Latest news with #TheTheater
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Inside the Warner Bros. Discovery Upfront: Branding Whiplash and 'The ‘White Lotus' Effect'
Taking a seat at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday morning, I scanned the crowd, soaking wet from the rain, and wondered how many gathered at the Warner Bros. Discovery upfront had any idea that they were about to get punked. Two years after shoving the rebrand of streamer Max (née HBO Max) down advertiser throats, the 'HBO' is being surgically reattached to the platform on which the company's future hinges. Curiously, this development wasn't front-loaded in the presentation. It came 30 minutes in, after multiple mentions of 'Max,' when Casey Bloys arrived. More from The Hollywood Reporter Returning the HBO to Max Is Latest Sign of Potential Warner Bros. Discovery Split HGTV Is Going to Renovate the 'Bachelor' Mansion Warners Reverses Course: Changes Max's Name Back to HBO Max 'With the course we are on and the strong momentum we're enjoying,' said Bloys, 'we believe HBO Max far better represents our current consumer proposition.' The proposition was received in the room with laughter and a smattering of 'oh wows,' though no one appeared to interpret the news as a joke. If anybody was grieving Max, they did so quietly or they skipped right to acceptance. 'The good news is I have a drawer full of stationery from the last round,' said the Chairman and CEO, HBO and Max Content, whose title likely changed mid-presentation. 'So I'm all set.' An annual brag-fest thrown with the sole purpose of selling advertising space is an unusual venue to wave a white flag, but Bloys had fun with it — as did Max (Ahem, HBO Max) CMO Shauna Spenley. She went through her own spiel in front of a mocked-up meme of HBO Go, HBO Now, HBO Max and Max all sharing the same screen. Though Warner Bros. Discover CEO David Zaslav was notably absent from the pageantry, there was no shortage of executives. In fact, the company was the first this week to populate its presentation with more suits than actors. There was a lot of telling, not showing, especially when newly installed co-presidents of ad sales, Ryan Gould and Robert Voltaggio, frontloaded the presentation with an extended spiel about various branded initiatives: something called 'Storyverse,' an in-house studio called 'Courageous' and sales tools DemoDirect and NEO. A pre-recorded Conan O'Brien attempted to explain how the latter worked, but he took it about as seriously as expected. Are there not conference rooms and Zoom calls for this stuff? The strongest case for advertising came with the so-called 'White Lotus Effect,' which got more oxygen than any other single piece of programming. Spenley cited ample brand partnerships and noted the correlation between the show's locales with tourism booms. 'I don't want to brag, but it feels like we're building national economies out here,' she said. The screen behind Spenley switched to a tile of White Lotus tweets. One read, 'I wonder what Lachlan and Saxon are doing for National Sibling Day,' much to the room's delight. So bullish is WBD on media buyers' appetite for The White Lotus, cast members Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan and Leslie Bibb (aka 'The Big Blonde Blob') opened the show with a cute bit during which they complimented each other's skin with increasing puffery. 'Are we slipping back into character?' Asked Coon. 'Because if we are, I'm going to need a cocktail.' Me too, Carrie. But the star power diminished after that, only rebounding at the very last minute when Shaquille O'Neal joined DC's James Gunn and Peter Safran to screen the latest Superman trailer. As one of several media giants boasting a storied film studio to present this week, it was notable how little attention was paid to WBD's film slate. The stunning success of Sinners, its own movie, got more attention during Michael B. Jordan's cameo at the Amazon pitch. Instead, the presentation devoted its precious time to other matters … like CNN CEO Mark Thompson heralding the arrival of a new weather app and Tony Shalhoub (God bless him) opining for minutes on the universality of bread. After 90 minutes, there was finally time to acknowledge that Minecraft, which just grossed $1 billion at the global box office, will eventually land on HBO Max. Before the too-little-too-late nod to movies — before everything, in fact — the start of the show was heralded by someone from Actors Equity dressed up like one of those demonic nuns from the Dune movies. As people settled into their seats for what would be a nearly two-hour ordeal, her cryptic voice over promised 'a creative endeavor that will redefine what's possible' and 'a future that will lead the culture and heighten entertainment.' It was a comically lofty promise that, not unlike NBCUniversal's just two days earlier, didn't quite pan out on stage. But who am I to hate on somebody for drinking a bit too much of their own sand worm juice? Best of The Hollywood Reporter 22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise 'Yellowstone' and the Sprawling Dutton Family Tree, Explained
Forbes
17-04-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Claressa Shields And Amanda Serrano's War of Words Is Good For Boxing
Amanda Serrano-Claressa Shields Claressa Shields and Amanda Serrano aren't just two of the greatest women's boxers in the world today, they are among the best of all time. Over the past few years, the women have rarely spoken directly to one another on social media, but there have been a few references that fight fans could take as under-the-radar jabs from both sides. Apparently, Serrano and Shields had time on Wednesday, April 16. Whether you enjoy seeing them bicker or not, there's no question their beef is good for women's boxing. Here's how the latest potentially foundational building block to an enormous event unfolded. NEW YORK, USA - APRIL 09: Amanda Serrano speaks during the kick-off press conference for Taylor vs ... More Serrano 3 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, U.S., April 9, 2025. (Photo by Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty Images) Serrano took to social media to address Shields directly. New York , United States - 9 April 2025; Jake Paul during the kick-off press conference for Taylor v ... More Serrano 3 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA. (Photo By Tom Horak/Sportsfile via Getty Images) Jake Paul, Serrano's promoter who recently signed Alycia Baumgardner (another of Shields' rivals) to a promotional deal, chimed in with the instigative repost and quote. FLINT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 02: Claressa Shields arrives for her undisputed heavyweight title bout ... More against Danielle Perkins on February 02, 2025 at Dort Financial Center in Flint, Michigan. (Photo by) It took Shields just over an hour to reply, and she added a bit of emphasis on her response. Mark Taffet, agent to Claressa Shields at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. Picture date: Saturday ... More February 5, 2022. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images) As others chimed in to make their opinions known, Shields' manager Mark Taffet took to social media to defend his client. 'Ain't nothing in this world wrong with being second best to a once in a lifetime Claressa Shields.' NEW YORK, USA - APRIL 09: Amanda Serrano speaks during the kick-off press conference for Taylor vs ... More Serrano 3 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, U.S., April 9, 2025. (Photo by Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty Images) Serrano had been ignoring the chatter after the initial response, but likely out of respect for Taffet, she did follow up with another post. I'd spoken with Shields' promoter Dmitry Salita on Tuesday and again on Wednesday after the dust began to kick up. Salita talked about his recent signing of multiple-division world champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn. He offered some clarity for the cold war turned hot between Shields and Serrano. As many may expect, this is about respect and recognition in a space where few women have been respected and recognized. RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - DECEMBER 21: Dmitry Salita, American boxing promoter and former professional ... More boxer during a press conference for the Day of Reckoning at the Press Arena, Kingdom Arena on December 21, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by) "Shields has been a trailblazer for women's boxing, opening the door for greater opportunities, visibility, and respect in the sport," Salita said to me via text. 'Her achievements have helped create a platform for other talented fighters like Amanda Serrano, Alycia Baumgardner, and many others to thrive on a global stage. Her impact continues to elevate women's boxing and inspire the next generation.' Shields has been fighting and clawing for every ounce of respect since she turned pro after a stellar run as one of the greatest American Olympians of the century. Because she was the first of her generation to take a major step in pay and recognition, she is seemingly always trying to ensure that respect remains on her name. Don't let Serrano's humble words fool you. Her actions suggest she is just as consumed with recognition, compensation, and respect as Shields—it just comes through differently. And what about Taylor? She's set to clash with Serrano for a third time on July 11 at Madison Square Garden on Netflix. DUBLIN, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 25: Katie Taylor in dressing room after her victory over Chantelle ... More Cameron and all her belts at The 3Arena Dublin on November 25, 2023 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by) I mean, she has only lost once in her career—a majority decision defeat to Chantelle Cameron. However, she avenged that loss in a rematch six months later. Taylor has not only beaten Amanda Serrano, she's also defeated her sister Cindy, Natasha Jonas, Delfine Persoon (twice), and Jessica McCaskill in her career. She's like Tim Duncan. Why does she consistently get left out of the GWOAT conversation? 'The opportunities that exist today for fighters like Amanda Serrano, Alycia Baumgardner, and others are built on the foundation Claressa helped lay,' Salita continued. 'It's important not to diminish that truth with false narratives—because these are not opinions, they are facts.' As it is, Shields is the GWOAT. She's never lost. She's won titles at every weight class, and truth be told, she is the fighter who deserves the same opportunities that Serrano and Taylor have received. It's unclear what has prevented her from receiving them up to now, but I think this could all be leading to something huge. "It's great for the sport of boxing that a celebrity like Jake Paul recognizes the value in what Claressa Shields has built and sees a business opportunity in women's boxing," Salita said. "That kind of visibility can help grow the sport. But let's also be clear about the facts—Claressa paved the way." Anyone smell a story here? I do. I spoke to Salita about the possibilities of Shields and Crews-Dezurn participating in what would be the biggest night in the history of women's boxing. Imagine a card with Serrano, Shields, Taylor, Baumgardner, Crews-Dezurn, Shadasia Green, Savannah Marshall, Mikaela Mayer, Cris Cyborg, new-MVP-fighters Dina Thorslund, Ramla Ali, Naomy Valle, and Nat 'No Love' Dove on the card. That may sound a bit ambitious. It is, but it is definitely not out of the realm of possibility. Quite honestly, Mayer is probably the toughest get because she's with Top Rank. That's a card that, if placed on the right weekend, would take over the combat sports weekend. This beef between Shields and Serrano could lay the groundwork for an event like that; and while lucrative for Shields and Serrano, it would also be arguably the best seed the two all-time greats could plant for the sport once they've hung up the gloves.
FACT
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
The FACT UAE Weekend Guide: 11 to 13 April 2025
Brunches, concerts and theatre shows await. April is in full swing, and with the al fresco dining season comes a whole host of things to look forward to. So start planning a weekend bursting with dining, nightlife, and entertainment. You can thank us later. Friday 11 April Enjoy an unforgettable evening 100 metres above the city at the UAE's longest-suspended infinity pool. Swim Under the Stars blends stunning skyline views with chilled beats, Japanese-meets-Mediterranean cuisine, and handcrafted cocktails. Whether lounging poolside or taking a dip under the night sky, it's the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Available on Fridays from 7:30pm to 11pm. AED 250 per person (AED 200 redeemable on food and drinks). GO: Visit for reservations and more information. Play Bongo's Bingo One of Dubai's most outrageous nights out is hitting a major milestone. To celebrate 10 years of Bongo's Bingo, the cult-favourite event is hosting a birthday blowout at Bla Bla Dubai. Expect spontaneous sing-alongs, rave rounds, throwback bangers, dance-offs and anything-goes prizes. From glittering unicorns to Henry Hoovers, nothing is off the table. Friday 11 April. AED 150 per person. GO: Visit for tickets and more information. See the new dinner show at The Theater Directed by the visionary Maestro Guy Manoukian and choreographed by long-time collaborator Maria Khomenko, LIFE – A Theatrical Journey Through Existence at The Theater is a breathtaking new production brought to life by a cast of world-class performers. Expect electrifying live music, stunning aerial acrobatics, and evocative choreography, all unfolding in a setting of opulence and drama. Complementing the spectacle is a Japanese meets Mediterranean culinary experience, complete with decadent desserts, handcrafted cocktails, and a curated wine list. GO: Visit for reservations and more information. Saturday 12 April Party on the sand with Benny Benassi Nikki Beach Dubai is marking its 9th anniversary with an all-day celebration. Set against the golden sands of Pearl Jumeirah, expect a sun-drenched party with Benny Benassi on the decks, supported by resident DJs Alexis Nohra and Mademoiselle Sabah. Benny Benassi is known for the hits 'Satisfaction' and 'Beautiful People' with Chris Brown. Available on Saturday, 12 April from 11am to 8pm. AED 200 per person. GO: Call 04 376 6000 for reservations and more information. See The Script live in Dubai If the songs Superheroes and Hall of Fame get your toes tapping, you'll be excited to hear that The Script is returning to Dubai this weekend. The Irish band will headline McGettigan's 'Late Late Paddy's Party' on 12 April at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Their hit singles include Breakeven and The Man Who Can't Be Moved. Over their career, they have won a World Music Award for Best Selling Irish Act and been nominated for BRIT Awards and Teen Choice Awards. GO: Visit for tickets and more information. Dance the night away with ANTS Renowned EDM performance ANTS will be making its Dubai debut as part of the Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience. Happening this weekend, you can expect high-energy and techno beats paired with breathtaking audio-visual displays that are guaranteed to transport you to another portal. Known for setting up the party scene in Ibiza for the last 12 years, this epic show promises an EDM experience unlike any other you've had in Dubai so far. GO: Visit for tickets and more information. Sunday 13 April Celebrate the joy of the weekend with the new Italian lunch experience at Signor Sassi. Meaning 'joy' in Italian, Gioia is all about gathering with loved ones over a three-course meal. Crafted by Chef Luca Rossi, the set menu features starters like Aubergine Parmigiana, Beetroot Carpaccio and Crispy Gamberetti e Calamari. Mains include Burrata-topped Pizzetta, Chicken Alla Diavola, Pasta al Pesto or Wild Seabass, followed by desserts such as Strawberry Fior di Fragola Cake or Tiramisu. Available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 3pm. AED 185 per person. GO: Visit for reservations and more information. Visit Vinyl Souk Vinyl Souk returns to 25hours Hotel One Central this weekend, bringing with it a bold celebration of independent music, art, and culture. This mini-festival promises a day-to-night experience packed with alternative sounds and immersive creativity. Expect four unique stages, from laid-back grooves at Nomad Day Bar and high-energy electronic sets at Monkey Bar to live performances at Room #3 and thought-provoking talks and films at Cinema Akil. The lineup features regional acts like Bull Funk Zoo, Dirty Backseat and Refugee Sound System. Dive into interactive workshops, including a DMC Middle East scratch session and a panel on MENA sound system culture. Sunday 13 April. AED 120. GO: Visit for tickets and more information. Hit the gym Get ahead of your fitness goals with Veo's limited-time early bird membership. Sign up before 15 May and enjoy two complimentary months with a 12-month plan or one month free with a six-month membership. Available at all Veo locations, this offer gives you access to state-of-the-art equipment, expert-led classes, and a welcoming, community-focused environment. GO: Visit for more information.
See - Sada Elbalad
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Get to Know NXT Roadblock Full Card
Early Wednesday, NXT, the developmental promotion of WWE, will organize its 2025 Roadblock, which is a special themed episode of the weekly show. It will be the fourth annual NXT Roadblock and the sixth Roadblock event overall. The event will take place at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event will also feature wrestlers from TNA, such as Moose, and the Hardy Boyz. There are several titles will be on the line such as NXT Championship, TNA World Tag Team titles, and a Winner Takes All Match for the NXT Women's and NXT Women's North America titles. The full card of the event is as follows: Jordynne Grace vs. Roxanne Perez New York Street Fight: Je'Von Evans vs. Ethan Page TNA World Tag Team titles: The Hardy Boyz (c) vs. Nathan Frazer & Axiom NXT Championship: Oba Femi (c) vs. Moose Winner Takes All match for the NXT Women's Championship and NXT Women's North American Championship: Giulia (NXT Women's Champion) vs. Stephanie Vaquer (North American Women's Champion)
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Keyshawn Davis has that star vibe — and he arrives at just the right time
NEW YORK — As far as false alarms go, the only one that's sounded off more consistently than the old 'rock is dead' mantra over the years is its sports equivalent — boxing is dead. We've been reading about its demise at intervals since Cassius started running his mouth. Yet just a week before boxing's great Lollapalooza card in Saudi Arabia, in which Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol will battle it out once again for the undisputed light heavyweight title, the 25-year-old Keyshawn Davis made a quick stop in the Big Apple to give a glimpse of boxing's future. They've been calling him the best boxer to come out of Norfolk since Pernell Whitaker, a gravitational statement meant to highlight the late champion more than the geography. Still, Davis was in New York to try to win his first major title on Friday, and I thought I'd stop in to get a look and see what all the hubbub was about. Nothing in the fight game is livelier than seeing a youthful fighter who is on the verge of breaking through. And it's even better to catch them in a small bunker as famous as The Theater at Madison Square Garden, which — with the trademark crisscrossed ceiling lights and the ring washed up to one side — has the feel of a glamorized smoker. A small contingency of Ukrainian fans showed up to back their fighter, Denys Berinchyk, who was temporarily holding the WBO lightweight title. I say 'temporarily' because Vegas installed him as a +475 underdog, which wasn't exactly an endorsement. He felt more like a sacrificial offering in a star-making ritual, which only lent to the vibe. The first to walk, though, was the challenger Davis, and it wasn't a long runway at the old Hulu so he took his sweet time. Decked in white and gold, he glowed against the darkness of the light drop, his white gloves swaying as he lifted his arms. The assembled crowd came to life. High expectation was in the air. Earlier in the night, just before Vito Mielnicki and the Irishman Connor Coyle went on, cell phones were aloft in the smoke-filled men's room as two fans squared off after a disagreement at the wash station. A group of onlookers cheered on the dispute, with one going so far as to yell 'Handle your business, Mr. Businessman!' — a homage to the man of the hour, 'The Businessman,' Davis. The dispute ended peacefully enough (to the dismay of those gathered), but that anticipation held taut throughout the night. Compared to other trips to The Theater, this felt significant. I'd been to here for events in the past, a GLORY event in which diehard fans insisted that I pay close attention to Georgio Petrosyan, a then 27-year-old phenom who was the Jon Jones of the kickboxing world. Those fans apologized when Petrosyan lost to Andy Ristie, in a way that a dinner guest apologizes when excusing himself from the table with an upset stomach. I was also there for a Beat the Streets wrestling event years later, in which Jordan Burroughs treated Ben Askren like a ragdoll. Relatively low-key affairs, and anticlimactic in every way. But this was different. The Ukrainian flags waved, and chants broke out, yet the only one that Davis heard was, 'NOR-FICK, NOR-FICK.' The actual chant sounded far more profane, especially for ESPN audiences, but that's just how Norfolk is pronounced. It wasn't a spectacular second-round demolishing like he had against Gustavo Lemos back in November, but it was still a subtle masterclass of the right hand. That right hand. That right hand was the co-star of the show. It threatened. It made promises. It carried the crowd's tension with it, whenever it flew, right up until the end. Berinchyk got in and out of the exchanges like a man playing with fire, and he tied Davis up whenever he could. But in the fourth round it all came apart. A brutal hook combination to the body dropped him to a knee, and long before referee Harvey Dock could wave him off, there was Davis, waving his hands from the neutral corner. He knew it upon impact. You couldn't help but feel for Berinchyk, who'd been accused of sending a box of bananas and watermelon to Davis in what was thought to be a racist gesture. He didn't have anything for Davis on fight night. He got bloodied up and tenderized when in close, made to feel like a title tenant more than an actual owner. Over a decade ago he won a silver medal for his country at the Olympics in London, and he's had a nice career. He even dabbled in the bare-knuckle boxing scene, going against the former UFC fighter Artem Lobov just for kicks. Yet you get the sense that Davis isn't just a boxer, but the emerging face of boxing itself. If there was a masquerade in play, it got shut down quickly. Davis, who has been around Terence Crawford long enough to know how to handle himself as a winner, now has the WBO lightweight title, and he'll be hunting for more. Add him to the other names. Vasiliy Lomachencko. Gervonta Davis. Shakur Stevenson. Top Rank's officials believe he's bound to be a champion in other weight classes, too. 'What a performance,' the 93-year-old Bob Arum said. Arum has been promoting events since George Chuvalo took on Muhammad Ali in 1966. 'You saw the future of boxing tonight here in New York City.' So we did. And boxing is as alive as its ever been.
