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Scott Rudin Sets a Record with 4 Broadway Hits Opening in 6 Weeks

Roger Friedman
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Scott Rudin Sets a Record with 4 Broadway Hits Opening in 6 Weeks

Remember during the Oscars I asked why Scott Rudin wasn’t coming out to Hollywood for the show? He had two Best Picture nominations, for “The Social Network” and “True Grit.”

Well, over the next couple of weeks we’ll see why: Rudin has not one but four Broadway shows opening, all tipped and buzzed as hits. It’s a record of some kind, even for Rudin, who often has two shows lined up. Last year it was “Fences” and “A Behanding in Spokane.”

But that was simple stuff. A week from today Rudin opens the hottest show of the season, “The Book of Mormon,” from Matt Stone and Trey Parker of “South Park” fame. The show is playing at 101% in previews, a week to go before opening night. And opening night is the hottest ticket in any town–the producers are hearing from childhood friends and former plumbers. Everyone wants to be there.

Once “Mormon” is open, Rudin has three more to go: a revival of John Guare‘s “The House of Blue Leaves” with Ben Stiller, Edie Falco, and Jennifer Jason Leigh; “Jerusalem” with Mark Rylance; and “The Motherf—-er with the Hat,” which brings Chris Rock to Broadway.

The amazing thing about “Mormon,” billed as “God’s Favorite Musical”? It has not one well known player in it. They are unknowns. The fact that Rudin already has a major hit, and with no stars, is reason enough to start calling him David Merrick 2011. Or better yet, Sol Hurok (for those old enough to remember…).

On Friday, Rudin starts the celebration with an A list lunch at the Four Seasons for “media elite.” I can still remember the furor the South Park guys caused with their movie, “Team America.” ‘The Book of Mormon” is said to be 100 times more irreverent. I can’t wait!

PS No one flies in any of his shows!

WTF? Charming “Win Win” Gets an R Rating for Two F Bombs

Roger Friedman
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WTF? Charming “Win Win” Gets an R Rating for Two F Bombs

What a night for director Tom McCarthy in New York. His third film, “Win Win,” premiered to a hot crowd that included stars Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Burt Young and Bobby Cannavale. Then Amy and Tom’s pal, Patricia Clarkson, co-hosted a party for them at the low ceiling’d bar under the Chelsea Hotel. Into the sardine tin like saloon came John Slattery and Talia Balsam, Kyra Sedgwick, Rachel Dratch, and Carol Alt. Giamatti–perhaps overwhelmed by the number of people per square inch, bailed early. But Ryan–getting ready for a last big run on “The Office” before her character, Holly, heads off into the sunset with Steve Carell’s Michael Scott–hung around with Clarkson. They’re old, good friends.

Clarkson, by the way, had to leave early, too. She’s off to New Orleans where she and Bryan Batt (“Mad Men”) are doing readings on Friday and Sunday of “Love Letters.” It’s to raise money for Le Petit Theatre, built in 1916. It’s the longest running continuous theater in the US.

Meantime, no one could quite figure out why “Win Win,” a charming, smart film, has an R rating. Apparently it’s because the “F” word is used a couple of times by a wrestling coach trying to rev up his high school team. This is why the MPAA must be overhauled immediately. “Win Win” should be seen by high school kids without a doubt. And it’s easily a movie that parents can go to with their high school age kids. There’s no sex, nudity, or violence. Just those two words. The MPAA should be ashamed of itself.

Also on the scene, director Tony Gilroy, who still hasn’t made his final choice for star of the new “Bourne” movie. I said, “Tony, how is everything?” “Fine,” he responded. “Just fine. Just print that.” He’s keeping mum for now, awaiting the formal announcement.

photo c2011 Showbiz411/Ann Lawlor

McConaughey Movie “Lincoln Lawyer”: $6 Groupon Tickets Opening Weekend

Roger Friedman
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McConaughey Movie “Lincoln Lawyer”: $6 Groupon Tickets Opening Weekend

EXCLUSIVE Here’s a first: Matthew McConaughey‘s new movie, “The Lincoln Lawyer,” is being offered at $6 a ticket for opening weekend through Groupon. Yes, that’s right. To stimulate box office, Lions Gate–the same company that can’t seem to make a deal to bring “Mad Men” back to TV– is deep discounting a major release. This is done all the time in the record business–labels deep discount new releases to get them to Number 1 on the charts. It’s just not happened before with a major studio movie.

In a press release, Lions Gate is all excited about this: “We are always looking for ways to reach our consumers with targeted, cost-effective and innovative campaigns,” said Lionsgate Vice Chairman Michael Burns. “Groupon is one of the most dynamic young companies in the world today, and their emergence as a digital commerce pioneer made them the perfect online partner for Lionsgate and THE LINCOLN LAWYER.  We believe this agreement is the shape of things to come as Hollywood studios discover a natural alliance with smart, entrepreneurial digital partners in bringing our content to consumers with cutting edge promotional campaigns that harness the unprecedented reach of the online world.  We’re delighted that our LINCOLN LAWYER partner, Tom Rosenberg at Lakeshore, shared our vision in helping us create this historic first.”

Tickets are on sale through Groupon the rest of today and all of tomorrow. “The Lincoln Lawyer” opens Friday. It does mean that in many places, “TLL” will sell at half price. Will that make people see it? Wait til Saturday morning for the results.

PS It’s two to a customer!

LA Reid Leaving DefJam to Judge “X Factor” and (Probably) Become Sony Music Titan

Roger Friedman
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LA Reid Leaving DefJam to Judge “X Factor” and (Probably) Become Sony Music Titan

On the heels of a scoop that LA Reid is going to judge “X Factor” — scooped on a blog http://tinyurl.com/4qq8z8z and then appropriated elsewhere–here’s the real deal: Reid leaves Universal Music Group tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow! It’s all been in the works for weeks. And then, right after Doug Morris takes over Sony Music on July 1st, Reid will follow him there. The word is that Reid will assume a new spot right under Morris, running one or more of the labels. He will not only replace Barry Weiss, who ran the RCA/J group, but will have lots more power than that. This is an amazing story, really, since Reid left running Arista Records — part of that RCA group– a few scant years ago to run Island DefJam for Universal. He returns triumphant, and a judge as well. Maybe they’ll have to call him “Your Honor.” Reid will judge “X Factor” with Simon Cowell and two ladies who have not been named. One of them could be Paula Abdul. One of them could be Janet Jackson– remember I said this first– who has no record company affiliation and is an actress who knows the camera. In the meantime, Reid’s departure from DefJam leaves a big hole for artists like Mariah Carey, who have come to depend on him. The funniest scenario would be Mariah returning to Sony with Reid. Anything is possible.

And now it’s war between Sony Music and Universal, “X Factor” vs. “American Idol.” Bring it on!

Katie Couric, CBS Compromise: Transition Away from Evening News?

Roger Friedman
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Katie Couric, CBS Compromise: Transition Away from Evening News?

What’s happening with Katie Couric and the CBS Evening News? Couric’s contract ends on June 4th, and everyone’s speculating about what will occur: she’ll stay, she’ll go, she’s going to become the next Oprah. Well, it turns out that possibly all of that is true.

Right now, Couric is awaiting offers from everyone: CBS, ABC, and even NBC, her old stomping grounds. Syndication companies want her for her own afternoon talk show, as well. So what’s the answer? I’m told that Katie is probably not going to be doing the news next September, whatever happens. I always said the Evening News was too confining for her. Couric’s forte is interviews, which is why her program shines now when she has almost anyone sitting next to her.

The feeling is that CBS will offer Couric a great package: leave the news, stay with “60 Minutes,” be available for 2012 election coverage, and get a rich syndication deal for that afternoon talk show. Since Les Moonves very wrongly sacked both “As the World Turns” and “Guiding Light,” the network has a lot of real estate in the afternoon. “The Talk” is horrendous, but Moonves could build on it by adding Katie to the lineup in major markets. In syndication, Couric wouldn’t be confined to CBS either. She’d be on the best deal channel in every location. And in the year leading up to her September 2012 talk show launch she could be scoring big political interviews.

But there’s a catch: CBS has to find someone to replace Couric on the Evening News. While Harry Smith is always my first choice, it’s doubtful that CBS will go there again. Scott Pelley? A tad boring. Indeed, we’d all be hard pressed to find someone home grown at CBS News who could take over for Couric. The solution may be to extend her contract for one or two years so that Moonves, et al. can find someone to take over the reins.

Charlie Sheen Will “Play” Radio City Music Hall

Roger Friedman
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Charlie Sheen Will “Play” Radio City Music Hall

Charlie Sheen--you can’t get enough of him!–has booked April 8th to play Radio City Music Hall. It’s part of his “Violent Torpedo of Truth” tour that starts on April 2nd in Detroit, proceeds to Chicago, and then to several newly added spots including Boston, Cleveland, and suburban Connecticut. The announcement came just a little while ago, right after the world was notified that Rachel Oberlin (aka Bree Olson), Charlie’s other “goddess,” returned to Sober Valley Lodge aka Sheen’s home in Sherman Oaks, California. The porn actress was AWOL in Indiana for a few days. Anyway, what will Charlie’s show be like? Will they sell Tiger’s Blood drinks and warlock fangs? Who knows? The Radio Ciity tickets go on sale on Thursday morning at 11am at ticketmaster.com.

Jett Travolta Foundation Distributes Meager $40,000 So Far

Roger Friedman
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Jett Travolta Foundation Distributes Meager $40,000 So Far

Two years and three months after John Travolta’s son Jett died, I wondered what had happened to the foundation that was set up in his memory. The answer: not much. According to the only tax filing so far for the Jett Travolta Foundation, John and wife Kelly Preston have parked a shockingly mere $39,530 in the account. Of that money, $28,000 was supposedly given as grants to someone. But there’s no detailed information in the tax filing, as required. Also, $1,200 was given to an unidentified child with “medical needs.”

The small amounts are a little surprising considering that Travolta is very wealthy, by his own account, with multiple homes and a flotilla of airplanes.

The Travoltas, of course, have put a prominent Scientologists in charge of the foundation: Kevin R. Rush is the treasurer. Rush, has worked his way up to Operating Thetan 8, which means he’s high on the list for members who can seek out alien life. Rush is otherwise identified as the CFO of JTP Films, Travolta’s production company, social networking site Linked In. The phone number for the foundation rings to the JTP offices. The other officer of the foundation is Robert Bernstein, a Jacksonville, Florida lawyer who specializes in estate planning and taxes.

So what happened to the Jett Travolta Foundation? On its website, the foundation states: “The Jett Travolta Foundation is a charitable organization recognized as tax exempt under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Jett Travolta Foundation shall endeavor to use its resources specifically to assist and provide relief to children with vision, hearing, mobility, communication, behavior learning impairments or other special medical, environmental, health or educational needs. It may also use its resources, and make grants to educate the public about the need for a clean environment, provide relief and assistance to children who are victims of natural or man-made disasters, and to fund children’s educational programs.”

So far it’s hard to say if any of that has happened since no documentation is included with the filing. And since John Travolta admitted to the Bahamas Police that Jett suffered from Autism, maybe it would be better to spell that out in the mission statement.

Rock Hall 2011 Eligible: Only Guns N Roses Would Make the Cut

Roger Friedman
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Rock Hall 2011 Eligible: Only Guns N Roses Would Make the Cut

Who’s next for the dreadful selection process of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? The nominating committee– consisting mostly of people who either work for Jann Wenner now or worked for him eons ago–meets in the summer. But their choices are thinning out. The only group or act entering the eligibility for the first time is Guns N Roses. Look for Wenner to move heaven and earth to reunite Slash and Axl Rose and make sure they get in tout suite.

But just to show you how bad music got 25 years ago, here are some other names they could consider: Crowded House, Babyface, Bruce Hornsby, Salt n Pepa, Eric B Rakim, Lyle Lovett, and Matthew Sweet. And those are the cream of the crop. The low end is Bobby Brown, Samantha Fox, New Kids on the Block, and Roxette. Yes, 1986 was a very, very bad year and just the beginning. The following year gets worse, with Public Enemy the only name group.

So what to do? Wenner and his people are in a jam now, forced to retrieve names from the past whom they’ve snubbed. Of course, they do have Sting, who should have gone in this year. Bon Jovi is looking better and better. So is Cyndi Lauper. Beyond that trio, there are all the names we’ve mentioned recently. You can see the whole layout at www.futurerocklegends.com. I’d go for Chubby Checker, Carly Simon, Chicago, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Kiss, Lou Reed, and Neil Sedaka in addition to the three I’ve already mentioned. And if Wenner is upset there are no good names from 2011 and 2012– 1986 and 1987–he can blame himself. That was about the time Rolling Stone completely turned into a press release for rhe junk record companies churned out for MTV. By then the real Rolling Stone was way down deep where the bugs all creep.

Good News: Live Action “Yellow Submarine” Tanks

Roger Friedman
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Good News: Live Action “Yellow Submarine” Tanks

Wow! We dodged a bullet on this one. The planned live action — or stop animation remake — of the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” has been canceled by Disney. This is a relief. Despite director Robert Zemeckis‘s best intentions, this was a bomb in the making–and with a $150 million price tag. Conflicting reports from the trades claim that Disney ditched the project after Zemeckis’s “Mars Loves Moms” was a box office catastrophe this weekend. (It took in $6.9 million this weekend; cost was $150 million.) Zemeckis can still set the project up elsewhere, but please, really, don’t. Instead, why doesn’t Apple Corps just make “Yellow Submarine” available on DVD and Blu Ray. It’s a classic, and hard to find. Zemeckis should go ahead and put together the sequel to “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” … Meanwhile, one Beatle sighting: Paul McCartney shopping for luxe cashmere at Christopher Fischer in East Hampton. A Beatle has to stay warm, y’know!

Schnabel Film Goes to the UN; Springsteens Add Color to Rock Hall

Roger Friedman
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Schnabel Film Goes to the UN; Springsteens Add Color to Rock Hall

Julian Schnabel‘s “Miral” got its premiere last night in the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations, a place I hadn’t seen the inside of since I was 12. It’s still there! A giant state of the art screen was erected by a Boston company, and Schnabel assembled as his delegates Robert DeNiro, Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Chaz Palminteri, and Candice Bergen and daughter Chloe Malle. Cast members Vanessa Redgrave, Willem Dafoe, and Stella Schnabel were in the room, too, along with Famke Janssen, James Toback, and the film’s author and inspiration, Rula Jebreal. DeNiro didn’t stay for the screening, and Penn left during the Q&A moderated by Dan Rather. But Steve Buscemi and wife Jo were among those who toughed it out. Star Freida Pinto must have been in India or shooting a film. “Miral” is much changed, by the way, from its festival cut last summer. Producer Jon Kilik — who told me he had lunch with Bono recently to discuss “Spider Man”– said they took 15 minutes out of it. Palestinian actress Haim Abbass is still wonderful in it…PS Schnabel didn’t conform just because we were at the UN. He wore trademark pajamas, albeit under a sportcoat…

…The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame yielded few celebs beyond those who were involved in the ceremony. Maybe that’s because they make past inductees pay for tickets if they want to come! Ha! Anyway, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa, and Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones were Jann Wenner‘s clueless guests (it would be interesting to know if they paid for tickets or were hosted). Judy Collins went as a guest of Jac Holzman because she’d been on Elektra Records back in the day; otherwise she’s not in the Rock Hall even though she should be. There are loads of pictures of Tommy Mottola, incongruously, from the event. I’m told Neil Diamond‘s acceptance speech was more than a tad unfriendly, not surprising considering how long he was made to wait for admission to this by now ridiculous club. Good for him!…

…Meanwhile, up at Elaine’s, Chris Noth stopped in after seeing Chris Rock in “The Motherf—er with the Hat.” Noth’s show, “That Championship Season,” is off on Mondays. Much talk of Elaine, and Chris accepted kudos from diners for his role in the play. And that’s a cold Monday night in Manhattan, kids. PS Julian Schnabel’s first wife, who was at the “Miral” screening, said she was heading to dinner at a Japanese restaurant. Her invite to Schnabel’s A list party at Cipriani must not have arrived…

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