Lin-Manuel Miranda, on point as ever:
#snowmaggedon2016 freestyle from @LacketyLac & old man Miranda pic.twitter.com/f1dAjRFvDp
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) January 23, 2016
Watch Lin-Manuel Miranda Freestyle Rap Apology for “Hamilton” Snow Closure
Broadway League Cancels All Shows Today, A Half Hour Before Matinees Begin
The Broadway League had to acquiesce to Bill deBlasio and cancel all shows today– a half hour before scheduled 2pm matinees. deBlasio only announced his decision at 1pm. There were lines outside “Hamilton” of eager people hoping to score cancellations. Someone told me that deBlasio has so far not to been a Broadway show since he became mayor. So he wouldn’t know the theatergoers come in an hour before showtime. I can only imagine what’s going on.
Here’s a pic of the Hamilton fans waiting:
And here’s the statement from the Broadway league”
As a result of the ban on travel in New York and suspension of public transportation by government authorities and additional safety precautions implemented due to severe weather, all Broadway matinee and evening performances on Saturday, January 23rd, will be cancelled.
Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League, stated, “Now that the snowstorm has arrived, I’d like to reiterate that the safety and security of theatregoers and employees is everyone’s primary concern. As a result of the ban on travel in New York and the suspension of public transportation by government authorities and other safety precautions implemented on behalf of the weather, matinee and evening performances will be cancelled today, January 23rd. We expect normal operations to resume for tomorrow’s Sunday matinees.”
Additional information will be posted here as it becomes available. For information about refunds and exchanges, theatregoers should contact their point-of-purchase.
P.S. The “Hamilton” crew isn’t rushing home, Mayor.
Hamilton shows are cancelled today. We're all just here for the free food now. @Lin_Manuel @Achapphawk @DaveedDiggs pic.twitter.com/f9RPYuGnxK
— Neil Haskell (@NeilHaskell) January 23, 2016
BadFellas: “Dirty Grandpa” — One of Worst Movies Ever– Scores a Huge Friday Night
Friday night brought out the worst in moviegoers. “Dirty Grandpa,” with a 6 rating on Rotten Tomatoes and reviews citing it as “the worst ever” took in $4.2 million. Was it seeing Zac Efron? Was it the idea of Robert DeNiro in his 20th (or so) really bad movie? Who knows?
“Dirty Grandpa” beat “The Revenant” in per screen average even though its cume for the day was $30,000 less. Maybe they should have called the former film “Rubbernecking.” Everyone slowed down to see an accident.
“Star Wars” is really slowing down. It’s only up to $868.5 million domestic. I know two perfectly healthy adults who haven’t seen it. And they will, soon. There are still a few people out there who will be first timers.
The snow is a problem today. Box office impact should be high. This is God’s way of trying to keep people away from “Dirty Grandpa.” In all religions.
David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Phil Collins, Eagles All in this Week’s Top 20: What Year Is It?
It is 2016 right?
Not if you look at the pop charts.
This week, the top 20 includes albums by David Bowie, the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Phil Collins and Hank Williams Jr. Of course, the first two are because of the deaths of Bowie and Glenn Frey. Very very sad. The others are a result of discounting on iTunes and Amazon. Hank Williams Jr. had a knockout appearance on Jimmy Fallon this week, which apparently sent sales soaring.
But still…
For a long time, catalog albums weren’t even counted in current chart sales. But with current chart sales so abysmal, and the contemporary acts wanting in the talent department, it’s not a big surprise that everything old is new again. And it can’t just be old people buying the old music. It is hoped that youngsters are listening to it as well, and getting the message. A lot of today’s product is crapola– at least the commercial stuff being foisted through radio.
Oscars: Academy Takes Measures to Change Membership, Become Inclusive, Multi-Cultural and Younger
In a sweeping move today, Motion Picture Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs announced changes to membership rules intended to make the group more inclusive, multi-cultural, younger and female friendly. Boone Isaacs didn’t just come up with this overnight. She’s obviously been working on it. This won’t change how movies are made, or who is cast, but it goes a long way toward modernizing an antiquated system. Bravo!
Here is the release:
LOS ANGELES – In a unanimous vote Thursday night (1/21), the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences approved a sweeping series of substantive changes designed to make the Academy’s membership, its governing bodies, and its voting members significantly more diverse. The Board’s goal is to commit to doubling the number of women and diverse members of the Academy by 2020.
“The Academy is going to lead and not wait for the industry to catch up,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “These new measures regarding governance and voting will have an immediate impact and begin the process of significantly changing our membership composition.”
Beginning later this year, each new member’s voting status will last 10 years, and will be renewed if that new member has been active in motion pictures during that decade. In addition, members will receive lifetime voting rights after three ten-year terms; or if they have won or been nominated for an Academy Award. We will apply these same standards retroactively to current members. In other words, if a current member has not been active in the last 10 years they can still qualify by meeting the other criteria. Those who do not qualify for active status will be moved to emeritus status. Emeritus members do not pay dues but enjoy all the privileges of membership, except voting. This will not affect voting for this year’s Oscars.
At the same time, the Academy will supplement the traditional process in which current members sponsor new members by launching an ambitious, global campaign to identify and recruit qualified new members who represent greater diversity.
In order to immediately increase diversity on the Board of Governors, the Academy will establish three new governor seats that will be nominated by the President for three-year terms and confirmed by the Board.
The Academy will also take immediate action to increase diversity by adding new members who are not Governors to its executive and board committees where key decisions about membership and governance are made. This will allow new members an opportunity to become more active in Academy decision-making and help the organization identify and nurture future leaders.
Along with Boone Isaacs, the Board’s Membership and Administration Committee, chaired by Academy Governor Phil Robinson, led the efforts to enact these initiatives.
Oscar Nominee Charlotte Rampling on Controversy: “It’s Racist to Whites”
Call it Rambling with Rampling: Oscar nominee Charlotte Rampling pretty much said the wrong thing today on French radio. When questioned about the Oscar controversy and Spike Lee’s boycott, Rampling said of the whole thing: “It is racist for whites.”
Rampling — nominated for her fine, understated work in “45 Years,” may not realize white actors cannot really say such a thing. She has certainly added fuel to the fire. Her lack of empathy for the situation is going to backfire in a big way.
Here’s the Google translate from the radio station’s website:
She added:
“You never know if it was really the case. But perhaps the black players do not deserve to be in the final stretch , “added the actress. Questioned on possible quotas, she replied: ” Why classify people ? We live still in the country now where everyone is more or less accepted … There is always problematic , ” it is less beautiful”, ” him, he ‘s too black “, ” it is too white ” … it is always someone to say ” you are too ” … So we’ll say ” we will classify all that to do lots of minorities everywhere “? ” .
And when the reporter explains that the black community in the film industry , feels like a minority , she draws a simple ” no comment” …
Oy vey.
Macklemore New (Free) Rap Song Attacks Elvis, Miley, Iggy Azalea: “We take all we want from Black culture, but will we show up for Black Lives?”
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis have a new free download out that’s bound to be controversial. It’s called “White Privilege II” — an eight minute plus rap montage that is pointed at raising consciousness about race in America. The chorus: “We take all we want from black culture, but will we show up for black lives?” Also: “Your silence is not a luxury.”
Name checked are Miley Cyrus and Iggy Azalea– and Elvis Presley– accused of appropriating black music.
In a statement, the white rap duo says: “This song is the outcome of an ongoing dialogue with musicians, activists, and teachers within our community in Seattle and beyond. Their work and engagement was essential to the creative process.”
They continue:
“As a company (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis LLC), we are committed to a long-term investment of our time, resources, finances and creative capacities towards supporting black-led organizing and anti-racist education & discourse.
We are engaging with four initial organizations and collectives whose work inspires and informs us: Black Lives Matter, People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, Youth Undoing Institutional Racism & Freedom School (a project of AFSC and The People’s Institute), and Black Youth Project 100.
In dialogue with our community partners and advisers, we will continue to find ways in which we can leverage our platform and network towards strengthening the work of organizers and initiatives framed by genuine racial and social equity. We recognize that there are no easy answers, any one piece of legislation, or quick fix to undo institutional racism in our country. We wish to support direct organizing and be led by the expertise and experience of those on the front lines as we proceed.”
No Good Black Actors? How About Casting These 50-Plus Four Star Names in Mainstream Movies, Please
I got a comment today from someone who actually thinks there are no black actors good enough to be in movies. The whole problem with diversity in Hollywood starts with casting. Directors, producers, and casting directors must change their process so that anyone can be cast in a role regardless of race. Once that happens, the Academy will have no choice but to nominate black actors, and actors of all colors.
Here are 50 black actors who should be up for everything, and considered as often as, say, Bradley Cooper or Jennifer Aniston. I’m leaving out obvious choices like Will & Jada, Viola Davis, Kerry Washington, Jamie Foxx, Don Cheadle, Forest Whitaker, Halle Berry, Jennifer Hudson, Denzel Washington, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyongo, Alfre Woodard, Rosie Perez, and Idris Elba— they are bona fide stars, and if they’re not being considered for top roles all the time, then we’ve really got a problem. Many on my list are already celebrities, but we need to see more of them everywhere ASAP. And not just in Tyler Perry or Malcolm Lee films. In all films. (P.S. I’m assuming you know that Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson are busy right now.)
PS Send me names. I’m sure I’ve left some off, but 50 seemed like a good place to start. I will post all reader suggestions.
I am starting with David Oyelowo. He was cheated out of an Oscar nomination, if not a win, for “Selma” last year. (I think he just realized that this week. I said so last year.) The rest of this list is no order. You could flip it back and read it upside down if you want…
- ANTHONY MACKIE-– What do you want from this guy? He is seriously a movie star.
- DEREK LUKE–Hot out of the gate 10 years ago with “Antwone Fisher,” he’s on “Empire” and still looking for his breakthrough. Shameful. He needs the right film, and bang! Overnight sensation.
- MICHAEL B. JORDAN-– on a rocket ride to fame and awards with “Fruitvale Station,” “Creed,” just the start. A marquee name in the making.
- MALIK YOBA– Works all the time, but still not there. Should be. Also from “Empire” first season after steady credits.
- CONDOLA RASHAD— Phylicia Rashad — one of the most profoundly gifted stage actresses of our time — is her mother, for god’s sake. Respected on Broadway. And young. She should be right in the mix all the time.
- ROMANY MALCO— New York insiders know who he is. Great on “Weeds.” Now on “Mad Dogs” on amazon.
- SANAA LATHAN-– Stuck in B level TV, should be as big as Aniston or Lawrence or any of them. Stunning. And a real actress. Off Broadway triumph in “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark,” which should be expanded for HBO or Showtime
- GABRIELLE UNION— A superstar. Like Lathan and the next two, could be a Leading Lady in any number of mainstream hits.
- ROSARIO DAWSON— Ditto. Watch Chris Rock’s “Top Five” for her and Gabrielle. Come on already.
- RUBEN SANTIAGO HUDSON– Accomplished and director who moves easily from movies to TV to Broadway. If he got a great indie film, he’d be in the movie awards mix
- TAMARA TUNIE–If you don’t know who this is, stop, go home. Watch “Law & Order.” Theatre, TV, movies. All five star performances.
- ADEWALE AKINNUOYE-AGBAJE–(Should have changed his name to Bernie Schwartz)–Mr. Echo from “Lost,” I love this guy. He’s in “Suicide Squad,” so that helps.
- UZO ADUBO— I am in love with her. Everyone is. Forget Crazy Eyes. Nothing crazy here. The real thing.
- RENEE ELISE GOLDSBERRY— she can sing, she can dance, she can act, from “One Life to Live” to “Law & Order” to “Hamilton,” where she’ll get a Tony nomination this spring
- JASON MITCHELL— robbed of nominations for playing EZ-E in “Straight Outta Compton.”
- O’SHEA JACKSON JR–– Ice Cube’s son, made a huge debut in “SOC.”
- TIKA SUMPTER— Stars in Tyler Perry’s “Have and Have Nots,” came from “One Life to Live.” More more more.
- LORRAINE TOUSSAINT–“Selma,” “Orange is the New Black,” does lots of TV, should be on Viola’s level
- KEITH STANFIELD–was in “Short Term 12” with Brie Larson and Rami Malek, starting to show up
- COREY HAWKINS— played Dr Dre so beautifully in “SOC,” otherwise confined to small, odd projects. Needs a lift.
- WENDELL PIERCE— One of the greats, you know him from “Treme” and now new “Odd Couple.” Lots of TV. A serious guy who can do anything.
- VINESSA ANTOINE— Someone better get her off “General Hospital” fast and make her a star. A Kerry Washington in waiting.
- EAMONN WALKER— Yes, he’s on TV all the time but he hasn’t been in a film in 6 years. He’s a leading man. Think Idris Elba
- MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ— so cool and capable. “LOST” plus “Fast and Furious” movies.
- ANDRE BRAUGHER–the James Earl Jones of this generation
- REGINA KING–was in “Ray” with Jamie Foxx, amazing, Emmy winner this year for “American Crime.” In the league of Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer.
- HAROLD PERRINEAU– works all the time but “Oz” and “LOST” showed what he can do.
- L. (LAVERNE) SCOTT CALDWELL— a great vet already, maybe “Mercy Street” on PBS will push her over the line. Has a following from “LOST” as Rose
- MONTEGO GLOVER/NIKKI JAMES/SHALITA GRANT/ANIKA NONI ROSE– hot Broadway stars all making headway in TV and movies. We need to see them more. (Watch Nikki in “The Good Wife.” Bravo!)
- KRISTOFF ST. JOHN– Only around 45, looks 35, has been on “Young and the Restless” since 1943. A real unsung hero.
- EMAYATZY CORINEALDI–Should be a star. Did star in Ava Duvernay’s wonderful “Middle of Nowhere.”
- TAYE DIGGS– from “Rent” to “Private Practice” on TV, back to Broadway for “Hedwig.” A star, hands down. Again, where are the roles?
- NATE PARKER — started with “The Great Debaters,” now bringing “The Birth of a Nation” to Sundance. Could be this year’s Ryan Coogler (
- SOPHIE OKONEDO–From “Hotel Rwanda” to “Raisin in the Sun” on Broadway. A Tony winner. returning to Broadway in “The Crucible.” Kudos to the producers.
- CARMEN EJOGO— Played a sublime Coretta Scott King in “Selma.” So, get her some work.
- MEAGAN GOOD— Wasted on TV “Minority Report,” funny with Craig Robinson on his sitcom. Gorgeous, which doesn’t hurt.
- AISHA HINDS— Lots of credits, mostly TV, but not the big role. Yet. Playing Fannie Lou Hamer in “All the Way” on HBO may do it.
- MEKHI PFIFER— “ER” star who’s been in the “Divergent” series but potential for much more.
- LATANYA RICHARDSON–Yes, she’s Mrs. Samuel L. Jackson. But she was also the star of “One Center Street” on TV, and was on Broadway in “Raisin in the Sun.” You can’t get enough of her.
- NORM LEWIS –A leading man who’s not being used. Also a Broadway STAR.
- BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL–Ditto. He was on “Trapper John” in the 80s and hasn’t aged. Also a STAR
- GIANCARLO ESPOSITO-Finally got an Emmy nomination in “Breaking Bad.” We know him in New York. Great with a capital G. Working all the time. Thank goodness.
- MICHAEL EALY— Good looking, the black Rob Lowe. Like Hill Harper (below), intelligent and immense potential for more.
- MISHAEL MORGAN— plays a femme fatale on “Young the Restless.” Turn on TV around noon. You’ll see.
- KEITH DAVID— Has a serious Broadway resume to die for. Lots of TV. Works all the time. When he finally gets an Oscar nom, people will say, “Where have you been?”
- HILL HARPER-– A lot of TV, like “CSI.” And he’s a best selling author. Played a heavy in “Concussion.” He’s on “Limitless” now, and much in demand.
- GUGU MBATHA RAW– the star of “Belle,” who also got no Oscar attention. Shameful. Just appeared in “Concussion.” Another movie star.
- KASI LEMMONS and VONDIE CURTIS HALL--they could be the Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis of this generation. They’re tied for that honor with ANGELA BASSETT and COURTNEY B. VANCE.
- DEBBI MORGAN— made a living being great on “All My Children.” Still so much to come.
- ANDRE ROYO — Currently on “Empire” and “Happyish,” so if you don’t know who he is, you should.
- REGINA HALL – Lots of credits but a new “Rush Hour” movie as Chris Tucker’s wife might do the trick
- DULE HILL– Incredibly versatile— He starred on Broadway in “After Midnight,” is in HBO’s “Ballers” right now, and is well known from “Psych” and “The West Wing.”
- NICK CANNON— Yes, he does work all the time. But he’s more than a show host. Check hmi out in “Bobby” and “Chi-Raq.”
- CCH POUNDER-– last on this but first in our hearts. Currently on “NCIS New Orleans.” Like S. Epatha Merkerson (who was on Law & Order for 75 years)– there’s no TV without these women. Imagine if they were in movies.
- Wait! I forgot Ruben Santiago Hudson! And Loretta Devine and James Pickens Jr. and Chandra Wilson from “Grey’s Anatomy.” And Audra McDonald, the Queen of Broadway, and the gang from “How to Get Away with Murder.” And Vivica A. Fox, and Leslie Jones and Sasheer Zamata from “SNL” and Jay Pharoah and Kenan Thompson (who we can’t live without, seriously)… send me names! Keith Robinson! Joy Bryant! Peter Parros! Paula Patton! Gabby Sidibe! Teyonah Paris! Steve Harris! Michael Boatman! Ty Jones!
send me more names! either to showbiz411@gmail.com, as a comment on this page, or Twitter @showbiz411
Starry, Starry Fight: Wife of “American Pie” Singer Says “This is a very sad time for him, as well as for me.”
Patrisha McLean, the photographer wife of Don McLean, obtained an order of protection against him today after a domestic dispute turned into an arrest.
The news out of Camden, Maine is upsetting because McLean is a folk singing hero whose songs “American Pie” and “Vincent,” among others, made him a national institution. Last year someone paid $1.2 million at auction for the original handwritten lyrics to “American Pie.”
Even though McLean is not in People magazine every week, he’s still an important and well loved figure in the music world. He tours all the time and his records are played on oldies radio and places like Sirius XM.
In her complaint, Patrisha wrote that Don has access to firearms, has a gun, knives, and a baseball bat in his car. She said he told her “If I have a stroke (over my leaving) I will get my gun and kill you.” She also said that she is Jewish, and that he called her a “Hebe.” She says more recently, on January 17, he terrorized her four hours until she called 911.
I emailed Mrs. McLean. She wrote back to me today and said: “I would like to say that he is not an anti-semite and he is not a monster. We had a lot of good times/years together. This is a very sad time for him, as well as for me.” The McLeans have been together for 30 years and have two grown children. She is 56 years old, he is 70.
It’s a sad day for everyone. In a lot of his photos, Don McLean looks angry. His teeth are almost gritted. There are two sides to every story. I hope the McLeans can work things out. On his website Don McLean writes:
“This last year and especially now have been hard emotional times for my wife my children and me. What is occurring is the very painful breakdown of an almost 30 year relationship. Our hearts are broken and we must carry on. There are no winners or losers but I am not a villain. I may never recover from this but I will try and hope to continue to entertain you all as I always have. I ask God to give us the strength to find new happiness and I hope people will realize that this will all be resolved but I hope I will not be judged in this frantic media environment.”
Don McLean
January 21, 2016
Spike Lee’s Michael Jackson Doc Uncovers 1980 Interview: No Guilt About Leaving Brothers Behind
Spike Lee’s documentary, “Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall” airs February 5th on Showtime and you must not miss it. Spike’s gift to Michael is a complete rehabilitation as a musical genius pre “Thriller” and the later drift into madness.
This Michael Jackson is before chimps and Neverland and all the eccentricities that eventually consumed him. Frankly, after watching Spike’s movie, I am more convinced than ever that the combined successes of “Thriller” and “Bad” created a monster. It was too much for Michael Jackson to be the King of Pop. But that’s for another movie.
This movie tells the story quickly of the Jackson 5, but then explores how the group left Motown for Epic Records, and how Michael spun off as a solo act. Only two of his siblings, Marlon and Jackie, are interviewed (and they are very articulate and winning). There are interviews with Katherine and Joseph Jackson, archival footage of Sammy Davis Jr, Fred Astaire, and Gene Kelly.
Quincy Jones plays a huge part, of course, as producer of “Off the Wall,” the solo album that launched Michael’s second life. The whole second part of the film is devoted to the making of “Off the Wall” once Spike very smartly details its roots– Michael writing those last Jacksons hits like “Shake Your Body” and working with Gamble and Huff in Philadelphia.
The huge number of people interviewed includes Berry Gordy and Suzanne dePasse, to start. Stevie Wonder shows how he wrote “I Can’t Help It.” (I wish Gladys Knight had been included; she found the Jackson 5. Also missing is any reference to Frank DiLeo.) But then you’ve got all the people who worked with Michael like engineer Bruce Swedien, many of the musicians, plus lots of current stars like Questlove, John Legend and Pharrell.
The film is notable for its archival footage and interviews with Michael from the late 70s through just before “Thriller.” The plastic surgery is maybe just the nose. The skin color is still black, no sign of bleaching. Michael is clear-eyed and quite articulate himself about what he’s trying to do with his music and his career. He’s still a whole person attached to the world. The mania is yet to come.
There are moments that will blow you away. One is Karen Langford, one of Michael’s lawyers, reading a handwritten 1979 note from Michael declaring his intention to become a new artist named “MJ” with no Jackson 5 past intent on ruling the world. Another is seeing Randy Jackson, Michael’s brother who later become embroiled in his finances and career, rocking out as a major percussionist.
But you do see Michael, toward the end, telling interviewer Sylvia Chase that he had no guilt about his leaving his brothers behind. He is quite definite that he’s going to move forward to fulfill what he sees as his destiny. He’s clearly a genius, and way beyond — as he says — “I Want You Back.” And that’s where the trouble began.
But that’s for another film. This film undoes years of damage, and presents Michael Jackson as a brilliant young entertainer in the making. Great work.