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‘Faust' Review: Heartbeat Opera Deals With Gounod's Devil

‘Faust' Review: Heartbeat Opera Deals With Gounod's Devil

New York
Heartbeat Opera's radical adaptations of classic titles can soar or fall flat, but one constant has always been music director Dan Schlosberg, whose ingenious maverick arrangements—such as February's 'Salome' for eight clarinetists and two percussionists—never fail to stimulate. Until now.

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Why Caitlin Clark Refused to Sign Fan's Shirt on Saturday
Why Caitlin Clark Refused to Sign Fan's Shirt on Saturday

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Why Caitlin Clark Refused to Sign Fan's Shirt on Saturday

Why Caitlin Clark Refused to Sign Fan's Shirt on Saturday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Since her arrival on the women's basketball scene, going back to her time at Iowa, even before she was the No. 1 pick by the Indiana Fever in the WNBA draft in 2024, Caitlin Clark understood the value of connecting with fans. She struggled to get her head around her job as a role model, but she was diligent about seeing to that duty. Advertisement As she said early last year, "It's hard for myself to wrap my head around (being a role model). It's crazy the way people scream my name and really support us. I try to make time for as many of them as I can. That's something that never gets old.' Clark has always seen bringing people together, on and off the floor, as part of her role. 'This isn't an individual sport," she said. "I have four other people on the court with me at the same time, I have 10 other girls on the bench. ... I don't have to score a million points every single night and I think I find peace in that. When I'm having fun and just being Caitlin, that's when things are really successful.' Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) applauds her teammates during the first half of a WNBA game against the Chicago Sky at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images But while Clark remains known for being big-hearted, she does have some boundaries. She has been out for the past two weeks because of a quad injury--the first missed time because of injury in her career--but she has still been showing up at Fever games as she rehabs. Advertisement She was on hand at the United Center on Saturday night for the Fever's victory over the Chicago Sky, and spent considerable time before the game signing autographs and taking photos with fans who had come to watch her play. But she drew the line on one thing: She was not about to autograph Sky materials. That was shown in a video on X from Saturday in which Clark signed a string of autographs only to smile and pass on signing what appeared to be a Chicago Sky-colored shirt. A post from the account, "The Indiana Fever," noted, "Caitlin Clark refused to sign the Chicago Sky merch." The fan who had tried to get her to do so, it should be pointed out, laughed it off. Advertisement Clark is hopeful of returning to the court this week, with the Fever's next game coming Tuesday in Atlanta. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.

Preserving the Past and Powering the Future of Canadian Animation: Inside the NFB and Telefilm's Industry-Leading Support Strategies
Preserving the Past and Powering the Future of Canadian Animation: Inside the NFB and Telefilm's Industry-Leading Support Strategies

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Preserving the Past and Powering the Future of Canadian Animation: Inside the NFB and Telefilm's Industry-Leading Support Strategies

At a time when independent and international animation are more influential than ever, two of Canada's key cultural institutions — the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) and Telefilm Canada — are taking bold steps to reinforce the country's status as one of the world's most influential and celebrated animation creation hubs. Guided by visionary leadership, these organizations are not only preserving Canada's legacy in animated storytelling but actively empowering the next wave of creators. More from Variety Immersive Domes, Checkered-Eared Rabbits and a New Platform: Hungary to Showcase 111 Years of Animation as Annecy Country of Honor Animation and Heart: The Directors of Gkids Pick-Up 'Little Amélie' Reflect on Collaborative Spirit in Bringing 'The Character of Rain' to Screen Annecy Contender 'Death Does Not Exist' by Félix Dufour-Laperrière Gets Political: 'There's Urgency to Redistribute Wealth' At the heart of this renaissance are two executives leading with conviction and clarity: Suzanne Guèvremont, government film commissioner and chairperson of the NFB, and Julie Roy, executive director and CEO of Telefilm Canada. Their shared mission is both cultural and economic: to foster innovation, champion Canadian voices and ensure those voices are heard around the world. Building a National Legacy, One Frame at a Time 'The NFB is a creation house,' says Guèvremont. 'From the idea to the screen, we engage with our filmmakers from the very beginning all the way to distribution and audience engagement.' With more than 86 years of experience and over 14,000 titles in its collection, 7,000 of which are available free on the NFB isn't just producing films, it's safeguarding Canada's audiovisual heritage. Guèvremont sees this archive as 'a beautiful family album,' one that speaks to the country's cultural identity and evolution. 'We want [our films] to be timely but at the same time timeless,' she explains. 'So in 10 years, when we revisit a film, it tells us what was going on in Canada at that time; what were we thinking about, why was this story important?' This long view is central to the NFB's approach. It supports not just emerging artists but also those with decades of experience. 'There is emulation between both,' says Guèvremont. 'Experienced filmmakers are provoked by the innovations of newcomers, and emerging creators benefit from the wisdom of veterans.' A Strategic Vision for the Future The NFB's recently unveiled 2025–2028 Strategic Plan underlines this dual commitment to heritage and innovation. The four pillars – shaping the NFB for next generations, fostering a culture of creativity, elevating awareness of the NFB and expanding audiences – are a call to action. 'In this moment of uncertainty,' Guèvremont says, 'the role of inspiring and meaningful storytelling has never been more important as a means of protecting and ensuring the survival of our cultural sovereignty and identity.' The plan also underscores the NFB's commitment to Indigenous narrative sovereignty, environmental and ethical sustainability and equity for underrepresented communities. Telefilm Canada: A Strategic Partner in Animation's Ascent On the production and market side, Julie Roy emphasizes Telefilm Canada's essential role in supporting animation as both a cultural force and an export-ready industry. 'Animation is not a genre, it's a cornerstone of our cultural and economic impact,' Roy says. 'Telefilm is proud to help shape its future.' That future is being built on strong foundations. From globally recognized titles like the Oscar-nominated 'The Breadwinner' to recent domestic box office successes such as 'Katak' and 'Zoopocalypse,' Canadian animation is increasingly turning heads internationally. Four Telefilm-backed features will appear at this year's Annecy Festival, including Félix Dufour-Laperrière's 'Death Does Not Exist,' Eric San aka Kid Koala's 'Space Cadet,' Zaven Najjar's 'Allah is Not Obliged,' and Pete and Seth Scriver's 'Endless Cookie.' In short-term goals, Roy highlights a focus on projects with 'strong audience potential and market readiness,' particularly those aimed at young Canadians. 'Ensuring the next generation grows up with stories that reflect their identity, values and lived experiences is a clear priority for us.' Long-term, animation is seen as a powerful export vehicle. 'It travels well across borders and cultures,' Roy notes. That's why Telefilm is investing heavily in initiatives that connect Canadian creators with global markets, including First Look, which introduces Canadian films in post-production to U.S. sales agents and festival programmers. Co-Productions as Creative Bridges International and domestic co-productions are another vital component of both organizations' strategies. 'Co-productions are, at their core, collaborations between Canada and other countries,' Roy explains. 'They allow for shared risks and benefits, diversified funding and access to wider audiences.' Telefilm facilitates these partnerships at high-profile industry events, hosting the Canada Pavilion at international festivals, and co-priming networking opportunities at Annecy with the NFB. 'We're helping to build bridges that lead to impactful co-productions and long-term growth for Canadian audiovisual storytelling.' Guèvremont agrees: 'When we engage in co-productions, we want to be involved from the early stages. It's about relationships, learning experiences and joining forces to create something unique.' Recent international co-productions from the NFB include 'Miserable Miracle' (with Japan and France) and 'Affairs of the Art' by Joanna Quinn – who will receive an honorary Cristal at this year's Annecy – a U.K.-Canada collaboration that earned an Oscar nomination. Bringing Canadian Stories to the World For both organizations, the job doesn't end at production. Telefilm's National Marketing Program covers up to 75% of promotional expenses for funded projects. 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Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski's 'The Girl Who Cried Pearls' will premiere during the opening ceremony, and four other shorts, including 'Hairy Legs' by Andrea Dorfman, 'Fusion' by Richard Reeves, 'The Gnawer of Rocks' by Louise Flaherty and 'Bread Will Walk' by Alex Boya, are in official competition. Meanwhile, Telefilm and the NFB will co-host the panel Investing in the Future: Canadian Animation at the Forefront, focusing on how public funding fuels creativity and international success. 'It's not just about us executives talking,' says Guèvremont. 'We're making space for creators to tell their own stories.' A Culture of Continuity and Creation The hallmark of both organizations is continuity. Guèvremont describes the NFB as a 'family,' where artists' careers are supported at every stage. 'You're now part of our family album forever,' she tells filmmakers. Roy echoes this sentiment: 'We strive to meet creators where they are, supporting a diversity of creative visions, storytelling approaches and business models.' It's a dynamic vision, one built not only on legacy and funding but on imagination, innovation and impact. In the words of Guèvremont: 'In a world searching for clarity and meaning, the NFB will always be here, crafting essential stories that matter for a Canada ready to imagine what comes next.' And with the committed partnership of Telefilm Canada, those stories are reaching audiences at home and abroad, defining not just Canadian animation, but Canadian identity itself. Best of Variety 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Animated Program — Can Netflix Score Big With 'Arcane,' 'Devil May Cry' and the Final Season of 'Big Mouth?'

Former Tennis Star Pete Sampras Spotted in L.A. During Rare Public Appearance After Retirement Over 2 Decades Ago
Former Tennis Star Pete Sampras Spotted in L.A. During Rare Public Appearance After Retirement Over 2 Decades Ago

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Former Tennis Star Pete Sampras Spotted in L.A. During Rare Public Appearance After Retirement Over 2 Decades Ago

NEED TO KNOW Pete Sampras, the former tennis star known as "Pistol Pete," was spotted during a rare public appearance on June 3 The athlete was seen while he made a coffee run in Beverly Hills Sampras, who retired over two decades ago in 2002, is well-known as one of the greatest tennis players of all time Pete Sampras was seen out and about during a rare public appearance. The former tennis star, 53, was spotted making a coffee run in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Tuesday, June 3. Sampras wore a dark gray Nike T-shirt and gray shorts while he carried two drinks in a beverage holder in one hand and a shopping bag in the other. Advertisement The athlete was last seen publicly in December 2024. Before that, he made a rare public appearance at the 2019 BNP Paribas Open, where he played with Novak Djokovic in an exhibition match. London Entertainment / SplashNews Pete Sampras on June 3. Pete Sampras on June 3. Sampras — also referred to as 'Pistol Pete' for his serve — is well-known as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. He began his professional tennis career in 1988, when he was 16 years old. Sampras retired in 2002 after winning a then-record 14 Grand Slam titles and ending the year ranked as the ATP No. 1 player in the world from 1993 to 1998. The Hall-of-Famer, inducted in 2007, famously won seven Wimbledon titles, five U.S. Open championships and two Australian Opens over the course of his illustrious career. Advertisement Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Dimitri Iundt/Corbis/VCG via Getty Pete Sampras in 1990 Pete Sampras in 1990 In recent years, Sampras has remained largely away from the public eye. Back in October 2023, he revealed that his wife Bridgette Wilson-Sampras had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In a statement released via the AP Tour on X, Sampras said, "As most have come to know, I am a pretty quiet and private person. However, this past year has been an exceptionally challenging time for my family, and I have decided to share what's been going on." Advertisement "Last December, my wife, Bridgette, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer," Sampras continued at the time. "Since then, she has had major surgery, pushed through chemotherapy and continues with targeted maintenance therapy." CAROL NEWSOM/AFP via Getty Pete Sampras after defeating Andre Agassi on Sept. 9, 1990 Pete Sampras after defeating Andre Agassi on Sept. 9, 1990 The tennis star further opened up about how "hard" it was to "watch someone you love go through a challenge like this," and praised the couple's sons, Christian and Ryan, for "stepping up" and being "such strong supporters" for their parents. Sampras also shared praise for Wilson-Sampras in his statement, calling her an "incredible mom and wife through it all." Advertisement Sampras has been with his wife, a former actress who starred in movies like I Know What You Did Last Summer and The Wedding Planner, since 1999. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! The couple was introduced by former Los Angeles Lakers Vice President of Public Relations John Black. Sampras asked Black to connect him with Bridgette after seeing her in a film, which he shared in his 2008 book, A Champion's Mind. 'There was a bright spot to that otherwise terrible late summer — my injury was directly responsible for my wife and me meeting,' Sampras wrote. 'While I was hurt, I was watching this movie, Love Stinks, with a friend, John Black. Bridgette Wilson, an actress in the film, caught my eye. Actually, she blew me away when I saw her. I thought she was stunning.' Read the original article on People

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