Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Aretha’s Debut at Jones Beach, Musicals Made Over Night

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Aretha Franklin‘s show at Jones Beach tomorrow night is her debut at the fabled outdoor music venue on Long Island. The Queen of Soul has never before performed at this great spot, and she’s looking forward to it. Over lunch yesterday at Manhattan’s Le Petit Maison she told me she’s putting on a full show, with “all the hits” from “Respect” to “Daydreaming” and “Rock Steady.” Franklin’s performance Monday morning on the 10am segment of the “Today” show with Hoda and Kathie Lee was  a killer by the way–her voice has never sounded better and Aretha’s never looked better. In between “Today” and lunch, the Queen stopped by Tiffany & Co. and checked out–but didn’t buy–several amazing baubles…

…”One Night Stand” premiered the other night in New York. It’s a lively documentary about the making of “The 24 Hour Musicals.” Elisabeth Sperling and Trish Dalton traced the one day planning and executing of four 20 minute musicals put together by New York pros. Standouts are Richard Kind, Cheyenne Jackson and Rachel Dratch, with lots of humor. Perfect for a PBS fundraising night!

Tonight: Julia Fordham and Paul Reiser at the Highline Ballroom, 8pm. Don’t miss it!

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Roger Friedman
Roger Friedmanhttps://www.showbiz411.com
Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News, where he created the Fox411 column. His movie reviews are carried by Rotten Tomatoes, and he is a member of both the movie and TV branches of the Critics Choice Awards. His articles have appeared in dozens of publications over the years including New York Magazine, where he wrote the Intelligencer column in the mid 90s and covered the OJ Simpson trial, and Fox News (when it wasn't so crazy) where he covered Michael Jackson. He is also the writer and co-producer of "Only the Strong Survive," a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals, directed by DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.

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