John Call News

Starring in the most successful movie musical of all time is a surefire way to cement yourself in the pop culture and Hollywood pantheon, but Olivia Newton-John's participation in that generational touchstone, GREASE, was actually only the beginning of her rise to the top of the pop charts as one of the biggest entertainers in the world in the 1970s and 1980s, setting the charts afire with a string of smash hit singles such as "Physical", "I Honestly Love You", "Totally Hot", "Heart Attack" and many more. Discussing various aspects of her show business career and the entertainment legacy left by GREASE, XANADU and many of her film, television and concert appearances, Ms. Newton-John also opens up about her nearly completed construction of the $250 million Olivia Newton-John Cancer And Wellness Centre in Australia and why the cause is particularly close to her heart (literally), as well as all about co-hosting Sunday's cancer research fundraising benefit Pink And Blue For Two with football superstar Terrell Owens - an event created by her nephew Ethan promoting not only breast cancer awareness, but prostate cancer awareness, as well. As if all of that were not enough, we also shed some light on her appearances on Fox's hit musical comedy series GLEE and all about working with Jane Lynch, Ryan Murphy and company on the remake of "Physical", as well as the possibility of a return to the series in the future. Plus, all about the Broadway version of XANADU and her reaction to it on opening night, the new 2011 remix of "Magic" she has just released, her new film (complete with a newly-penned song she sings in it) A FEW BEST MEN, opinions on John Farrar's musical adaptation of HEATHCLIFFE written with Sir Tim Rice, her opinions on fellow divas such as Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Julie Andrews, Cher and Lady Gaga - as well as much, much more!

Liz Callaway and I chatted about her career, Chicago, da Bears, barking technology, & a love for all things Stephen Sondheim and William Finn.

Producer Sid Ganis will produce the 2nd annual Governors Awards for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Academy President Tom Sherak announced today. One or more of the Academy's highest honors - the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Awards and the Honorary Award - will be presented at the event, set for Saturday, November 13.

Producer Sid Ganis will produce the 2nd annual Governors Awards for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Academy President Tom Sherak announced today. One or more of the Academy's highest honors - the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Awards and the Honorary Award - will be presented at the event, set for Saturday, November 13.

It is back by popular demand for a third season, beginning with a sold-out second anniversary celebration on Monday, September 14!

The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted tonight to present the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award to producer-executive John Calley, and Honorary Awards to actress Lauren Bacall, producer-director Roger Corman, and cinematographer Gordon Willis. All four awards will be presented at the Academy?s inaugural Governors Awards event on Saturday, November 14, at the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center.

It is back by popular demand for a third season, beginning with a sold-out second anniversary celebration on Monday, September 14!

South Side Chicago writer John Hospodka and his Bohemian Pupil Press will publically launch the free on-line, multi-media ?literary picture show? South Side Trilogy at www.bohemianpupil.com, featuring a collection of fictional works which also utilizes sound and images. The public is asked to click in to read and experience the internet content, then purchase a PDF of the text (available to the media on request), and/or other items in support of the site, if desired. Hospodka defines the ?literary picture show? as a form of entertainment that enacts a story by sound, images, and a sequence of literary techniques, giving the illusion of continuous movement.

Petterino's, (151 N. Dearborn St.), located in the heart of the theater district, presents the highly-acclaimed 'Petterino's Monday Night Live' every Monday evening. The sophisticated, fun environment for established and emerging singers to showcase their talent and nightspot for Chicagoans and tourists to experience true cabaret is co-hosted by Chicago's very own entertainment guru, Denise McGowan and cabaret artist and musician extraordinaire, Beckie Menzie.

South Side Chicago writer John Hospodka and his Bohemian Pupil Press will publically launch the free on-line, multi-media ?literary picture show? South Side Trilogy at www.bohemianpupil.com, featuring a collection of fictional works which also utilizes sound and images. The public is asked to click in to read and experience the internet content, then purchase a PDF of the text (available to the media on request), and/or other items in support of the site, if desired. Hospodka defines the ?literary picture show? as a form of entertainment that enacts a story by sound, images, and a sequence of literary techniques, giving the illusion of continuous movement.

The Harris Theater for Music and Dance today announced its Harris Theater Presents 2009-2010 season. The schedule of Harris Theater Presents events features nine programs, a remarkable thirteen Chicago premieres and includes an impressive and diverse selection of music, dance and conversation by internationally acclaimed artists and ensembles. Highlights of the Harris Theater Presents 2009-2010 season include a rare opportunity to see Mikhail Baryshnikov in a solo dance performance, an evening of insight with the 'Master of the Musical,' Stephen Sondheim, the Harris debut of Lang Lang under the baton of his mentor Maestro Christoph Eschenbach, the Chicago premiere of Orquestra de São Paulo with virtuoso percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, Kathleen Battle's unusual program of holiday spirituals, and much more.