A decade after “La Famille Belier,” which was remade as the Oscar-winning “Coda,” another comedy featuring protagonists with disabilities, “A Little Something Extra” has stormed the French box office. It’s not only the year’s biggest hit so far, but the highest grossing French movie since before the pandemic.
Released May 1 by Pan Distribution and modestly budgeted at €6.1 million ($6.55 million), the feel-good movie (called “Un p’tit truc en plus” in French) has grossed an estimated €50.7 million ($54 million) from 7.2 million tickets sold as of June 16 — two times more than Warner Bros. tentpole “Dune 2” starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya.
It’s a mighty feat, considering that that unlike “La Famille Belier,” in which the deaf and speech-disabled characters are played by bankable European stars — Karin Viard and Francois Damiens — “A Little Something Extra” has an ensemble cast of young non-professionals with different types of disabilities.
The movie, produced by Pierre Forette...
Released May 1 by Pan Distribution and modestly budgeted at €6.1 million ($6.55 million), the feel-good movie (called “Un p’tit truc en plus” in French) has grossed an estimated €50.7 million ($54 million) from 7.2 million tickets sold as of June 16 — two times more than Warner Bros. tentpole “Dune 2” starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya.
It’s a mighty feat, considering that that unlike “La Famille Belier,” in which the deaf and speech-disabled characters are played by bankable European stars — Karin Viard and Francois Damiens — “A Little Something Extra” has an ensemble cast of young non-professionals with different types of disabilities.
The movie, produced by Pierre Forette...
- 6/18/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The original 1964 Broadway production of "Hello, Dolly!" was considered a showcase for its star, Carol Channing, and little else. At the time, critics were not entirely kind, saying the show had "unnecessary vulgar and frenzied touches," and that they "wouldn't say that Jerry Herman's score is memorable." Despite the middling reviews, "Hello, Dolly!" won 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Leading Actress (for Channing), Best Direction, Best Choreography, and Best Original Score.
The mid-'60s were a weirdly fraught time for major Hollywood musicals, as the genre provided some of the era's biggest hits, but also some of its biggest bombs. In 1964, Disney had a big hit with "Mary Poppins" and Warner Bros. made bank with "My Fair Lady," so musicals were suddenly on the rise. In 1965, Fox released "The Sound of Music," adapted from the stage production by Rodgers and Hammerstein, and it proved to be one of...
The mid-'60s were a weirdly fraught time for major Hollywood musicals, as the genre provided some of the era's biggest hits, but also some of its biggest bombs. In 1964, Disney had a big hit with "Mary Poppins" and Warner Bros. made bank with "My Fair Lady," so musicals were suddenly on the rise. In 1965, Fox released "The Sound of Music," adapted from the stage production by Rodgers and Hammerstein, and it proved to be one of...
- 5/5/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Peter Stormare, Steven Berkoff and Matt Hookings have signed on to star in Matt Routledge’s thriller The Awakening for UK producers Camelot Media.
Julian Glover and Justin Tinto are also among the cast of the film, in which Tinto plays a man who discovers a global conspiracy and sets out to awaken the world.
Tinto wrote the original script; the film is currently in pre-production ahead of a shoot at Pinewood Studios.
Hookings and Tim Kent will produce the title for Camelot. It is fully financed through independent sources. Tinto says the film is aiming to convey a “message...
Julian Glover and Justin Tinto are also among the cast of the film, in which Tinto plays a man who discovers a global conspiracy and sets out to awaken the world.
Tinto wrote the original script; the film is currently in pre-production ahead of a shoot at Pinewood Studios.
Hookings and Tim Kent will produce the title for Camelot. It is fully financed through independent sources. Tinto says the film is aiming to convey a “message...
- 4/30/2024
- ScreenDaily
Paul Reubens, the actor who portrayed beloved character Pee-wee Herman that amused kids and adults of multiple generations, died on Sunday night at the age of 70. The cause of death was an unspecified cancer.
“Last night, we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer, and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy, and belief in the importance of kindness,” a post on the actor’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts read.
“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer...
“Last night, we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer, and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy, and belief in the importance of kindness,” a post on the actor’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts read.
“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer...
- 7/31/2023
- by Althea Legaspi, Ej Dickson and Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Inga Swenson, who was nominated for three Emmys for her role as German cook Gretchen Kraus on the 1980s ABC sitcom “Benson,” has died at age 90.
The character Gretchen originated on the ’70s series “Soap,” as did Benson, the character played by Robert Guillaume, who headlined the eponymous spin-off.
Swenson died Sunday night of natural causes in Los Angeles at a board and care facility. Her son, Mark, told TMZ on Friday that her husband, Lowell Harris, was with her when she died.
Swenson was also a trained lyric soprano, who was nominated for two Tony Awards for her roles in the musicals “110 in the Shade” and “Baker Street.” Her other Broadway credits included serving as a stand-in for Julie Andrews’ in the 1960 production of “Camelot” and “The First Gentleman” in 1957, for which she won a Theatre World Award.
She had supporting roles in the 1962 films “The Miracle Worker” and...
The character Gretchen originated on the ’70s series “Soap,” as did Benson, the character played by Robert Guillaume, who headlined the eponymous spin-off.
Swenson died Sunday night of natural causes in Los Angeles at a board and care facility. Her son, Mark, told TMZ on Friday that her husband, Lowell Harris, was with her when she died.
Swenson was also a trained lyric soprano, who was nominated for two Tony Awards for her roles in the musicals “110 in the Shade” and “Baker Street.” Her other Broadway credits included serving as a stand-in for Julie Andrews’ in the 1960 production of “Camelot” and “The First Gentleman” in 1957, for which she won a Theatre World Award.
She had supporting roles in the 1962 films “The Miracle Worker” and...
- 7/28/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Actor and singer Inga Swenson, who played Gretchen the cook on the popular ’80s sitcom “Benson,” on Sunday in Los Angeles. Swenson died of natural causes, according to TMZ. She was 90.
She was known for starring as Gretchen Kraus in the ABC series “Benson,” which aired for seven years from 1979 to 1986. The show follows Benson DuBois (Robert Guillaume) who is hired as head of household for a governor; Gretchen was the German cook with whom Benson had a workplace rivalry and friendship. For her role as Gretchen, Swenson was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress. “Benson” was a spin-off of the show “Soap,” in which Swenson also appeared for multiple episodes as the character Ingrid Svenson.
A trained lyric soprano, Swenson also had a successful career on Broadway, performing in lauded starring roles in the 1960s. She starred as Lizzy Curry in “110 in the Shade” and Irene Adler in “Baker Street,...
She was known for starring as Gretchen Kraus in the ABC series “Benson,” which aired for seven years from 1979 to 1986. The show follows Benson DuBois (Robert Guillaume) who is hired as head of household for a governor; Gretchen was the German cook with whom Benson had a workplace rivalry and friendship. For her role as Gretchen, Swenson was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress. “Benson” was a spin-off of the show “Soap,” in which Swenson also appeared for multiple episodes as the character Ingrid Svenson.
A trained lyric soprano, Swenson also had a successful career on Broadway, performing in lauded starring roles in the 1960s. She starred as Lizzy Curry in “110 in the Shade” and Irene Adler in “Baker Street,...
- 7/28/2023
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
Inga Swenson, the two-time Tony-nominated singer and actress who as the dictatorial German cook Gretchen Kraus sparred with Robert Guillaume‘s character on the 1980s ABC sitcom Benson, has died. She was 90.
Swenson died Sunday night of natural causes in hospice care in Los Angeles, her son, Mark Harris, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Swenson also sparkled in two critically acclaimed 1962 films released seven weeks apart — as the mother of Helen Keller (Patty Duke) in Arthur Penn’s The Miracle Worker (1962) and as the wife of a U.S. senator with a dark secret (Don Murray) in Otto Preminger’s political thriller Advise & Consent (1962).
On the strength of those performances, the Nebraska native — no, she was not born in Germany — was cast in 1963 as the spinster Lizzy in 110 in the Shade, based on N. Richard Nash’s play The Rainmaker. She received a Tony nomination for best actress in a musical for that performance,...
Swenson died Sunday night of natural causes in hospice care in Los Angeles, her son, Mark Harris, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Swenson also sparkled in two critically acclaimed 1962 films released seven weeks apart — as the mother of Helen Keller (Patty Duke) in Arthur Penn’s The Miracle Worker (1962) and as the wife of a U.S. senator with a dark secret (Don Murray) in Otto Preminger’s political thriller Advise & Consent (1962).
On the strength of those performances, the Nebraska native — no, she was not born in Germany — was cast in 1963 as the spinster Lizzy in 110 in the Shade, based on N. Richard Nash’s play The Rainmaker. She received a Tony nomination for best actress in a musical for that performance,...
- 7/28/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Inga Swenson, the versatile actress best known for memorable portrayals of combative women on the TV hits Soap and Benson, has died. Her son confirmed the news to TMZ. Swenson was 90.
Swenson’s involvement on the shows began with a multi-episode arc on Soap in 1978 as the conniving revenge-seeking Ingrid Svenson, the Swedish birth mother of Corinne Tate (Diana Canova). That led to a new role on the show’s spinoff, Benson, as Gretchen Kraus, an autocratic and combative German cook.
Over the course of the latter Swenson’s character was frequently at odds with Benson (Robert Guillaume) himself, often trading insults with him as he sought to run household affairs for Governor Eugene X. Gatling (James Noble). Despite their rivalry, Benson and Kraus later became close friends on the show. Swenson was Emmy nominated three times for the role, in 1980, 1982 and 1985.
A year before her first TV credit – an...
Swenson’s involvement on the shows began with a multi-episode arc on Soap in 1978 as the conniving revenge-seeking Ingrid Svenson, the Swedish birth mother of Corinne Tate (Diana Canova). That led to a new role on the show’s spinoff, Benson, as Gretchen Kraus, an autocratic and combative German cook.
Over the course of the latter Swenson’s character was frequently at odds with Benson (Robert Guillaume) himself, often trading insults with him as he sought to run household affairs for Governor Eugene X. Gatling (James Noble). Despite their rivalry, Benson and Kraus later became close friends on the show. Swenson was Emmy nominated three times for the role, in 1980, 1982 and 1985.
A year before her first TV credit – an...
- 7/28/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Air-conditioned Broadway held its own as New York City plunged ever deeper into a hot summer last week, with total box office receipts keeping steady at $31,520,593, a tiny increase of 2% over the previous week.
Total attendance for the 30 Broadway productions was 257,204, consistent with the previous week but up nearly 15% over the same period last season.
A trio of shows ending their runs last week – the week ending July 23 – saw box office climb even higher as last-chancers snapped up tickets. Camelot took in $780,457, a boost of $189,142 over the previous week, with attendance at 96% of the Vivian Beaumont’s capacity. Life of Pi closed its run on a strong note, grossing $585,043, with 93% of the Schoenfeld’s seats occupied. And Peter Pan Goes Wrong, struggling in recent weeks after a strong start in the spring, was up by $102,412 to $550,082. Still, the popular West End farce filled only 75% of seats...
Total attendance for the 30 Broadway productions was 257,204, consistent with the previous week but up nearly 15% over the same period last season.
A trio of shows ending their runs last week – the week ending July 23 – saw box office climb even higher as last-chancers snapped up tickets. Camelot took in $780,457, a boost of $189,142 over the previous week, with attendance at 96% of the Vivian Beaumont’s capacity. Life of Pi closed its run on a strong note, grossing $585,043, with 93% of the Schoenfeld’s seats occupied. And Peter Pan Goes Wrong, struggling in recent weeks after a strong start in the spring, was up by $102,412 to $550,082. Still, the popular West End farce filled only 75% of seats...
- 7/25/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Grey House, a rare thriller on Broadway, will be closing on July 30, after opening at the beginning of June.
The play, which stars Laurie Metcalf, Tatiana Maslany and Sophia Anne Caruso and features direction by Joe Mantello, began preview performances at the Lyceum Theatre on April 29 and opened on June 6. While the concept of horror is not often seen on Broadway, the production was not able to translate that to ticket sales and saw a soft box office throughout its run.
Since opening week, capacity for the show has not risen above 70 percent, and has dipped into the 50s. Grosses have similarly stayed under $400,000.
Written by Levi Holloway, the play follows a couple (Maslany and Paul Sparks) who crash their car in the mountains and seek shelter in a cabin. While there, they witness strange behavior from the inhabitants of the cabin, who include Metcalf, Caruso and a band of young kids,...
The play, which stars Laurie Metcalf, Tatiana Maslany and Sophia Anne Caruso and features direction by Joe Mantello, began preview performances at the Lyceum Theatre on April 29 and opened on June 6. While the concept of horror is not often seen on Broadway, the production was not able to translate that to ticket sales and saw a soft box office throughout its run.
Since opening week, capacity for the show has not risen above 70 percent, and has dipped into the 50s. Grosses have similarly stayed under $400,000.
Written by Levi Holloway, the play follows a couple (Maslany and Paul Sparks) who crash their car in the mountains and seek shelter in a cabin. While there, they witness strange behavior from the inhabitants of the cabin, who include Metcalf, Caruso and a band of young kids,...
- 7/19/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A genre that has been around for decades and gets talked about too rarely, sword and sorcery can encompass many films and sub-genres. So, what makes a sword and sorcery film better than the others? What makes it worthy of being the best? For some it will be how closely it follows the genre’s established rules and typical stories. For others, it will be how well-written and directed they are. For us, it’s how enjoyable they are, so, yes, some will deviate a bit from the usual rules of the genre, but all will be fun. So let’s take a look at what we consider the best sword and sorcery movies!
The Green Knight (2021)
A more recent offering in a genre that doesn’t seem to get enough representation lately, The Green Knight is a fantastic adaptation of the writings by The Gawain Poet. The source material...
The Green Knight (2021)
A more recent offering in a genre that doesn’t seem to get enough representation lately, The Green Knight is a fantastic adaptation of the writings by The Gawain Poet. The source material...
- 7/9/2023
- by Emilie Black
- JoBlo.com
John Deyle, a veteran actor on Broadway and television commercials, died June 22 in Mount Kisco, NY of esophageal cancer. He was 68.
Born and raised in Rochester, New York, he studied at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
In 1978, when auditioning for the Richard Rodgers and Martin Charnin musical I Remember Mama, Charnin decided to instead cast him in the original Broadway production of Annie. A member of the third-year cast, which featured Sarah Jessica Parker in the title role, Deyle played Louis Howe, Fred McCracken, and Bert Healy.
His other Broadway credits include understudy to Sir Lionel in the 1980 revival of Camelot, appearing in the original Broadway company of Footloose, and portraying Senator Fipp in Urinetown.
On tour, Deyle played Bert Bratt in the 1996 production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and did three tours of Camelot in various roles, including Forest Merlyn. Off-Broadway,...
Born and raised in Rochester, New York, he studied at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
In 1978, when auditioning for the Richard Rodgers and Martin Charnin musical I Remember Mama, Charnin decided to instead cast him in the original Broadway production of Annie. A member of the third-year cast, which featured Sarah Jessica Parker in the title role, Deyle played Louis Howe, Fred McCracken, and Bert Healy.
His other Broadway credits include understudy to Sir Lionel in the 1980 revival of Camelot, appearing in the original Broadway company of Footloose, and portraying Senator Fipp in Urinetown.
On tour, Deyle played Bert Bratt in the 1996 production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and did three tours of Camelot in various roles, including Forest Merlyn. Off-Broadway,...
- 7/8/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
John Deyle, who appeared in four Broadway musicals, in more than 100 commercials and as the inept Mr. Science on the first season of Late Night With Conan O’Brien, has died. He was 68.
Deyle died June 22 at his home in Mount Kisco, New York, after a battle with esophageal cancer, his wife, Rebecca Paller, announced.
While auditioning for a role in the musical adaptation of I Remember Mama in 1978, lyricist Martin Charnin told him that he was “all wrong for this show, but we could use you in Annie,” he recalled.
Deyle then made his Broadway debut in March 1979, joining the ensemble of the Sarah Jessica Parker starrer by playing Louis Howe, Fred McCracken and Bert Healy.
He went on to work in the 1980 Broadway revival of Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot, starring Richard Burton, and in the subsequent U.S. and Australian tours of the famed musical that featured Richard Harris in the lead.
Deyle died June 22 at his home in Mount Kisco, New York, after a battle with esophageal cancer, his wife, Rebecca Paller, announced.
While auditioning for a role in the musical adaptation of I Remember Mama in 1978, lyricist Martin Charnin told him that he was “all wrong for this show, but we could use you in Annie,” he recalled.
Deyle then made his Broadway debut in March 1979, joining the ensemble of the Sarah Jessica Parker starrer by playing Louis Howe, Fred McCracken and Bert Healy.
He went on to work in the 1980 Broadway revival of Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot, starring Richard Burton, and in the subsequent U.S. and Australian tours of the famed musical that featured Richard Harris in the lead.
- 7/7/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of the classic musical Camelot will ends its Broadway run on Sunday, July 23, producer Lincoln Center Theater has announced.
The Tony-nominated musical revival, directed by Bartlett Sher and starring Andrew Burnap, Phillipa Soo and Jordan Donica, began previews March 9 and opened April 13. It will have played 38 previews and 115 regular performances at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater upon closing. Plans for a U.S. national tour and West End production are underway.
Though receiving mixed critical reviews, the revival of Lerner and Loewe’s 1960 musical received five 2023 Tony Award nominations, including for Best Musical Revival, Best Actor in a Featured Role/Musical, and scenic, costume and lighting designs. The revival didn’t win in any category.
Staged at the non-profit Lincoln Center, the revival has seen a fairly steady decline in box office during recent weeks, having peaked during the...
The Tony-nominated musical revival, directed by Bartlett Sher and starring Andrew Burnap, Phillipa Soo and Jordan Donica, began previews March 9 and opened April 13. It will have played 38 previews and 115 regular performances at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater upon closing. Plans for a U.S. national tour and West End production are underway.
Though receiving mixed critical reviews, the revival of Lerner and Loewe’s 1960 musical received five 2023 Tony Award nominations, including for Best Musical Revival, Best Actor in a Featured Role/Musical, and scenic, costume and lighting designs. The revival didn’t win in any category.
Staged at the non-profit Lincoln Center, the revival has seen a fairly steady decline in box office during recent weeks, having peaked during the...
- 6/28/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The BET Awards ceremony went without a host for its performance-heavy telecast Sunday on BET from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Coco Jones, Burna Boy, Latto and Beyoncé Knowles were among the artists who scored wins at this year’s celebration of music, film, television and sports.
This year’s awards show packed the broadcast with music performances honoring the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, along with highlighting the year’s top talent. Only a fraction of the awards were announced during the live show.
Performer Lil Uzi Bert opened the show alongside hip-hop legends The Sugarhill Gang, who performed their hit “Rapper’s Delight.” Other highlights included tributes to Tupac Shakur and Biz Markie, along with Migos collaborators Quavo and Offset reuniting onstage to pay tribute to their late bandmate Takeoff (who died in November). Warren G. performed “Regulate” and Tyga went back to his hit song “Rack City.
This year’s awards show packed the broadcast with music performances honoring the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, along with highlighting the year’s top talent. Only a fraction of the awards were announced during the live show.
Performer Lil Uzi Bert opened the show alongside hip-hop legends The Sugarhill Gang, who performed their hit “Rapper’s Delight.” Other highlights included tributes to Tupac Shakur and Biz Markie, along with Migos collaborators Quavo and Offset reuniting onstage to pay tribute to their late bandmate Takeoff (who died in November). Warren G. performed “Regulate” and Tyga went back to his hit song “Rack City.
- 6/26/2023
- by Dessi Gomez and Jose Alejandro Bastidas
- The Wrap
A version of this story about director the music of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” first ran in the Drama Series issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine
Led Zeppelin famously invoked J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” series in several hit songs (“Ramble On” and “Misty Mountain Hop” among them), and if you’re looking for the right composer to reimagine Middle-earth for a multiyear Amazon Prime series adaptation, you go right to the ultimate rock-and-roll composer: Bear McCreary.
But don’t let the long dark hair and drummer vibe fool you, as McCreary can craft a dramatic, haunting score for just about any genre there is. “Sci-fi, fantasy, horror, period pieces, these are all things that inspire me and get me out of bed,” says McCreary with a noticeable jolt of energy. “And “The Lord of the Rings” is the godfather of so much of that.
Led Zeppelin famously invoked J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” series in several hit songs (“Ramble On” and “Misty Mountain Hop” among them), and if you’re looking for the right composer to reimagine Middle-earth for a multiyear Amazon Prime series adaptation, you go right to the ultimate rock-and-roll composer: Bear McCreary.
But don’t let the long dark hair and drummer vibe fool you, as McCreary can craft a dramatic, haunting score for just about any genre there is. “Sci-fi, fantasy, horror, period pieces, these are all things that inspire me and get me out of bed,” says McCreary with a noticeable jolt of energy. “And “The Lord of the Rings” is the godfather of so much of that.
- 6/20/2023
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
Stage and screen star Paxton Whitehead has died at age 85.
The actor — who starred in “Friends” as Rachel Green’s Bloomingdale’s boss Mr. Waltham, as well as having roles in “Back to School”, “The Drew Carey Show”, “Desperate Housewives” and more — passed away on June 16.
Whitehead’s son Charles confirmed the sad news to The Hollywood Reporter.
He died at a hospital in Arlington, Virginia.
Read More: Two-Time Oscar Winner Glenda Jackson, Who Mixed Acting With Politics, Dies At 87
Whitehead had a successful acting career dating back to the ’60s.
As well as the above, his many TV and movie projects also included roles in “Murder, She Wrote”, “Baby Boom”, “Ellen”, “Mad About You”, “Frasier” and “3rd Rock from the Sun”.
Whitehead made his broadway debut in Ronald Millar’s The Affair in the ’60s, as well as playing Sherlock Holmes alongside Glenn Close in 1978’s Broadway production of The Crucifer of Blood.
The actor — who starred in “Friends” as Rachel Green’s Bloomingdale’s boss Mr. Waltham, as well as having roles in “Back to School”, “The Drew Carey Show”, “Desperate Housewives” and more — passed away on June 16.
Whitehead’s son Charles confirmed the sad news to The Hollywood Reporter.
He died at a hospital in Arlington, Virginia.
Read More: Two-Time Oscar Winner Glenda Jackson, Who Mixed Acting With Politics, Dies At 87
Whitehead had a successful acting career dating back to the ’60s.
As well as the above, his many TV and movie projects also included roles in “Murder, She Wrote”, “Baby Boom”, “Ellen”, “Mad About You”, “Frasier” and “3rd Rock from the Sun”.
Whitehead made his broadway debut in Ronald Millar’s The Affair in the ’60s, as well as playing Sherlock Holmes alongside Glenn Close in 1978’s Broadway production of The Crucifer of Blood.
- 6/20/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Veteran actor Paxton Whitehead, who had memorable recurring roles in hit shows such as Friends, Frasier, and Mad About You, has died. He was 85. Whitehead passed away on Friday, June 16, at a hospital in Arlington, Virginia, his son, Charles Whitehead, told The Hollywood Reporter. Born on October 17, 1937, in East Malling and Larkfield, Kent, England, Whitehead began his acting career on the stage, making his Broadway debut in The Affair (1962). He also served as the artistic director of the Shaw Festival, the repertory company dedicated to the works of George Bernard Shaw. In 1980, he received a Tony Award nomination for his role as Pellinore in Camelot. He would appear another 16 times on Broadway from 1962 to 2018, starring in the likes of My Fair Lady, Suite in Two Keys, and The Crucifer of Blood. On screen, he appeared in numerous films and television shows. He made his film debut in Back to School (1986), in which he portrayed Dr.
- 6/20/2023
- TV Insider
Paxton Whitehead, the Tony-nominated British actor best known for his snooty roles on “Mad About You” and in the Rodney Dangerfield comedy “Back to School,” died Friday at age 85, according to his son, Charles Whitehead.
In the latter feature film, he memorably played Dr. Barbay, the disapproving dean of the business school who is horrified to learn that Rodney Dangerfield’s low-brow middle-aged character has bribed his way into college. Whitehead also had a recurring role on ’90s sitcom “Mad About You” as the “neighbor from hell” Hal Conway. The actor additionally guested on a number of series including “Frasier” and “Friends.”
Also Read:
Barry Reardon, Former Warner Bros. Theatrical Distribution Chief, Dies at 92
Actress Dana Ivey remembered him fondly on Twitter: “I’ve just heard that my beloved friend Paxton Whitehead has died, on Friday the 16th. We first worked together in ‘My Fair Lady’ in 1964, and the...
In the latter feature film, he memorably played Dr. Barbay, the disapproving dean of the business school who is horrified to learn that Rodney Dangerfield’s low-brow middle-aged character has bribed his way into college. Whitehead also had a recurring role on ’90s sitcom “Mad About You” as the “neighbor from hell” Hal Conway. The actor additionally guested on a number of series including “Frasier” and “Friends.”
Also Read:
Barry Reardon, Former Warner Bros. Theatrical Distribution Chief, Dies at 92
Actress Dana Ivey remembered him fondly on Twitter: “I’ve just heard that my beloved friend Paxton Whitehead has died, on Friday the 16th. We first worked together in ‘My Fair Lady’ in 1964, and the...
- 6/19/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Paxton Whitehead, the prolific and acclaimed actor whose career stretched from 17 Broadway productions, a recurring role on the hit 1990s sitcom Mad About You and a memorable turn as a snooty professor who takes an instant disliking to Rodney Dangerfield’s crude self-made man in 1986’s Back to School, died June 16 at a hospital in Arlington, Va. He was 85.
His death has been confirmed by his son Charles Whitehead, with many friends and colleagues sharing their memories on social media.
Actor Dana Ivey wrote: “We first worked together in My Fair Lady in 1964, and the last time was in Importance of Being Earnest in 2010 — friends for 59 years. I loved him so. Heartbroken.”
Tony-nominated for his performance as Pellinore in the 1980 revival of Camelot, Paxton, born in English village of East Malling, made his Broadway debut in a short-lived production of Ronald Millar’s The Affair. His next Broadway show — Beyond the Fringe...
His death has been confirmed by his son Charles Whitehead, with many friends and colleagues sharing their memories on social media.
Actor Dana Ivey wrote: “We first worked together in My Fair Lady in 1964, and the last time was in Importance of Being Earnest in 2010 — friends for 59 years. I loved him so. Heartbroken.”
Tony-nominated for his performance as Pellinore in the 1980 revival of Camelot, Paxton, born in English village of East Malling, made his Broadway debut in a short-lived production of Ronald Millar’s The Affair. His next Broadway show — Beyond the Fringe...
- 6/19/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Paxton Whitehead, the distinguished English actor and theater mainstay known for playing stuffy types in films and TV shows including Back to School, Mad About You and Friends, has died. He was 85.
Whitehead died Friday at a hospital in Arlington, Virginia, his son, Charles Whitehead, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Whitehead earned a Tony nomination for his turn as Pellinore in a 1980 revival of Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot opposite Richard Burton and appeared 16 other times on Broadway from 1962-2018.
Notably, he starred as Sherlock Holmes in 1978-79’s The Crucifer of Blood, which ran for 236 performances at the Helen Hayes Theatre, co-starred Glenn Close and was nominated for four Tonys, winning one.
He also was in Broadway productions of My Fair Lady with Richard Chamberlain, Lettice and Lovage, Noises Off and The Importance of Being Earnest.
After years on the stage, Whitehead made his movie debut in Back to School (1986), in which he portrayed Dr.
Whitehead died Friday at a hospital in Arlington, Virginia, his son, Charles Whitehead, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Whitehead earned a Tony nomination for his turn as Pellinore in a 1980 revival of Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot opposite Richard Burton and appeared 16 other times on Broadway from 1962-2018.
Notably, he starred as Sherlock Holmes in 1978-79’s The Crucifer of Blood, which ran for 236 performances at the Helen Hayes Theatre, co-starred Glenn Close and was nominated for four Tonys, winning one.
He also was in Broadway productions of My Fair Lady with Richard Chamberlain, Lettice and Lovage, Noises Off and The Importance of Being Earnest.
After years on the stage, Whitehead made his movie debut in Back to School (1986), in which he portrayed Dr.
- 6/19/2023
- by Alex Ritman and Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Joseph L. Mankiewicz’ “Cleopatra,” which opened in New York on June 12, 1963 and in Los Angeles a week later, was not a flop. In fact, the 243-minute film was a box office champ making $26 million at the box office, $6 million more than the Cinerama epic “How the West was Won.” But being the most expensive movie of its time — the budget ended up being around $44 million which would be around $429.5 million in 2023 — it took a long time to recoup its staggering costs. The film was such a drain on Twentieth Century Fox, the studio ended up having to sell nearly 300 acres of its backlot. That acreage was transformed into Century City.
The budgets started to soar when the original production with Elizabeth Taylor, who asked for and received $1 million for her services, Peter Finch as Julius Caesar, Stephen Boyd as Marc Antony and veteran filmmaker Rouben Mamoulian as director, stopped production...
The budgets started to soar when the original production with Elizabeth Taylor, who asked for and received $1 million for her services, Peter Finch as Julius Caesar, Stephen Boyd as Marc Antony and veteran filmmaker Rouben Mamoulian as director, stopped production...
- 6/19/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
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The 76th annual Tony Awards brought in a viewership of 4.31 million, making Sunday evening’s ceremony the most-watched telecast since 2019.
As viewers tuned in to Broadway’s biggest night, which aired from 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Et on CBS, the ceremony brought in 4.31 million total viewers, up 2% from last year’s show, according to Nielsen fast national data.
Sunday’s ceremony also became the most live-streamed Tony Awards to date with the average streaming audience on Paramount+ and other CBS streaming platforms boosting viewership by 13% when compared to year-to-year figures.
The Tony Awards also scored big on social media, with content related to the ceremony drawing in 4.8 billion potential impressions across platforms, according to NetBase calculations. The hashtag #TonyAwards was also trending in top 10 in the U.S. during its three-hour telecast.
The 76th annual Tony Awards brought in a viewership of 4.31 million, making Sunday evening’s ceremony the most-watched telecast since 2019.
As viewers tuned in to Broadway’s biggest night, which aired from 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Et on CBS, the ceremony brought in 4.31 million total viewers, up 2% from last year’s show, according to Nielsen fast national data.
Sunday’s ceremony also became the most live-streamed Tony Awards to date with the average streaming audience on Paramount+ and other CBS streaming platforms boosting viewership by 13% when compared to year-to-year figures.
The Tony Awards also scored big on social media, with content related to the ceremony drawing in 4.8 billion potential impressions across platforms, according to NetBase calculations. The hashtag #TonyAwards was also trending in top 10 in the U.S. during its three-hour telecast.
- 6/12/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Out of all the winners (and also-rans) in the 26 competitive categories at the 2023 Tony Awards, 34 results stand out as particularly noteworthy when considered in the context of history. So what were this year’s most interesting facts, records, and milestones? Check out the complete list of winners here.
1. The productions that received multiple Tony nominations, but went home empty-handed were “& Juliet,” “Ain’t No Mo’,” “Between Riverside and Crazy” “Camelot,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Cost of Living,” “Death of a Salesman,” “A Doll’s House,” “Fat Ham,” “Into the Woods,” “Kpop,” and “The Piano Lesson.”
2. This year marked the first time a Broadway production of “Into the Woods” didn’t win a single Tony. The original won three awards in 1987 for Best Lead Actress in a Musical (Joanna Gleason), Best Book of a Musical (James Lapine), and Best Original Score (Stephen Sondheim). The 2002 remounting won two for Best Revival of a Musical...
1. The productions that received multiple Tony nominations, but went home empty-handed were “& Juliet,” “Ain’t No Mo’,” “Between Riverside and Crazy” “Camelot,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Cost of Living,” “Death of a Salesman,” “A Doll’s House,” “Fat Ham,” “Into the Woods,” “Kpop,” and “The Piano Lesson.”
2. This year marked the first time a Broadway production of “Into the Woods” didn’t win a single Tony. The original won three awards in 1987 for Best Lead Actress in a Musical (Joanna Gleason), Best Book of a Musical (James Lapine), and Best Original Score (Stephen Sondheim). The 2002 remounting won two for Best Revival of a Musical...
- 6/12/2023
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
On Sunday night, Broadway honored the best live theater of the year at the 76th annual Tony Awards.
At a time of the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, it was a possibility that the ceremony would not happen this year, but the WGA and the Tony Awards’ organizers reached an agreement where the show would not be picketed and the writers would not work on the telecast. The previous time this occurred was in 1988 when Phantom of the Opera and Into the Woods competed for Best Musical.
The Tonys was the first major ceremony to take place amid the current writers’ strike. While other awards shows need a host and numerous presenters to say written remarks about the competitors and provide good ratings, the Tonys already have a built-in fan base that only requires around a dozen performances and winners’ speeches to succeed.
Ariana DeBose returned as the host,...
At a time of the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, it was a possibility that the ceremony would not happen this year, but the WGA and the Tony Awards’ organizers reached an agreement where the show would not be picketed and the writers would not work on the telecast. The previous time this occurred was in 1988 when Phantom of the Opera and Into the Woods competed for Best Musical.
The Tonys was the first major ceremony to take place amid the current writers’ strike. While other awards shows need a host and numerous presenters to say written remarks about the competitors and provide good ratings, the Tonys already have a built-in fan base that only requires around a dozen performances and winners’ speeches to succeed.
Ariana DeBose returned as the host,...
- 6/12/2023
- by Alex Nguyen
- Uinterview
The 2023 Tony Awards just honored a fresh group of incredible talents. Trophies were handed out at the United Palace Theater in NYC on June 11. This year's big winners include "Killing Eve" star Jodie Comer for her role in "Prima Facie," the play "Leopoldstadt," and the musical "Kimberly Akimbo."
"Shucked" star Alex Newell and "Some Like It Hot" star J. Harrison Ghee also made history as they became the award show's first openly nonbinary acting winners. The Tony Awards do not have gender-neutral acting categories. Newell, an alum of "The Glee Project," took home the award for featured actor in a musical. Ghee also won in their category, best actor in a musical.
The annual theater award ceremony was hosted by Oscar winner Ariana DeBose, who is emceeing without a script amid the 2023 writers strike.
Ahead, these are the 2023 Tony winners.
Best Musical
"& Juliet"
Winner: "Kimberly Akimbo"
"New York, New York...
"Shucked" star Alex Newell and "Some Like It Hot" star J. Harrison Ghee also made history as they became the award show's first openly nonbinary acting winners. The Tony Awards do not have gender-neutral acting categories. Newell, an alum of "The Glee Project," took home the award for featured actor in a musical. Ghee also won in their category, best actor in a musical.
The annual theater award ceremony was hosted by Oscar winner Ariana DeBose, who is emceeing without a script amid the 2023 writers strike.
Ahead, these are the 2023 Tony winners.
Best Musical
"& Juliet"
Winner: "Kimberly Akimbo"
"New York, New York...
- 6/12/2023
- by Victoria Edel
- Popsugar.com
Just when we thought Lea Michele‘s Funny Girl journey couldn’t get any more meta, along came the 2023 Tony Awards.
Sunday’s salute to Broadway included a special performance of “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” the iconic show-stopping number from the hit musical in which Michele currently stars. The big moment came just before the final award of the night was handed out.
More from TVLineRatings: Tony Awards Draw Best Audience Since 2019, Live Stream Hits HighTony Awards 2023: Some Like It Hot, Leopoldstadt and Kimberly Akimbo Win Big -- View Complete Winners ListTony Awards 2023: How to Stream...
Sunday’s salute to Broadway included a special performance of “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” the iconic show-stopping number from the hit musical in which Michele currently stars. The big moment came just before the final award of the night was handed out.
More from TVLineRatings: Tony Awards Draw Best Audience Since 2019, Live Stream Hits HighTony Awards 2023: Some Like It Hot, Leopoldstadt and Kimberly Akimbo Win Big -- View Complete Winners ListTony Awards 2023: How to Stream...
- 6/12/2023
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
The 76th annual Tony Awards are set for Sunday, June 11, with plenty of musical performances, returning host Ariana DeBose, a new location venue — and no writers.
Airing live from the United Palace theater in New York City’s Washington Heights, the Broadway awards ceremony is scheduled for 8-11 p.m. Et/5-8 p.m. Pt on CBS and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+.
A live, 90-minute pre-show, The Tony Awards: Act One, hosted by Julianne Hough and Skylar Astin, begins at 6:30 p.m. Et/3:30 p.m. Pt. The pre-show will be available for free on Pluto TV via smart TVs, streaming devices, mobile apps and online by going to Pluto TV and clicking on the “Pluto TV Celebrity” channel. No payment, registration or sign-in is required.
With the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike, the Tonys presentation this year will have no scripted elements. The WGA has agreed not to picket the event.
Although the show is not expected to include the pre-written jokes, banter and introductions typical for awards ceremonies, the broadcast will feature performances from the casts of nominated best musicals and revivals including Camelot, Into the Woods, & Juliet, Kimberly Akimbo, New York, New York, Parade, Shucked, Some Like It Hot and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Also scheduled are performances from the casts of Funny Girl, which opened last season, and Joaquina Kalukango, the Paradise Square winner of the 2022 Tony for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical. The cast of A Beautiful Noise, the Neil Diamond musical that did not score any nominations, also will perform.
Also scheduled is a special performance for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre recipients Joel Grey and John Kander.
As for the awards, the musical Some Like It Hot comes in with a leading 13 nominations, with & Juliet, New York, New York, Shucked tying for second with nine. Kimberly Akimbo and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street had eight noms, while Ain’t No Mo’, A Doll’s House, Into the Woods, Leopoldstadt and Parade scoring six apiece.
Related: Tony Awards Photo Gallery: Every Best Play Winner
Related: Tony Awards Photo Gallery: Every Best Musical Winner
The Tony Awards on CBS is produced in collaboration with Tony Award Productions, a joint venture of the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, and White Cherry Entertainment. Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss are executive producers for White Cherry. Weiss will serve as director.
For Deadline’s Tony predictions 2023 go here.
Airing live from the United Palace theater in New York City’s Washington Heights, the Broadway awards ceremony is scheduled for 8-11 p.m. Et/5-8 p.m. Pt on CBS and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+.
A live, 90-minute pre-show, The Tony Awards: Act One, hosted by Julianne Hough and Skylar Astin, begins at 6:30 p.m. Et/3:30 p.m. Pt. The pre-show will be available for free on Pluto TV via smart TVs, streaming devices, mobile apps and online by going to Pluto TV and clicking on the “Pluto TV Celebrity” channel. No payment, registration or sign-in is required.
With the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike, the Tonys presentation this year will have no scripted elements. The WGA has agreed not to picket the event.
Although the show is not expected to include the pre-written jokes, banter and introductions typical for awards ceremonies, the broadcast will feature performances from the casts of nominated best musicals and revivals including Camelot, Into the Woods, & Juliet, Kimberly Akimbo, New York, New York, Parade, Shucked, Some Like It Hot and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Also scheduled are performances from the casts of Funny Girl, which opened last season, and Joaquina Kalukango, the Paradise Square winner of the 2022 Tony for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical. The cast of A Beautiful Noise, the Neil Diamond musical that did not score any nominations, also will perform.
Also scheduled is a special performance for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre recipients Joel Grey and John Kander.
As for the awards, the musical Some Like It Hot comes in with a leading 13 nominations, with & Juliet, New York, New York, Shucked tying for second with nine. Kimberly Akimbo and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street had eight noms, while Ain’t No Mo’, A Doll’s House, Into the Woods, Leopoldstadt and Parade scoring six apiece.
Related: Tony Awards Photo Gallery: Every Best Play Winner
Related: Tony Awards Photo Gallery: Every Best Musical Winner
The Tony Awards on CBS is produced in collaboration with Tony Award Productions, a joint venture of the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, and White Cherry Entertainment. Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss are executive producers for White Cherry. Weiss will serve as director.
For Deadline’s Tony predictions 2023 go here.
- 6/11/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The 76th Tony Awards took place at the United Palace in Washington Heights, New York City, bringing together the shining stars of Broadway to celebrate outstanding achievements in theater.
The red carpet event was attended by Lupita Nyong’o, Jessica Chastain, Uzo Aduba, Michelle Williams, Melissa Etheridge, Skylar Astin, Anna Wintour, Dylan Mulvaney, Antwayn Hopper, Emilio Sosa and many more.
Related: Tony Awards Winners List
Ariana DeBose will host the show and the 2023 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre will be presented to Lisa Dawn Cave, Victoria Bailey and Robert Fried. The Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award will be presented to Jerry Mitchell.
In addition, the show will feature showstopping performances from the casts of Tony Award-nominated best musicals and revivals, including Camelot, Into The Woods, & Juliet, Kimberly Akimbo, New York, New York, Parade, Shucked, Some Like It Hot and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Related: Tony Awards...
The red carpet event was attended by Lupita Nyong’o, Jessica Chastain, Uzo Aduba, Michelle Williams, Melissa Etheridge, Skylar Astin, Anna Wintour, Dylan Mulvaney, Antwayn Hopper, Emilio Sosa and many more.
Related: Tony Awards Winners List
Ariana DeBose will host the show and the 2023 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre will be presented to Lisa Dawn Cave, Victoria Bailey and Robert Fried. The Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award will be presented to Jerry Mitchell.
In addition, the show will feature showstopping performances from the casts of Tony Award-nominated best musicals and revivals, including Camelot, Into The Woods, & Juliet, Kimberly Akimbo, New York, New York, Parade, Shucked, Some Like It Hot and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Related: Tony Awards...
- 6/11/2023
- by Armando Tinoco and Robert Lang
- Deadline Film + TV
The 76th Tony Awards took place on Sunday, June 11 in a two-part telecast staged at the United Palace in Washington Heights. Nominations were announced on May 2, 2023. Of the 38 eligible productions from the 2022-2023 Broadway season, 29 reaped bids across 26 competitive categories.
13 of the 15 eligible musicals and musical revivals earned at least one nomination. A new stage adaptation of the 1959 film “Some Like It Hot” leads all productions with 13 nominations. Its tally includes a nomination for the top honor of Best Musical and four bids for its performers. Three other new musicals are tied for second place with nine nominations: “& Juliet,” “New York, New York,” and “Shucked,” all earning Best Musical bids. Best musical frontrunner “Kimberly Akimbo” nabbed eight total bids. Of the six eligible Musical Revivals, the late Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” leads with eight, including Best Revival and three acting nominations; “Parade” and...
13 of the 15 eligible musicals and musical revivals earned at least one nomination. A new stage adaptation of the 1959 film “Some Like It Hot” leads all productions with 13 nominations. Its tally includes a nomination for the top honor of Best Musical and four bids for its performers. Three other new musicals are tied for second place with nine nominations: “& Juliet,” “New York, New York,” and “Shucked,” all earning Best Musical bids. Best musical frontrunner “Kimberly Akimbo” nabbed eight total bids. Of the six eligible Musical Revivals, the late Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” leads with eight, including Best Revival and three acting nominations; “Parade” and...
- 6/11/2023
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Tony Awards nominations were announced on Tuesday, May 2 by Lea Michele and Myles Frost. While the nominations for the 76th annual Tony Awards were determined by 40 theatre professionals, winners were decided by over 750 members of the Broadway community.
A whopping 38 shows were eligible for consideration by the nominating committee. On the play side, there were 17 original works and six revivals in the running for nominations. Over on the musical side, nine new tuners were in contention for bids as were six musical revivals. The cutoff date for eligibility was April 27.
The Tony Awards are set for June 12 at United Palace Theatre in Washington Heights and will be hosted for the second year in a row by Oscar winner Ariana DeBose. The earlier “Act One” ceremony will be hosted by Julianne Hough and Skylar Astin.
Musicals
Best Musical
& Juliet
X — Kimberly Akimbo
New York, New York
Shucked
Some Like It Hot...
A whopping 38 shows were eligible for consideration by the nominating committee. On the play side, there were 17 original works and six revivals in the running for nominations. Over on the musical side, nine new tuners were in contention for bids as were six musical revivals. The cutoff date for eligibility was April 27.
The Tony Awards are set for June 12 at United Palace Theatre in Washington Heights and will be hosted for the second year in a row by Oscar winner Ariana DeBose. The earlier “Act One” ceremony will be hosted by Julianne Hough and Skylar Astin.
Musicals
Best Musical
& Juliet
X — Kimberly Akimbo
New York, New York
Shucked
Some Like It Hot...
- 6/11/2023
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
On Sunday, Broadway stepped out for its biggest night as the Tony Awards celebrated the year’s best talent live from the United Palace in New York City. The ceremony was hosted by stage star-turned-Oscar winner Ariana DeBose in a three-hour ceremony that aired at 8/7c on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.
Going into the 76th annual awards, Some Like It Hot led the pack of musicals with a whopping 13 nominations, including one for Best New Musical. But Kimberly Akimbo ultimately won the top prize, in addition to other top honors for both its lead and supporting actress. As far as plays go,...
Going into the 76th annual awards, Some Like It Hot led the pack of musicals with a whopping 13 nominations, including one for Best New Musical. But Kimberly Akimbo ultimately won the top prize, in addition to other top honors for both its lead and supporting actress. As far as plays go,...
- 6/11/2023
- by Claire Franken
- TVLine.com
Lea Michele has enjoyed monumental success since formally joining the cast of the Broadway hit Funny Girl in September 2022.
But while she’s earned praise for deftly portraying the coveted role of the beloved character Fanny Brice, there’s a simple reason why she’s not eligible for a Tony Award.
According to the Tony Awards’ rules and regulations under eligibility requirements, “in order to be eligible, an actor or actress must perform in the role on the production’s opening night and must perform in the minimum number of performances to which the producer of such production must invite and make tickets available to Tony voters as required by Rule 2(a)vi).”
And therein lies the issue — the original actress who performed Funny Girl on opening night was Beanie Feldstein, who left in the wake of the show being at risk of closing due to poor reviews and lackluster ticket sales.
But while she’s earned praise for deftly portraying the coveted role of the beloved character Fanny Brice, there’s a simple reason why she’s not eligible for a Tony Award.
According to the Tony Awards’ rules and regulations under eligibility requirements, “in order to be eligible, an actor or actress must perform in the role on the production’s opening night and must perform in the minimum number of performances to which the producer of such production must invite and make tickets available to Tony voters as required by Rule 2(a)vi).”
And therein lies the issue — the original actress who performed Funny Girl on opening night was Beanie Feldstein, who left in the wake of the show being at risk of closing due to poor reviews and lackluster ticket sales.
- 6/11/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
The 76th annual Tony Awards are set to take place at the United Palace in New York City tonight, honoring the best plays and musicals from the 2022-2023 Broadway season. The event will mark the culmination of a star-studded year that saw the likes of Jessica Chastain, Oscar Isaac, Samuel L. Jackson, and Rachel Brosnahan treading the boards on the Great White Way.
Following her successful turn as the emcee of last year’s show, Ariana DeBose is returning to host a ceremony that will take on an alternative format due to the ongoing WGA strike. As the entire entertainment industry tries to navigate the complex politics of putting on award shows without crossing picket lines, the Tony Awards pledged to avoid using any scripted dialogue in its broadcast. That means that the traditional opening monologue will likely be skipped, and DeBose’s show is expected to lean more heavily...
Following her successful turn as the emcee of last year’s show, Ariana DeBose is returning to host a ceremony that will take on an alternative format due to the ongoing WGA strike. As the entire entertainment industry tries to navigate the complex politics of putting on award shows without crossing picket lines, the Tony Awards pledged to avoid using any scripted dialogue in its broadcast. That means that the traditional opening monologue will likely be skipped, and DeBose’s show is expected to lean more heavily...
- 6/11/2023
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
New location? No script? No rehearsal? No sweat.
Welcome to the 2023 Tony Awards, a show with an extra jolt of electricity this time due to the Hollywood writers’ strike.
Unpredictability has been inserted into what is usually an upbeat, safe and chummy night. The strike has left Broadway’s biggest night without a script, in a new venue far from the theatre district.
A 1 1/2-hour pre-show on Pluto TV from 6:30-8 p.m. Eastern, hosted by Julianne Hough and Skylar Astin, will then throw to the three-hour main event led by Ariana DeBose on CBS and Paramount+ starting at 8 p.m. Eastern.
A total of 26 Tony Awards will be handed out Sunday for a season that had 40 new productions — 15 musicals, 24 plays and one special engagement during the first post-pandemic full season.
Read More: Striking Hollywood Writers Vow Not To Picket Tony Awards, Opening The Door To Some Kind Of...
Welcome to the 2023 Tony Awards, a show with an extra jolt of electricity this time due to the Hollywood writers’ strike.
Unpredictability has been inserted into what is usually an upbeat, safe and chummy night. The strike has left Broadway’s biggest night without a script, in a new venue far from the theatre district.
A 1 1/2-hour pre-show on Pluto TV from 6:30-8 p.m. Eastern, hosted by Julianne Hough and Skylar Astin, will then throw to the three-hour main event led by Ariana DeBose on CBS and Paramount+ starting at 8 p.m. Eastern.
A total of 26 Tony Awards will be handed out Sunday for a season that had 40 new productions — 15 musicals, 24 plays and one special engagement during the first post-pandemic full season.
Read More: Striking Hollywood Writers Vow Not To Picket Tony Awards, Opening The Door To Some Kind Of...
- 6/11/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
The most important night in theater is upon us once again; the 76th annual Tony Awards are on Sunday, June 11. But if you’re here, you probably know that. What you want to know is where you can watch them. Well, you’re in the right place.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about this year’s ceremony: from where to watch, to when, to who’s hosting, and who’s performing. Let’s run it down.
When Do The Tonys Air?
The 76th Annual Tony Awards air live on Sunday, June 11 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Et/5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pt. The official pre-show begins at 6:30 p.m. Et/3:30 p.m. Pt.
Also Read:
Tony Awards Can Proceed After WGA Wins Changes to Ceremony What Channel Are the Tonys on Live?
Once again, the ceremony will air on the CBS Television Network,...
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about this year’s ceremony: from where to watch, to when, to who’s hosting, and who’s performing. Let’s run it down.
When Do The Tonys Air?
The 76th Annual Tony Awards air live on Sunday, June 11 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Et/5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pt. The official pre-show begins at 6:30 p.m. Et/3:30 p.m. Pt.
Also Read:
Tony Awards Can Proceed After WGA Wins Changes to Ceremony What Channel Are the Tonys on Live?
Once again, the ceremony will air on the CBS Television Network,...
- 6/11/2023
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
The biggest names in the theatre will converge on the United Palace in Washington Heights, New York for the 76th Annual Tony Awards on Sunday, June 11. As it has for nearly half a century, the ceremony will be broadcast on CBS beginning at 8 p.m. Et. Oscar winner and Tony nominee Ariana DeBose will return for her second straight year as host. This year, “& Juliet,” “Kimberly Akimbo,” “New York, New York,” “Shucked,” and “Some Like It Hot” are battling it out for the night’s biggest prize, Best Musical. You can watch CBS with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream. You can also watch with Hulu Live TV, Fubo, Paramount Plus, or YouTube TV.
How to Watch 2023 Tony Awards When: Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 8:00 Pm Edt TV: CBS Stream: Watch with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream. 5-Day Free Trial$74.99+ / month directv.com/stream
Save $30 Over Your First Three Months of Directv Stream.
How to Watch 2023 Tony Awards When: Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 8:00 Pm Edt TV: CBS Stream: Watch with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream. 5-Day Free Trial$74.99+ / month directv.com/stream
Save $30 Over Your First Three Months of Directv Stream.
- 6/11/2023
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
Plenty of attention is dedicated to the Best Musical race during Tony Awards season, but how confident are you in predicting the design categories? These four races consistently yield surprise winners each year. Those surprises have the potential to completely derail your score in our Tony prediction contest, even if you manage to guess all of the acting winners correctly.
So let’s take a deep dive into the tough below-the-line musical categories that you’ll need to ace in order to score top marks on your 2023 Tony Awards predictions.
Scenic Design
There’s plenty of gorgeous scenic work in this category, but we can probably count out three contenders from the ultimate win. 59 Productions’ video design for “Camelot” is stunning, but Michael Yeargan’s minimal use of physical sets will keep it out of the running. Mimi Lien plopped “Sweeney Todd” in a gargantuan, industrial-themed pit, but some “Sweeney...
So let’s take a deep dive into the tough below-the-line musical categories that you’ll need to ace in order to score top marks on your 2023 Tony Awards predictions.
Scenic Design
There’s plenty of gorgeous scenic work in this category, but we can probably count out three contenders from the ultimate win. 59 Productions’ video design for “Camelot” is stunning, but Michael Yeargan’s minimal use of physical sets will keep it out of the running. Mimi Lien plopped “Sweeney Todd” in a gargantuan, industrial-themed pit, but some “Sweeney...
- 6/9/2023
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
It’s almost time for Broadway’s biggest night: The 2023 Tony Awards take place Sunday, June 11 in New York City. With performances from the casts of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Shucked, New York, New York, Into the Woods, and more in the lineup (as well as a special tribute to Broadway legends Joel Grey and John Kander!), it’s sure to be an exciting evening. But due to the Writers Guild of America strike, this year’s show could feel different than its predecessors. Here’s everything you need to know about the 76th Annual Tony Awards. Who’s Performing? The Tonys announced its performance lineup on June 8. All of this year’s nominees for Best Musical and Best Revival of a Musical will take to the stage. That includes Camelot, Into The Woods, & Juliet, Kimberly Akimbo, New York, New York, Parade, Shucked, Some Like It Hot,...
- 6/9/2023
- TV Insider
New musical “Kimberly Akimbo” will win the most Tony Awards, according to our official odds in all 26 categories. The latest from Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori and six-time Tony-nominated lyricist and librettist David Lindsay-Abaire about a teenage girl, Kimberly Levaco, living with a rare genetic condition and a zest for life will take home six awards, besting by two its closest musical competitor “Some Like It Hot” and the epic stage adaptation of “Life of Pi,” which will both claim four.
These official odds for the Tonys are derived from the predictions of our Experts who write about theatre year-round, our in-house team of Editors, the Top 24 Users who did the best predicting last year’s ceremony, the All-Star Top 24 who have the highest scores when you combine predictions from the last two years, and all our Users who make up the largest and often savviest bloc of predictors.
Below, we...
These official odds for the Tonys are derived from the predictions of our Experts who write about theatre year-round, our in-house team of Editors, the Top 24 Users who did the best predicting last year’s ceremony, the All-Star Top 24 who have the highest scores when you combine predictions from the last two years, and all our Users who make up the largest and often savviest bloc of predictors.
Below, we...
- 6/8/2023
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
The casts of Tony Award-nominated musicals and revivals taking the stage for the 76th Annual Tony Awards hosted by Oscar winner Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) have been announced. CBS confirmed Camelot, Into The Woods, & Juliet, Kimberly Akimbo, New York, New York, Parade, Shucked, Some Like It Hot, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street casts are set to perform on this year’s awards show.
Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango, A Beautiful Noise, and Funny Girl will entertain viewers at the 2023 Tony Awards. Plus, the broadcast will include a special performance for the 2023 Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre recipients Joel Grey and John Kander.
The show will air live on Sunday, June 11, 2023 from the historic United Palace in New York City’s Washington Heights.
“CBS has been home to the Tony Awards for more than 40 years,” stated Jack Sussman, executive vice president of specials,...
Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango, A Beautiful Noise, and Funny Girl will entertain viewers at the 2023 Tony Awards. Plus, the broadcast will include a special performance for the 2023 Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre recipients Joel Grey and John Kander.
The show will air live on Sunday, June 11, 2023 from the historic United Palace in New York City’s Washington Heights.
“CBS has been home to the Tony Awards for more than 40 years,” stated Jack Sussman, executive vice president of specials,...
- 6/8/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
The 2023 Tony Awards has announced its lineup of performers for the Sunday, June 11 ceremony. The award show was previously given the green light for a non-scripted telecast from the striking Writers Guild of America. The 76th Annual Tony Awards will feature show-stopping performances from the casts of Tony Award-nominated best musicals and revivals, including Camelot, Into The Woods, & Juliet, Kimberly Akimbo, New York, New York, Parade, Shucked, Some Like It Hot, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Additionally, 2022’s winner for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, Joaquina Kalukango, will give a performance, as will the casts of A Beautiful Noise (the Neil Diamond musical) and Funny Girl. And there will be a special performance for the Tony Award for the 2023 Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre recipients, Joel Grey and John Kander. The Funny Girl revival, currently on Broadway, received...
- 6/8/2023
- TV Insider
The 76th Annual Tony Awards will feature performances from the casts of best musical and revival nominees “Camelot,” “Into The Woods,” “& Juliet,” “Kimberly Akimbo,” “New York, New York,” “Parade,” “Shucked,” “Some Like It Hot” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
Additionally, the casts of “A Beautiful Noise” and “Funny Girl,” Joaquina Kalukango, the winner of the 2022 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, and 2023 Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre recipients Joel Grey and John Kander will also perform.
“This year’s Tony Award nominees are a reflection of a tremendous year of Broadway,” Broadway League president Charlotte St. Martin and American Theatre Wing president and CEO Heather Hitchens said in a statement. “The show will feature performances by Broadway’s brightest lights – from breakthrough performers to industry icons – in recognition of the momentous productions wowing audiences worldwide.”
Also...
Additionally, the casts of “A Beautiful Noise” and “Funny Girl,” Joaquina Kalukango, the winner of the 2022 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, and 2023 Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre recipients Joel Grey and John Kander will also perform.
“This year’s Tony Award nominees are a reflection of a tremendous year of Broadway,” Broadway League president Charlotte St. Martin and American Theatre Wing president and CEO Heather Hitchens said in a statement. “The show will feature performances by Broadway’s brightest lights – from breakthrough performers to industry icons – in recognition of the momentous productions wowing audiences worldwide.”
Also...
- 6/8/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
The Tony Awards broadcast this Sunday will feature performances from the casts of Tony Award nominated best musicals and revivals including Camelot, Into The Woods, & Juliet, Kimberly Akimbo, New York, New York, Parade, Shucked, Some Like It Hot and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
And Funny Girl.
Though that 2022 musical revival starring Lea Michele is a year past any Tony eligibility, producers apparently couldn’t resist the possibility of the popular Michele performing on the broadcast. Easy bet: “Don’t Rain On My Parade.”
In addition, the show will feature performances from Joaquina Kalukango, the Paradise Square winner of the 2022 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical. The cast of A Beautiful Noise, the Neil Diamond musical that did not score any nominations, also will perform.
Also scheduled is a special performance for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre recipients Joel Grey and John Kander.
And Funny Girl.
Though that 2022 musical revival starring Lea Michele is a year past any Tony eligibility, producers apparently couldn’t resist the possibility of the popular Michele performing on the broadcast. Easy bet: “Don’t Rain On My Parade.”
In addition, the show will feature performances from Joaquina Kalukango, the Paradise Square winner of the 2022 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical. The cast of A Beautiful Noise, the Neil Diamond musical that did not score any nominations, also will perform.
Also scheduled is a special performance for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre recipients Joel Grey and John Kander.
- 6/8/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The show went on at Broadway’s Shucked on Wednesday night, though New York City’s bad air quality did have an impact on the staging: Book writer Robert Horn and composer Brandy Clark stepped in to play the main female character Maizy, with Horn reading the dialogue and Clark singing the songs.
The night’s concert-style staging was necessitated by the absence of Maizy actress Caroline Innerbichler, who was out for the night due to reasons unrelated to the orange haze covering the city. Innerbichler has two understudies, one of whom was out due to what a spokesperson for the show said was a sinus infection unrelated to the air quality and another understudy out due specifically to the air quality.
Related: Broadway’s Tony-Nominated ‘Shucked’ Sets 2024 London Run In A Cameron Mackintosh Venue
The historically bad air quality stemming from Canadian wildfires hit New York City hard yesterday...
The night’s concert-style staging was necessitated by the absence of Maizy actress Caroline Innerbichler, who was out for the night due to reasons unrelated to the orange haze covering the city. Innerbichler has two understudies, one of whom was out due to what a spokesperson for the show said was a sinus infection unrelated to the air quality and another understudy out due specifically to the air quality.
Related: Broadway’s Tony-Nominated ‘Shucked’ Sets 2024 London Run In A Cameron Mackintosh Venue
The historically bad air quality stemming from Canadian wildfires hit New York City hard yesterday...
- 6/8/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
After an extraordinary season boasting 38 productions of musicals, plays, and revivals, Broadway will toast its nominees and crown new winners at the upcoming 76th annual Tony Awards. If predicting the winners seems overwhelming with so many terrific contenders to choose between, check out our racetrack odds below for all 26 categories.
These official odds for the Tonys are derived from the predictions of our Experts who write about theatre year-round, our in-house team of Editors, the Top 24 Users who did the best predicting last year’s ceremony, the All-Star Top 24 who have the highest scores when you combine predictions from the last two years, and all our Users who make up the largest and often savviest bloc of predictors.
On June 11, the Tonys begin with the first round of awards during a special called “Act One,” hosted by Julianna Hough and Skylar Astin, which airs at 6:30pm Et on Pluto TV...
These official odds for the Tonys are derived from the predictions of our Experts who write about theatre year-round, our in-house team of Editors, the Top 24 Users who did the best predicting last year’s ceremony, the All-Star Top 24 who have the highest scores when you combine predictions from the last two years, and all our Users who make up the largest and often savviest bloc of predictors.
On June 11, the Tonys begin with the first round of awards during a special called “Act One,” hosted by Julianna Hough and Skylar Astin, which airs at 6:30pm Et on Pluto TV...
- 6/8/2023
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Jodie Comer stopped performing in the matinee of one-woman show Prima Facie on Wednesday after she reported having difficulty breathing. It was one of several examples of shows affected by the smokey haze that overtook New York City as a result of wildfires in Canada.
Elsewhere, Hamilton canceled its Wednesday night performance and other events were canceled or delayed because of the conditions.
Comer, the only person onstage throughout the 100-minute show, left the stage during the matinee and was later set to be replaced by the understudy.
“Today’s matinee of Prima Facie was halted approximately 10 minutes into the performance after Jodie Comer had difficulty breathing due to the poor air quality in New York City because of smoke from the Canadian wildfires. The performance was set to start again from the top with understudy Dani Arlington going on for Ms. Comer in the role of Tessa,” a spokesperson...
Elsewhere, Hamilton canceled its Wednesday night performance and other events were canceled or delayed because of the conditions.
Comer, the only person onstage throughout the 100-minute show, left the stage during the matinee and was later set to be replaced by the understudy.
“Today’s matinee of Prima Facie was halted approximately 10 minutes into the performance after Jodie Comer had difficulty breathing due to the poor air quality in New York City because of smoke from the Canadian wildfires. The performance was set to start again from the top with understudy Dani Arlington going on for Ms. Comer in the role of Tessa,” a spokesperson...
- 6/7/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tony nominations seem to have given a box office boost to at least some of Broadway’s shows, with Some Like It Hot, Kimberly Akimbo, Parade and Leopoldstadt reporting noticeable bumps for the week ending May 14.
The biggest improvement, though, was for a musical that scored zero nominations: Bob Fosse’s Dancin’ grossed $678,147 in its final week at the Music Box, an increase of $194,713 over the previous week. The show, which closed May 14 after the nom shut-out, benefited with business from the ticket-buying last-chancers.
Shucked, with nine Tony nominations, had its best week to date, reporting a $92,679 boost over the previous week, grossing $712,755 and filling 94% of seats at the Nederlander with an average ticket price of $81.34. Sweeney Todd, with eight nominations, broke the house record at the Lunt-Fontanne with $1,840,997 for seven performances. That’s an increase of $14,623 over the previous week, with an average ticket of $180.19.
Some Like It Hot,...
The biggest improvement, though, was for a musical that scored zero nominations: Bob Fosse’s Dancin’ grossed $678,147 in its final week at the Music Box, an increase of $194,713 over the previous week. The show, which closed May 14 after the nom shut-out, benefited with business from the ticket-buying last-chancers.
Shucked, with nine Tony nominations, had its best week to date, reporting a $92,679 boost over the previous week, grossing $712,755 and filling 94% of seats at the Nederlander with an average ticket price of $81.34. Sweeney Todd, with eight nominations, broke the house record at the Lunt-Fontanne with $1,840,997 for seven performances. That’s an increase of $14,623 over the previous week, with an average ticket of $180.19.
Some Like It Hot,...
- 5/16/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s Camelot never achieved the status of their My Fair Lady. But the 1960 musical about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, long cherished for its lush score and evergreen songs, attained a kind of mythic status, becoming a potent symbol of a certain political moment in our national history. Shortly after the assassination of J.F.K. in 1963, Jacqueline Kennedy told a reporter that her husband was a big fan of the romantic and idealistic musical and suggested, quoting a lyric from the title song, that the Kennedy era was, like Camelot itself, a “brief shining moment” that must never be forgotten.
I recently spoke with Bartlett Sher, director of the new Lincoln Center Theater revival of Camelot, currently at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Sher previously helmed a string of deluxe musical revivals at the same theater over the past 15 years:...
I recently spoke with Bartlett Sher, director of the new Lincoln Center Theater revival of Camelot, currently at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Sher previously helmed a string of deluxe musical revivals at the same theater over the past 15 years:...
- 5/8/2023
- by Gerard Raymond
- Slant Magazine
The 2023 Tony Awards are presenting two theater titans with an honorary lifetime achievement award: original “Cabaret” collaborators Joel Grey, who starred as the Emcee, and John Kander, who composed the musical’s score.
To be presented at the live ceremony in New York City on June 11, these special Tonys add to two already sterling careers that have earned competitive Tonys, Oscars, Golden Globes and more upon their shelves.
“We are immensely thrilled to honor two legends in their own rights. John Kander has composed the soundtrack to all of our lives – meeting us in every decade – creating unforgettable scores for Cabaret, Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and his current Broadway hit New York, New York,” Charlotte St. Martin, president of The Broadway League, said in a statement.
Speaking Grey’s praises, Heather Hitchens, president and CEO of the American Theatre Wing, added: “As a legendary actor and director, Joel...
To be presented at the live ceremony in New York City on June 11, these special Tonys add to two already sterling careers that have earned competitive Tonys, Oscars, Golden Globes and more upon their shelves.
“We are immensely thrilled to honor two legends in their own rights. John Kander has composed the soundtrack to all of our lives – meeting us in every decade – creating unforgettable scores for Cabaret, Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and his current Broadway hit New York, New York,” Charlotte St. Martin, president of The Broadway League, said in a statement.
Speaking Grey’s praises, Heather Hitchens, president and CEO of the American Theatre Wing, added: “As a legendary actor and director, Joel...
- 5/3/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
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