InDepth InterView: Craig Zadan & Neil Meron Talk THE SOUND OF MUSIC: LIVE!, PIPPIN Movie, Oscars 2014, Upcoming Projects & More
by Pat Cerasaro
- Dec 20, 2013
Last night I had the pleasure of speaking to two of the hottest producers in Hollywood and on Broadway all about their recent smash hit December with the ratings bonanza of NBC's live presentation of Rodgers & Hammerstein's THE SOUND OF MUSIC as well as the three-network tent-pole two-night TV event, BONNIE & CLYDE - the peerless Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. Discussing all aspects of the unprecedented live presentation, Zadan and Meron outline the process of bringing the gigantic production to the small screen and grant us a vivid look behind the scenes of the big show. Additionally, Zadan and Meron comment on the social media frenzy that occurred during the 25+ million-viewed telecast as well as their reaction to criticism of country music superstar Carrie Underwood in the starring role, as well as their longstanding relationship with NBC in general. Plus, Zadan and Meron also clue us in on what elements they seek out in special events such as this as we look ahead to next year's confirmed major live musical - whatever could it be?! Besides all about THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Zadan and Meron also offer us the 411 on a number of other projects immediately upcoming in 2014 and far beyond, with a special focus on their just-announced Harvey Weinstein collaboration on a feature film version of Stephen Schwartz's beloved PIPPIN, as well as first news on a forthcoming original Beach Boys jukebox musical currently in development and preliminary information on the pilot for a new musical series inspired by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Diane Warren titled SONGBYRD, set to shoot in January. All of that, reflections on last year's sensational Academy Awards broadcast hosted by the controversial Seth MacFarlane and a look ahead to this year's Zadan & Meron-produced Oscars show - set to be hosted by daytime queen Ellen Degeneres - as well as stories from their early years producing cabaret showcases and penning books on theatre as well as much, much more in this all-encompassing conversation with the most important men in movie musicals.
LOUKOUIMI, Narrated by Morgan Freeman & More, Wins Mom's Choice Award
by Tyler Peterson
- Dec 16, 2013
'Loukoumi And The Schoolyard Bully' has won the Mom's Choice Award for Excellence. Oscar Winners Morgan Freeman, Olympia Dukakis and Oscar Nominee Nia Vardalos lead an all-star cast in the audio narration of the new book, Loukoumi And The Schoolyard Bully by Nick Katsoris. The book not only spreads the message of kindness and tolerance to children this holiday season but also gives back with proceeds from the book benefitting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
LOUKOUMI AND THE SCHOOLYARD BULLY Narrated by Morgan Freeman Wins Mom's Choice Award
by Christina Mancuso
- Dec 16, 2013
'Loukoumi And The Schoolyard Bully' has won the Mom's Choice Award for Excellence. Oscar Winners Morgan Freeman, Olympia Dukakis and Oscar Nominee Nia Vardalos lead an all-star cast in the audio narration of the new book, Loukoumi And The Schoolyard Bully by Nick Katsoris. The book not only spreads the message of kindness and tolerance to children this holiday season but also gives back with proceeds from the book benefitting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Review Roundup: BEYONCE's Surprise Self-Titled Visual Album
by BWW News Desk
- Dec 14, 2013
The fifth solo studio album from Beyonce is now available worldwide, exclusively on the iTunes Store (www.iTunes.com/beyonce). The self-titled set is the artist's first visual album. BEYONCE is infused with 14 new songs and 17 visually provocative videos shot around the world from Houston to New York City to Paris, and Sydney to Rio de Janeiro, all before the album's release. Let's see what the critics had to say...
VIDEO: James Marsden & Jimmy Fallon Lead ANCHORMAN 2 Sing-Along
by Caryn Robbins
- Dec 13, 2013
James Marsden, fresh off a plane from London, stopped by last night's LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON on NBC to talk about his experience acting in his new film, 'Anchorman 2.' Later, James, Jimmy and the audience sing Styx's 'Babe' from the film.
Paul Rudd-Hosted SNL Hits Season High in Total Viewers
by Caryn Robbins
- Dec 12, 2013
The Dec. 7 telecast of “Saturday Night Live,” with host Paul Rudd and musical guest One Direction, has delivered the show's top total-viewer result since the March 9 edition, with host and musical guest Justin Timberlake.
VIDEO: Joaquin Phoenix Talks New Film 'Her' on FALLON
by Caryn Robbins
- Dec 12, 2013
Joaquin Phoenix stopped by last night's LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON. Before talking about his new film, 'Her', Jimmy tries to get his friend to quit smoking cigarettes. Check out the appearance below!
|
|