Jeff Dennhardt - Page 4

It's getting down to the wire. We will soon know who will be the winner of season nine of 'American Idol.' Tonight brought about one of everyone's favorite night's of the season: each contestant sang two songs, a judges' choice and a song they chose themselves. The judges always know exactly the right song to pick for the contestants; that's pretty much why they are judges. However, it's always interesting to see what the contestants feel suits them and see what they do to convey themselves as an artist.

Michael Emerson, star of the hit television show 'Lost,' will leave Hawaii, where has has spent much of the last five years filming the show, to return to his home in New York City. Emerson said he is excited to return to his favorite restaurant spots around the city.

David Mamet recently sat down with magician Ricky Jay to discuss his life through anecdotes, as well as perform readings from two of his books, 'Theatre,' a collection of short, biographical stories, and 'The Trials of Roderick Spode (The Human Ant),' the story of a man who accidentally becomes a superhero.

Director Julie Taymor recently announced plans for an adaptation of Thomas Mann's 'Transposed Heads.' The film will feature a script by SPIDER-MAN book writer Glenn Berger and a score by Elliot Goldenthal, who worked with Taymor on 'Across the Universe.'

Theatre and television star Bryan Batt recently spoke out against an article in Newsweek by author Ramin Setoodeh, claiming gay actors are unable to successfully portray straight roles. A number of actors have spoken out against the article, which specifically notes Sean Hayes' performance in PROMISES, PROMISES as an example.

New York City's Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg will put into affect a new budget on July 1st, which will cut financing to arts program by 31% for the upcoming fiscal year. The change has affected a number of arts locations around the city, including major venues such as the Museum of Modern Art.

Martha Plimpton recently appeared on the program Studio 360, performing the Bruce Springsteen hit, 'Thunder Road.' She was joined by Dan Lipton on piano and Eric Gilliland whistling. The performance took place at WNYC's Jerome L. Greene Performance Space on May 6, 2010.

Another Country Productions (ACP) and the Factory Theatre will premiere their third collaboration this coming week: the Boston production of Betrayal by Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter, cast with Meisner-trained actors and directed by Gail Phaneuf. Performances will be held from May 20th through June 5th on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm, plus one additional performance on Wednesday, May 26 at 2:00 pm. The production is located at The Boston Center for the Arts Calderwood Pavilion, 527 Tremont St., Boston.

On June 6th, the Skokie Theatre will take a musical journey with the wonderful chanteuse, Pegi Johns, as she touches upon the greatest hits of the World War II era. The show features the music of The Andrew Sisters, Judy Garland, Glenn Miller, Cole Porter, Fats Waller, Richard Rodgers, Frank Loesser and Harold Arlen. Mark Burnell serves as musical director/pianist. With her warm and heartfelt performances, Pegi Johns is a natural performer that takes her audiences on a moving and delightful journey.

The Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project is proud to announce its annual salute to St Pete Pride with Charles Busch's THE LADY IN QUESTION, Monday, June 21, 2010 at the American Stage Theatre Company, 163 Third Street North, downtown, St. Petersburg. Proceeds from this event will benefit ASAP (AIDS Services Association of Pinellas); an organization that provides services to people living with HIV and AIDS.

The Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project is proud to announce its 6th Annual Night of Alternative Theatre with Del Shores' SORDID LIVES, Monday, June 28, 2010 at the American Stage Theatre Company, 163 Third Street North, downtown, St. Petersburg. Proceeds from this event will benefit Metro Wellness and Community Centers; an organization that provides services to people living with HIV and AIDS.

Jeffrey Solomon's award-winning play Mother/Son was inspired by his Jewish mother's poignant, and often hilarious, journey out of the closet as the parent of a gay son. The story traces her evolution from grief stricken mother turning up at a support group for parents of gays, to marching with her son in a pride parade.

Theatre and television star Lea Michele recently sat down for a behind-the-scenes discussion on set of a commercial for Dove Hair Care Products. Michele discusses what it takes to get her ready for the character of Rachel Berry on the hit television show GLEE.

Tonight, 'Idol' learned who would make the top three. Last night's performances were some of the weaker ones we've seen this season, so it was a bit unclear as to who would head home before the night began. The results show featured a wide range of performances, from R&B star Fantasia Burrino to the rock styling of Daughtry and Bon Jovi, and were a great addition to an otherwise somber night.

The top four sang songs from the silver screen tonight on "American Idol." Film and music star Jamie Foxx served to mentor, the perfect choice, since he has clearly been able to succeed in both genres. Foxx coached the contestants on how to perform for an audience, as he told them they now cannot be just a contestant; it's time to take it to the next level and show the audience who they are as an artist. Foxx made a good point: it's important to be an individual, not just have the best vocals.

'Idol' kicked off tonight's results show with the top five singing a Frank Sinatra medley consisting of The Lady is a Tramp, It Was a Very Good Year, and Night and Day. The group sounded tight as usual. I was a big fan of the way the guys began the medley, bringing out Crystal Bowersox to sing the second verse of The Lady is a Tramp. Casey James sounded a million times better tonight than he did last night; perhaps he would have done better with a different song? The group sounded great and the solos seem to get better each week.

The contestants stepped out of their comfort zone tonight on a week featuring pure crooning, something surprisingly lacking from 'Idol' this season. Stage and screen star Harry Connick, Jr. mentored the contestants on the songs of Frank Sinatra, even going so far as to create the arrangements and orchestrations for each song, as well as joining the singers on stage as the pianist. It's nice to see a mentor who put such dedication into his work on 'Idol,' though it is not the least bit surprising that this dedication came from Connick, Jr., always the consummate musician as well as performer.

Estimated Weekend Movie Box Office: April 30 - May 2, 2010.

Helen Wagner, star of the hit soap-opera 'As the World Turns,' died on May 1st at the age of 91. Wagner was married to Broadway producer Robert Willey until his death in May, 2009.

Christopher Fitzgerald, Jenn Gambatese, Brad Oscar, Heather Ayers, and Ed Watts will be among those to participate in the invitation only reading of a new musical entitled AESOP AND COMPANY, taking place May 3rd at the York Theatre.