As COVID-19 continues to ravage the United States, President Donald Trump has made headlines for something completely different — claiming that former President Barack Obama attempted to sabotage the Trump administration (or as he called it on Twitter, “Obamagate“). But internet comedian Randy Rainbow says he can see right through the president’s favorite new conspiracy theory, and decided to point out exactly what he thinks the president is doing. On Tuesday (May 19), Rainbow uploaded a brand new parody song titled “Distraction,” set to the tune of “Tradition” from Fiddler on the Roof, where he calls out Trump’s attempts to change the narrative. “So how does an unprepared reality TV host pretending to be the president deal with su...
Jon Bon Jovi, Dolly Parton, Meryl Streep and more stars united over livestream on Monday (May 18) for “A Night Of Covenant House Stars,” a concert benefiting the Covenant House charity. Actors like Streep and Diane Keaton read written letters from kids about their experiences with homelessness, while musicians and Broadway talent performed together (remotely). Hosted by Broadway veteran Audra McDonald and 60 Minutes anchor John Dickerson, “A Night Of Covenant House Stars” was part of the initial slate of programming for the new streaming service Broadway On Demand. Covenant House provides “housing, food and healthcare to children and youth facing homelessness and the heroism of front-line staff working around the clock to keep them safe during the COVID-19 crisis.” Below, ...
A stage musical about Michael Jackson has pushed its Broadway debut until next year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Preview performances of “MJ” are now set to begin in March 2021 at the Neil Simon Theatre. The musical — previously called “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” — was to start performances in New York City on July 6. The musical is inspired by Jackson’s life and music. Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage is writing the book, using Jackson’s vast catalog of songs. Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon will direct and choreograph and Ephraim Sykes will star as Jackson. Jackson sold millions of records and was a 13-time Grammy winner. In 1983 he became an international icon with the release of “Thriller,” the best-selling album with such hits as “Beat It” and “Billie Jean.”...
Right before the lockdown started, I was lucky enough to take in performance of the truly phenomenal Jagged Little Pill. With Broadway remaining closed through at least Labor Day, it’ll be some time before people get to witness the stage show again. Thankfully, Alanis Morissette will bring a piece of the production into your home when she hosts the cast and crew for a benefit livestream on Tuesday, May 19th. Dubbed “You Live, You Learn: A Night with Alanis Morissette and Jagged Little Pill” and taking place from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. EDT on the Jagged Little Pill Facebook and YouTube pages, the event will benefit the Actors Fund’s COVID-19 relief efforts. As Rolling Stone reports, Morissette will perform and co-host the livestream with SafePlace International founder Justin Hilton The event wi...
Broadway will remain dark through Labor Day as New York City continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. “While all Broadway shows would love to resume performances as soon as possible, we need to ensure the health and well-being of everyone who comes to the theater — behind the curtain and in front of it — before shows can return,” Broadway League president Charlotte St. Martin said in a statement Tuesday (via THR). “The Broadway League’s membership is working in cooperation with the theatrical unions, government officials and health experts to determine the safest ways to restart our industry. Throughout this challenging time, we have been in close communication with Governor Cuomo’s office and are grateful for his support and leadership as we work together to bring back this vital par...
The shutdown on Broadway has been extended again — until at least early September. Although an exact date for performances to resume has yet to be determined, Broadway producers are now offering refunds and exchanges for tickets purchased for shows through Sept. 6. “While all Broadway shows would love to resume performances as soon as possible, we need to ensure the health and well-being of everyone who comes to the theater — behind the curtain and in front of it — before shows can return,” said Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League, which represents producers. Broadway theaters abruptly closed on March 12, knocking out all shows — including 16 that were still scheduled to open — and postponing indefinitely the Tony Award schedule. Producers, citing health and city authori...