Latest news with #BetteMidler
CBS News
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Iconic composer Marc Shaiman talks "Some Like It Hot" ahead of Denver performances
One of the most famous and recognized composers in the world of performing arts says he is thrilled for Colorado audiences to experience one of his latest works. Marc Shaiman is a Tony, Emmy and Grammy award winner for his scores heard on stage, TV and at the movies. One of Shaiman's most recent projects was helping create the music for the musical "Some Like It Hot." Alongside lyricist Scott Wittman, Shaiman helped create the sounds of the upbeat musical comedy. CBS The show arrives in Denver in early July. However, ahead of the stop in the Mile High City, Shaiman sat down for an exclusive interview with CBS News Colorado. "Some Like It Hot is a comedy about mistaken identities," Shaiman said. CBS Colorado caught up with Shaiman in Philadelphia under the historic Forrest Theatre. There, Shaiman explained how the story of the musical not only follows others' mistaken identities but also leaves some to consider their own. "(The story) also means who are you, and have you been mistaken your whole life about who you are?" Shaiman said. When asked what Shaiman loved the most about the sounds of the musical, Shaiman was quick to joke around. "What do I love about the music of this production? Well, I wrote it," Shaiman said. CBS Shaiman has worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Barbra Streisand, Robin Williams, Jack Black, Bette Midler, Billy Crystal and many more. He said he loves every challenge he faces when it comes to music. However, when it came to Some Like It Hot, he was thrilled to be able to explore creating music designed for the feel of a 1930s big band. "It was just that birth of swing music," Shaiman said. "Such great songwriting was happening. Whether it was Duke Wellington or Harold Arlen or Cole Porter. There was a great melting pot in New York of Black and white creators writing lyrics and music, rejoicing in each other." Some Like It Hot the musical stays true to the original film, following the story of two men who accidentally witness a mob murder. To avoid being caught, they go on the run, disguising themselves as women and joining an all-women tour band. CBS Shaiman said it was entertaining to explore the task of combining a comedy storyline with a big band tune. "I just love the big band," Shaiman said. "Some Like It Hot was this great moment where I got to revel in this kind of songwriting. We just loved this time period." While the story and the score of the production may be true to the early-to-mid 20th century, Shaiman said he believed people of all ages would love the show when it plays the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. "I feel the music of Some Like It Hot is something all generations should be able to enjoy because it is a joyful sound," Shaiman said. It is hard not to be taken in with the sound of Some Like It Hot." Some Like It Hot plays the Buell Theatre July 8 through the 20. Visit the center's website for more information on tickets. CBS Colorado is a proud partner of the DCPA.
USA Today
05-04-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Bette Midler sells Tesla, calls it a 'symbol of racism, greed and ignorance'
Bette Midler sells Tesla, calls it a 'symbol of racism, greed and ignorance' Show Caption Hide Caption Bette Midler says she wishes she sued Lindsey Lohan for leaving sitcom Bette Midler, 78, has revealed that she "regrets" not suing Lindsey Lohan for ditching her series 'Bette.' Lohan was just 13 years old at the time. unbranded - Entertainment Bette Midler is getting rid of her Tesla in protest of the car company's founder, Elon Musk. Midler ‒ the outspoken star of screen and stage, whose politics lean left ‒ shared the news with fans in an Instagram post Wednesday. "What a joyful day!" a picture Midler posted said. "I sold my (gulp) Tesla! No longer do I have to drive a symbol of racism, greed and ignorance! Life is suddenly so much better!!" Midler's comments were seemingly made in reference to Musk's involvement in President Donald Trump's second administration as the Tesla and SpaceX founder seeks to dramatically reshape American government by reducing the size and scope of federal departments and agencies. Sheryl Crow waves goodbye to towed Tesla car after slamming 'President Musk': See video The world's richest man has led the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. He has been the subject of frequent criticism and backlash over his efforts to slash federal jobs and cut costs at a rapid speed. Midler isn't the only celebrity to sell or tow their Tesla car. In a Valentine's Day Instagram post, liberal country legend Sheryl Crow ditched her Tesla. In an Instagram post, Crow is shown standing on the street while her car is towed. She waves as the Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman song "Time To Say Goodbye" plays in the background. Elon Musk doubles-down on calling Sen. Mark Kelly a 'traitor' "My parents always said… you are who you hang out with," Crow wrote on Instagram. "There comes a time when you have to decide who you are willing to align with. So long Tesla." Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly also made headlines when he revealed that he got rid of his Tesla vehicle in a video last month, replacing the car with a white Chevrolet Tahoe SUV. President Donald Trump, Bette Midler have yearslong feud Midler and President Trump have shared a yearslong feud, stretching back before Trump took office for the first time. In June 2019, Trump slammed Midler after she apologized for sharing a fake quote attributed to him in the late 1990s. "Washed up psycho @BetteMidler was forced to apologize for a statement she attributed to me that turned out to be totally fabricated by her in order to make 'your great president' look really bad," he posted on Twitter, now known as X. "He certainly knew his crowd," Midler tweeted. She deleted the tweet and apologized. Contributing: Rebecca Morin
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Stay In LA To Hold Sun Valley Rally In April
Since its launch earlier this year, Stay In LA, the campaign designed to encourage more production to return to the city following the devastating wildfires, has hit over 22,000 signatures to petition. The group behind the campaign is now launching their first live event, a rally in Sun Valley. More from Deadline Andy Garcia, Jonathan Nolan & Paul Feig Join Stay In LA As Campaign Continues To Build Momentum Keanu Reeves & Bette Midler Join Stay In LA Campaign As 15,000+ Call For Local Production Boost Stay In LA: 6,000+ Including LeVar Burton & Alison Brie Sign Petition Calling For More Incentives To Bring Back Production After Wildfires The event will take place at SirReel Studios at 8500 Lankershim Blvd, Sun Valley, CA between 2pm and 6pm with organizers expecting 'hundreds' of people to attend. The rally will feature speeches from industry leaders, union representatives, and community members, with a full list expected next week, along with opportunities for attendees to learn how they can support the movement. 'Los Angeles is at a crossroads,' said Pamala Buzick Kim, CA United Board Chairperson and Stay in LA co-founder, 'If we don't act now, we risk losing the very industry that built this city's reputation. This rally is about sending a clear message: We're staying in LA, and we need real solutions to keep our jobs here.' This comes after the likes of Keanu Reeves and Bette Midler publicly supported the cause. The campaign was launched by the Buzick Kim as well as Channel Zero writer Alexandra Pechman, Lessons In Chemistry director Sarah Adina Smith, Wes Bailey, Marie Dunaway, Nick Antosca, Julie Plec, Michael Sucsy, and Alex Winter. The group has proposed uncapping the tax incentive for productions that shoot in LA County for the next three years as part of the overall disaster relief effort as well as calling on the studios and streamers to pledge at least 10% more production in LA over the next three years. They want to uncap mediums to also bolster short-form productions such as commercials as well as post-production work, want to reduce or eliminate permit fees to lower the cost of production and address insurance restrictions. Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery How To Watch 'Wicked: Part One': Is The Film Streaming Yet? All The Songs In 'Severance' Season 2: From The Who To Ella Fitzgerald
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hundreds of actors urging government not to loosen copyright laws for AI
Hollywood actors, directors and other creatives are pushing back on the loosening of AI regulations, with more than 420 entertainment industry insiders signing an open letter urging the government to uphold copyright laws that apply to artificial intelligence. The group, led by actress Natasha Lyonne, also includes Bette Midler, Aubrey Plaza, Ava DuVernay, Paul Simon, Mark Ruffalo and hundreds of others. The letter states that OpenAI and Google have recently recommended the government remove "all legal protections and existing guardrails surrounding copyright law protections for the training of Artificial Intelligence." The group believes loosening copyright laws to help AI learn would come at the expense of creative industries. OpenAI, a major U.S. artificial intelligence company, and Google, which runs the AI company Oracle, both wrote to the Office of Science and Technology Policy about an AI action plan this month, making the case that it would be beneficial for AI developers to be able to use copyrighted materials to train AI. Google argued that exceptions to copyright laws would allow the use of "copyrighted, publicly available material for AI training without significantly impacting rights holders," and that fair use and text-and-data mining exceptions would balance existing copyright rules. Actors have long fought against the expansion of AI, with fears that it would undermine their creative work. One of the major setbacks during the 2024 SAG-AFTRA union negotiations with major production companies was that the parties could not agree on AI regulations in the film industry. SAG-AFTRA, the union that represents about 160,000 performers, wanted film and TV producers to obtain consent from actors to create and use their digital replicas. They also fought for actors to be compensated at their usual rate – even if the role is performed by a digital replica of them. After a 118-day strike during the contract negotiations, SAG-AFTRA and the actors it represents won, and the deal included rules about consent and compensation when AI is used in film and TV shows. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills into law last year that protect actors from artificial intelligence replicas. One requires labor contracts to specify if there will be AI-generated replicas of an actor, while the other bans the commercial use of digital replicas of performers who are deceased in any media – including TV shows, films and video games — without getting consent from their estates. The number of artists who signed the open letter – which includes Ben Stiller, Ayo Edebiri, model and actress Cara Delevingne, directors Guillermo del Toro and Taika Waititi, "SNL" actress Chloe Fineman and Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett – is growing. The group initially asked the government for a response by Saturday at 11:59 p.m. but has continued to collect signatures on the letter as that deadline has elapsed. The letter states that the entertainment industry supports more than 2.3 million jobs in the U.S. and pays more than $229 billion in wages annually and argues that "AI companies are asking to undermine this economic and cultural strength by weakening copyright protections for the films, television series, artworks, writing, music, and voices used to train AI models at the core of multi-billion dollar corporate valuations." Last month, Vice President JD Vance warned European Union countries against overregulation of AI during the Artificial Intelligence Action summit in Paris, France. While speaking to tech executives and world leaders, Vance said the excessive regulation of the AI sector could "kill a transformative industry just as it's taking off." In January, President Trump said that the U.S. would invest up to $500 billion in private sector investment to build artificial intelligence infrastructure in the country as a way to keep up with competitors in China. Upon taking office in January, Mr. Trump repealed former President Joe Biden's executive order to keep the development of AI safe, secure and trustworthy and also put out a National Security Memo that outlined the framework to develop AI in government and national security, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU, which works to protect people's rights in the U.S., called Mr. Trump's rollback of AI guidelines a "grave mistake," saying the guardrails put in place by the Biden administration were "common sense steps," including transparency and regular testing "to ensure that AI tools follow existing laws protecting civil rights and civil liberties, accurately perform the tasks they're given, and don't waste agency resources." U.S. Marine Band forced to cancel concert with students of color after Trump DEI order Restoring classic cars in the classroom How DOGE cuts are jeopardizing our national parks
CBS News
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Hundreds of actors and Hollywood insiders sign open letter urging government not to loosen copyright laws for AI
Hollywood actors, directors and other creatives are pushing back on the loosening of AI regulations, with more than 420 entertainment industry insiders signing an open letter urging the government to uphold copyright laws that apply to artificial intelligence. The group, led by actress Natasha Lyonne, also includes Bette Midler, Aubrey Plaza, Ava DuVernay, Paul Simon, Mark Ruffalo and hundreds of others. The letter states that OpenAI and Google have recently recommended the government remove "all legal protections and existing guardrails surrounding copyright law protections for the training of Artificial Intelligence." The group believes loosening copyright laws to help AI learn would come at the expense of creative industries. OpenAI, a major U.S. artificial intelligence company, and Google, which runs the AI company Oracle, both wrote to the Office of Science and Technology Policy about an AI action plan this month, making the case that it would be beneficial for AI developers to be able to use copyrighted materials to train AI. Google argued that exceptions to copyright laws would allow the use of "copyrighted, publicly available material for AI training without significantly impacting rights holders," and that fair use and text-and-data mining exceptions would balance existing copyright rules. Actors have long fought against the expansion of AI, with fears that it would undermine their creative work. One of the major setbacks during the 2024 SAG-AFTRA union negotiations with major production companies was that the parties could not agree on AI regulations in the film industry. SAG-AFTRA, the union that represents about 160,000 performers, wanted film and TV producers to obtain consent from actors to create and use their digital replicas. They also fought for actors to be compensated at their usual rate – even if the role is performed by a digital replica of them. After a 118-day strike during the contract negotiations, SAG-AFTRA and the actors it represents won, and the deal included rules about consent and compensation when AI is used in film and TV shows. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills into law last year that protect actors from artificial intelligence replicas. One requires labor contracts to specify if there will be AI-generated replicas of an actor, while the other bans the commercial use of digital replicas of performers who are deceased in any media – including TV shows, films and video games — without getting consent from their estates. The number of artists who signed the open letter – which includes Ben Stiller, Ayo Edebiri, model and actress Cara Delevingne, directors Guillermo del Toro and Taika Waititi, "SNL" actress Chloe Fineman and Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett – is growing. The group initially asked the government for a response by Saturday at 11:59 p.m. but has continued to collect signatures on the letter as that deadline has elapsed. The letter states that the entertainment industry supports more than 2.3 million jobs in the U.S. and pays more than $229 billion in wages annually and argues that "AI companies are asking to undermine this economic and cultural strength by weakening copyright protections for the films, television series, artworks, writing, music, and voices used to train AI models at the core of multi-billion dollar corporate valuations." Last month, Vice President JD Vance warned European Union countries against overregulation of AI during the Artificial Intelligence Action summit in Paris, France. While speaking to tech executives and world leaders, Vance said the excessive regulation of the AI sector could "kill a transformative industry just as it's taking off." In January, President Trump said that the U.S. would invest up to $500 billion in private sector investment to build artificial intelligence infrastructure in the country as a way to keep up with competitors in China. Upon taking office in January, Mr. Trump repealed former President Joe Biden's executive order to keep the development of AI safe, secure and trustworthy and also put out a National Security Memo that outlined the framework to develop AI in government and national security, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU, which works to protect people's rights in the U.S., called Mr. Trump's rollback of AI guidelines a "grave mistake," saying the guardrails put in place by the Biden administration were "common sense steps," including transparency and regular testing "to ensure that AI tools follow existing laws protecting civil rights and civil liberties, accurately perform the tasks they're given, and don't waste agency resources."
