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Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Secret meaning behind Cynthia Erivo's Tony Awards dress leaves viewers emotional... did YOU catch it?
Cynthia Erivo opened the 2025 Tony Awards with a dazzling performance... but it was her choice of ensemble that has truly caught everyone's attention. The actress and singer, 38, displayed her amazing vocals as she kicked off the show by singing an original song called Sometimes All You Need Is a Son. It contained clever tributes to many of the nominated Broadway shows sprinkled throughout the lyrics and a slew of backup singers who added a gospel touch. Cynthia - who is hosting the star-studded event - opted for a sparkly, floor-length red dress for the performance, which contained a white belt and collar. Fans were quick to notice a small detail about the stunning gown that left them emotional. Many theorized the ensemble had a hidden meaning behind it and that gave a nod to an iconic Broadway show. Viewers rushed to X, formerly Twitter, to point out that the dress looked just like the red gown that the titular character wears in the beloved musical Annie. 'Cynthia Erivo looking like Annie I think I am gonna like it here,' one user wrote. Viewers rushed to X, formerly Twitter, to point out that the dress Cynthia wore looked just like the red gown that the titular character wears in the beloved musical Annie 'Cynthia in this little orphan Annie fit,' added another. 'Anyone else see it?' asked someone else alongside a side-by-side of Cynthia on stage and Annie in the 1982 film. 'Thought she was dressed kind of like Santa for a hot minute before I realized it is more likely a nod to Annie,' read a fourth tweet. A different person joked that the dress was 'giving sexy orphan Annie.' Cynthia drew a mixed reaction from the performance, with some fans calling it electrifying and others branding it cringeworthy. Others slammed Oprah Winfrey for 'crashing' Cynthia's moment. The 38-year-old had just begun her walk from backstage to center stage when Oprah suddenly appeared onscreen to offer her support. The iconic TV host even referenced Cynthia's now-viral finger-holding moment with Ariana Grande during last year's Wicked promo tour. But viewers slammed her involvement as 'unnecessary' and distracting. 'Oprah had to ruin the moment. Of course she had to put herself in the beginning #TonyAwards,' one frustrated fan posted. Another chimed in, 'Oprah was unnecessary #TonyAwards.' And a third wrote bluntly, 'Why does Oprah have to be in everything?' The Tony Awards kicked off at 8pm and is honoring the biggest stars and shows on Broadway. It will feature a slew of dazzling performances from some of the hottest shows of the year - as well as an emotional reunion from the original Hamilton cast in honor of the 10th anniversary. While some stars wowed in glamorous dresses and stunning looks on the red carpet before hand, others completely missed the mark with their ensembles.
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Diva Patti LuPone accused of going 'too far' in feud with acting rivals after brutal swipes
Patti LuPone is facing a wave of criticism from Broadway insiders and fans after skewering multiple high-profile colleagues. LuPone, 76, declared a interview with the New Yorker published Monday published Monday that fellow Broadway legend Audra McDonald is 'not a friend anymore' - and it has been that way for some time. The touchy topic was brought to the surface when LuPone was asked about McDonald performing in Gypsy, a musical she's closely associated with. 'When I asked what she had thought of McDonald's current production of Gypsy,' the publication's Michael Schulman wrote LuPone 'stared at me, in silence, for fifteen seconds. 'Then she turned to the window and sighed, "What a beautiful day."' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the . LuPone also questioned the experience of Kecia Lewis, six months after Tony-award winning actress called her out for remarks she found 'offensive,' also asking for an apology. Lewis called LuPone out for remarks she found 'offensive,' also asking for an apology in an open letter in extended clip she posted to Instagram last fall. LuPone told the magazine in reaction: 'Oh, my God. 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*** she's talking about.' LuPone added, 'She's done seven. I've done thirty-one. Don't call yourself a vet, b****.' (The publication noted that Lewis has done 10 and LuPone 28.) LuPone's latest sentiments were also criticized in a post on the Broadway-based On Stage Blog from founder Chris Peterson titled 'Patti, We Get It. You're a Diva. But This Ain't It.' 'Patti LuPone has long built her brand on being Broadway's no-nonsense, truth-telling, don't-you-dare-use-your-phone--in-the-front-row diva,' Peterson said. 'And listen, there's a place for candor. There's even a place for a little theatrical flair offstage. 'But in 2025, there's also a line. And in her recent New Yorker profile that would make any publicist bang their head on their desk, Patti didn't just cross that line. She gleefully stomped all over it.' Peterson cited LuPone calling Lewis a b**** 'dismissively;' and suggesting 'she doesn't know what she's talking about.' has reached out to reps for McDonald, Lewis and LuPone for further comment. LuPone also questioned the experience of Kecia Lewis, six months after Tony-award winning actress called her out for remarks she found 'offensive,' also asking for an apology LuPone declared a interview with the New Yorker published Monday published Monday that fellow Broadway legend Audra McDonald is 'not a friend anymore.' Pictured in 2011 in NYC Emmy-nominee Douglas Lyons also slammed LuPone for her remarks. saying, 'Dear Patti Lupone, '31 shows doth not equal class. #broadway.' In an extended statement, Lyons said, 'White privilege is the audacity to be quoted in a major publication flippantly discrediting our Black Broadway Queens - while calling them a name you'd dare never to whisper to their face. 'I think Ms. Lupone is a remarkable talent, but 31 Broadway shows obviously doesn't equal class.' Reactions on X were also divided into camps of people blown away by LuPone's candor, and others annoyed by her stream of vitriol. Writer Tom Smyth said 'gonna start saying 'what a beautiful day' when people ask me how a show was.' Another Broadway fan defended LuPone's opinionated takes, calling her 'the world's foremost professional hater,' adding, 'that's why she's also our greatest theatrical talent.' Last fall, Lewis said remarks LuPone made struck her as 'racially microaggressive,' 'rooted in privilege' and 'bullying,' adding that LuPone should take a different tack to 'promote a culture of respect, empathy and inclusion.' Lewis said that she was only speaking for herself in public calling out LuPone over the perceived slights. 'I am speaking for Keisha Lewis only,' said Lewis, who won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for Hell's Kitchen earlier this year. 'Not from the cast or crew or producers of Hell's Kitchen. LuPone contacted officials with the Shubert theatre on Broadway (where the show is performed), Lewis said, as she is currently performing in The Roommate at the Booth Theatre, a neighboring venue. Lewis said Lupone complained to Shubert officials to tweak various sound cues in Hell's Kitchen she found 'to be too loud.' LuPone 'sent flowers to our sound and stage management team thanking them' after the adjustments were made to her liking, according to Lewis. Lewis also cited a clip of LuPone refusing to sign a Playbill for Hell's Kitchen, saying, 'They're too loud.' Lewis said: 'I wanted to address this because, Ms. LuPone, these actions, in my opinion, are bullying - they're offensive, they're racially microaggressive, they're rude, they're rooted in privilege and these actions also lack a sense of community and leadership for someone as yourself who has been in the business as long as you have.' Lewis said she defines microaggressions as 'subtle, unintentional comments or actions that convey stereotypes, biases or negative assumptions about someone based on their race. Lewis said that while microaggressions 'can seem harmless or minor,' they 'can accumulate and cause significant stress or discomfort for the recipient - examples include calling a Black show loud in a way that dismisses it.' Lewis said that the specific words LuPone used in her summation of the musical spoke volumes: 'In our industry, language holds power and shapes perception, often in ways that we may not immediately realize. 'Referring to a predominantly Black Broadway show as loud can unintentionally reinforce harmful stereotypes, and it also feels dismissive of the artistry and the voices that are being celebrated on stage. Lewis said that comments like LuPone's 'can be seen as racial microaggressions, which have a real impact on both artists and audiences. 'While gestures like sending thank you flowers may appear courteous, it was dismissive and out of touch, especially following a formal complaint that you made that resulted in the changes that impacted our entire production, primarily the people who have to go out on stage and perform.' Lewis said LuPone should have approached the Hell's Kitchen production with more of a collaborative approach, as 'direct communication' would demonstrate 'respect for the work being done, and awareness of how actions resonate across diverse teams.' Lewis said that in the absence of a collaborative approach, LuPone's conduct amid the situation could be viewed as bullying. 'Bullying in a professional setting can include exerting influence to disrupt using one's status or connections to cause unnecessary changes to someone else's work environment, such as requesting sound adjustments,' Lewis said. She added: 'Performative gestures are also bullying, and what I mean by that is by sending thank you flowers after impacting the production can be perceived as disingenuous, particularly if it sidesteps meaningful dialog or resolution.' Lewis said that she, LuPone and others in the Broadway community 'are not just neighbors' but rather 'a community that shares in each other's artistry and challenges. 'Respect and collaboration are what keep us thriving and inspire the next generation.' Lewis wrapped up in saying, 'Ms. LuPone I respectfully submit to you that you owe us an apology, not flowers.'
CBS News
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Pittsburgh CLO unveils the students, high schools nominated for 2025 Gene Kelly Awards
The Pittsburgh CLO has announced the nominees for the 34th annual Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater. The Gene Kelly Awards were launched in 1991 and continue today as a way to honor the high school drama programs and students for their productions, performances and art design. "The Gene Kelly Awards are a life-changing experience for students," said Jim Scriven, Director of Education at Pittsburgh CLO. "They offer the opportunity to perform on a professional stage, celebrate peers and connect to a national network of emerging artists. It's about more than awards - it's about access and inspiration." The nominations for Best Musical were announced Wednesday morning right here on KDKA-TV. The Pittsburgh CLO visited Pittsburgh Today Live to reveal the schools up for the big award. In addition to more than 34 awards to hand out on the big night, scholarships are also awarded. The winners for Outstanding Actor and Actress will go on to represent Pittsburgh CLO at the Jimmy Awards on June 23, 2025, on Broadway. The awards show will be held at the Benedum Center on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Good luck to all those nominated! For more information, visit Pittsburgh CLO's Gene Kelly Awards section. Here is the full list of nominees OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN Budget Level I Avonworth High School - SWEENEY TODD: School Edition Carlynton Jr./Sr. High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School - CHILDREN OF EDEN Budget Level II Elizabeth Forward High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition McKeesport Area High School - TITANIC the Musical Westinghouse Arts Academy - THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL Budget Level III Montour High School - Disney's The Little Mermaid North Hills High School - ALICE BY HEART Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 - NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 Budget Level IV Hampton High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Riverview Jr./Sr. High School - SOMETHING ROTTEN! Woodland Hills Senior High School - HAIRSPRAY OUTSTANDING CREW/TECHNICAL EXECUTION Budget Level I Avonworth High School - SWEENEY TODD: School Edition Bishop Canevin High School - XANADU Carlynton Jr./Sr. High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Budget Level II Central & Oakland Catholic High Schools - NEWSIES Elizabeth Forward High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Quaker Valley High School - MY FAIR LADY Budget Level III North Hills High School - ALICE BY HEART Shady Side Academy Senior School - WE WILL ROCK YOU: School Edition West Allegheny High School - FOOTLOOSE Budget Level IV Hampton High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Thomas Jefferson High School - SHREK THE MUSICAL Woodland Hills Senior High School - HAIRSPRAY OUTSTANDING DANCE ENSEMBLE Budget Level I Avonworth High School - SWEENEY TODD: School Edition Carlynton Jr./Sr. High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School - CHILDREN OF EDEN Budget Level II Central & Oakland Catholic High Schools - NEWSIES Elizabeth Forward High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Westinghouse Arts Academy - THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL Budget Level III North Hills High School - ALICE BY HEART Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 - NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 West Allegheny High School - FOOTLOOSE Budget Level IV Hampton High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Pine-Richland High School - 42nd STREET Woodland Hills Senior High School - HAIRSPRAY OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN Budget Level I Carlynton Jr./Sr. High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School - CHILDREN OF EDEN Pittsburgh Allderdice High School - 9 TO 5 The Musical Budget Level II Chartiers Valley High School - SOMETHING ROTTEN! Elizabeth Forward High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Westinghouse Arts Academy - THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL Budget Level III North Hills High School - ALICE BY HEART Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 - NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 West Allegheny High School - FOOTLOOSE Budget Level IV Hampton High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Riverview Jr./Sr. High School - SOMETHING ROTTEN! Woodland Hills Senior High School - HAIRSPRAY OUTSTANDING SCENIC DESIGN Budget Level I Avonworth High School - SWEENEY TODD: School Edition Carlynton Jr./Sr. High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School - CHILDREN OF EDEN Budget Level II Central & Oakland Catholic High Schools - NEWSIES Elizabeth Forward High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Westinghouse Arts Academy - THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL Budget Level III Montour High School - DISNEY's THE LITTLE MERMAID North Hills High School - ALICE BY HEART Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 - NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 Budget Level IV Hampton High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Riverview Jr./Sr. High School - SOMETHING ROTTEN! Woodland Hills Senior High School - HAIRSPRAY OUTSTANDING VOCAL ENSEMBLE Budget Level I Avonworth High School - SWEENEY TODD: School Edition Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School - CHILDREN OF EDEN Pittsburgh Allderdice High School - 9 TO 5 The Musical Budget Level II Elizabeth Forward High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition McKeesport Area High School - TITANIC the Musical Westinghouse Arts Academy - THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL Budget Level III North Hills High School - ALICE BY HEART Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 - NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 West Allegheny High School - FOOTLOOSE Budget Level IV Hampton High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Pine-Richland High School - 42nd STREET Woodland Hills Senior High School - HAIRSPRAY OUTSTANDING STUDENT ORCHESTRA Hampton High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition North Hills High School - ALICE BY HEART Pine-Richland High School - 42nd STREET Pittsburgh Allderdice High School - 9 TO 5 the Musical Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 - NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 Shady Side Academy Senior School - WE WILL ROCK YOU: School Edition OUTSTANDING STUDENT ARTIST Spencer Callaghan Student Director Elizabeth Forward High School Kennedy Edwards Student Stage Manager Gateway High School Ivy Freshwater & MaryKate Tracy Student Stage Managers Montour High School Zach Frolini Student Band Leader/Conductor Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 Grace Schmigel Student Costume Coordinator Avonworth High School Mikayla Webber Student Stage Manager and Scenic Charge Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR Will Benedum Squidward Q. Tentacles THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL Westinghouse Arts Academy Wyatt Bernardini Old Prince Bolkonsky NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 Mycah Harris Fedya Dolokhov NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 Carson McKinney Willard Hewitt FOOTLOOSE West Allegheny High School Daniel Morgan Hades HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Hampton High School Noah Prosky Thomas Nostradamus SOMETHING ROTTEN! Riverview Jr./Sr. High School OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS Ady Burgoyne Tobias Ragg SWEENEY TODD: School Edition Avonworth High School Faith Evans Tabatha/Cheshire Cat ALICE BY HEART North Hills High School Harmony Karwoski Johanna SWEENEY TODD: School Edition Avonworth High School Beatrice Laurenson Beggar Woman SWEENEY TODD: School Edition Avonworth High School Sophia Priore Maggie Jones 42nd STREET Pine-Richland High School Siddaly Sykes Portia SOMETHING ROTTEN! Riverview Jr./Sr. High School OUTSTANDING ACTOR Mateo Carrasco Orpheus HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Carlynton Jr./Sr. High School Amerik Cirota SpongeBob SquarePants THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL Westinghouse Arts Academy Severin Harmon Bobby Child CRAZY FOR YOU Sewickley Academy Paxon Masters Sweeney Todd SWEENEY TODD: School Edition Avonworth High School Eamonn McElfresh Pierre Bezukhov NATASHA, PIERRE, & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 Vaughn Spencer Julian Marsh 42nd STREET Pine-Richland High School OUTSTANDING ACTRESS Hallie Cantola Sandy Cheeks THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL Westinghouse Arts Academy Anna Karmanos Dorothy Brock 42nd STREET Pine-Richland High School Mariana Mangual Ella Rodgers & Hammerstein's CINDERELLA (Broadway Version) Seton LaSalle Catholic High School Lucy Myers Mrs. Lovett SWEENEY TODD: School Edition Avonworth High School Livia Rocco Tracy Turnblad HAIRSPRAY Woodland Hills High School Ava Stropkaj Ariel Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID Montour High School OUTSTANDING MUSICAL Budget Level I Avonworth High School - SWEENEY TODD: School Edition Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School - CHILDREN OF EDEN Budget Level II Elizabeth Forward High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Westinghouse Arts Academy - THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL Budget Level III North Hills High School - ALICE BY HEART Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 - NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 Budget Level IV Hampton High School - HADESTOWN: Teen Edition Woodland Hills Senior High School - HAIRSPRAY
