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Celebrity Takeover

Showboat starring Vanessa Williams, Norm Lewis & More to Air on PBS

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PBS will broadcast the 2014 revival of theater classic Showboat starring Tony nominee Vanessa Williams on Friday, Oct. 16.

Touting an all-star cast, Williams stars as “Julie” and is joined by Broadway vets Norm Lewis (Porgy and Bess, Les Miserables) as “Joe” and Natasha Yvette Williams (Porgy and Bess, The Color Purple) as “Queenie.”  The show also features Tony Award-nominee Lauren Worsham (A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder) as “Magnolia;” and Julian Ovenden, of “Downton Abbey” fame, as “Gaylord Ravenal.”  The semi-staged Philharmonic performance played a brief run at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center last fall.

The broadcast of Showboat  is a part of Live From Lincoln Center, PBS’ award-winning performing arts series showcasing the best of their wide-ranging programming. Reigning “Tony Queen” Ms. Audra McDonald continues as host. (Fun Fact: McDonald sings a lovely rendition of Showboat’s “Bill” on her second album, “How Glory Goes.”)

Showboat has been listed as one of Broadway’s “most-revived and revised works.” Recent productions have garnered the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical (1995) and the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival (1991).

Once an exciting and essential part of American entertainment, the river boats of the Mississippi are now a fleeting memory of times past. Showboat gives us a vivid glimpse into the world of these floating theatres, showing the myriad stories and lives that surrounded and depended on each one. Beginning in 1887, we see three generations of performers and workers as they navigate the epic tale of enduring love and racial tolerance.

2014 was a busy year for Vanessa Williams. After appearing in the Tony-nominated Trip to Bountiful, the recording artist did a brief stint in the Langston Hughes-inspired musical After Midnight.  Tony nominated for her role as the Witch in Into the Woods, the versatile artist has amassed an impressive theater resume over the years including Kiss of The Spider Woman, Sondheim on Sondheim and St. Louis Woman at City Center Encores!

Showboat on PBS premieres on Friday, Oct. 16 at 9 p.m. EST.

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Celebrity Takeover

Tituss Burgess Has New Music, A New Movie, & No Time For Mess + The Preacher’s Wife Musical Update

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Tituss Burgess' Saint Tituss EP cover
Tituss Burgess' Saint Tituss EP cover

On Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Tituss Burgess gave us an update on his musical adaptation of the 1996 movie, The Preacher’s Wife – starring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston. On the late-night talk show, a viewer called in to ask if there had been any updates regarding the show and Burgess shared that:

“ We are very close to signing with a hot-shot producer in New York, which means that the show is closer to appearing in London or here. But there’s also a recent development which could delay it for the better. You’ll find out about it later”

So not only do we know that the musical is still on its way to bless us, but there is an announcement about the show on the way! If you ask me, this is incredibly exciting. Tituss Burgess’ career has gone from stage to screen, and his abilities as an actor and singer are undeniable. Knowing that we are closer to seeing his skills as a musical theatre composer is mad exciting. Watch a clip from the interview above.

While we wait for The Preacher’s Wife Musical, listen to Burgess’ newly released EP Saint Tituss. Burgess sings his face off as he skillfully talks about issues that are personal and political — all while wrapping things up with a joyous celebration of resilience as positivity. He also has two songs that feature Daniel J. Watts including the single 45

St. Tituss is available on Spotify, apple music, and other streaming platforms.

He also has a new movie on the way. “Dolemite Is My Name” starring Eddie Murphy along with Burgess, Mike Epps, Chris Rock, & more will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. A national release date has not been set as of yet but is sure to be on its way.

 

While discussing the new movie during the same interview, Cohen asked Burgess about his relationship with Murphy. The way Cohen presented the question insinuates there might have been a problem between the two because of a ‘problematic past with the gays’ on Murphy’s part. The response given by Burgess is swift and loaded with “you tried it, but you won’t get me”:

“He wasn’t problematic for Tituss. We had a wonderful time. We talked about Dreamgirls and he should have won the Oscasr, I believe. He was great. Any troubles he may have had with gay people I guess are gone because he loved me.”

It is the following facial expression and the interaction that comes afterward that makes live television great. You can see Burgess say something to someone off-camera which leads Cohen to ask what he’s saying. Burgess replies with a soon-to-be iconic response to everything: “Keep going, girl. Do your show.”

and this is why we live.

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Cast List

Amber Riley & MJ Rodriguez Will Star in Little Shop of Horrors

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Amber Riley and Mj Rodriguez

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Olivier Award winner for her portrayal of Effie White in London’s West End production of DreamgirlsAmber Riley (Dreamgirls UK) and Pose star Mj Rodriguez will star in a reimagined production of Little Shop of Horrors at Pasadena Playhouse in California.

Riley will take on the iconic voice of Audrey II while Rodriguez will star as Audrey alongside George Salazar (Be More Chill) as Seymour.

The show will run from Sept. 17-Oct. 20 with an official opening set for Sept. 25.

Little Shop of Horrors is considered a classic. It’s a horror-comedy rock musical with music by Alan Menken and lyrics and a book by Howard Ashman. The story follows a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh. It debuted Off-Broadway in 1982 and the movie version of 1986 introduced the world to young talents of Gina and Pam Tisha Campell and Tichina Arnold.

Directed by Mike Donahue, the design team includes scenic design by Dane Laffrey; costume design by Danae McQueen; lighting design by Josh Epstein; sound design by Veronika Vorel; and choreography and puppet design by Sean Cawelti.

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