Tuesday, December 16, 2025
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Motown’s First Act Might Have Been…Doris Day!

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One important thing I gleaned from an early preview performance last night on Broadway of “Motown: The Musical’: Doris Day could have been its first act, way before The Supremes or Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. A young Berry Gordy was writing songs and pitching them to Jackie Wilson — and he actually had some hits like “Reet Petite.” But Gordy really wanted to sell a song to Doris Day. She’s not what you think of when you think Motown. But Gordy wrote a song for her and sent it, naively, to “Doris Day– Hollywood” in what they used to call ‘the mail.’ He didn’t get an answer.

I can’t tell you too much about “Motown” yet because the creators are still tinkering with it. I will tell every seat is sold, and the joint is jumping. They’ve packed at least 60 songs into the show including two written by Gordy for Jackie Wilson, and one or two new songs. But let’s say 57 of them are Motown classics, heard in snippets to full length versions. This is not an easy show to pull off because “Motown” had so many acts, and the acts were groups as well as solos, and they each have separate stories. You do pretty much see or hear everyone who was ever involved with the company, which is amazing.

The show is extremely well cast, from the young lady who plays Diana Ross down to the little boy we saw last night who re-creates little Michael Jackson. The show now — it may change– even has a quick tribute to Rick James. Also, I found it interesting that Gordy, who wrote the book for the show based on his autobiography, can be unsparing about his own failures even while celebrating his many successes.

“Motown” is going to be a monster hit — actually it is already. I can’t wait to see it when it’s all done on April 14th. And yes, there is a “Doris Day” singer who croons that early Gordy tune. Clever.

PS Quite a gang for late theater supper last night at Bar Centrale: Chris Rock and Zack Braff, plus Richard Kind, Bobby Cannavale, and Joey Slotnick after a performance of “The Big Knife.” And everyone’s talking about how good almost all the new shows are. A very solid Broadway season.

NBC “Today” and “Tonight” PR Catastrophes Are the Same, For a Reason

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There’s a lot of explosive talk today about Matt Lauer leaving the Today show. It began with a New York magazine piece, continued into a second story on Deadline.com about NBC reaching out to Anderson Cooper to replace him, and has now echoed into the New York Times. The connection I still haven’t seen: that what’s going on with “Today” show this week is what happened to the “Tonight” show last week. Both shows are on NBC, and the signals being sent, however awkwardly, are coming from the same place: the new management.

As an NBC expert pointed to out to me today: Comcast wants all the old people out. I don’t mean senior citizens, although maybe that’s so. But they want a fresh look to a dead network. And that means Jay Leno and Matt Lauer. “Remember, the “New” NBC aka Comcast wants to get away from the old. Look at Fallon,” says my expert.

Also look at Elisabeth Hasselbeck at ABC’s “The View.” She will make her own exit announcement in April or early May. But what got leaked earlier this month was a smoke signal. It was a warning that Hasselbeck was done. Network executives never say things to talent’s face. They “let it be known.” And this was the month a lot was made known. March is going out like a lion.

The Cooper-Lauer thing? My expert says Cooper is probably ready to go to “Today.” His CNN show is endangered by changes taking place over there. Jake Tapper is the new ‘it guy’ at CNN. Cooper no doubt senses that. Chris Cuomo is also going to big man on campus over there. His CBS gig at 60 Minutes is by lend lease, and it just end.

And Matt Lauer? Even though I suggested this was all crazy, I was told “not so.” “Matt wants out. He knows everyone blames him for Ann Curry. If NBC wanted to buy him out, or move him somewhere else on the network, he’d jump at the chance,” says my NBC expert. “Matt has one foot out the door,” says my insider. “[This plan]– yes, it makes sense.”

Meanwhile, one week after NBC staged its public war with Jay Leno by using the press, Leno has calmed down, and is now talking succession with the brass. A week from now, Lauer, will probably do the same thing.

Tonight, Today.

What’s next? Someone tested the waters a couple of weeks ago suggesting that Kathie Gifford and Hoda Kotb were at each other’s throats, and that someone wanted to move to LA. These stories are not complete fiction. My guess is they can be traced back to very related areas.

Life Imitates Art: First Woman to Run Secret Service, Just Like in “Olympus Has Fallen”

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UPDATE: Life imitates art– in the current release “Olympus Has Fallen,” Angela Bassett plays the head of the Secret Service. Today in real life (that’s what we call it) a woman was named for the first time to run the Secret Service. Julia A. Pearson, a long time member of the Secret Service, got the job. Is that a movie tie in or what? http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/27/us/politics/obama-appoints-woman-to-lead-secret-service.html?hp

At the junket for “Olympus Has Fallen”, our PAULA SCHWARTZ asked Angela Bassett  what it was like playing the head of the Secret Service.

She replied prophetically:

“Oh I was very pleased, very honored because it’s historically, we’ve not been in that position, so it was a real honor to be able to portray that the first time in film, so I was very thankful to Antoine (Fuqua) and his vision of changing the way that we see that position. It’s been done in television before. Sometimes entertainment leads the way, that’s the place. It’s about creativity and opening it up and what the world can look like.”

 
Ironically, the first-time screenwriters, husband and wife Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt originally wrote the role of head of the Secret Service for a man.
Changing that role for a woman and casting Angela Basset was director Antoine Fuqa’s idea: “I wanted great actors in the movie period,” he said at the “Olympus junket.”
He has two strong women roles in the film, Melissa Leo plays the Secretary of Defense. “I never thought about it in the sense that I wanted them to be women,” Fuqua said. “Then you look at a woman like Hillary Clinton and I thought, ‘Who has that power? Who can do that? And Melissa Leo (snapped his finger) just in your head. And then who’s going to be the head of Secret Service? And I think it was written for a man in the beginning. Yeah it was. And I thought, why does it have to be a guy? Get Angela. Like in my mind I didn’t sit back in my mind and think they never did have as the head of the Secret Service as a woman in the movie. I just wanted to work with Angela, so that’s how it came about.”

FROM MARCH 10th: Past Oscar nominee and movie star Angela Bassett just had lunch with First Lady Michelle Obama. In her new movie, “Olympus Has Fallen,” Bassett plays the tough head of the Secret Service. (Only in a movie could a woman have such a job.)** In real life, Bassett was a surrogate (meaning, an active supporter) last year for President Obama. Guests at the luncheon, she said, included other “surrogates” ( active supporters), including make up artist Bobbi Brown, Phylicia Rashad, Cynthia Nixon and Ashley Judd, Bassett told our PAULA SCHWARTZ.

“The First Lady sat between me and Ashley Judd, running potentially for Congress,” Bassett said. Judd plays the First Lady– and since our interview declared her intention to run for the US Senate, from Kentucky, as a Democrat. (Gerard Butler is the president and the star of the film.) Bassett told Mrs. Obama that she and Ashley Judd, are in  a movie together — “and it’s about the White House. We started talking about females in the secret service agency.”

The First Lady told Bassett and Judd about the Secret service women who protect her and the girls and how they joke around..

So did Bassett tell the First Lady the movie was about terrorists taking down the president and his family?

“Oh no, I didn’t tell her about that part,” she laughed.

The gorgeous Bassett, who is flawless even up close and looks several decades younger than her 53 years, was the only female star of the testosterone fueled “Olympus Has Fallen,” directed by Antoine Fuqua, and starring Gerard Butler, who was able to attend the film’s junket recently at the Waldorf Astoria. (Melissa Leo, who plays the Secretary of Defense, couldn’t make it at the last moment.) The action thriller is about a disgraced Secret Service agent (Butler) who tries to redeem himself and tries to rescue the President and his son when terrorists take down the White House. (The movie opens March 22.”

The sets, interiors and underground bunker of the White House were especially built for the film, with details so exact even the red doors of the presidential bunker are duplicated.

Participants at the junket included the director and Butler, who is also the producer, Aaron Eckhardt, Rick Yune, Dylan McDermott and first-time screenwriter married couple Katrin Benedikt and Creighton Rothenberger. The movie has a great cast that also includes Morgan Freeman as Speaker of the House, Robert Forster as a top general.

What drew the “What’s Love Got to Do With It” star to the script she told us was “initially first and foremost to work with Antoine and that he was going to turn this character, make it a woman.” In the original screenplay the Secret Service chief was a man.

She added:  “And this was one of those page turners which – I’m not very good at reading scripts, if it doesn’t get you by 30 pages it’s not going to do it – but this one kept me until the end.”

When asked how realistic the story was, whether she thought terrorists could storm the White House and kidnap the president, Bassett exclaimed, “I hope not. I hope not. Oh my Gosh!”

She said the tech crews reassured her the president and his family and the White House were in good hands.

“It went a long way to make me feel secure this would not happen,” she said.

At the end of the roundtable Bassett turned to the women journalists and asked, “Did you ladies enjoy the film? These guys. They play to the guys.”

When assured we liked the movie and seeing two strong women roles, especially where Bassett played such a “bad ass” a woman remarked, which prompted the actress to smile.

“I took my mother in law to this,” Bassett said, ” and she said, ‘Wow! The body count is sure high.”

 

**guess again! — Roger

Justin Bieber Flew Home from Europe for One Day and Got into a Fight

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Justin Bieber– yes it just gets better and better. He flew from Lodz, Poland on Monday night– we know that because he went through security very quietly, with no shirt and his pants pulled almost all the way down. Then this paragon of sophistication–obviously having no problems with his masculinity–flew all the way home to the Los Angeles suburb of Calabasas. It didn’t matter that he must be back in Munich, Germany tomorrow morning– Thursday– for a show. So he flew fifteen hours, and apparently demanded that a Ferrari be brought to his house.

Then he drove the Ferrari up and down the street, loudly, provoking a neighbor to call the police. Is this the story? This poor kid is such an idiot, and spoiled brat. That’s quite a carbon footprint he left in 24 hours. Well, my insiders say he may be worth $100 million–that sounds like a lot — all from this endless touring, not from CD sales. But wait til he sees the accounting for these expenses. That $100 million can vanish pretty quickly.

And these Ferraris and Fiskers and Teslas, are all given by the car companies to get publicity. It’s easier than advertising and gets immediate worldwide attention.

Today he will fly back the 15 or so hours to Munich, with a nine hour time difference, wearing just earphones and a diaper.

You’re over 21 and you don’t know one Justin Bieber song, can’t hum one of his songs, and don’t know what I am talking about.

“The Voice” Returns, Scores Higher Rating than “American Idol” With Older Show’s Former Contestant

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“The Voice” came back on Monday night. The singer-contestant show scored a 4.8 and over 13 million total viewers. Even though it was second for the night in viewers to “Dancing with the Stars,” the key demo was twice that of the dance show. So younger people overall were watching “The Voice” because the judges — Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Blake Shelton, Usher, and Shakira– are young, shiny and sexy. And “The Voice” also featured a knockout performance from a former “American Idol” contestant– John Peter Lewis.  You wonder if “The Voice” isn’t calling old “Idol” players to see if they’ll come strut their stuff on the newer show.

More importantly, “The Voice” is already out-rating “Idol.” That 4.8 is what “Idol” would love to have instead of last Thursday’s 2.9 and 11.93 viewers. Ouch! But “The Voice” looks fresher, the judges seemed more engaged. When Shakira was surprised that Lewis and his singing partner spoke Spanish, “The Voice” came alive. It was very engaging.

“American Idol” returns tonight– Wednesday–looking for a revival.
Josiah Hawley:

 

former Idol contestant John Peter Lewis:

Jackson Family Update: Joe’s 4 Strokes, Janet’s Exit, and Randy’s Harvard Grad Daughter

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It seemed like a while since we’d heard from the Jackson family. But with the AEG wrongful death trial, the calls are coming in. First off: last November, my sources say, papa Joe Jackson had not one but four strokes in one day. Somehow he survived them all intact. Since then, I am told, he’s been keeping a low profile in Las Vegas.

“His voice sounds weak on the phone,” a source tells me. “But he’s ok.” Before she married a nine years younger Arab billionaire, Janet Jackson visited her father. But otherwise? “She’s gone,” says my source. “She married a billionaire. They’ve got houses in three countries. She’s spending time in the Middle East. She’s become a Muslim.”

The family, they say, is still talking about the Harvard graduation last May 2012 of Randy’s daughter Stevanna. There were some reports at the time on blogs. But the only family member who attended the graduation, this source says, was Joseph Jackson. Stevanna could turn out to the Marilyn Munster of the large Jackson clan. She’s bright and wants to be a movie producer. The family is hopeful that she can be a role model for Paris Jackson, who’s 15 and wanting to get into the entertainment world.

There’s still a rift among the Jacksons concerning last summer’s escapade in which Katherine Jackson was “kidnapped” by Jermaine, Janet, and Randy. Michael’s kids have very little to do with those siblings. And Rebbie Jackson, the oldest sibling, is getting over the death of her husband, Nathaniel. As for La Toya Jackson, it’s not set in cement that she’ll be agenting or managing Paris and Prince much longer. The Jacksons are still like a chess game in motion apparently.

Stay tuned…

 

Justin Timberlake Sells 980k Albums in First Week, Just Misses 1 Million

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Justin Timberlake proves hard work pays off. His “20/20 Experience” just missed selling 1 million copies in its first week. Sales totaled 980,222. Ouch! That was through Sunday. By now it”s crossed the finish line. Derivative? Yes. But it’s music closer to something real than anyone’s heard in a long time. While I — and many critics– may not like the whole thing– Timberlake is great on style, low on substance– you can still admire the polyurethane slickness of the production. The problem is that “20/20” addresses nothing and is about nothing so much as trying to look cool and stay cool. Does Timberlake think anything? I’m sure he does. But there’s no reflection of it in the album. The great soul music he wants to emulate from the 70s was rarely pointless. Much of it had to do with civil rights and the disappointment about Nixon, Watergate, and Vietnam. If Justin Timberlake wants to be Marvin Gaye, then listen to “What’s Going On,” not just “Let’s Get it On.” But still, no can deny the accomplishment of selling a million CDs in one week. And now we have so much good music coming this spring.

Double Soul Birthday: Chaka Khan, Rufus Thomas Plus James Brown Returns to the Apollo

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Yesterday it was Aretha Franklin’s birthday. Tonight it’s a 60th bday celebration for the amazing Chaka Khan. She’s having a big party on Manhattan’s west side with lots of celebs–although (sorry Page Six) Ms. Franklin sends her regrets.She’s got a big show up in White Plains. Chaka is a true survivor, and we are all better for it…

…Today would have been Rufus Thomas’s 96th birthday. He left us in 2001 with a huge legacy. The cornerstone of Stax Records with “Walking the Dog” and “The Funky Chicken” Rufus was the consummate showman. He was a deejay (he brought Elvis Presley to black radio– on WDIA), then became a full time performer. He had his own hits, and hits with his daughter Carla Thomas. They were the most beloved music stars out of of Memphis. Carla is still there, and so is Marvell, her famed keyboard playing brother (he’s on almost every classic Stax track). Their sister Vaneese lives here in New York and is one of the most sought after back up singers anywhere.

Did you know that Rufus and his wife Lorene– who worked with Martin Luther King– were married by Aretha Franklin’s father? I had the pleasure of getting to know Rufus and his family during the filming of “Only the Strong Survive.” He was was warm and hilarious, and one of the greatest American musical artists of all time. We miss you, Rufus! Your legend lives on.

One more thing: James Brown returns to the Apollo Theater this fall. “Get on the Good Foot”– a celebration of James Brown — will debut on October 22nd. Great choreographers from all over will stage this dancin’ tribute to the Godfather of Soul. Sounds terrific…

Flash! Jacqueline Bisset Will Play “Mrs DSK” Anne Sinclair in Depardieu Movie

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Flash! Jacqueline Bisset, one of my all time favorite actresses, is replacing Isabelle Adjani in the movie about “DSK.” Bisset will play Anne Sinclair, the wealthy French journalist who was married to Dominique Strauss Kahn when he was arrested and detained in New York two years ago. Gerard Depardieu is scheduled to play DSK in this wild saga about the powerful French politician and businessman who was accused of raping a maid. The story made international headlines. It pretty much destroyed DSK’s career, brought out other allegations and accusations.

Sinclair stood by her husband and funded his defense. But when they returned to France, she dumped him very quickly. I’m sure Adjani would have been just fine. But Bisset will bring an intelligence and elegance to the role, as well as a defiance over what happened to her life. From the casting descriptions, this Abel Ferrara film sounds like it may try to make DSK “redeemed” in some way. I certainly hope not. The only way to make that movie work is to show Sinclair’s journey to leaving DSK. Of course, in the film, the characters are “fictional”–different names-and he’s “a college professor on his way to becoming president of France.”

Bisset is one of Hollywood’s great gems. Still gorgeous, she’s also one of the brightest people in town. She’s never played by the rules even though she’s been in big budget studio films and terrific indies. This still untitled film sounds like it could be a big winner.

Aretha Franklin Gets “Happy Birthday” Serenade from “Motown” Broadway Musical Cast

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EXCLUSIVE What a birthday night for Miss Aretha Franklin! First the cast of the “Motown” musical already selling out to the rafters serenaded her at the end of the Monday night show. The whole cast and the audience sang the Stevie Wonder “Happy Birthday” song to the Queen of Soul, who brought about a dozen guests. She herself sang along with the show full of Motown hits. The cast didn’t even know she was in the audience until the intermission. Then after the show many members of the cast– as well as the legendary Berry Gordy Jr.– joined Aretha for a swanky birthday party at the Ritz Carlton on Central Park South.

And wait: before the show, Aretha and pals had an Early Bird Supper at one of New York’s very best restaurants– Le Bernardin. This elegant eatery is known for its fish. But Aretha wanted veal scallopini. So she called ahead and they made it for her! Now, this is royalty. She paid the bill herself and couldn’t stop complimenting the cuisine.

Then off to “Motown” where, she told me later, she sang along with the show and kept screaming “The Temps” for the Temptations. “Motown” brings to life many of the Motown stars and their three dozen or so hits. Actors play Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Mary Wells, Martha Reeves, the original Temptations, Gladys Knight and Michael Jackson. Sadly, no Four Tops. And last night, as Gordy keeps trimming the show, they stopped the Miracles’ number “Tears of a Clown.”

At the Ritz Carlton, Aretha was met by Tony Bennett and his wife Susan, who came to pay their respects. The party was tres elegant. Each guest received a Sylvia Weinstock baked miniature Grammy Award with their name on the faceplate. Aretha’s cake was the most magnificent thing I’ve ever seen, also a Weinstock original. And the guests included friends from New York and Detroit, as well as Rev. Al Sharpton (who’s really unbelievably thin at this point) plus BET’s Debra Lee, the Bennetts, Berry Gordy, the “Motown” cast. Music was provided by a combo led by legendary jazz pianist Mulgrew Miller. There were cakes everywhere. Aretha said, “This is for when everyone finishes their Seder.”

photo c2013 Showbiz411