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Tony Awards: Anna Wintour Made Sure the Red Carpet Was Really “Red” This Year

Roger Friedman
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Tony Awards: Anna Wintour Made Sure the Red Carpet Was Really “Red” This Year

The Tony Awards were a class act, as usual. But there were some weird things going on that had nothing to do with Broadway.

First, Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Why in the world did she involve herself with what nominees wore? She has nothing to do with Broadway. Sometimes she turns at premieres. But otherwise, how did she become the arbiter of taste?

I heard from various sources that Queen Anna didn’t like the actual red carpet that was chosen for the red carpet walkway and press interviews. So she demanded they change it to something really red and cushiony. No one’s sure if she knows these things are thrown out later.

Josh Groban: good voice, nice guy. But what the heck was he doing singing the In Memoriam? Broadway has dozens of golden throated top stars who could have sung “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” How about Norm Lewis, a Broadway superstar? You could tell how silly Alan Cumming and Kristen Chenoweth thought this was idea was– they lampooned “coming up, Josh Groban” at every promo.

I’m sorry who is Ashley Tisdale, whose best friend is Vanessa Hudgens? Huh?

Back to Anna: seems she’s responsible for the number of beautiful, long legged creatures who did walk the red carpet last night. Kendall Jenner? The girls were attractive, but got a lot of laughs. They were just there as decoration. “The Curious Incident of the Models in the Night-time.” They couldn’t agree if Arthur Miller was a better playwright than Eugene O’Neill (just kidding).

Many reporters did point out: hard to Tweet out #tonyawards when the Wi Fi in Radio City was closed. Very poor service in there. And again, no food or drinks even for sale during a four hour show– very unpleasant.

Backstage at the Tony Awards: Kelli O’Hara No Longer the Susan Lucci of the Tony Awards

Roger Friedman
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Backstage at the Tony Awards: Kelli O’Hara No Longer the Susan Lucci of the Tony Awards

Last night’s Tony Awards put an end to Kelli O’Hara’s long run as the Susan Lucci of the show. She won for “The King and I,” beating Kristen Chenoweth (who was co hosting the show with Alan Cumming) and Chita Rivera, who’s been waiting for another Tony since “Kiss of the Spider Woman” in 1923. Kelli’s speech was the best on a night when all the speeches were pretty fun.

Alex Sharp, who’s 25, won Best Actor in a Play — his first time on Broadway, his first job out of Juilliard School. When he came off stage he looked dazed and asked to be taken back to his seat where his parents were waiting. Later, at the Plaza Hotel Food Court, where part of the official party takes place, he huddled with Best Actress in a Play winner Helen Mirren and her famous director husband Taylor Hackford for advice.

Dame Helen, you know, beats even Meryl Streep for unpretentious. She came off the red carpet before the show started and sort of wafted into the little ante room on a sidestreet that was set up before you set foot into Radio City Music Hall. She did a little jig for the security ladies, who got a kick out of seeing Helen Mirren in a a gauzy dress pretending she could fly like an angel. She asked me, “Where is my husband?” Another security guard asked if she’d like to be accompanied to her seat. “Oh heavens no,” she said, “I have my ticket right here.” She marched off into the theater, no muss, no fuss.

Here’s a little aside about Dame Helen: it turns out famed actor Richard McCabe, who won Best Supporting Actor in “The Audience” playing Harold Wilson to Helen’s QE2, is her tenant in London. He rents out the Hackfords’ basement apartment. Also: after Dame Helen won her Tony, which was early on in the show, she went around the corner to a local bar and raised a glass with “The Audience” cast and crew who weren’t in Radio City. Nice!

Around the Plaza: Nominee Sting and wife Trudie Styler, Patricia Clarkson hanging with “Elephant Man” co-star Alessandro Nivola and of all people, Monica Lewinsky. More to come…

FULL LIST OF TONY AWARD WINNERS

Best Musical:

An American in Paris

Fun Home (WINNER)

Something Rotten!

The Visit

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Michael Cerveris, Fun Home (WINNER)

Robert Fairchild, An American in Paris

Brian d’Arcy James, Something Rotten!

Ken Watanabe, The King and I

Tony Yazbeck, On the Town

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Kristin Chenoweth, On the Twentieth Century

Leanne Cope, An American in Paris

Beth Malone, Fun Home

Kelli O’Hara, The King and I (WINNER)

Chita Rivera, The Visit

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Steven Boyer, Hand to God

Bradley Cooper, The Elephant Man

Ben Miles, Wolf Hall Parts One & Two

Bill Nighy, Skylight

Alex Sharp, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (WINNER)

Best Revival of a Musical

The King and I (WINNER)

On the Town

On the Twentieth Century

Best Revival of a Play

The Elephant Man

Skylight (WINNER)

This Is Our Youth

You Can’t Take It with You

Best Play

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (WINNER)

Disgraced

Hand to God

Wolf Hall Parts One & Two

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Victoria Clark, Gigi

Judy Kuhn, Fun Home

Sydney Lucas, Fun Home

Ruthie Ann Miles, The King and I (WINNER)

Emily Skeggs, Fun Home

Best Direction of a Play

Stephen Daldry, Skylight

Marianne Elliott, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (WINNER)

Scott Ellis, You Can’t Take It with You

Jeremy Herrin, Wolf Hall Parts One & Two

Moritz von Stuelpnagel, Hand to God

Best Direction of a Musical

Sam Gold, Fun Home (WINNER)

Casey Nicholaw, Something Rotten!

John Rando, On the Town

Bartlett Sher, The King and I

Christopher Wheeldon, An American in Paris

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Annaleigh Ashford, You Can’t Take It with You (WINNER)

Patricia Clarkson, The Elephant Man

Lydia Leonard, Wolf Hall Parts One & Two

Sarah Stiles, Hand to God

Julie White, Airline Highway

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Christian Borle, Something Rotten! (WINNER)

Andy Karl, On the Twentieth Century

Brad Oscar, Something Rotten!

Brandon Uranowitz, An American in Paris

Max von Essen, An American in Paris

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Matthew Beard, Skylight

K. Todd Freeman, Airline Highway

Richard McCabe, The Audience (WINNER)

Alessandro Nivola, The Elephant Man

Nathaniel Parker, Wolf Hall Parts One & Two

Micah Stock, It’s Only a Play

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Geneva Carr, Hand to God

Helen Mirren, The Audience (WINNER)

Elisabeth Moss, The Heidi Chronicles

Carey Mulligan, Skylight

Ruth Wilson, Constellations

Best Book of a Musical

An American in Paris

Craig Lucas

Fun Home (WINNER)

Lisa Kron

Something Rotten!

Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell

The Visit

Terrence McNally

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fun Home (WINNER)

The Last Ship

Something Rotten!

The Visit

Best Scenic Design of a Play

Bunny Christie and Finn Ross, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (WINNER)

Bob Crowley, Skylight

Christopher Oram, Wolf Hall Parts One & Two

David Rockwell, You Can’t Take It with You

Best Scenic Design of a Musical

Bob Crowley and 59 Productions, An American in Paris (WINNER)

David Rockwell, On the Twentieth Century

Michael Yeargan, The King and I

David Zinn, Fun Home

Best Costume Design of a Play

Bob Crowley, The Audience

Jane Greenwood, You Can’t Take It with You

Christopher Oram, Wolf Hall Parts One & Two (WINNER)

David Zinn, Airline Highway

Best Costume Design of a Musical

Gregg Barnes, Something Rotten!

Bob Crowley, An American in Paris

William Ivey Long, On the Twentieth Century

Catherine Zuber, The King and I (WINNER)

Best Lighting Design of a Play

Paule Constable, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (WINNER)

Paule Constable and David Plater, Wolf Hall Parts One & Two

Natasha Katz, Skylight

Japhy Weideman, Airline Highway

Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Donald Holder, The King and I

Natasha Katz, An American in Paris (WINNER)

Ben Stanton, Fun Home

Japhy Weideman, The Visit

Best Choreography

Joshua Bergasse, On the Town

Christopher Gattelli, The King and I

Scott Graham & Steven Hoggett for Frantic Assembly, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Casey Nicholaw, Something Rotten!

Christopher Wheeldon, An American in Paris (WINNER)

Best Orchestrations

Christopher Austin, Don Sebesky, Bill Elliott, An American in Paris (WINNER)

John Clancy, Fun Home

Larry Hochman, Something Rotten!

Rob Mathes, The Last Ship

Recipients of Awards and Honors in Non-competitive Categories:

Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre:

Tommy Tune

Special Tony Award:

John Cameron Mitchell

Regional Theatre Tony Award:

Cleveland Play House, Cleveland, Ohio

Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award:

Stephen Schwartz

Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre:

Arnold Abramson

Adrian Bryan-Brown

Gene O’Donovan

Hollywood Sex Lawsuit: Letters of Apology, Statement from Falsely Accused Exec David A. Neuman

Roger Friedman
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Hollywood Sex Lawsuit: Letters of Apology, Statement from Falsely Accused Exec David A. Neuman

Here are the letters of apology to David A. Neuman, also accused in the same suits as Garth Ancier. Again, to be a lawyer who has to pony up settlement money and letters like these…not good. All the cases were dismissed. But people’s reputations and careers were at risk. And again, there’s still a phoney baloney documentary out there, which I saw at a film festival, that uses Egan’s accusations and stories to bolster itself. I guess next we’ll see the letters of apology to Bryan Singer. The lawsuits became a lightning rod that Singer couldn’t do press for his own movie at the time, and his name was removed from promotions.

Statement from Hollywood Executive David A. Neuman
A year ago, a press conference was held announcing a lawsuit against me that was completely fraudulent and filled with whole cloth lies. The attorney who held that press conference, and then eventually dismissed the case (Jeff Herman), along with the attorney who worked alongside him in Hawaii (Mark Gallagher), have issued the following statements of apology:
Dear Mr. Neuman,
I sincerely apologize for bringing lawsuits against you on behalf of my former client Michael Egan. As you know, I withdrew from representing Mr. Egan two months after filing the complaints. Based on what I know now, I believe that I participated in making what I now know to be untrue and provably false allegations against you. Had I known what I learned after filing the lawsuits, I would never have filed these claims against you. I deeply regret the pain, suffering and damage the lawsuits and publicity have caused you, and your family, friends, and colleagues.
I sincerely regret my role in this matter and for the harm that I caused. I have resolved this matter with compensation to you. I am hopeful that you can recover fully.
Very Truly Yours,
Jeffrey M. Herman, Herman Law
And from the law office of Mark Gallagher:
I sincerely apologize to Mr. David Neuman for my part in bringing a lawsuit against him on behalf of my former client Michael Egan. Unfortunately, I now do not believe that the allegations in the lawsuit were true and accurate, I deeply regret the unjustified pain, suffering and significant damage the lawsuit and publicity has caused Mr. Neuman and his family, friends, and colleagues.
I sincerely regret my role in this matter.
Mark Gallagher
With these apologies, the truth is now clear.
I would like to thank my magnificent attorneys, Patty Glaser and Andy Baum, who lived up to their stellar reputations as my representatives, and shared the following with me:
Dear David,
This marks the first time in our firm’s history that we have filed a malicious prosecution suit, and my partner Andy Baum and I are thrilled at your vindication. Together we have achieved what we set out to do, which is to clear your good name. Mission accomplished.
All our best,
Patty Glaser Glaser Weil
Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, and colleagues for their steadfast support through this. You have been amazing. You knew that these charges were all lies, and your support was unwavering. I thank you all with all of my heart.
David A. Neuman

Lawyers in Hollywood Sex Case Issue Apologies to Producer Garth Ancier, Pay “Seven Figures” in Damages Settlement

Roger Friedman
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Lawyers in Hollywood Sex Case Issue Apologies to Producer Garth Ancier, Pay “Seven Figures” in Damages Settlement

This just came in from the publicist representing producer Garth Ancier. He was sued by Michael Egan for sexual harassment. Egan has since dropped the case, but not before smearing Ancier. Since then, director Amy Berg has still used Egan as a main source for a documentary about producers preying on young men. Reading this, I can’t imagine how these lawyers, Herman and Egan, can go on. What a mess.

from Davidson Goldin PR:

Attorneys Jeffrey Herman and Mark Gallagher this week issued detailed apologies for filing what they now acknowledge were entirely false claims in a lawsuit against veteran television executive Garth Ancier. The apologies, which appear in their entirety below, are accompanied by an undisclosed monetary payment in the seven figures.

The allegations contained in the baseless lawsuit were fabricated by Michael Egan, who recently pled guilty in North Carolina federal court to running an unrelated Ponzi scheme where he lied to investors and forged documents. He is awaiting sentencing.

Ancier also discovered that as Egan’s Ponzi scheme fell apart, Egan had bragged to a witness that “if all else failed he could go after ‘Gay Hollywood’ and claim he was abused and they will have to settle because they cannot stand the publicity.” A federal judge also scolded Egan for lying in court.

Jeffrey Herman, an attorney for Egan, issued the following apology:
“I sincerely apologize for bringing lawsuits against you on behalf of my former client Michael Egan. As you know, I withdrew from representing Mr. Egan two months after filing the complaints. Based on what I know now, I believe that I participated in making what I now know to be untrue and proveably false allegations against you. Had I known what I learned after filing the lawsuits, I would never have filed these claims against you. I deeply regret the pain, suffering and damage the lawsuit and publicity have caused you, and your family, friends, and colleagues. I sincerely regret my role in this matter and for the harm that I caused. I have resolved this matter with compensation to you. I am hopeful that you can recover fully.”

Mark Gallagher, an attorney for Egan, issued the following apology:
“I sincerely apologize to Mr. Garth Ancier for my part in bringing a lawsuit against him on behalf of my former client Michael Egan. Unfortunately, I now do not believe that the allegations in the lawsuit were true and accurate. I deeply regret the unjustified pain, suffering and significant damage the lawsuit and publicity has caused Mr. Ancier, and his family, friends, and colleagues. I sincerely regret my role in this matter.”

Ancier stated:
“The lawyers who brought this false claim are now making a significant financial payment as part of their apology for bringing a case they acknowledge never had any merit, finally proving that a convicted scam artist’s claims about me were entirely made up. I said on day one this was all absolutely false and I’m certainly pleased that’s now been admitted by the lawyers responsible for transforming absurd fabrications into a real-life nightmare for me.”

Here’s the Free FBI File on Whitney Houston, You Don’t Need to Buy Bogus New Book

Roger Friedman
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Here’s the Free FBI File on Whitney Houston, You Don’t Need to Buy Bogus New Book

There’s a bogus new “biography” of Whitney Houston out this week, touted in today’s New York tabloids. There’s nothing new here. The big news is that someone tried extort money from Whitney. Her father may have paid it off, we don’t know. But the FBI file is old. Here it is, for free. Simon & Schuster should really be ashamed of themselves.

http://vault.fbi.gov/whitney-houston/whitney-houston-part-01-of-01/view.

Watch Trailer for “Bridge of Spies” Starring Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance, Directed by Steven Spielberg

Roger Friedman
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Watch Trailer for “Bridge of Spies” Starring Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance, Directed by Steven Spielberg

“Bridge of Spies” is directed by Steven Spielberg from a script by Joel and Ethan Coen. Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance star, with the amazing Amy Ryan and up and coming Billy Magnussen. It looks great from this trailer. Best Pic nominee? Lookin’ good so far…

Miley Cyrus Finds a New Favorite TV Show– “Grace and Frankie”

Roger Friedman
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Miley Cyrus Finds a New Favorite TV Show– “Grace and Frankie”

Miley Cyrus has a new favorite TV show. After Tweeting that she needed a new show to watch, she found one– “Grace and Frankie” starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. She’s a smart girl. Maybe she can help the ladies negotiate higher pay at Netflix than their supporting male stars, Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston. Miley will bring her wrecking ball to the conference table!

Friday Box Office: Melissa McCarthy’s Well Liked “Spy” Beaten by a Nose by Junky Thriller

Roger Friedman
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Friday Box Office: Melissa McCarthy’s Well Liked “Spy” Beaten by a Nose by Junky Thriller

Well, there’s no sense underestimating the taste of the American people. On Friday night they chose junk over a decent comedy. “Insidious 3,” the sequel I guess to “Insidious” 1 and 2, nosed out Melissa McCarthy and Paul Feig’s “Spy” by $150,000. Maybe that will change tonight as escaped inmates are rounded up and returned to their facilities.

I haven’t seen “I3,” but I’m happy for the only actor in it who anyone’s ever heard of– Dermot Mulroney. Of course he’s been in lots of better films, but everyone has to pay the bills. And he’s a nice guy too.

Other news from Friday night at the movies: “Aloha” scored over $1 million last night! In wide release, the Cameron Crowe dramedy did $391 per screen. That’s like 45 people a show.  The total take now is $14 million. That’s not bad, all things considered.

The Beach Boys movie “Love and Mercy” made $640K on 483 screens. It’s a slow start. But adults should really go and see this movie. Find those screens tonight. Bill Pohlad’s made a movie you will like.

Notes from the Steve Martin AFI Tribute: Some of This May Not Make the Broadcast Show

Leah Sydney
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Notes from the Steve Martin AFI Tribute: Some of This May Not Make the Broadcast Show

This the kind of crowd you get at a roast for Steve Martin: famed and legendary architect Frank Gehry, a longtime friend of Steve’s, was a guest at the Dolby Theater. I asked him if he was excited to be there, and Gehry quipped, “Where’s the bathroom? I didn’t design this, so I don’t know.”

The American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement tribute to Steve Martin airs June 13th. Here are some notes from the show:

Tina Fey called Steve “The first rock star comedian.” She continued, “I remember the first time I saw a Steve Martin movie. It on the plane ride here tonight.” Rim shot!

She said: “Steve has taught me so much. Like never shake hands when an open mouth kiss will suffice. Also, if you’re going to pick up Martin Short, remember to support his neck. Steve also taught me to give back. For instance; Steve gives all of his old white suits to Lesbians for their commitment ceremonies.”

Lily Tomlin automatically cracked up the audience by riffing because she couldn’t read the main monitor. Lily, of course, saved herself and gave a heartfelt tribute to her friend.The pair co-starred in one of the great comedies of all time, “All of Me.”

Amy Poehler did a spoof as an auctioneer. Conan O’Brien then pointed out that, “Steve is fantastic in all he does, Actor, Writer, Director, Author, Magician and Lover.”

Steve Carell countered:  “I don’t agree with Conan about Steve being a fantastic lover. I know from personal experience that he is not. He is passionate, but Steve, you are lazy and selfish.” Carell then told Steve he “owed everything to him.”

There were videos from  Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Ron Howard were interspersed throughout. Howard pointed out that  “Somebody as multifaceted as Steve, he’s allowed to be a dick. But he’s not.”

Carl Reiner then stood up and remarked, “I think I’m the oldest person in this room. Is anyone older than 93? “ After the audience applauded rapturously, Carl remarked, “ I just looked and my zipper is down, ok I’m that old.”

Martin Short came out and just killed it. He started with, “I’m so happy to be here for Steve, although that might be the Xanax and Vicodin talking. I’ll make this quick because my Uber is waiting and you know how testy Randy Quaid can get.” He continued, “I have known Steve Martin for a long time. I knew him when his urologist thought it was still safe for him to wear white suits.” Referring to Martin’s love of magic and his start at Disneyland, Short said, ” As a young boy, Steve turned tricks at Disneyland. Or I should say, he pleasured men with his tricks. He would play games with Uncle Walt in the parking lot; Jew or not a Jew.”

Martin went on: “Steve is very conscious about his physique. He’s been on Jenny Craig more than Mr. Craig. Steve is that rare bird who is both funny and sexy; I invented a new word for him, fucksy. Let’s face it, Steve is pale. To me, it looks like someone mounted a toupee on a urinal. We’ve done five films together. Fun fact, Steve uses the same stunt double as Angela Lansbury.” Martin ended with a heartfelt rendition of the song Steve co-wrote with Edie Brickell, “Friend of Mine.”

Diane Keaton came up after and called her friend, “Dis-appropriately talented.” Diane as well sang a bit of “Friend of Mine” as well.

Mel Brooks then spoke and said, “This boy is a threat to my very existence. He’s literally built a giant wall of multi talent that no one can climb over. The he starts to win all these awards. That’s what I do, I win every fucking award. So the wall gets higher. Mr. Martin, will you tear down this wall?”

Mel presented Steve with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Steve:  “How do I top this parade of stars who have been so funny? Easy.” Steve then called Carl Reiner his second father, and said, “Carl and I were doing a movie and after 5 takes, he said, ‘funny it up.”

Referring to Martin Short, Steve commented, “Marty and I travel and tour the country. I love working with him, he understands the concept of 60/40. In an amazing coincidence, Martin Short is the name I use to check into a hotel when I want to remain anonymous.”

Commenting on Diane Keaton, Martin said, “Marty and I were in her trailer once when we were making ‘Father Of The Bride.’ She was watching the OJ trial and we were in the background talking. She said, ‘If you two don’t shut up I’m going to blow you. Marty said, “Diane, you have to work on your threats.”

Steve then ended with: “I have finally realized what a comic genius is. A comic genius is someone who decides never to go into comedy. I leave you with a quote from one of my favorites, Jack Benny. ‘I don’t really deserve this award, but I have arthritis and I don’t deserve that either. “

LIVE from the Steve Martin AFI Tribute: Mel Brooks Dining on Matzoh Ball Soup While Stars Eat Fish

Roger Friedman
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LIVE from the Steve Martin AFI Tribute: Mel Brooks Dining on Matzoh Ball Soup While Stars Eat Fish

Our Leah Sydney is having a ball at the American Film Institute dinner for Steve Martin right now in Hollywood at the Dolby Theater. But she reports that Mel Brooks, who was given the Lifetime Achievement Award two years ago– is having an actual ball–a matzoh ball.

Mel, who will toast Steve, asked for matzoh ball soup for dinner because he doesn’t like the fish they’re serving. Of course! Mel also confirmed for Leah that he and Susan Stroman will co-direct a new stage version of “Young Frankenstein” in London’s West End soon. (The story was first reported by Baz Bamigboye in the Daily Mail.) Mel is still figuring out whether he’ll do the long awaited sequel to “Spaceballs.”

Also at the AFI gala: Lorne Michaels, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, Jeff Garlin, Peter Asher, Steve Carell, Jack Black, Dan Aykroyd and Donna Dixon plus lot of execs including Disney’s Alan Horn and Warner’s Sue Kroll. Sir Howard Stringer already came out on stage with Steve Martin’s trademark arrow on his head.

Plus: Leah did speak to our beloved old pal Teri Garr– who has trouble speaking because of MS, but otherwise glows– and they talked about David Letterman. Teri says to tell everyone “I love Dave. I wish him well.”

Jeff Garlin told me over the phone that he’s sitting right behind Steve Martin. “I’ve never met him, but he’s the reason I’m an actor and a comedian. He’s been such a big influence on me.”

More later…

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