Latest news with #&Juliet
CBS News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Cast of "& Juliet" shares love for show's music and theme ahead of Denver Center for Performing Arts shows
On Wednesday evening, the cast and crew of "& Juliet" will open their upbeat production for audiences at the Buell Theatre, but only CBS News Colorado's Dillon Thomas was given advanced access to the production. The show, which plays the Denver Center for the Performing Arts through June 15, is a modern twist on a classic Shakespeare tale. & Juliet DCPA While read or seen Shakespeare before, this musical flips the script. Set to pop anthems, & Juliet's cast promised to bring witty and contemporary takes to the story of Romeo and Juliet. "I saw it and just fell in love with it," said Teal Wicks, the actress who portrays Anne Hathaway in the production. The musical explores the idea of what would have happened to Juliet if she had not died alongside Romeo in the classic tale. The new ending to the story is told through some of the greatest pop hits from the last 30 years, including hits from Brittany Spears, the Backstreet Boys, Kesha, Katy Perry, and more. Kathryn Allison, who portrays Angélique, said the music is one of the biggest draws of being part of the production any given night. "Of course, there is the music which I grew up listening to, which I adore," Allison said. "The fact that I get to sing 'Oops, I did it again' every night is the cherry on top." & Juliet DCPA Though the plot revives and rethinks a tale nearly 500 years old, the cast told Thomas they think it is always fun to see and hear audience reactions when some of their favorite hits suddenly drop perfectly into the storyline. "It is so fun for the audience to recognize the song," Wicks said. "And then, when they hear the song and it is completely different and it is a storytelling song, you can hear them get quiet, lean forward,d and then just go crazy at the end." Allison said the songs not only make ticket holders want to dance and sing along, but they may also bring out emotions in them that were rooted in their upbringing. "These songs came out at a very specific time in everyone's life. So, not only are they in the moment recognizing the song, but they are thinking about where they were and relating to the story at the same time," Allison said. Of course, what would Romeo and Juliet be without the iconic Shakespeare? Though the show predominantly follows the journey of Juliet's life after Romeo, actor Corey Mach portrays the playwright on stage. "It is super nostalgic for me, not just as an actor but as a human being," Mach said. Mach said the show is not only comical, upbeat, and fun. But it is also intelligently woven together to blend the lyrics of the pop hits with the storyline. & Juliet DCPA "The way they chose to meld a scene into a song is so smart," Mach said. While the storyline of the original Romeo and Juliet continues to age with every minute that passes, the cast said they felt the writers of the show found a great way to make it appeal to everyone. "It appeals to a wide range of ages," Allison said. "Yes, Shakespeare was famous a long time ago. But, he is also very clever, hip, and relevant because we are still referencing his storylines all the time," Wicks said. While having a background or general understanding of the original tale is not required in order to enjoy the show, some of the cast said they hoped their production would spark some curiosity in Shakespeare's writing. "My hope is that they studied the text of the original piece and came to the show and saw how it was interwoven throughout," Allison said. In the end, Mach said he hoped the show would bring people joy in both the music and the theme. "Being your own person. Not letting another person's opinion inform how you live your life, there is joy in that aspect as well," Mach said. Tickets to see & Juliet are available online. CBS Colorado is a proud partner of the DCPA.
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Jessie J: Price Tag singer reveals cancer diagnosis, surgery plans and says 'it breaks my heart'
Jessie J has opened up on her cancer diagnosis, saying 'I'm holding on to the word 'early'. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Singer Jessie J has described herself as an 'open book' as she revealed she has been diagnosed with 'early breast cancer'. The Price Tag singer, whose real name is Jessica Cornish, plans to undergo surgery following her performance at this month's Summertime Ball. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She said in an Instagram video she had spent much of her recent time 'in and out of tests'. Singer Jessie J has revealed that she has been diagnosed with "early breast cancer". | Getty Images The 37-year-old said: 'I was diagnosed with early breast cancer. Cancer sucks in any form, but I'm holding on to the word 'early'. 'It's a very dramatic way to get a boob job. I am going to disappear for a bit after Summertime Ball to have my surgery, and I will come back with massive tits and more music.' The pop star said she had announced her diagnosis publicly to help her process the news and to show solidarity with others who are going through a similar experience. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I just wanted to be open and share it,' she said. 'One, because, selfishly, I do not talk about it enough. I'm not processing it because I'm working so hard. 'I also know how much sharing in the past has helped me with other people giving me their love and support and also their own stories. I'm an open book. 'It breaks my heart that so many people are going through so much similar and worse — that's the bit that kills me.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She continued: 'The timing of it has been mad, but also beautiful and given me this incredible perspective in this time. 'But honestly I need to process it and talk about it and, I need a hug. You have loved me through all my good and hard times. And I don't want this to be any different.' Singer Jessie J attends the & Juliet opening night at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London in 2019 | PA The star received messages of support from celebrity friends, including The Hit List presenter Rochelle Humes, former Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock and rapper Wretch 32. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Humes said: 'We love you so much.' Pinnock added: 'Sending you so much love.' Wretch 32, whose real name is Jermaine Scott, said: 'Continued strength and guidance, you're loved and you're cared for, you fight my gangster.' The London-born singer welcomed her son, Sky Safir Cornish Colman, in 2023, having miscarried in November 2021. She has battled with ill health throughout her life, having been diagnosed with a heart condition aged eight, suffering a minor stroke aged 18 and having briefly gone deaf in 2020.
CBS News
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Go behind the scenes for an exclusive "& Juliet" costume tour before Denver arrival
Go behind the scenes for an exclusive '& Juliet' costume tour before it arrives in Denver Go behind the scenes for an exclusive '& Juliet' costume tour before it arrives in Denver Go behind the scenes for an exclusive '& Juliet' costume tour before it arrives in Denver One of the most upbeat and comical musicals to be developed in the last decade is set to play the Buell Theatre in Denver next month, and only CBS News Colorado was given exclusive advanced access to the cast and crew. "& Juliet" plays the Denver Center for the Performing Arts starting in early June. "& Juliet" plays the Denver Center for the Performing Arts starting in early June. CBS Ahead of their visit to the Mile High City, the production welcomed CBS News Colorado's Dillon Thomas behind the scenes of their stop in Oklahoma City. There, three of the stars of the show gave CBS News Colorado viewers a sneak peek at some of the most popular wardrobe pieces in the show. "We are now at the costume rack talking about the Tony Award-winning Paloma Young," said Kathryn Allison, the actress cast as Angélique in the tour. "She is so incredible, I think what is so amazing is she has combined so many eras that you think of when you're going to see Romeo and Juliet." Allison showed how some of her costumes were blended to have a historic appearance blended with modern colors and styles. "We have these classic bum rolls they used to wear, which kind of cinches the waist in. And this beautiful corset, which is cool because it detaches with magnets," Allison showed, noting how it allows her to change her costume simplistically and quickly. Teal Wicks, who was cast as Anne Hathaway, showed off several of her favorite pieces from the production. CBS "Anne, Shakespeare's wife, has a classic Elizabethan outfit. We have the ruff; we have the high-high wasted corset. The high lines," Wicks said. Wicks also pointed out small details in the costumes that most of the audience wouldn't be able to see, but pay homage to the characters. That included a denim vest which had artwork and a name inscription. "This is my favorite piece in the show," Wicks said. "Many of the cast members in the show have names on them, so Hathaway, the real Anne Hathaway. This is sort of her family crest. And, we have a lot of these hidden Easter eggs like this hidden throughout the costumes." Without giving anything from the show's storyline away, the plot of the musical explores what would have happened to Juliet if she had never died after falling in love with Romeo. Rachel Simone Webb, who portrays Juliet on stage, showed how many of the costumes from the first act have pink accents. She also showed how she is able to make a rapid costume change while on stage in the middle of a hit song. Showing what appeared to be a pink dress and a separate overcoat, Webb showed how the pieces were actually sewn together and can be easily unbuttoned to unveil a shorter, more modern pink dress underneath. &Juliet DCPA "Juliet is wearing (the overcoat and dress.) She throws it off, has a quick change in the middle of a song, she comes out with (the shorter pink dress) on and is just fabulous," Webb said. Webb said, at the end of the production, she hoped audiences would walk away with a sense of empowerment, knowing Juliet was able to reclaim her story and make it her own. She said she felt Young did a great job creating the costumes to also follow the themes of the story. Holding up a pink dress with sparkles and a gold feather across the top, Webb said it is a showstopper outfit. "You may recognize this feather. It is what is basically a quill, and the quill represents that Juliet writes her own story now," Webb said. & Juliet plays the Buell Theatre June 4 through June 15. Tickets and more information are available online. CBS Colorado is a proud partner of the DCPA.
Associated Press
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Broadway Welcomes All: Three Shows for LGBTQ+ Travelers
NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, April 2, 2025 / / -- The Broadway Collection, the NYC performing arts industry's premier travel marketing program, celebrates the upcoming Pride Month with three shows for LGBTQ+ visitors. New York City is a longstanding hub for LGBTQ+ culture and history, and Broadway is a welcoming place for travelers of all identities. Part of this warm welcome is Playbill's PRIDE IN TIMES SQUARE celebration, taking place June 27-29, 2025. This event invites LGBTQ+ travelers and their allies from all over the world to engage in three days of joy and music, featuring Broadway stars, live performances, and various activities. While LGBTQ+ visitors and their allies pack the streets of the Theatre District this Pride, the Broadway Collection's myriad of shows offers them an incredible choice of plays and musicals. From adaptations of camp classics to queer-er retellings of Shakespeare plays, Broadway is an epicenter of queer joy. Some of this season's most LGBTQ+ themed shows are: • SMASH – The gone-too-soon, hit TV comedy-drama SMASH has been brought to life on the Broadway stage. The show, once considered the gayest show on TV, follows a larger than life, behind-the-scenes rollercoaster chronicling the making of Bombshell, a musical-inside-the-musical about the life of Marilyn Monroe. • Death Becomes Her – Since its release in 1992, the campy, macabre, satirical film Death Becomes Her has become a gay cult classic. Full of the same beloved over-the-top glamor, the surrealist black comedy has entered its queer afterlife, finding a home at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. • & Juliet – Perhaps the greatest love story ever told, & Juliet turns Romeo and Juliet's story on its head, asking what would happen if Juliet didn't end it all over Romeo. Considered a queer delight, the show highlights and celebrates nonbinary talent with May, Juliet's best friend: one of Broadway's first explicitly nonbinary characters. The Broadway Collection promotes these shows alongside an impressive list of productions that feature some of the best LGBTQ+ talent in the world. Whether behind the scenes or performing on stage, Broadway has always been a safe space for queer artists, and LGBTQ+ theatre fans know they can always find connection and kinship in NYC's performing arts scene. Representation on Broadway, LGBTQ+ owned business, and queer clubs across the city are all foundational to New York City and its culture. From its activists to performers, New York City's LGBTQ+ community is integral to the sense of welcomeness and joy in all the city has to offer. NYC is home to some of the best queer nightlife in the world, much of it centered in and around the Theatre District, making it easy to see a show and then hit the bars. From cozy dive bars to energetic night clubs, New York City offers travelers a sense of safety, peace, and belonging for every identity—and those still figuring it out. The diverse team at the Broadway Collection recommends travelers of any kind book their tickets in advance from the shows' official ticketing sites or trusted travel providers—taking the mystery out of getting a ticket. Anyone planning travel to New York City in 2025 can find information on shows, the latest Broadway news, and links to the shows' official ticket sites at About The Broadway Collection The Broadway Collection is a curated selection of top-tier theatrical experiences in New York City, built specifically for visitors. It serves as a comprehensive guide helping travelers discover the most exciting and welcoming shows, whether they are a first-time Broadway attendee or a lifelong theatre lover. The Broadway Collection makes it easy to research the best Broadway and off-Broadway productions, as well as cultural icons like The Metropolitan Opera and New York City Ballet. The Collection highlights the top shows for visitors, ensuring they find the right performance to fit their various interests, schedules, and budgets. By connecting audiences directly to official and secure ticketing sources, The Broadway Collection ensures a trustworthy and transparent booking experience without hidden fees or unreliable brokers. Whether planning for a group of 10 or more or just a few tickets for a family night out, The Broadway Collection provides trusted access to the best places to buy. No visit to NYC is complete without experiencing a Broadway show, and The Broadway Collection aims to make every trip include an unforgettable theatre experience. Visit Olivia De Stio Legal Disclaimer:
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
People invited to join Evansville Block By Block Cleanup initiative
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry will host three Block-by-Block Neighborhood Cleanup programs this spring, beginning March 21 in the CHAIN neighborhood. Officials say after launching the Block-by-Block program with two events in 2024, Mayor Terry plans to build on the program in 2025, hosting eight events between March and October of this year. Friday's announcement comprises the spring portion of the program, and includes the following events and locations: March 21, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., CHAIN Neighborhood April 25, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Lamasco Neighborhood May 31, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Tepe Park Neighborhood Romeo & Juliet to take stage at University of Evansville Evansville officials say the Block-by-Block Neighborhood Cleanup program brings together city employees and community volunteers to pick up trash, mow lawns, trim trees and other aspects of neighborhood cleanup. The CHAIN Neighborhood event also will include demolishing a blighted structure. The program is part of Mayor Terry's emphasis on Neighborhood Revitalization, which also includes programs like Fight Blight, and programs funded by the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. HOPE of Evansville cuts ribbon on new headquarters building in Jacobsville 'We launched Block-by-Block last year with the goal of helping to beautify our neighborhoods, and to strengthen our connections in the community,' Mayor Terry said. 'Were identifying the neighborhoods with the greatest need, using data from departments like the Building Commission and the Evansville Police Department, and were working to make government and the services we can offer as a city accessible to them.' Officials say community members interested in volunteering in any of the Block-by-Block Neighborhood Cleanups are asked to fill out the volunteer form here. Summer and Fall dates for Block-by-Block will be announced at a later date. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
