Latest news with #TheBookofMormon
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
SCAD presents 'The Drowsy Chaperone'
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Get ready to laugh, sing, and tap your feet as the Savannah College of Art and Design's (SCAD) School of Film and Acting presents The Drowsy Chaperone, a musical-within-a-musical that brings the glitz and glamour of 1920s Broadway to life. The show runs from May 22 through 25 at Savannah's historic Lucas Theatre for the Arts. Get your tickets here. This Tony Award-winning comedy follows a lonely theater enthusiast—known only as 'Man in Chair'—who escapes into the world of his favorite forgotten musical. As he plays the original cast recording, the show bursts into life in his apartment, complete with mistaken identities, tap-dancing groomsmen, and a delightfully tipsy chaperone. The production brings together the work of more than 60 students across top-ranked degree programs including acting, production design, costume design, lighting design, music and sound design. 'This show has everything for everyone of all ages,' said director and SCAD acting director Christian Delcroix. 'There's comedy, entertainment, lots of surprise elements, and one show-stopping song and dance number after another. These student actors are incredibly talented and they will blow audiences away with their spectacular performances.' Delcroix performed on Broadway for over a decade before coming to teach at SCAD, appearing in shows like South Pacific, Follies, and The Book of Mormon. He is joined by other Broadway veterans who are mentoring The Drowsy Chaperon student cast. The musical is choreographed by Broadway actress/SCAD acting professor Margot de La Barre, and music directed by Broadway music director Jasper Grant. Originally written by Bob 'This is SCAD's latest act of bringing Broadway to Broughton Street!' said Andra Reeve-Rabb, the dean of the School of Film and Acting. 'With our team of creatives made up of talented students and Broadway veterans, we are thrilled to bring this musical favorite to the historic Lucas Theatre.' See SCAD's production of The Drowsy Chaperone through May 25. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Who Won 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune' Tonight, May 20?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Season 5 Episode 5 of 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune' is here with more incredible celebrities playing the classic game show. This marks the final season Pat Sajak will host 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.' Currently, the regular show is hosted by Ryan Seacrest. Vanna White remains a co-host. Pat Sajak, Host of "Wheel of Fortune", Vanna White, Co-Host of "Wheel of Fortune" and Alex Trebek, Host of "Jeopardy!" Pat Sajak, Host of "Wheel of Fortune", Vanna White, Co-Host of "Wheel of Fortune" and Alex Trebek, Host of "Jeopardy!" M. Phillips/WireImage/Getty Images How to Watch 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune' 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune' airs on ABC every Tuesday and Wednesday at 8/7c or stream it on Hulu the next day. The rest of the episodes will air on May 21, May 27, May 28, June 3, and June 4. Who Competed on 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune' Tonight? These stars will trade their singing skills for their spinning skills! Watch a new episode of #CelebrityWheelOfFortune this Tuesday on ABC at 8/7c and Stream on Hulu. — Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (@celebritywof) May 18, 2025 This episode features three talented musical guests: Josh Gad, Andrew Rannells, and Katharine McPhee. Josh Gad is doing his part to make a difference! — Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (@celebritywof) May 19, 2025 Gad is an actor most well-known for playing Olaf the snowman in Disney's 'Frozen' series. He received a Tony Award nomination for 'The Book of Mormon.' He is playing for the Environmental Defense Fund. Andrew Rannells wants to continue to make an impact! — Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (@celebritywof) May 19, 2025 Andrew Rannells is an actor known for his role and television and movies like 'Girls,' 'The New Normal,' 'Big Mouth,' and 'Invincible.' He also received Tony Award nominations for his performances in 'The Book of Mormon' and 'Falsettos.' He is playing for The Trevor Project. Katharine McPhee is ready to give back! — Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (@celebritywof) May 19, 2025 Katharine McPhee is a singer and actor who had her breakthrough when she was the runner-up for 'American Idol' behind Taylor Hicks. She has released multiple albums and starred in shows like 'Smash' and 'Scorpion.' McPhee also played the role of Jenna in 'Waitress' on Broadway and the West End. McPhee is playing for The David Foster Foundation. Who Won 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune' Tonight? Andrew Rannells wound up winning the first game, scoring $84.5 thousand for The Trevor Project. However, Josh Gad won the second game, earning $93.4 thousand for the Environmental Defense Fund. How to Win the 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune's $10,000 Giveaway It's easy to take part in the 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune' $10,000 giveaway. All you have to do is follow three easy steps: 1. Watch 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune' on ABC or stream the episode on Hulu the next day and write down the name of the celebrity who solves the Prize Puzzle Round puzzle. For the May 20 episode, it was 2. Sign up for the Wheel Watchers Club or log in if you are already a member. 3. Enter the name of the celebrity who solved the Prize Puzzle Round puzzles after each show airs. So far, the celebrities who have solved the puzzles are: April 30: Joe Manganiello May 7: Ben Schwartz May 14: Rainn Wilson There are still five more episodes, meaning Wheel of Fortune fans can still win a trip to Walt Disney World Resort or even $10,000 cash.
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial updates: Ventura admits jealousy over Combs' other relationships
The hip-hop mogul is charged with sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. 3:47 This story may contain accounts and descriptions of actual or alleged events that some readers may find disturbing. Thursday is day four in the trial of Sean Combs after the jury was seated. Key Headlines 24 minutes ago Cassie Ventura recounts moments of jealousy as defense digs into relationship with Combs 1 hour and 41 minutes ago Cassie Ventura testifies about Combs' fashion advice, alleged drug use 3 hours and 55 minutes ago Ventura questioned about loving, explicit messages exchanged with Combs 10:08 AM EDT Defense begins cross-examination of Cassie Ventura May 14, 2025, 2:47 PM EDT Jurors are shown still images from videos of 'freak offs' Here's how the news is developing. Opening arguments got underway Monday in the highly anticipated trial of hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, who has been accused of sex trafficking by force, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy as part of a blockbuster federal indictment originally filed in September 2024. He later faced two additional superseding indictments. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. Combs is accused of being the ringleader of an alleged enterprise that "abused, threatened and coerced women" into prolonged, drug-fueled sexual orgies with male prostitutes, which he called "freak offs," and then threatened them into silence. Combs has said that all of the sex was consensual and that while his relationships sometimes involved domestic violence, he wasn't engaged in trafficking. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said Combs was simply part of the swinger lifestyle and that he "vehemently denies the accusations made by the SDNY" and "looks forward to his day in court." 24 minutes ago Cassie Ventura recounts moments of jealousy as defense digs into relationship with Combs Cassie Ventura admitted under cross-examination she 'had some jealousy' of Kim Porter, mother of four of Sean Combs' children. She also conceded that she became upset when she learned Combs had not broken off a relationship with a woman he had previously dated. 'Spending time with other women prompted arguments?' defense attorney Anna Estevao asked. 'Yeah,' Ventura responded. 'And Mr. Combs had suspicions you were not faithful to him, correct?' Estevao followed up. 'Yeah,' Ventura responded, adding that it could be 'a little scary' when Combs suspected she had been unfaithful. The defense has previously asserted that Ventura and Combs' relationship was plagued by infidelity, jealousy and violence on both sides. The text exchanges the defense introduced Thursday included sexually explicit messages and talk of arranging "freak offs" commingled with more mundane subjects, like a discussion of going to see the Broadway show "The Book of Mormon." The defense attempted to assert that Combs and Ventura enjoyed moments of what Ventura previously testified were 'romantic vibes,' while also showing that she was a willing and eager participant in the "freak offs." Before the jury returned from lunch, Judge Arun Subramanian made it clear that he expected the defense to finish its cross-examination of Cassie Ventura by the middle of the day Friday. 'You have a day and a half. We should be done by the lunch break' Friday, the judge said. Subramanian said that Ventura is 'not the kind of witness that is fighting' the defense's questions and suggested that the defense 'streamline' its cross-examination. The cross-examination so far has come in fits and starts, with defense attorney Anna Estevao seeming to have difficulty establishing a consistent rhythm. She has sometimes failed to properly introduce exhibits. The defense strategy so far today has been to present to the court examples of messages exchanged between Ventura and Combs in an attempt to highlight what the defense contends is Ventura's willingness, eagerness and agency to participate in "freak off" sex sessions, seeking to bolster Combs' assertion that he did not commit sex trafficking. Estevao continued that strategy after the break, showing more messages. In one, from March 18, 2017, Ventura told Combs, 'I love our f.o.'s when we both want it," referring to the "freak offs." 'I would say loving f.o.'s were just words at that point,' Ventura testified in response. 'Those were words you said to Mr. Combs, correct?' Estevao asked. Ventura affirmed that they were. In another message to Combs, sent ahead of a "freak off," Ventura said she was at a sex shop 'trying to find something to impress you.' Seeking to counter Ventura's previous testimony in which she denied being a willing participant in "freak offs" and their being video recorded, the defense showed another message from 2017. 'S---, I left the iPad. Should I go get?' Ventura's message to Combs read. 'He would want it for a freak off?' Estevao asked Ventura. 'Yes,' Ventura replied. 'And you told him you would go get it?' Estevao asked. 'Yeah,' Ventura answered. Cassie Ventura has previously testified that one way Sean Combs controlled her was to mandate aspects of her appearance, from her manicure color to her clothing, her hairdo and piercings. The defense today elicited testimony from her on cross-examination that sought to establish that Combs, who launched his successful Sean John men's fashion brand in 1998, is someone whose thoughts on fashion are in demand. 'Do you believe Mr. Combs has good taste?' defense attorney Anna Estevao asked. 'I think he does,' Ventura testified. 'Is he known for his impact on fashion?' Estevao asked. 'Yup,' Ventura answered. 'I would say he's had a big impact on fashion over many decades.' She added, 'Sometimes I got information without asking for it.' The defense also asked Ventura about Combs' alleged drug use. In previous testimony, Ventura said that she witnessed a lot of drug use by Combs during their relationship and that there were times when both of them were heavily dependent on opiates. She testified that withdrawal from them made Combs "irritated." The defense has attributed some of Combs' violence, about which Ventura has previously testified, to his drug use. 'You would say he was an addict?' Estevao asked. 'I would say he was an addict,' Ventura replied. 'What was he addicted to?' 'Success,' Ventura responded, earning a chuckle from the courtroom. She then testified that Combs was addicted to various substances over the years. The court then took a break for lunch. Cassie Ventura testified on cross-examination that she fell in love with Sean Combs soon after they met. 'We've only really had one week of each other just together and I can say that it's been the best and worst,' Ventura wrote in a 2007 message to Combs, which was shown to the court. 'I'm sad, mad, frustrated and hurt that you just don't feel like I'm the right one.' Ventura testified that the message made her 'giggle' because it is nearly 20 years old. 'I'm reading it like a journal entry,' she said. Defense attorney Anna Estevao asked Ventura whether the message reflected her 'dreaming up a beautiful future together' with Combs. Ventura replied, 'Mm hm.' 'When your lawsuit was publicized in 2023 you understood his career was ruined?' Estevao asked. 'I could understand that,' Ventura replied. The defense highlighted messages exchanged between Ventura and Combs in July 2012, in which Combs appeared to be interested in Ventura's desires, which, she previously testified, did not matter to him. 'One of my favorite times was when we f.o.'d and then made love after,' Combs messaged her, referring to the so-called "freak off" sex sessions. 'I love when we make love after," Ventura responded in part, followed by an explicit sexual reference. The defense appeared to be highlighting occasions in which they argue Ventura had more agency in her relationship with Combs than she previously testified. 'Often after a session of a 'freak off' you would make love?' Estevao asked. 'Afterwards, yeah,' Ventura replied. 'And you're telling him that you love it?' Estevao asked. 'With him, yeah,' Ventura replied. 'He also told you that he loved it when you made love after?' the defense attorney asked. 'That's what it says," testified Ventura.
West Australian
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Homegrown talent Jade Baynes to hit Sydney's Capitol Theatre in award-winning musical The Book of Mormon
A multi-talented Geraldton-born singer and actress has scored an important role in one of the world's most beloved musicals, showing in Sydney. Jade Baynes has been cast as a swing for the critically-acclaimed musical The Book of Mormon. She recently appeared as Bec in the Geraldton-based Stan original series Invisible Boys based on the novel by Holden Sheppard, and has starred in major productions such as Matt Ward's Priscilla: Queen of the Desert and the Aussie premiere of All Shook Up The Musical. A Tony, Olivier, and Grammy award-winning production, The Book of Mormon follows the misadventures of two Mormon missionaries in a remote Ugandan village as they attempt to spread their faith and will. Baynes has been cast as a swing — a performer who understudies multiple ensemble roles, ready to step in at any time if a member is unable to perform. Swings may also cover other principal roles in addition to their ensemble duties. Baynes said she was ecstatic to be a part of such a huge musical, and hoped she can do her role justice. 'When I found out I'd been cast as a swing in The Book of Mormon, I was genuinely shocked,' she said. 'I've done everything from ensemble to lead roles before, but never swing, which is easily one of the most complex and demanding jobs in musical theatre. 'The fact that the creative team saw something in me that said, 'Yep, she can handle this,' still blows my mind.' The musical, which will open in July at Sydney's Capitol Theatre stars a cast including Sean Johnston (Hairspray) as Elder Price, Nick Cox (Beauty and the Beast) as Elder Cunningham, Paris Leveque who is making her professional debut as Nabulungi, Tom Struik (Sister Act the Musical) as Elder McKinley, Simbarashe Matshe (Filthy Business) as Mafala Hatimbi, Augie Tchantcho who is reprising his role in The Book of Mormon as The General and Matthew Hamilton (Tina – The Tina Turner Musical) as Mission President. With cast and creatives coming from Broadway to deliver the show in Sydney, Baynes said she was 'more than ready' to use 'every bit of my brain capacity' and 'be the best swing I can be.'
Time Out
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Smash '00s romcom ‘50 First Dates' is being turned into a major new London musical
The blurb for this major new musical describes the 2004 Adam Sandler flick it's adapted from as 'one of the most popular romcoms of all time', which is conceivably pushing it, but certainly there are plenty of millennials who will look back fondly on the Hawaii-set comedy about a womanising marine veterinarian who falls for an art teacher who shows no memory of him the next day, or the day after that, or the day after that, etcetera. It's coming to The Other Palace in Victoria, which is very much off-West End rather than West End, but that looks like something of a treat for us: the musical comes with a powerhouse US creative team at its helm, most notably director-choreographer Casey Nicholaw, whose UK hits include Mean Girls and a little show called The Book of Mormon, strongly suggesting this run is a de facto Broadway tryout. The songs and book are by David Rossmer and Steve Rosen, whose work hasn't been seen over here, but they have strong comedy pedigree – the show is shaping up to be more com than rom. Exactly how close to the spirit of the original film it'll be remains to be see: 2004 was a long time ago, and there are aspects of the movie that have potentially dated, notably the running gag about Henry's ambiguously gendered assistant Alexa. Plus his crew includes a penguin and a walrus, although these all seem like fun challenges rather than insurmountable obstacles. It's a Brit cast, with Josh St. Clair (who starred in the recent UK tour of Ghost) as Henry and in the role originally played by Drew Barrymore Mean Girls alumnus Georgina Castle will star as amnesiac art teacher Lucy. Tickets are on sale now.
