Latest news with #RobynHurder
New York Times
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
The Moves That Made ‘Chicago' and ‘A Chorus Line' Singular Sensations
Fifty years ago, when director-choreographer giants still walked the earth, two of the biggest — Bob Fosse and Michael Bennett — created highly influential shows that have attained legendary status and lasted: 'Chicago' and 'A Chorus Line.' These were musicals with dancing at the center. The showbiz-cynical attitude of 'Chicago,' a tale of 1920s murderers who go into vaudeville, was inseparable from its choreographic style. 'A Chorus Line' was about Broadway dancers, built from their real-life stories and framed as an audition. To celebrate the golden anniversaries of these shows, The New York Times invited Robyn Hurder, who has performed in productions of both over the past two decades (and recently received a Tony nomination for her performance in 'Smash'), to demonstrate and discuss what makes the choreography so special. To coach her, direct-lineage experts were on hand. transcript [MUSIC] For 'A Chorus Line,' Hurder could turn to Baayork Lee, an original cast member who has been staging and directing the show ever since. (She's directing an anniversary benefit performance on July 27.) For 'Chicago,' Verdon Fosse Legacy — an organization dedicated to preserving and reconstructing the choreography of Fosse and his chief collaborator, Gwen Verdon — sent Dana Moore, who worked with Fosse in his 1978 'Dancin'' and his 1986 revival of 'Sweet Charity.' She also danced in the 1996 'Chicago' revival and in revivals of 'A Chorus Line,' too. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
New York Times
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Broadway Musical ‘Smash' to Close After Tonys Disappointment
'Smash,' a stage musical inspired by the NBC television series about a group of theater artists trying to make a show focusing on Marilyn Monroe, announced on Tuesday that it would close on June 22 after failing to find sufficient audience to defray its running costs on Broadway. The show announced the closing just two days after the Tony Awards. It had not been nominated for best musical, and its request to perform on the awards show was rebuffed; it was nominated for best choreography (by Joshua Bergasse) and best featured actor (Brooks Ashmanskas) but won neither. The musical began previews on March 11 and opened on April 10 at the Imperial Theater. At the time of its closing, it will have played 32 previews and 84 regular performances. Set in the present day, the musical depicts a development process that is thrown into chaos when the actress portraying Monroe (played by Robyn Hurder) comes under the influence of a coach (Kristine Nielsen) whose devotion to method acting causes the actress to behave impossibly in rehearsals. The making-of-a-show concept and the rehearsal room characters are similar to, but not the same as, those in the television series, which was created by Theresa Rebeck and aired for two seasons, in 2012 and 2013, before being canceled. Reviews were all over the map. In The New York Times, the critic Jesse Green gave it a rave, calling it 'the great musical comedy no one saw coming.' But there was no critical consensus, and box office grosses have fallen since the opening — weekly grosses peaked at $1 million during the week that ended April 20, and were down to $656,000 during the week that ended June 8. The musical was capitalized for $20 million, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. That money — the amount it cost to finance the show's development — has not been recouped. 'Smash' features a score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and a book by Bob Martin and Rick Elice; it is directed by Susan Stroman. The show's producing team is led by Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Steven Spielberg, all of whom played key roles in developing the television series.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
This week on "Sunday Morning" (April 6)
The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. "Sunday Morning" also streams on the CBS News app beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. (Download it here.) Hosted by Jane Pauley COVER STORY: Bernie SandersRobert Costa reports. ALMANAC: April 6"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date. U.S.: Maintaining the safety of our foodDespite efforts to keep our nation's food supply safe, an estimated 3,000 people die each year, and 48 million are sickened, from food-borne Illnesses. Correspondent David Pogue looks at the efforts to minimize contamination and prevent outbreaks, and asks how the Trump administration's latest cuts will affect the work of food safety agencies. For more info: Mike Taylor, board member emeritus, STOP Foodborne IllnessVessey & Company, Inc., Holtville, Calif. THEATER: "Smash" on Broadway: Reimagining a backstage tale for the stageThe TV show about the making of a Broadway musical devoted to Marilyn Monroe is now, finally, a Broadway musical itself. Correspondent Tracy Smith talks with composing team Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman ("Hairspray"), director Susan Stroman (a five-time Tony-winner), and star Robyn Hurder, who describe translating a melodrama of stardom into a comedy about the "hot mess" that lurks behind every Broadway musical. To watch an excerpt of Robyn Hurder performing "Let Me Be Your Star," from "Smash," click on the video player below: For more info: "Smash" at the Imperial Theatre, New York City | Ticket (Official site)Scott Wittman on (Official site)Robyn Hurder on Instagram PASSAGE: In memoriam"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week. HARTMAN: Bird Calls HEADLINES: Protests BOOKS: José Andrés on feeding the needy, and feeding the soulRestaurateur José Andrés, the humanitarian behind World Central Kitchen, and author of a new collection of life lessons titled "Change the Recipe," talks with "Sunday Morning" contributor Kelefa Sanneh about balancing his business enterprises with the emergency relief that his organization provides in conflict zones and disaster areas around the globe. For more info: "Change the Recipe: Because You Can't Build a Better World Without Breaking Some Eggs" by José Andrés with Richard Wolffe (Ecco), in Hardcover, eBook and Audio formats, available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Andrés RestaurantsWorld Central KitchenGlobal Food Institute, George Washington University MOVIES: Rami Malek on being attracted to "profoundly alienated" charactersIn "The Amateur," Rami Malek stars as a CIA code expert who takes matters into his own hands on a mission of revenge. He talks with correspondent Seth Doane about playing an unlikely action movie hero; how he prepared for his Oscar-winning performance as Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in "Bohemian Rhapsody"; and how his "outsider" status has colored his work and life. To watch a trailer for "The Amateur" click on the video player below: For more info: "The Amateur" (20th Century Studios) opens in theaters April 11 WORLD: Greenlanders respond to Trump: "It will never be for sale"President Trump's rhetoric about acquiring Greenland for the United States "one way or the other" has not only unsettled the residents of the North Atlantic Island but also our NATO allies. CBS News correspondent Holly Williams talks with one of Greenland's representatives in Denmark's parliament, and an expert in Arctic security, about how they believe "slash-and-burn" diplomacy by the Trump administration would destroy trust in America on the world stage. For more info: Aaja Chemnitz, Member of ParliamentKlaus Dodds, professor, Geopolitics, Development, Security and Justice Group, Royal Holloway, University of London MOVIES: "Warfare": Recreating an Iraq War firefight in real-timeIn 2006, a platoon of Navy SEALs was trapped in insurgent territory in Iraq, resulting in an agonizingly tense, bloody and chaotic firefight that is reenacted in the new film "Warfare." CBS News national security correspondent David Martin talks with co-writers and co-directors Ray Mendoza (an Iraq War veteran) and Alex Garland (whose last film was the dystopian "Civil War") about dramatizing the teamwork of servicemembers under fire, and how they fostered teamwork among their cast of actors. To watch a trailer for "Warfare" click on the video player below: For more info: "Warfare" (A24) opens in theaters April 11 NATURE: TBD WEB EXCLUSIVES: FROM THE ARCHIVES: Val Kilmer as Mark Twain (YouTube Video)Actor Val Kilmer, best known for "Top Gun," "The Doors," and his starring role as Batman, died on April 1, 2025, at age 65. In this Sept. 22, 2013 "Sunday Morning" story, correspondent Bill Geist sat down with Kilmer, then playing Mark Twain in his one-man stage show, "Citizen Twain," to discuss the legacy of the legendary humorist whom Vilmer called "the first great stand-up comedian." FROM THE ARCHIVES: Building the new World Trade Center (YouTube Video)David Childs, lead architect of One World Trade Center, which rose from the site of the Twin Towers in Lower Manhattan, died on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at age 83. In this "Sunday Morning" report that aired Sept. 4, 2011, correspondent Tracy Smith talked with Childs about the evolution of the tower's design, and visited the construction site of the 1,776-foot-tall skyscraper. ARTS: "Sunday Morning" SunsEnjoy samples of sun art used on "CBS Sunday Morning" that have been highlighted in our weekly listings, for 2024 and 2025. GALLERY: Notable deaths in 2025A look back at the esteemed personalities who left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity. The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. Executive producer is Rand Morrison. DVR Alert! Find out when "Sunday Morning" airs in your city "Sunday Morning" also streams on the CBS News app beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. (Download it here.) Full episodes of "Sunday Morning" are now available to watch on demand on and Paramount+, including via Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon FireTV/FireTV stick and Xbox. Follow us on Twitter/X; Facebook; Instagram; YouTube; TikTok; Bluesky; and at You can also download the free "Sunday Morning" audio podcast at iTunes and at Now you'll never miss the trumpet! Authors of "Autism Out Loud" on motherhood, diagnosis and growth on the spectrum Kentucky whiskey producers react to Trump tariffs Trump administration fires head of NSA and U.S. Cyber Command, along with other top officials
CBS News
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
This week on "Sunday Morning" (April 6)
The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. "Sunday Morning" also streams on the CBS News app beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. ( Download it here .) Hosted by Jane Pauley COVER STORY: Bernie Sanders Robert Costa reports. ALMANAC: April 6 "Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date. U.S.: Maintaining the safety of our food Despite efforts to keep our nation's food supply safe, an estimated 3,000 people die each year, and 48 million are sickened, from food-borne Illnesses. Correspondent David Pogue looks at the efforts to minimize contamination and prevent outbreaks, and asks how the Trump administration's latest cuts will affect the work of food safety agencies. For more info: THEATER: "Smash" on Broadway: Reimagining a backstage tale for the stage The TV show about the making of a Broadway musical devoted to Marilyn Monroe is now, finally, a Broadway musical itself. Correspondent Tracy Smith talks with composing team Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman ("Hairspray"), director Susan Stroman (a five-time Tony-winner), and star Robyn Hurder, who describe translating a melodrama of stardom into a comedy about the "hot mess" that lurks behind every Broadway musical. To watch an excerpt of Robyn Hurder performing "Let Me Be Your Star," from "Smash," click on the video player below: For more info: PASSAGE: In memoriam "Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week. HARTMAN: Bird Calls HEADLINES: Protests BOOKS: José Andrés on feeding the needy, and feeding the soul Restaurateur José Andrés, the humanitarian behind World Central Kitchen, and author of a new collection of life lessons titled "Change the Recipe," talks with "Sunday Morning" contributor Kelefa Sanneh about balancing his business enterprises with the emergency relief that his organization provides in conflict zones and disaster areas around the globe. For more info: MOVIES: Rami Malek on being attracted to "profoundly alienated" characters In "The Amateur," Rami Malek stars as a CIA code expert who takes matters into his own hands on a mission of revenge. He talks with correspondent Seth Doane about playing an unlikely action movie hero; how he prepared for his Oscar-winning performance as Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in "Bohemian Rhapsody"; and how his "outsider" status has colored his work and life. To watch a trailer for "The Amateur" click on the video player below: For more info: WORLD: Greenlanders respond to Trump: "It will never be for sale" President Trump's rhetoric about acquiring Greenland for the United States "one way or the other" has not only unsettled the residents of the North Atlantic Island but also our NATO allies. CBS News correspondent Holly Williams talks with one of Greenland's representatives in Denmark's parliament, and an expert in Arctic security, about how they believe "slash-and-burn" diplomacy by the Trump administration would destroy trust in America on the world stage. For more info: MOVIES: "Warfare": Recreating an Iraq War firefight in real-time In 2006, a platoon of Navy SEALs was trapped in insurgent territory in Iraq, resulting in an agonizingly tense, bloody and chaotic firefight that is reenacted in the new film "Warfare." CBS News national security correspondent David Martin talks with co-writers and co-directors Ray Mendoza (an Iraq War veteran) and Alex Garland (whose last film was the dystopian "Civil War") about dramatizing the teamwork of servicemembers under fire, and how they fostered teamwork among their cast of actors. To watch a trailer for "Warfare" click on the video player below: For more info: NATURE: TBD FROM THE ARCHIVES: Val Kilmer as Mark Twain (YouTube Video) Actor Val Kilmer, best known for "Top Gun," "The Doors," and his starring role as Batman, died on April 1, 2025, at age 65. In this Sept. 22, 2013 "Sunday Morning" story, correspondent Bill Geist sat down with Kilmer, then playing Mark Twain in his one-man stage show, "Citizen Twain," to discuss the legacy of the legendary humorist whom Vilmer called "the first great stand-up comedian." FROM THE ARCHIVES: Building the new World Trade Center (YouTube Video) David Childs, lead architect of One World Trade Center, which rose from the site of the Twin Towers in Lower Manhattan, died on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at age 83. In this "Sunday Morning" report that aired Sept. 4, 2011, correspondent Tracy Smith talked with Childs about the evolution of the tower's design, and visited the construction site of the 1,776-foot-tall skyscraper. ARTS: "Sunday Morning" Suns Enjoy samples of sun art used on "CBS Sunday Morning" that have been highlighted in our weekly listings, for 2024 and 2025 . GALLERY: Notable deaths in 2025 A look back at the esteemed personalities who left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity. The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. Executive producer is Rand Morrison. DVR Alert! Find out when "Sunday Morning" airs in your city "Sunday Morning" also streams on the CBS News app beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. ( Download it here .) Full episodes of "Sunday Morning" are now available to watch on demand on and Paramount+ , including via Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon FireTV/FireTV stick and Xbox. Follow us on Twitter/X ; Facebook ; Instagram ; YouTube ; TikTok ; Bluesky ; and at . You can also download the free "Sunday Morning" audio podcast at iTunes and at . Now you'll never miss the trumpet!
New York Times
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Hear How a ‘Smash' Song Got a Broadway Makeover
On a recent morning at a rehearsal room on 42nd Street, the actress Robyn Hurder stood atop a pedestal, red lips parted, arms outstretched, blond curls vibrating as she sang the final notes of 'Let Me Be Your Star.' Then she collapsed, breathless. 'This number's hard,' she said, her face glistening with sweat. 'Who did this?' Well, plenty of people. 'Let Me Be Your Star' was written over a dozen years ago for the pilot episode of NBC's 'Smash,' a backstage-set nighttime soap about the hectic creation of a Broadway musical, 'Bombshell.' There were plans to bring 'Bombshell,' a biomusical about Marilyn Monroe, to the real Broadway, but those plans never came to fruition. Neither did 'Smash,' which was canceled after two seasons. But 'Let Me Be Your Star,' a classic 'I want' song that its composer and co-lyricist, Marc Shaiman, has described as a 'neck-bursting showstopper,' endures. Originally sung at the close of the pilot by Megan Hilty and Katharine McPhee, the song, which was nominated for Grammy and Emmy Awards, has been covered by Andrew Rannells on 'Girls,' by Jonathan Groff and Jeremy Jordan at MCC Theater's Miscast benefit, by Ben Platt and Nicole Scherzinger in concert and by masses of fans (and the occasional Muppet, on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Ostensibly a song about Monroe's life, it resonates for any actor — and really, anyone — who longs to shine. Now it's been reimagined as the opening number of 'Smash,' a new Broadway musical that riffs on the TV show. Hurder plays Ivy Lynn, a Broadway actress tasked with playing Marilyn in 'Bombshell.' This opening version of 'Let Me Be Your Star' is staged by the director Susan Stroman and the choreographer Joshua Bergasse (also a veteran of the TV 'Smash') as a Great White Way fever dream featuring elaborate harmonies, athletic dance and a brassy, big-band sound. The song recurs, in a very different style, at the end of the first act, though the producers are keeping those details secret. And it may return a third time. 'It's possible!' Stroman said. At that morning rehearsal, Stroman had Hurder and the ensemble run the number again. There were flips, lifts, mambo moves, thrilling vocal frills. An early version, sung by Marc Shaiman. Kearran Giovanni sings the rewrite. Robyn Hurder leads the ensemble. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
