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TV Shock: Ryan Murphy Leaves Fox for Netflix in Mega Deal, Doesn’t Wait for Disney to Take Over

Roger Friedman
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TV Shock: Ryan Murphy Leaves Fox for Netflix in Mega Deal, Doesn’t Wait for Disney to Take Over

Ryan Murphy isn’t stupid. After a long term deal that’s been very good for Fox and for him, he could see the writing on the wall.

Disney producing “American Horror Story”? “American Crime Story”? “Feud”? Uh, no.

With Disney taking over Fox any second, Murphy has left the building. He’s signed a $300 million deal to produce cutting edge TV shows for Netflix.

The news has to come as a blow to Disney, which knew he’d be part of the package when they bought Fox TV and the movie studio from Rupert Murdoch late last year. Disney isn’t known for cutting edge, or any of the other chances Murphy has taken to grow into a TV mogul. The Versace murder on the Disney channel? Ain’t happening.

“The history of this moment is not lost on me,” Murphy said in a statement. “I am a gay kid from Indiana who moved to Hollywood in 1989 with $55 dollars in savings in my pocket, so the fact that my dreams have crystallized and come true in such a major way is emotional and overwhelming to me. I am awash in genuine appreciation for Ted Sarandos, Reed Hastings and Cindy Holland at Netflix for believing in me and the future of my company which will continue to champion women, minorities and LGBTQ heroes and heroines, and I am honored and grateful to continue my partnership with my friends and peers at Fox on our existing shows.”

Murphy joins Shonda Rhimes, who just escaped from the Mouse House for Netflix with her own big deal.

Theater Review: Dramatically Innovative “Flight” from Edinburgh Lands Safely in New York

Regina Weinreich
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Theater Review: Dramatically Innovative “Flight” from Edinburgh Lands Safely in New York

The McKittrick Hotel is well known for unusual theatrical events—cue the long-running immersive Sleep No More. Now fresh from Edinburgh’s International Arts Festival comes “Flight,” a much-awarded incomparable narrative art installation. Plucked from the headlines of refugees fleeing war, Flight tells the story of two brothers on a journey escaping Afghanistan, adapted by playwright Oliver Emanuel from journalist Caroline Brothers’ novel “Hinterland.”

The brothers—Kabir (Nalini Chetty’s voice) and Aryan (Farshid Rokey)—composites of the author’s interviews with many young people on such a nightmare odyssey, appear as figures in diaramas as they rotate on a carousel; the viewer accompanies them across Europe as they encounter a not so nice “smiling man,” bird police, a freezer truck filled with hanging carcasses.

The tale goes light as they invoke the name Bruce Willis for inspiration, and, when some rich American-Iranian tourists buy them food and new sneakers in Paris. But this story, told in Kabir’s 8-year old voice—well conceived with fine lighting and music—while enchanting, is no fairy tale.

At last week’s premiere, co-director Candice Edmunds, a resident of Glasgow, Scotland filled us in on Flight’s artistic achievement. Her co-director and co-founder at Vox Motus, designer Jamie Harrison, could not attend the McKittrick opening as he was working on the illusion design for “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” as it transitions from London to New York.

Edmunds said they had originally thought this could be a puppet play, until they landed on the idea for this method of storytelling despite its many challenges: creating the tableau frames in a warehouse, and figuring out the best way for each viewer to experience Flight, solo, in a private cubicle wearing earphones to hear Mark Melville’s excellent music.  His soundtrack, by the way, could make for its own superb radio play.

Dioramas placed on a really large turntable flow by us, unpeeling the story. It’s quite an extraordinary idea. Enhanced by Simon Wilkinson’s theatrical lighting, “Flight” makes a powerful impression. But it is Rebecca Hamilton’s design and models, with their expressions, small and distinct, that stay with you, a haunting reminder of the experiences of children worldwide running from places where ordinary life is no longer possible. Kudos to Vox Motus. Combined with the haunting McKittrick, “Flight” is a rare night of brilliance.

Two Time Oscar Nominee Michael Fassbender Alleged to Have Physically Abused Ex Girlfriend, Described in 2010 Police Report

Roger Friedman
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Two Time Oscar Nominee Michael Fassbender Alleged to Have Physically Abused Ex Girlfriend, Described in 2010 Police Report

A police report filed in 2010 alleges physical abuse by actor Michael Fassbender against his ex girlfriend, Sunawin Leasi Andrews.

The papers were published tonight on a blog belonging to freelance journalist Selma Fonseca, a long time friend of Andrews. They came as a response to an article in The Daily Beast that was published two days ago.

The papers include a police report filed by Andrews in 2010 in which she describes Fassbender as drunk and abusive. According to Fonseca, who tells me she’s known about this for almost a decade, there is more to come including photographic evidence.

If true, the allegations and black and white evidence are very disturbing. Fassbender, star of “X Men” movies, “Inglorious Basterds,” and so on has built up a big reputation over the last 9 years as a leading man. He has two Oscar nominations. Last year he married Oscar winner Alicia Vikander. He is well liked and incredibly popular.

Andrews has a long list of celebrity boyfriends including Gerard Butler. She has two children including a 11 year old son with “Basterds” producer Lawrence Bender. Her police filing shows an address in Bel Air, an expensive neighborhood in Los Angeles.

Here is the top part of Andrews’ request for an order of protection in 2010. The phone number and address are moot now. She’s moved long ago and changed numbers according to Fonseca:

Andrews described in her police complaint a fight that had begun in a restaurant. The paperwork including medical bills can all be found on Fonseca’s site.

Fonseca writes: “Leasi and I have been friends for over a decade, over the years she has confided in me, she can’t talk, but as her friend with her permission, I can say certain things that are mine and mine alone because I lived it. In November 2009, Leasi was badly hurt and admitted to the emergency room with vaginal, internal bleeding possibly caused by a busted ovarian cyst, a twisted ankle and a blown out left kneecap.”

The paperwork speaks for itself. Fonseca– who writes for many publications including the New York Daily News– tells me she thought about selling her story. But eventually she just decided to publish it, given the situation right now with #MeToo and #TimesUp.

The saga of Fassbender’s relationship with Andrews is very sad, certainly, and alarming now in light of recent events and changes in understanding about abuse.

 

 

 

Best Oscar Gambit Yet: Best Picture Nominee “Get Out” Will Be Free to the Public in Theaters on Presidents Day

Roger Friedman
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Best Oscar Gambit Yet: Best Picture Nominee “Get Out” Will Be Free to the Public in Theaters on Presidents Day

On Monday, February 19th– Presidents Day– Oscar nominee “Get Out” will be free in theatres to everyone. That is, FREE. You can just walk right in and sit down. What a great PR idea for a Best Picture nominee– especially since voting for the Academy Awards begins on Tuesday. Just brilliant. Check your local listings. Universal Pictures, by the way, can afford it. “Get Out” has already made $176 million in the US alone- pure profit since it only cost $4.5 million. At this point, the promotional budget for the film– which must be around $50 million–is over ten times the original cost. (“Get Out” only– lol– made $78 million abroad.)

Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson Make L.A. Stage Debut in Shakespeare’s “Henry IV” This June

Roger Friedman
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Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson Make L.A. Stage Debut in Shakespeare’s “Henry IV” This June

Tom Hanks? The last time we saw him on stage was Broadway, and Nora Ephron’s “Lucky Guy.” He was just terrific, of course.

Now Tom and wife Rita Wilson will make their Los Angeles stage debuts in Shakespeare’s “Henry IV.” Tom will play Falstaff. The rest of the cast hasn’t been announced, but I’d put money on Peter Scolari doing something. Daniel Sullivan is being imported from Broadway to direct all this.

The venue is the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles. The dates seem to be vaguely the last two weeks of June, although details have not been revealed. Maybe Rita will get to sing!

More good news: limited free tickets to veterans or active members of the US military.

Pop: Justin Timberlake’s “Man of the Woods” Is Number 1 with 295K Copies Sold, Streamed

Roger Friedman
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Pop: Justin Timberlake’s “Man of the Woods” Is Number 1 with 295K Copies Sold, Streamed

Justin Timberlake got mixed reviews for his Super Bowl performance, but it didn’t hurt sales one bit.

JT’s “Man of the Woods” is the number 1 album of the week with 295,000 copies sold, downloaded and streamed.

The total number without streams was around 242K, which means Justin’s audience is skewing whiter and older. But that’s solid since CDs and paid downloads are still more lucrative than streams.

It’s unclear if Justin will repeat at number 1 as the soundtrack to “The Greatest Showman” has picked up steam again. Also, the soundtrack to “Black Panther” should go crazy on Saturday after the movie opens Friday night.

By the way, Atlantic Records has the numbers 3, 4, and 5 albums this week with “Showman,” Ed Sheeran, and Bruno Mars. Not a bad hat trick for Craig Kallman and Pete Ganbarg.

MIA this: data base Buzz Angle Pro, which was doing so well monitoring sales of music in real time. They’ve been off line since last week. I’m in withdrawal.

Nine Nominations and No Oscars Yet, Hit Songwriter Diane Warren is Ready for Her Statue (And So Are We)

Leah Sydney
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Nine Nominations and No Oscars Yet, Hit Songwriter Diane Warren is Ready for Her Statue (And So Are We)

Songwriter Diane Warren has myriad of trophies on her shelf — a Grammy, Emmy, Globe and more.  Although this respected powerhouse is nominated for the 9th time for an Oscar for her glorious song (co-written with Common) “Stand Up For Something,” she has yet to win the coveted statue, which she and Lady Gaga should have won for their “Til It Happens To You.”  

So can someone please give this talented and remarkable songwriter an Oscar?  I mean seriously.  Warren creates songs that are part of our emotional and cultural narrative. Speaking to that,  Indi.com just launched a worldwide call to action “Stand Up For Something-What Do You Stand Up For?” www.indi.com/standupforsomething,  which help raises funds and support the efforts of non-profit organizations and causes around the world.

“Indi.com/standupforsomething” features among others Oprah Winfrey who stands up for kindness, Ellen DeGeneres who stands up for equality, Quincy Jones who stands up for love and peace, Whoopi Goldberg who stands up so ‘you can kneel’, and of course Diane herself; she is a tireless advocate for animal rights. The call to action encourages the public to submit what causes they stand up for by using the song as the backdrop.

Diane tells me: “We are living in some messed up and at the same time kick ass times.  People are expressing themselves in ways they haven’t done in years.  I’m thrilled “Stand Up for Something” is making such a cool impact.  When I wrote the song I was thinking of the protests in the 60’s and the iconic anthems that accompanied them.  Andra Day, (who sings the song) crushes it; she put her soul in it along with the extraordinary Common.”   

Lets hope the Academy heeds the call and finally gives this songwriter the Oscar that she is long overdue for.

Broadway’s Winter Doldrums Continue: “Hello, Dolly!” Falls Well Below $1 Mil Mark as Box Drops 22%

Roger Friedman
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Broadway’s Winter Doldrums Continue: “Hello, Dolly!” Falls Well Below $1 Mil Mark as Box Drops 22%

The Broadway winter doldums are here. It’s a long way until March 15th, when new shows will kick in. So the old shows must keep going.

“Hello, Dolly!” is suffering. They dropped around 22% from last week, coming in well below $1 million at $889K. The average ticket price is now $93.50. That’s down two bucks from last week– but far below the $200 plus when Bette Midler was commanding a top ticket price of a whopping $996.

“Dolly” took the biggest hit of the week, although other shows like “Anastasia” are down, as well. But some are up. “Hamilton” was over $3 million last week. “Waitress” and “The Book of Mormon” were up, too.

There’s some fretting now about the Tony Awards for original musicals and plays. This is a big season for revivals, not so much for new stuff. There will be just enough musicals to make the original category– front runner “A Band’s Visit,” plus “Mean Girls,” “Frozen,” “Donna Summer,” and “Margaritaville.” “Spongebob” seems unlikely. Ditto for Best Play where “The Hangmen” — moving  soon from off Broadway —  and “Harry Potter” will have at it.

I’m not kidding– Bruce Springsteen could wind up with the Best Musical. No, seriously.

 

Classic R&B News: Smokey’s Working a New Album, Gladys Knight Welcomes Sam Moore, The O’Jays Keep Doin’ It

Roger Friedman
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Classic R&B News: Smokey’s Working a New Album, Gladys Knight Welcomes Sam Moore, The O’Jays Keep Doin’ It

This is the most important news you’ll get this week!

On Saturday night, Miss Gladys Knight killed at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami. After the show she welcomed “Soul Man” Sam Moore and his wife Joyce backstage. Sam and Gladys caught up on their 50 year friendship. Here’s hoping they will work together soon. Each of them has a timeless voice that never grows old, just richer…

Smokey Robinson posted this video to Facebook. One of the most successful songwriters in the world and beyond, Smokey says he’s working on an album of new material. God bless. Smokey turns 78 on February 19th. I kid you not. Amazing.

The O’Jays were featured on CBS Sunday Morning. Eddie Levert and Walter Williams have fronted the group since 1958. From “Backstabbers” to “Love Train” to “Stairway to Heaven,” they are unequaled.
Jim Axelrod had a great visit with them.

SiriusXM 49 and 50 are so good, every day, consistently. Sometimes I think they’re programming shows just for me. A big shout out to them for giving us The Dells on a regular basis. I am still overwhelmed by their late great legendary singer Marvin Junior. He was Chicago’s answer to Detroit’s Levi Stubbs, one of a kind. “Stay in My Corner” is one of the lost classics of all time. Watch from the beginning. But at 4:30 Marvin begins his famous sustained solo note. It never gets old.

Sale of Weinstein Company Now Impeded by AG’s Lawsuit, Proposed $500 Mil Deal Up in Smoke

Roger Friedman
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Sale of Weinstein Company Now Impeded by AG’s Lawsuit, Proposed $500 Mil Deal Up in Smoke

The proposed $500 million sale of the Weinstein Company looks like it’s gone up in smoke. NY Attorney General Schneiderman filed suit against TWC today as the sale was coming to the finish line. A group of investors led by former Small Business Administration head Maria Contreras-Sweet is now halted in its tracks.

After filing suit, Schneiderman Tweeted: “Any sale of the company must ensure victims are adequately compensated, employees are protected, and that enablers of sexual misconduct will not be unjustly enriched.”

Schneiderman according to reports was concerned that TWC president David Glasser would continue as president of the new, still to named company. Many of the TWC employees were also going to stay on even though Contreras-Sweet had started her bid calling for a clean sweep and all women running the shop. She caved pretty quickly when she realized she didn’t know what she was doing, had no experience running a film studio.

So now what? Who knows? Stay tuned…

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