In a small downtown rehearsal space, a Who's Who of Toronto's indie theatre scene are busy making an Internet out of tin-can telephones.
As one actor delivers a monologue about nodes, hubs and networks into a microphone, and another takes notes on a whiteboard, director Jacob Zimmer and three other performers fill the room with lengths of wire connected to empty cans that hang from little nooses in the ceiling.
Soon, they have created a sprawling physical web that symbolizes the electronic one we surf every day and they begin transmitting short messages back and forth between each other. The room has become a live, theatrical Twitter environment.
“Notice the chaos,” Zimmer says, instructing his performers, “the slow and lovely chaos.”
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Madonna in Malawi for new child adoption
LILONGWE (Reuters) – Pop singer Madonna arrived in Malawi on Sunday ahead of a court examination this week of her bid to adopt a second Malawian child, a girl called Mercy James, officials said.
"She disembarked from the cargo area and jumped into her convoy," an airport official said.
An employee said Madonna had checked into an exclusive lodge, accompanied by her son David Banda, whom she adopted in 2006 from the same Mchinji Home of Hope orphanage where four-year-old Mercy lives.
The employee said David's biological father Yohane Banda was at the lodge to see his son.
Some Malawians opposed David's adoption, accusing the government of skirting laws that ban non-residents from adopting children. Critics say Mercy's adoption would also violate Malawi's laws.
Court clerks confirmed the name of the child last week and said Madonna or her associates were expected to appear in court on Monday for the adoption proceedings.
"She disembarked from the cargo area and jumped into her convoy," an airport official said.
An employee said Madonna had checked into an exclusive lodge, accompanied by her son David Banda, whom she adopted in 2006 from the same Mchinji Home of Hope orphanage where four-year-old Mercy lives.
The employee said David's biological father Yohane Banda was at the lodge to see his son.
Some Malawians opposed David's adoption, accusing the government of skirting laws that ban non-residents from adopting children. Critics say Mercy's adoption would also violate Malawi's laws.
Court clerks confirmed the name of the child last week and said Madonna or her associates were expected to appear in court on Monday for the adoption proceedings.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
'High School Musical 3' wins at Kids Choice Awards
LOS ANGELES – "High School Music 3: Senior Year" graduated with honors Saturday at the Kids Choice Awards.
The Disney musical was selected as the favorite movie by audience votes at the 22nd annual slime-filled Nickelodeon spectacle held inside UCLA's Pauley Pavilion. "High School Musical" star Vanessa Hudgens was also selected as the favorite movie actress.
"Lately, a lot of people have been taking credit for bringing back the musical," Zac Efron said while accepting the movie's trophy. "The truth is we've known who's been responsible for bringing back the musical all along. It was you guys!"
The show's hijinks kicked off with host and "Race to Witch Mountain" star Dwayne Johnson zip-lining over the audience of screaming teens and tweens into a "slime temple." Johnson proceeded to spray the first row with gooey green slime. Other shenanigans included squirting singer Jesse McCartney with a fake microphone and Will Farrell slipping and sliding down a hill.
The Disney musical was selected as the favorite movie by audience votes at the 22nd annual slime-filled Nickelodeon spectacle held inside UCLA's Pauley Pavilion. "High School Musical" star Vanessa Hudgens was also selected as the favorite movie actress.
"Lately, a lot of people have been taking credit for bringing back the musical," Zac Efron said while accepting the movie's trophy. "The truth is we've known who's been responsible for bringing back the musical all along. It was you guys!"
The show's hijinks kicked off with host and "Race to Witch Mountain" star Dwayne Johnson zip-lining over the audience of screaming teens and tweens into a "slime temple." Johnson proceeded to spray the first row with gooey green slime. Other shenanigans included squirting singer Jesse McCartney with a fake microphone and Will Farrell slipping and sliding down a hill.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Heigl says she'll stay if 'Grey's' will have her
LOS ANGELES – Katherine Heigl said Friday she's ready to stay with "Grey's Anatomy" and the decision rests with the show.
Attending a studio party to mark the ABC medical drama's 100th episode, Heigl said it's premature to think her days as Dr. Izzie Stevens are numbered.
"I was assuming that at one point and I got a lot of shrugged shoulders and shakes of the head, so I don't know if that's a yes or a no. No one will tell me and I don't know how this is going to go," Heigl said, noting series creator Shonda Rhimes' passion for plot secrecy.
"I don't know if I live or die. I don't know how Izzie fares," said the actress, who's played the character since the show debuted in 2005.
"I'm there" if Izzie remains part of "Grey's Anatomy," Heigl said. She called the set "one of my favorite places to be" and said her colleagues are also friends.
Attending a studio party to mark the ABC medical drama's 100th episode, Heigl said it's premature to think her days as Dr. Izzie Stevens are numbered.
"I was assuming that at one point and I got a lot of shrugged shoulders and shakes of the head, so I don't know if that's a yes or a no. No one will tell me and I don't know how this is going to go," Heigl said, noting series creator Shonda Rhimes' passion for plot secrecy.
"I don't know if I live or die. I don't know how Izzie fares," said the actress, who's played the character since the show debuted in 2005.
"I'm there" if Izzie remains part of "Grey's Anatomy," Heigl said. She called the set "one of my favorite places to be" and said her colleagues are also friends.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Fans pare 'Idol' top 10 with Sarver elimination
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Fans of "American Idol" eliminated Texas oil rig worker Michael Sarver from the show's eighth season on Thursday, casting the fewest number of votes for his rendition of the Motown hit "Ain't Too Proud to Beg."
Sarver, 27, from Jasper, Texas, lost after what host Ryan Seacrest set was a record-setting 36 million-plus votes cast on the hit television talent show, and the judges opted not to use their once-per-season veto to keep the burly singer.
"Michael, you're going home -- sorry," said Simon Cowell after a conference by the judges that sent the show into overtime. Sarver performed his version of The Temptations song on Wednesday during the show's Motown-themed performances.
"American Idol" pits aspiring singers against each other in a series of competitions that focus on a musical theme each week. It is the most watched TV show in the United States, with more than 24 million viewers per episode broadcast by the Fox network, a unit of News Corp.
Sarver, 27, from Jasper, Texas, lost after what host Ryan Seacrest set was a record-setting 36 million-plus votes cast on the hit television talent show, and the judges opted not to use their once-per-season veto to keep the burly singer.
"Michael, you're going home -- sorry," said Simon Cowell after a conference by the judges that sent the show into overtime. Sarver performed his version of The Temptations song on Wednesday during the show's Motown-themed performances.
"American Idol" pits aspiring singers against each other in a series of competitions that focus on a musical theme each week. It is the most watched TV show in the United States, with more than 24 million viewers per episode broadcast by the Fox network, a unit of News Corp.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Former 3-D hobbyist captains "Monsters vs. Aliens"
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Phil McNally is such a 3-D buff he legally adopted the middle name Captain 3D, before his former hobby became a job making movies such as "Monsters vs. Aliens" jump to life in three dimensions.
When the animated 3-D movie opens on Friday it will feature voice work from Hollywood stars Reese Witherspoon, Kiefer Sutherland and Seth Rogen, but its real star is McNally and a behind-the-scenes team of animators.
The native of Northern Ireland studied furniture design in London, but instead became an animator and eventually landed a job at DreamWorks Animation SKG, where his longtime interest in 3-D became more than just a hobby.
As the studio's "stereoscopic supervisor," McNally supplements a fancy title with an absent-minded focus. He often has more than one pair of 3-D glasses atop his head.
"One pair tends to just keep my hair out of the way now and I've got another pair, and they can start stacking up if I forget," McNally said.
When the animated 3-D movie opens on Friday it will feature voice work from Hollywood stars Reese Witherspoon, Kiefer Sutherland and Seth Rogen, but its real star is McNally and a behind-the-scenes team of animators.
The native of Northern Ireland studied furniture design in London, but instead became an animator and eventually landed a job at DreamWorks Animation SKG, where his longtime interest in 3-D became more than just a hobby.
As the studio's "stereoscopic supervisor," McNally supplements a fancy title with an absent-minded focus. He often has more than one pair of 3-D glasses atop his head.
"One pair tends to just keep my hair out of the way now and I've got another pair, and they can start stacking up if I forget," McNally said.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Motown drummer Uriel Jones dies in Michigan
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Motown drummer Uriel Jones, whose hard-driving funk propelled classic tunes by the Temptations and Marvin Gaye, died in a Michigan hospital on Tuesday after suffering complications from a heart attack, a family member said. He was 74.
Jones, the last surviving drummer in the Motown session band known as the Funk Brothers, was stricken in mid-February but had been showing signs of improvement, said his sister-in-law Leslie Coleman. He relapsed last Tuesday, and died at Oakwood Hospital & Medical Center in Dearborn, she told Reuters.
He was a key component of the "psychedelic soul" foray by the Temptations, including "Cloud Nine" and "I Can't Get Next To You," and also brought a party feel of their earlier hit "Ain't Too Proud To Beg."
But Jones also applied a sensitive touch to such ballads as "The Tracks of My Tears" by The Miracles, and "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" by Jimmy Ruffin.
Jones, the last surviving drummer in the Motown session band known as the Funk Brothers, was stricken in mid-February but had been showing signs of improvement, said his sister-in-law Leslie Coleman. He relapsed last Tuesday, and died at Oakwood Hospital & Medical Center in Dearborn, she told Reuters.
He was a key component of the "psychedelic soul" foray by the Temptations, including "Cloud Nine" and "I Can't Get Next To You," and also brought a party feel of their earlier hit "Ain't Too Proud To Beg."
But Jones also applied a sensitive touch to such ballads as "The Tracks of My Tears" by The Miracles, and "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" by Jimmy Ruffin.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Anne Hathaway to play Judy Garland on film, stage
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – She may have been the biggest surprise at February's Oscars when she took the stage in a duet with Hugh Jackman. Who knew Anne Hathaway could sing? Harvey Weinstein did.
Movie kingpin Harvey Weinstein on Monday said he had signed the Oscar-nominated actress to portray singer Judy Garland in both film and stage adaptations of the biography "Get Happy: The Life of Judy Garland."
In a statement, Weinstein called Hathaway "brilliantly talented" and said "she will be a true class act in this challenging role."
Details of the project were scant. No writer or director is yet on board.
Garland, of course, is the legendary movie star of Hollywood's Golden Age who portrayed Dorothy in 1939's "The Wizard of Oz," starred opposite Mickey Rooney in the "Andy Hardy" films and was twice Oscar-nominated for roles in "A Star is Born" and "Judgment at Nuremberg."
Movie kingpin Harvey Weinstein on Monday said he had signed the Oscar-nominated actress to portray singer Judy Garland in both film and stage adaptations of the biography "Get Happy: The Life of Judy Garland."
In a statement, Weinstein called Hathaway "brilliantly talented" and said "she will be a true class act in this challenging role."
Details of the project were scant. No writer or director is yet on board.
Garland, of course, is the legendary movie star of Hollywood's Golden Age who portrayed Dorothy in 1939's "The Wizard of Oz," starred opposite Mickey Rooney in the "Andy Hardy" films and was twice Oscar-nominated for roles in "A Star is Born" and "Judgment at Nuremberg."
Monday, March 23, 2009
"Knowing" tops weekend box office
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Nicolas Cage proved again to be a self-fulfilling prophet of the megaplex as his latest big-screen thriller, "Knowing," topped the North American box office this weekend with an opening tally of $24.8 million, according to studio figures on Sunday.
The sci-fi adventure, starring Cage as an astrophysicist who decodes an encrypted prophecy of global doom and races to save the world from cataclysm, marked the fifth-biggest movie opening of his career and his ninth No. 1 film since 1997.
Besides underscoring Cage's enduring appeal as one of Hollywood's most bankable heroes, the film's end-of-the-world scenario seemed to offer an ideal antidote for moviegoers weary of gloomy economic news.
"In a doomsday scenario, dollars and cents don't really matter anymore, and I think that's really appealing to people," said box office analyst Paul Dergarabedian, president of Media By Numbers. "Who cares about mortgages anymore if the world's going to blow up?"
The sci-fi adventure, starring Cage as an astrophysicist who decodes an encrypted prophecy of global doom and races to save the world from cataclysm, marked the fifth-biggest movie opening of his career and his ninth No. 1 film since 1997.
Besides underscoring Cage's enduring appeal as one of Hollywood's most bankable heroes, the film's end-of-the-world scenario seemed to offer an ideal antidote for moviegoers weary of gloomy economic news.
"In a doomsday scenario, dollars and cents don't really matter anymore, and I think that's really appealing to people," said box office analyst Paul Dergarabedian, president of Media By Numbers. "Who cares about mortgages anymore if the world's going to blow up?"
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Tribune sues Warren Beatty over Dick Tracy rights
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Tribune Media Services has filed a lawsuit against Academy-award winning director and actor Warren Beatty to recover motion-picture and television rights to iconic comic-strip character Dick Tracy, according to court documents.
In a Delaware court filing on Thursday, Tribune Media Services, a unit of bankrupt newspaper publisher Tribune Co, said Beatty "wrongly claims" to have exclusive motion picture and television rights to the well-known police detective character.
According to court papers, Beatty bought the motion picture and television rights for Dick Tracy in 1985 and went on to act and direct the 1990 film by the same name. The movie won three academy awards and its cast included Dustin Hoffman, Madonna and Al Pacino.
Tribune Co, however, said Beatty had "made no productive use" of the rights for over a decade, causing them to revert back to Tribune. The company said the economic benefits of the property was worth potentially millions to the company and its creditors.
In a Delaware court filing on Thursday, Tribune Media Services, a unit of bankrupt newspaper publisher Tribune Co, said Beatty "wrongly claims" to have exclusive motion picture and television rights to the well-known police detective character.
According to court papers, Beatty bought the motion picture and television rights for Dick Tracy in 1985 and went on to act and direct the 1990 film by the same name. The movie won three academy awards and its cast included Dustin Hoffman, Madonna and Al Pacino.
Tribune Co, however, said Beatty had "made no productive use" of the rights for over a decade, causing them to revert back to Tribune. The company said the economic benefits of the property was worth potentially millions to the company and its creditors.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Film stirs politics ahead of Indian general polls
MUMBAI (Reuters) – A dark, angry film exploring the labyrinthine underbelly of Indian politics is winning handsome reviews from critics just as the country gears up for general elections beginning in April.
"Gulaal," directed by Anurag Kashyap, is an acerbic comment on caste- and region-based politics that promote competitive parochial interests, often undermining India's secular democratic structure.
The film uses student politics entangled with a covert rebellion against the government by an erstwhile princely community to highlight the pulls and pressures on democracy from growing regional aspirations and discontent.
"The film is a result of my anger at the deterioration of the democratic process in the country," Kashyap told Reuters.
"Gulaal" opens with a fiery speech from a leader of a formerly princely community who wants to win back the days of the maharajas from the government, which he accuses of duping the princely classes into giving up their royal claims, and then ignoring them.
"Gulaal," directed by Anurag Kashyap, is an acerbic comment on caste- and region-based politics that promote competitive parochial interests, often undermining India's secular democratic structure.
The film uses student politics entangled with a covert rebellion against the government by an erstwhile princely community to highlight the pulls and pressures on democracy from growing regional aspirations and discontent.
"The film is a result of my anger at the deterioration of the democratic process in the country," Kashyap told Reuters.
"Gulaal" opens with a fiery speech from a leader of a formerly princely community who wants to win back the days of the maharajas from the government, which he accuses of duping the princely classes into giving up their royal claims, and then ignoring them.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Tributes pour in for Richardson after skiing death
NEW YORK (Reuters) – The theater and movie worlds mourned Natasha Richardson on Thursday after her death from a severe brain injury from a skiing accident in Canada earlier this week.
Richardson -- a member of Britain's Redgrave acting dynasty, the 45-year-old wife of actor Liam Neeson and an accomplished stage and screen performer -- died in a New York hospital late on Wednesday.
New York's medical examiner said the cause of death was an epidural hematoma caused by a blunt impact, meaning a bruise to the head that caused bleeding in the brain.
"It was ruled an accident," spokeswoman Ellen Borakove said, adding the body had been taken to a funeral home.
A short walk from the New York apartment where Neeson and the couple's two sons were grieving with Richardson's mother, actress Vanessa Redgrave, theaters on Broadway said they would dim their lights for a minute of mourning on Thursday evening.
Richardson -- a member of Britain's Redgrave acting dynasty, the 45-year-old wife of actor Liam Neeson and an accomplished stage and screen performer -- died in a New York hospital late on Wednesday.
New York's medical examiner said the cause of death was an epidural hematoma caused by a blunt impact, meaning a bruise to the head that caused bleeding in the brain.
"It was ruled an accident," spokeswoman Ellen Borakove said, adding the body had been taken to a funeral home.
A short walk from the New York apartment where Neeson and the couple's two sons were grieving with Richardson's mother, actress Vanessa Redgrave, theaters on Broadway said they would dim their lights for a minute of mourning on Thursday evening.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Natasha Richardson dies following skiing accident
MONT-TREMBLANT, QUE. — Surrounded by family in a New York hospital, Tony award winning actress Natasha Richardson died Wednesday after suffering a head injury in a fall on a Quebec ski hill this week.
Spokesman Alan Nierob confirmed the death Wednesday after two days of speculation about Ms. Richardson's condition, saying her husband, actor Liam Neeson, and family are “shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha.” She was 45.
Her death followed what seemed to be an innocuous fall on a beginner's run at Quebec's Mont-Tremblant resort on Monday. After the fall, Ms. Richardson appeared fine, joking with her instructor. But her condition soon deteriorated, and it's thought she suffered a brain injury. Wednesday night's statement didn't give a cause of death.
Yves Coderre, director of operations at Ambulances Mont- Tremblant, said Wednesday that ski patrollers requested an ambulance at the beginner's hill when Ms. Richardson fell.
Spokesman Alan Nierob confirmed the death Wednesday after two days of speculation about Ms. Richardson's condition, saying her husband, actor Liam Neeson, and family are “shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha.” She was 45.
Her death followed what seemed to be an innocuous fall on a beginner's run at Quebec's Mont-Tremblant resort on Monday. After the fall, Ms. Richardson appeared fine, joking with her instructor. But her condition soon deteriorated, and it's thought she suffered a brain injury. Wednesday night's statement didn't give a cause of death.
Yves Coderre, director of operations at Ambulances Mont- Tremblant, said Wednesday that ski patrollers requested an ambulance at the beginner's hill when Ms. Richardson fell.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Stacy Keach hospitalized
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Actor Stacy Keach, in Los Angeles with a touring production of the play "Frost/Nixon," was hospitalized on Tuesday for an undisclosed health problem, his representative said.
Keach, 67, plays late former U.S. President Richard Nixon in the stage production of "Frost/Nixon."
"Actor Stacy Keach was hospitalized this morning (March 17) and is in a Los Angeles hospital in stable condition," his spokesman Dick Guttman said in a statement.
He said further details would be released on Wednesday.
Keach is perhaps best known for his portrayal of detective Mike Hammer on the 1980s television show of the same name. From 2005 to 2007, he starred in the TV drama "Prison Break."
His film roles include a boxer in 1972's "Fat City," a white supremacist in 1998's "American History X" and a preacher in the 2008 "W.", about former President George W. Bush.
Keach, 67, plays late former U.S. President Richard Nixon in the stage production of "Frost/Nixon."
"Actor Stacy Keach was hospitalized this morning (March 17) and is in a Los Angeles hospital in stable condition," his spokesman Dick Guttman said in a statement.
He said further details would be released on Wednesday.
Keach is perhaps best known for his portrayal of detective Mike Hammer on the 1980s television show of the same name. From 2005 to 2007, he starred in the TV drama "Prison Break."
His film roles include a boxer in 1972's "Fat City," a white supremacist in 1998's "American History X" and a preacher in the 2008 "W.", about former President George W. Bush.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Obama scores a first with Leno appearance
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – President Barack Obama will take his economic strategy to Jay Leno's comic couch on Thursday in the first appearance by a sitting U.S. president on a late-night TV talk show.
NBC said in a statement that Obama would sit down before a live audience on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on March 19 to talk about his economic plan and "other topics."
Obama's visit to the Burbank studio near Los Angeles, where the top-rated late-night TV show is recorded, will come during a visit by the president to Southern California this week.
NBC said it would be Obama's first sit-down talk show appearance in studio with a live audience since his election last year, and the first ever appearance by a U.S. president while in office on a late-night chat show.
NBC said in a statement that Obama would sit down before a live audience on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on March 19 to talk about his economic plan and "other topics."
Obama's visit to the Burbank studio near Los Angeles, where the top-rated late-night TV show is recorded, will come during a visit by the president to Southern California this week.
NBC said it would be Obama's first sit-down talk show appearance in studio with a live audience since his election last year, and the first ever appearance by a U.S. president while in office on a late-night chat show.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Steve Martin backs banned production of his play
Actor Steve Martin will foot the bill for an Oregon high school to stage a production of his play, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, after the show was cancelled because of parents' concerns about the play's content.
La Grande High School's production of Martin's 1993 play was called off by its school board's superintendent after a parent filed a complaint, accompanied by a petition with the signatures of 137 community members, objecting to the play's bar locale and its sexual references.
The play depicts a meeting between a young Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein in a bar in Paris. It has been performed professionally across the U.S., and by a number of high schools and colleges.
La Grande High School's production of Martin's 1993 play was called off by its school board's superintendent after a parent filed a complaint, accompanied by a petition with the signatures of 137 community members, objecting to the play's bar locale and its sexual references.
The play depicts a meeting between a young Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein in a bar in Paris. It has been performed professionally across the U.S., and by a number of high schools and colleges.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Bollywood's Shilpa Shetty to visit sick Jade Goody
LONDON (Reuters) – Indian actress Shilpa Shetty will fly to Britain next week to visit Jade Goody, her former Celebrity Big Brother housemate who is dying of cancer, Goody's publicist Max Clifford said on Saturday.
Shetty, a Bollywood superstar, is due on Tuesday as part of a long-planned trip that will now give her a chance to see Goody, who has described herself as days away from death.
"Shilpa has spoken to Jade a few times in recent weeks -- they've gotten very close over the past year or so -- and while she's here in Britain she'll visit Jade," Clifford told Reuters.
Goody, 27, left the Royal Marsden Hospital in London this week and was moved to her home in Essex, north of London, where she is expected to remain until she dies.
Shetty, a Bollywood superstar, is due on Tuesday as part of a long-planned trip that will now give her a chance to see Goody, who has described herself as days away from death.
"Shilpa has spoken to Jade a few times in recent weeks -- they've gotten very close over the past year or so -- and while she's here in Britain she'll visit Jade," Clifford told Reuters.
Goody, 27, left the Royal Marsden Hospital in London this week and was moved to her home in Essex, north of London, where she is expected to remain until she dies.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Clooney's quiet "ER" return boosts show ratings
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – George Clooney quietly returned to "ER" in a long-awaited appearance that gave the TV hospital drama its best viewership ratings in two years as the show nears its final emergency.
Clooney, 47, donned his Dr. Doug Ross scrubs one more time along with his TV wife Julianna Marguiles (nurse Carol Hathaway) in an episode broadcast on Thursday that also featured old-timers Noah Wyle (Dr. John Carter) and Eriq La Salle (Dr. Peter Benton).
Although barely promoted by NBC, the episode saw a 23 percent increase in audiences over last week's show, whose 15th and final season ends next month.
NBC, which is currently lagging in bottom place among the four major U.S. networks, said the 10.7 million Americans who tuned in gave "ER" its best ratings since Feb 2007.
Clooney, 47, donned his Dr. Doug Ross scrubs one more time along with his TV wife Julianna Marguiles (nurse Carol Hathaway) in an episode broadcast on Thursday that also featured old-timers Noah Wyle (Dr. John Carter) and Eriq La Salle (Dr. Peter Benton).
Although barely promoted by NBC, the episode saw a 23 percent increase in audiences over last week's show, whose 15th and final season ends next month.
NBC, which is currently lagging in bottom place among the four major U.S. networks, said the 10.7 million Americans who tuned in gave "ER" its best ratings since Feb 2007.
Friday, March 13, 2009
New "Idol' judges" veto divides fans
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – A rule change giving "American Idol" judges the power of veto for the first time in the talent show's seven-year history divided fans and TV critics on Thursday, with some calling it "un-American".
The "Judges' Save", announced Wednesday night, gives the four-person panel on U.S. television's most-watched show the power to save one contestant from elimination by the public just once during a season.
The judges must be unanimous and the new rule only applies until the contest narrows to the final five singers.
For a show whose appeal rests largely on its viewer-driven voting format, the change was seen as radical and unexpected.
Raising a "Bravo" for the producers, MSNBC.com entertainment producer Gael Fashingbauer Cooper felt that taking a little power away from viewers was "a good thing."
The "Judges' Save", announced Wednesday night, gives the four-person panel on U.S. television's most-watched show the power to save one contestant from elimination by the public just once during a season.
The judges must be unanimous and the new rule only applies until the contest narrows to the final five singers.
For a show whose appeal rests largely on its viewer-driven voting format, the change was seen as radical and unexpected.
Raising a "Bravo" for the producers, MSNBC.com entertainment producer Gael Fashingbauer Cooper felt that taking a little power away from viewers was "a good thing."
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Jonas Brothers announce world tour dates
LOS ANGELES (Billboard) – Nearly two weeks after the premiere of Disney's "Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert" film, the sibling music act has unveiled dates for a world tour.
The 44-date North American leg begins June 20 at the Dallas Cowboys New Stadium in Texas and wraps August 31 at the Scotiabank Place in Ottawa.
Before the North American arena dates, the Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009 will play a handful of dates in South America in mid-May and head to the United Kingdom and Europe in early June.
The Jonas Brothers trek will feature support from "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks and rock act Honor Society.
The 44-date North American leg begins June 20 at the Dallas Cowboys New Stadium in Texas and wraps August 31 at the Scotiabank Place in Ottawa.
Before the North American arena dates, the Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009 will play a handful of dates in South America in mid-May and head to the United Kingdom and Europe in early June.
The Jonas Brothers trek will feature support from "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks and rock act Honor Society.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
CRTC approves obituary channel
Gérald Dominique is hoping there's room on Canadian airwaves for yet another specialty channel – one that would be all death and illness, all the time.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has for the first time approved an application to move forward with a channel dedicated to paid obituaries and notices of illness.
The French-language channel, which would air in Quebec, amounts to a TV version of the paid death notice pages in newspapers, giving families the chance to have sound, music, photos, video, text and other testimonials broadcast about their loved ones.
Mr. Dominique, 44, the Quebec entrepreneur behind the plan, first applied for the channel last summer and hopes to title it Je me souviens, or “I remember.” The phrase is also the official Quebec motto.
“The goal of this channel is to tell stories,” Mr. Dominique said. “How many stories are lost all over the world each year? Great stories about people's lives. Those are the stories we hope to tell.”
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has for the first time approved an application to move forward with a channel dedicated to paid obituaries and notices of illness.
The French-language channel, which would air in Quebec, amounts to a TV version of the paid death notice pages in newspapers, giving families the chance to have sound, music, photos, video, text and other testimonials broadcast about their loved ones.
Mr. Dominique, 44, the Quebec entrepreneur behind the plan, first applied for the channel last summer and hopes to title it Je me souviens, or “I remember.” The phrase is also the official Quebec motto.
“The goal of this channel is to tell stories,” Mr. Dominique said. “How many stories are lost all over the world each year? Great stories about people's lives. Those are the stories we hope to tell.”
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Kirk Douglas in courageous return to spotlight
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Wearing a pair of slacks and a simple gray pullover, Kirk Douglas strides to center stage with the unmistakable attitude and energy that has marked him as a Hollywood legend for 60 years.
With irresistible charm, a sharp sense of humor and a repertoire of stories and jokes drawn from his adventures as a movie star, Douglas brings back all too briefly the magic of Hollywood, the legendary city of the stars, in his "Before I Forget," which on Friday began a four-night run (the remaining two nights are Friday and Sunday) at the venue that bears his name.
Although he is the only actor onstage during the 90-minute performance, he is amply supported by a screen on which a generous selection of clips from movies, Oscar and other formal presentations and home movies give him an occasional breather while occasionally acting as a straight man. Before an audience of family, colleagues and adoring fans, he flashes the fire and determination that fueled his success.
With irresistible charm, a sharp sense of humor and a repertoire of stories and jokes drawn from his adventures as a movie star, Douglas brings back all too briefly the magic of Hollywood, the legendary city of the stars, in his "Before I Forget," which on Friday began a four-night run (the remaining two nights are Friday and Sunday) at the venue that bears his name.
Although he is the only actor onstage during the 90-minute performance, he is amply supported by a screen on which a generous selection of clips from movies, Oscar and other formal presentations and home movies give him an occasional breather while occasionally acting as a straight man. Before an audience of family, colleagues and adoring fans, he flashes the fire and determination that fueled his success.
U2 album sales near 500,000 in U.S.: manager
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The new U2 album is on track to exceed industry forecasts by selling almost half a million copies during its first week on sale in the United States, the band's manager said on Monday.
"No Line on the Horizon," the first superstar release of the year, went on sale last Tuesday in the United States and a day earlier everywhere else.
"The first week, we think it'll be very close to half a million, a little under," Paul McGuinness told Reuters, following a U2 radio broadcast at a Hollywood record label.
Preliminary data issued last week indicated that the album's first-week tally in the United States could reach between 400,000 and 450,000 copies -- a far cry from the 840,000-unit start for the band's previous album, "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb," in November 2004.
"No Line on the Horizon," the first superstar release of the year, went on sale last Tuesday in the United States and a day earlier everywhere else.
"The first week, we think it'll be very close to half a million, a little under," Paul McGuinness told Reuters, following a U2 radio broadcast at a Hollywood record label.
Preliminary data issued last week indicated that the album's first-week tally in the United States could reach between 400,000 and 450,000 copies -- a far cry from the 840,000-unit start for the band's previous album, "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb," in November 2004.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
U2 to begin world tour in Spain on June 30: report
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – U2 will kick off its world tour in the Spanish city of Barcelona on June 30 and stay on the road until the fall of 2010, playing 90-100 shows, music trade publication Billboard reported on Friday.
The official announcement of the stadium tour, to support the Irish rock band's first album since 2004, "No Line On the Horizon," will be made on Monday.
Billboard said the tour is expected to be one of the highest-grossing ever. U2's 2005-2007 "Vertigo" tour pulled in $389 million, ranking second only to the $558 million haul for the Rolling Stones' "Bigger Bang" trek, which also ran from 2005 to 2007.
U2 are currently in the midst of a whirlwind trek to promote the album, which was released earlier this week, playing on the roof of the BBC in London, having a street temporarily named after them for a week in New York, and performing an unprecedented five-night engagement on CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman."
The band is also holding a free show at a Boston theater on March 11.
Billboard said U2 would begin the first North American leg of the tour in Chicago on September 12 after wrapping the initial European leg on August 22. The band plans to return to both North America and Europe starting in June 2010, and may then hit South America. It will be promoted by Live Nation Inc.
The official announcement of the stadium tour, to support the Irish rock band's first album since 2004, "No Line On the Horizon," will be made on Monday.
Billboard said the tour is expected to be one of the highest-grossing ever. U2's 2005-2007 "Vertigo" tour pulled in $389 million, ranking second only to the $558 million haul for the Rolling Stones' "Bigger Bang" trek, which also ran from 2005 to 2007.
U2 are currently in the midst of a whirlwind trek to promote the album, which was released earlier this week, playing on the roof of the BBC in London, having a street temporarily named after them for a week in New York, and performing an unprecedented five-night engagement on CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman."
The band is also holding a free show at a Boston theater on March 11.
Billboard said U2 would begin the first North American leg of the tour in Chicago on September 12 after wrapping the initial European leg on August 22. The band plans to return to both North America and Europe starting in June 2010, and may then hit South America. It will be promoted by Live Nation Inc.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Chris Brown charged with assault on Rihanna
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Singer Chris Brown was charged Thursday with felony assault and making criminal threats in what prosecutors say was a Grammy-eve attack on his girlfriend, the pop star Rihanna.
Brown, 19, appeared briefly in Los Angeles Superior Court but did not enter a plea to the charges. His arraignment was postponed until April 6.
Wearing a gray suit, white shirt and tie, the rising R&B singer stood emotionless, answering only "Yes ma'am" to the judge.
The judge issued an order barring Brown from "harassing, threatening or using force" against anyone. But the singer was not ordered to refrain from contact with Rihanna, with whom he reportedly has reconciled.
Los Angeles prosecutors said Brown attacked Rihanna, 21, late on the night before the February 8 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
Brown, 19, appeared briefly in Los Angeles Superior Court but did not enter a plea to the charges. His arraignment was postponed until April 6.
Wearing a gray suit, white shirt and tie, the rising R&B singer stood emotionless, answering only "Yes ma'am" to the judge.
The judge issued an order barring Brown from "harassing, threatening or using force" against anyone. But the singer was not ordered to refrain from contact with Rihanna, with whom he reportedly has reconciled.
Los Angeles prosecutors said Brown attacked Rihanna, 21, late on the night before the February 8 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
American Idol Top 12 Gets Another Three, Judges Set Wild Card Lineup
Los Angeles (E! Online) – Sorry to spoil this first American Idol Top 12er here, but really...
Was there any doubt that Lil Rounds would sail on through? Ryan Seacrest waved her on even before any bad news was doled out Wednesday—and Kara DioGuardi predicted "just ridiculous vocals every single week" from the 23-year-old mother of three.
But what of Scott MacIntyre, Kristen McNamara, Jorge Nuñez, Ju'Not Joyner, Felicia Barton and Von Smith, all of whom gave quality performances last night?
Only two of that standout group got to advance, while the rest were either relegated to wild-card possibility or... well, obscurity.
The action heated up after the top three were revealed, though, when the judges announced which eight contestants will get the chance to keep the dream alive by moving on to Idol's first-ever wild card round.
After Lil, Scott's advancement was also expected, and the voters didn't disappoint.
Was there any doubt that Lil Rounds would sail on through? Ryan Seacrest waved her on even before any bad news was doled out Wednesday—and Kara DioGuardi predicted "just ridiculous vocals every single week" from the 23-year-old mother of three.
But what of Scott MacIntyre, Kristen McNamara, Jorge Nuñez, Ju'Not Joyner, Felicia Barton and Von Smith, all of whom gave quality performances last night?
Only two of that standout group got to advance, while the rest were either relegated to wild-card possibility or... well, obscurity.
The action heated up after the top three were revealed, though, when the judges announced which eight contestants will get the chance to keep the dream alive by moving on to Idol's first-ever wild card round.
After Lil, Scott's advancement was also expected, and the voters didn't disappoint.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
New York City honors U2 by renaming street
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Irish rock band U2 had a 1987 hit with their song "Where the streets have no name," but on Tuesday New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg temporarily renamed a Manhattan street in their honor.
To celebrate the release of the band's 12th studio album and their appearance every night this week on CBS's "The Late Show with David Letterman," part of 53rd street in Midtown Manhattan -- where Letterman films -- was renamed U2 Way.
"The Beatles had Penny Lane, Elvis lived on the end of Lonely Street," U2 singer Bono told reporters and fans on the corner of Broadway and 53rd Street.
"We're here somewhere between 10th Avenue and funky, funky Broadway, somewhere south of Duke Ellington Way and north of Joey Ramone Place we find ourselves ... where the streets have no name," he said.
To celebrate the release of the band's 12th studio album and their appearance every night this week on CBS's "The Late Show with David Letterman," part of 53rd street in Midtown Manhattan -- where Letterman films -- was renamed U2 Way.
"The Beatles had Penny Lane, Elvis lived on the end of Lonely Street," U2 singer Bono told reporters and fans on the corner of Broadway and 53rd Street.
"We're here somewhere between 10th Avenue and funky, funky Broadway, somewhere south of Duke Ellington Way and north of Joey Ramone Place we find ourselves ... where the streets have no name," he said.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Jonas Brothers hit flat note at box office
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Teen idols the Jonas Brothers got beaten up by a pistol-packing granny at the weekend box office in North America, failing to live up to the hype generated by their concert movie.
"Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience" came in at No. 2 with estimated three-day sales of $12.7 million, distributor Walt Disney Co said on Sunday. The studio had hoped for $15 million, which itself paled against wild industry forecasts that reached as high as $25 million.
The film's core audience of screaming young girls was evidently outnumbered by the older black women who ensured that "Madea Goes to Jail" logged a second term at No. 1.
The comedy about a tough-talking old lady earned $16.5 million, taking its 10-day total to $64.9 million. The Lionsgate release has already become the biggest of the six movies prolific filmmaker Tyler Perry has released since February 2005. Perry, 39, dons drag to play Madea, a character featured in many of his critic-proof films and plays.
Lionsgate is a unit of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp, in which activist investor Carl Icahn recently disclosed that he had taken a 14.3 percent stake.
"Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience" came in at No. 2 with estimated three-day sales of $12.7 million, distributor Walt Disney Co said on Sunday. The studio had hoped for $15 million, which itself paled against wild industry forecasts that reached as high as $25 million.
The film's core audience of screaming young girls was evidently outnumbered by the older black women who ensured that "Madea Goes to Jail" logged a second term at No. 1.
The comedy about a tough-talking old lady earned $16.5 million, taking its 10-day total to $64.9 million. The Lionsgate release has already become the biggest of the six movies prolific filmmaker Tyler Perry has released since February 2005. Perry, 39, dons drag to play Madea, a character featured in many of his critic-proof films and plays.
Lionsgate is a unit of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp, in which activist investor Carl Icahn recently disclosed that he had taken a 14.3 percent stake.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)