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David Geffen, Lincoln Center Unveil $550 Mil Plans to Remake Former Avery Fisher Hall into “One of the World’s Finest Concert Halls”

Roger Friedman
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David Geffen, Lincoln Center Unveil $550 Mil Plans to Remake Former Avery Fisher Hall into “One of the World’s Finest Concert Halls”

New York’s Philharmonic Hall was Avery Fisher Hall and is now David Geffen Hall. It is already one of the world’s finest concert halls, but now Lincoln Center has announced a complete rehaul to make it, in their words, “one of the world’s finest concert halls.”

Regardless of the hyperbole, Geffen Hall will be smaller, losing 500 seats so that there will be a more intimate feeling. The new design looks good and sounds good, and more importantly the renovations will not require a long shut down. Once they’re done with this, I suggest coming over to the Walter Reade Theater, now long in the tooth. Then Alice Tully Hall.

The budget for all this is $550 million. About $360 million has been raised so far.

Here are some of the highlights of the plan:

THE NEW CONCERT HALL: A new hall configuration•Moving the stage forward by 25 feet, with all seats closer to the stage, providing acoustical and visual intimacy (this concept was pioneered by Pierre Boulez in the 1970s New York Philharmonic Rug Concerts, and was reintroduced by the Mostly Mozart Festival)•Wrap-around seating surrounding the orchestra •Improving sight lines by restoring the original 1962 steeper seating rake (incline)on the orchestra level (the original rake was altered in 1976

Improved acoustics•A new seating capacity, reducing from 2,738 to 2,200 • Reconstructing side tiers and resurfacing of walls to improve reverberation, bass and sound differentiation • The stage ceiling will be elevated, and replaced by an adjustable canopy over the musicians to allow for fine tuning of the Hall’s sound.

A flexible, accessible design• Outfitted with the latest technology to livestream performances and extend the Hall’s reach•Stage redesigned to increase artistic flexibility, and include new state-of-the-art lighting, rigging, and stage machinery•Motorized lifts create risers for the orchestra, improving acoustics and sightlines•Multiple stage configurations possible to accommodate orchestra, solo performances, film, popular entertainment, and staged opera• Enhanced ability to accommodate amplified performances • Improved ADA accessibility.

PROJECT TIMELINE• The new David Geffen Hall will open in March of 2024 and will requir etwo short closings for constructionto limit time the Philharmonic spends out of the Hall.• Early work will begin offsite, during a prefabrication period that will allow the construction schedule onsite to be briefer.• The first closure, May 2022–October 2022, will result in the initial framework of the new concert hall configuration. •The Hall will re-open and introduce a “surge season,” from November 2022–April 2023. The new configuration — with the stage now moved forward — will allow tuning for orchestra and audiences to enjoy many benefits of the new hall prior to final completion.• During the second closure period, May 2023–February 2024, the New York Philharmonic will perform in other venues in New York City, including Carnegie Hall and New York City Center. •Lincoln Center’s Mostly Mozart Festival will be out of the Hall for the summers of 2022 and 2023and will present their full summer season throughout the Lincoln Center campu

Critics Choice Voting Begins Today, Here Are Top 15 Choices for Best Picture, Actor, Actress, Etc

Roger Friedman
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Critics Choice Voting Begins Today, Here Are Top 15 Choices for Best Picture, Actor, Actress, Etc

More to come…

The Critics Choice Awards begin voting today for nominations. The New York Film Critics and other groups are also voting this week, and there will be plenty of announcements. It’s been a pretty good year for movies as it turned out. Since everyone’s into lists, here are three: Best Picture, Actress, and Actor. Next item will be Director, Supporting Actor and Actress, and Screenplays.

This is the order now. But as we all know, it changes…Also, in Comedy category for Critics Choice or Golden Globes, we can’t forget “Dolemite is My Name” or “Hustlers.”
BEST PICTURE

1. The Irishman

2. 1917

3. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

4. Richard Jewell

5. Little Women

6. Ford v Ferrari

7. Just Mercy

8. Bombshell

9. Joker

10. Two Popes

11. Knives Out

12. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

13. Marriage Story

14. Pain and Glory

15. The Farewell

BEST ACTRESS

1. Renee Zellweger
2. Saoirse Ronan
3. Cynthia Erivo
4. Charlize Theron
5. Alfre Woodard
6. Scarlett Johansson
7. Lupita Nyong’o
8. Awkwafina
9. Mary Kay Place

BEST ACTOR
1. Robert DeNiro
2. Adam Driver
3. Joaquin Phoenix
4. Eddie Murphy
5. Jonathan Pryce
6. Leonardo DiCaprio
7. George MacKay
8. Antonio Banderas
9. Paul Walter Hauser
10. Christian Bale

Harry Styles Releases 2 Min, 40 Second Teaser Trailer for New Song, Video “Adore You” Indicating Big Marketing Budget

Roger Friedman
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Harry Styles Releases 2 Min, 40 Second Teaser Trailer for New Song, Video “Adore You” Indicating Big Marketing Budget

Sony and Harry Styles’ team are spending big money on marketing his next album, coming December 13th. Today they released a 2 min, 40 second teaser for a video and song called “Adore You,” which come this Friday. This a full on narrative video, written, narrated, and put together very professionally by Grammy winning video and commercials director Dave Meyers. His credits include “Seniorita,” “Me!” and “Bad Guy.” So you know Harry Styles has stepped it up big time.

Eventually the video can be used on Styles’ world tour to pacify screaming girls between songs. The money on this project is going to be the tour. Stay tuned…

Celine Dion “Courage” Album Plunges 95% in Second Week, Falls Off Chart After Number 1 Debut

Roger Friedman
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Celine Dion “Courage” Album Plunges 95% in Second Week, Falls Off Chart After Number 1 Debut

It was here, and now it’s gone.

A week ago Friday, Celine Dion topped the album sales chart with her comeback collection called “Courage.” She sold around 116,000 copies, most of them CDs and paid downloads. There was no sign of her streaming or being played on the radio. The RIAA and other groups counted sales of the album as part of a ticket bundle for her concerts.

This past week, Week 2, “Courage” vanished from the charts. Sales plunged 95% as the ticket bundles were counted. “Courage” sold around 3,400 copies. With streaming of the album or its tracks, hitsdailydouble.com and Buzz Angle Music had it up to around 5,600 copies.

The good news is that amazon.com is listing the Celine CD at number 27.

This is what happens when album sales are bundled with ticket sales. You get a one week publicity hit, and then it’s gone. I guess it took Courage for Celine’s team to do it, but her audience is simply not buying new music from her. They want to hear “My Heart Will Go On.” I’d like to hear “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now,” just once, and not again.

C’est la vie! At Caesar’s Palace, Celine will go on. And keep making a fortune.

Exclusive: “Hustlers” Director Lorene Scafaria Wants a Broadway Musical, Not a Sequel,and JLo Pleads Her Awards Case

Roger Friedman
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Exclusive: “Hustlers” Director Lorene Scafaria Wants a Broadway Musical, Not a Sequel,and JLo Pleads Her Awards Case

The “Hustlers” awards campaign came to New York Sunday night with an Academy screening, a Q&A, and a reception at the Museum of Modern Art.

Jennifer Lopez, dressed business like in a suit, lead her group of ladies that included director Lorene Scafaria, co-stars Constance Wu, Julia Stiles, Keke Palmer, and Lili Reinhart, and producers Jessica Elbaum and Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas.

“Hustlers” has made over $100 million after being turned down everywhere, as Goldsmith-Thomas confirmed during the Q&A. “We were turned down, and we took it around town on our backs,” she said. Finally, Adam Fogelson, whom they’d worked with at Universal on another film, signed up his new STX movie studio.

“Some of the others asked why the women were getting away with everything, they were the good guys and the bad guys,” said Goldsmith Thomas. “They wanted us to make one of the men a rapist or worse.”

Now, of course, the obvious talk is about a sequel. The movie is based on a true story from a magazine article by Jessica Pressler. But “Hustlers” plays like a better “Oceans 8.” The producers could easily invent another chapter.

But director Lorene Scafaria told me exclusively what she wants and it isn’t a sequel. “I want a Broadway musical,” she said. She envisions a juke box musical using songs from the movie– there are plenty– and maybe JLo coming in to play her character, Ramona. Lopez would obviously be an executive producer.

It’s actually a great, and easy idea. Scafaria says she’d like to direct it; she has a history with music, writing and producing. “I suppose there could be a movie sequel, but I wouldn’t want it,” she told me. “I’d like to see Hustlers reborn in a new medium.” Just the idea of those strippers dancing on poles in a Broadway house, with a strong new script from Scafaria — I we could see that on Broadway in two years or less, dontcha think?

Meanwhile, Lopez is an honest, open and candid with her Q&A audiences. It’s not clear if that will translate to an Oscar nomination, especially since there are six strong performances in that category starting with Laura Dern in “Marriage Story.”

But I do see JLo scoring a Golden Globe nomination in supporting actress, and maybe even winning. The HFPA would be silly not to celebrate her success. “Hustlers” should most certainly be in the comedy categories for the Globes and the Critics Choice Awards. I also think it’s possible Lopez could get a surprise nod from the New York Film Critics Circle. She’s an offbeat choice, which they love. Remember, you read it here first. “Hustlers” also has a shot at the SAG Ensemble nomination, along with “The Irishman,” “Little Women,” “Bombshell,”

Scafaria, meantime, should be headed to a Best Adapted Screenplay nod from the Academy.

More on “Hustlers” coming up…

 

Irving Burgie, Author of Harry Belafonte’s “Day O,” Father of Modern Calypso Music, Dies at Age 95

Roger Friedman
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Irving Burgie, Author of Harry Belafonte’s “Day O,” Father of Modern Calypso Music, Dies at Age 95

I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Irving Burgie twice this year. He died today at age 95.

“Day O,” the song he wrote and made popular by Harry Belafonte, is featured in a memorable scene in “Beetlejuice” on Broadway. Irving came to the 1st performance, and to the opening night. He loved the show, and lapped up the kudos from well wishers. I was also on the nominating committee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame when he was inducted several years ago, and he remembered me from then, too.

What a life! And what legacy! Day O must be responsible for a long life. Belafonte, a worldwide treasure, is 92 himself!

Rest in peace, Irving! Daylight come and it’s time to go home indeed.

“Frozen 2” Has Ironic Box Office Sunday Problem: Big Storms, Bad Weather Keep Disney Sequel from Hitting $300 Million

Roger Friedman
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“Frozen 2” Has Ironic Box Office Sunday Problem: Big Storms, Bad Weather Keep Disney Sequel from Hitting $300 Million

Sometimes the Universe speaks to us:

“Frozen II,” Disney’s juggernaut sequel to “Frozen I,” would have hit $300 million today, Sunday, with no trouble. Would have. But winter storms have made Disney cut its Sunday box office prediction so that the movie’s total, through tonight, is only $287.5 million.

Disney says its Sunday take will be about half of what it might have had, just $18.5 million. On Friday and Saturday, the box office was $34 and $32 million respectively. One more day like that and “Frozen II” would have melted the $300 million mark.

So they’ll have to wait a couple more days. It’s ok. Disney has too much money now, as it is. All their old box office numbers look very Mickey Mouse.

On the live action side, Disney can also crow about “Ford v Ferrari,” now at $81 million. It’s their first hit from the 20th Century Fox acquisition. James Mangold’s race car saga is probably looking at Oscar nomination, as well.

The other big hits from the weekend were Lions Gate’s “Knives Out,” starring Daniel Craig. In 5 days they’ve made $41 million, and are heading to a very swell $100 mil. Also, a nice little hit for Universal is “Queen and Slim,” with $15 million. A low budget romance and social horror film, aimed at the African American audience, and written by Lena Waithe, “Queen and Slim” stars “Get Out” actor Daniel Kaluuya. The movie found its audience instantly, and could be a break out hit a la “Get Out.” Bravo!

“Queen and Slim” isn’t the only black-audience focused film to do well. “Harriet,” with its Oscar buzzed performance from Cynthia Erivo, will hit $40 million tomorrow. Interesting that both films are from Universal (“Harriet” is Universal Focus). They get it. Movies must be inclusive.

Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation’s Lack of Transparency Makes Him Vulnerable to Crazy Attacks Like the One by Brazil’s President

Roger Friedman
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Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation’s Lack of Transparency Makes Him Vulnerable to Crazy Attacks Like the One by Brazil’s President

So Jair Bolsanaro, the crazy president of Brazil, has attacked Leonardo DiCaprio and his Foundation. Bolsanaro says Leo’s group is responsible for the fires in the Amazon rainforest this past spring.

Leo denies this. He posted on Instagram: “At this time of crisis for the Amazon, I support the people of Brazil working to save their natural and cultural heritage. They are an amazing, moving and humbling example of the commitment and passion needed to save the environment. The future of these irreplaceable ecosystems is at stake and I am proud to stand with the groups protecting them. While worthy of support, we did not fund the organizations targeted. I remain committed to supporting the Brazilian indigenous communities, local governments, scientists, educators and general public who are working tirelessly to secure the Amazon for the future of all Brazilians.”

That’s very nice, and Leo’s PR probably wrote that for him. No sane person believes Bolsonaro, and I’m sure Leo’s statement is correct.

But all of this is Leo’s fault. As I’ve written for several years, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation has no transparency. It files a Form 990 Federal tax return, but with no information (See below). So no one knows what it does, where the money comes or where it goes. LDF no longer lists its “team” under the About Us part of their website. Did the big staff all quit? Were they let go? And what happened to amFAR’s questionable Milutin Gatsby, who was LDF’s chief celebrity fundraiser and is now gone?

LDF is cloaked in secrecy. It gets away with this because DiCaprio hides his foundation under the California Community Foundation. So all those b.s. announcements declaring “Leo donates $100 million” to elephants or whatever, no one knows the truth. It could all be fiction. Even Charity Navigator can’t rate Leo’s foundation because it has no info.  In this sense, DiCaprio might be considered quite Trumpian. Think about that.

Bolsanaro may be evil but he’s not stupid. I’m sure someone down there has figured this out, so they can accuse the Oscar winner of anything they like. If DiCaprio would turn over this tax returns, then he could be defended. Right now, we can only take him at his word. And since his foundation was dragged into the whole Malaysian public funds scandal, 1MDB, his credibility isn’t so strong these days.

here’s Leo’s Form 990 for 2017:

Raspberries for 70s Raspberries Rock Group Singer Eric Carmen As He Reveals Himself as Major Trump Supporter

Roger Friedman
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Raspberries for 70s Raspberries Rock Group Singer Eric Carmen As He Reveals Himself as Major Trump Supporter

Who knew?

Buried deep in Ohio, Donald Trump has a former rock star as a major supporter.

Eric Carmen, lead singer of the Raspberries in the 1970s, has outed himself as a Trump backer. He loves his president. Carmen is most famous for songs like “Go All the Way” and “Let’s Pretend” in the early 70s. Then, when the band broke up, Carmen was fished out of obscurity by Clive Davis. He had two big solo hits on Arista Records with “All By Myself” and “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again.” Each of them were fashioned from classic music pieces by Rachmaninoff.

A decade later, Carmen scored one more hit with “Hungry Eyes” from the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack. Since then, he’s lived with cult status outside of his native Cleveland.

More recently, Carmen has been on Twitter where he picked up more contemporary rock star fans from the E Street Band family like Steve and Maureen van Zandt and Nils and Amy Lofgren. An avowed Raspberries fan, I also followed him on Twitter.

So imagine everyone’s surprise when Carmen declared his fealty to Trump in the last week or so. He’s a hard line conservative, decrying socialism a la Trump and retweeting people like Fox News’s Jesse Watters, Seb Gorka and Charlie Kirk. He tweeted: “If you want to hate me, just know this. I love the USA, I support our brave military men and women, I support the police and firefighters, I support our President and the First Lady, I believe in civility, and I do not want to live in a Socialist country. That is what I believe.”

Since then, Carmen has been in a Twitter firefight, not just with former fans who can’t believe all this, but also with the Lofgrens. And he really loves those Trumps. Another Tweet in a response to criticism of them: “There is no excuse for that kind of sick, disrespect. The First Lady was speaking about the opioid problem while The President donated his salary to the fight against opioid addiction.”

Carmen is also against the impending impeachment and supports the Republicans who are on the House committee: “Nobody has any proof that Jim Jordan did anything wrong. All I know is what I saw during the impeachment nonsense. Jordan was a voice of sanity, along with Devin Nunes.”

He’s also traded contentious Tweets with rocker Peter Frampton: “I love your music, Pete, but I would never presume to tell you, or anyone else, what network they should watch. I respect your right to disagree with me, and you should respect my right to disagree with you. That used to be the way things worked here in the USA. Carry on.”

Carmen also raised everyone’s ire when he used a statement from Hitler’s chief propagandist Joseph Goebbels to make a point in a re-tweet:

 
Carmen lives near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. But if he goes to next spring’s induction ceremony, he may actually be singing “All By Myself.”

Still, now Trump has a rock star he can call for his rallies. In fact, I’m sure once his staff reads this they’ll be using “Go All the Way” as a campaign song.
 

Box Office: Turkey Day Audiences Vote for Movie Stars Daniel Craig in “Knives Out,” Tom Hanks “Mr. Rogers” Movie, Damon & Bale “Ford v Ferrari”

Roger Friedman
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Box Office: Turkey Day Audiences Vote for Movie Stars Daniel Craig in “Knives Out,” Tom Hanks “Mr. Rogers” Movie, Damon & Bale “Ford v Ferrari”

All the talk of movie stars not selling movies was reversed on Thanksgiving Day.

Three well reviewed films with movie stars leading their casts did very well at the box office and point to a great box office weekend. And two of the tree could definitely wind up in the Oscar race. Daniel Craig, Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Tom Hanks– all their movies are top notch and bringing audiences into theaters.

Daniel Craig, aka James Bond, has a hit with Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out.” Craig leads an all star cast including Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Evans, Michael Shannon, and Don Johnson in an Agatha Christie like murder mystery that is also very funny. So far, “Knives Out” has $14 million in the bank after two full days and previews.

Tom Hanks as Mister Rogers in “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” — as I wrote a couple of days ago– has “legs.” This means it’s holding up. “Beautiful Day” has made $22 million in seven days.  The film is holding steady every day and should only increase over the weekend. Hanks will be nominated for Best Supporting Actor, and the screenplay should get awards, too. This could be a Best Picture nominee.

The really great news is that “Ford v Ferrari” is already at $67 million after two weeks. Matt Damon and Christian Bale lead this cast, which also includes Tracey Letts, Jon Bernthal, and Josh Lucas. Damon is great but he has the tough role of being a sort of straight man to Bale’s colorful race car driver Kenny Miles. James Mangold’s direction is superb. The character scenes are fun, and the racing is heart pounding. This could also be a Best Picture nominee.

 

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