10 stars (Pamela Anderson! Alyssa Milano!) on playing Roxie Hart in ‘Chicago'
There's a reason Roxie Hart has remained the name on everybody's lips.
A merry murderess with a thirst for fame, the 'Chicago' protagonist has lured many a star to stages across the globe. After Gwen Verdon originated the role in the seedy musical's 1975 premiere and Ann Reinking kicked off the 1996 revival — Broadway's longest-running current production — the prolifically stunt-cast part has become a revolving door for all manner of movie stars, TV personalities, recording artists and theater creatures to tap-dance through.
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The Verge
31 minutes ago
- The Verge
How The Roottrees are Dead ditched AI and became a hit
Robin Ward was recovering from a broken arm when he fell in love with The Roottrees are Dead, a free browser game hosted on an indie games salesfront. He reached out to its creator, Jeremy Johnston, and told him, 'This should be a bigger deal than it is.' At the same time, Ward says, he 'knew why' it couldn't be. The browser version of The Roottrees are Dead used AI-generated art for its images, a central part of the puzzle game that tasks players with investigating dozens of people and filling out its complex family tree. At the time, Steam, the biggest platform for PC games, did not allow the use of generative AI in games released using the storefront. In addition, Ward and Johnston agreed that they felt it was 'unethical to sell artwork created in this way.' Johnston had originally released the game for free, despite spending 11 months building it up from what was originally a Global Game Jam project cobbled together in less than a week in 2023. In the jam's tight time constraints, and in a time before generative AI was quite so well known, he reached out to a friend who was 'super into' using Midjourney and asked if he'd be willing to generate images based on prompts he had come up with for his puzzles. The images were far from perfect. Both Johnston and Ward point out a warped, staring image of a young girl in the original version of the game (which is still available for free) — Ward calls it 'demonic.' Other portraits have the twisted hands that were a telltale giveaway of generative AI at the time. But despite expanding the game for almost a year, adding to the story and puzzle aspects, Johnston says he 'never really thought' to replace the art. Not being an artist himself, he was focused on the photographic quality of the existing artwork, and he knew he would never be able to afford to hire models and a cameraperson to recreate it. And although he was putting a lot of work into the expanded version, he wasn't expecting the reaction it would eventually get. 'I've released other things — not games, necessarily, but things that I spent a lot of time and energy on, and then they came out and no one cared,' he says. So although he spent a lot of time on Roottrees, he did not want to invest money he was never expecting to get back. When he did release the version of Roottrees, though, it was surprisingly popular. It spread on forums and Reddit, and it received some attention in the games press. He did not charge for it, on account of the AI artwork, although he did include a donation link and says he made around $2,000-$3,000 from more than 10,000 players. And one of those players was Ward. After reaching out to Johnston, they agreed that Ward would reprogram the game and hire an illustrator to replace the AI artwork and get it ready for a Steam release. The illustrator he brought on, Henning Ludvigsen, says he used the AI art as a kind of concept sketch. Ludvigsen then did his own research into the era and style the picture was supposed to evoke, eventually making almost 40 illustrations across nearly a year of work. 'I'm not a big fan of generative AI,' he says, saying his peers in the illustration industry have seen a reduction in work, particularly concept artists. '[Companies] kind of skip that step now [using AI], which I think is not great.' When it comes to finished products, though, he still sees generative AI as 'not doing that well in general' among players. Large video game companies like Take Two Interactive have noted that players tend to not only avoid games that use AI but also react negatively to them online and in ratings, calling it a potential avenue for 'loss of players, revenues…and reputation harm.' Johnston mentions the case of Cyan Worlds, the developer behind Myst, receiving backlash for using 'AI assisted content' like texture assets in its latest game. The Roottrees are Dead seemed to skirt these issues by being transparent about its use upfront, as well as releasing for free, Johnston says. Ward also points out that 'in this case, it's the case of 'there would be no game' versus 'there is a game.'' Johnston agrees that without the use of AI-generated artwork, the initial version would never have been released, meaning the eventual full version with Ludvigsen's work in it would also never have existed. Ludvigsen himself says he 'really enjoyed' replacing the illustrations, given he's 'not a big fan of' AI art generation in general. 'I think some people would say, 'Well, I would prefer that there is no game in this case,' and I think they're entitled to their opinion,' Ward says, citing the environmental concerns and the scrapping of artists' work for training corpuses as potential arguments for that approach. 'But I ended up playing something that I really loved,' he says. The game was released on Steam in January 2025. 'The vast majority of people are like, 'I'm very happy you got rid of the AI,'' Ward says. Although some have said they prefer the more photographic quality of the generated art, Ludvigsen's work is undeniably an upgrade, from the untwisted fingers to the increased consistency in design for characters who appear in multiple photographs, which makes some puzzles more understandable. The Roottrees are Dead is now a critical and commercial success, which would not have happened without both generative AI and a human artist. Both Ward and Johnston note that the game took an unusual route to its current state. But with the increasing prevalence of AI tools, it's possible more games will end up on the same path.
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
‘CoComelon' Sets North American and European Dates for International Tour (TV News Roundup)
'CoComelon,' the international children's show, is taking its nursery rhymes and songs on tour this fall. 'We're thrilled to bring 'CoComelon: Sing-A-Long Live' to families throughout the U.S. and Canada,' Stephen Shaw, Founder and Co-CEO of Round Room Live, said. 'In partnership with Moonbug Entertainment, we've transformed the beloved world of 'CoComelon' into a vibrant live stage production designed to captivate young audiences with their favorite characters, catchy songs, and immersive, interactive fun—creating unforgettable moments for the entire family.' More from Variety 'Cocomelon' Acquired by Disney+; Netflix Deal Ends After 60% Viewership Decrease 'Cocomelon' Producer Moonbug Hit With Small Round of Layoffs (EXCLUSIVE) Netflix Most-Watched Licensed Content in First Half of 2024: 'CoComelon,' 'Peppa Pig,' 'Young Sheldon' Lead the Pack Joined by main characters Ms. Appleberry, JJ, Cody, Nina and Cece, the 'CoComelon: Sing-A-Long Live' tour will feature popular songs like 'Wheels on the Bus,' 'Animal Dance' and 'If You're Happy and You Know It' in its setlist. The interactive live show will also tour internationally, with shows scheduled in the United Kingdom, Canada, Kuwait, Singapore, and Malaysia. 'Singing and dancing along to CoComelon tunes is a huge part of why families love to watch CoComelon together,' Susan Vargo, Head of Experiences, Moonbug Entertainment, said. 'It's exciting to bring this experience to life in a joyful event families won't want to miss. After its success around the world, we're delighted to share this experience with families in the U.S. and Canada.' 'The CoComelon: Sing-A-Long Live' tour kicks off in September in select cities, including Philadelphia, Boston, Louisville, Ky., Detroit and Chicago. Tickets for all dates go on sale starting June 17, with prices starting at $20. The event is produced by Round Room Live in partnership with Moonbug Entertainment. Tickets can be purchased at Traci Saulsberry has signed with Ferrari Talent Agency for representation in commercials and voiceover. Saulsberry is a former NBCU communications executive who has previously completed several on-camera and voiceover jobs for the wellness and meditation app Calm. Additionally, she is the author of the self-help book, 'Black Girl's Journal: A Guidebook to Finding Yourself,' which is set to release in the fall. Her book serves as a guide that focuses on self-discovery and self-exploration in both life and career. Other literary works that she has published include 'Accelerate Your Career On Your Own Timeline,' 'How to Journal' and the 'Harnessing Your Leadership Voice' workbook. She is also represented by Felice Laverne at ArtHouse Literary Agency. The 9th annual Black Reel Television Awards have officially announced this year's award nominees. The award winners will be announced virtually on Monday, August 18, 2025 on The Black Reel Television Awards' website. This year's nominees highlight a global and genre-spanning field of Black creators and performers in the television industry. Netflix's 'Forever' starring Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. leads this year's nominees with 12 nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series, Lead Performance in a Drama Series, Supporting Performance in a Drama Series and more. ABC's 'Abbott Elementary' picked up 11 nominations at this year's ceremony in the Outstanding Comedy Series category. Peacock's 'Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist' leads the TV Movie or Limited Series category with 8 nominations. In the Variety, Talk or Sketch category, Netflix's 'Beyoncé Bowl' secured 3 nominations, while 'The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show starring Kendrick Lamar,' 'Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind at Radio City Music Hall', 'Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was,' and 'Roy Wood Jr.: Lonely Flowers' received nominations for this year's ceremony. First-time nominees for the awards include Skye P. Marshall ('Matlock'), Tramell Tillman ('Severance'), and Isaiah Mustafa ('Cross'). This year's nominees in multiple shows nominated for this year's awards include Natasha Rothwell ('How to Die Alone,' 'The White Lotus'), Colman Domingo ('The Four Seasons,' 'The Madness'), Aldis Hodge ('Cross,' 'Leverage: Redemption'), and Uzo Aduba ('The Residence,' 'The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat.') 'Our mission has always been to honor the full spectrum of Black creativity on screen and behind the scenes,' said Black Reel Awards Founder Tim Gordon about this year's nominees. 'These nominees remind us why representation, visibility, and recognition remain so critical.' The Black Reel TV Awards are presented annually to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Black artists and creatives across the television industry, with categories spanning performance, writing, directing, technical elements, and cultural impact. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Juneteenth 2025 events: How to celebrate holiday in and around Rochester
Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, heard news of their emancipation. 'While President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it took over two years for the news to reach all enslaved people, particularly in remote areas,' Rochester Juneteenth Festival coordinator Nikia Washington said. 'Juneteenth represents both the joy of freedom and the recognition that the fight for true equality continues. It's often called 'Freedom Day' and celebrates African American culture, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.' Although many people in Rochester observed the holiday on June 14 at the 2025 Juneteenth Festival at Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Park, there is still more celebrating to come this week. Here are some ways people will be celebrating Juneteenth this weekend. This Juneteenth celebration will have tie-dye making in the museum's Play Lab, a dance performance, and a bubble party. Date: Thursday, June 19 Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Location: 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester, 14607 For more information, visit This free Juneteenth celebration will have a Black-Owned business bazaar, hands-on crafts and activities and history about Juneteenth. The Strasenburgh Planetarium will have showings for an additional cost including Laser Beyoncé. Date: Thursday, June 19 Time: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Location: 657 East Ave., Rochester, 14607 For more information, visit This free Juneteenth celebration presented by Ibero-American Development Corporation will feature music in the plaza with DJ Shawn. Date: Thursday, June 19 Time: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Location: The International Plaza, 828 N Clinton Ave., Rochester, 14605 For more information, visit This free event kicks off Finger Lakes Opera's summer festival. It will feature five opera soloists, Wings of Praise Flag Ministry, the Mt. Olivet Choir and more. Date: Thursday, June 19 Time: 7 p.m. Location: Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 141 Adams St., Rochester, 14608 For more information, visit This Juneteenth celebration hosted by the E.R.A.S.E. and the Town of Irondequoit will feature live music, family friendly activities, Black-owned business pop-up shops and more. There will also be a 5k run earlier in the day. Date: Saturday, June 21 Time: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Location: Irondequoit Town Hall, 1280 Titus Ave., Rochester, 14617 For more information, visit This event hosted by the Community Justice Initiative will feature local Black-owned businesses — an extension of its Black Power Marketplace. Date: Saturday, June 21 Time: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Location: At the Cornerstone, 398 Thurston Road, Rochester, 14619 For more information, visit This community celebration hosted by Rochester Fashion Runway will have music, food, activities and games like spades. Date: Sunday, June 22 Time: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Location: Cobbs Hill Park, 80 Culver Road, Rochester, 14610 For more information, visit — As a Rochester native, Justice Marbury entered the world of journalism to create work where voices like hers were heard — the voices of minority communities. Marbury covers small businesses, neighborhood concerns, and the interesting people who live in Rochester's vibrant neighborhoods. As the 19th Ward reporter, she has helped implement community outreach ideas by asking what people in various communities want to read about themselves in addition to regular news. Contact her on Instagram @justice_marburyand by email at jmarbury@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Juneteenth events: How to celebrate holiday in and around Rochester NY
