical details (start/finish time, location, any necessary items required).

Their Earth sign nature makes them keen on the great outdoors – hiking, climbing, exploring – albeit in a low-key way. Nothing white-knuckle or extreme, let them relax.

Throw in drinks or food afterwards, which they’ll then feel like they’ve earned Virgos often play little denial / earn / reward games with themselves.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Virgos love spending time outdoors (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Librans appreciate the finer things in life. They’re ruled by Venus, so pleasure and beauty are their fave things.

Shows, exhibitions, performance art, museums, visiting great architecture, ambling in beautiful landscapes can all capture their interest and show you’ve put some consideration into this (which is what they’ll value the most).

At a pinch, a really nice meal will suffice.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Scorpios all have a dark streak, a liking for the occult and unusual, and peering analytically at behaviour that others find shocking, morbid or disgusting. Surprise them by going someplace horrific (they think their tastes are ‘secret’, so they’ll be impressed you ‘get’ them so soon).

Maybe a scary escape room with real-life actors, a horror-themed walk, Crown Court gallery, live autopsy, séance, ghost hunt, etc. Take a walk on the wild side with them.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Sagittarians typically adore animals (especially horses and dogs), so a wander in a zoo, shelter, reserve or park will give them plenty to pet and fuss.

If you can wrangle a behind-the-scenes feeding/grooming session for them (for the animals that is, not specifically the Sagittarius), then all the better.

If you’re not an animal lover then think twice about dating this sign – it could be a deal breaker.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Food tends to be a winner for most star signs… (Picture: Getty Images)

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

Capricorns are snobby and appreciate the rare, the expensive, the high end. It reflects their ambitious personality and hardwired need to be successful. Quality and status turn their head.

Find tickets to something sought-after, reservations somewhere new, access (however fleeting) to anything the rich and famous get to go to.

They love to see how the other half live, because that’s really where they’re heading, too.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

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Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Aquarians have mega brains and need to be mentally stimulated, otherwise any physical attraction they initially feel could wither away. Treat them like a very desirable nerd and you’ll get the best of their quicksilver nature and humour.

Possible ideas? A day at a planetarium or space centre (they love space). Lectures and talks. Quizzes. Treasure hunts. A night in a museum. Think of it like a sexy school trip.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Pisceans are imaginative, spiritual and whimsical creatures. They adore all things magical and mystical – psychic readings, seances, ghost hunts, spell casting, pagan festivals etc.

What will really truly count, though, is that you show them you’ve thought about it.

They crave intensity and a genuine connection, so aiming to please them will set the scene for a great time, whatever you do.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Kerry King, the tarot queen, uses tarot and star sign wisdom to create inspiring forecasts and insights, with over 25 years fortune telling experience, and many happy clients all over the world. You can book a personal, written reading, which comes as a beautifully illustrated brochure, through Etsy or join her new Tarot Club and get weekly forecasts and more for £5 a month.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

MORE : This is each star sign’s biggest physical turn-on

MORE : This is how your star sign shapes your personal aesthetic

MORE : Your star sign's biggest strength... and weakness

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Tell us about your Rush Hour Crush by submitting them here, and you could see your message published on the site.

[doomonfilm]

Awards : 78th Golden Globes Nominees (2021)

2020 was certainly a strange year for awards shows, but luckily, the 77th Annual Golden Globes ceremony was able to conduct business as usual based on their scheduling so early in the year.  With the shadow of COVID-19 extending into 2021, the ceremony has been delayed until late February, and a location has been named (The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills), but I will be curious to see if any adaptation will be made base on social distancing regulations.  After five years of hosting duties being handled by Ricky Gervais, the dynamic duo of Amy Poehler and Tina Fey have been brought back into the fold, marking their fourth assignment at the job.

The impact of streaming services has been a gradual one when it comes to the award show circuit, but due to the circumstances of 2020, many of the streaming services kicked the doors down in terms of garnering nominations.  The presence of Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and even Shudder can be felt in nearly every film-related category, with many categories finding the services placed in direct opposition against one another.  Seeing Mank in so many categories is no surprise as well, and while the film does stand to have a successful night, the competition is definitely stiff.  A lot of my predictions manifested, specifically the numerous Mank nominations, the Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davis nominations and the presence of Soul in several categories, but I am a bit sad to see that Evan Rachel Wood did not garner a nomination for Kajillionaire. 

As per usual, there are a lot of holes present in regards to films I’ve seen versus films nominated, but I will still go down the list and provide thoughts where I feel they are valid.  I will make an attempt to catch up on some of the missing films as well, so be on the lookout for reviews and blog entries about some of the films nominated.

NOMINATIONS

Best Motion Picture – Drama The Father (Sony Pictures Classics) Mank (Netflix) Nomadland (Searchlight Pictures) Promising Young Woman (Focus Features) The Trial of the Chicago 7 (Netflix) Thoughts : This feels like Mank’s award to lose.  I’ve heard great things about Nomadland as well as Promising Young Woman, but Hollywood likes to award films about Hollywood (as well as posthumous redemption stories), and Gary Oldman is a beast in the lead role (as per usual), so if I was a betting man, I’m betting the farm on Mank. 

Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (Amazon Studios) Hamilton (Walt Disney Pictures) Palm Springs (Neon) Music (Vertical Entertainment) The Prom (Netflix) Thoughts : This one feels like Hamilton’s award hands down, but seeing as Borat is the only other film I’ve seen in this category, I’m a bit ill-informed.  Seeing multiple nominations for Palm Springs does have me intrigued, and I will have to get around to seeing that one, but I don’t know if it has the firepower to stand up to Hamilton. 

Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language Another Round (Samuel Goldwyn Films) La Llorona (Shudder) The Life Ahead (Netflix) Minari (A24) Two of Us (Magnolia Pictures) Thoughts : I do not have a dog in this fight, but after seeing Mista GG eviscerate most every version of the La Llorona film except for the one up for nomination, I’m going to cheer that one on (go Shudder!).

Best Motion Picture – Animated The Croods: A New Age (Universal Pictures) Onward (Walt Disney Pictures) Over the Moon (Netflix) Soul (Walt Disney Pictures) Wolfwalkers (Cartoon Saloon) Thoughts : Soul, plain and simple.  This one is easy.  I have heard good things about Wolfwalkers, and since Over the Moon is on Netflix I may give it a peep, but if Soul doesn’t win this award I will be wholly surprised.

Best Director – Motion Picture Emerald Fennell, Promising Young Woman (Focus Features) David Fincher, Mank (Netflix) Regina King, One Night in Miami (Amazon Studios) Aaron Sorkin, The Trial of the Chicago 7 (Netflix) Chloé Zhao, Nomadland (Searchlight Pictures) Thoughts : I’d like to see Regina King win for One Night in Miami, but it’s going to be hard to beat David Fincher for Mank. 

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm) Kate Hudson (Music) Michelle Pfeiffer (French Exit) Rosamund Pike (I Care a Lot) Anya Taylor-Joy (Emma) Thoughts : Possibly the most surprising nomination in this category for me is the one actress I got to see nominated, and that would be Maria Bakalova from Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.  Emma is on my too-see list, so we will see if Anya Taylor-Joy can potentially have multiple projects that garner her wins.  I was REALLY hoping to see Evan Rachel Wood in this category, but I’ve been wrong before, so I’ll get over it.

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm) James Corden (The Prom) Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) Dev Patel (The Personal History of David Copperfield) Andy Samberg (Palm Springs) Thoughts : Andy Samberg and James Corden get to split my surprise award for this category, with Sacha Baron Cohen hot on their tail.  In all honesty, this is another category I have no vested interest in.

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama Viola Davis (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) Andra Day (The United States vs. Billie Holiday) Vanessa Kirby (Pieces of a Woman) Frances McDormand (Nomadland) Carey Mulligan (Promising Young Woman) Thoughts : On the page, this looks like the toughest category to call.  If I was betting, my bet would be on either Frances McDormand or Carey Mulligan, if not split between the two of them.  Viola Davis gave a powerful performance in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and it’s nice to see the uber-talented Andra Day get nominated for her portrayal of Billie Holiday, but the Hollywood hype machine seems to be in the favor of either McDormand or Mulligan walking away with this one.

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal) Chadwick Boseman (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) Anthony Hopkins (The Father) Gary Oldman (Mank) Tahar Rahim (The Mauritanian) Thoughts : It would be very easy to say that Gary Oldman is the favorite in this category, but the buzz behind Sound of Metal may enhance Riz Ahmed’s chances at victory.  At the risk of sounding sentimental, I’d personally like to see Chadwick Boseman win this award, but I also fear that the entire posthumous nature of this nomination may work against him rather than in his favor.

Best Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture Glenn Close (Hillbilly Elegy) Olivia Colman (The Father) Jodie Foster (The Mauritanian) Amanda Seyfried (Mank) Helena Zengel (News of the World) Thoughts : The only one of these performances I’ve seen (unfortunately) is Amanda Seyfried’s, which was impressive, but with names like Glenn Close, Olivia Colman (fresh off of a recent Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Motion Picture win) and Jodie Foster in the hunt, this will be another tough competition.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture Sacha Baron Cohen (The Trial of the Chicago 7) Daniel Kaluuya (Judas and the Black Messiah) Jared Leto (The Little Things) Bill Murray (On the Rocks) Leslie Odom, Jr. (One Night in Miami) Thoughts : The buzz behind Judas and the Black Messiah has me wondering if this is Daniel Kaluuya’s category to lose, but this is another category where the competition is incredibly fierce.  Sacha Baron Cohen was strong in his portrayal of Abbie Hoffman, Leslie Odom, Jr. gave us a new look at Sam Cooke, and Jared Leto was palatable in his subtle unhinged performance for The Little Things.  I did not see Bill Murray’s performance, but his clout alone always makes him a contender.

Best Screenplay – Motion Picture Promising Young Woman (Focus Features) Mank (Netflix) The Trial of the Chicago 7 (Netflix) The Father (Sony Pictures Classics) Nomadland (Searchlight Pictures) Thoughts : It would be ironic if Mank did not win this category, as the film focuses on a screenwriter, but stranger things have happened. 

Best Original Score – Motion Picture The Midnight Sky (Netflix) – Alexandre Desplat Tenet (Warner Bros.) – Ludwig Göransson News of the World (Universal Pictures) – James Newton Howard Mank (Netflix) – Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross Soul (Pixar) – Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Jon Batiste Thoughts : It’s got to be a win for Trent Reznor and Atticus Rose in this round.  Be in their period-specific and ear-fooling Mank score, or their incredibly jazzy and heartfelt offering for Soul, these two are a formidable duo who will likely dominate this category for years to come.

Best Original Song – Motion Picture Fight for You from Judas and the Black Messiah (Warner Bros.) – H.E.R., Dernst Emile II, Tiara Thomas Hear My Voice from The Trial of the Chicago 7 (Netflix) – Daniel Pemberton, Celeste Io Si (Seen) from The Life Ahead (Netflix) – Diane Warren, Laura Pausini, Niccolò Agliardi Speak Now from One Night in Miami (Amazon Studios) – Leslie Odom Jr, Sam Ashworth Tigress & Tweed from The United States vs. Billie Holliday (Hulu) – Andra Day, Raphael Saadiq Thoughts : Unfortunately, I do not have enough knowledge of any of these songs to pick a winner... I may go Spotify them for a base guess, but I would more so like to hear them in the context of the films they are connected to.

Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Normal People (Hulu/BBC) The Queen’s Gambit (Netflix) Small Axe (Amazon Studios/BBC) The Undoing (HBO) Unorthodox (Netflix) Thoughts : Small Axe feels like the possible underdog winner in this category, especially with the recent race-related turmoil that has left a dark cloud over an already dark year.  That being said, with a handful of record-breaking achievements under its belt, my money is on The Queen’s Gambit winning here. 

Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Cate Blanchett (Mrs. America) Daisy Edgar-Jones (Normal People) Shira Haas (Unorthodox) Nicole Kidman (The Undoing) Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen’s Gambit) Thoughts : I believe that the power behind The Queen’s Gambit will carry Anya Taylor-Joy to victory in this category.  Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett are certainly stiff competition, but 2020 belonged to Anya Taylor-Joy, and I believe this will be reflected by the Golden Globes.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Bryan Cranston (Your Honor) Jeff Daniels (The Comey Rule) Hugh Grant (The Undoing) Ethan Hawke (The Good Lord Bird) Mark Ruffalo (I Know This Much Is True) Thoughts : Sadly, I missed everything nominated for this category, so as impressive as this list of names is, I am terribly ill-informed and cannot hazard an educated guess for who will win.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Gillian Anderson (The Crown) Helena Bonham Carter (The Crown) Julia Garner (Ozark) Annie Murphy (Schitt’s Creek) Cynthia Nixon (Ratched) Thoughts : While the names Gillian Anderson and Helena Bonham Carter immediately pop from this list, the dual nominations for The Crown may harm more than it helps.  Ratched also had a bit of early buzz behind it, but Schitt’s Creek has been a monumental fan favorite, so I think Annie Murphy may be walking away with this one.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television John Boyega (Small Axe) Brendan Gleeson (The Comey Rule) Dan Levy (Schitt’s Creek) Jim Parsons (Hollywood) Donald Sutherland (The Undoing) Thoughts : If Small Axe can’t garner a win as a series, then it may have a decent chance at getting John Boyega a victory for his performance.  I’m also realizing that I need to look into The Undoing before the Golden Globes takes place, as it has appeared several times on the list of nominations.

We’ll see you on February 28, 2021 for the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards on your local NBC affiliate! 

[mymitochondriaforpresident]

“And the winner, for Best Performance With A Hot Dog (Drama) is….”

Via Most.

[chicagoindiecritics]

New from Every Movie Has a Lesson by Don Shanahan: CHECKLIST: 21 films to watch for the 2021 Oscars

(Image: goldderby.com)

In what has become an annual Monday morning Oscar hangover, this website looks down the calendar and into the crystal ball to prognosticate which 2020 films could be contenders for the 93rd Academy Awards in 2021. Who could possible top the history that was Parasite? Many will try and they may very well come from this scouting report. Last year, 11 films from the 20-film list (and six others from the honorable mention section) ended up with Oscar nominations this past month, including wins for Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood, Judy, Ford v Ferrari, 1917, Rocketman, and Little Women.  No sooner than the sun rises and coffee pots turn on, the next Oscar season starts now!  Here’s your eighth year of advance scouting courtesy of Every Movie Has a Lesson. Release dates are listed if known.

1. West Side Story

Everything Steven Spielberg touches gets automatic attention.  He’s become very selective in his projects, so many were surprised he chose a musical, let alone a remake of a legendary classic.  Baby Driver’s Ansel Elgort and newcomer Rachel Zegler are your new Tony and Maria in front of all the usual Spielberg powerhouse collaborators (cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, editor Michael Kahn, screenwriter/playwright Tony Kushner).  Its Christmas release will prime it for peak Oscar attention. (December 18)

2. In the Heights

You heard this movie and its creator Lin-Manuel Miranda name-dropped last night. Its emerging star Anthony Ramos was given the mic time. They weren’t kidding about hearing it in the same place next year.  Between this and West Side Story, you may have a toe-tapping 93rd Academy Awards. Be ready for the performances and inescapable summer soundtrack from Miranda. (June 26)

3. Tenet

Christopher Nolan is also on the “everything he touches” list for Oscar attention. The John David Washington and Robert Pattinson thriller may be an ominous summer blockbuster instead of small-scale prestige, but that has not stopped Nolan films before. Expect technical attention given to cinematographer Hoyte van Hotema, production designer Nathan Crowley, and composer Ludwig Goransson.  (July 17)

4. Dune

Someone emerging to become equal in clout in the technical prowess department to Nolan is Denis Villeneuve.  His massive undertaking of Dune may be the film that surpasses Nolan for that elusive Oscar prize.  Hopping headfirst into the fantasy realms of Frank Hebert’s source is a cast of zillions including Rebecca Ferguson, Timothee Chalamat, Jason Momoa, Zendaya, Charlotte Rampling, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, Oscar Isaac, and Dave Bautista.  Someone get a bucket for the eyes popping out for this one come December. (December 18)

5. Mank

(Image: movieweb.com)

It’s been too long since we’ve had a David Fincher feature in theaters.  Gone Girl, The Social Network, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button amassed 22 Oscar nominations and 6 wins.  This behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Citizen Kane through the eyes of Oscar winner Gary Oldman’s screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz could be the Hollywood-celebrating-Hollywood epic that finally wins Fincher an overdue Oscar.  This may be #5 for list purposes, but this is my prohibitive most-anticipated awards season favorite for this coming year. (TBA)

6. The Trial of the Chicago 7

(Image: dailymail.co.uk)

Speaking of David Fincher, one of his former collaborators is screenwriter-turned-filmmaker Aaron Sorkin.  He’s following Molly’s Game flying solo with this legal drama about the charges leveled on a group of protestors from the 1968 Democratic Convention riots in Chicago.  Enjoy on-point rapid-fire dialogue and the big screen return of Joseph Gordon-Levitt next to Kelvin Harrison, Jr., Michael Keaton, Eddie Redmayne, Jeremy Strong, J.C. MacKenzie, Sasha Baron Cohen, and Frank Langella. (October 2)

7. The French Dispatch

Speaking of another filmmaker looking for that next big picture that wins the highest honors, Wes Anderson has steadily and strongly become one of the best filmmakers of this generation.  He too makes the “everything” list and The French Dispatch brings the prerequisite monster cast of Saoirse Ronan, Timothee Chalamat, Elisabeth Moss, Lea Seydoux, Willem Dafoe, Christoph Waltz, Benecio del Toro, Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and, of course, Bill Murray.  Called a “love letter to journalists,” this could speak to auteurs and regular folks alike. Besides, like the embedded videos, there’s his usual mise en scene to marvel at in the meantime. (July 24)

8. Respect

Between Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman, it wouldn’t be the 21st century Oscars without a musical biopic. The brightest and best contender of that genre for 2020 is the story of Aretha Franklin with Jennifer Hudson’s presence and pipes in the lead alongside Oscar winner Forest Whitaker and a renewed Marlon Wayans for director Liesl Tommy.  (October 9)

9. The Last Duel

Ridley Scott hasn’t had Oscar attention since The Martian, yet he is a veteran of pedigree where his movies garner serious consideration for praise.  Scott re-teams with Matt Damon who reunites with Ben Affleck and joins the fresh pairing of the red-hot Adam Driver for a showdown of knights, noblemen, and squires.  Period detail and Ridley Scott are a match made in Oscar heaven. (TBA)

10. Stillwater

(Image: ktul.com)

Spotlight director Tom McCarthy returns to the poignant legal realm after a cute Disney spin with Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made.  Matt Damon stars as a father looking to clear murder charges subjected to his estranged daughter (Abigail Breslin). Wrought family drama and powerful themes come out strong with McCarthy.  Let’s see if this can also be an acting breakthrough for Damon to seek the top trophy that has eluded him. (November 6)

11. Charm City Kings

Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk director Barry Jenkins is the story credit on this spring drama about the gangs of the Baltimore streets.  While it might not be mainline Jenkins, one has to think the potential for quality is there. Meek Mill, Teyonah Parris, and Jahi D’Allo Winston star. (April 10)

12. Those Who Wish Me Dead

(Image: metro.co.uk)

Ever since Hell or High Water, the respect for Taylor Sheridan as a writer and filmmaker has grown.  His latest neo-western is a Montana-set survival thriller set against a wildfire starring Angelina Jolie, Nicholas Hoult, Tyler Perry, and Jon Bernthal.  If it can find and bring an edge, the acting and screenwriting categories could be in play. (TBA)

13. The Personal History of David Copperfield

Armando Iannucci’s The Death of Stalin might not have risen to Oscar love, but his follow-up raises the class up a notch by taking on Charles Dickens with Dev Patel leading Hugh Laurie and Tilda Swinton.  Advance buzz overseas is very positive as this comedy stands to drop as summer counterprogramming. (May 8)

14. News of the World 

(Image: abqjournal.com)

Let’s start the Tom Hanks train.  Revitalized with his first Oscar nomination in over a decade for A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, the Hollywood icon stars in three 2020 films.  The first is the best Oscar hopeful of the trio. He re-teams with his Captain Phillips director Paul Greengrass for a western adapted by Lion filmmaker Luke Davies about a travelling reporter helping out his customers with a kidnapping matter.  Expect raw tension as only Greengrass can deliver. (December 25)

15. Greyhound 

(Image: youtube.com)

The second Hanks movie of the three comes from a World War II screenplay written by his own hand and directed by up-and-coming Aaron Schneider of Get Low.  The story surrounds a Navy captain trying to safely traverse a pack of approaching German U-boats.  Get your Captain Phillips and Saving Private Ryan tingles to have Hanks back on a boat and in WWII for a summer adventure.  (May 8)

16. BIOS

The third offering from Tom dives into science fiction mixed with a little love for dogs.  In a post-apocalyptic landscape, a robot is tasked with protecting a dying man’s dog, one of the few living survivors of the world.  Game of Thrones TV director Miguel Sapochnik leads his second feature film and first in a decade.  Let’s see if Hanks brings the golden touch. (October 2)

17. I’m Thinking of Ending Things

Every now and then, the Oscars notice quirky head-turners.  No one fits that description better than Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind writing Academy Award winner Charlie Kaufman.  His first directorial effort since Anamolisa and first with live-action actors in 12 years since Synecdoche, New York is a dramatic thriller about a woman at a relationship crossroads after an odd traveling detour.  Wild Rose breakout Jessie Buckley works with Toni Collette and Jesse Plemons for this future indie gem from Netflix.  (TBA)

18. Deep Water

(Image: journalposts.com)

It has been a long 18 years since noted master of eroticism Adrian Lyne brought Unfaithful to the masses with a Oscar-nominated Diane Lane.  Let’s how Lyne has become an aging fine wine to the tune of Terrence Malick and other filmmakers who have taken decade-plus breaks.  His newest film adapts mystery maven Patricia Highsmith with ingenue-of-the-moment Ana de Armas entangled in a murder and disappearance crime when one of her allowed affairs turns up missing and her open-relationship husband, played by Ben Affleck, becomes the prime suspect. (November 13)  

19. Mulan

The annual parade of Disney re-imaginings always find their way to Oscar nominations in the artistic categories.  With trailers promising more straight epic adventure and way less Eddie Murphy sidekick chicanery, Mulan might just be one of the rare cases where these remakes improve on the originals.  The Mouse House is betting strongly on female director Niki Caro (Whale Rider, North Country) to elevate this material into something special.  The trailers look phenomenal where future nominations look very viable.  (March 7)

20.  Soul

Pixar has two 2020 films awaiting release and both are in the first half of the year.  Onward feels like silly genre thrills, while Soul looks more like the assured Best Animated Feature contender of the two.  Colorfully bringing symbolism and emotion to out of out-of-body experiences, star Jamie Foxx and double Oscar winner Pete Docter (Up and Inside Out) look to squeeze hearts and tear ducts.  (June 19)

21. The Woman in the Window

The last entry on this list is a carryover from last year.  Director Joe Wright has been more hit (Atonement, Darkest Hour, Anna Karenina, Pride and Prejudice) than miss (The Soloist, Hanna) with Oscar voters.  So has his lead, namely 6-time Oscar nominee Amy Adams.  This long-delayed 20th Century Fox thriller in the vein of Rear Window finally sees the light of theater screens in the early summer.  (May 18) 

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[pricelessinsider]

PRICELESSFEST: Day Three Winner!

Congratulations @richgirlvenus​. As voted by your fellow contenders you received four votes in total declaring you our day one best outfit! As promised, we sat down with Venus Surarez on the HQs Patio and asked her a couple of scandalous questions about her time in Priceless! And our endless drinks of alcohol weren’t the only thing pouring!

So to start of, how does it feel to be voted best day one outfit?

Oh my gosh, I was really surprised. I honestly though everyone’s outfits were just so amazing. I’m really grateful though, that people thought of me for that.

PricelessFest was one of the best events in the show no? Do you have any highlights you would like to share with us?

Definitely! There were so many memorable moments, even though I was only there for the last two days. Chanel’s performance was probably one of my favorites, that girl really knows how to sing. And of course, hanging out with my friends, with Creed, were all highlights too.

Speaking of the show. Why did you sign up to be a contender in the first place? Was it some kind of dare? A way to boost up those followers on social media?

I think I just wanted one last chance at something that would be really fun, really different for me. I’ve been in the public eye since I was a kid, but there’s also a lot of times that I’ve had a very private life. I wanted to try something that was wildly out there for me, just one last experience before I go back to work one day, if that makes sense.

So as we like to grab up the scoop, we’ve noticed you’ve been spending a lot of time with Mr Creed Young! Getting the insider all hot and fuzzy with your makeouts around the corner. Care to tell us more about this sex-lationship?

Yes, yes, I have. Well, I’m glad we could give you that. We’re just enjoying each other’s company. He’s been really great, and really different from most guys I’ve been with, and we’ve just been having a lot of fun together.

Let’s start some drama in the house huh? Is there anyone right now you can say you don’t like? Or someone you would prefer to ignore?

Ha, yeah, I love drama just as much as the next person, but unfortunately I don’t have much to give you. I’m sure there are people that don’t like here, but I try not to think about that sort of thing. I’d love to be friends with everyone here, I’m really not one for bad blood, that is, unless someone were to cross me.

And lastly, just for some brownie points on the insider page. What are you mostly looking forward to, with all the up and coming events and episodes for Priceless?

Christmas, for sure. It’s super cliche, I know, but I never really got to celebrate it back at home, so I think it’d be really fun to spend it with everyone I’ve met here. Plus, I’m amazing at giving gifts, and I’ll take any opportunity to show that off.

_______________________________________________________________

QUICK FACTS & FAVORITES

FAMILY?:  I’m an only child, so just me and my parents.

PETS (if not do you want some?):  I don’t have any, but I’d love to get a dog, or a cat, I’m not impartial about it

FAVORITE EPISODE SO FAR?: What Happens in Vegas or Welcome to Malibu

FAVORITE PAIRING IN THE HOUSE?:  Peyton and Boss are adorable! But I’m also highkey rooting for Nikki and Harlow

SOMEONE WHO YOU WANT TO GET TO KNOW?: There’s so many great people here, I’d say Peyton and Ollie for now.

BEST FRIEND INSIDE THE HOUSE?: I’ve gotta pretty close to Faith Trouche recently!

BEST DATE IDEA?: Something fun, like an amusement park or ice skating

_______________________________________________________________

TO US

RECOMMENDED SONG?: Hit Me Up by Omar Apollo is my favorite at the moment!

QUOTE TO LIVE BY?: "I’m tough, ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay.“

RECOMMENDED MOVIE?: I’m a die hard Marvel fan, so Thor: Ragnarok.

Thank you so much Venus for settling down with us into some juicy questions! You will great bragging rights for a month on being the best day three outfit! Now I am gonna head off and go drool over Thor while I listen to some Omar! Until next time!

[shrinecanvas0]

A Few Changes Ruined ‘The Big Family Cooking Showdown’ on Netflix

This post originally appeared on March 8, 2019, in “Eat, Drink, Watch” — the weekly newsletter for people who want to order takeout and watch TV. Browse the archives and subscribe now.

Welcome back to Friday afternoon. I’ve got some TV recommendations and a roundup of the week’s food-related entertainment news, as well as a WORD OF WARNING about a food show that is alluring on the surface, but completely skippable. Let’s jump right in, shall we?

The ‘Big Family’ letdown

Netflix/Big Family Cooking Showdown

As Netflix continues expanding its already-impressive food TV catalog, the streaming titan is scooping up shows that were previously big hits in other markets. And while many of these imports are delightful additions to the library (hello Flavorful Origins and Chef & My Fridge!), the culinary competition The Big Family Cooking Showdown is not one of them. The one thing this series does really well is make you want to watch its obvious inspiration, The Great British Baking Show.

The similarities between the two programs are not coincidental: When The Great British Bake Off (as it’s called in the U.K.) left the BBC for rival network Channel 4, Big Family was created to fill its place. The first season of the show was co-hosted by previous Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain as well as TV/radio personality Zoe Ball. Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli was cast in the Paul Hollywood role, and cooking school administrator Rosemary Shrager filled the Mary Berry seat. Most of the challenges in Season 1 took place in a massive barn that had a similarly fantastical vibe to the big white tent. Although it was an obvious copycat, I liked the chemistry between the hosting crew, the personalities of the home chefs, and the generally jovial vibe of the first season.

Unfortunately, in the lead-up to Season 2, the producers made a series of changes that somehow drained the show of its lifeblood. The charming quartet of hosts and judges has been replaced by Celebrity MasterChef winner Angellica Bell and Great British Menu contestant Tommy Banks, who have absolutely no chemistry together. That big fancy barn has been replaced by a space that looks like the kitchen of a condo timeshare. And instead of two families squaring off against each other, there are four clans duking it out at the start of each new round, making it a frenzied affair.

Another big issue with the show, at least for me, is that a lot of the food just doesn’t look very good. The nature of the challenge — home cooks with no professional experience making hearty recipes, often with frozen ingredients — lends itself to gloppy, monochromatic plates of food, and some of the mashups that come out of the kitchen seem like obvious conceptual misfires. “Coconut pancakes topped with salmon two ways and a strawberry-balsamic salsa” might taste good IRL, but it sure doesn’t look good on screen.

The silver lining here is that the families are as charming as ever, and it is nice to see them working as teams together. But unlike its predecessor, there’s hardly any drama in the Family Showdown because the program just isn’t structured in a way that allows for suspense to build. The result is yet another Baking Show clone that pales in comparison to the original.

All 14 (!) hour-long episodes of The Big Family Cooking Showdown Season 2 are now available to stream on Netflix. But if you’re seriously jonesing to watch a culinary competition, you’re probably better off watching the original Baking Show, The Final Table, or Top Chef.

Streaming recommendations du jour

Blindspotting/Amazon Video

Blindspotting

Watch it on: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play

The gist: Some of the best moments in this ambitious comedy/drama feature references to gourmet food as a harbinger of gentrification in Oakland, California.

The film begins with parolee protagonist Collin (played by Daveed Diggs) and his pal Miles (Rafael Casal) eating take-out from their favorite old-school burger stand, which, much to their surprise, was just renovated and now serves vegan food by default. On the way to work the next morning, Collin surprises his friend by purchasing a $10 green juice from their local liquor store, establishing a running joke about the changing culture of the neighborhood. And one of the movie’s biggest surprises involves a yuppie doofus ordering a flaming scorpion bowl at a local dive where Collin used to work.

Longtime friends (and occasional musical collaborators) Diggs and Casal wrote the movie together over the last decade and you can tell it’s a labor of love. While some of the ideas don’t totally gel, I really hope the duo and director Carlos López Estrada keep working together and developing the heady style that they’ve established here.

Documentary Now!, “Waiting for the Artist”

Watch it on: Amazon Video, YouTube, iTunes, Google Play

The gist: You don’t have to be a fan of performance artist Marina Abramovic to enjoy this parody of the 2012 documentary about her work, The Artist Is Present.

Cate Blanchett’s performance as the aloof art world legend Izabella Barta is reason enough to watch this Documentary Now! episode — she completely owns this character. One of her works, “Late for Dinner,” features her partner, Dima (played by Fred Armisen), eating at a table for two as Barta is tethered to a wall by a giant spring. And her grand masterpiece, “Ein Tag Ein Frankfurter,” involves the artist eating a hot dog all day, every day for a year.

Like all the best Documentary Now! episodes, “Waiting for the Artist” is a sublime mash-up of highbrow cinema and low-brow comedy.

In other entertainment news…

Have a great weekend, and if you’re looking for something vegetable-forward but not particularly health food-esque to make, consider peeping Hugh Acheson’s recipe for creamed kimchi collards.

Eat, Drink, Watch.

Food entertainment news and streaming recommendations every Friday

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Source: https://www.eater.com/2019/3/9/18256719/big-family-cooking-showdown-netflix-season-2

[savetopnow]

2018-03-08 18 CELEBRITY now

CELEBRITY

E!

Terry Crews' Sexual Assault Case Against Agent Adam Venit Rejected

Kylie Jenner Reveals the Special Meaning Behind Her New $450 Ring

David Oyelowo Reveals Surprising Secret About ''Foul-Mouthed'' Charlize Theron

Patton Oswalt Praises Late Wife as New Book Debuts as No. 1 New York Times Bestseller

Giuliana Rancic Gets a Message for Her Best Friend and Christina El Moussa Connects With Her Grandma on Hollywood Medium

Hollywood Life

Arie Luyendyk Jr. ‘Shocked’ By How Angry ‘Bachelor’ Fans Are– ‘He Did The Best He Could’

Taylor Swift’s Longtime Director Teases Her ‘Delicate’ Music Video — ‘It’s Completely Unexpected’

Michael B. Jordan Fan Thirsted Over His ‘Black Panther’ Scenes So Hard She Broke Her Retainer

‘RHONJ’: 2 New Women Join The Cast Ahead Of Season 9 — 5 Things To Know

Bekah M. Has ‘No Doubt’ Arie Luyendyk Jr. Will Cheat On Fiancee Lauren B.

Media Take Out

Desiigner Caught Taking A PIZZ On Someone’s House!! (PICS)

Comedian Sinbad Appears To Be SNITCHING On Russell Simmons . . . Says ‘MORE WOMEN’ Are Gonna Come Out With RAPE Claims!!!

Shirley Strawberry From Teh STEVE HARVEY RADIO SHOW . . . Is Being Sued . . . For Being a ‘DEADBEAT’!!

People

Charlize Theron Reveals Her Mom Supplies Her with Marijuana: 'You Can't Have Her, She's All Mine'

Reese Witherspoon & Adam Rippon Finally Meet: 'The Relationship the World's Been Waiting For'

Mariah Carey Reveals She Does Not 'Give a Damn' About the Grammy Awards

Princess Eugenie Says Sister Beatrice Encouraged Her to 'Live Fearlessly' Despite Her Scoliosis

Kylie Jenner Wears a Ring with Travis Scott's Initials on That Finger

Perez Hilton

Woman Attacks Boyfriend With A Samurai Sword After Finding Evidence He Was Cheating!

Kitten Performs Mercury LIVE!

Britney Spears & Kevin Federline Aren't The Only Celebs With Baby Momma/Daddy Drama!

Jilted Bachelor Winner Melissa Rycroft SLAMS Arie Luyendyk Jr.!

Kylie Jenner Spotted With Mystery Mark On Her Face Amid Miami Trip

Popsugar

Michael B. Jordan's Hotness Caused a Girl to Break Her Retainer, So He Offered to Replace It

Meghan Markle Has Reportedly Been Baptized Into the Church of England

Chrissy Teigen Mourns the Death of Her Dog Puddy: "I Will Love You Forever, My Boy"

Meghan Markle May Not Be Married Yet, but She's Already Got This Whole Royal Thing Down

Prince Harry Makes a Special Trip to the Racetrack He and Diana Visited 24 Years Ago

Reddit Entertainment

Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber Not 'Broken Up' But 'Simply Apart,' Source Says (Exclusive)

Police raid Heather Locklear's home on gun search

Property brothers meeting their lookalike twins

Childhood fan grew up to produce ‘A Wrinkle in Time’

Terry Crews' Criminal Complaint Against WME Agent Adam Venit Denied by City Attorney

TMZ

Usher and Grace Miguel Showed No Signs of Splitting Up Days Before Separation

Florida Shooting Survivor's Family Goes To FBI Over Online Threats

Kris Jenner Took Khloe on $8k Shopping Spree for Baby Gear

O.J. Simpson Describes Anger Toward Nicole After Her Death on FOX Special

Kevin O'Leary Files Trademark for New Booze Brand 'Mr. Wonderful'

The Shade Room

Ain’t Worried ‘Bout Nothin’! Mariah Carey Says The Grammys Screwed Her Over Multiple Times — But She’s Unbothered!

McDonald’s Is Flipping Its Golden Arches Upside Down In Celebration of International Women’s Day

Terry Crews’ Sexual Assault Claim Against Adam Venit Declined By L.A. City Attorney

Hundreds Of Atlanta Schools & Businesses Closed Today Amid Water Main Break

Kenya Moore & Hubby Marc Daly Do Their First Interview Together, Marc Says He’s A Real Person

Us Weekly

‘Catfish’ Finale Recap: Woman Falsely Confesses To Being a Catfish

'Imposters' Star Parker Young Engaged, Expecting Baby Girl With Fiancee: Details

Meghan Markle Baptized at the Chapel Royal at St. James Palace

Katherine Heigl Hits the Beach in a Bikini During Family Vacation

Savannah Guthrie, Jack Sock Took on Roger Federer, Bill Gates in Tennis Match

[kevinpolowy]

Our 2017 Golden Globes Movie Predictions

La La Land, Moonlight, Manchester by the Sea ([credits tk])

How much relevance do the Golden Globes carry when it comes to predicting the Super Bowl of movies, the Academy Awards? It’s hard to say.

For one, the Globes’ voting body, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, is made up of “about 90” members (according to its nonspecific website), while the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences counts more than 6,000. And in the past 10 years, the film named Best Picture at the Oscars has also won a Best Picture Globe (and there are two categories, Drama and Musical or Comedy) only four times: 12 Years a Slave, Argo, The Artist, and Slumdog Millionaire. The Globes are more predictive when it comes to the acting races: Oscar’s Best Actor also won the Globe nine times in the last decade; Best Actress, eight times.

Despite their iffy reliability as an Oscar forecaster, the Globes are a closely (and widely) watched affair. And the truth is they probably do have some influence — they are just one of many events, along with the various guild awards, that help establish and build momentum toward an Oscar win.

The movies likely to capture the biggest momentum after this Sunday’s 74th Annual Golden Globes? Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight, which could split up the drama categories, and La La Land, which should dominate the Musical/Comedy races. Here are my predictions in every major movies category:

Best Picture, Drama

Nominees: Hacksaw Ridge Hell or High Water Lion Manchester by the Sea Moonlight

This appears to be a close two-horse race between Kenneth Lonergan’s gut-punching family drama Manchester by the Sea and Barry Jenkins’s quietly potent coming-of-age indie Moonlight. The latter has more momentum right now, but the former has been haunting audiences since it premiered at Sundance in 2016. I’ll give Manchester the slight leg up.

Prediction: Manchester by the Sea Don’t Be Surprised by: Moonlight

Watch our interview with the Manchester cast:

Best Picture, Musical or Comedy

Nominees: 20th Century Women Deadpool Florence Foster Jenkins La La Land Sing Street

It’s great to see that filthy superhero flick Deadpool soak up some awards attention, but with La La Land in contention, this category is open-and-shut, dunzo, over. The Globes have rarely met a high-profile song-and-dance movie they didn’t give this award to (see: Les Mis, Sweeney Todd, Dreamgirls, Chicago, Moulin Rouge!). Also: La La Land is awesome.

Prediction: La La Land Don’t Be Surprised by: N/A

Best Actress, Drama

Nominees: Amy Adams, Arrival Jessica Chastain, Miss Sloane Isabelle Huppert, Elle Ruth Negga, Loving Natalie Portman, Jackie

Portman seems to be the early Oscar favorite for her mesmerizing portrayal of Jackie Kennedy in Pablo Larraín’s somber biopic. With the stellar Emma Stone and Annette Bening both in the comedy/musical category, for La La Land and 20th Century Women, respectively, Portman should take home her third Globe Sunday, after previous wins for Black Swan (2011) and Closer (2005).

Prediction: Natalie Portman Don’t Be Surprised by: Amy Adams Dark Horse: Isabelle Huppert

Watch our interview with the Jackie cast:

Best Actor, Drama

Nominees: Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea Joel Edgerton, Loving Andrew Garfield, Hacksaw Ridge Viggo Mortensen, Captain Fantastic Denzel Washington, Fences

Affleck has been the clear-cut favorite through awards season, nabbing 23 different honors for his devastating turn as a grieving Boston handyman. And while there has recently been an uptick in attention for the sexual harassment suits brought against the actor in 2011, Affleck’s frontrunner status remains intact. Right now the best bet for an upset would be Washington, for the actor-director’s fierce reprise of his Tony-winning performance in Fences.

Prediction: Casey Affleck Don’t Be Surprised by: Denzel Washington

Best Actress, Musical or Comedy

Nominees: Annette Bening, 20th Century Women Lily Collins, Rules Don’t Apply Hailee Steinfeld, Edge of Seventeen Emma Stone, La La Land Meryl Streep, Florence Foster Jenkins

Everyone loves a good Meryl Streep speech at the Golden Globes — and she has made eight already — but that will be taken care of when the celebrated actress takes the stage to collect the Cecil B. DeMille Award. As mentioned earlier, the top contenders here are Bening, who charms as a quirky single mother in 20th Century Women, and Stone, who proves the heart and soul of (and sings her butt off in) La La Land.

Prediction: Emma Stone Don’t Be Surprised by: Annette Bening Dark Horse: Meryl Streep

Watch our interview with the La La Land cast:

Best Actor, Musical or Comedy

Nominees: Colin Farrell, The Lobster Ryan Gosling, La La Land Hugh Grant, Florence Foster Jenkins Jonah Hill, War Dogs Ryan Reynolds, Deadpool

It’s Ryan vs. Ryan! Emma Stone may be the heart and soul of La La Land, but Gosling is pretty great too, whether crooning the irresistible “City of Stars” or showing off his handiwork on the keys. For Reynolds, it’s a feat for any actor in a superhero movie just to get nominated, but it’s doubtful he’ll ride to victory. If anyone stands a chance of taking down the Gos, it’s Grant, who makes a big comeback as a conflicted Lothario in Jenkins and could win his first Globe since his breakout role in Four Weddings and a Funeral (1995).

Prediction: Ryan Gosling Don’t Be Surprised by: Hugh Grant Dark Horse: Ryan Reynolds

Best Supporting Actress

Nominees: Viola Davis, Fences Naomie Harris, Moonlight Nicole Kidman, Lion Octavia Spencer, Hidden Figures Michelle Williams, Manchester by the Sea

It’s debatable whether Davis should be considered “supporting” for her prominent role in Fences, but so goes awards politicking. Whatever category she’s in, she’s going to be an award winner for her explosive performance as a wronged housewife; Davis owns the single best acting moment of the year. It’s too bad for Williams, who’s also awardworthy in Manchester by the Sea, even if she has far less screen time.

Prediction: Viola Davis Don’t Be Surprised by: Michelle Williams

Watch our interview with the Fences cast:

Best Supporting Actor

Nominees: Mahershala Ali, Moonlight Jeff Bridges, Hell or High Water Simon Helberg, Florence Foster Jenkins Dev Patel, Lion Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Nocturnal Animals

The two best supporting male performances of the year, in my humble opinion, didn’t even make the Globes ballot: Lucas Hedges for Manchester by the Sea and Michael Shannon for Nocturnal Animals. That makes this lineup a little tougher to handicap. The consensus among pundits is Ali, who impresses as a gentle-hearted drug dealer in Moonlight. But I’ll go with the “upset” and call it for Bridges, who’s at his rugged best as an aging lawman in Hell or High Water.

Prediction: Jeff Bridges Don’t Be Surprised by: Mahershala Ali Dark Horse: Dev Patel

Best Director

Nominees: Damien Chazelle, La La Land Tom Ford, Nocturnal Animals Mel Gibson, Hacksaw Ridge Barry Jenkins, Moonlight Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester by the Sea

This might actually be the most intriguing and telling race of the night, and here’s why: The category is one of only two (along with Best Screenplay) to include the trifecta of early awards-season favorites Chazelle (La La Land), Jenkins (Moonlight), and Lonergan (Manchester). Then again, the HFPA could pull a shocker and give it to Gibson, who appears to have removed himself from Hollywood’s blacklist. Crazier things have happened.

Prediction: Damien Chazelle Don’t Be Surprised by: Barry Jenkins Dark Horse: Mel Gibson

Best Screenplay

Nominees: Damien Chazelle, La La Land Tom Ford, Nocturnal Animals Barry Jenkins, Moonlight Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester by the Sea Taylor Sheridan, Hell or High Water

The fact that four of the same people are nominated in Best Director and Best Screenplay speaks to what an impressive year it’s been for writer-filmmakers. This is likely another battle between Moonlight and Manchester, and I’ve got to once again give the edge to Manchester, which might be the best thing powerhouse scribe Lonergan (You Can Count on Me, Gangs of New York) has penned.

Prediction: Kenneth Lonergan Don’t Be Surprised by: Barry Jenkins

Best Animated Feature

Nominees: Kubo and the Two Strings Moana My Life as a Zucchini Sing Zootopia

It’s perhaps not surprising that Disney made the two best animated movies of the year, Zootopia and Moana. Both are smart, charming, funny, feel-good megahits, and either would be the easy frontrunner most years. When forced to make a choice, most critics’ groups have gone with Zootopia. Expect the Globes to follow suit, unless they opt for a “third party” choice like Laika’s Kubo and the Two Strings.

Prediction: Zootopia Don’t Be Surprised By: Moana Dark Horse: Kubo and the Two Strings

Best Foreign Language Film

Nominees: Divines Elle Neruda The Salesman Toni Erdmann

Starship Troopers and Basic Instinct director Paul Verhoeven’s hot-button Elle is easily the most high-profile title on this list, which helps in making it the odds-on favorite. And the fact that Isabelle Huppert’s lead performance has been so raved about helps its cause. But it also has plenty of detractors. So I’ll lean toward Toni Erdmann, Germany’s acclaimed entry, a tender yet funny father-daughter tale.

Prediction: Toni Erdmann Don’t Be Surprised By: Elle Dark Horse: Neruda

Best Original Score

Nominees: Arrival Hidden Figures La La Land Lion Moonlight

It’s hard to see La La Land not winning for its score: Composer Justin Hurwitz’s jazz-influenced work is easily the most resonant of the bunch. A distant second would be Jóhann Jóhannsson’s haunting backdrop to the slow-burn sci-fi of Arrival.

Prediction: La La Land Dark Horse: Arrival

Best Original Song

Nominees: “Gold,” Gold “City of Stars,” La La Land “How Far I’ll Go,” Moana “Faith,” Sing “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” Trolls

Moana’s “How Far I’ll Go” — penned by Hamilton mastermind Lin-Manuel Miranda — is an infectious, inspirational showstopper. But prepare for yet another W for La La Land in the form of Justin Hurwitz’s “City of Stars,” the film’s melancholy lead number and love ballad to Los Angeles.

Prediction: “City of Stars” Don’t Be Surprised By: “How Far I’ll Go”

Watch our Golden Globes insta-predictions:

[newyorktheater]

James Corden at National Live at Home

Oscar winner Parasite debuts on Hulu

She Loves Me on PBS

Jodie Foster and Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver, on Netflix

Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman in Les Miserables, on Amazon Prime

There are no “openings” on stage likely this month, but there is much to see online for theater lovers and screen enthusiasts alike.  Below is more than just the usual streaming services Amazon Prime, HBO, Hulu, and Netflix, though they’re all there.  There’s also the newly created National Theatre at Home, which is streaming recordings of stage shows FOR FREE this month, from “One Man, Two Guv’nors to “Twelfth Night.”

Lovers of live theater should also check out Where To Get Your Theater Fix Online: Old Favorites and New Experiments  — everything from BroadwayHD to the new downtown platform TrickleUp to 24 Hour Plays’ Viral Monologues. (Many of the exciting new theater-livestreaming sites haven’t yet planned a month ahead) 

\

NBC has announced a rebroadcast of its Emmy-winning Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert for Easter Sunday, April 12.

National Theatre at Home

Each filmed production will be streamed for free on National Theatre’s YouTube channel for a week, starting on the date listed

April 2: One Man, Two Guv’nors The slapstick comedy starring James Corden

April 9: Jane Eyre Sally Cookson’s adaptation of the Charlotte Brontë classic

April 16: Treasure Island Bryony Lavery’s adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson novel, which premiered at the National in 2014

April 23: Twelfth Night The 2017 production of Shakespeare’s comedy, directed by Simon Godwin

PBS

Great Performances on All Arts

April 11 10 a.m..: She Loves Me

April 11 1 p.m. : An American in Paris The Musical

April 11 4 p.m.: Noel Coward’s Present Laughter

April 11 7 p.m.: Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn The Broadway Musical

April 11 10 pm.: Kinky Boots

April 19 5 p.m.: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I

Playing on Air

The new season of this podcast’s short original radio plays

April 5: The Clam, by Amanda Quaid After a lifetime of playing it safe , a wistful clam (Tony Shalhoub) decides to come out of his shell, with the help of a therapist (Kristine Nielsen) April 12: Night Vision by Dominique Morisseau One night in Brooklyn, pregnant Ayanna (April Mathis) and her husband Ezra (Eden Marryshow) witness a sudden, violent attack. April 19: Wild and Precious Life by Patricia Cotter Friends and flames gather to celebrate and remember the life of charismatic, outrageous Sheila (Debra Monk) — but the dearly departed still has one more trick up her sleeve. April 26: Fake News by Doug Wright Anchors Bob Tunley and Fran Mercer are the iconic voices behind KLWP News Hour — but today, they’ve become the story. As bizarre and menacing soundbites interrupt their live radio broadcast, the studio crew begins to fear that they’re under attack. Starring Eisa Davis, Jeremy Shamos, Steven Boyer and Kate Finneran.

  Hulu

Hulu highlights: 2020 Best Picture Oscar winner Parasite comes exclusively to Hulu on April 8. The Hulu/FX collaboration Mrs. America, which stars Cate Blanchett as Phyllis Schlafly, premieres April 15. A screen adaptation of Sally Rooney’s popular book, Normal People, will be available to stream on April 29.

April 1

60 Days In: Narcoland, Season 1

90 Day Fiance: Happily Ever After?, Season 4

Alone, Season 6

The Ant Bully

Bangkok Dangerous

Breaking Amish, Seasons 2 and 3

Bend It Like Beckham

Blazing Saddles

The Book Of Eli

The Boost

Bring It!, Season 5

Chopped, Season 36

The Chumscrubber

Cutthroat Kitchen, Season 12

Dance Moms, Seasons 2 and 6

Diary of a Hitman

Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Seasons 27 through 29

Dr. Pimple Popper, Season 3

Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who

Dr. T. and the Women

The Eternal

The Family Chantel, Season 1

Free Birds

The Food That Built America, Season 1

The Full Monty

Fast N’ Loud, Season 13

Fixer Upper (How We Got to Here: Looking Back on Fixer Upper), Special on HGTV

Forged in Fire, Season 6

Fun in Acapulco

Gator

Get Smart

Gods and Monsters

Gold Medal Families, Season 1

Gorky Park

Hidden Potential, Season 1

House Hunters, Season 120

Hud

The Jewel of the Nile

Kabukicho Sherlock, Season 1

Kids Behind Bars: Life or Parole, Season 1

The Kitchen, Seasons 16 through 18

Kill Bill: Volume 1

Kill Bill: Volume 2

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

Let Me In

Little Women: Atlanta, Season 5

Little Women: LA, Seasons 7 and 8

Love It or List It, Season 14

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

Married at First Sight, Season 9

Marrying Millions, Season 1

The Mexican

Misery

Moll Flanders

Phone Booth

Property Brothers, Seasons 10 and 11

Repentance

Risky Business

Romancing the Stone

The Sender

Shirley Valentine

Spider-Man

Taken at Birth, Season 1

Til Death Do Us Part, Season 1

TRANsitioning, Season 1

Trapped: The Alex Cooper Story

Victoria Gotti: My Father’s Daughter

Who Let The Dogs Out

The X-Files: I Want to Believe

Zombieland

April 3

Future Man, Season 3

Into the Dark: Pooka Lives

Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell, Season 4

Siren, Season 3 premiere on Freeform

April 6

Too Cautious Hero, Season 1

April 7

No Guns Life

April 8

Parasite

April 9

Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, Series premiere on ABC

Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life, Season 2A

Little Joe

April 10

Real Housewives of Potomac, Season 4

April 12

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Season 9B

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic en Español, Season 9B

April 14

The Bachelor: Listen to Your Heart, Series premiere on ABC

The Baker and the Beauty, Series premiere on ABC

Songland, Season 2 premiere on NBC

Vault

Unlocked

April 15

Mrs. America

The Masked Singer: Sing-Along Spectacular, Special on Fox

A Teacher

The Messenger

April 16

What We Do In The Shadows, Season 2 premiere on FX

Harry Benson: Shoot First

April 20

Paranormal Activity 3

A Kind Of Murder

April 22

Special-7, Season 1

April 23

Cunningham

April 24

Abominable

April 29

Footloose

April 30

2020 Billboard Music Awards, Special on NBC

Netflix

Netflix highlights: All six seasons of the TV series Community, the films The Social Season and Martin Scorcese’s Taxi Driver on April 1. The Good, The Bad and the Ugly on April 2. Despicable Me on April 16.

Also check out the ongoing video-captured Broadway shows, such as John Leguizamo’s Latin History for Morons

April 1

40 Days and 40 Nights

Bloodsport

Cadillac Records

Can’t Hardly Wait

Cheech & Chong’s Up in Smoke

Community: Season 1-6

David Batra: Elefanten I Rummet

The Death of Stalin

Deep Impact

The Girl With All the Gifts

God’s Not Dead

The Hangover

How to Fix a Drug Scandal

The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show

Just Friends

Killer Klowns From Outer Space

Kim’s Convenience: Season 4

Lethal Weapon

Lethal Weapon 2

Lethal Weapon 3

Lethal Weapon 4

The Matrix

The Matrix Reloaded

The Matrix Revolutions

Minority Report

Molly’s Game

Mortal Kombat

Mud

Nailed It!: Season 4

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon: S3: Sun & Moon – Ultra Legends

Promised Land

Road to Perdition

The Roommate

The Runaways

Salt

School Daze

Sherlock Holmes

The Social Network

Soul Plane

Sunderland ‘Til I Die: Season 2

Sunrise in Heaven

Taxi Driver

Wildling

April 2

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll

April 3

Coffee & Kareem

La casa de papel: Part 4

Money Heist: The Phenomenon

Spirit Riding Free: Riding Academy

StarBeam

April 4

Angel Has Fallen

April 5

The Killing of a Sacred Deer

April 6

The Big Show Show

April 7

Terrace House: Tokyo 2019-2020: Part 3

April 9

Hi Score Girl: Season 2

April 10

Brews Brothers

LA Originals

La vie scolaire

Love Wedding Repeat

The Main Event

Tigertail

April 11

Code 8

April 14

Chris D’Elia: No Pain

April 15

The Innocence Files

Outer Banks

April 16

Despicable Me

Fary: Hexagone: Season 2

Fauda: Season 3

Hail, Caesar!

Mauricio Meirelles: Levando o Caos

Jem and the Holograms

April 17

Betonrausch

#blackAF

Earth and Blood (La terre et le sang)

The Last Kids on Earth: Book 2

Legado en los huesos

Sergio

Too Hot to Handle

April 18

The Green Hornet

April 20

Cooked With Cannabis

The Midnight Gospel

The Vatican Tapes

April 21

Bleach: The Assault

Bleach: The Bount

Middleditch & Schwartz

April 22

Absurd Planet

Circus of Books

El silencio del pantano

The Plagues of Breslau

The Willoughbys

Win the Wilderness

April 23

The House of Flowers: Season 3

April 24

After Life: Season 2

Extraction

Hello Ninja: Season 2

Yours Sincerely, Kanan Gill

April 25

The Artist

Django Unchained

April 26

The Last Kingdom: Season 4

April 27

Battle: Los Angeles

Never Have I Ever

April 29

A Secret Love

Extracurricular

Murder to Mercy: The Cyntoia Brown Story

Nadiya’s Time to Eat

Summertime

April 30

Dangerous Lies

Drifting Dragons

The Forest of Love: Deep Cut

Rich in Love (Rico de Amor)

The Victims’ Game

Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime highlights: Most James Bond movies are on offer starting April 1.  The Bodyguard with Whitney Houston on April 1. The movie of the musical Les Miserables on April 10. The Joker, with Oscar winning actor Joaquin Phoenix, April 16. The musical drama film Footloose, April 29.

Check out also the musicals and other Broadway shows, some of them taped directly from the stage, that you can rent from Amazon Prime.

April 1

Bangkok Dangerous

Bird of Paradise

Blind Husbands

Broken Blossoms

The Bodyguard

The Boost

The Brothers Grimm

The Chumscrubber

Daniel Boone

Diamonds Are Forever

Diary of a Hitman

Die Another Day

Dishonored Lady

Dollface

Dr. No

Dr. T & the Women

Drums in the Deep South

For Your Eyes Only

From Russia With Love

Gator

Gods and Monsters

Goldeneye

Goldfinger

Gorky Park

The Hoodlum

Hotel Artemis

I Am Legend

Licence to Kill (4K UHD)

Live and Let Die (4K UHD)

The Living Daylights

The Lost World

The Man With the Golden Gun

Mark of Zorro

Moonraker (4K UHD)

Mutiny

Never Say Never Again

The New Adventures of Tarzan

Octopussy

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service

Repentance

The Sender

Shirley Valentine

Son of Monte Cristo

The Spy Who Loved Me

Tarzan the Fearless

Thunderball

Tomorrow Never Dies

A View to a Kill

The World Is Not Enough

You Only Live Twice

The Bureau: Season 1

America in Color: Season 1

Bronx SIU: Season 1

Dirt Every Day: Season 1

El Rey del Valle: Season 1

Foyle’s War: Season 1

The Mind of a Chef: Season 1

Molly of Denali: Season 1

Mr. Selfridge: Season 1

Our Wedding Story: Season 1

Vida: Season 1

April 3

Invisible Life

Tales From the Loop

April 10

Les Misérables

Rambo: Last Blood

April 14

Vault

April 16

The Lighthouse

Joker

April 17

Bosch: Season 6

Dino Dana: Season 3B

Selah and the Spades

April 20

Paranormal Activity 3

April 29

Footloose

HBO

HBO highlights: “The Plot Against America” and “High Maintenance” end their runs, and “Run” begins its run on April 12; the new series stars Domhnall Gleeson and Merritt Wever as people who flee into thrilling and comedic adventures, setting off from The Grand Central Terminal (where you could congregate without repercussions in a previous era.) Also worth watching: the fourth season of Insecure and one of my favorite movies, “The Kids Are All Right.” Theater fans might also be interested in “Glee: The 3D Concert Movie” and “Xanadu.”

April 1

Alpha and Omega, 2010 Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, 2011 American Pie, 1999 American Pie 2, 2001 American Wedding, 2003 Becoming Jane, 2007 Clockstoppers, 2002 Daylight, 1996 Die Hard, 1988 Die Hard 2, 1990 Die Hard with a Vengeance, 1995 Dragged Across Concrete, 2018 Drop Dead Fred, 1991 The Family Stone, 2005 The Flintstones, 1994 The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas, 2000 Galveston, 2018 Glee: The 3D Concert Movie (Extended Version), 2011 The Great Gilly Hopkins, 2015 The Judge, 2014 The Kids Are All Right, 2010 The Lovely Bones, 2009 Loving, 2016 Monte Carlo, 2011 The Nice Guys, 2016 The Predator, 2018 Slumdog Millionaire, 2008 Something Wild, 1986 Sophie’s Choice, 1982 Team America: World Police, 2004 Ulee’s Gold, 1997 War Dogs, 2016 Water for Elephants, 2011 Xanadu, 1980

April 4

Good Boys, 2019

April 5

Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children, Docuseries Premiere — HBO Original

April 11

It: Chapter 2, 2019

April 12

Run, Series Premiere — HBO Original

April 18

Stuber, 2019

April 19

Entre Hombre, Series Premiere — HBO Original

April 20

Shadows, Season 3 — HBO Original

April 23

We’re Here, Series Premiere — HBO Original

April 25

Bad Education — HBO Original

April 27

I Know This Much Is True, Limited Series Premiere — HBO Original

April 28

Autism: The Sequel — HBO Original

    April 2020 Calendar of “Openings”: What’s Streaming on Netflix, National Theatre, Hulu, PBS Great Performances, Amazon Prime, HBO Etc There are no "openings" on stage likely this month, but there is much to see online for theater lovers and screen enthusiasts alike.  

[musichall]

Annie Cast Announcement!

BUY TICKETS

The Music Hall and the Ogunquit Playhouse are thrilled to announce the cast of Annie! And we have some familiar faces this year, with Sally Struthers (White Christmas), Gail Bennett (Mary Poppins), and Jeffry Denman (White Christmas) returning to our stage.

Starring as the lead character Annie is Josie Todd who is making her Ogunquit Playhouse debut. She recently performed in Because of Winn Dixie at Goodspeed Musicals and Annie at Casa Mañana. Her many theatre roles include Beauty and the Beast as Chip, The Music Man as Gracie Shinn, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever as Maxine, and Freaky Friday, Jr. as Monica.

Joining the cast as Oliver Warbucks is Robert Newman who is perhaps best known for his 28-year run as Joshua Lewis on the longest running program in broadcasting history, Guiding Light. The role garnered him two Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He has recently guest starred on House of Cards, Chicago Fire, Homeland, Criminal Minds, NCIS, and Law and Order: SVU. His film credits include Amazing Spider-Man 2, Dracano, and the short film Deadline, which earned him the Best Actor award at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival in 2015. Off-Broadway credits include Perfect Crime, She’s of a Certain Age, Sessions: The Musical, and Quiet on the Set. Mr. Newman’s most recent regional credits include Sweeney Todd, Big the Musical, Annie, Kiss Me Kate, Hairspray, Noises Off, The Civil War, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, The Lion In Winter, Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame, the world premiere of Naked Influence, Stephen Sondheim’s Putting It Together, Other Desert Cities, Man of La Mancha, Gypsy, Love Letters, Fiddler on the Roof, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Deathtrap, Peter Pan, Shenandoah, Curtains, Nine, A Little Night Music, The Full Monty, and Sylvia (which he also directed).

Sally Struthers returns to the seacoast to reprise her role as Miss Hannigan. Ms. Struthers is a two-time Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award winner for her performance in the groundbreaking TV series All in the Family. She starred in the Fox television series 9 to 5 and her own CBS series Gloria. She also recurred on the CBS comedy Still Standing and the CW network’s highly acclaimed Gilmore Girls. She joined the Gilmore cast for Netflix’s four movie limited revival, which premiered in the fall of 2016. She recently guest starred in the acclaimed IFC comedy series Maron. Sally’s television movies include: A Gun in the House, And Your Name is Jonah, The Great Houdinis, Hey, I’m Alive, In the Best Interest of the Children, Deadly Silence, My Husband is Missing, and Intimate Strangers. Sally co-starred in two legendary motion pictures in the 70s: Five Easy Pieces with Jack Nicholson and The Getaway with Steve McQueen and Ali McGraw. Sally’s first two Broadway forays were in Wally’s Café with Rita Moreno and Jimmy Coco and Neil Simon’s female version of The Odd Couple with Brenda Vaccaro. For three years she starred as Miss Mamie Lynch on Broadway and on tour in the Tommy Tune production of Grease. In the 20th Anniversary National Tour of Annie, Sally played the coveted role of Miss Hannigan. Sally was named Best Actress by the Los Angeles Artistic Director Theatre Awards for her role as Louise Seger in the musical, Always, Patsy Cline, a true story based on the relationship between Seger and Cline. She won the Ovation Award as Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance as Agnes Gooch in the Los Angeles production of Mame, and won a second Ovation Award for Cinderella. She also won a plaque for “Best Actress” in her 7th Grade Class Play. Additional starring theatre roles include regional productions of Hello, Dolly!, Anything Goes, The Fifth of July, Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, The Full Monty, Fiddler on the Roof, Chicago, All Shook Up, Drowsy Chaperone, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, 9 To 5, Legally Blonde, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Witches of Eastwick, Nice Work if You Can Get It, Grumpy Old Men the Musical, and 42nd Street.

Ogunquit Playhouse is thrilled to welcome Gail Bennett back to the stage in the role of Grace Farrell. Ms. Bennett has performed in the Ogunquit productions of My Fair Lady as Eliza Doolittle opposite Jefferson Mays, The Sound of Music as Maria opposite Rex Smith, and as the title role in Mary Poppins on both the Ogunquit and The Music Hall stages. She recently performed in the Broadway production of Anastasia, as well as the Broadway First National Tour of Mary Poppins (and six regional productions in the title role). Her many credits include The Producers (Las Vegas, Hollywood Bowl), A Gentleman’s Guide… (Sibella), Kiss Me, Kate (Kate/Lilli), The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet with Sally Struthers), The Music Man (Marian opposite Davis Gaines), Hello, Dolly! (Irene), Sunset Boulevard (Betty), White Christmas (Betty), NINE (Claudia), Annie, Get Your Gun (Annie), Cats (Jellylorum), Starlight Express (Dinah), and A Christmas Carol (Belle with Christopher Lloyd).

Joining the cast as Rooster is Jeffry Denman who has performed, directed, and choreographed at Ogunquit Playhouse. He returns to the seacoast after directing/choreographing the highly acclaimed Ogunquit Playhouse 2018 production of An American in Paris, for which he won an IRNE award as Best Choreographer. He last performed in the 2015 Ogunquit Playhouse production of White Christmas at The Music Hall as Phil Davis. In 2011 he was Director/Choreographer for The Music Man and in 2013 he was the Choreographer for West Side Story, both of which received the Moss Hart Award. In addition, Mr. Denman was the Director/Choreographer for 2012’s Damn Yankees, and portrayed Bobby Child in 2007’s Crazy for You, as well as Sir Robin in 2010’s Spamalot. As an actor he has performed on Broadway in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (Astaire nom, Phil Davis- Original Broadway Cast), Cats (Munkustrap), The Producers, How To Succeed…, and Dream. His Off-Broadway credits include Kid Victory (Drama Desk/Outer Critics nominations, Michael, Vineyard), YANK! (Drama Desk/Lucille Lortel nominations, Artie, York Theatre), Passion (Lt Barri, CSC), and Cagney (Bob Hope, Westside Theatre). He has also performed in many regional productions throughout the U.S. including Fun Home (Bruce Bechdel, Center Stage), Kid Victory (Helen Hayes nom, Michael, Signature), and Healing Wars (Narrator, La Jolla Playhouse).

Cast as Lily St. Regis is Broadway veteran Angie Schworer. Ms. Schworer has graced the Ogunquit Playhouse stage in several productions including Crazy for You as Irene, Chicago as Roxie, and most recently in Mamma Mia as Tanya. On Broadway she has appeared in The Prom (Angie), Something Rotten, The Producers (Ulla), Big Fish, Catch Me if You Can, Young Frankenstein, Annie Get Your Gun, Chicago, Sunset Boulevard, Crazy For You, and The Will Rogers Follies. At the Met Opera she performed in The Merry Widow as Jou Jou. Her many regional theatre credits include Disaster the Musical (Jackie), Always a Bridesmaid (Monette), Sweet Charity (Nikki ), Damn Yankees (Lola), The Full Monty (Vicki), Minsky’s (Ginger), The Will Rogers Follies (Z’s Fav). On television she has appeared on Rosie O’ Donnell Show, Dana Carvey Show, Law and Order C.I., Queer Eye, As the World Turns, The Kennedy Center Honors and Smash.

Rescue dog, Macy, will be playing Sandy. Macy was adopted by guardian and trainer Bill Berloni from Rocky Spot Rescue of Oklahoma City, OK in December of 2009 at the age of 18 months after seeing her on Petfinder.com. Sandy’s first production of Annie was in the summer of 2010 and since she has starred in dozens of productions nationwide. On Thanksgiving Day 2011, she was seen on NBC during The National Dog Show, sharing spots with John O’Hurley.

Bill Berloni is the top recognized trainer for theatrical animals in the U.S. He received a Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre in 2011, honoring his 30 years of rescuing shelter dogs and humanely training them for a career in the entertainment industry. He is also the recipient of 2014 Outer Critics Circle Special Achievement Award and the 2017 Drama League Award for Unique Contribution to the Theater. Bill Berloni’s animals have appeared in hundreds of Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theatre productions, tours, movies and television shows all starting with Annie in 1977.

Helming the production of Annie is Director/Choreographer James A. Rocco, an award-winning director whose work has been seen on Broadway, Off-Broadway, throughout the United States, London, Paris and Tokyo. He has directed over 200 productions including the World Premieres of Yankee Doodle Dandy, Galaxy Express 999, The Lillian Carter Story, A Country Christmas Carol, and Streakin’! Others include: 33 Variations, Grey Gardens, Sweeney Todd, White Christmas, Jesus Christ Superstar, In The Heights, As Bees in Honey Drown, Guys & Dolls, She Loves Me, Singin’ in the Rain, and more. In NY, he staged The Wizard of Oz at MSG followed by its 3-year National Tour with Eartha Kitt and Mickey Rooney. From 2005-2017, Rocco was Producing Artistic Director at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul, MN. A recipient of numerous Ct. Critics Circle and Broadway World Awards, in 2019, The Broadway League and The Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds recognized his 35 years of contributions to theater at Broadway Salutes. Associate Director/Choreographer is Lisa B. Given.

Music Director for Annie is Andrew Bourgoin. Mr. Bourgoin has worked on the Broadway musical Aladdin, and provided Music Direction for the National Tours of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical and MadLibs Live!. He has also provided Music Direction at numerous regional theatres including Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Hennepin Theatre Trust, Theater Latté Da, and Argyle Theatre. Mr. Bourgoin has played keyboard on the tours of Sound of Music, Something Rotten!, Matilda, and The Little Mermaid.

  The post Annie Cast Announcement! appeared first on The Music Hall.

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[demitgibbs]

Q&A: ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Comes to Florida

Dear Evan Hansen comes to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts from Tuesday, March 26 through Sunday, April 7, and to two locations in Central Florida: at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts from April 9-14, and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from April16-21. It  is the winner of six 2017 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, features a book by Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy, Tony and Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman), and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal).

Declared “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history” by the Washington Post’s Peter Marks, Dear Evan Hansen opened at the Music Box Theatre to rave reviews on December 4, 2016, where its broken all box office records and struck a chord with critics and audiences alike.

In addition to winning six Tony awards, Dear Evan Hansen has won numerous other awards, including the 2017 Drama League Award for Outstanding Musical Production and for the off-Broadway production, two Obie Awards, a Drama Desk Award, and two Outer Critics Circle Awards and two Helen Hayes Awards. The show’s original cast won a Daytime Emmy Award for “Best Musical Performance on a Daytime Talk Show” for their April 2017 performance of “You Will Be Found” on NBC’s “Today Show,” only the second Broadway show in history to win that category. The Broadway production recently celebrated its two-year anniversary with a special donation to the Smithsonian, where the show’s iconic blue polo and arm cast will now be part of the permanent collection at the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C.

The Grammy Award-winning Original Broadway Cast Recording of Dear Evan Hansen, produced by Atlantic Records, was released in February 2017, making an extraordinary debut on the Billboard 200 and entering the chart at #8 – the highest charting debut position for an original cast album since 1961 – and went on to win the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. A Deluxe Album of the Grammy-winning cast recording, with six bonus tracks including “Waving Through a Window” performed by pop star Katy Perry, was released digitally by Atlantic Records on November 2, 2018.

A special edition coffee table book authored by Levenson, Pasek and Paul, Dear Evan Hansen: through the window is now available, offering an in-depth, all-access look at the musical, including never-before-seen production photos and cast portraits, behind-the-scenes stories, and a fully annotated script by the authors.

It was a pleasure to sit down with Stephen Christopher Anthony, who plays the Evan Alternate and grew up right here in Florida.

View this post on Instagram

  📸: @jeffreymosierphotography

A post shared by Stephen Christopher Anthony (@_stephenanthony) on Mar 20, 2019 at 5:54pm PDT

At what age did you begin performing, and how did it happen?

I started performing when I was about 10 years old. My mom encouraged me to audition for a show and I literally have not stopped since then. I did five shows that very first year. I then went to an arts middle school, and have been in musical theater since.  

What was your first professional/paid role?

When I was 10 I was in the Secret Garden at Actors Playhouse on Miracle Mile. I then I did Summer Stock all through college and fresh out of Florida State I did Catch Me If You Can. 

How did you get cast in this Broadway Across America production of Dear Evan Hansen?

My agents reached out with the opportunity to audition, and after my first audition I went and saw the show. After seeing the show I did eight rounds of auditions and I was in Miami visiting family when I found out I got the job.

Knowing the role of Evan won the Tony Award, is there a lot of pressure performing it?

There is a certain amount of pressure, but it’s less about the award and more about that the show is a gift to the audience. It’s rare you do a show that is changing lives. So many people are able to find themselves in these characters.

Other than this role, what has been your favorite to play?

This is my favorite thing I have ever done, but I did love doing Catch Me If You Can as I loved playing a chameleon that got to blend in.

What is your fantasy role?

I would love to do The Last Five Years.

How did you meet your partner?

We were set up on a blind date four years ago, and we instantly broke out in nervous sweats. We sort of knew right away.

Is it hard to be apart?

It’s very hard to be apart, as he is an actor also and travels. We try and meet yup as much as possible and see new cities together.

Are you looking forward to coming back to Florida?

Yeah, I can’t wait as I am going to be staying in my home with my family and playing with my family dog. I am also so excited to go back to the beach.

What should our readers expect from this production of Dear Evan Hansen?

It is one of the most intimate experiences that I have ever felt as an audience member. Every person sitting in the audience can see themselves in some way on the stage. It’s a show about healing and embracing yourself, scars and all, and making the most of every day. I am so excited to be bringing this show back to my home state.

View this post on Instagram

  1 more week in Chicago!!!

A post shared by Stephen Christopher Anthony (@_stephenanthony) on Mar 2, 2019 at 9:47am PST

If you want to find out more about Stephen, follow him on: Instagram.com/_StephenAnthony

Tickets for Dear Evan Hansen will be available at the Broward Center AutoNation Box Office, 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Browardcenter.org or by calling 954.462.0222. Ticket prices start at $55.25.

Tickets for Dear Evan Hansen will be available at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts box office at 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, FL, or by calling 813.229.STAR  or online at StrazCenter.org, and at the Dr. Phillips Box Office at 445 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL or by calling 844.513.2014 or online at DrPhillipsCenter.org.

For more information, please visit DearEvanHansen.com.

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2019/03/27/qa-dear-evan-hansen-comes-to-florida/ from Hot Spots Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.tumblr.com/post/183750883650