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Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Ron Simons dies at 63
Read full article: Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Ron Simons dies at 63Ron Simons, an actor who turned into a formidable screen and stage producer, winning four Tony Awards and having several films selected at the Sundance Film Festival, has died.
On Broadway, more visibility, yes, but also an unseen threat
Read full article: On Broadway, more visibility, yes, but also an unseen threatFor the first full season since the death of George Floyd reignited a conversation about race and representation in America, Broadway responded with one of its most diverse Tony slates yet.
Orlando’s Norm Lewis continues to make musical history on Broadway
Read full article: Orlando’s Norm Lewis continues to make musical history on BroadwayBefore he made history by becoming the first African American to play coveted Broadway roles, such as Javert in Les Miserables and the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera, Norm Lewis spent his years growing up in Eatonville, a town located just to the north of Orlando.
New York theater leaders agree on a New Deal for Broadway
Read full article: New York theater leaders agree on a New Deal for BroadwayA wide Broadway coalition of theater owners, producers, union leaders, creators and casting directors have hammered out a series of reforms and commitments for the theater industry to ensure equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
Concert to honor Broadway star Rebecca Luker, fight ALS
Read full article: Concert to honor Broadway star Rebecca Luker, fight ALSSome of Broadway’s biggest stars are joining together to pay tribute to the late three-time Tony nominated actor Rebecca Luker and raise money to fight Lou Gehrig’s disease.
‘Soul,’ ‘Ma Rainey’s’ among AFI’s top 10 films of the year
Read full article: ‘Soul,’ ‘Ma Rainey’s’ among AFI’s top 10 films of the yearThis image released by Netflix shows, from second left, Norm Lewis, Clarke Peters Isiah Whitlock Jr., and Delroy Lindo in a scene from "Da 5 Bloods," named one of the top 10 films of the year by The American Film Institute. (David Lee/Netflix via AP)The American Film Institute on Monday announced its top 10 films of the year, including Pixar’s jazz themed “Soul” and two of Chadwick Boseman’s final films: the August Wilson adaptation “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and Spike Lee’s Vietnam drama “Da 5 Bloods,” both of which are Netflix films. AFI also selected Warner Bros.’ Black Panther Party film “Judas and the Black Messiah” which will have its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on Feb. 1. The AFI also named its top 10 television shows, including Netflix’s “The Queen’s Gambit,” the Disney+ phenomenon “The Mandalorian” and Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso.”The selection jury included filmmakers Rian Johnson and Lulu Wang. The group also included a special citation for “Hamilton.”In lieu of the annual luncheon celebrating the honorees, AFI will hold a virtual benediction on Feb. 26 streaming on YouTube and the AFI website.
Holiday movies, music specials arrive to light a bleak year
Read full article: Holiday movies, music specials arrive to light a bleak year(NBC/Apple/HBO Max/Netflix/Disney + via AP)LOS ANGELES – Bring on the sentimental holiday rom-coms, the chorus of Christmas music specials and the nostalgia of last century’s animated charmers. HOLIDAY HARMONY— “My Gift: A Christmas Special From Carrie Underwood,” now streaming on HBO Max. — “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special,” Dec. 4, Apple TV+. Music, dancing, animation and surprise guest stars help create what the streaming service promises to be a heartwarming journey with the pop star. Dolly Parton sings hymns, holiday pop classics and tunes from her new album, and shares personal and faith-based Christmas memories.
In online ceremony, Orlando marks 4 years since the Pulse nightclub shooting
Read full article: In online ceremony, Orlando marks 4 years since the Pulse nightclub shootingORLANDO, Fla. Hundreds logged on Friday night to pay their respects to the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting, which happened exactly four years ago. The ceremony included comments from Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Broadway star and Orlando native Norm Lewis and Pulse nightclub owner Barbara Poma. The online ceremony included family members who lost loved ones reading the names of the 49 lives lost. An hour later, St. Lukes Methodist Church also held an online vigil for the Pulse nightclub victims. At Pulse, many who survived the shooting gathered to comfort each other.
New this week: Spike Lee flick, 'Artemis Fowl,' Norah Jones
Read full article: New this week: Spike Lee flick, 'Artemis Fowl,' Norah JonesThis image released by Netflix shows, from left, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Norm Lewis, Clarke Peters, Delroy Lindo and Jonathan Majors in a scene from the Spike Lee film "Da 5 Bloods." (David Lee/Netflix via AP)Heres a collection curated by The Associated Press entertainment journalists of whats arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. MOVIESDa 5 Bloods: Its always the right time for a Spike Lee joint and thankfully Netflix has his latest ready to debut Friday. AP Music Editor Mesfin FekaduTELEVISIONGabrielle Union, engaged in a battle with NBC over her firing from Americas Got Talent, is firmly in control on L.A.s Finest, the drama she produces and stars in with Jessica Alba. Also back are closeted man of the cloth Leonard (Al Weaver) and Tessa-Peake Jones as an indispensable if stern housekeeper.