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“Skyfall” Opens In UK, Bond 24 Set for 2014 But Likely Without Judi Dench

Roger Friedman
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“Skyfall” Opens In UK, Bond 24 Set for 2014 But Likely Without Judi Dench

James Bond 23 opens today in the United Kingdom. Expect a windfall for “Skyfall” as for once in a long time everything is right with the fabled spy action series. “Skyfall” ends with a notice, like all the other films in the series, that “James Bond will Return.” My colleague at the Daily Mail in London, Baz Bamigboye, reports today that Bond 24 is already in pre-production, John Logan is writing the script (as he did for “Skyfall”) and that Daniel Craig will be back in his tux by the end of 2014 if not sooner.

Also expect that Ralph Fiennes will succeed Judi Dench as M. Dench has a full plate of movies and theater, but running around a field with a semi automatic weapon isn’t “optimal” even at her most youthful demeanor. Dench gets a lot of airtime in “Skyfall,” capping a brilliant run as M starting back in 1994. She’s the longest running actor in the James Bond series. And she’s probably getting an Oscar nod this year for “Best Exotic Mariold Hotel.” Dame Judi is just starting a new Stephen Frears movie with Steve Coogan that sounds like a winner.

Who will direct Bond 24? They’d be smart to stick with Sam Mendes. But the producers are said to be considering Christopher Nolan, among others. And who should be next to write and sing the Bond theme song? Since Adele filled the ladies’ slot this time ’round, my vote is for Sting. I always thought his “Tomorrow We’ll See” was a James Bond song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=576vw_qbqLs

Katie Holmes On Her New Broadway Role: “I Finally Get to Yell!”

Roger Friedman
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Katie Holmes On Her New Broadway Role: “I Finally Get to Yell!”

UPDATE: here’s the synopsis of “Dead Accounts,” supplied happily by the show’s press agents:

Jack (Norbert Leo Butz) returns home to Cincinnati under mysterious circumstances. His sister Lorna (Katie Holmes) is wondering where his wife (Judy Greer) is, why he doesn’t seem concerned about his job as a bank executive, and how he’s come across the large amounts of cash he’s throwing around. Lorna has moved back into her childhood home to help her very Catholic mother (Jayne Houdyshell) take care of the Lorna’s very ill father. She’s struggling with taking care of her aging parents, her brother’s odd behavior, his propensity to buy unhealthy amounts of Graeter’s ice cream, and an unrequited crush on Jack’s high school buddy Phil (Josh Hamilton). When Jack’s wife Jenny arrives in Cincinnati and drops a bomb, the family must decide what to do with a $27 million secret.

Earlier: Katie Holmes made a public appearance last night for the new Broadway play in which she will shortly open, called “Dead Accounts.” Katie, playwright Theresa Rebeck and director Jack O’Brien did a live radio show with an audience at the Greene Space for WNYC (NPR) in West Soho. The thing is, the event was so under-promoted that there were plenty of empty seats–and tickets were just $20. I actually bought two seats since the publicist for WNYC insisted that there was “no press” allowed in the studio. So kooky, these little publicists.

The lineup was esteemed WNYC interviewer Leonard Lopate interrogating the group which also comprised actors (Tony winner) Norbert Leo Butz. Josh Hamilton, Judy Greer, and Jayne Houdyshell. It is a great cast, and O’Brien has already directed Butz to two Tonys, so he knows what he’s doing. From what we could figure out — since no one there including Lopate has seen Rebeck’s play: it takes place in Cincinnati on one set– a kitchen–where a large Catholic family gathers. The father may have just died since Butz returns with his estranged wife (Greer). Holmes is his sister, who’s stayed to take care of the parents. Houdyshell, who has a resemblance to Rebeck, is the mother. As in Rebeck’s “Mauritius,” there’s a lot of talk of dividing up an estate and people fighting over $27 million.

When Katie’s limo pulled up in front of the studio, a crowd of paparazzi gathered faster than you could say “Suri.” As the car pulled away, the limo driver asked me, “Who is that? I don’t even know” about his just discharged passenger.

Katie wore what looked like a white linen dress, with black leggings and a black jacket that she eventually removed because the lights were hot. During the course of the hour long talk, Katie did not say a lot. But at least she said more than “Amazing” or “I’m in love,” which is all she said really between April 2005 and June 2012. She seemed genuinely interested in what was going on, spoke about her family, her desire to work in theater: “I thought it would be so challenging.”

Why she wanted to work in theater: “Because I was so young when I started working, I was always trying to catch up.” Butz said she has no trouble projecting her voice in the theater.

Katie: “Finally I get to yell!” She added: “What I really loved about this character was she’s strong underneath it all.  I like her values, I like that she’s trying to figure it all out and really cares for her family.”

What I really liked about Katie: she seems totally fascinated by the amazing Judy Greer, who will probably steal the play from everyone. Also, maybe someday someone will explain why Josh Hamilton hasn’t had a bigger career. He deserves it already but I don’t think he cares. He rode his own motorcycle to the studio.

You can watch the whole thing at http://tinyurl.com/btz8nbh

 

Meat Loaf Gets Cooking for Romney, with John Rich, Country Stars

Roger Friedman
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Meat Loaf Gets Cooking for Romney, with John Rich, Country Stars

Bruce Springsteen isn’t the only one out there stumping for his candidate. Meat Loaf, the original Bat out of Hell, is going to help Mitt Romney. He’s joining a bunch of country stars in Defiance, Ohio to support the Republican presidential candidate. John Rich of Big & Rich is hosting an extravaganza in Defiance with a cadre of guests including Randy Owen of the group Alabama. A surprise guest may also join them tonight. It’s interesting because, for parties at a possible inauguration in Washington, I’m told Republicans are “tired” of country stars and won’t pay to see them. But for free? Sounds good to me. And Meat Loaf? “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” should inspire Romney followers.

Obama Voting This Afternoon in Chicago–First Sitting Pres to Vote Early!

Roger Friedman
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0

Barack Obama just sent out this email to his Democratic followers. He’s voting this afternoon in Chicago. He’s the first president to do something like this.

“This afternoon, I’m casting my ballot in my hometown of Chicago. I’m told I’ll be the first sitting president to take advantage of early voting.

And I can’t wait.

I know I can count on your vote. Now, it’s on all of us to make sure our friends and family step up. Reach out to folks you know in important early vote states.

Look, this race is extremely tight. It’s going to come down to which side can more effectively turn out the vote in these final days, and early vote is a huge part of that.

Whether people get out to vote this year, in this election, is even more critical than the last time around.

So this is serious, and I’m going to need your help if we want to win.

Connect with your friends and urge them to vote early:

http://my.barackobama.com/Help-Your-Friends-Vote-Early

Thanks,

Barack”

 

 

Motown Musical Will Be Fun, But Not Factual

Roger Friedman
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Motown Musical Will Be Fun, But Not Factual

“Motown: The Musical” is wending its way toward us inexorably. A couple of weeks ago the producers of the show invited group theater bookers and advertisers to come see a little bit of the show. Berry Gordy, Jr., the man who invented Motown more than 50 years ago, trotted out Smokey Robinson, his friend and Motown legend. Aretha Franklin came because she’s from Detroit. She was not on Motown and had nothing to do with it. (Aretha, of course, was an Atlantic artist.) Gayle King and Jesse Jackson were among the guests.

But guess what? It’s no surprise that “Motown: the Musical” bears little resemblance to Motown, the actual story. For that you should read, if you can find it, Gerri Hershey’s seminal book, “Nowhere to Run.” Or Mary Wilson’s memoirs, called “Dreamgirl: My Life as Supreme.”

Those who saw the excerpt and know the history of Motown were a little taken aback. “The story we saw was a love story between Berry Gordy and Diana Ross, set in Paris. They even sing Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s duets to each other, even though Berry can’t sing in real life, and they never recorded those songs.”

It does sound like a lot of dramatic license has been taken to create a book for the musical. And Gordy is the sole credit as author of the book. Well, anyway, we know the music will be great, and that’s all that counts, right?

“I wonder,” says a source who saw the show, “if Diana Ross will ever come see this. I doubt it.”

Indeed, Ross may have some misgivings about all this. After all, when she had her fling with Gordy in Paris, she was married to Bob Silberstein. The result was her eldest child, Rhonda. Ross and Silberstein had two more daughters, Tracee and Chudney, who now by the last name Ross. Rhonda didn’t learn Gordy was her father until she was 13, in 1984.

Gordy has seven other children including his eldest, Hazel, who was married to Jermaine Jackson years ago. His sister, Anna, was famously married to Marvin Gaye until their bitter divorce. That story is told in song on Marvin’s classic album, called “Here, My Dear.” (If you don’t have that album, download it immediately. It’s among Marvin’s finest.)

“Motown: the Musical” is still doing casting sessions, looking for actors to play Smokey, Marvin and a young Michael Jackson.  It doesn’t sound like some of Motown’s finest singers — Levi Stubbs, Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin, or Mary Wells–will be part of this story. But you never know. Here’s the casting link: http://www.motownthemusical.com/casting.html

Stevie Wonder Hosts 3 Hour Star Studded Birthday Bash for United Nations

Roger Friedman
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Stevie Wonder Hosts 3 Hour Star Studded Birthday Bash for United Nations

Stevie Wonder showed just how wonderful and amazing he is last night. He hosted a three hour all star birthday bash for the United Nations on UN Day in the Great Assembly Hall. Even though Stevie returned to the hall a little late after two days of rehearsal, he still managed to put on a marathon, blow-out concert with guest stars like Sting, Wyclef Jean, Valerie Simpson, Bebe Winans, Doug E. Fresh, Janelle Monae, Freddie Jackson and Stephanie Mills. Trudie Styler, Malcolm Jamal Warner and BET’s Debra Lee punctuated the music with quotes from famous humanitarians.

(Paul Simon, who was scheduled to perform, had to bow out because of illness.)

The show won’t be seen on BET until February 23, 2012. But smart viewers were able to watch it on the BET website as it streamed live and unedited.

Some highlights include Stevie and Sting’s duet on “Fragile” complete with Sting’s intricate guitar work and Stevie’s harmonica rave up; Wyclef–who had to fly to Nashville to shoot the TV show of the same name–collaborating with Stevie on “Master Blaster Jamming”; Simpson sort of making the finale a success with her trademark song, “Reach Out and Touch”; and Stephanie Mills just roaring away with powerful vocals on a number of Stevie’s songs. Stevie’s back up singers included his talented daughter, Aisha Morris.

Wonder himself was a wonder since he didn’t leave the show once during the three hours. He was propelled by adrenaline. BET will have to cut something from what was recorded, but it will hurt to lose one bit of it. Wonder’s rare performance of “Visions” from “Innervisions” was a special treat. Among his famous songs we heard “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” “Superstition,” “Higher Ground,” “Love’s in Need of Love Today,” “If It’s Magic,” “As,” “My Cherie Amour,” and “Heaven Help Us All.”

With ever rising star Estelle he performed a gorgeous, spare duet on Bob Dylan’s “Blowing in the Wind.” There were also terrific turns by Jasmine Cruz, Elle Varner, and the Wonder Girls, who flew in from South Korea to sing “What the World Needs Now is Love” with Stevie–it’s one of the two songs they know in English!

An invited audience of UN officials and dignitaries filled the General Assembly for this unique event. Stevie spoke during the breaks and as part of the show about love and peace and how blindness had made him color blind. You could hear a pin drop in the room during these stories. Stevie is the world’s music goodwill ambassador.

After the show, Stevie — indefatigable– headed downtown to Nobu for a late night celebration. He did tell me that he’s giving a gift to the U.N.– his song, “Conversation Peace.” He says they can use it in any way to promote peace.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRqqTRXB2ec

 

Obama Plays a Big Card: Maya Angelou Sends a Letter

Roger Friedman
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Obama Plays a Big Card: Maya Angelou Sends a Letter

The Obama campaign just played a big big card: a letter sent by Maya Angelou. Now we’re really upping the game. No one says ‘no’ to Maya Angelou.

Here’s the letter:

I am not writing to you as a black voter, or a woman voter, or as a voter who is over 70 years old and six feet tall. I am writing to you as a representative of this great country — as an American.

It is your job to vote. It is your responsibility, your right, and your privilege. You may be pretty or plain, heavy or thin, gay or straight, poor or rich.

But remember this: In an election, every voice is equally powerful — don’t underestimate your vote. Voting is the great equalizer.

Voting has already begun in some states that President Obama needs to win. So please use this handy tool to make sure your friends in those key states know where to cast their ballot. You will be doing them a great favor.

As a country, we can scarcely perceive the magnitude of our progress.

My grandmother and my uncle experienced circumstances that would break your heart. When they went to vote, they were asked impossible questions like, “How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?” When they couldn’t answer, they couldn’t vote.

I once debated with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. about whether an African American would ever be elected president. He believed it would happen within the next 40 years at the time — I believed it would never happen within my lifetime.

I have never been happier to have been proven wrong.

And since President Barack Obama’s historic election, we’ve moved forward in courageous and beautiful ways. More students can afford college, and more families have access to affordable health insurance. Women have greater opportunities to get equal pay for equal work.

Yet as Rev. King wrote, “All progress is precarious.”

So don’t sit on the sidelines. Don’t hesitate. Don’t have any regrets. Vote.

Go, rise up, and let your friends and family in early vote states know where they can vote today. We must make our voices heard:

http://my.barackobama.com/Help-Your-Friends-Vote-Early

Your vote is not only important. It’s imperative.

Thank you,

Dr. Maya Angelou

P.S. — Not on Facebook? Send your friends to vote.barackobama.com — don’t let technology get in the way of your incredible duty to our democracy.”

Donald Trump’s Wife Lunches While The Donald Bloviates

Roger Friedman
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0
Donald Trump’s Wife Lunches While The Donald Bloviates

You can see Donald Trump’s latest, crazy video in our player on the home page. Not really–something better.

Trump issued his own video on You Tube. Moments later his third wife, Melania, arrived for lunch at Michael’s with a woman who has something to do with fashion at Lincoln Center. The ladies looked at the video quietly but didn’t laugh. Tina Brown sat on one side of them, having lunch with an unidentified gentleman. Jonathan Wald, who produces Piers Morgan’s show on CNN, dined with Star Jones on the other side. Wald told me that Trump is on Piers tonight. Now, that should be good.

Donald comes across like the Green Goblin or the Joker threatening to kill everyone in Gotham City unless he gets what he wants. What does he want? He already pushed son-in-law Jared Kushner to endorse Mitt Romney in the New York Observer– an absolute joke for that paper. But this latest episode takes the cake, as they say. He didn’t even produce the divorce documents! WTH? Instead it’s just more birther stuff. I’d like to see Donald Trump’s college applications and transcripts at this point.

You do wonder: did Melania pick Michael’s on purpose? It’s where everyone goes when something is happening. And boy was it happening today.

Compare these videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgOq9pBkY0I&feature=youtu.be&hd=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCGsqBn9pog

The Selling of Whitney Houston Begins: Book, TV Shows, Home Shopping Network

Roger Friedman
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1
The Selling of Whitney Houston Begins: Book, TV Shows, Home Shopping Network

UPDATE: The photo book from Atria only includes an essay by Pat Houston. The photos were lovingly handpicked by Whitney’s trusted aide and in hour pr person Lynne Volkmann. Everyone who knew Whitney loves Lynne. So we endorse the book since it was her project. Now, continue…

Whitney Houston died on February 11th. And now the selling begins. It’s not just the reality TV show that will feature real or faux drama about Whitney’s daughter Bobbi Kristina possibly dating, marrying and having a child with an officially adopted brother, a kid who Whitney took into her home. There’s more, a lot more.

Home Shopping Network plays a big part in the selling of Whitney Houston directly to her fans. On November 5th, viewers will see a special that was taped for HSN with interviews given by Clive Davis and producer David Foster, video clips and archival material. It’s all to support a Whitney greatest hits album coming from RCA for Christmas called “Whitney Houston: I Will Always Love You.”

On November 16th, there’s a one hour CBS special featuring Davis, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Cece Winans, Halle Berry and, strangely, Britney Spears, who had nothing to do with Houston whatsoever and certainly can’t sing anything like her. But the special is said to be very moving. Cissy Houston, Whitney’s mother, chose not to attend. But the special is said to go a long way in cleaning up Whitney’s image, and restoring some luster to it. I’m in favor of that.

All of this leads up to a book of photos and reminisces by Pat Houston, Whitney’s sister in law and manager, published by Atria Books/Simon & Schuster. Pat Houston was named executor of Whitney’s estate shortly after the singer died.  In court she replaced Whitney’s former attorney in that role. It was Pat Houston who also gave Oprah Winfrey an interview a month after Whitney died, in her New Jersey home.

Anne Hathaway’s Wedding Secret: “Book of Mormon” Star Played Rabbi

Roger Friedman
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Anne Hathaway’s Wedding Secret: “Book of Mormon” Star Played Rabbi

EXCLUSIVE Anne Hathaway’s recent wedding to Adam Shulman got a lot of write-ups in various tabloids. The wedding took place in the woods on sacred Indian ground near Big Sur on the very edge of California.Very few celebrities attended, just Topher Grace and Joseph-Gordon Levitt. It really was just family and friends.

But I don’t think anyone knows who played the rabbi for the couple: “Book of Mormon” Tony winner Josh Gad. The wedding also featured a minister, but he was real. Gad may not be ordained, but sources say he did a very good job conveying the Jewish part of the wedding to the couple. Gad appeared with Hathaway in “Love and Other Drugs.”

Gad left a clue on his Twitter page from September 30th with a picture of Big Sur. He wrote: “Um. Okay. I kind of love Big Sur.” The wedding was held the on previous day.

So far the only pictures from the wedding have come from a helicopter that was hired by tabloid news services. Unlike some other couples, Hathaway and Shulman, I am told, are selling their photos through WireImage.com. The proceeds will be split among four charities. Nice.

One picture that didn’t make it into the tabs: the entire wedding party giving the finger to the photogs in the ‘copter. You sure didn’t see that one anywhere. By the way, the couple arranged for a gigantic hot air balloon to block any potential helicopters. My source said that it worked well enough, which is why so few photos were snapped.

PS Tonight Anne and her Broadway friends put on two shows at Joe’s Pub to raise money for the Public Theater. I’m told there may be some tickets left for the second show. Check the Joe’s Pub website.

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