Latest news with #MerrilyWeRollAlong
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Étoile' Star Gideon Glick Launches LGBTQ+ Not-for-Profit Theater Initiative Blue Roses Project With Jonathan Groff Joining Board of Directors (EXCLUSIVE)
'Étoile' star Gideon Glick and producer-director James Will McBride are launching the Blue Roses Project, a not-for-profit theater initiative featuring Tony award-winning Jonathan Groff ('Merrily We Roll Along') on the board of directors, Variety can exclusively reveal. The Blue Roses Project aims to connect local New Orleans artists with theater professionals across the U.S., providing a rare opportunity for queer playwrights to create authentic, contemporary plays. More from Variety 'Just in Time' Review: Jonathan Groff Plays Bobby Darin in a Lackluster Bio-Jukebox on Broadway Nicole Scherzinger and Jonathan Groff Bond Over NSFW Banter, Performing Sick on Broadway and 'Patti F--ing LuPone' Karan Soni and Jonathan Groff Rom-Com 'A Nice Indian Boy' Gets Theatrical Release by Blue Harbor (EXCLUSIVE) 'Blue Roses Project is vital because it provides a safe, affirming space for LGBTQ+ voices to create, explore, and share stories at a time when queer narratives are increasingly under threat,' Blue Roses Project founder Glick said in a statement. 'By uplifting underrepresented voices, Blue Roses Project fosters empathy, builds community, and ensures that queer stories remain visible and celebrated.' In addition to Groff's involvement, the board of directors includes Tony award-winning actress Celia Keenan-Bolger, 'Dear White People' co-showrunner and writer Jaclyn Moore, 'A Strange Loop' producer Dale A. Mott, Apollo Theater director Kelley Nicole Girod, Broadway publicist Shane Marshall Brown and Not-For-Profit CEO and consultant David Emond. In a statement, Groff said: 'I'm honored to be a part of a project so dedicated to fulfilling a crucial need in our theatre community. Blue Roses Project provides resources so playwrights' imaginations can flourish in a place with a rich cultural legacy.' The initiative comes at a time of critical need with post-COVID budget crises and hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills being introduced across the country. Over the next year, the Blue Roses Project aims to host a 29-hour workshop, create relationships with local and nationally-renowned actors and collaborate with LGBTQ+ organizations in New Orleans. 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
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jonathan Groff would be the first person to win Best Actor in a Musical consecutively
Just in Time star Jonathan Groff in currently in second place in Gold Derby's Tony Awards predictions for Best Actor in a Musical, only behind fellow Glee alum Darren Criss for Maybe Happy Ending. The former triumphed for Merrily We Roll Along just last year, so if he prevails again, he'd be the first individual in history to win this category consecutively. Prior to Groff, five men were Tony nominated for Best Actor in a Musical two years in a row, but didn't emerge victorious: More from GoldDerby 'One of the best creative teams in the business': NBC orders Tracy Morgan, Daniel Radcliffe comedy from '30 Rock' producers 'The Office' spinoff 'The Paper' first look and premiere month revealed during NBC Upfront 'Wicked' live musical event with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande coming to NBC Gregory Hines in 1980 for Comin' Uptown and 1981 for Sophisticated Ladies George Hearn in 1983 for A Doll's Life and 1984 for La Cage aux Folles (the latter of which resulted in a win) Patrick Wilson in 2001 for The Full Monty and 2002 for Oklahoma! Michael Cerveris in 2006 for Sweeney Todd and 2007 for LoveMusik Brian d'Arcy James in 2023 for Into the Woods and 2024 for Days of Wine and Roses Groff may be at a disadvantage due to the fact that Just in Time missed out on a Best Musical nom. To this day, the last time someone managed to win this category despite their show not having a corresponding bid for Best Musical nor Best Revival was Barry Bostwick for The Robber Bridegroom way back in 1977. Although given how well Just in Time did by scoring six nominations overall (including Gracie Lawrence surprisingly showing up in Best Featured Actress in a Musical), it might've been close. One important factor that may give Groff a serious leg up over his competition is that he's playing real-life musician Bobby Darin. We've seen in the past how much those kind of roles have been catnip for Tony voters. In 2006, John Lloyd Young won for his portrayal of Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys. In 2010, Levi Kreis won for his portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet. In 2014, Jessie Mueller won for her portrayal of Carole King in Beautiful. In 2019, Stephanie J. Block won for her portrayal of Cher in The Cher Show. In 2021, Adrienne Warren won for her portrayal of Tina Turner in Tina. In 2022, Myles Frost won for his portrayal of Michael Jackson in MJ. In 2024, Maleah Joi Moon won for playing a fictionalized version of Alicia Keys in Hell's Kitchen. The rest of this year's Best Actor in a Musical lineup includes Jeremy Jordan in Floyd Collins (third place), Tom Francis in Sunset Boulevard (fourth place), Andrew Durand in Dead Outlaw (fifth place), and James Monroe Iglehart in A Wonderful World (sixth place). SIGN UP for Gold Derby's free newsletter with latest predictions Best of GoldDerby Sadie Sink on her character's 'emotional rage' in 'John Proctor Is the Villain' and her reaction to 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' 'It should be illegal how much fun I'm having': Lea Salonga on playing Mrs. Lovett and more in 'Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends' 'Death Becomes Her' star Jennifer Simard is ready to be a leading lady: 'I don't feel pressure, I feel joy' Click here to read the full article.
Los Angeles Times
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Newport Harbor grad who had Broadway wish granted, continues moving forward
Gabriella Earnhart attacks life with vibrancy. She describes herself well in a single sentence: 'I'm constantly creating something in whatever capacity I can.' Her home in Costa Mesa is close to her alma mater, Newport Harbor High School, where Earnhart works as a brand and community coordinator for the performing arts program she participated in before graduating in 2023. Earnhart faces a threat that's not always outwardly apparent, Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue all over her body. The 6-foot-1 Earnhart has an enlarged aorta, and the syndrome leaves her at increased risk for emergencies such as her lungs collapsing or retinas detaching. She sometimes needs to use a wheelchair to get around. 'I'd say that probably the most pervasive aspect of the illness is just chronic pain and chronic fatigue,' said Earnhart, 20, who had spinal surgery in 2018 for scoliosis that is often associated with Marfan syndrome patients. 'Something always hurts all the time.' Still, Earnhart tends to look on the positive side of life. She has met some of her best friends through nonprofit the Marfan Foundation. Her family moved from Chicago to Orange County when her father, David, got a new job while Gabriella was in high school. Settling into her new surroundings, Earnhart started seeing David Liang, a Hoag Hospital doctor who specializes in treating Marfan syndrome. Liang recommended her for Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire. Her wish itself wasn't very specific. 'I wanted something where I could travel to a cool place, and I wanted something that is theater related,' Earnhart said. 'Something that I can dress up and enjoy the fun things.' The theater kid's wish was granted by Make-A-Wish in June 2024. Earnhart and her mother, Heather, were treated to a trip to Broadway. The reveal was special to her, as it happened in front of the bell tower on campus as she was preparing to direct junior actors in a production of 'Alice In Wonderland.' Her mom, coworkers, high school students and theater camp kids were all present. 'That was the first time in my life that I've ever actually been surprised by something,' she said. 'I was not expecting it all. It was a beautiful moment. Sometimes the kids will run into me at the grocery store and they're like, 'Miss Gabriella! I remember when we had cupcakes for your wish!' It's fun to have those memories in that place.' She saw two musicals on the New York trip, 'Merrily We Roll Along' and 'The Great Gatsby.' Earnhart also got to attend a theater awards show, plus the after-party. 'We just had the best time going to the Met, trying new restaurants [and] shopping for jewelry for the awards show at midnight in Times Square,' she said. She remains involved with Make-A-Wish. Earnhart spoke at the foundation's 'It's In The Bag' fashion show and luncheon, held April 27 at the Waterfront Resort in Huntington Beach. 'It really is inspiring to see how our wish kids take so many challenges and turn them into positives, and to see how the wishes that we grant really have an impact on the trajectory of where their future takes them,' said Anne Grey, Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire's president and chief executive. 'It gives them the feeling that anything is possible. It's so wonderful, and Gabby really embodies that, which I think is amazing.' Though Make-A-Wish is often associated with children with terminal illnesses, Grey said about 70% of the organization's kids live on to adulthood. 'What can be so deceiving is that they can look healthy on the outside by all appearances, but the highs and lows of dealing with a critical illness throughout your life do have those valleys where it's really a struggle,' she said. 'Having the ability to look forward to a wish or look back on your wish, how that was a great time, getting through the hard times and staying strong is something that a wish makes possible.' Earnhart, who has taken two gap years since graduating from high school, has focused on working both at Newport Harbor and the Sunflower Design Co., a hand-lettering and painting business. She is now taking the next step, leaving Newport Harbor and enrolling at Pepperdine University, where she'll start studying musical theater and marketing in the fall. She knows that her Marfan syndrome will likely affect her life in the performing space, but she's still making that choice to pursue the arts. Experiencing her Broadway wish come true no doubt gave her inspiration. 'It was just really lovely to be able to combine the arts and this wish,' Earnhart said. 'It felt like a very culminating moment for me.'
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Maria Friedman Recalls Donny Osmond's 'Hilarious Stories' About Osmonds Band While Making 'Joseph' Musical Film (Exclusive)
Maria Friedman reminisced to PEOPLE about working with Donny Osmond on during the opening night of "We have seen each other over the years, absolutely," said the theater vet, calling Osmond "a gorgeous guy" Osmond later appeared in a live production of as Pharaoh last year, after first playing the title role on stage and, later, in a 1999 movie adaptation Maria Friedman has fond memories of working with the "gorgeous" Donny Osmond on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The actress, singer and director was in attendance during the opening night of Broadway's Real Women Have Curves in New York City on Sunday, April 27, where she opened up to PEOPLE about her time making 1999's Joseph with Osmond, 67. "I remember Donny Osmond always telling hilarious stories about when he was in The Osmonds," says Friedman, 65, referring to her former costar's famous family band that also consisted of his brothers Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay Osmond. The Merrily We Roll Along director also reflected on what she learned in making the movie adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's beloved stage musical, in which she played the Narrator alongside Osmond's titular Joseph. "I just remember the ensemble thing, and also how I got to learn about cameras," she tells PEOPLE. "Because it was filmed ... we recorded it but we had a very short rehearsal period, so I had to really understand technique of getting into the camera and making sure I was in frame." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories. Related: Donny and Marie Osmond's Siblings: All About Their Brothers According to Friedman, "Because you didn't get a second ... [with] 20 people, you've got to find the frame. So it taught me a lot." First presented as a stage production in 1972 with Bill Hutton in the title role, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is based on Joseph from the Bible's Book of Genesis and was Webber, 77, and book/lyrics writer Tim Rice's first musical to be performed publicly. And more than 25 years after the movie version's release, Friedman tells PEOPLE that she and Osmond "have exchanged texts and emails," but don't often connect in person these days. "We have seen each other over the years, absolutely," she adds. "I haven't worked with him or seen him [lately], but he's a gorgeous guy." The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Related: Donny Osmond Doesn't Think He Could Do Another Osmond Family Christmas Show: 'It Was a Different Time' (Exclusive) Meanwhile, Joseph runs deep in Osmond's veins. After first playing the title role on stage in the early to mid '90s and, later, in the 1999 film, he returned to the production last year in the villainous role of Pharaoh at the Edinburgh Playhouse in Scotland. Osmond spoke with PEOPLE late last year amid his Joseph run in Scotland, which began with performances on Dec. 3 and concluded on Dec. 29. He admitted that it can feel "pretty bizarre ... to hear someone else doing the material you did for six years, 2,000 performances and more." (He even started singing a Joseph line by accident one night!) But he's "good" with his evolution now. "Opening night it was like, 'What is this going to be like?' " Osmond told PEOPLE at the time. "And as soon as they set me down on the chair on stage and the lights came up, the applause and ovation ... it was absolutely amazing. And then when Joseph comes out and ['Poor Poor Joseph'] began, I looked at the audience and I said, 'Déjà vu!' " Read the original article on People
CBS News
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
The life of teen idol Bobby Darin
Bobby Darin was a major pop star … a singer, dancer, musician, and an Oscar nominee. He was the entertainer who did it all, except Broadway. Until now! Tony Award-winner Jonathan Groff ("Merrily We Roll Along") plays the icon of the late 1950s and '60s in the musical "Just in Time." "He was at the height of his powers, when he was on the floor of a nightclub with the audience in the palm of his hand," said Groff. For Darin, a live audience was oxygen. So, too, for Groff: "You can feel this vibration between performer and audience member. [It's], to me, the most essential thing to ignite in the telling of his story." Jonathan Groff as Bobby Darin in the Broadway musical "Just in Time." CBS News It's taken seven years and a whole lot of sweat to bring the show to Broadway. The casting of Groff – beloved for his roles on stage, and as Kristoff in the "Frozen" movies – might not seem obvious. Groff grew up on a horse farm in Pennsylvania Mennonite country; Darin was a scrappy Italian kid from the Bronx. I asked Groff to whom he liked listening when he was growing up. "I am in fourth or fifth grade, on the computer or Nintendo in the basement, blasting Ethel Merman, 'Annie Get Your Gun,'" he laughed. "So, this is the 1990s, probably? And you're playing something from the 1940s?" "Exactly!" Likewise, Bobby Darin was an old soul, says his son, Dodd Darin. "He admired, he loved, he respected the old timers. He loved that era of show business. That's what he related to." Singer Bobby Darin performs on "The Ed Sullivan Show," January 3, 1960. CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images That may have had something to do with the woman who raised him: "Polly, his mother, was an old vaudevillian," said Dodd. "And she nurtured him and said, 'You can't play stickball in the street. And you can't roughhouse with kids' ('cause he was frail and sickly). 'But you can learn to sing. You can learn to dance. You can learn to play piano.' And it opened a whole world." "Frail and sickly" was no exaggeration. Born Walden Robert Cassotto, Darin suffered several bouts of rheumatic fever as a child, permanently damaging his heart. When he was a boy, he overheard a family doctor say that he wouldn't live beyond his teenage years. "Put yourself in that position," said Dodd. "So, he was ambitious. He was driven. He was always on the go. He was trying to jam it all in, 'cause he knew he didn't have time." With no time to waste, he began writing songs, and at 22, Bobby Darin made waves with a recording of "Splish Splash." Bobby Darin performs "Splish Splash" (1958): Not one to play it safe, for his second album, in 1959, Darin took a dark ballad from the German "Threepenny Opera" and made it swing. "When my dad took 'Mack the Knife' before it was released and had Dick Clark listen to it, he said, 'Why are you doing this? This is gonna bomb!'" Dodd said. It won the Grammy for record of the year, and became the biggest hit of Darin's career. The next year, he was on his way to Italy to make his motion picture debut opposite America's sweetheart, Sandra Dee. "We hit it right off," Darin said. "She hated me and I loved her, and that was it." The teen idol married the teen movie star in December of 1960, and welcomed their son, Dodd, a year later. Dodd would later write, "My father made his destiny. Destiny made my mother." What did he mean by that? "Well, my mom went through a lot," he said. "Never really wanted fame. She really didn't crave it. It just sort of happened. Unlike my dad, who loved performing, loved show business." Dee was looking for a home life, said Dodd, but Bobby Darin wasn't ready to slow down. The marriage ended after six years. Darin never stopped playing the clubs. Sammy Davis Jr. once said that Bobby Darin was the one person he wouldn't want to have to follow. "Absolutely true," said Dodd. "My dad idolized Sammy." The feeling was mutual, as seen in a 1959 broadcast of "This Is Your Life": Also featured during the episode was Nina, the woman Darin thought was his sister. But almost a decade later he would learn a long-held family secret: Nina was in fact Bobby's mother, having given birth to him out of wedlock as a teenager. Which made Polly, the woman he thought was his mother, his grandmother. "He was never the same," said Dodd. "He said that his whole life was a lie; he was, like, a fraud. It's just devastating. There's no sugarcoating it." Bobby Darin and Nina Cassotto on "This Is Your Life" in 1959. Years later, Darin would learn that Nina was not his sister, but actually his mother. NBC Looking at that tape today, says Dodd, it all seems obvious. "That's a mother's love," he said. "That's not a sister, okay? That's the adulation of, 'This is my son,' but you can't say it." Dodd, who was seven years old when his father found out, remembers a change in your father from that time: "I'm not gonna say it's directly attributed to that incident; I'm sure that's part of it. But he got into the Bob Darin stage, you know? He took off his toupee. No more tuxedo. Started doing folk music, protest music, writing music, and dropped out of show business for a while. "And that was some of the best times I had with him. He was a regular dude. We were up in Big Sur in a trailer, hanging out. And yeah, he let his hair down, if you will. It was good times." Bobby Darin performs "Simple Song of Freedom" (1970): In December of 1973, Bobby Darin's heart finally gave out. He was 37. Dodd had just turned 12. Now 63, Dodd Darin is grateful that, with the new Broadway show, a new generation can learn the story of his father. "It's so beautiful that all these years later – he's been gone over 50 years – we're here talking about him. We're remembering him," said Dodd. "He did something right." You can stream the album "The Ultimate Bobby Darin" by clicking on the embed below (Free Spotify registration required to hear the tracks in full): For more info: Story produced by Kay Lim. Editor: Lauren Barnello. Watch Jonathan Groff perform "Dream Lover" for the cast album recording of "Just in Time":
