Thursday, December 18, 2025
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Cher’s Musical Show “The Cher Show” Set for Chicago Tryout Next June, Then Broadway

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“The Cher Show” is a go. The Broadway musical about Cher and her rise to fame, with all her great songs and costumes and Sonny Bono, will play a Chicago tryout next June for four weeks. If all goes well, “The Cher Show” should come to Broadway in the fall of 2018.

Cher herself just Tweeted the news:

Broadway is very busy these days with musicals about contemporary music stars. So far we’ve “Jersey Boys” about the Four Seasons, “Beautiful” about Carole King, “Tina” is coming about Tina Turner, “Motown” has already played twice. Maybe Bette Midler should just stick around after she leaves “Hello, Dolly!” in January and star in a show about herself.

PS Tonight I’m going to a launch event for Jimmy Buffet and his show, “Margaritaville.” Who’s next?

Julia Louis Dreyfus Reveals She Has Breast Cancer in Typically Disarming Smart Tweet

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Julia Louis Dreyfus has just revealed she has breast cancer. JLD posted — for her– a typically disarming and smart response on Twitter. The multiple Emmy winner will carry on, win the battle, and you know become an advocate for others going through the same thing. Bravo, Julia!

Exclusive: Greg Kelly Out at “Good Day New York,” Rosanna Scotto to Be Joined by Lori Stokes

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Exclusive: As I wrote last month, there will be no more Rosanna and Greg on “Good Day New York” on Fox 5. I’m told tomorrow is Kelly’s last day. He will be replaced by former Eyewitness News star Lori Stokes from WABC’s Channel 7.

Stokes left WABC earlier this summer, abruptly after 17 years. There was no word on where she was going until I reported her surprise jump to Fox 5.

Kelly– a solid journalist– has been co-anchoring Good Day New York with Rosanna Scotto for about 9 years after anchoring both the 6pm and 10pm newscasts. He’s always approached “Good Day New York” with good humor and a gung ho attitude.

Now “Good Day New York” will have two highly experienced female journalists running the show. Are there more changes coming to the show? We’ll wait and see.

Stokes will start her new job on Wednesday, October 5th.

Kelly, by the way, is getting married this fall. His bride, Judith Gray, is a creative director in advertising. Mazel Tov!

 

Jane Fonda, Robert Redford Score Premiere Triumph of “Our Souls at Night” Despite Megyn Kelly Ambush

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The very stupid Megyn Kelly could not keep Hollywood royalty like Jane Fonda and Robert Redford down last night. Netflix threw them a star studded premiere for their new film, “Our Souls at Night,” which premieres Friday on the streaming service but also opens in theaters in New York and Los Angeles.

The Fonda-Redford screening was at the Museum of Modern Art followed by a packed reception at the Oak Room of the Plaza Hotel. Megyn Kelly was the farthest thing from anyone’s mind during the night. I ran into a ton of stars including my old pals actress Brenda Vaccaro and former Today show host Jill Rappaport (who’s got her own show now).

But the focus was on Fonda and Redford who previously starred together in “Barefoot in the Park” in the 1960s and Alan Pakula’s “The Electric Horseman” in the late 1970s. They’ve always wanted to do another film together. “Our Souls at Night” is based on the best selling novel by the late novelist Kent Haruf.

A sparsely told tale in print, “Our Souls” comes alive on screen with these two famed actors. They each give exquisite performances, detailed and moving. Each of the characters– Addie and Louis– has been widowed for some time in their small town of Holt, Colorado. One day Addie simply knocks on Louis’s door, says she’s lonely, and proposes that they sleep together at night– not sex, just sleep and talk.

Soon it comes to more than that– not just sex–but a deeper understanding of how the two people have conducted their lives. “Everyone has a past,” Addie says to those who question the relationship. There has to be a time when all is forgiven. Life is too short to hold on to mistakes.

Netflix is on a roll this week. “Our Souls” will be joined by Noah Baumbach’s “The Meyerowitz Stories,” one of the best movies of the year, next week. But for fans of beautifully made films, “Our Souls at Night” should be a go-to choice this weekend on the streaming service.

Larry David Says He Might “Take the Knee” One Day in “Curb Your Enthusiasm” as Hilarious Ninth Season Begins

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The fictional Larry David has been put in every preposterous situation the real Larry David could think of in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” from investing in a Palestinian chicken franchise to pitting a Holocaust survivor against a “Survivor” cast member. At last night’s star studded premiere of the 9th season of “Curb,” US asked David if the fake Larry would ever “take the knee.” “Take the knee,” he replied and said, “Now that’s a good idea.”

David was joined last night at the “Curb” premiere by his cast– Jeff Garlin, Cheryl Hines, JB Smoove and Susie Essman– not to mention two Kennedys– Robert Kennedy Jr and Caroline Kennedy, as well as actor Marc Feuerstein, whose new show “9JKL” debuts this Monday on CBS, plus Aida Turturro (The Sopranos), Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham (“Homeland”), Keegan-Michael Key, HBO’s John Oliver, MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell, Amy Schumer, Steve Buscemi, Bryant Gumbel, Andrew Rannels, Lorraine Bracco, Aziz Ansari, SNL’s and Pete Davidson.

I’m not allowed to tell you what the “Curb” story arc is going to be, but I can tell you it’s hilarious. All of the above mentioned cast is in it as well Ted Danson, who gives a surprise fake meta announcement, and Richard Lewis, of course. In Episode 5, which we also saw last night, there’s kind of a genius sequence devised by Larry and director Larry Charles involving “giving a face.” In a continuous fire of rat-tat-tat jokes, this is like a mini story arc that shows the real artistry here.

At the after party at Tao Downtown former “Sopranos” Turturro and Bracco gushed over Michael Gandolfini, 18 year old son of the late James Gandolfini. He told US he’s just started NYU where he’s going to take after his Emmy winning dad and study acting. “I was already in the Law & Order Menendez Brothers movie,” he said, “playing Erik’s friend. But I was cut from the final edit. But it was a good experience because I got to be there with Edie Falco, who was with my dad on the Sopranos.”

Legendary Writer, Producer Norman Lear, 95, Takes The Knee on Twitter

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I love Norman Lear. The creator of “All in the Family” and so many important shows has always stood for the right things. He created People for the American Way. Now he kneels for the right thing on Twitter. God bless him. He’ll be given a Kennedy Center honor in December, too.

The Clock Is Ticking on Megyn Kelly as She Insults Jane Fonda, Makes Debra Messing Regret Interview

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Maybe Megyn Kelly is not cut out for interviewing celebrities. Or talking to people.

This morning she insulted two time Oscar winner Jane Fonda on live TV. Fonda was on Kelly’s 9am Today show hour to talk about her reunion with Robert Redford in the excellent Netflix movie “Our Souls at Night.” A few minutes into the conversation, Kelly decided to ask Fonda about her plastic surgery. It was a jaw dropping moment. On the video you can see Fonda’s eyes flare. But she’s a pro and segued into a better answer with aplomb.

God only knows what went on backstage. And this was in front of Robert Redford, who never does TV. He won’t be back.

On Monday, Kelly had the “Will & Grace” cast on, as well as a real life gay lawyer who loves the show. Kelly insulted that man not once but twice.

First Kelly said to Russell Turner: “Is it true that you became a lawyer — and you became gay — because of Will?”

Whaaaaat?

Turner replied: “I look at Will Truman, I’m like, ‘He has it made’: lawyer, best apartment in New York City, and gay?” he quipped. “Come on, trifecta.”

Then as the segment was ending, Kelly said to him: I think the Will & Grace thing and the gay thing is going to work out great!”

“Will & Grace” star Debra Messing was furious. She later tweeted that she’d never have done the interview if she’d known it was with Kelly. She thought she was going to be on the actual “Today” show.

Kelly is out of her league on the Today show, and a far cry from the nice Tamron Hall-Al Roker show she has unceremoniously replaced.  A gaffe here and there is ok. But she’s aggressively stupid. She’s very reminiscent of Debbie Matanepolous or Elisabeth Hasselbeck. And we know what happened to them.

https://www.today.com/video/jane-fonda-recalls-the-moment-she-knew-robert-redford-would-be-a-star-1056058435951

Super Bowl Wants Justin Timberlake for Half Time Show, With Maybe Jimmy Fallon in the Act Since It’s All on NBC

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I told you back on August 26th that the NFL wanted Justin Timberlake and Jay Z for the Super Bowl halftime show.

Since then, Jay Z seems to have declined the chance to perform. There’s the whole Colin Kaepernick situation, which won’t be better by Super Bowl time in February. Plus much of Jay Z’s set would have to be bleeped.

But Timberlake is the perfect choice for the NFL even though many years ago he and Janet Jackson had some trouble on the show. Well, everyone is older and wiser and there’s no use beating a dead horse. JT is too good an entertainer not to have him back (ditto Janet). The whole stadium will be dancing to “Can’t Stop the Music” and advertisers will groove on that good feeling.

Anyway, let’s hope they make the deal. Maybe Jay Z will turn up as a guest performer. No doubt Jimmy Fallon will, and the NBC tie-ins are too good to pass up. Jimmy needs a little ratings help right now, Justin will be releasing new music. It’s all kumbaya.

Clive Davis Film Opens Today in NY, LA, Digital Soundtrack Features Rare Natalie Cole-Whitney Houston Track

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OK, no one sent a press release but I figured this out on my own. If you buy the very nicely priced iTunes only-Apple Music soundtrack to “Clive Davis: Soundtrack of Our Lives” you get three rare recordings– Natalie Cole and Whitney Houston performing “This Will Be,” Aretha Franklin performing “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me” plus a never heard before Whitney Houston demo. The iTunes album is available today for $13.99. A shorter digital album goes to Spotify on Friday.

The movie “Soundtrack of Our Lives” opens today apparently in Los Angeles and New York. On October 3rd Chris Perkel’s documentary goes to iTunes and Apple Music exclusively. I assume one day there will be a DVD. There has to be as this is really the story of pop music as we know it. If you love music or were ever interested in the record business, this is a permanent chronicle of how pop music invaded the culture.

Last night there was a premiere screening and party in Los Angeles. Details to come…

Soundtrack to “Soundtrack”:

Clive Davis – The Soundtrack of Our Lives 
Various Artists
(Full Version for Apple Music)

  1. Big Brother & The Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin – Piece of My Heart
  2. Simon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water
  3. Chicago- 25 Or 6 To 4
  4. Blood Sweat & Tears – Spinning Wheel
  5. Bruce Springsteen -Blinded By The Light
  6. Billy Joel – Piano Man
  7. Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes featuring Teddy Pendergrass – If You Don’t Know Me By Now
  8. Barry Manilow – Mandy
  9. Eric Carmen – All By Myself
  10. Melissa Manchester – Don’t Cry Out Loud
  11. Earth, Wind & Fire – September
  12. Patti Smith – Because The Night
  13. The Kinks – Come Dancing
  14. The Alan Parsons Project – Eye In The Sky
  15. Whitney Houston – The Greatest Love Of All
  16. Aretha Franklin – Freeway of Love
  17. Dionne & Friends featuring Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder – That’s What Friends Are For
  18. Carly Simon – Coming Around Again
  19. Kenny G – Songbird
  20. Taylor Dayne – Tell It To My Heart
  21. Grateful Dead – Touch of Grey
  22. Alan Jackson – Don’t Rock the Jukebox
  23. Brooks & Dunn – Boot Scootin’ Boogie
  24. Ace of Base – The Sign
  25. Annie Lennox – Why
  26. Santana featuring Rob Thomas – Smooth
  27. Kelly Clarkson – Since U Been Gone
  28. Alicia Keys – Fallin’
  29. Luther Vandross – Dance with My Father
  30. Rod Stewart – The Way You Look Tonight

BONUS TRACKS

  1. Clive Davis – Clive Davis recites lyrics to Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Blinded by The Light’ (Audio from Columbia Records promo video 1973)
  2. Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) (Original Merrill and Rubicam Demo / Single Version Excerpts)
  3. Whitney Houston & Natalie Cole – This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) (Duet performance from Clive Davis’ 2000 Grammy Party)
  4. Aretha Franklin – ‘I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) (Live performance from 2000 Arista 25th Anniversary Party)

Clive Davis – The Soundtrack Of Our Lives
Various Artists
(Available at all digital retailers)

  1. Big Brother & The Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin – Piece of My Heart
  2. Simon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water
  3. Chicago- 25 Or 6 To 4
  4. Bruce Springsteen -Blinded By The Light
  5. Barry Manilow – Mandy
  6. Eric Carmen – All By Myself
  7. Melissa Manchester – Don’t Cry Out Loud
  8. Earth, Wind & Fire – September
  9. Patti Smith Group – Because The Night
  10. The Kinks – Come Dancing
  11. Whitney Houston – Greatest Love of All
  12. Aretha Franklin – Freeway of Love
  13. Dionne & Friends featuring Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder – That’s What Friends Are For
  14. Carly Simon – Coming Around Again
  15. Kenny G – Songbird
  16. Grateful Dead – Touch of Grey
  17. Annie Lennox – Why
  18. Santana featuring Rob Thomas – Smooth
  19. Kelly Clarkson – Since U Been Gone
  20. Alicia Keys – Fallin’

RIP: Producer-Actor George Englund Was Cloris Leachman’s Husband, Joan Collins’ Lover, Marlon Brando’s Best Friend

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george englundI am sad to report that George Englund passed away about ten days ago, on September 14th. He was 91 and had fallen. There’s been no announcement, but there is a family obituary. George was quite a figure in Hollywood, at the center of everything in his heyday– actor, director, producer, he was married to Cloris Leachman (1953-79)and was the father of her five children. He had an infamous affair with Joan Collins during that marriage. He was also Marlon Brando’s best friend. When Brando died in 2004, it was George who helped me get the scoop and write the announcement. I will be forever in his debt.

George had another connection to Hollywood: his mother was the character actress Mabel Albertson (ubiquitous on TV in the 60s, she played Samantha’s mother-in-law on “Bewitched”). His uncle was Jack Albertson, also a great actor known from the TV series “Chico and the Man” with Freddie Prinze. That’s a pretty good lineage.

cloris and georgeEnglund produced and directed a number of films and TV shows but was best known for directing “The Ugly American” (1963) starring Brando, and producing “The Shoes of the Fisherman” starring Anthony Quinn. In 1992, he was a production executive on “The Golden Girls” and helped usher in its ill fated spin off, “The Golden Palace.” He also wrote a very good TV movie about the tragic Challenger space shuttle in 1990 starring Karen Allen and Barry Bostwick.

His family obit reads:

A man of eloquence and wit, George is known for his towering intellect and legendary sense of humor. He had a tremendous store of poetry and song in him, and he gave beautiful voice to both. His mind was curious, caring and massive. George was in the process of completing his Autobiography (to be published). A movie about his life and friendship with actor Marlon Brando is also in development.

George’s loving Family and friends surrounded him when he died at his home in Palm Springs, with the beautiful view of the mountains he cherished. George’s Sister, two ex-wives, five children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandson survive him. Services are pending and a Memorial in George’s honor is being planned for November. In lieu of flowers, please donate to SMA.ORG in memory of Max Englund.