Latest news with #LoveLetters'
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeff Bezos, Kevin Spacey Spotted at amfAR Cannes Gala as James Franco and Adrien Brody Auction Their Art for Over $300,000
After winning his second best actor Oscar, Adrien Brody took on a new role at the amfAR Cannes Gala on Thursday night — that of an artist. Brody, who has previously called painting his 'first love,' took the stage at the star-studded auction to present a mixed media piece he created of Marilyn Monroe — and demanded the chatty crowd's attention. Sporting a sparkly black suit, the actor shushed the crowd as he got on stage in a moment reminiscent of his now infamous five-minute Oscars speech. 'Please, for a moment, I know it's a big room,' he said. More from Variety 'Love Letters' Review: A French Lesbian Couple Navigates Pregnancy in Alice Douard's Beautifully Realized Directorial Debut Norwegian Director Joachim Trier Talks 'Sentimental Value': 'People That Deny Emotions Make Terrible Choices' 'Aisha Can't Fly Away' Review: Buliana Simon Stuns in Morad Mostafa's Intriguing if Uneven Immigrant Tale He then explained his inspiration behind the piece, saying that it represents 'what Marilyn's life did not afford her': 'To live a life fully and to cherish all the moments and the imperfections in life.' Brody continued, 'Women are so often objectified in the media and on social media. They have to look beautiful and they are beautiful, but what is within them is what's most important in this world. And I want to honor that.' After the piece sold for a whopping $425,000, Brody made a beeline for Leonardo DiCaprio's table to give him a bro hug. DiCaprio, shielding himself in a ball cap at the otherwise black-tie gala, was cuddled up to his girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti for most of the night. Brody and DiCaprio were just two of the stars at the glitzy event, which takes place during the Cannes Film Festival at the glamorous Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, attracting some of the biggest names in entertainment and business. Among the guests were Jeff Bezos and his soon-to-be-wife Lauren Sánchez, Mariska Hargitay and her husband Peter Hermann, Heidi Klum, Colman Domingo, Helen Mirren, Michelle Rodriguez and more. (This Variety reporter was between 'Yellowstone' actor Ian Bohen and Jeffrey Wright's son Elijah, who stars alongside his father and Denzel Washington in Lee's Cannes-premiering 'Highest 2 Lowest.') Kevin Spacey, who has been attempting a comeback at Cannes (a movie he's starring in was previewed to buyers at the film market and her received a lifetime achievement award from the Better World Fund), was seated toward the back of the room, away from the A-list stars. Spacey, who hosted the gala in 2016 before his career was derailed by sexual assault allegations, mostly kept to his entourage during the night, but was greeted by Adam Lambert, who later performed a medley of Queen songs. James Franco was also in attendance, having donated a painting to the auction that he'd worked on across several decades. Franco, who has struggled to fully reenter Hollywood after facing his own sexual misconduct allegations, was closer to the front and welcomed on stage by auctioneer Simon du Pury — who called him an 'outstanding human being' — to introduce his painting (which sold for $368,000). Along with Lambert, the five-hour dinner featured a performance from Ciara — who brought the energy with some of her biggest hits, including '1, 2 Step' and 'Level Up' — and was hosted by Taraji P. Henson, who took a serious tone to discuss the event's mission: finding a cure for AIDS. 'We all have a part to play in bringing this global epidemic to an end. Together, tonight, let's help amfAR find a cure for AIDS and get the job done,' Henson said, adding: 'We're here to support research that will save lives for generations to come.' Other items up for auction included a stay for 16 people at the mega mansion featured in the 'Knives Out' film 'Glass Onion,' which was presented by Robin Thicke. The singer said several times that the house has 11 pools and even started calling out members of the audience to try and drive the price up. 'Adrien Brody wants it, I know!' Thicke said. 'He only has two pools.' It eventually sold for $368,000. A James Bond-inspired fashion show, opened by Cara Delevinge, delighted the audience with outfits from every era of the franchise — including a surprise appearance from 'Tomorrow Never Dies' Bond girl Teri Hatcher, who looked fabulous in a black dress and diamonds. After the show, it was revealed that the entire collection was part of the auction — and Bezos and his soon-to-be-wife Lauren Sánchez, who were flanked by two bodyguards, snatched it up for $510,000. One of the final lots up for grabs was a walk-on role in Lee's next film, which Henson joked she would also be starring in, as well as courtside seats to a Knicks game with the filmmaker. 'Who's going to star in the next Spike Lee joint with me? Leo? Colman Domingo?' she said, getting big laughs before it went to the highest bidder at $454,000. Duran Duran then closed out the night with a performance of their biggest hits, including 'Notorious' and 'Girls on Film,' prompting the crowd — including Spacey — to get up and dance before heading to the afterparty. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Chicago Tribune
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
From the Farm: A.R. Gurney's ‘Love Letters' play has a long and delicious history
I have the honor (and fun) as part of the two-person cast to take part in a two-performance Valentine's Day weekend run of playwright A.R. Gurney's play 'Love Letters.' I'm starring opposite stage artist Cara Schmitt, and proceeds from the performances benefit the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra and the Women's Association Northwest Indiana Symphony Society's Edith Root Scholarship. Hosted at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster, in addition to the 7:30 p.m. Valentine's Day Feb. 14 performance, the second opportunity for the curtain to rise is a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Feb. 16, following the Sunday Champagne Brunch. Show tickets are $35 and available by calling 219-836-3255 or visit After A.R. Gurney penned 'Love Letters,' he opted to cast himself to read the male character lead of Andrew Makepeace Ladd III opposite Holland Taylor as Melissa for a test-out performance at The New York Public Library before sending the play on stage in 1988 in New Haven, Connecticut with Joanna Gleason cast with John Rubinstein. The play opened off-Broadway in March 1989, with Rubinstein returning to the role opposite Kathleen Turner. The 90-minute play reading details the relationship of childhood friends as Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner grow through their lifelong correspondence, starting with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters through their college years and beyond, with life taking them in different directions. Eventually, the two reconnect, but only after each has followed very different paths in life. Gurney died at age 86 in 2014, and the rights, permission and licensing for 'Love Letters' is controlled by Dramatists Play Service of New York City. The last time I performed 'Love Letters' was in February 2022 opposite Jeannie Rapstad, directed by William Pullinsi in the ballroom of The Center for Visual and Performing Arts. Previously, I've been paired in performances of this play with my former editor Crista Zivanovic, Pillsbury Bake-Off Finalist Mary Beth Schultz and romance and mystery novelist Kate Collins. The first time I ever saw a performance of 'Love Letters' was in the auditorium of Munster High School starring Hollywood Hoosier claim-to-fame Betsy Palmer. Palmer, who died at age 88 in May 2015, returned to Northwest Indiana in April 2005 to do a charity performance of 'Love Letters.' In 1991, Betsy was cast in a national tour of 'Love Letters' opposite actor Robert Reed, known to most for his role as the father on 'The Brady Bunch.' The tour was completed just six months before his death at age 59 in May 1992. Of course, Palmer's early career success came from her trademark smile and pert personality in the spotlight from 1958 to 1967 as a witty panelist on the CBS game show 'I've Got a Secret,' sharing panel space alongside Jayne Meadows and Steve Allen before the couple married. Besides Palmer, I interviewed Hollywood husband and wife Jayne and Steve a few times before their passing, Jayne at age 95 in 2015 and Allen at age 78 in 2000. Just before his death, he joined wife Jayne 'on the road' starring in a touring production of 'Love Letters.' Many noted celebrity husband and wife pairings have also toured as popular name draws for 'Love Letters,' including Robert Wagner and Jill St. John, Charlton Heston and wife Lydia Clarke, and Shirley Jones and hubby Marty Ingels. A number of Jayne Meadows' recipes have appeared in my published cookbooks. She was a gal who loved to cook and entertain. Her recipe file card for her specialty she called Chicken Marengo Royal Oaks includes that added narrative: 'This recipe is perfect to serve at brunch or luncheon with eggs, salad and hot rolls. I love to host informal buffet dinners for 20 to 30 guests, as well as patio barbecues in the summer.' Columnist Philip Potempa has published four cookbooks and is the director of marketing at Theatre at the Center. He can be reached at pmpotempa@ or mail your questions: From the Farm, PO Box 68, San Pierre, Ind. 46374. Chicken Marengo Royal Oaks Serves 6 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 roasting chicken (3 pounds) disjointed 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 cup butter or margarine 1 cup dry white wine 2 cups freshly peeled and quartered tomatoes 1 clove garlic (finely chopped) 1 cup sliced mushrooms 1/2 cup chopped parsley Directions: 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Take commercially seasoned breadcrumbs, pour into paper bag and shake chicken until well-coated while reserving remaining breadcrumbs. 3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter, add the chicken and brown on all sides. 4. Remove chicken to a buttered casserole. 5. Add reserved crumbs to the oil remaining in the skillet and stir in the wine. 6. When the sauce is thickened and smooth, pour over the chicken, adding the garlic, tomatoes and mushrooms. 7. Cover the casserole and bake until chicken is tender, about 45 minutes.
CairoScene
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Valentine's Day Releases
From Saint Levant's 'Love Letters' to Nour's 'Garali Eh', we listen and we don't judge. Feb 14, 2025 It's Valentine's day and we're here to present an extra special edition of our 'Shuffle' playlist, bringing some new releases from across the MENA region, hot off the press and served straight to you. From Saint Levant's 'Love Letters' to Nour's 'Garali Eh', this list caters to the lovers, the heartbroken and everyone in between. (We listen and we don't judge!) Nour - 'Garali Eh' Ahmed El Haggar - 'Ma'darsh' Saint Levant - DIVA Narcy - 'Palm Trees' Michael Hakim - 'A7keeli' Perrie - 'Skoot ft. Mahmoud Siam' MSH3AL - 'Tabla' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Msh3al مشعل 🌵 (@msh3vl_)
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Springfield Community Theater celebrates grand opening
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A newly organized non-profit kicked off Valentine's Day weekend celebrating their grand opening. Springfield Community Theater is now open to the public at 52 Summer Ave. in Springfield. Mayor Domenic Sarno and former 22News anchor Brenda Garton-Sjoberg cut the ribbon for the non-profit's first show. They both performed by acclaimed author A.R. Gurney's famous 'Love Letters' play, which explores the powerful connection of love through the exchange of letters between two friends over the course of 50 years. 22News spoke with organizers about the importance of bringing theater performances like this one to the city. 'We saw the need to bring the arts back in to have a nice community theater that everyone can access,' said Executive Director Angela Park. 'And we wanted to make it affordable for everyone to enjoy the arts and give our community something fun to do.' Artistic Director Vana Nespor adds, 'The talent in Springfield and in the area, the whole region, it's blooming with this talent that doesn't get a chance to be on the stage.' All the proceeds will benefit the Springfield Community Theater. Performances continue Friday night with local celebrities, Kathy Tobin and Steve Hays. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
