Latest news with #Aladdin
New York Post
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Patti LuPone condemned by over 500 Broadway artists for ‘bullying' Audra McDonald, Kecia Lewis
Break a leg. More than 500 Broadway artists signed an open letter slamming Patti LuPone over her recent comments against Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis. The letter, which was written on behalf of the Broadway Theater Community on Friday, May 30, chastised LuPone, 76, for the flippant remarks she made about her fellow stage icons in an interview with The New Yorker published on Monday. 7 More than 500 Broadway artists signed an open letter slamming Patti LuPone for her recent comments against Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis. Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock 'Recently, Patti LuPone made deeply inappropriate and unacceptable public comments about two of Broadway's most respected and beloved artists,' the letter, which was addressed to the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League, read. 'This language is not only degrading and misogynistic – it is a blatant act of racialized disrespect,' the letter continued. 'It constitutes bullying. It constitutes harassment. It is emblematic of the microaggressions and abuse that people in this industry have endured for far too long, too often without consequence.' Some high-profile Broadway stars who signed the open letter include Tony winners Maleah Joi Moon ('Hell's Kitchen'), James Monroe Iglehart ('Aladdin') and Wendell Pierce ('Radio Golf'). 7 LuPone said McDonald was 'not a friend' during an interview with The New Yorker earlier this week. WireImage The more than 500 signatories described LuPone's remarks as a 'public affront to the values of collaboration, equity, and mutual respect that our theater community claims to uphold.' 'Let us be clear: this is about more than one person,' the letter continued. 'It is about a culture. A pattern. A persistent failure to hold people accountable for violent, disrespectful, or harmful behavior – especially when they are powerful or well-known.' 'This is not about differing opinions,' the letter went on. 'It is about public actions that demean, intimidate, or perpetuate violence against fellow artists. It is about the normalization of harm in an industry that too often protects prestige over people.' 7 LuPone also called Lewis a 'bitch' who 'doesn't know what the f–k she's talking about.' Joan Marcus Playbill was the first to share the document on Friday, and the letter added that the Broadway community can't 'continue to welcome back those who harm others simply because of their fame or perceived value.' It also demanded an end to the kind of behavior that LuPone exhibited earlier this week. 'We will no longer tolerate violence – verbal, emotional, or physical – against artists within our own community,' the letter said. 'No more free passes. If our industry is truly committed to equity, justice, and respect, then those values must be applied consistently, even when it's uncomfortable.' 7 'This language is not only degrading and misogynistic – it is a blatant act of racialized disrespect,' more than 500 members of the Broadway community said on Friday in response to LuPone's remarks. Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock 'Especially when it's uncomfortable,' the missive continued. 'No artist, producer, director, or leader—regardless of legacy or celebrity—should be allowed to weaponize their platform to belittle, threaten, or devalue others without consequence. Period.' The Post has reached out to LuPone's reps for comment. The 'Beau Is Afraid' actress first made headlines when she bashed McDonald and Lewis during her scathing sit-down with The New Yorker. 7 McDonald and LuPone performing onstage together at The Hollywood Bowl in July 2000. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images While the 'Agatha All Along' actress said that McDonald, 54, was 'not a friend,' she later called Lewis, 59, a 'bitch' who 'doesn't know what the f–k she's talking about.' 'Oh, my God,' LuPone said of the 'Hell's Kitchen' actress. 'Here's the problem. She calls herself a veteran? Let's find out how many Broadway shows Kecia Lewis has done, because she doesn't know what the f–k she's talking about.' 'She's done seven,' LuPone added. 'I've done thirty-one. Don't call yourself a vet, bitch.' 7 Kecia Lewis accepting the Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical award for 'Hell's Kitchen' at the 77th Annual Tony Awards in June 2024. Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions LuPone also targeted Glenn Close, 78, during the no holds barred interview, saying she wanted to call her a 'bitch' after Close replaced her in the Broadway debut of 'Sunset Boulevard.' McDonald later addressed LuPone's vicious remarks in an interview with Gayle King on 'CBS Mornings' Thursday. The 'Gilded Age' star said she was 'surprised' by her Broadway colleague's comments and didn't 'know what she's talking about.' 7 McDonald addressed LuPone's surprising remarks on Thursday. CAROLINE BREHMAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock 'I mean, if there's a rift between us, I don't know what it is,' McDonald said. 'That's something you'd have to ask Patti about.' 'I haven't seen her in about 11 years because I've been busy with life and stuff,' she added. 'So, I don't know what rift she's talking about. You'd have to ask her.'
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
Don Darryl Rivera talks bringing 'Aladdin' to life on Broadway
Known as DDR, the actor who originated the role of Iago talks about playing the iconic villain in Disney's Broadway hit, "Aladdin."
Listly
13 hours ago
- Listly
How To Experience Dubai Like A Local: A Guide To Authentic Adventures – Find The Soul Of Dubai
Dubai is known for its beautiful skyline, mega malls and record-breaking attractions. However, behind all the fancy attractions is a unique and beautiful culture waiting to be explored. If you want to go beyond the tourist locations and experience the city the way locals do, you are in for a very rewarding adventure. From heritage districts and busy souks to seaside cafes, here is how to have an authentic experience in Dubai like a local. When To Visit Dubai And What To Know The months of November to March are the cooler months in Dubai. Daytime temperature is perfect for exploring outdoor places like markets, going for a walking tour, beach days or desert excursions. Many cultural festivals and events also happen during this period, making your stay more meaningful. Make sure to respect the festivities and local customs, like avoiding public eating and drinking during the day during Ramadan. Make sure to dress modestly in public, especially when visiting mosques or old neighbourhoods. Learn a few Arabic greetings like Marhaba, which means hello, or Shukaran, which means thank you. Base Yourself Where Locals Stay Most visitors head to beach resorts or iconic skyscrapers. However, the heart of the city lies in its dynamic urban hubs like Downtown Dubai. Staying at a central hotel like Anantara Downtown Dubai will place you in a prime location for both luxury and authenticity. From here, you are just a short walk or a ride away from charming old neighbourhoods, hidden restaurants and cultural landmarks that will make you understand the Dubai culture and help you mingle with the locals. There are many things to do in Downtown Dubai, and hotels in this area give you a perfect mix of modern comfort and local flavour to make your experience authentic. Explore Old Dubai On Foot To see the soul of the city, head to the historic neighbourhoods of Al Fahidi and Al Seef. You can walk through the narrow alleyways lined with wind towers, art galleries and museums like the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort. For a moment, you may even feel like you have walked into a scene from Aladdin. Then you can take a traditional Abra, a wooden boat across the Dubai creek. A favourite mode of transport among the locals to reach Deira. Visit the Gold Souk to see some amazing gold jewellery and gold items or even to get some amazing souvenirs. The spice souk is famous for fragrant herbs, and you will see rare spices. You can visit the textile souk to get some colourful fabrics. A core concept among the locals visiting these souks will be to bargain. So don't be shy to bargain; it's all part of the fun. Make sure to explore this area by foot for an authentic, local-like experience. Eat Like A Local Dubai is famous for authentic Emirati dishes. The culinary scene extends from luxury buffets and celebrity chef restaurants to street food and home-run restaurants with excellent food. If you visit areas like Al Karama, Al Rigga and Satwa, which are just a ride away from downtown, you will find food places loved by the residents. You must try shawarma from corner stalls, Iranian kebabs from family-run restaurants, or some South Indian dosa with masala chai. You can also try Emirati dishes like Machboos, which is a spiced rice with meat, Harees and Luqaimat, which is a type of sweet dumplings mostly served in traditional settings. Experience The Outdoors Like A Local During the cooler months, you will see locals visiting beachside cafes, desert camps and green parks. Kite Beach is a favourite weekend spot for families and young adults, with food trucks, bike paths and volleyball nets right by the sea. If you want to enjoy a quiet evening, you can visit the Al Qudra Lake in the desert. You can enjoy a sunset picnic and do a bit of bird-watching. Other parks like Zabeel Park and Creek Park offer open spaces for kids, joggers and casual gatherings. Another must-try activity is the Desert Safari. Attend Local Events And Community Happenings Dubai's calendar is packed with many festivals. From heritage festivals in Al Shindagha to open mic nights, local film screenings and farmers' markets, there is always something going on. Check community platforms or hotel concierge desks to find out about pop-ups and festivals. You can also take some Emirati cooking classes, calligraphy workshops or yoga sessions at sunrise on the beach with the locals.
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bindi Irwin's Adorable Road Trip Video Gives a Clue to Daughter Grace's Latest Obsession
There's nothing like a summer road trip! Granted, it's almost winter in Australia, but the concept still applies for Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell. They took their 4-year-old daughter Grace Warrior on a family getaway around Australia's east coast, and their cool family recap hints at her toddler's adorable new obsession. At the beginning of the video on the Australia Zoo's YouTube Channel, Bindi greets the audience, then turns to her daughter and asks, 'And who are you today?' More from SheKnows Drew Scott's New Photo Montage of Daughter Piper Is a Whole Mood Grace responds, 'Elsa!' The little girl looks pretty in pink with a pink floral dress and pink hat as she smiles next to her mom, pretending to be the Disney princess from Frozen. And her mom just goes along with it like a pro. 'It's Bindi and Elsa here,' she continues. 'And we are very excited because we're taking you on our…' 'Road trip!' Grace finishes for her mom. So cute! They start in Byron Bay, where Grace regals her family with a story about snow on the beach. 'Do you know it's actually a snow called beach snow?' Grace says as she walks along a boardwalk. 'Very unique snow, Elsa!' Bindi praises. Then she asks for a jacket, and Grace-as-Elsa pretends to give her one, plus gloves and snow boots. 'The snowman is going with me,' Grace continues later, pretending to hold a little Olaf in her arms. 'I got my Olaf watch, ready to go to the snow!' she says, pointing to a little Olaf sticker on her hand. Her imagination is so big, and we love to see it! When they play in the snow, Grace and her dad draw 'Ariel' in the sand. 'From Elsa to Ariel in two seconds,' Bindi says. It makes sense — you're at the beach, you have to be Ariel from The Little Mermaid! In another part, Grace walks around an outdoor space. Powell knocks on a pretend door, and Grace answers saying, 'I'm Princess Jasmine!' Now, the princess from Aladdin dances around in her pretend palace. Another day, Grace changes into a colorful dress as she walks through a butterfly garden at Coffs Harbour. Grace laughs as a butterfly tickles her nose. 'They're being kind to me,' Grace says in her adorable Aussie accent. Just like a princess to have such a connection to nature. 'We have arrived to Grace's favorite part of the trip so far: laundry!' Powell says in another part of the video, showing a laundry mat. Grace wears the cutest strawberry-print dress as she spins around like the clothes in the washing machine. 'It's my favorite part of the day!' Grace says, as she continues spinning. 'My favorite part of the day is watching how happy you are,' Bindi responds. Same, Bindi! People were loving this wholesome family video. 'A delightful breath of fresh air watching Miss Grace Warrior in her many outfits from prancing in the sand to twirling in the laundromat,' one person commented. 'Love Grace's imagination 💕 She is so adorable and smart. It appears you all had a wonderful time. Enjoyed you letting us come along 😊💖💖' someone else wrote. It makes sense how imaginative Grace is because Bindi was the same way as a kid growing up with parents Terri Irwin and the late Steve Irwin. 'I really found that in my play, I wanted to connect with flora and fauna and every wildlife species that I could possibly imagine,' Bindi previously told SheKnows. 'So if we didn't have an animal at Australia Zoo, I would imagine I was playing with it and create my own little world, which was a lot of fun. You know, I'd be running around with red pandas in the Himalayas in my imagination or elephants on the African savanna. And I think that playtime really encouraged in me that connection with the natural world. It's something I loved the most and it carried on throughout my entire life even today.' 'Those moments of connection with play I still draw upon as an adult, and I think that's really, really special,' she of SheKnows 20 of Serena Williams' Most Adorable Motherhood Moments 30+ Baby Names With Ivy League Vibes — No Degree Required Michelle Obama's Best Mom Quotes — Because We Could All Use a Dose of Her Wisdom
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
Disney's Aladdin on Broadway goes abroad
Don Darryl Rivera, a star of Disney's "Aladdin" on Broadway, traveled across the globe to connect with castmates from the Korean and Japanese productions.
