Latest news with #Tony-winning
USA Today
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Kara Young has found her 'Purpose.' Now she's making Tony Awards history.
Kara Young has found her 'Purpose.' Now she's making Tony Awards history. Show Caption Hide Caption Tony-winning 'Appropriate' playwright returns with 'Purpose' Kara Young, LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Harry Lennix star in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' "Purpose," about an influential family with shocking secrets. NEW YORK — Kara Young makes any show a must-see event. In 2021, the ebullient newcomer made her Broadway debut in Lynn Nottage's 'Clyde's,' bringing spiky wit and desperation to a formerly incarcerated single mom. Since then, she's earned Tony Awards nominations for all four of her Broadway outings, winning best featured actress in a play for 'Purlie Victorious' last season. She's in the mix once again this year for Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Pulitzer Prize-winning 'Purpose,' making history as the first Black performer to receive four consecutive Tony nods – and only the second person to do so overall. 'I actually cannot believe it,' Young says. 'I haven't truly understood or realized what has happened in the last four years.' Between her unremitting theater schedule, as well as her burgeoning film and TV career, she hasn't stopped long enough to sit down and take it all in. 'People have been saying, 'Just absorb what has happened,'' she says. 'I hope to have a moment to do that eventually. Right now, the work is the thing.' For Kara Young, 'Purpose' is the 'greatest challenge ever' On and off Broadway, Young has always been drawn to plays with political and social vibrations: exploring racism ('Purlie Victorious'), identity ('The New Englanders'), disability and caregiving ('The Cost of Living'). 'I am a Black person and what that represents in any story is bigger than myself,' says the actress, whose parents immigrated from Belize. 'I just feel incredibly grateful to work with some of the most amazing, prolific writers in our industry. Every single time I'm stepping into one of these worlds, I'm learning more about humanity.' 'Purpose' aligns with her ethos of wanting to tell stories that spark conversation. Directed by Phylicia Rashad, the nearly three-hour drama follows a prominent Black family, the Jaspers, with deep roots in the American civil rights movement. Younger son Naz (Jon Michael Hill) has agreed to be a sperm donor for his social worker friend, Aziza (Young), who stumbles into an explosive family dinner at his childhood home one weekend. At first filled with admiration for Naz's aging pastor patriarch (Harry Lennix), she is quickly exposed to the hypocrisy and threats that have propped up the Jaspers for decades. 'Aziza feels like someone who I've always wanted to be,' Young says. 'She is an unapologetically queer woman moving through the world and was raised to be a free person. There is no code-switching whenever she walks into a new space; she's incredibly respectful but she lives freely.' 'Purpose' is both uproarious and unsettling, forcing theatergoers to sit in their discomfort. Aziza is, in many ways, the audience surrogate, which requires Young to really be present with her venom-spewing costars as new lies and revelations are unfurled. Going in, 'I understood that it was going to be the greatest challenge ever,' Young says. 'It's almost like going back to the roots of acting, when an acting teacher tells you that the most important thing is listening. Aziza is walking into a space not as a fish out of water, but with an overwhelming curiosity of who her friend is. There are new things I hear and see every night – I'm always gagged. (Laughs.) That's the word, right?' Young is surrounded by an astounding, first-rate ensemble that includes Alana Arenas, LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Glenn Davis. But it's her quietly devastating performance that ultimately packs the biggest gut punch. 'Kara is an absolute star and always has been – and I mean that in a way that's almost classical at this point: inimitable, brilliant, elevating everything she touches, with chops for days,' Jacobs-Jenkins says. 'I'm both shocked and grateful Hollywood hasn't fully managed to rob us of her. She has remained so loyal to the stage – a true theatre animal – and we really should be so thankful for that. She's just such an obvious legend-in-the-making." How the Tony-winning Harlem native stays 'grounded' Young was born and raised in New York's Harlem neighborhood. Her parents, who worked in the healthcare and hospitality industries, never pushed her into extracurriculars. Rather, she discovered her love of performing at age 5, after tagging along to her brother's after-school mime class at the 92nd Street Y. As she got older, "I started doing musical theater in El Barrio with the Black and brown kids," Young recalls. "There was this beautiful woman, Liza Castro-Robinson, who would take all of the classic musicals and write a story around those songs.' (The actress downplays her singing abilities, but says she would still love to play Mrs. Lovett in "Sweeney Todd" or Roxie Hart in "Chicago.") Young has already begun to garner big- and small-screen attention: She starred in Prime Video series "I'm a Virgo" in 2023, and will next lead Aleshea Harris' film adaptation of "Is God Is" alongside Mallori Johnson, Sterling K. Brown, Vivica A. Fox and Janelle Monáe. She was "really shooketh" when Oprah Winfrey came to see "Purpose," and even more so when Whoopi Goldberg stopped by. ("There are people who have pure magic that lives inside of them, and that is Whoopi," she marvels.) But even with her rapid ascent, Young has never forgotten where she came from. "Purpose" is playing at the same theater where she did "Clyde's," and she has many fond memories of spending time backstage with the great Ron Cephas Jones, who died in 2023. ("He was such an epic man.") Young has the same dressing room as she did back then, where she keeps a portrait of her dear friend's late mom, Claudia Whittingham. ("Growing up, I always wanted to be her. I felt like she was my twin.") Family and community are what keep her centered amid all the chaos of this current Tony season. "Just calling my parents, even if it's for two seconds, like, 'Mom, I just want to hear your voice,' or 'Dad, tell me something great.' Even if I don't see him, I feel him,'' Young says, smiling. "New York keeps me grounded, too. I say hey to the dude on the corner selling random items, or the woman who might be asking for a little change. I hear my super every morning, and walk down and hug him. I've gotta stay feet planted in these streets." "Purpose" is now playing at the Hayes Theatre (240 W. 44th Street) through Aug. 31.
New York Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Did 'MobLand' just kill off Tom Hardy? Boss explains
Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. Season 1 of the Paramount+ drama 'MobLand' ended on Sunday, June 1, wrapping up the hit series starring Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren. When it premiered on March 30, the crime drama broke records as the streamer's biggest global series launch ever, drawing 2.2 million viewers on premiere day. 12 Pierce Brosnan as Conrad Harrigan and Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza in 'MobLand.' Luke Varley/Paramount+ 12 Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza in 'MobLand.' Luke Varley/Paramount+ 12 Jez Butterworth attends the MobLand Premiere after party at The Twenty-Two on March 31, 2025 in New York City. Getty Images for Paramount+ Spoilers below for the 'MobLand' Season 1 finale. At the end of the Season 1 finale, mob fixer Harry Da Souza's (Hardy) wife, Jan (Joanne Froggatt), accidentally stabs him in the chest with a knife during an argument. The burning question: is that fatal? 'I mean, if you think about it, 'is Harry dead?'' writer and executive producer Jez Butterworth exclusively told The Post. 'No. We're not gonna – We love Harry. We love Tom.' 12 Emily Barber as Alice, Joanne Froggatt as Jan Da Souza and Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza in 'MobLand.' Luke Varley/Paramount+ Butterworth, who also co-wrote the 2014 Tom Cruise movie 'Edge of Tomorrow,' added, 'I felt strongly that throughout the whole tale, the ball that he kept dropping was his home life,' referring how Harry and his wife were having friction, due to her unhappiness with his job. 'It felt satisfyingly dramatic that having walked through fire for 10 episodes, what happens at the end is the one thing he's not expecting.' The show follows the Harrigans, a London crime family led by patriarch Conrad (Brosnan). His wife Mave (Mirren) frequently schemes behind his back. She hates his illegitimate daughter, Seraphina (Mandeep Dhillon), and fawns over his sociopathic grandson, Eddie (Anson Boon). Over the course of the season, one of their sons, Brendan (Daniel Betts), got brutally killed by an enemy, while their other son, Kevin (Paddy Considine), came into his own. 12 Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza and Pierce Brosnan as Conrad Harrigan in 'MobLand.' Luke Varley/Paramount+ 12 Keith Cox, President, Development and Production, Paramount Network & TV Land, David Glasser, Dame Helen Mirren, Guy Ritchie, Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan and Chris McCarthy, President and CEO, MTV Entertainment Group attend the Global Premiere of 'MobLand' at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on March 27, 2025 in London, England. Getty Images for Paramount Plus Harry is their fixer who cleans up their messes, at the expense of his home life. Since Harry and Jan have been married for over a decade, one might think she'd be used to his line of work. 'I think in all relationships, the things that we like at first gradually drive you crazy…[Harry] is too freewheelling,' Butterworth, a Tony-winning playwright who also co-wrote the 2015 James Bond film 'Spectre,' explained. 'I think what you're seeing here [between Harry and Jan] is just the attritional cost of dealing with this level of unpredictability, anxiety and stress.' 12 Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza, Mandeep Dhillon as Seraphina Harrigan and Pierce Brosnan as Conrad Harrigan in 'MobLand.' Luke Varley/Paramount+ 12 Helen Mirren as Maeve Harrigan and Anson Boon as Eddie Harriganin 'MobLand.' Luke Varley/Paramount+ Paramount has not announced a Season 2 yet. But if Season 2 happens, Butterworth hopes that the 'chaotic' dynamic of the family will continue. 'They resemble most families, which is to say, they're chaos. I can't be working out in my family who's the craziest! That's going to continue.' 12 Paddy Considine as Kevin Harrigan in 'MobLand.' Jason Bell/Paramount+ 12 Helen Mirren as Maeve Harrigan in 'MobLand.' Luke Varley/Paramount+ He added that if the show continues, it will also keep its focus on the 'beating heart,' of the story, which is the 'Jeeves and Wooster relationship that Harry has with this family,' he said, referring to the '90s British sitcom about a wealthy man and his valet who gets him out of mishaps. Conrad hasn't exactly run a tight ship. His family is full of double crossing, impulsive actions, and scheming. 'I liked the idea of coming in at a point where perhaps their great days are behind them, and for that to be the test that Conrad is presented with, and that he has to meet the challenge of,' said Butterworth, who also wrote the screenplay for the Matt Damon and Christian Bale sports drama 'Ford v Ferrari.' 12 Paddy Considine as Kevin Harrigan and Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza in 'MobLand.' Luke Varley/Paramount+ 'We've been watching somebody who is perhaps questioning if they are at the end of their reign. Are they going to be able to rise to that and overcome that? I think that's a fascinating narrative.' The Season 1 finale also killed off the Harrigan's adversary, Ritchie (Geoff Bell). At times, he was sympathetic. 'I loved the fact — and a lot of it's down to the actor — that he has a melancholy quality that really makes you feel sorry for somebody who is a monster,' said Butterworth. 12 Geoff Bell as Richie Stevenson in 'MobLand.' Luke Varley/Paramount+ '[Ritchie] was not a monster. He had a monster in him. Whereas, I think Conrad is a monster with a human being [in him] that's trying to be heard. It's a slightly different balance.' 'It was a sad day when I felt that Richie's time had run out,' he continued. 'But I also wanted to squeeze all of the juice out of that particular storyline, and leave us in a position where we could vault from it and move on.' As for the future of 'MobLand' if renewed, he told The Post: 'I'd like this to run for as long as it fascinates and delights and stimulates an audience. If it's doing that, then long may it continue.'
India Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
How can you watch the Tony Awards this year? Streaming details inside
As the 2025 Tony Awards approach, Broadway enthusiasts are getting ready for a night of glamour honoring the greatest of 29 productions have received nominations, but just a handful will win the prized trophy and the box office bump that comes with and Where to WatchAccording to AP, the 2025 Tony Awards will be broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 8, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET (5 p.m. to 8 p.m. PT). Viewers in the U.S. can watch on CBS or stream it on Paramount+. A pre-show hosted by Darren Criss and Rene Elise Goldsberry will air on Pluto TV from 6:40 p.m. ET, featuring early award Tony-winning, Oscar-nominated actress Cynthia Erivo will host the ceremony for the first time. Best known for her powerful performance in The Color Purple, she has recently released her album I Forgive Contenders & NomineesTopping the nominations with 10 each is Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, and Dead Outlaw. Best New Musical nominees are Operation Mincemeat, and Maybe Happy Ending, among others. Best Play nominees include English, Oh, Mary!, and McDonald could extend her record to seven Tonys with her performance in Gypsy. Kara Young could make history as the first Black actor to win two Tonys consecutively. Daniel Dae Kim, Marjan Neshat, and Tala Ashe are also in line for historic firsts in Performances and TributesFor the first time in years, the original cast of Hamilton featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr. will reunite to mark the musical's 10th anniversary.(With inputs from Associated Press)
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Original ‘Hamilton' Cast Performing at Tony Awards
History has its eye on you, Hamilton cast. To honor the Broadway show's 10th anniversary this year, the original cast of the Tony-winning production, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the book, music, lyrics and starred in the show, will reunite at the Tony Awards for a special anniversary performance on June 8. More from The Hollywood Reporter Sadie Sink on Her First Tony Nomination, Shaking Off 'Stranger Things' Expectations Darren Criss, Renée Elise Goldsberry Set to Host Tony Awards Preshow Broadway Sees Highest Grossing Season on Record Fellow castmembers participating in the performance include Jonathan Groff, Ariana DeBose, Carleigh Bettiol, Andrew Chappelle, Alysha Deslorieux, Daveed Diggs, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Sydney James Harcourt, Neil Haskell, Sasha Hutchings, Christopher Jackson, Thayne Jasperson, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Stephanie Klemons, Morgan Marcell, Javier Muñoz, Leslie Odom, Jr., Okieriete Onaodowan, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Jon Rua, Austin Smith, Phillipa Soo, Seth Stewart, Betsy Struxness, Ephraim Sykes and Voltaire Wade-Greene. The show, which is about the rise and fall of founding father on the 10 dollar bill, Alexander Hamilton and has a hip-hop twist on the music, debuted on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in 2015. It won 11 Tonys at the 2026 ceremony, including best musical. It went on to nab a Grammy, Olivier award, Pulitzer Prize for Drama, citation from the Kennedy Center Honors and the original Broadway cast recording became the first to be certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America. The show is currently still playing on Broadway. Before the Tony Awards begin airing, a pre-show will be hosted by first-time Tony nominee Darren Criss and Renée Elise Goldsberry, available to stream on Pluto TV at 6:40-8 p.m. ET/3:40-5 p.m. PT. Immediately after, the award show starts and is hosted by Tony winner and Wicked star Cynthia Erivo. The 78th annual Tony Awards will broadcast on CBS from 8-11 p.m. on June 8. See the full list of Tony nominations here. Best of The Hollywood Reporter From 'Lady in the Lake' to 'It Ends With Us': 29 New and Upcoming Book Adaptations in 2024 Meet the Superstars Who Glam Up Hollywood's A-List Rosie O'Donnell on Ellen, Madonna, Trump and 40 Years in the Queer Spotlight
Edmonton Journal
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edmonton Journal
Things to do in Edmonton this weekend: Cat Fest, Ukrainian Fest, Tchaikovsky and more
Article content A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder: Amid an ensemble cast, talented ex-pat Ron Peterson plays eight (or is it nine) characters in this staging of this raucous, Tony-winning musical comedy put on by Grindstone Theatre. Following low-born Mony Navarro as he eliminates his competition for earldom, murder isn't the only thing on his mind as hinted at by the play's title. Sam Hutchings, Oscar Derkx, Sawyer Craig and Ruth Alexander also star in this ambitious costume production that will have you ghoulishly singing along.
