Latest news with #Wicked-themed
News18
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Ariana Grande surprises 9-year-old cancer influencer with Wicked themed gifts
Washington, DC [US], August 10 (ANI): Ariana Grande recently brought joy to a young fan battling stage 4 cancer by sending her a special package filled with Wicked-themed to People, nine-year-old influencer Brie Bird, who documents her cancer journey on social media, posted a video showing the surprise from her 'favourite person in the whole wide world." Before opening the two packages, Brie wore a pink dress to match her Glinda Funko Pop she found a pink tumbler, plush toys of characters from Wicked and The Wizard of Oz — including the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, Elphaba, Wizard of Oz, and Scarecrow — plus two Glinda toys, a Squishmallow pillow, and a stuffed bunny dressed like the Good Witch. The package also included OPI nail polish inspired by the movie-musical, pink zip-up bags, a tote, makeup from Grande's R.E.M. Beauty brand, and a bottle of her Cloud perfume.'Thank you so, so, so, so much, Ariana Grande. I love everything in the package that you got, especially the Squishmallows and everything else. And I love that perfume, by the way," Bird said to her clip ended with a recorded message from Grande, who said she had heard about Brie's love for Wicked and Glinda and wanted to create the gift. She told Brie that her favourite part was also the Squishmallows, calling them 'very comfy and very cute."'I've seen your videos and I think you are the most amazing, most inspiring little light beam in this universe. You're just so incredible, so thank you for being you," Grande continued.'I'm sending you so much love and many, many, many virtual hugs. I hope this makes you smile, and I'll speak to you soon. Love you," she added. On the work front, Grande, who earned her first Oscar nomination for playing Glinda in Wicked, will next be seen in the upcoming film 'Focker in Law' with Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro. The film was previously titled 'Meet the Parents 4.' The series will also star Blythe Danner, Teri Polo, and Owen Wilson. (ANI)
News18
09-08-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Ariana Grande Sends A ‘Wicked' Care Package To 9-Year-Old Fan With Stage 4 Cancer
Ariana Grande surprised 9-year-old influencer Brie Bird, battling stage 4 cancer, with Wicked-themed gifts and a heartfelt message. Brie thanked Ariana on social media. Ariana Grande just turned a little girl's day into pure magic. The pop sensation recently surprised 9-year-old influencer Brie Bird, who is courageously documenting her stage 4 cancer journey online, with a box full of thoughtful, Wicked-themed goodies. On August 7, Brie shared a heartwarming video on social media, sharing the mail she received two mysterious packages from her 'favorite person in the whole wide world." Dressed perfectly for the day in a pink outfit to match her Glinda Funko Pop, she sat down to open them and what came next was nothing short of heart-warming. Inside the first package was a pink tumbler cup, along with plush versions of beloved characters from Wicked and The Wizard of Oz, including the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Elphaba and even the Wizard himself. Ariana Grande's Glinda-Themed Gifts Ariana did not stop there. She also included not one but two Glinda-themed toys, a Squishmallow pillow, and a stuffed bunny dressed in Good Witch's signature gown. In the second package, Brie discovered OPI nail polishes inspired by the movie musical, two bright pink zip-up bags, a tote bag, makeup products from Ariana's own REM Beauty line and a bottle of her Cloud perfume. As she pulled out each item, her face lit up with pure joy while also saying, 'Thank you so, so, so, so much, Ariana Grande," she said with a huge smile. 'I love everything in the package that you got, especially the Squishmallows and everything else. And I love that perfume, by the way," the munchkin added. Ariana Grande's Surprise Message The video ended with a surprise message from the singer herself. In it, Ariana shared that she had heard about Brie's love for Wicked and Glinda which inspired her to take the move. 'I've seen your videos and I think you are the most amazing, most inspiring little light beam in this universe," she told Brie, adding, 'You're just so incredible… I'm sending you so much love and many, many, many virtual hugs. I hope this makes you smile, and I'll speak to you soon. Love you." In her caption of the post, Brie shared, 'We are truly so grateful!" She further thanked Ariana for taking the time to make her wish come true." First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Eater
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
Next-Gen Alamo Drafthouse Goes the Fancy Private Theater Route
is an editor and reporter for the Northeast region at Eater, focusing primarily on New York City, where she was born and raised. She covers restaurants, bars, pop-ups, and the people powering them. The founder of Alamo Drafthouse is opening a new movie theater in New York — one built entirely for private groups, with multi-course meals themed with whatever's playing on screen. Alamo Drafthouse has been a leader in the rise of dine-in movie theaters over the last decade. Now the Austin-born company is investing in Metro Private Cinema, opening in September at 131 Eighth Avenue, at West 16th Street, in Chelsea. Owner Tim League hopes to expand to other locations soon. At Metro Private Cinema, rather than purchasing an individual seat ticket, a host books a whole private screening room. Choose the movie (there's a range of titles), time, and food/drinks. Rooms — it's a 'twenty-plex' — generally seat between four and 12. The base is $50 per person with unlimited popcorn. It may be about double the price of a regular movie ticket, but it's easy to see it being popular for birthday parties or work events. Much like Alamo Drafthouse is known for, there are culinary add-ons. For example, for a showing of Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers, it would thematically make sense to pair the Les Blank documentary with their garlicky dinner experience that includes a chilled almond soup, charcuterie, roasted rabbit, and succotash. 'Every dish in this menu, from the cocktails to the dessert and everything in between, is kissed or clobbered by God's gift to cuisine: garlic,' the website writes. But you can mix-and-match: There's a Wicked-themed menu; a Goodfellas dinner; and A Christmas Story Chinese roast duck experience, among others. Multi-course meals are about $100 per person. After the movie ends, the group gets about 30 minutes extra time to keep hanging out. The menu was developed by Joshua Guarneri, who previously was the executive chef at the short-lived Bar Avalon in Los Angeles and worked at the Breslin in New York. 'We're going to have a lot of fun,' League said, who, as we spoke for the interview, mentioned pickling projects were happening downstairs at the venue in anticipation of opening. Financially, Alamo Drafthouse invested in the venture and has equity shares, though it is being positioned as an offshoot (League stepped down as Alamo CEO in 2020, but is still very involved in the company he founded). It's his first big move following much drama that has shrouded Alamo Drafthouse. In 2022, the Texas Observer chronicled challenges the chain faced during the pandemic, which included employee layoffs and bankruptcy as theaters struggled during COVID. The publication also called the portrait of working there 'far from fantastic' (a reference to the company's Fantastic Fest), a nationwide chain that 'remains popular despite accusations of union busting and allegations of sexual assault,' referring to issues regarding business associates and customers who had been accused of misconduct over the years. In 2018, Splinter reported that League and his wife, Karrie, had been accused of 'minimizing' workplace issues during the #MeToo era. League said in a statement around that time: 'I've let so many of you down. Over the past few days, I've realized that decisions I have made over these past months have been problematic. I am concerned about what these choices may say about me and the values of this company to employees, customers and the community at large. I'm humbled and deeply sorry.' In 2024, Alamo Drafthouse was acquired by Sony. Earlier this year, Variety reported that Alamo Drafthouse's unionizing workers at the Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn locations ended a 58-day strike after reaching an agreement with management, also bringing back about 70 employees who were previously let go. Despite in-person attendance at theaters shifting, Alamo has continued to open new locations. League says part of what led him to launch Metro Private Cinema in Chelsea was that there was a theater nearby that had closed and he wanted to fill the gap: 'New York is an old city. In order to build a traditional movie theater, you need high ceilings and forty-foot spans; most New York buildings aren't set up for that,' he adds of the business's flexibility, 'We can slide into a former Duane Reade pharmacy, which pushes the idea forward.' It's apace with the numerous members-only clubs in New York, some with their own theaters. Over at Fouquet's New York, a hotel in Tribeca, it was reported by the New York Post that its Cannes Cinema started selling tickets to the public, at $110 for two drinks and a movie, $165 for the movie plus a prix fixe dinner at the property's French brasserie. Dine-in theaters like Syndicated in Bushwick and both Brooklyn Nitehawk locations also offer private event booking. 'There's a certain number of people who would prefer to be in a private place than a huge room with strangers […] it's an alternative that works alongside traditional cinemagoing,' League says. 'And, hopefully, this can grow a new market for people who aren't going to the cinema as much.' Metro Private Cinema Eater NY All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Metro
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Chicken wine, pizza and indoor rollerskating: The rise of the adult sleepover
Don't grow up, it's a trap. The cheesy slogan usually found on canvases in the heavily discounted section of Homesense alongside the Live Laugh Love mirrors may be clichéd, but they could have a point. Maybe it's why we're seeing a rise in adults over the last decade reclaiming their youth, from putting themselves through ridiculously physical obstacle courses, to attaching Labubus dolls to their work bags, and furiously collecting items they would have once thrown in the bin so they can glue them into a junk journal. And now there's another childhood obsession grabbing attention all over social media – the good old-fashioned sleepover. Once the highlight of many school social calendars, laughs, tears and secrets were shared over scary movies, face masks, and a few prank calls (if you could perfect an anonymous accent), creating some of our most cherished memories. And while we're not suggesting putting 141 in front of your number to call your boss as your friends giggle in the background, there still could be merit in those overnight stays. There's no denying that they are having a moment. The hashtag #sleepover has reached 1.2 million on TikTok, and celebs like the Kardashians and Ariana Grande are linking up to join in the hype with a Wicked-themed stayover. Meanwhile, influencers Saffron Barker and Imogen Cribb have just launched nightwear brand Girl Uniform with sleepovers in mind. Companies such as Sleepovers & Co and Tee Pee Vibe Tribe have also got in the act, organising luxury sleepovers specifically for grown-ups. Their packages can include prosecco pong, breakfast trays, and personalised cups, and they decorate spaces with balloon garlands, fairy lights and pillows, all in a rose gold hue, of course. The tourism industry is lapping it up too, with The Shankly hotel in Liverpool offering rooms of ten, while the Rooftop Film Club hosts PJ parties, with guests invited to wear pyjamas and watch romcoms such as Mamma Mia. 'Revisiting sleepovers as adults isn't regressive, it's restorative. It reconnects us with parts of ourselves we've learned to silence,' psychologist Dr. Lalitaa Suglani tells Metro. 'As we grow up, we're taught, often subtly, that joy should give way to productivity, responsibility, and self-sufficiency. Childlike play and softness are seen as indulgent or immature. Fun is often the first thing to go when life gets busy, but it's one of the most powerful tools for emotional well-being. 'The truth is, prioritising fun, especially with people we trust, helps regulate our nervous system, strengthen bonds, and create positive emotional memories, it meets the core emotional needs of connection, belonging, and presence. It reminds us that we are more than what we do, we are allowed to feel joy.' When I asked my girl group chats for their views on the pastime, the responses were enthusiastic. Many were already in on the trend, heading to a friend's house on a Friday straight from work and not leaving until Saturday afternoon. Those who hadn't thought about sleepovers for years were instantly yearning for one at the mere mention. I have been an enthusiastic supporter since first moving to London ten years ago. Their introduction was initially a means of practicality; instead of riding the night bus after an evening catch-up, it felt safer and less tiring to bring an overnight bag. But it isn't just the ease that has meant my bathroom drawer is filled with toothbrushes purposely left behind by my pals, as their stays are so frequent, it's the joy of the act. While it's still fun to put on our highest heels and knock back picantes in bustling bars, there's something about sitting in comfortable silence while watching How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days for the tenth time, or chatting about our future dreams over a pack of Revels. It is my opinion that, as romantic partners often get to enjoy these low-key moments daily, friends, who are just as important, deserve them too. 'There's a growing desire for deeper, more meaningful connections, especially after years of digital interaction and isolation. 'Social media has helped normalise adult sleepovers by showcasing them as not just acceptable, but emotionally rewarding,' adds Dr Suglani. 'Many are craving the kind of closeness, low-pressure, cosy and caring environment that sleepovers naturally create.' Midnight meetings aren't just for millennials and Gen Z. 57-year-old Gen X-er Sam Adams regularly has overnight stays with her close friends. She and her pals have done everything from singing into hairbrushes to burlesque dancing in the living room and roller-skating around a conservatory, but mainly they just catch up over prosecco and popcorn. Sam believes that a certain level of intimacy can only be achieved through having no time limit in a home setting. She says it's the intoxicating mixture of 'comfort and chaos' that keeps her continually coming back for more. 'There is a freedom to be your unfiltered self, no need to rush home, no pressure to perform, just showing up as you are with make-up off and comfies on,' she tells Metro. 'There's a kind of magic in staying up too late. No agenda, no masks, just a chance to talk rubbish, laugh until someone snorts, and then wake up in a pile of duvets. It's nourishing and somehow more real than anything else.' There's also the beauty of having no strangers listening in on conversations as they might do in a busy restaurant or bar. 'When the outside world is quiet, the deeper stuff comes up — fears, heartbreaks, wild dreams. It's vulnerable in the best way,' says Sam. It's not just your mental health that will benefit, either; sleepovers are kind to your bank balance too. With nine in 10 of us calling the cost of living the most important issue facing the UK**, a price tag that covers no more than a bottle of chicken wine and a Domino's takeaway cannot be overlooked. There is often a heavy 'friendship tax'; an hour or two together outside the home could end up costing big – the average night out is approximately £73. This could mean you've spent more than your monthly phone bill, and you've not even had time to get to the nitty gritty topics, such as who deserves to play Britney Spears in the rumoured biopic. The activity doesn't require too much pre-planning either, which can appeal to those fed up with WhatsApp location polls or chats of nights out that never happen. You simply pick a date and show up. This can be something that is especially appreciated if a friendship group are going through different life stages. Lindsey Frodsham, 32, tells Metro: 'My friends are starting to have kids now, and a sleepover means they don't need a babysitter. 'My mum mates have found the lifestyle change can be isolating, but this is something we can still do together, and they appreciate it.' One of the reasons sleepovers were so important when we were kids is that they came at a time when friendships were placed at the centre of our worlds, but in adulthood, this is often replaced by romantic love, careers and families. 'It's easy to drift from friends, but I've found it's so important to make time for them in the same way as family and partners because different relationships bring unique benefits to my life,' adds Lindsey. With the UK amid a loneliness epidemic – where a quarter of adults say they felt lonely often, always or some of the time – she has a point. More Trending 'Loneliness isn't just about being alone, it's about not feeling seen or known,' Dr Suglani says. 'Sleepovers offer quality time where masks can drop and a real connection can form. They remind us that we're allowed to take up space in someone else's life, and that we're not meant to go through life unsupported. 'Sleepovers can build emotional safety, which is the foundation of secure, lasting relationships. That kind of connection lowers stress, strengthens resilience, and helps us feel more anchored in our lives.' Sam agrees: 'We need people who see us in all our states — joyful, messy, lost, loud — and still choose to stay close. Especially as adults, when life gets busy and curated, we need real connection more than ever.' Dr. Lalitaa Suglani spoke to Metro on behalf of search trends experts Big Fat Link. Research by Allied Market Research, Office for National Statistics and Statista Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prom for students with special needs gives youths a chance to dress up and shine
Victor Matts last attended a prom when he was a troubled 17-year-old in Chicago. 'I went to prom with the intent to steal. I wasn't there to dance or celebrate,' Matts, now 65, reflected with a hint of regret. 'I was a completely different person back then.' Fast forward to last Friday night and the vibrant lights of Washington High School illuminated a momentous occasion: Matts was celebrating his daughter Jennefer's first prom. 'She didn't have a date, so I told her, 'Baby, you don't have to worry because I will gladly be your date,'' Matts said. Planning for this big night began weeks in advance. Matts made sure everything was color-coordinated, even driving to Gurnee, Illinois, to find the perfect palace green gown for Jennefer. He complemented it with a matching green suit. with his daughter's look completed with a corsage of green, white, and yellow roses. "I wanted this to be one of the best nights of her life — a night she and I would never forget. This is what prom is all about," Matts said. Send us your pictures: Submit your 2025 prom photos for our statewide gallery Jennefer, 14, and her dad were among the 200 guests and numerous volunteers celebrating the 22nd annual prom for students with special needs April 11. While most students attend MPS, the prom attracts students from all over Wisconsin and has grown into a reunion of sorts with many attendees returning to the dance after graduating. On the dance floor, instead of trying to learn the trendy TikTok dances like "Uptown, Downtown," which has more than 1.8 million likes, Matts chose to embrace the rhythm of his past with the faithful two-step. 'I may not know all those new dances, but I do what I can when I get out there,' he said. 'I'm just trying to ensure this night is unforgettable for my baby girl. This is my first real prom, too.' Jennefer's radiant smile said it all as they twirled on a Wicked-themed dance floor, featuring life-sized characters like Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. In a heartwarming moment, Jennefer paused mid-dance, wrapped her arms around her dad, and pulled him into a warm hug on the bustling dance floor, solidifying the special bond they shared on this memorable night. The prom was established when MPS had separate schools for students with disabilities. Staff members recognized that their students yearned for a magical event celebrating them — a prom where they could dress up and shine alongside their peers. For the past two decades, Washington High School has hosted the prom, and this beloved tradition has flourished thanks to the planning and support of teachers, students, and various community groups. Earl Ingram Jr., a radio personality and a member of the group Voices of the Elders, arrived 8 hours before the first guest arrived. He helped set up props and worked to transform the cafeteria into 'The Emerald City of Oz.' 'I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but here," Ingram said. "When you see the joy on these young people's faces and the excitement in their parents, there is nothing like it." This event holds special significance for Ingram, who has been raising Jahmaree, his son with autism, since he was 2 years old. Jahmaree has been attending the event for the last 12 years. Now 23, he eagerly looks forward to the prom each year. When Jahmaree arrived, he quickly spotted many of his friends, and they all headed to the dance floor to support one another. The event resembled any typical prom you might imagine. The DJ played upbeat music, creating an energetic atmosphere. Groups of girls gathered on the side, dancing and taking selfies and videos to share on Instagram. Several of the guys gathered in groups doing their cool dances. When popular songs played, everyone rushed to the dance floor to showcase the latest TikTok dances. Additionally, the event featured a "glam room," where volunteers offered nail and makeup services to the girls and provided suits for young men who wanted to dress up for the occasion. Weeks before the prom, someone donated eight prom dresses for girls in need to choose from. Cherelle Harris, 32, who runs the Pearl Label in West Allis, met with the girls and made alterations to the dresses at no charge. "Just watching them in the dresses and seeing them enjoy their night means everything," Harris said. Amid all the excitement, Victor Matts and his daughter danced to nearly every song. When they took a break, Jennefer was all smiles while her dad caught his breath. Matts said his daughter doesn't speak much to people she doesn't know. He believes that, despite her special needs, she deserves to be treated like any other child. He emphasized the importance of highlighting events like the prom, especially in light of the Trump administration's moves on special needs programs. Earlier this month, 23 Democratic senators wrote a letter to U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, warning that drastic funding reductions to the U.S. Department of Education and a proposed transfer of special education programs to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services would harm students with disabilities. 'We have to keep shining a light on the positives of those with special needs and fight for them," he said. "I plan to fight for my daughter because she deserves to be treated like everyone else." Heidi Cumbajin, the transition coordinator at Washington, said planning for 'A Night in Emerald City' began in January when students chose the theme, inspired by the movies and musicals "The Wizard of Oz" and "Wicked." Many volunteers came together to ensure the event would be a night to remember. Numerous special moments unfolded that might go unnoticed if one isn't paying attention. For instance, Willie Jude II, the new executive director of the MPS Foundation, helped a young man tie his tie at the side of the dance floor. There was also a touching moment when a young lady embraced the woman who altered her dress, and the smile on another young lady's face as she admired her freshly done nails. Additionally, Kyle Witty, who provided some animated props, climbed a ladder to ensure the lights on one of his props were turned on. Cumbajin noted that as the event grew, students from the culinary arts program at four schools — Washington, Vincent, Bay View, and Madison — prepared the meals for the occasion. The menu featured wicked wild wings, mac and cheese, stuffed chicken breast, rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, berry tort, cornbread, and garlic bread. Before I left for the night, Jennefer pulled her father back onto the dance floor to dance for the rest of the evening. While I'm sure Matts' feet will be sore after all the dancing, it was a night he and his daughter will never forget. Reach James E. Causey at jcausey@ follow him on X @jecausey. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Volunteers make magic for hundreds at MPS special needs prom | Opinion
