Latest news with #CellBlockTango
Hamilton Spectator
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Stars of Tomorrow celebrates a half century of talent
Over 400 people attended the 50th annual Stars of Tomorrow Showcase on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The free event was held in honour of Michelle Farmer's Studio of Dance and Modelling's 50th anniversary. Located in Ohsweken, it's one of the longest running First Nations-owned and operated talent studios in Canada, and for five decades now, Farmer has dedicated her time to empowering thousands of Indigenous youth through the art of dance, modelling and performing. Hosted by Gary Farmer, Michelle's older brother and a well-known film and television actor, the evening featured a line-up of performances from several musicians as well as Nova Scotia born comedian, Janelle Niles. In all, the night was stacked with 27 dance performances from Michelle's competitive teams as well as her recreational dancers. From jazz to tap, hip-hop and ballet, performers of all ages had the opportunity to show off their talent throughout the nearly four hour event. While introducing the competitive mini team large jazz group, Gary noted that Michelle's students' hard work and dedication often pays off at competitions throughout the U.S. 'Michelle's got about 65 dancers in the whole school this season, and 30 of them are competitive dancers,' he said. 'That means they travel around North America to compete in various festivals and events, so that's quite an accomplishment.' In between the dances, there were two modelling demonstrations and five different video presentations, as well as a vocal performance by Adalyn Miller. The nine-year-old junior singer delivered a rendition of 'Defying Gravity' from the hit Broadway musical Wicked. Keeping with the broadway theme, the young musical theatre group performed 'Maybe' and 'It's the Hard-Knock Life' from the musical, Annie. As well, the adult jazz group later performed to 'Cell Block Tango' from Chicago. Ange Hart and her aunts, Marcia Davis and Cynthia Monture, were just a few of the attendees there to support their loved ones and celebrate Michelle's 50th anniversary. 'We've been coming to this for 40 years now, so we're really glad to be here again,' said Davis. 'It's great, everyone is just killin' it out there,' added Hart. 'I'm really happy that I could come out and see my family dance. During intermission, Gary sat down with Michelle for a short interview. The two discussed how she got her start in dancing and modelling, her journey to becoming a teacher and creating her own studio, her pursuits of a professional career in dance, as well as potential ambitions in regards to creating her own Broadway-style musicals. Before resuming the showcase, Gary brought up Sherri-Lynn Hill, the 59th elected Chief for Six Nations of the Grand River, as well as Councillor Greg Frazer, to say a few words. 'We're here today and I'm just amazed at the quality of the production; I can just see the dedication and how much work and effort has gone into putting on a production like this,' said Frazer. 'I really commend you Michelle on all that you've done for our community. It's amazing that we can keep our young children active, interested and dedicated. …On behalf of the Six Nations Council and the Chief, we'd like to give Michelle a little plaque of excellence for the 50 years that she's put this on.' Six Nations of the Grand River musicians, Derek Miller and Lacey Hill, also performed during the show. The two sang several original songs including 'Colorado Springs,' 'Delphine' and 'Can't Get You Out of My Head.' As well, Six Nations singer-songwriter, James Wilson, also performed for the crowd. The 28-year-old sang his original song, 'Good Life,' along with a cover of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' and The Animals, 'House of the Rising Sun.' Kimberly De Jong's reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at .
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
Kim Kardashian, Teyana Taylor and more star in new Hulu series 'All's Fair': See teaser
Kim Kardashian is using what she's learned about the law in the new series "All's Fair," out later this year. The teaser for the highly anticipated legal drama was released Tuesday and features the reality star and SKIMS founder among a star-studded cast. The series follows a team of female divorce attorneys who "leave a male-dominated firm to open their own powerhouse practice," according to a synopsis. Kardashian's character Allura Grant opens the teaser and is overheard saying, "Deep breath. Tell us your story." The camera then pans from Allura, who is seated alongside fellow lawyers Liberty Ronson and Emerald Greene (Naomi Watts and Niecy Nash-Betts, respectively), to a woman with blonde hair, facing away from the camera. The camera turns and faces the woman, revealed to be actress Elizabeth Berkley, who plays Dee Barber. Dee replies, "It's been a lot. I'm sorry." "No, no, we don't meet with sorry people," Liberty says. The song "Cell Block Tango" from the musical "Chicago" begins playing as another clip shows Glenn Close, who plays Dina Standish, telling another woman, "Get mad. Get hot. Get revenge." A synopsis for the new series adds that the team of female divorce attorneys "navigate[s] high-stakes breakups, scandalous secrets, and shifting allegiances -- both in the courtroom and within their own ranks." "In a world where money talks and love is a battleground, these women don't just play the game -- they change it," the synopsis states. The new series, which is written and executive produced by Ryan Murphy and produced by 20th Television in association with Ryan Murphy Television, will arrive this fall. Also starring in the series are Sarah Paulson as Carrington Lane, Teyana Taylor as Milan and Matthew Noszka as Chase Munroe. Kardashian, Close, Watts, Nash-Betts and Paulson also are named co-executive producers. Kardashian's mother, Kris Jenner, is also an executive producer on the project.
Rhyl Journal
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Janette Manrara dazzles as Roxie Hart in Chicago
On Tuesday, Chicago The Musical had it's opening night for its run at the Llandudno theatre. Headlining as Roxie Hart was Strictly star Janette Manrara. Her skills as a dancer were brought to the fore, elevating the routines and physical comedy the role demands - but can she sing? The answer, simply, is yes. (Image: Chicago The Musical/Venue Cymru) Manrara's vocals were on point, particularly in the dualling duets with Velma Kelly in an equally stunning performance from Djalenga Scott. When experiencing Chicago, you are suddenly struck with how many of the iconic musical numbers are ingrained in your memory. Show opener All that Jazz, Razzle Dazzle, Roxie, and my personal favourite Cell Block Tango (He Had it Coming) are delivered perfectly, carrying the sordid tale of crime and stardom along the most entertaining way. Members of the audience couldn't help but sing along to the well known hits such as All that Jazz, Cell Block Tango, We Both Reached for the Gun, and Razzle Dazzle. Set in the 1920s, we see Roxie Hart end up in Cook County Jail after murdering her lover on-the-side in a fit of rage, after he threatened to walk out on her. In attempts to avoid conviction, Roxie teams up with the slickest criminal lawyer in Chicago who turns her crime into fame, much to the horror of her cellmate and rival Velma. Scott and Manrara are excellent as Velma and Roxie, serving sass and emotion with breath-taking physicality and top-notch vocals. Alongside the jailbirds, the talented ensemble deliver an incredible display of Bob Fosse's iconic work. There was real love from the audience for Joshua Lloyd's portrayal of Amos Hart, and Jordan Lee Davies as Mary Sunshine, Dan Burton as Billy Flynn, and Victoria Anderson as Mama Morton, were equally excellent and note perfect. Fosse's choreography shines throughout, reaching perfection with Cell Block Tango, I Can't Do it Alone, and We Both Reached for the Gun. The stark black set and stark spotlights are used expertly to conjure the environments of the county jail, jazz clubs, and the courthouse. The show's themes are dark and serious, with a whole heap of cynicism, but due to the show's high energy and wit, the fun and excitement never let up for a second. The extremely talented live orchestra are also more than worthy of note, their belting performances setting pulses racing and transporting the audience to the seedy world of jazz clubs. It was so refreshing to witness the orchestra on stage throughout the whole show, adding that extra feeling that we were looking into a jazz club. Chicago The Musical razzles and dazzles from the opening note to the final curtain, and will be running at Llandudno's Venue Cymru until May 3.
North Wales Chronicle
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Janette Manrara dazzles as Roxie Hart in Chicago
On Tuesday, Chicago The Musical had it's opening night for its run at the Llandudno theatre. Headlining as Roxie Hart was Strictly star Janette Manrara. Her skills as a dancer were brought to the fore, elevating the routines and physical comedy the role demands - but can she sing? The answer, simply, is yes. (Image: Chicago The Musical/Venue Cymru) Manrara's vocals were on point, particularly in the dualling duets with Velma Kelly in an equally stunning performance from Djalenga Scott. When experiencing Chicago, you are suddenly struck with how many of the iconic musical numbers are ingrained in your memory. Show opener All that Jazz, Razzle Dazzle, Roxie, and my personal favourite Cell Block Tango (He Had it Coming) are delivered perfectly, carrying the sordid tale of crime and stardom along the most entertaining way. Members of the audience couldn't help but sing along to the well known hits such as All that Jazz, Cell Block Tango, We Both Reached for the Gun, and Razzle Dazzle. Set in the 1920s, we see Roxie Hart end up in Cook County Jail after murdering her lover on-the-side in a fit of rage, after he threatened to walk out on her. In attempts to avoid conviction, Roxie teams up with the slickest criminal lawyer in Chicago who turns her crime into fame, much to the horror of her cellmate and rival Velma. Scott and Manrara are excellent as Velma and Roxie, serving sass and emotion with breath-taking physicality and top-notch vocals. Alongside the jailbirds, the talented ensemble deliver an incredible display of Bob Fosse's iconic work. There was real love from the audience for Joshua Lloyd's portrayal of Amos Hart, and Jordan Lee Davies as Mary Sunshine, Dan Burton as Billy Flynn, and Victoria Anderson as Mama Morton, were equally excellent and note perfect. Fosse's choreography shines throughout, reaching perfection with Cell Block Tango, I Can't Do it Alone, and We Both Reached for the Gun. The stark black set and stark spotlights are used expertly to conjure the environments of the county jail, jazz clubs, and the courthouse. The show's themes are dark and serious, with a whole heap of cynicism, but due to the show's high energy and wit, the fun and excitement never let up for a second. The extremely talented live orchestra are also more than worthy of note, their belting performances setting pulses racing and transporting the audience to the seedy world of jazz clubs. It was so refreshing to witness the orchestra on stage throughout the whole show, adding that extra feeling that we were looking into a jazz club. Chicago The Musical razzles and dazzles from the opening note to the final curtain, and will be running at Llandudno's Venue Cymru until May 3.
Leader Live
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Janette Manrara dazzles as Roxie Hart in Chicago
On Tuesday, Chicago The Musical had it's opening night for its run at the Llandudno theatre. Headlining as Roxie Hart was Strictly star Janette Manrara. Her skills as a dancer were brought to the fore, elevating the routines and physical comedy the role demands - but can she sing? The answer, simply, is yes. (Image: Chicago The Musical/Venue Cymru) Manrara's vocals were on point, particularly in the dualling duets with Velma Kelly in an equally stunning performance from Djalenga Scott. When experiencing Chicago, you are suddenly struck with how many of the iconic musical numbers are ingrained in your memory. Show opener All that Jazz, Razzle Dazzle, Roxie, and my personal favourite Cell Block Tango (He Had it Coming) are delivered perfectly, carrying the sordid tale of crime and stardom along the most entertaining way. Members of the audience couldn't help but sing along to the well known hits such as All that Jazz, Cell Block Tango, We Both Reached for the Gun, and Razzle Dazzle. Set in the 1920s, we see Roxie Hart end up in Cook County Jail after murdering her lover on-the-side in a fit of rage, after he threatened to walk out on her. In attempts to avoid conviction, Roxie teams up with the slickest criminal lawyer in Chicago who turns her crime into fame, much to the horror of her cellmate and rival Velma. Scott and Manrara are excellent as Velma and Roxie, serving sass and emotion with breath-taking physicality and top-notch vocals. Alongside the jailbirds, the talented ensemble deliver an incredible display of Bob Fosse's iconic work. There was real love from the audience for Joshua Lloyd's portrayal of Amos Hart, and Jordan Lee Davies as Mary Sunshine, Dan Burton as Billy Flynn, and Victoria Anderson as Mama Morton, were equally excellent and note perfect. Fosse's choreography shines throughout, reaching perfection with Cell Block Tango, I Can't Do it Alone, and We Both Reached for the Gun. The stark black set and stark spotlights are used expertly to conjure the environments of the county jail, jazz clubs, and the courthouse. The show's themes are dark and serious, with a whole heap of cynicism, but due to the show's high energy and wit, the fun and excitement never let up for a second. The extremely talented live orchestra are also more than worthy of note, their belting performances setting pulses racing and transporting the audience to the seedy world of jazz clubs. It was so refreshing to witness the orchestra on stage throughout the whole show, adding that extra feeling that we were looking into a jazz club. Chicago The Musical razzles and dazzles from the opening note to the final curtain, and will be running at Llandudno's Venue Cymru until May 3.
