Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: December 17, 2017
By: Laura Deni
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WOMEN ON THE MENU WITH THE BAD BOY SEX BRIGADE - COLLATERAL DAMAGE IS WIDESPREAD

FAMED CHEF MARIO BATALI

Mario Batali should consider getting alcohol out of his life.

has been put on the back burner of from his restaurant empire, which includes Las Vegas locations, as well as left to simmer elsewhere rather than as one of the hosts of ABC’s The Chew, following several allegations of sexual misconduct.

Four women have accused Batali, 57, of sexual harassment and assault spanning nearly 20 years, as first reported by Eater.

According to the reports, Batali's affable personality has a crude side, especially when he drinks.

A representative for Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group confirmed to Eater that the company received its first formal complaint about Batali’s conduct in October. Batali didn’t deny the allegations and was reprimanded.

Many of the people who spoke with Eater said they were afraid of retribution for speaking out accusing Barali of "being threatening when he is wronged," adding "the level of vindictiveness is very chilling."

Three of the women worked for Batali in some capacity during their careers. One never was employed by Batali, although she works in the restaurant industry. One former employee alleges that over the course of two years, he repeatedly grabbed her from behind and held her tightly against his body. Another former employee alleges that he groped her and that, in a separate incident, he compelled her to straddle him in order for her to get to the ladies' room. Another alleges that he grabbed her breasts at a party, though she no longer worked for him at the time.

"ABC has terminated its relationship with him and he will no longer appear on The Chew, read a statement posted to the daytime show’s Facebook page last Thursday. "While we remain unaware of any type of inappropriate behavior involving him and anyone affiliated with our show, ABC takes matters like this very seriously as we are committed to a safe work environment and his past behavior violates our standards of conduct."

Batali's statement:

“I apologize to the people I have mistreated and hurt. Although the identities of most of the individuals mentioned in these stories have not been revealed to me, much of the behavior described does, in fact, match up with ways I have acted,” he said in a statement to Eater. “That behavior was wrong and there are no excuses. I take full responsibility and am deeply sorry for any pain, humiliation or discomfort I have caused to my peers, employees, customers, friends and family.

“I have work to do to try to regain the trust of those I have hurt and disappointed. For this reason, I am going to step away from day-to-day operations of my businesses,” Batali continued. “We built these restaurants so that our guests could have fun and indulge, but I took that too far in my own behavior. I won’t make that mistake again. I want any place I am associated with to feel comfortable and safe for the people who work or dine there.

“I know my actions have disappointed many people. The successes I have enjoyed are owned by everyone on my team. The failures are mine alone. To the people who have been at my side during this time - my family, my partners, my employees, my friends, my fans - I am grateful for your support and hopeful that I can regain your respect and trust. I will spend the next period of time trying to do that.”

Surviving collateral damage and carrying on like troopers are The Chew co-hosts Clinton Kelly, Carla Hall and Michael Symon. Photo: Screen shot.

Left to scrambles were his co-hosts on The Chew - in alphabetical order - Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly and Michael Symon - have done a commendable job of surviving collateral damage, carrying on with the first week of the daytime ABC television show. Unlike a news show, which is based on headlines of the day, The Chew is a predominately scripted, rehearsed, audience involved, segmented cooking, entertainment, craft show with Batali holding down a major segment.

That sudden exit not only left the remaining three stunned, but forced them to improvise, re-do and add.

From watching the shows, you'd never guess they must have been personally stressed.

Crafts, which had been moved to the background of the show's format, suddenly dominated. That's Kelly's forte. Showing total professionalism were Hall and Symon - both of whom always serve up delicious recipes. As for Symon, who is noted for his love of bacon, I doubt that he's had much personal involvement with a glue gun. Yet, he acted as though he glue gunned on a daily basis. His creations not only held their own against what the other two created - there were even a few occasions, such as his ribbon tree on Wednesday's show - which was the best of the lot. He was also the first to finish his jute Christmas tree ball ornament.

When a square suddenly gets changed into a triangle, there is a major adjustment. When the foundation realignment is without warning - even after a show had already been taped - then The Chew crew performing as though everything is copacetic amounted to a gourmet accomplishment.

Although Batali is the first television chef to be accused of sexual misconduct, he isn't the first in the restaurant industry to experience allegations. was brought down by allegations of rampant sexual harassment in his restaurants.

The Great American Baking Show was a fatal victim of collateral damage thanks to Johnny Iuzzini's inappropriate behavior.

A total of eight people have now come out to accuse former Jean-Georges pastry chef JOHNNY IUZZINI of sexual misconduct during his time as pastry chef at Jean-Georges in New York City. Currently Luzzini has served as a judge of ABC'S The Great American Baking Show. On December 13, 2017, the network announced that, because of the sexual misconduct allegations, they were taking the program off the air. The third season premiered two weeks ago and was scheduled to air its second episode on Thursday, December 14, 2017. The show, based upon the popular British show is a baking competition in which one baker is eliminated each week.

Iuzzini judges the show alongside Paul Hollywood, who also judges (along with Mary Berry) the original British show.

"In light of allegations that recently came to our attention, ABC has ended its relationship with Johnny Iuzzini and will not be airing the remainder of The Great American Baking Show episodes," an ABC spokesperson said.

"ABC takes matters such as those described in the allegations very seriously and has come to the conclusion that they violate our standards of conduct. This season’s winner will be announced at a later date."

The network's decision to pull the already taped competition comes two days after four more people came forward to accuse Iuzzini of sexual misconduct - including sticking his tongue in their ears of female chefs and asking for massages In a blood chilling report to the The Times KEN FRIEDMAN 58, owner of Spotted Pig eatery that is a fave of the A-list set is accused by ten women of "subject(ing) them to harassing behaviors during their time under his management, such as unwanted groping or demands for sexually explicit photos."

In the lengthy article there are details of a "rape room" where Batali was caught on a security camera allegedly kissed and groped a woman who appeared to be unconscious, former manager Jamie Seet told The Times.

Longtime server Trish Nelson said the "rape room" was where Friedman grabbed her head and pull it into his crotch in 2007.

Carla Rza Betts, a former wine director at the Spotted Pig and two other Friedman properties - the Breslin and the John Dory - told The Times she quit in 2013 after multiple incidents of sexual harassment.

Friedman, who opened the Spotted Pig with the backing of Batali and music mogul Jay-Z, issued an apology published by The Times.

His company said Tuesday, December 12, 2017, that Friedman would take an indefinite leave of absence, effective immediately.

While the following men aren't directly involved with food, Broadway To Vegas thinks they should be eating crow and humble pie. Thus we mention that RYAN LIZZA has been fired by The New Yorker over sexual misconduct allegations. The progressive CNN political analyst and a former Washington correspondent for The New Yorker covered the White House and presidential politics and wrote the magazine's popular "Letter From Washington" column.

Lizza has denied the allegations.

ERIC WEINBERGER, HEATH EVANS and MARSHALL FAULK three NFL Network analysts have been suspended following the filing in Los Angeles Superior Court of a sexual harassment complaint against NFL Enterprises by Jami Cantor, a former wardrobe stylist at the network.

Weinberger, a former executive producer at NFL Network and current president of Bill Simmons’s media group, as well as Marshall Faulk and Heath Evans, retired football players who provide on-air commentary for the network.

According to the complaint, Weinberger pressed his crotch against her shoulder and asked her to touch it, in addition sending her “several nude pictures of himself and sexually explicit texts” and telling her she was “put on earth to pleasure me.”

Cantor alleges that Faulk asked her “deeply personal and invasive questions” regarding her sex life, fondled her breasts, and groped her butt.

In an amended complaint filed last Monday, detailed specific acts of harassment by several individuals who aren’t named as defendants were detailed.

. Mentioned are analyst, Ike Taylor, who the filing states sent Cantor “sexually inappropriate” pictures of himself and a video of him masturbating in the shower. Donovan McNabb, a former analyst, has also been included in the filing.

Cantor is represented by attorney Laura Horton.

TOM ASHBOOK the host of one of NPR’s most successful programs On Point was suspended last week while the network investigates sexual misconduct allegations which include: “creepy” sex talks and giving unwanted hugs, neck and back rubs to 11 mostly young women and men who worked on the show which is produced by Boston station WBUR-FM which is owned by Boston University.

Ashbrook has been host of On Point for 16 years. The show is carried by more than 290 NPR stations.

In a text to the station, Ashbrook said: "I am sure that once the facts come out that people will see me for who I am - flawed but caring and decent in all my dealings with others."

MICHAEL ORESKES NPR’s former editorial director and senior vice president of news, resigned in early November after being accused of sexual harassment by several female staffers. Another top NPR editor, DAVID SWEENEY left in late November amid sexual misconduct allegations against him. And legendary A Prairie Home Companion host GARRISON KEILLOR was fired over what Minnesota Public Radio called allegations of “inappropriate behavior.”

Genius Grant winner Chris Thile, who co-founded the Grammy award winning group Nickel Creek, has replaced Garrison Keillor on what is now called Live From Here. New additions to the show include Thile writing and performing a newly written Song of the Week on each broadcast.

Saturday night, December 16, 2017 it was announced that A Prairie Home Companion has been rechristened Live From Here by Chris Thile who has taken over as host since Keillor was dumped by Minnesota Public Radio. Famous for his mandolin playing, Thile is best known for his work in the progressive acoustic trio Nickel Creek and the acoustic folk and progressive bluegrass quintet Punch Brothers.

The 2012 MacArthur Fellow (genius grant) Thile announced the new name as the show opened a live performance in New York City.

ANDY YEATMAN the director of global kids content at Netflix has been fired just one week after telling one of the women who accused DANNY MASTERSON of rape that company executives do not believe the actor's accusers.

"Mr. Yeatman is no longer employed at Netflix," a spokesperson for the company said in a brief statement.

Masterson was earlier terminated by Netflix.

Masterson has denied all allegations of sexual assault made against him by the four women.

TAVIS SMILEY long time late night talk show host, has been suspended by PBS following sexual misconduct allegations. An investigation uncovered “multiple, credible allegations” of sexual misconduct against him. The investigation found Smiley had sexual relationships with multiple subordinates and created a verbally abusive and threatening environment, according to Variety. “Effective today, PBS has indefinitely suspended distribution of Tavis Smiley, produced by TS Media, an independent production company,” PBS said in a statement. The broadcaster added that it “immediately” moved to hire an external law firm to investigate “troubling allegations” about Smiley whose chat show has aired on PBS since 2004.

Walmart, which was a sponsor of Smiley's talk show as well as his planned touring theatrical show, cut ties with him. "We take these issues very seriously and are troubled by the recent allegations," the retail giant said in a statement. "As a result, we are suspending our relationship with Mr. Smiley, pending the outcome of the PBS investigation."

Hay House, which distributes the Smiley Books imprint, said all Smiley projects were "on hold" pending an internal review.

Smiley countered that PBS "overreacted" and called it "a rush to judgment." He asserted one relationship he had with a colleague years ago was consensual.

REP. RUBEN KIHUEN (D-Nev) announced on Saturday, December 16, 2017, that he won't seek re-election amid sexual harassment allegations against him.

According to the NY Times, the allegations include that on February 19: Kihuen, while in an elevator with the finance director at the Aria Hotel on the way to a meeting with Tony Cárdenas, propositions her and suggests "we should get a hotel room here"; she refuses. While returning to campaign headquarters after the meeting, Kihuen began to touch her thigh and ask if she ever cheated on her boyfriend; she demanded he stop.

March: Kihuen asked the finance director for assistance with his computer during call time, when she was looking at the screen, he groped the back of her thigh.

"It is in the best interests of my family and my constituents to complete my term in Congress and not seek re-election,” Kihuen said in a statement.

Kihuen represents the 4th District in Sin City.

His decision came a day after the House Ethics Committee announced it was launching a probe into the allegations against the freshman congressman, who is 37-years-old and single. He is accused of sexually harassing a former campaign staffer. Born in Mexico, he is Nevada's first Latino member of the United States House.

Continuing the off key adventures of Metropolitan Opera conductors, JOSEPH COLANERI 62, who conducted a performance of Norma as a staff artist at the Met Saturday, was a visiting conductor in San Francisco during the summer of 2001 when the alleged incident occurred. The woman was 25-years-old at the time, according to a sworn affidavit. She was an assistant conductor-in-training and Colaneri was a teacher in her program. Now living in Manhattan and working as an opera coach and pianist, she claims Colaneri forced her to attend a performance of La Traviata with him, then exposed his penis and tried to guide her hand to his lap as they sat in the audience. She reported the incident and was told to keep quiet for the sake of her career.

The Met's Web site indicates that Colaneri is married and is employed as one of 23 in-house Met conductors.










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ART AND ABOUT

THE BODY: FASHION AND PHYSIQUE

(L) Chromat, ensemble, spandex and plastic boning, spring 2015, USA, museum purchase. 2017.53.1. and (R) Christian Siriano, custom dress for actress Leslie Jones, faille crepe, 2016, USA, gift of Christian Siriano. 2017.26.1

is a cultural construct that has shifted throughout history to emphasize different shapes and proportions. However, the fashionable ideal does not feel so fluid in daily life. It can appear to be a fixed expectation, affecting how we view and treat our bodies, as well as how we view the bodies of others.

The Body: Fashion and Physique explores the complex history of the “ideal” fashion body and the variety of body shapes that have been considered fashionable from the eighteenth century to the present.

The exhibition also examines the relationship between fashion and body politics.

Garments are supplemented with images from the popular press, fashion media, film, and other sources to demonstrate how the fashion industry has contributed to both the marginalization and celebration of certain body types within our culture.

Concerns about obesity have been on the rise since the 1980s, which has likely influenced body ideals, making the extreme opposite more desirable. Thus the toned body gave way to a waifish ideal during the 1990s. Teenage model Kate Moss (nicknamed “the waif”) pioneered the look in provocative ads that ignited a fashion photography aesthetic dubbed “heroin chic” for the gaunt appearances of the models.

Since the start of the twenty-first century, some brands have attempted to achieve greater diversity, yet most runway models continue to be thin white girls. But the internet and social media have changed the way people engage with fashion. The industry has opened up to a growing cross section of people, and certain designers have embraced a diverse view, including Becca McCharen-Tran of Chromat and Christian Siriano. On the runway, they use models from across races and sizes, including transgender models and some who wear prosthetics. They also produce their lines in a variety of sizes, rejecting “straight” and “plus” divisions. They are setting an example for the industry with the message that all bodies are beautiful and deserve to be included in fashion.

On display through May 5, 2018 at FIT in New York City.

In related news Museum at FIT associate curator Emma McClendon will discuss her most recent exhibition, The Body: Fashion and Physique, which examines the complex history of the “ideal” body in fashion, considering the relationship between the fashion industry and body politics from the 19th century to today. January 25, 2018 at 92Y in New York City.

(UN)EXPECTED FAMILIES

ROSWELL ANGIER, MR. AND MRS. STEVE MILLS, PILGRIM THEATRE, 1973. Photograph, gelatin silver print. Polaroid Foundation Purchase Fund. Reproduced by the MFA with permission.

bringing together more than 80 pictures taken by American photographers from the 19th century to today, (un)expected families explores the definition of the American family - from the families we are born into to the ones we have chosen for ourselves.

The works on view depict a wide range of relationships, including multiple generations, romantic unions, and alternative family structures.

Using archival, vernacular, and fine art photographs, (un)expected families offers a variety of perspectives on the American family, from Dorothea Lange’s depiction of a migrant family at the time of the Dust Bowl to Louie Palu’s portraits of US Marines fighting in Afghanistan. The exhibition illustrates that the family has always taken diverse forms: affluent and destitute, cohesive and fractured, expected and unexpected. Taken together, the photographs challenge visitors to consider what family means to them.

The exhibit features celebrated practitioners like Nan Goldin, Carrie Mae Weems, LaToya Ruby Frazier, and Harry Callahan, as well as a number of renowned Boston-area artists, such as David Hilliard, Nicholas Nixon, Abe Morell, and Sage Sohier.

On display through June 17, 2018 at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

PAINTING POWER: THE ART OF TERENCE CUNEO the first major retrospective on HM The Queen’s official coronation artist in over two decades, this Science Museum Group exhibition - part of the Hull UK City of Culture - takes Cuneo’s painting of The Queen departing from Hull’s Corporation Pier in 1957 as its inspiration.

It is curated by Science Museum Group Director, Ian Blatchford, and the Chief Curator of the National Railway Museum, Andrew McLean.

This exhibition takes a fresh look at Cuneo’s amazing range through his portrayal of power.

Drawing on loan material from across the UK, to supplement the Science Museum Group’s already rich collection, the exhibition looks at his incredible drawings for the Ministry of Information during the Second World War; his well–loved railway paintings and posters; depictions of industrial power and process; and his portrayal of a dierent type of power – the benign power of sovereign and state.

On exhibit through April 15, 2018 at the Brynmor Jones Library at The University of Hull, England.

SWEET CHARITY

CHILDREN FROM THE ROALD DAHL FUND

Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall helps a little boy decorate the Clarence House Christmas tree. Photo: Clarence House.

and the Helen And Douglas House, which supports families of terminally ill children, helped Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall decorate Clarence House's Christmas tree. Camilla declared: "It looks amazing!"

It is the 12th year that Camilla has hosted the party which she has said is one of the loveliest engagements of her year.

The royal handed out Christmas gifts to each of her guests in Buckingham Palace gift bags and helped served tea and treats.

As an aside - the Christmas Tree was introduced to Britain in the 18th Century by Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III.

During the festivities, it was announced that The Duchess of Cornwall who already is Patron of Helen & Douglas House, has become the new Royal Patron of Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.

Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity helps to make life better for seriously ill children in the UK. Their Roald Dahl Nurses provide support to children with serious illnesses, and their families

The creator of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory penned books which have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide.

The Roald Dahl Literary Estate believes in doing good things. That’s why ten percent of all Roald Dahl income* goes to our charity partners, including Marvellous. *All author payments and royalty income net of third party commissions.

SPREADING THE WORD

A CHRISTMAS STORY LIVE! airs tonight, Sunday, December 17, 2017.

A don't miss television event. The script penned by Robert Cary and Jonathan Tolins is based on the 1983 movie and the Tony nominated Broadway musical.

Eight-time Tony nominee Scott Ellis directs while Alex Rudzinski serves as the live television director.

Wearing costumes by multiple Tony Award winner William Ivey Long are: Andy Walken as Ralphie and Matthew Broderick as the narrator. Maya Rudolph and Chris Diamantopoulos co-star as Ralphie’s parents, and Jane Krakowski as Miss Shields, Ana Gasteyer as Mrs. Schwartz, David Alan Grier will play Santa Claus and Ken Jeong will be a Christmas tree salesman and a restaurant owner.

Some newcomers are also getting their big break with this production, including Sacha Carlson, 14, who is making his national television debut as Skut Farcus, the bully who torments Ralphie and his young pals.

Others in the cast include Sammy Ramirez as Schwartz, Artyon Celestine as Richie, Elie Samouhi as Grover Dill, Abigail Dylan Harrison as Louise, Hayley Shukiar as Esther Jane, JJ Batteast as Flick, Kylee Mellick as Nancy and Noah Baird as Billy.

The broadcast will also feature new songs from La La Land composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. There’s even a performance by L. A. boy band PrettyMuch (composed of Austin Porter, Brandon Arreaga, Edwin Honoret, Nick Mara, and Zion Kuwonu) will play the Hohman Indiana carolers.

Off camera vocalists include Santino Fontana, Laura Dickinson, Jessica Fontana, Chris Mann, Jasper Randall, Greg Whipple, Geoff Packard, Adrienne Stiefel, Chelsea Packard, Julie Garnye, Katharine Hoye and Nick Gaswirth.

PRINCE WILLIAM AND DUCHESS KATE

Duchess Kate and Prince William admiring their badges which were presented to them by Blue Peter hosts Radzi Chiny and Lindsey Russell. William said: "That's very touching. Thank you very, very much". His wife added: "Wow, that's amazing ... We have won a badge!" Photo: Kensington Palace.

visited Blue Peter the longest running children's television show in the world. Blue Peter awards several badge division which denote various achievements. The Gold Blue Peter Badge, the most rarely awarded, is for exceptional achievement is the second highest awarded badge. William and Kate received their Gold Badge in recognition for their services to mental heath.

'Now Granny and I can compare badges!' Prince William joked referring to the Gold Blue Peter Badge his Grandmother received 15 years ago. Sir David Attenborough, JK Rowling, Steven Spielberg, Mary Berry and David Beckham are among the small number of people to have been presented with the accolade, for role models who show great expertise in their field and inspire children across generations.

Kate told the BBC show's presenters: 'It's hugely special. Mental health has been a learning process for us too ... We want to get everyone talking about it so it hasn't got that stigma it's had.' Blue Peter editor Ewan Vinnicombe said: "His Royal Highness was particularly impressed with a drawing of his grandmother wearing a tiara that one of the children had sent in."

William and Kate were presented with their badges in last Thursday's Blue Peter Christmas Special..

Blue Peter first aired in 1958 and is the longest-running children's TV show in the world.

The content is wide-ranging. Most programs are broadcast live, but usually include at least one filmed report. There will also often be a demonstration of an activity in the studio, or a music or dance performance.

Over 4,000 editions have been produced since 1958, and almost every episode dating back to 1964 still exist in the BBC archives. This is extremely unusual for programs of that era. Editor Biddy Baxter personally ensured that telerecordings and, from 1970, video recording were kept of each episode.

Many segments of Blue Peter shows have become iconic in British popular culture, especially moments when things have gone array; such as the much-repeated clip of Lulu the elephant (from a 1969 show) who urinated and defecated on the studio floor, and her handler slipped in the mess. Then Lulu tread on the foot of host John Noakes who died May 28, 2017 at the age of 83. Lulu then proceeded to attempt an exit, dragging her keeper along behind her.

Other well-remembered and much-repeated show clips from this era include the Girl Guides' campfire that got out of hand on the 1970 Christmas edition, and Simon Groom referring to a previous item on the production of a facsimile door knocker for Durham Cathedral which was displayed alongside the original, with the words 'what a beautiful pair of knockers'.

ACTORS MARISA RAMIREZ AND BRIAN WHITE will return this year to co-host the 58th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration, the largest multicultural holiday celebration in the county.

The performance takes place on Sunday, December 24, at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles.

Both admission and parking are free.

This year’s Holiday Celebration features 22 music, dance and choral ensembles — over 500 performers — and reflects the diversity of the many holiday traditions celebrated in Los Angeles.

NASA will show Star Wars: The Last Jedi on the space station. According to TechCrunch NASA is working with Disney to arrange a screening for the astronauts.

NASA tolds Mashable that typically screening movies on the ISS means watching a digital copy on a notebook computer or one of the on-board projectors.

PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE have announced the date of their wedding - Saturday, May 19, 2018. For the ladies: there is a difference between a fascinator and hat, although either would be appropriate - assuming you expect an invitation to the wedding. If you intend to wear head finery while watching the ceremony on television - don't tell anybody.

THE FIFTH ANNUAL TRUCE TOURNAMENT

World War I Christmas Truce. Photo: World War I Museum

commemorating the Christmas Truce in World War I when soldiers put down their weapons and shared moments of peace during a time of war.

The event is paired with Kansas City’s largest Boxing Day English Premier League Watch Party inside the World War I Museum as well as an optional all-you-can-eat-and-drink buffet .

Promoted by Sporting Kansas City, The Soccer Lot and the World War I Museum, the 3v3 tournament will be played on Memorial Hill with the Kansas City skyline providing an unmistakable backdrop. The Truce Tournament festivities take place on Tuesday, December 26, 2017.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 is National Maple Syrup Day. Monday is National “I Love Honey” Day and National Roast Suckling Pig Day, December 19 is National Hard Candy Day and National Oatmeal Muffin Day. December 20 is National Sangria Day. December 21 is National French Fried Shrimp Day and National Hamburger Day. December 22 is National Date Nut Bread Day while December 23 is National Pfeffernuesse Day.

OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY

THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION has announced that it is accepting applications for the Carlos Vives Scholarship from music students accepted to Berklee College of Music, who are interested in Latin music. The four year scholarship, which holds a maximum value of $200,000 USD, will be awarded towards a bachelor's degree.

As part of the process, students must complete two audition videos, submit two letters of recommendation and answer two essay questions. The materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese. The deadline to apply is April 10, 2018, by 11:59 p.m. ET

E-Book

Soft back Book

This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.






EVENING STANDARDS AWARDS were announced last week-end. The winners are:

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins won Most Promising Playwright for his critically acclaimed hits Gloria, produced by Hampstead Theatre in June 2017, and An Octoroon, produced by the Orange Tree Theatre earlier this year.

Best Play in partnership with Hiscox, official arts partner of the Evening Standard went to The Ferryman, Royal Court and Gielgud, written by Jez Butterworth.

Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress in partnership with Christian Louboutin went to Glenda Jackson, for King Lear, at the Old Vic.

Best Actor in partnership with Ambassador Theatre Group went to Andrew Garfield, for Angels in America, at the National’s Lyttelton.

Best Musical Performance went to Amber Riley, in Dreamgirls, at the Savoy.

Evening Standard Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical Bat Out of Hell — The Musical, at the Coliseum.

Milton Shulman Award for Best Director Sam Mendes, The Ferryman, Royal Court and Gielgud.

Emerging Talent Award to Tom Glynn-Carney, The Ferryman, Royal Court and Gielgud.

DOUG JONES an Alabama civil rights lawyer who was elected to the US Senate. on December 12, 2017 - his 25h wedding anniversary. Jones and his wife, Louise New Jones, of Cullman, Alabama, were married on December 12, 1992.

"December 12 has always been a historic day for the Jones family," Jones said during his victory speech. "This is, as you know, mine and Louise’s 25th wedding anniversary. I couldn’t have done this without her. The love, the support, the encouragement."

Doug and Louise are the parents of three children together - two sons and a daughter - and they have two grandchildren.

“Courtney, a graduate of Birmingham Southern College, is working on her PhD at the University of Alabama and is married to Birmingham attorney Rip Andrews,” Jones’ campaign website states. “Together they are raising our two beautiful granddaughters, Ever and Ollie. Our son Carson is a graduate of the University of Georgia and is currently in graduate school at Colorado State University in Zoo and Aquarium Management. Our youngest son Christopher is a sophomore at Alabama.”

E-Book

Soft back Book

This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.






HERSHEY FELDER AS IRVING BERLIN featuring music and lyrics by the great American songwriter Irving Berlin, book by Hershey Felder.

Directed by longtime Felder collaborator Trevor Hay.

The production will play from December 20, 2017 through January 7, 2018, with a press opening on December 21 at the Lyceum Stage Theatre at San Diego Repertory Theatre in Horton Plaza in San Diego, CA. Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin played its first concert performance at San Diego REP, and returns as a special holiday attraction for the theatre’s 42nd anniversary season.

In related news, Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin will return to New York later in 2018, with an Off-Broadway run from August 24 through October 28, 2018 at 59E59 Theatres.

CELL MATES by Simon Gray.

Directed by Edward Hall.

Wormwood Scrubs Prison, London, 1961. One of Britain’s most notorious double agents, George Blake, is serving a 42 year sentence - that is, until he strikes up an unlikely friendship with Irish petty criminal, Sean Bourke. Both men are eccentric outsiders, and each sees the possibility of escape - and not just from prison - through the other. But once on the outside, can their mutual dependence survive the mounting pressures they face from MI5, from the KGB - and indeed from themselves?

Starring Philip Bird, Emmet Byrne, Cara Horgan and Danny Lee Wynter.

Set design by Michael Pavelka. Lighting by Rick Fisher. Sound by John Leonard. Composer is Simon Slater. Casting by Suzanne Crowley and Gilly Poole.

Performances through January 20, 2018 at the Hamstead Theatre in London.

BEDLAM'S SENSE AND SENSIBILITY a free-wheeling adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel by Kate Hamill.

Directed by Eric Tucker.

In this unique, unusual, high-octane adaptation - all of the characters and set pieces are on wheels, whirling around one another in a blur of shifting perspectives and unsteady bearings.

Eric Tucker's exuberant, inventive staging of Jane Austen's classic novel follows the adventures (and misadventures) of the Dashwood sisters - sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne -after their sudden loss of fortune. Bursting with humor, emotion, and bold theatricality, Bedlam's Sense & Sensibility asks: when reputation is everything, how do you follow your heart?

Featuring: Lisa Birnbaum, Jessica Frey, Nigel Gore, Katie Hartke, Maggie Adams McDowell, James Patrick Nelson, Violeta Picayo, Ryan Quinn, Benjamin Russell, and Jamie Smithson.

Choreographer Alexandra Beller - Scenic Designer John McDermott - Costume Designer Angela Huff - Lighting Designer Les Dickert - Sound Designer Alex Neumann - Associate Director Aubrey Snowden - Production Stage Manager Brett Anders.

American Repertory Theater's presentation at the Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge, MA through January 14, 2018.

BELLEVILLE by Amy Herzog.

Directed by Michael Longhurst.

Americans Zack and Abby are bright, young and recently married. He’s a doctor combating infant disease. She’s an actress, also teaching yoga. It’s just before Christmas and they’re living the expat highlife in bohemian Belleville, Paris.

It’s all a little too perfect.

Starring Faith Alabi, Malachi Kirby, James Norton and Imogen Poots.

Designed by Tom Scutt. Lighting design by Natasha Chivers. Composer and sound designers are Ben and Max Ringham. Movement director is Imogen Knight.

On stage through February 3, 2018 at the Donmar Warehouse in London.

SHADOWLANDS by William Nicholson.

Directed by Christa Scott-Reed.

In its first New York revival since the 1990 premiere, William Nicholson’s award-winning play follows the unlikely and true love story of renowned Oxford scholar and Christian apologist C.S. Lewis and the much younger Joy Davidman, a Jewish-American writer, former Communist and Christian convert. The smart, brash Davidman bursts into Lewis’ sedate, middle-aged life and upends it. Lewis is as shocked as anyone to discover that he and Davidman have fallen deeply in love - and then almost immediately he must contend with the equally deep pain of losing her when she is diagnosed with terminal cancer. "Full of great humor and keen insight, the play is a moving portrait of love and loss, faith and doubt, as inspired by Lewis’ own A Grief Observed."

The cast includes Daniel Gerroll as C.S. Lewis; Robin Abramson Joy Davidman; John C. Vennema as Lewis’ brother, Warnie; Sean Gormley as Christopher Riley; Dan Kremer as “Harry Harrington; Jack McCarthy and Jacob Morrell alternating as Joy’s young son Douglas; Jacob H. Knoll as Alan Gregg and Doctor; Daryll Heysham as Dr. Oakley, Waiter, Clerk and Priest; Stephanie Cozart as Registrar and Nurse; and John Little and Amy Bizjak as understudies.

Scenic design by Kelly James Tighe, costume design by Michael Bevins, lighting design by Aaron Spivey, and original music and sound design by John Gromada. The stage manager is Kelly Burns. Casting is by Carol Hanzel and casting consulting by Judy Henderson, C.S.A.

If you haven't yet seen this show, don't miss it as it only runs through Sunday, January 7, 2018 at The Acorn Theatre at Theatre Row in New York City.

WHO'S WHERE

SIMON CALLOW'S DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS features Callow as he joins the BBC Singers for a performance, celebrating Charles Dickens and his association with Christmas. Interspersed with carols of the time sung by the BBC Singers, Callow plays Dickens reminiscing about Christmas through his eyes as an author, husband and father. Conducted by Ben Palmer and featuring Annie Lydford on the organ. Thursday, December 21, 2017 at St. Luke's Church in Chelsea, England. All tickets include a complimentary glass of mulled wine, or soft drink, and a mince pie to be enjoyed after the concert. In related news, Callow has released a Christmas album with brass group The Brighouse and Rastrick Band to mark the 175th anniversary of A Christmas Carol. Simon's one-man version of the classic was first performed last year at the Arts Theatre in London. Simon recorded it alongside with some of the Christmas music that Dickens would have known and loved which helps to evoke that period. With the recent release of Star Wars, actress Gwendoline Christie who portrays Captain Phasma, has been talking to the press. In so doing she has revealed that while she was in drama school she was hired to catalogue Cowell's 4,000 CD collection as well as walk and care for his dogs, as first reported by the London Times. After drama school she was promoted to Callow's research assistant, and "collated chronologically every piece of writing he's ever written, for his autobiography."

PAUL SHAFFER the legendary bandleader, multi-instrumentalist, singer, composer and comedian brings his trademark musical style to the intimate Cleopatra's Barge at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas for a limited three-week run. December 21-23, 28-30 and January 4-6, 2018. A limited number of meet & gretts are available. Supported by a full band, Shaffer mixes music with and stories from over four decades of working with the biggest names in music, film and television. For 33 years Paul Shaffer served as David Letterman's musical director and sidekick. He composed the Late Show theme song and, with Paul Jabara, wrote one of my favorite songs, the Number One '80s dance hit It's Raining Men, performed by the Weather Girls and re-recorded by Geri Halliwell for the Bridget Jones's Diary soundtrack, topping the British pop charts in 2001. He was Paul McCartney's musical director for Concert for New York and appeared with Faith Hill on the America: A Tribute to Heroes telethon, both of which honored and raised money for victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

HANDEL'S MESSIAH: A SOULFUL CELEBRATION featuring BeBe & CeCe Winans, Kelly Price & more takes place December 20 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN CHRISTMAS CROONERS in this all-new show celebrating the magic of the holidays, Michael Feinstein will perform seasonal favorites, as well as a tribute to singing legends of the past and present. Enjoy the spirit of the season with Michael’s marvelous music and the warmth and cheer of the club that bears his name. December 18-30, 2017 at Feinstein's/54 Below in New York City.

THE TEXAS TENORS perform tonight at The Dosey-Doe Big Barn in The Woodlands, Texas.

30TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT of Windham Hill: Winter Solstice, featuring Will Ackerman, Barbara Higbie, Alex de Grassi and Todd Boston takes place December 21, 2017 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts in Scottsdale, Arizona.

FINAL OVATION

BILL HEARN chairman and CEO of the Capitol Christian Music Group, died Sunday, December 10, 2017, in Nashville after a battle with cancer. He was 58.

Hearn played a huge role in CCMG's formation following the sale of his family's Sparrow Records, which was founded by his father, Billy Ray Hearn.

Over the past two decades, Hearn grew CCMG into the world’s leading Christian Music company and market leader in recorded music and music publishing, with divisions that include CCMG Label Group (Sparrow Records, ForeFront Records, sixstepsrecords, Hillsong, Jesus Culture), Motown Gospel and CCMG Publishing (including Brentwood-Benson Music Publications). The labels include artists such as Chris Tomlin, Amy Grant, TobyMac, Tasha Cobbs, Jeremy Camp, Hillsong United, Matt Redman, Mandisa and others, while CCMG Publishing includes many of the labels’ artists as well as Ben Glover, David Garcia, Kirk Franklin, Mark Hall, Brenton Brown and more.

Neil Portnow President/CEO of the Recording Academy issued the following statement: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of music business veteran and former Recording Academy Trustee, Bill Hearn. Following in the footsteps of his late father Billy Ray, Hearn played an essential role in the formation of the renowned Christian music company - Capitol Christian Music Group. His producing efforts earned him two Grammys during his career, first for 1995 for his contributions to Amazing Grace - A Country Salute To Gospel and again for 2009 for his work on the collection Oh Happy Day. Hearn will not only be remembered for his impressive list of achievements, but for his philanthropic efforts, kind spirit, and commitment to his craft. Our thoughts go out to Bill’s family, friends, and colleagues as they look to find comfort during this difficult time."

Hearn is survived by his wife, Charmion Gustke Hearn, and two sisters, a niece and nephew.

LEWIS "LEW" MANILOW who helped found the Museum of Contemporary Art, died December 12, 2017 at his Gold Coast home in the Chicago area. He was 90 and had sufferened from Alzheimer's for over a decade.

A celebrated collector of contemporary art, he was a major benefactor of Chicago cultural institutions and Democrats including former Presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. “His enthusiasm and support stretched far beyond politics - he loved Chicago, his art collection, going to the theater and being a philanthropist who helped so many others share his passion for the arts,” said Clinton, who in 2000 awarded Manilow the National Medal of Arts, honoring him with others including Barbra Streisand, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Chuck Close.

“Lew was just one of those people whom it was a joy to know,” Obama said upon learning of his passing. “He was a great friend to me and Michelle, an outstanding citizen of Chicago and someone who set a good example everywhere he went.”

Mayor Rahm Emanuel issued a statement calling him “a driving force behind Chicago cultural anchors including the Goodman Theatre and Museum of Contemporary Art, a generous philanthropist and dear friend."

James Rondeau, president of the Art Institute, where Mr. Manilow was a life trustee, said: “Together with his wife Susan, they formed one of the most important art collections in Chicago, a collection with a truly international reputation. He had a remarkable eye matched only by insatiable curiosity and infectious enthusiasm. He made a huge mark on our museum and on our city.” Manilow served as president of the Museum of Contemporary Art from 1976 to 1981 He also endowed a curatorship at the museum.

“His extraordinary passion, intelligence and dedication influenced not only the MCA and the visual arts,” museum director Madeleine Grynsztejn said, “but also the theater scene and downtown Chicago.”

Early in his career he had wanted to become a theatrical producer. He moved to New York City to produce a play, Sean O’Casey’s Purple Dust, at the Cherry Lane Theatre. Qucikly realizing that he wouldn't be a success as a producer he returned to Chicago and became a theatrical philanthropist.

According to the Chicago Tribune, "Manilow was the first to propose a “theater row” in the North Loop as a way to reinvigorate the neighborhood and upgrade its nightlife. He co-chaired the capital campaign committee that successfully allowed the Goodman Theatre to leave its longtime home at the Art Institute of Chicago and move to a newly constructed, $53 million complex on Dearborn in the Loop. Manilow and his wife donated $1 million for the project."

“I don’t know where the Goodman would be if not for Lew Manilow,” said Roche Schulfer, the theater’s executive director.

Manilow earned a law degree at Harvard University, then worked as a Cook County prosecutor, assisting on kidnapping and prison-escape cases involving Prohibition gangster Roger Touhy. He also worked in his father's real estate development business.

In 2001, he sold a porcelain sculpture of Jeff Koons’ Michael Jackson and Bubbles at a Sotheby’s New York auction for $5.6 million.

He is survived by his second wife, Susan, whom he married in 1973. In addition to his wife, Manilow is survived by two sons, David and John; a daughter, Karen; two stepsons, John Eisendrath and Chicago Sun-Times CEO Edwin Eisendrath; 15 grandchildren; and a brother, Jack Shore - whom Manilow met for the first time in 2008. That was poignantly documented in a November, 2008 SunTimes article and in a Jewish World Review story published December 2008 about "two brothers who live six blocks apart. And for 80 years, neither knew the other existed."

Jack Shore, a former Naval officer, is an international patent attorney who wrote the patent application for the insanely popular TMX Elmo doll, the 2006 Toy of the Year.

A celebration of Manilow's life is planned January 15, 2018 at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. In his memory, his family suggested people visit a museum.

Next Column: December 24, 2017
Copyright: December 17, 2017 All Rights Reserved. Reviews, Interviews, Commentary, Photographs or Graphics from any Broadway To Vegas (TM) columns may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, utilized as leads, or used in any manner without permission, compensation and/or credit.
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Laura Deni

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