Latest news with #Pirates!ThePenzanceMusical
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How Actress Samantha Williams Harnesses the Headstrong Heroine In Tony-nominated ‘Pirates! The Penzance Musical'
'I'm just happy that our work is being recognized. [It's] super crazy,' says actress Samantha Williams on a Zoom call, just hours after finding out 'Pirates! The Penzance Musical' has been nominated for the Tony Award for best revival of a musical. Perhaps nearly as thrilling as the Tony nom, Williams is also fresh off a performance for a group of young students, which she says felt like headlining at Madison Square Garden. For Williams, the journey with this New Orleans-set, jazz-inspired adaptation of the comic opera 'The Pirates of Penzance,' has been this exhilarating since Day One. Williams stars as Mabel, the headstrong heroine, alongside David Hyde Pierce (who plays her father), Jinkx Monsoon and Ramin Karimloo in 'Pirates! The Penzance Musical' at the Todd Haimes Theatre through July 27. More from WWD EXCLUSIVE: Kiehl's Is Back in the Locker Room With Life Time Nicole Scherzinger Makes a Fashion Statement in LaQuan Smith and Thigh-high Boots at Broadway's Big Luncheon Honoring Idina Menzel Ana de Armas on 'Ballerina,' Breaking Barriers and Finding Balance in Hollywood 'Pirates! The Penzance Musical' follows a young man, Frederic, accidentally forced into being a pirate until he turns 21. Gearing up for his birthday, he meets and falls in love with Williams' character Mabel. However, a slew of challenges arise, deterring their relationship — and hilarity ensues. While many theater fanatics are familiar with the original Gilbert & Sullivan work, this adaptation has been surprising attendees since its opening night with this new setting and 'silly' approach, according to Williams. It also surprised Williams, who was originally reluctant to audition for the role when she was first approached about a one-night-only concert rendition in October 2022. According to Williams, it was a complete change of pace from the type of work she'd been doing. 'I was like, 'Girl, I don't really think that's my vibe,' because I was doing more serious contemporary theater,' she recalls. 'I was like, 'A lot of young people don't really know it.' I learned about it in theater school, but I passed on the original audition for the concert. Then the team, specifically Joseph Joubert, who rewrote all the music — he was my music director and the orchestrator on 'Caroline, or Change' — wrote to my agents like, 'She has to come in…it's not what she thinks it is. They've changed it all.'' Williams adds: 'The world of Gilbert and Sullivan, I'd never seen a Black girl. I was like, 'I don't really see where I would fit in that world,' and so it was more like the preconceived ideas of what that [world] is and what that looks like, that society has put on all of us, actors and theater makers alike, that I was giving into.' Upon digging into the updated score and production, Williams was hooked and did go on to star in the concert alongside many of her current cast members. The jazzy orchestration and new take on the character of Mabel in particular stood out to her. 'Mabel is very headstrong and in tune with her sexuality in this version. She knows what she wants, and she gets it,' Williams says. 'She's the one sister that's always up to her own thing, whereas the rest of the sisters work as a school of fish… It's been fun to dive into bringing this character back in a way that's not so much damsel in distress and has more ownership over what she wants.' Of the vocals, Williams says: 'It has the jazz, the soprano, a little belt. It is all over the place, so it's been really fun and a great challenge for me.' The show comes with some other challenges, most notably holding in laughter, particularly in scenes with costars Pierce and Karimloo, Williams says. 'We laugh a lot on stage… The audience loves when you break during a comedy. They eat it up,' Williams says, adding this was especially true of the student audience. In terms of who breaks the most with laughter, Williams immediately says: ' It's me, and [the cast] would all say me too.' While Monsoon, Pierce and Karimloo are constantly causing Williams to crack up on stage, she's grateful to be working with such a stacked cast. 'All three [are] so gracious and humble… We're only around each other. We don't really have lives, and so [I] kind of forget who they are until someone [is like] 'how is it working with these icons?'' she says. 'My mom is obsessed with David Hyde Pierce and 'Frasier.' She was fan-girling when she met him at opening. David is just so subtle with everything, which is what makes him so good, and Ramin [has] that voice, and Jinx is just such an icon.' Upon opening, 'Pirates! The Penzance Musical' was already set for a limited engagement, something that Williams is used to as she completed a short run of 'Titanic' at New York City Center last summer alongside Karimloo. 'I love being able to be like, 'OK, we did that. Now, let's jump to the next thing.' There's always something to learn with that,' she says. 'At the same time, it is a little bit scary because you just don't know what the next thing is going to be, and you have to just trust that something will come that's meant to be.' As far as what is next, Williams jokes about writing a 'Cheetah Girls' musical with her friends, adding that she's always been a Galleria, the character played by Raven-Symoné. 'It would be for a very specific audience, though, like our age girlies, [but] we can we make a dent,' she jokes, adding that she's been listening to the song 'Cinderella' from the first movie. As thoughts of a potential 'Cheetah Girls' musical rattle around Williams' brain, she says a bit more seriously that she is a part of several hopefully Broadway-bound new musicals. She's also ready to do something on television. 'What's next?' she asks herself. 'Lots of fun!' Best of WWD Celebrating Lenny Kravitz, Rock Icon, Actor, Author, Designer and Style Star: Photos Cannes Film Festival 1970s: Flashbacks, Celebrities and Fashion Highlights from WWD's 'Eye' Pages [PHOTOS] A Look Back at Cannes Film Festival's Best Dressed Red Carpet Stars: Blake Lively, Angelina Jolie, Princess Diana and More Photos
Scottish Sun
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
90s sitcom legend admits he's ‘not against' returning for show reboot – despite failing to rejoin cast
The original series ran for 11 years between 1993 and 2004 hyde & seek 90s sitcom legend admits he's 'not against' returning for show reboot – despite failing to rejoin cast Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A US icon has thrilled fans and given hope for a future TV reunion with his former castmates. The actor starred in the multiple Emmy-award winning show - but failed to rejoin his fellow stars on a recent reboot. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 The Emmy-award winning show was cancelled after its 2023 reboot Credit: Getty 4 David Hyde Pierce - aka Niles - could be up for rejoining the show Credit: Getty Frasier star David Hyde Pierce - aka Niles - refrained from joining the 2023 revival - but hasn't shot down the chance of another appearance. Speaking about his latest venture in Broadway's Pirates! The Penzance Musical, he shared: "I did not think it would hinge on my participation. "I thought it should move on from what we were doing," he told Variety. "When Frasier happened, he didn't bring the gang from Cheers. It was successful because they made it something different. Read more on TV MOVING ON Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford cutting final ties amid divorce battle "Creatively, I thought, I have nothing else. I don't think I'm going to be much fun or be that enthusiastic about returning." David said about a possible return: "If there was a reason for me to appear, I'm not against it at all." The 2023 revival introduced son Freddy, played by Jack Cutmore-Scott and introduced Only Fools star Nicholas Lyndhurst as Alan Cornwall in the sitcom. Although the recent revival was axed by Paramount+ after two seasons, Kelsey admitted he still wanted to find a new space for the show. Kelsey previously told the New York Post: "There's a better home for it. We'll end up somewhere where people are passionate about it. "Ted [Danson] and I might visit actually something together. Nicholas Lyndhurst features as Frasier's best friend Alan Cornwall in iconic sitcom's reboot "We've been talking about a couple ideas. Maybe on Frasier. We don't know. "As long as it's still a relevant relationship, it will still be relevant for the show,' he added. "[Sam] and Frasier got along pretty well, discovered some things together about life. They could still do that." The Cheers spin-off ran between 1993 and 2004 and followed the lives of Frasier, his brother Niles and their dad Martin (John). David Hyde Pierce played Niles alongside Kelsey Grammer, Jane Leeves, John Mahoney and Peri Gilpin for 11 seasons. Cast members also included Peri Gilpin as Roz Doyle and Bebe Neuwirth as Lilith Sternin. Sadly, John, who played Martin Crane, died back in 2018 aged 77. 4 The Cheers spin-off ran between 1993 and 2004 Credit: Getty
The Sun
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
90s sitcom legend admits he's ‘not against' returning for show reboot – despite failing to rejoin cast
A US icon has thrilled fans and given hope for a future TV reunion with his former castmates. The actor starred in the multiple Emmy-award winning show - but failed to rejoin his fellow stars on a recent reboot. 4 4 Frasier star David Hyde Pierce - aka Niles - refrained from joining the 2023 revival - but hasn't shot down the chance of another appearance. Speaking about his latest venture in Broadway's Pirates! The Penzance Musical, he shared: "I did not think it would hinge on my participation. "I thought it should move on from what we were doing," he told Variety. "When Frasier happened, he didn't bring the gang from Cheers. It was successful because they made it something different. "Creatively, I thought, I have nothing else. I don't think I'm going to be much fun or be that enthusiastic about returning." David said about a possible return: "If there was a reason for me to appear, I'm not against it at all." The 2023 revival introduced son Freddy, played by Jack Cutmore-Scott and introduced Only Fools star Nicholas Lyndhurst as Alan Cornwall in the sitcom. Although the recent revival was axed by Paramount+ after two seasons, Kelsey admitted he still wanted to find a new space for the show. Kelsey previously told the New York Post: "There's a better home for it. We'll end up somewhere where people are passionate about it. "Ted [Danson] and I might visit actually something together. Nicholas Lyndhurst features as Frasier's best friend Alan Cornwall in iconic sitcom's reboot "We've been talking about a couple ideas. Maybe on Frasier. We don't know. "As long as it's still a relevant relationship, it will still be relevant for the show,' he added. "[Sam] and Frasier got along pretty well, discovered some things together about life. They could still do that." The Cheers spin-off ran between 1993 and 2004 and followed the lives of Frasier, his brother Niles and their dad Martin (John). David Hyde Pierce played Niles alongside Kelsey Grammer, Jane Leeves, John Mahoney and Peri Gilpin for 11 seasons. Cast members also included Peri Gilpin as Roz Doyle and Bebe Neuwirth as Lilith Sternin. Sadly, John, who played Martin Crane, died back in 2018 aged 77. 4 4
The Irish Sun
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
90s sitcom legend admits he's ‘not against' returning for show reboot – despite failing to rejoin cast
A US icon has thrilled fans and given hope for a future TV reunion with his former castmates. The actor starred in the multiple Emmy-award winning show - but failed to rejoin his fellow stars on a recent reboot. Advertisement 4 The Emmy-award winning show was cancelled after its 2023 reboot Credit: Getty 4 David Hyde Pierce - aka Niles - could be up for rejoining the show Credit: Getty Speaking about his latest venture in Broadway's Pirates! The Penzance Musical, he shared: "I did not think it would hinge on my participation. "I thought it should move on from what we were doing," he told Variety. "When Frasier happened, he didn't bring the gang from Cheers. It was successful because they made it something different. Advertisement Read more on TV "Creatively, I thought, I have nothing else. I don't think I'm going to be much fun or be that enthusiastic about returning." David said about a possible return: "If there was a reason for me to appear, I'm not against it at all." Cornwall in the sitcom. Although the recent revival was axed by Paramount+ after two seasons, Kelsey admitted he still wanted to find a new space for the show. Advertisement Most read in News TV Kelsey previously told the New York Post: "There's a better home for it. We'll end up somewhere where people are passionate about it. "Ted [Danson] and I might visit actually something together. Nicholas Lyndhurst features as Frasier's best friend Alan Cornwall in iconic sitcom's reboot "We've been talking about a couple ideas. Maybe on Frasier. We don't know. "As long as it's still a relevant relationship, it will still be relevant for the show,' he added. Advertisement "[Sam] and Frasier got along pretty well, discovered some things together about life. They could still do that." The Cheers spin-off ran between 1993 and 2004 and followed the lives of Frasier, his brother Niles and their dad Martin (John). David Hyde Pierce played Niles alongside Cast members also included Peri Gilpin as Roz Doyle and Bebe Neuwirth as Lilith Sternin. Advertisement Sadly, John, who played Martin Crane, aged 77. 4 The Cheers spin-off ran between 1993 and 2004 Credit: Getty 4 Crane brothers Niles and Frasier Credit: Getty
Metro
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
David Hyde Pierce insists he's 'not against' returning for Frasier reboot
David Hyde Pierce has shed further light on his decision not to appear in the recent Frasier reboot, teasing that he wouldn't be 'against' returning if the show returns. The 66-year-old appeared in all 11 seasons of the original series, playing Frasier Crane's equally stuffy brother Niles, alongside Kelsey Grammer, Jane Leeves, John Mahoney and Peri Gilpin. While Kelsey reprised his role for the 2023 revival – which was axed by Paramount+ after two seasons – his former co-star turned the opportunity down, meaning plans had to be overhauled for the episodes. In a new interview to promote his latest Broadway stint in Pirates! The Penzance Musical, he was questioned about taking a backseat. 'I did not think it would hinge on my participation. I thought it should move on from what we were doing,' he told Variety. 'When Frasier happened, he didn't bring the gang from Cheers. It was successful because they made it something different. 'Creatively, I thought, I have nothing else. I don't think I'm going to be much fun or be that enthusiastic about returning.' Although Paramount+ canceled the Frasier revival earlier this year, Kelsey shared that he was still hoping to find a new home for the program in the future. When asked if he would be tempted to return as Niles if the show was to come back, David vowed: 'If there was a reason for me to appear, I'm not against it at all.' The original series, a spin-off of Cheers, ran for 11 years between 1993 and 2004, and claimed 37 Emmys in that time. It followed Frasier as he swapped Boston for his hometown of Seattle, reconnecting with his brother, Niles and their dad, Martin (John), at the same time. In the 2023 revival, the radio host returned to Boston once more so that he could work on his relationship with his son, Freddy (Jack Cutmore-Scott). Unpacking the short-lived reboot, Kelsey suggested that it could still be a success on another channel, with other familiar faces popping up. 'There's a better home for it,' he told the New York Post. 'We'll end up somewhere where people are passionate about it. More Trending 'Ted [Danson] and I might visit actually something together. 'We've been talking about a couple ideas. Maybe on Frasier. We don't know.' View More » 'As long as it's still a relevant relationship, it will still be relevant for the show,' he added. '[Sam] and Frasier got along pretty well, discovered some things together about life. They could still do that.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Iconic Sega composer retires after 41 years, is immediately rehired MORE: Netflix series scores 10,000,000 views in 4 days despite 'worst ending ever' MORE: Former WWE champion, 46, 'knows retirement is coming' in near future
