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Toronto Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
Review: ‘Back to the Future: The Musical' blasts off at Mirvish with its jaw-dropping DeLorean
To the chandelier from 'The Phantom of the Opera,' the helicopter from 'Miss Saigon' and the giant tire that ascends to the Heaviside Layer in 'Cats': Move over!
Time Out
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This hilarious star-studded musical by Melbourne Theatre Company has scored major awards on Broadway
Take a heist, an out-of-the-ordinary coming-of-age tale and an unexpected love story – throw them all together and you've got Kimberly Akimbo: A Musical. Produced by Melbourne Theatre Company with State Theatre Company South Australia, this production is set to warm the hearts of both theatregoers and first-timers alike. Kimberly Akimbo's life isn't what you'd call normal… But then again, whose is? She's got a dropkick dad, a narcissistic mum and a criminal aunt. She's also kind of born with a rare genetic disease where she ages four times faster than her teenage peers. Follow the 16 going on 60 year old in 1999 New Jersey as she navigates high school dramas and a debatably illegal get-rich-quick scheme. The production boasts some major Australian names. Starring as Kimberly is Aussie musical royalty Marina Prior (Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular, The Phantom of the Opera). She's joined by Christie Whelan Browne (Singin' in the Rain, Muriel's Wedding the Musical) and Australian Idol sweetheart Casey Donovan (& Juliet, Sister Act). During its time on Broadway, Kimberly Akimbo: A Musical racked up five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Now it forms part of Melbourne Theatre Company's 2025 season, and even better, showgoers under 30 years old can score preview tickets for just $37.50.
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
Welcome to Kabukiza: The Allure and Magic of Ginza's Legendary Stage
Guideto Japan A landmark in Tokyo's upscale Ginza district, Kabukiza is both a revered stage where actors demonstrate their artistry and a cultural destination where anyone can experience a taste of kabuki's appeal. Rising star Nakamura Takanosuke shares what makes this theater so special. Kabuki actor. Born Watanabe Dai in Tokyo in 1999. Eldest son of Nakamura Tomijūrō V, a kabuki actor and living national treasure. In 2001, at age two, was given the name Nakamura Dai and took the stage for the first time. In 2005 made his debut performance as Takanosuke in the drama Kuramayama homare no wakataka (The Famed Hawk of Mount Kurama). Earned a degree in economics from Gakushūin University. A Kabukiza Role: Every Actor's Goal Nakamura Takanosuke poses on a rooftop balcony at Ginza's Kabukiza. (© Matsuda Tadao) For kabuki actors, Tokyo's Kabukiza theater represents the pinnacle of their profession. 'It's the largest venue for kabuki and really the heart of the tradition today,' says Nakamura Takanosuke. 'Every actor dreams of gaining recognition here. The roles and plays in which you appear represent major milestones in an actor's career.' Takanosuke recently brought two roles to life in productions of iconic plays on the Kabukiza stage. In May, he performed in Kanjinchō as Suruga Jirō, a loyal retainer to the tragic hero Minamoto no Yoshitsune. The following month, he appeared in the classic kabuki drama Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami portraying Matsuōmaru, one of the triplet brothers who is in the service of the enemy and is torn between duty and family. With bold makeup and a dramatic mie pose, he brought intense energy to the role. A view of the Kabukiza stage from the balcony seating. (Courtesy Shōchiku) Nakamura displays the mie pose in front of a display featuring his Matsuōmaru character on the theater's fifth floor. (© Matsuo Tadao) A Theater Enshrining Generations Past Kabukiza first opened in 1889 in Kobikichō, the former name of the Tokyo neighborhood where it now stands. After four reconstructions, the current, fifth-generation building opened in 2013. Designed by architect Kuma Kengo, it masterfully blends the elegance of traditional Japanese architecture—like the curved karahafu gables and tiled roofs—with a sleek office tower rising behind it. The theater façade sits in front of the 29-story Kabukiza Tower, newly added in 2013. (Courtesy Shōchiku) 'This theater has hosted legendary performers for over 130 years,' says Takanosuke, 'and it's steeped in collective memory. You can feel the presence of generations past.' He jokingly says, 'It's a little like The Phantom of the Opera. A spirit might come to admonish you if you're not taking your art seriously. It can be intimidating, but at the same time, the atmosphere can be very supporting. When I performed Funabenkei here two years ago at a memorial event for my father'—Nakamura Tomijūrō V, who passed away in 2011 at the age of 81—'I was incredibly nervous. But the energy of the space gave me strength and pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. There's definitely something magical about this place.' The theater seats 1,904 guests in all. (Courtesy Shōchiku) Takanosuke performs in Funabenkei in February 2023 at Kabukiza as a special act marking the thirteenth year since his father's passing. (© Matsuda Tadao; courtesy Shōchiku) Feels Like Home Takanosuke says that for kabuki actors, Kabukiza is more than a theater; it feels more like home. 'When I was born, my father brought me straight from the hospital to the theater and introduced me to everyone backstage. As a kid, I often played in the dressing rooms and hallways, so every time I perform here, it feels like a family reunion—though with all the 'relatives' watching, I feel I always have to do my best.' Takanosuke reminisces in the seats of the theater he calls 'home.' (© Matsuda Tadao) In 2009, Takanosuke had an opportunity to share the stage with his father—a living national treasure who was renowned for his dancing skills—at performances commemorating his father's eightieth birthday. Then only 10 years old, Takanosuke played the role of Yoshitsune in Kanjinchō and also appeared in the classic Renjishi dance drama about parent and child lions. 'Looking back,' he says, 'I now realize there were many things my father wanted to convey to me through those performances. His portrayal of Benkei in Kanjinchō was probably the culmination of his artistic career, and I now regard that role as my biggest goal. The artistry I felt up close will be my compass, but I also want to develop my own style for the role—and for that, I'll need a lot more experience.' At left, Takanosuke in the grand lobby of the theater; at right, posting with a fourth-floor display commemorating his father's accomplishments. (© Matsuda Tadao) Dreaming of the day he can rival his father's Kanjinchō performance on the Kabukiza stage. (© Matsuda Tadao) Many Ways to Enjoy a Day at Kabukiza Kabukiza in its current, fifth incarnation is a cultural hub that boasts many charms, even for those who are not theatergoers. 'The theater has excellent subway access, and it's designed for universal use,' says Takanosuke. 'Even if you don't see a play, you can enjoy shopping at Kobikichō Square, relax at the rooftop garden, or have a drink at the café.' Linked directly to Higashi-Ginza Station on the Toei Asakusa and Tokyo Metro Hibiya Lines, Kobikichō Square on the second basement floor of Kabukiza Tower is ornamented with large paper lanterns and has the lively feel of a traditional festival, with shops offering kabuki-themed goods, Japanese sweets, and crafts. Kabuki-themed snacks and souvenirs are plentiful in the shopping arcade beneath the theater. (© Matsuda Tadao) Popular with foreign visitors is the Kabuki Inari Shrine, standing beside the main entrance, where prayers are offered for successful performances and the safety of theater personnel. Just behind it is the Kobukichō gift shop, where Takanosuke recommends two personal favorites: tencha throat lozenges, popular among performers for soothing the voice, and Ekijutō, a Kyoto sweet once loved by his late father. 'The lozenges are hard to find elsewhere, so even when I'm performing at another venue, I come here to buy them. And Ekijutō is only available while I'm performing at Kabukiza. So I hope people who come for the show drop by the gift shop to pick some up while I'm on stage.' The Kabuki Inari Shrine on the premises is a popular stop among fans. (© Matsuda Tadao) At left, some of the stationery supplies emblazoned with images of Takanosuke that are available at the shops; at right, Takanosuke with his favorite tencha lozenges next to a display of the Ekijutō sweets available while he is performing. (© Matsuda Tadao) Visitors can view scale models of past Kabukiza buildings and displays featuring legendary actors along the fourth-floor corridor. From there, they can take the Goemon Staircase to the rooftop Japanese garden—one of Ginza's best-kept secrets. There is no charge for admission to this tranquil retreat, featuring a stone lantern from the estate of the late-Edo, early-Meiji kabuki playwright Kawatake Mokuami. The tea shop Jugetsudō, designed by Kuma Kengo, offers matcha and sweets in a modern, bamboo-lined space overlooking the garden. The adjacent Kabukiza Gallery offers an introduction to kabuki with colorful panels in both Japanese and English—making it a great stop for international visitors. Clockwise from top: the rooftop garden, a stone lantern relocated from Mokuami's estate, and a stone monument commemorating the achievements of historical figures who built the art of kabuki. (© The Kabukiza gallery (at top) is at the entrance to Jugetsudō, where Takanosuke poses with posters advertising 'new kabuki' features, including (at left) a 2023 show he starred in based on the popular video game/anime property Tōken Ranbu. (© Matsuda Tadao) The Goemon Staircase connects the fourth-floor corridor and the rooftop space. It offers splendid views of the theater's tiled roof, calling to mind the 'O what a splendid sight!' line from the famed bandit and kabuki character Ishikawa Goemon. (© Time for the Show Takanosuke looks forward to new achievements on stages across Japan. (© Matsuda Tadao) Takanosuke has a busy season ahead, appearing in the kabuki adaptations of the popular online game and anime Tōken Ranbu in July–August, as well as the manga and anime series Lupin III in September. He will also host his tenth Shōnokai recital this October, performing at the Asakusa Public Hall in two plays, including one alongside kabuki star Nakamura Kankurō in a dynamic, festival-themed dance piece that features fast-paced costume changes. Even newcomers can fully enjoy kabuki through these special performances. While most Kabukiza programs run for four hours, staged daily in the afternoon and early evening, first-timers might reserve single-act tickets for ¥1,000 to ¥2,000. These are available online from noon the day before the performance, with a limited number of same-day tickets also offered at the box office. Takanosuke hopes more people will discover Kabukiza—and perhaps realize that the 400-year-old theatrical art form showcased there is far more accessible than many people imagine. The Kabukiza ticket booth at the theater entrance. (© Takanosuke at the entrance to Kabukiza, expressing his hope that visitors to Tokyo will make it part of their trips. (© Matsuda Tadao) Kabukiza Theater Location: 4-12-15 Ginza, Chūō, Tokyo Access: Enter directly from Exit 3, Higashi Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Toei Asakusa Line), or walk 5 minutes from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya, Marunouchi, and Ginza Lines Admission: Free entry to rooftop garden and Kabukiza Gallery (note that exhibits are changed regularly) (Originally written in Japanese by Itakura Kimie of Styling and makeup for Nakamura Takanosuke by Yamaguchi Kōichi of Slang. Banner photo: Takanosuke welcomes visitors to Kabukiza in Ginza, Tokyo. © Matsuda Tadao.)
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Wednesday' Season 2 Trailer: Jenna Ortega's Heroine Struggles With Her Spiking Popularity
The first season of 'Wednesday' remains Netflix's second most-watched season of television to date, ranking only behind the first season of 'Squid Game.' In the new trailer for 'Wednesday' Season 2, Jenna Ortega's titular Addams Family downer is dealing with a similar kind of popularity. Suffice it to say, she's not the biggest fan. More from TheWrap 'Wednesday' Season 2 Trailer: Jenna Ortega's Heroine Struggles With Her Spiking Popularity 'The Daily Show' Host Ronny Chieng Celebrates 'Long Overdue' End of Airport Shoes-Off Policy: 'T-S-A! T-S-A!' | Video LA Mayor Karen Bass Chuckles at Arrest Threat From DHS for Park Sweep Intervention: 'It's Pathetic' | Video 'Extra' EP Theresa Coffino to Exit After 26 Years Netflix released the official trailer for 'Wednesday' Season 2 Part 1 on Wednesday morning (ha) in anticipation of the show's two-part release. The trailer shows the young Addams heroine returning to Nevermore Academy as a new mystery threatens the life of someone she loves — at least, as much as Wednesday loves anyone. You can watch the trailer above. After saving Nevermore Academy, Wednesday is hailed as a local hero, with students — and Steve Buscemi — lining up to greet her as fans. Wednesday reunites with her bubbly roommate, Enid (Emma Myers) before receiving a tragic vision: one where she's responsible for Enid's death. Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, Isaac Ordonez, Fred Armisen and Victor Dorobantu return in the trailer as Addams family members Morticia, Gomez, Pugsley, Uncle Fester and Thing, respectively. A remix of 'The Phantom of the Opera' plays in the background of the trailer, which promises the same Gothic visuals and deadpan humor as the first season. The trailer teases that the first four episodes of season two will premiere on Netflix Aug. 6, with the second four episodes releasing Sept. 3. Both are Wednesdays. Tim Burton and Paco Cabezas will each direct half of the four-episode first part of 'Wednesday' Season 2. Burton will again direct two episodes in Part 2, with the remaining two directed by Angela Robinson. Series creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar wrote the first episode. 'Wednesday' Season 2 Part 1 will premiere Aug. 6 on Netflix. Part 2 will premiere Sept. 3. The post 'Wednesday' Season 2 Trailer: Jenna Ortega's Heroine Struggles With Her Spiking Popularity appeared first on TheWrap.
Broadcast Pro
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Cinema Akil brings back ‘Summer of Classics' season
Spanning a full century, from the silent wonders of the 1920s to the poetic tales of today, this programme brings together 14 films that continue to move audiences around the world. Cinema Akil has announced the return of its Summer of Classics season, offering audiences in Dubai the chance to revisit 14 iconic films that span nearly 100 years of cinema history. As the summer slows down in terms of new blockbuster releases, this curated programme offers a journey through landmark works that continue to resonate with viewers across generations. The selection begins with two silent-era masterpieces from 1925: The Gold Rush and The Phantom of the Opera. Charlie Chaplin's timeless tale of hardship and resilience in The Gold Rush retains its charm and emotional pull even today, while The Phantom of the Opera showcases the enduring impact of gothic horror and the power of cinematic storytelling without dialogue. From West Africa, Ousmane Sembène's The Money Order (Mandabi) presents a critique of postcolonial bureaucracy and holds historical significance as the first film made in the Wolof language. The programme then shifts to the mid-20th century with Rebel Without a Cause, in which James Dean gives voice to the angst and alienation of postwar youth, a theme that finds a modern echo in La Haine, set in the politically charged streets of 1990s France. Both films explore the frustration of young people unheard by society. Themes of identity, belonging and expression run deeply through the programme. Dead Poets Society celebrates the transformative power of language and mentorship, while Edward Scissorhands tells a poetic tale of difference and acceptance through the lens of a gentle outsider. Similarly, Before Sunrise and Before Sunset explore the intimacy of fleeting connections and the weight of time through two deeply personal encounters, while Memento dives into fractured memory and identity in a gripping psychological narrative. The season also showcases films of epic scale and emotional depth. Braveheart captures the spirit of resistance and sacrifice in a tale of freedom and heroism, while Batman Begins redefines the superhero genre through a darker, psychologically rich portrayal of trauma and transformation. Rounding out the programme is Wes Anderson's visually lush The Grand Budapest Hotel, a bittersweet exploration of friendship and loss, and Undine, a lyrical, contemporary myth where love and water intertwine in a quiet meditation on longing. Through this diverse lineup, Cinema Akil's Summer of Classics invites audiences to reconnect with some of the most enduring works in cinema. These films, drawn from across genres, cultures and eras, not only entertain but continue to challenge, inspire, and comfort, offering timeless reflections on what it means to be human.
