Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: November 10, 2024
By: Laura Deni
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ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE ENAMORED BY BROADWAY AND VICE VERSA

Granted, there was that one unfortunate incident with President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in Washington, DC. Despite that, the lights on Broadway have attracted elected officials since George Washington.

Take, for instance, our former and current president elect, Donald Trump.

According to multiple sources ranging from the New York Times to a listing in Playbill when he wa barely out of his teens Donald J. Trump invested in a Broadway show - Paris is Out!

According to numerous sources Trump approached Broadway producer David Black and stated he wanted to become a Broadway producer. According to The New York Times, Trump offered to pay half the $140,000 cost of Black’s next Broadway production in return for teaching him the ins and outs of Broadway — and given equal billing in Playbill and on posters.

Black agreed to put Trump's name over the title although beneath his own. The show was a comedy titled Paris Is Out! by Richard Seff. It starred talented comedian Sam Levene, best known as the original Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls and the endearing Molly Picon, a Yiddish theatre star best known for playing Yente in the movie of Fiddler on the Roof as well as starring in Jerry Herman's Milk and Honey.

It was January 1970 and despite that star power, the show ran just 16 previews and 96 regular performances, losing both Black’s and Trump’s investments.

Trump's Playbill bio: "Donald J. Trump who joins Mr. Black in this production as Associate Producer is making his theatrical debut. He is in the investment and real estate business, and will be associated with Mr. Black in his new musical, W.C."

Later on, Black did produced W.C., a musical based on the life of comedian W.C. Fields, although Trump was not involvement. Despite the presence of Mickey Rooney and Bernadette Peters in the leads, it closed in Detroit during its out-of-town tryout in 1971.

Although Trump returned to his family's real estate business he reportedly considered backing a musical based on his life, called, simply, Trump. During the run of his reality TV series The Apprentice, Trump announced that he had partnered with Fran and Barry Weissler to produce a musical based on the series, which he was was scheduled for a spring 2006 premiere. The project never came to fruition.

When the project was in the pre production promotional phase Weissler commented, "Donald Trump is a larger than life character and the Broadway musical stage may be the only medium large enough for him. We know Broadway audiences will embrace the drama and genuine intrigue of The Apprentice just as television audiences have."

This year former first lady, Secretary of State and New York Senator Hillary Clinton produced a feminist musical Suffs which will end its Broadway run in January 2025 after an eight month run due to money issues as first reported by The New York Times. The money issues? Not enough of it.

The musical is about the women's suffrage movement.

According to Securities and Exchange Commission filings reviewed by the Times, "Suffs" was capitalized to gross $19 million – but it has not recouped that amount. The show struggled to fill seats just two weeks after its official performance, frequently only reaching 81% capacity across eight performances.

By the end of its Broadway run, "Suffs" will have presented 24 previews and 301 performances – slightly lower show counts than the average Broadway musical.

The last "Suffs" performance on Broadway will take place on January 5, 2025. The musical will then undertake a nationwide tour beginning in Seattle in September 2025, theTimes reported.

The musical was also produced by Malala Yousafzai in addition to the former First Lady.

Suffs on Broadway. Photo by Joan Marcus

Despite its relatively short run for a Broadway musical, "Suffs" received positive reviews by critics and won the Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score in June. Clinton had referenced her 2016 defeat while introducing a performance at the awards show.

"Now, I have stood on a lot of stages, but this is very special," Clinton said before introducing the performers. "And I know a little bit about how hard it is to make change," she added, referencing Trump's presidential win. "It’s almost impossible to think about what a challenge [women's suffrage) was, but now it’s an election year, and we need to be reminded about how important it is to vote."

Alan Alda appeared in Season 6 and 7 of The West Wing He played Senator Arnold Vinick Republican from California. Republican candidate for president in 2006. Nominee for Secretary of State in Santos Administration (season 7). Although Alda never ran for office, even though a movement took place to encourage him to do so, testified before Congress supporting the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. He also was one of the investors in the revival of Purlie Victorious. Alda had his start on Broadway by portraying Charlie Cotchipee in the original 1961 Ossie Davis play Purlie Victorious.

Steven Mnuchin an American investment banker and film producer who served as the 77th United States secretary of the treasury as part of the Cabinet of Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021. Upon graduating from Yale University in 1985, Mnuchin joined the investment bank Goldman Sachs where his father, Robert Mnuchin, was a general partner. Mnuchin worked at Goldman Sachs for 17 years, eventually becoming its chief information officer. After he left Goldman Sachs in 2002, he worked for and founded several hedge funds and launched Dune Entertainment, a film production company that financed several films for 20th Century Fox.

Although George Washington never personally invested in a play, he did enjoy attending the theater. George and Martha attended many theatrical productions, including: "The Lying Vale," "Miss in Her Teens," "Douglas," "The Wonder! A Woman Keeps a Secret, "The Beggar's Opera" and "School for Scandal."

According to Williamsburg.org "Washington’s highly detailed record-keeping provides valuable information about the movement of acting companies throughout the region, and the types of performances offered. These accounts indicate that not only was Washington a devotee of staged entertainments, but his diary entries in some cases are the only record of a professional theater in colonial America."

According to Wikipedia: Washington saw repeat performances of his favorite plays. He favored particular actors, and was even known to take in four plays in one week! The Washingtons frequented plays in Williamsburg, in Philadelphia and New York during his presidency, and at home in nearby Alexandria, Virginia. A huge theater fan even early on, young George Washington even saw "The London Merchant, or the History of George Barnwell" during his trip to Barbados in 1751. The same plays Washington attended were also seen by other notable contemporaries, which speak of the popularity and accessibility of the productions. According to Thomas Jefferson’s Memorandum Books, he and George Washington attended the same theatrical performance on eight occasions.

In Washington’s day, theaters were venues for traveling acting troupes, called companies. These companies had repertoires of different plays, which toured from city to city. Washington saw plays generally staged by one of two companies, the American Company and The Virginia Company. The Virginia Company was formed by a former actor from the American Company and played the Virginia circuit.

The 18th century had its own share of "classics" and "new releases". Offerings included the works of Shakespeare and production penned by contemporary playwrights like George Farquhar and Isaac Bickerstaffe. Theatricals such as Columbus; or a World Discovered such as were precursors to historical documentaries and docu-dramas, while plays like Alfred: A Masque addressed contemporary political issues between America and England, which Washington saw performed in Philadelphia in 1757.

Some of the plays Washington enjoyed are immediately recognizable: Robinson Crusoe, Don Juan, and Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Julius Caesar, and Hamlet. Other titles the Washingtons viewed are no less fascinating: The Inconstant, or The Way to Win Him; High Life Below the Stairs, The Clandestine Marriage; The Drummer, or The Haunted House; The Spoiled Child; The Miser, or A School for Avarice, and Animal Magnetism.

President Grover Cleveland's son, Francis Grover Cleveland, was a stage actor, director, producer, and politician. In 1931 he co-founded the Barnstormers Theatre in Tamworth, New Hampshire, and is the oldest ongoing professional summer theatre in the United States.

Other presidents who had special memories of the theater include: John Quincy Adams who published dramatic critiques and Richard Nixon who met his wife at a community theater audition.

Ronald Reagan starring in Las Vegas. Photo: Publicity

President Ronald Reagan, who was a successful film and television actor - as well as starring in Las Vegas - also served as president of the Screen Actors Guild before spoke at the reopening of The National Theatre in January of 1984.

According to IBDB and Wikipedia and a host of other outlets including Congressional and Smithsonian archives; some of the more notables whose lives included both political and acting included:

Arnold Schwarzenegger as "Governator" of California. Official photo

Bodybuilder/actor Arnold Schwarzenegger in October of 2003, running as a Republican, was elected Governor of California in a special recall election of then governor Gray Davis. The "Governator," as Schwarzenegger came to be called, held the office until 2011.

Pro wrestler/ actor Jesse Ventura in November 1998, Ventura, as a member of the Reform Party, was elected Governor of Minnesota. Jesse served as governor from 1999 to 2003.

Comedian/writer Al Franken, a Harvard graduate, won when he ran for the US Senate as a Democrat in 2008.

Actor/lawyer Fred Thompson was a Senator from Tennessee (1994-2003), ran for President (2008) as a Republican.

Clint Eastwood. Publicity photo.

Actor/producer/director Clint Eastwood served as Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA (1986-1988).

Actor/lawyer John Lodge was the grandson of Massachusetts Senator Henry Cabot Lodge and the brother of Henry Cabot Lodge Jr.

He played three performances on Broadway in March 1932. In January 1941, Lodge returned to Broadway to appear as The Young Man in the musical Night of Love. Produced by the Schuberts, it closed after seven performances. He had better luck in his next play, Lillian Hellman's anti-fascist drama Watch on the Rhine, in which he played David Farrelly. The play opened at the Martin Beck Theatre on April 1, 1941 and closed eleven months later, on February 21, 1942, after a total of 378 performances. John Lodge ended his acting career being in a hit and went into politics. In November 1946, won U.S. House of Representatives race as a Republican. He won a second term in 1948, but resigned his seat in 1950 to run for governor. He was elected, and took office as Connecticut's 50th governor in January 1951 serving through 1955. His wife, Francesca, became the most active First Lady in Connecticut history, and was instrumental in promoting the arts. She served as a patron of the arts, promoting concerts and theater and was a founding member of the American Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Connecticut.

Broadway actress Helen Gahagan Douglas, a Democrat, was a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 14th district serving 1945-1951.

Writer/actor Jerry Springer was a Candidate for Congress from Ohio in 1970. Cincinnati City Council (1971-1974) Was mayor of Cincinnati (1977-1978). Democrat.

Actor/dancer George Murphy in 1964 was elected as Senator of California. A Republican he served from 1965-1971.

Actor, composer, singer Sonny Bono, a Republican, was the Mayor of Palm Springs (1988-1992), Congressman from California (1995-1998).

Actor Rex Bell, a Republican, served as Lt. Governor of Nevada (1955-1962).

Actor/director/writer Alan Autry, a Republican, was elected mayor of Fresno, California in 2000. In 2004, he was re-elected serving from 2001-2009.

Actor Jack Kelly, a Republican, became mayor of Huntington Beach, CA serving (1983-1986).

Actor Robert Dornan, Republican, served in the US House from California (1977-1983, 1985-1997) Ran for President (1996).

Fred Grandy on Love Boat. Photo: Publicity

Actor Fred Grandy, a Harvard graduate, decided to run for Congressman in 1985 as a Republican for the state of Iowa, and won. He served 4 consecutive terms (1986-1995).

Actor/ writer Ben Jones, a Democrat, served in US House from Georgia (1989-1993).

Actor/lawyer Sheila James Kuehl, Democrat, served as the first openly-gay member of the California State Assembly (1994-2000) and State Senate (2000-2008). Was elected to the LA County Board of Supervisors in 2014-2022.

Broadway Actor Albert Dekker was an established Broadway star. From 1944-46 he served a term in the California legislature representing the Hollywood district. As he got older Dekker, returned to the stage.

Actor Wendell Corey made his Broadway debut in "Comes the Revelation" in 1942, a flop that lasted only two performances. His next play, "Strip for Action" (1942-43), lasted 110 performances. He appeared on Broadway in supporting roles from 1943-45. He advanced to leading man the cynical newspaperman in Elmer Rice's hit comedy "Dream Girl," which ran for 341 performances in the 1945-46 season. As a Republican, he was elected to the City Council in Santa Monica, California, in 1965. He made a bid for the Republican nomination to contest a seat in Congress in 1966, but was defeated in the primary.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt established the Federal Theatre Project (FTP) to provide work for unemployed theater professionals during the Great Depression. The FTP ran from 1935 to 1939 and was responsible for some innovative staging.

According to the Library of Congress, the Federal Theatre Project was the largest and most ambitious effort mounted by the Federal Government to organize and produce theater events. It was an effort of the administration of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to provide work for unemployed professionals in the theater during the Great Depression which followed the stock market crash of October 1929. The Federal Theatre Project was one of four (subsequently five) arts-related projects called Federal Project Number One, established under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during Roosevelt's first term. The WPA was created through Executive Order No. 7034 issued on May 6, 1935.

The FTP was administered from Washington, D. C., but its many companies stretched the full breadth of the Nation. It functioned from 1935 to 1939 when its funding was terminated. In that brief period, it was responsible for some of the most innovative staging of its time.

While the primary aim of the FTP was the reemployment of theater workers on public relief rolls, including actors, directors, playwrights, designers, vaudeville artists, and stage technicians, it was also hoped that the project would result in the establishment of theater so vital to community life that it would continue to function after the FTP program was completed.

Funds were allocated for Federal Theatre Project from appropriations authorized by the joint resolution, H. J. R. 117, 74th Congress, introduced in Congress on January 21, 1935. Cited as the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935, it became law on April 8, 1935. The first official announcement of what was to become the Federal Theatre Project came on August 2, 1935. FTP came to an end on June 30, 1939 when its funding was terminated. In the course of its existence, the FTP was responsible for hundreds of stage productions, both of classics and new plays written for the FTP, mounted in cities across the nation. The FTP is the only instance in which the Federal government was directly responsible for the production and administration of stage work on a large scale.

It was not feasible to operate Federal Theatre Project companies in towns where only a few theater professionals were on relief rolls. However, in order to serve a wide geographic area, FTP projects toured in rural areas. For example, the Illinois circuit, with companies from Chicago and Peoria, gave performances in Wisconsin and Illinois. Another Midwest circuit, operating out of Detroit, gave performances in other areas of the state of Michigan. The Cincinnati unit toured Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.

The ten people who made up the Federal Theatre Policy Board, met every four months, deciding on policies and plays for the next four months. Under the Board's guidance, the Federal Theatre had, to a considerable extent, abandoned the policy of producing only Broadway successes. Some 400 plays, including many new ones, were approved by the Board after its inception.

At one point in its life, the Federal Theatre Project employed around 12,700 people. More than nine out of every ten of these workers came from the relief rolls. Ninety percent of the FTP appropriation had to be spent on wages.

About fifty per cent of FTP personnel were actors. Others were writers, designers, theater musicians, dancers, stage hands, box office staff, ushers, maintenance workers, and the accounting and secretarial force necessary to carry out any enterprise operated under procedures required by the Government of the United States. These workers were employed in theater companies operating in at least forty cities in twenty-two states.

The largest projects were those in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Among other cities with FTP activity were Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chapel Hill, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Gary, Hartford, Jacksonville, Manchester, Miami, New Orleans, Newark, Oklahoma City, Peoria, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland (Oregon), Raleigh, Roanoke Island, Roslyn (Long Island), Salem, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Springfield, Syracuse, and Tampa.

Stage productions fell into the following categories, some of which overlapped: new plays; classical plays; plays formerly produced on Broadway; modern foreign plays; stock plays; children's plays; revues and musical comedies; vaudeville; dance productions; Early Americana; American pageants; puppet and marionette plays. Various kinds of units produced under FTP. These included African-American, Yiddish, Italian, Spanish, French and German units.

Subsequently, $27,000,000 of $4,800,000,000 made available by the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935 was set aside for Federal Project Number One, the four arts projects. In October, 1935, $6,784,036, based on estimated theatrical unemployment, was allotted to the theater.

Theatrical unemployment was so high that projects were set up in cities and towns in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D. C. and Wisconsin.

New York City alone had 5,000 on the payroll early in the project's history, and had thirty-one producing units; Boston, thirty-three; The state of California, with 1650 people, thirty-two units; Chicago, fourteen; Seattle, five; Cleveland, four; Oklahoma City, Omaha and Philadelphia, three each; Dallas, Manchester and St. Louis, two each; and in Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, New Orleans, and Providence, one each.

On January 10, 1934, a Civil Works Administration (CWA) appropriation of $28,000 was made to provide employment, experimentally, for 150 unemployed professional actors over a period of two months. Six performances were to be given each week. As the appropriation was made exclusively for services, a fund was raised by Katharine Cornell, Peggy Wood and Katherine Hepburn to defray the expenses of costumes, properties and accessories.

It was announced that the 150 actors were to be engaged for twelve plays to be presented over a period of eight weeks. Auditions were held at the Actors Equity Association offices, 45 West 47th Street on January 15, 1934. More than 1,000 actors were on hand, many of whose faces were familiar to New York City theatergoers and some of whose names had appeared in lights on Broadway. Strict anonymity was observed in all instances so far as the names of actors were concerned. As the Drama Department of the Works Division Emergency Relief Bureau, the undertaking was launched under the sponsorship of the Board of Education of New York City. Casts were signed through the Actors Equity Association where the offices of the project were first located. Out of the original repertoire of twelve plays, five were presented on the evening of January 30, 1934, just two weeks after the first actors were signed and went into rehearsal.

As soon as the project had been more firmly, if not permanently, established, it expanded rapidly by means of the eight-week rotation system. By October 1, 1934, about 1,000 actors had been given work. As the number of plays in the repertory increased, so did the number of working actors.

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This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) 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.

ART AND ABOUT

POPPY FIELDS AT THE TOWER

Luxmuralis Poppy Show at London Tower. Photo: Royal Palaces

a poignant sound and light show in partnership with Luxmuralis, honoring the First and Second World Wars, with exclusive after-hours access to see the Crown Jewels.

Poppy Fields at the Tower will feature the projection of historic photos, documents and artwork onto the tower, accompanied by music and poetry recordings. The display has been exclusively adapted to feature images from the archives of both Historic Royal Palaces and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

Tumbling poppies, silhouettes of soldiers, military medals, and plans from the Tower of London during wartime will be among the artwork and images lighting up the inner walls of the fortress.

Historic Royal Palaces - the charity that looks after the Tower of London - has partnered with Luxmuralis to create the experience. Set to create a space for visitors to remember and pay their respects to the lives lost in conflict, Poppy Fields at the Tower will not only reflect on the past tragedies, but provide a poignant message of hope for the future.

The Tower of London played a big role in both Worlds Wars, from training recruits to serving as the execution spot of foreign spies, with military connections continuing to this day. Ticket-holders to the after-dark event will also have the special chance to catch a glimpse of the Crown Jewels and learn about their removal from the Tower of London during the World Wars.

Brigadier Andrew Jackson, Governor of the Tower of London, said, "The Tower of London is a living fortress with a proud military history that spans the centuries. We hope that Poppy Fields at the Tower will provide a space for reflection on the sacrifices of those who served in the First and Second World Wars and more recently, as well as exploring our collective desire for the peaceful resolution of current conflicts around the world."

Peter Walker, Sculptor and Artist at Luxmuralis, said, "Bringing the Poppy Fields light show to the Tower of London is a profound honour for Luxmuralis. This historic venue provides a deeply evocative backdrop for our installation, allowing us to create a powerful and immersive experience that pays tribute to the sacrifices made by so many. The combination of light, sound, and the iconic setting of the Tower enhances the emotional impact of the show, making it a truly unique and memorable event."

Poppy Fields at the Tower will create space for visitors to remember those who lost their lives in the conflicts, as well as those who served.

Running only through November 16, 2024, which encompasses both America's Veterans' Day and England's Remembrance Days, don't miss your chance to commemorate the lives lost in the wars in this stirring and evocative sound and light show.

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SWEET CHARITY

REMEMBERING THE FALLEN

Duchess of Gloucester laying the Queen's personal Cross of Remembrance. Photo:

Last Thursday the Duchess of Gloucester representing Queen Camilla who is patron of the Poppy Factor wasn't able to attend because she is unwell. The stalwart Duchess who has completed over 115 engagements this year is always impeccably dressed and never fails to be a credit to her country when she attended the official opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. The Duchess laid the Queen's personal Cross of Remembrance alongside the hundreds of poppies planted by veterans who traveled from across the country.

The annual commemoration, which offers an opportunity for former service personnel and members of the public to plant a poppy memorial for those who have lost their lives in the Armed Forces, is now in its 96th year.

The Duchess of Gloucester was also viewed the 308 plots in the field. After meeting with representatives of the Poppy Factory, the Duchess talked to veterans as she walked around.

The Poppy Factory supports members of the Armed Forces community and their families on their journey into employment, helping hundreds of veterans each year.

After touring the plots, the Duchess entered St Margaret's Church which is next to Westminster Abbey to meet members of the clergy before signing the visitor's book.

In America at the World War I Museum in Kansas City, MO a new, fully-themed display will give guests a peek into the workings of a field hospital and the realities and innovations of battlefield medicine during WWI. The field hospital, evocative of a bombed-out church that would have been repurposed for treating the wounded, will draw in guests to further investigate the scene.

As the guest approaches the display, they are presented with stories from WWI, interactive displays and a visual representation of the chaos in a working field hospital. One scene, inspired by John Singer Sargent’s painting, Gassed, shows a line of soldiers blinded by a gas attack following an uninjured guide into the field hospital for treatment.

A newly-produced immersive film will be projected onto the inner surface of a recreated battle crater, allowing visitors to access deeply affecting scenes that graphically depict the horrific reality of WWI artillery. Using narration, light and sound, guests’ senses will be heightened by what they see, hear and feel.

THOSE BLUE BLOODS ACROSS THE POND have certainly been busy. Prince Edward met with young artists and learned how they have benefited from the Cambridge Junction program, which has been in existence since 1990. According to the venue: "Cambridge Junction is the arts centre in Cambridge where art meets life. The home of original arts, entertainment, and creativity. We present and host a diverse and engaging program of arts and culture for audiences across the city and beyond.

"We are a charity and a centre of excellence for our progressive and inclusive work with children and young people. We support the development of artists and producers by commissioning new work, hosting residencies, workshops and rehearsals throughout the year.

"Our core purpose is to share the power of live performance and creativity and invite our communities to experience, engage, explore and to… Be Part of Something at Cambridge Junction."

On the official social media of the royal family, a post gave glimpses into the highlights of Prince Edward's visit.

"The Duke of Edinburgh visited Cambridge Junction this week to see the charity and arts centre’s work with young people and emerging artists," the statement began: "During the visit His Royal Highness met artists and young people who benefit from the centre’s programs, including learners from the Olive Academy who were taking part in a DJ workshop and local young musicians sound checking for the venue’s longstanding emerging band night."

It continued, "The Duke spoke to apprentices and staff and members of Cambridge Junction’s artist development program rehearsing new performance pieces before unveiling a plaque to commemorate their first Royal visit."

THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FILM AND TELEVISION CHARITY will be celebrated with a November 13, 2024 reception at Buckingham Palace (hopefully) hosted by Queen Camilla.

L-R) Paul Mescal as Lucius and Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius in Gladiator II Poster photograph: Paramount.

The Royal Film Performance and global premiere of Gladiator II the global premiere of Ridley Scott’s epic saga that continues the unforgettable story of power, intrigue, and vengeance in Ancient Rome takes place at central London venues.

This exclusive sold out event marks a significant milestone for the Charity, as well as helping to raise essential funds to support people working behind the scenes in the UK’s film, TV, and cinema industry.

Global red carpet stream: Across 30 regional cinemas throughout the UK. This exclusive night will be attended by members of the Royal Family including: The Duke of Edinburgh, and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

The Royals will meet the stars of the blockbuster, Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and Pedro Pascal, and director Sir Ridley Scott, in addition to TV presenters, stunt performers and costume designers and speak to representatives from organizations associated with the film and TV industry, making it a glamorous occasion filled with star-studded appearances and iconic red-carpet moments.

"Back in 1924, we started life as a benevolent fund, supporting cinema workers and their families. Fast forward 100 years and we now provide support to over 200,000 people working behind the scenes in hundreds of roles. With a focus on mental and physical health, financial wellbeing, and equity and inclusion, we’ve developed our services to match the needs of our industry," posted the organization.

In 2018, the charity rebranded as The Film and TV Charity and introduced the Film and TV Support Line, a free, 24-hour confidential helpline. This resource provides access to vital services like counseling, legal, and financial advice for everyone in the industry.

Recognizing the increasing need for mental health support, we launched the Looking Glass Survey in 2019. This research revealed an industry-wide mental health crisis stemming from poor working conditions and toxic workplace culture. In response, we created the Whole Picture Program, an initiative backed by an industry-led Mental Health Task Force, to promote mentally healthy workplaces and ensure that behind-the-scenes professionals are respected, valued, and supported.

In 2021, we launched the Bullying Advice Service, offering industry-specific guidance for those facing or witnessing bullying and harassment. This was part of the Let’s Reset campaign, designed to shift workplace culture from the top down and foster positive change across the industry.

In 2022, we introduced the Sir Horace Ové Grant, a dedicated fund supporting Black and Global Majority professionals by helping them overcome barriers and access opportunities within the industry.

IDRIS ELBA an alumnus of The King's Trust has partnered with The King's Trust through Elba Hope Foundation, to launch the Creative Futures initiative.

"Idris, who was supported by The Trust as a teenager, has collaborated with us to inspire young people in Manchester to get into DJing, theatre, visual arts and enterprise."

SPREADING THE WORD

DUCHESS SOPHIE

Duchess Sophie measures flour to help make dog biscuits. Photo: The Royal Family

one of the jewels in the royal family, is a dog lover. The wife of Prince Edward, as patron of Guide Dogs, she joined children to make special dog biscuits for their furry buddy friends which was hosted at Guide Dogs' Reading Hub.

Duchess Sophie gets friendly with a Black Lab. Photo: The Royal Family

Hands-on as ever, the Duchess helped to mix the ingredients together for the dog biscuits, which contained ingredients found in most kitchens including flour, eggs, and bananas.

The Duchess of Edinburgh also got brought up to date about the services Guide Dogs provides for children with vision impairments, including how they are developing their independent living skills through the support and companionship of their buddy dogs.

The mother of two also cuddled with the adorable pooches.

At home the mother of two and her husband live wih three dogs and a turtle.

In related news When Duchess Sophie visited Legoland Windsor as Patron of the National Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Legoland hosted a fundraising day with an emphasis on math, to promote their annual Number 7, which is held on February 7 and involved math related activities. While playing crazy golf she hit the ball, which bounced up and then came down wracking her in on the head. Fortunately, she wasn't injured and laughed.

MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL has extended its run at the Savoy Theatre in London. Over 75,000 new tickets have been released for the critically acclaimed, hilarious new musical, written by Tina Fey based on her much-loved movie. Mean Girls is now booking to June 8, 2025.

THE NEW YORK COMEDY FESTIVAL is in full swing of its 20th year of bringing 10 days of laughter to The Big Apple with 200+ comedians performing in 100+ shows across all five boroughs through November 17th.

Performers include Judd Apatow, Jeff Arcuri, Dave Attell, Zarna Garg, How Did This Get Made?, Gabriel Iglesias, I've Had It, Joe List, Bill Maher, Matt McCusker, Tracy Morgan, Nurse John, Ms. Pat, Adam Ray is Dr. Phil, The Rest Is History, Justin Silva, JB Smoove, Dan Soder, Sommore, Stand Up for Heroes, Jimmy O. Yang, Jaboukie Young-White and many more at NYC's most prestigious venues, including the Beacon Theatre, Carnegie Hall, David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, Kings Theatre, Town Hall, and The Venue at Hard Rock Hotel New York.

THE EYES OF THE WORLD: FROM D-DAY TO VE DAY is an amazing production which aired on PBS. Historian John Monsky, takes viewers on a breathtaking and suspenseful journey through the events of D-Day, the liberation of Paris, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Allied advance into Germany.

Broadway stars Shereen Ahmed, Kate Rockwell, Nicholas Rodriguez and Daniel Yearwoodd join Monsky and conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops on stage to tell the dramatic story of World War II's final months in Europe through a stirring mix of music and personal stories. The show centers around the images, reportage and revealing firsthand accounts of four wartime correspondents: Ernest Hemingway, Robert Capa, Voguemodel-turned-photojournalist Lee Miller and a young soldier named Jerry, later revealed as a famous author. Their rare photographs and the stories they crafted bring history to life and illuminate the bravery and sacrifices of the men and women who served in World War II.

In an unforgettable production, Monsky who is the creator, writer, executive producer, and narrator of the American History Unbound series, gives notice that he is a phenomenal storyteller. His stage presence sets a high bar. He informs without being condescending in a most enjoyable presentation. The always outstanding Lockhart and his tribe of musicians demonstrate why they are considered some of the best of America musicians. Simple staging, excellent lighting and video work; even the musicians and Lockhart are dressed to beautifully blend.

This production appears to have been captured in 2021 from Boston's Symphony Hall. PBS is noted for repeating presentations. Hopefully, this show will also warrant a repeat broadcast.

DISNEY HAS ANNOUNCED who will star in its brand new stage production of Hercules. This major new musical is coming to the West End's Theatre Royal Drury Lane from June 6, 2025. Playing Hercules will be rising West End star Luke Brady.

ELEKTRA what is bill as "an electrifying new production" starring Oscar winner Brie Larson will also feature Stockard Channing, and Patrick Vaill. The production will be staged from January 24, 2025 at the Duke of York's Theatre,London.

CHRISTMAS AT WADDESDON takes place November 15 through January 5, 2025.

The theme this year is Sleeping Beauty, inspired by paintings of the story in their collections which will transform the Manor and gardens into a festive wonderland for all the family to enjoy. New for this year, are late night openings on Fridays from November 22 until December 20, 2024.

The House: Taking a set of paintings by Russian theatre designer Léon Bakst of the Sleeping Beauty as inspiration, this much-loved fairytale is bought to life throughout the House. The paintings were commissioned by James de Rothschild in 1913 and will be seen alongside a contemporary installation by designer Tom Piper. The story of Sleeping Beauty is also celebrated throughout the grounds, with a bespoke digital projection on the front of the Manor and an impressive outdoor light trail.

The popular Christmas Fair is set to return until December 22, 2024 where you can browse stalls filled with tempting gifts to suit all tastes. Enjoy an installation of artworks made by 15,000 local school children who have been working with artists to create a delightful installation celebrating classic fairytales. Tuck into a Festive Feast or Christmas Afternoon Tea at the Manor Restaurant.

Waddesdon, A Rothschild House & Gardens in Buckinghamshire United Kingdom.

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EARTHSHOT PRIZE WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Earthshot Prize Winners. Photo: Earthshot.

in a ceremony in Cape Town South Africa.

Prince William was joined by supermodels Heidi Klum and Winnie Harlow. The ceremony was hosted by actor and singer Billy Porter and TV presenter Bonang Matheba.

Robert Irwin, the son of late Steve Irwin, hosted a series of events with actor and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha ahead of the ceremony, celebrating the 15 finalists.

Also a part of the star-studded line-up were Afrobeats star Davido, Tanzanian musical artist Diamond Platnumz, DJ Uncle Waffles and Grammy Award winner Lebo M.

The Earthshot Prize is one of Prince William's big 'passion projects' and looks to find and upscale positive solutions to the climate crisis in five key areas: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build A Waste-Free World and Fix Our Climate.

Each year, the prince awards £1million in prize money to each of the five winners whose pioneering solutions to the most pressing climate and environmental challenges facing the world today. "Earthshot Prize 2024 Winners:

Protect and Restore Nature: Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative, a project that has saved the critically endangered Saiga antelope from extinction in Kazakhstan

Clean Our Air: Green Africa Youth Organization, who use behavioural change to help communities clean up waste and build circular waste management infrastructure across Africa

Revive Our Oceans: High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, an alliance of at least 119 countries with the ambitious goal to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030

Build a Waste-free World: Keep IT Cool, a Kenyan-based company using solar powered refrigeration to help cut harvest waste for farmers

Fix Our Climate: Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems, an American company that convert excess heat, produced during the making of steel or cement, into electricity.

All 2,000 attendees were asked to wear sustainable clothes - either made from recycled materials or a previously worn outfit.

THE 2025 GRAMMY NOMINEES in 94 categories have been announced. "Beyoncé has made history by becoming the most-nominated artist of all time with 32 wins as a solo artist and a further three as part of Destiny's Child.

She leads this year's Grammys race with 11 nominations, including best album, best country album, and song of the year for" Texas Hold 'Em."

The other leading nominees, with seven each, are Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone and Charli XCX.

The Beatles also picked up a nomination for record of the year for Now And Then, an unfinished John Lennon track that was completed last year with the help of AI.

67th Grammy Awards nominations include: ALBUM OF THE YEAR: New Blue Sun – André 3000: Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé: Short n’ Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter: Brat – Charli XCX Djesse Vol. 4 – Jacob Collier: Hit Me Hard and Soft – Billie Eilish.

SONG OF THE YEAR: A Bar Song (Tipsy) Sean Cook, Jerrel Jones, Joe Kent, Chibueze Collins Obinna, Nevin Sastry & Mark Williams, songwriters (Shaboozey) - - - Birds of a Feather Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas, songwriters (Billie Eilish) - - - - Die With a Smile Dernst Emile II, James Fauntleroy, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars & Andrew Watt, songwriters (Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars) - - - Fortnight Jack Antonoff, Austin Post & Taylor Swift, songwriters(Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone) - - - Good Luck, Babe! Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, Daniel Nigro & Justin Tranter, songwriters (Chappell Roan) - - - Not Like Us Kendrick Lamar, songwriter (Kendrick Lamar) - - - Please Please Please Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff & Sabrina Carpenter, songwriters (Sabrina Carpenter) - - - Texas Hold ‘Em Brian Bates, Beyoncé, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Megan Bu¨low, Nate Ferraro & Raphael Saadiq, songwriters (Beyoncé).

BEST MUSICAL THEATER ALBUM: Merrily We Roll Along — Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez & Daniel Radcliffe, principal vocalists; David Caddick, Joel Fram, Maria Friedman & David Lai, producers (Stephen Sondheim, composer & lyricist) (New Broadway Cast)

The Notebook — John Clancy, Carmel Dean, Kurt Deutsch, Derik Lee, Kevin McCollum & Ingrid Michaelson, producers; Ingrid Michaelson, composer & lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)

The Outsiders — Joshua Boone, Brent Comer, Brody Grant & Sky Lakota-Lynch, principal vocalists; Zach Chance, Jonathan Clay, Matt Hinkley, Justin Levine & Lawrence Manchester, producers; Zach Chance, Jonathan Clay & Justin Levine, composers/lyricists (Original Broadway Cast)

Suffs — Andrea Grody, Dean Sharenow & Shaina Taub, producers; Shaina Taub, composer & lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)

The Wiz — Wayne Brady, Deborah Cox, Nichelle Lewis & Avery Wilson, principal vocalists; Joseph Joubert, Allen René Louis & Lawrence Manchester, producers (Charlie Smalls, composer & lyricist) (2024 Broadway Cast Recording).

Winners will be announced in February.

HERMITAGE ANNOUNCES Playwright Naomi Iizuka as winner of 2024-2025 Hermitage Major Theater Award. Iizuka will receive a cash prize of $35,000, a residency at the Hermitage Artist Retreat in Florida, and a developmental workshop anticipated for the fall of 2026 in Chicago.

Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director and CEO of the Hermitage Artist Retreat said that Lizuka is the fifth recipient of the Hermitage Major Theater Award. This jury selected prize, established b the Hermitage in 2021 with generous support from Flora Major and the Kutya Major Foundation, offers one of the largest unrestricted nonprofit theater commissions in the United States.

Naomi Lizuka is an award winning playwright, educator, and theater maker based in California.

SUSIE WILES who has made history in becoming the first-ever female Chief of Staff of the United States. She will serve at the pleasure of President Trump.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO . . . .

KING CHARLES III who celebrates his 76th birthday on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

The Military Wives Choirs have marked King Charles' upcoming Birthday Boy Day with the release of a heartfelt new song, November Sunday. The lullaby re-imagines the "chilly, foggy London night" in 1948 when Charles was born at Buckingham Palace in 1948.

Caroline Paxton, chair of trustees at the Military Wives Choirs, said: "The song, with words and music by John McLaren, is set at the moment of the future king’s birth, echoing the joy the news brought to a country still recovering from war. It also pays tribute to his mother, the beloved late Queen Elizabeth II, who, like many members of our network, served in the Armed Forces and was also a military wife."

"November Sunday is our own heartfelt gift to His Majesty and was inspired by our deep appreciation and admiration for his service to this nation. We hope that he will enjoy listening to the song just as much as we will enjoy performing it."

"Our intention is that the song will enter into the core repertoire for our network of 70 choirs across the UK and overseas and be performed regularly around this time of year."

Some 100 singers, including serving personnel, wives, partners and veterans from 41 Military Wives Choirs across the UK and overseas, gathered to record the track.

It features the original BBC Radio announcement confirming the young future King’s arrival, with newsreader John Snagge declaring: "It has just been announced from Buckingham Palace that Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth … was safely delivered of a prince at 9:14pm."

Accompanying the song is the Band of the Household Cavalry – the country’s largest regular military band – with a brass and woodwind fanfare.

Producer Sean Hargreaves told the press that the melody, with its acoustic guitars and ebb and flow rhythm, had a similar feel to Taylor Swift, while its "cinematic" orchestration was typical of bands like Radiohead.
Hargreaves said: "When crafting the song, we were aiming for an emotional singer-songwriter feel, similar in approach to Taylor Swift’s Folklore, but expanded to a choir of a hundred voices rather than a solo artist. To achieve this, we had acoustic guitars in the foreground, arranged the rhythm section to ebb and flow, giving the arrangement plenty of space. This more modern feel complements John McLaren’s nostalgic lyrics beautifully.

"What sets this song apart is how we incorporated The Band of the Household Cavalry," he continued in the release. "Rather than the way military bands are traditionally heard, we showcased them in a more cinematic style – similar to how a band like Radiohead or a film score might use orchestration – to add depth and color."

The song is available to purchase or stream and the video can be found on YouTube or on militarywiveschoirs.org.

Here's hoping that King Charles' upcoming personal year is overflowing with good health, peace of mind and happiness.

HANG IN THERE . . .

JAMES VAN DER BEEK 47, who has revealed that he has stage 3 colorectal-cancer. He was astounded by the diagnosis because he ate healthy and didn't lead a sedentary lifestyle. Never-the-less, he joined the club nobody wants to be included in as a member. In an effort to help others he has disclosed that a change in bowel habits alerted him that something might be wrong.

Van Der Beek lives in Texas with his wife and six young children.

QUEEN CAMILLA forced to bow out of several engagements due to a chest infection.



TAMMY FAYE features music by Elton John, lyrics by Jake Shears, a book by James Graham.

Directed by Rupert Goold.

"The story of a traveling preacher’s wife who beamed into homes with a message of hope… and stole the country’s heart."

Featuring Katie Brayben as Tammy Faye Bakker, Christian Borle as Jim Bakker, and Michael Cerveris as Jerry Falwell. They are joined by Autumn Hurlbert, Nick Bailey, Charl Brown, Mark Evans, Allison Guinn, Ian Lassiter, Raymond J. Lee, Max Gordon Moore, Alana Pollard, and Andy Taylor, as well as Amanda Clement, Michael Di Liberto, Jonathan Duvelson, Lily Kaufmann, Denis Lambert, Elliott Mattox, Brittany Nicholas, Keven Quillon, Aveena Sawyer, Allysa Shorte, TJ Tapp, Daniel Torres, and Dana Wilton.

The design team feature scenic design by Bunny Christie, costume design by Katrina Lindsay, lighting design by Neil Austin, video design by Finn Ross, and sound design by Nick Lidster for Autograph. Orchestrations by Mark Dickman and Tom Deering, and music supervision, arrangements, and additional music by Tom Deering. Casting is by C12 Casting/Carrie Gardner, Jillian Cimini.

Officially opens Thursday, November 14 at the newly renovated Palace Theater in New York City.

THE BLOOD QUILT by Pulitzer Prize winner Katori Hall.


Four sisters gather at their childhood island home off the coast of Georgia for their annual reunion. They are creating a family quilt to honor their recently deceased mother. But when their reunion turns into a reading of their mother’s will, everyone must grapple with a troubling inheritance. Stitched with history, ritual, laughter and tears, will their "blood quilt" bind the family together or tear them apart forever?

Featuring Lauren E. Banks, Crystal Dickinson, Mirirai, Adrienne C. Moore, and Susan Kelechi Watson.

Performances at the at the Newhouse Theatre at Lincoln Center in New York City.

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES book by Harvey Fierstein. Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman. Based on the play by Jean Poiret.

Directed by Sam Pinkleton.

The cast of La Cage aux Folles is led by Cheyenne Jackson as Georges and Tony Nominee Kevin Cahoon as Albin. Joining them are Ryan J. Haddad as Jean-Michel, Shannon Purser as Anne, George Salazar as Jacob, Michael McDonald as Edouard Dindon/M. Renaud, Nicole Parker as Marie Dindon/Mme. Renaud, El Beh as Francis, and Shea Diamond as Jacqueline.

The cast is completed by Kay Bebe Queue, Cody Brunelle-Potter, Salina EsTitties, Rhoyle Ivy King, Ellen Soraya Nikbakht, Suni Jade Reid, and Paul Vogt as Les Cagelles.

Onstage at Pasadena Playhouse Tuesday, November 12, 2024 to Sunday, December 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA.

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This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) 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.

FINAL OVATION

QUINCY JONES an American record producer, songwriter, composer, arranger, and film and television producer died November 3. 2024 at his home in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles. He was 91.

His career spanned 70 years, with 28 Grammy Awards won out of 80 nominations, and a Grammy Legend Award in 1992.

He also served as an arranger and conductor for several collaborations between the jazz artists Frank Sinatra and Count Basie. In 1968, Jones became the first African American to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "The Eyes of Love" from the film Banning. Jones was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score for his work on the 1967 film In Cold Blood, making him the first African American to be nominated twice in the same year. Jones produced three of the most successful albums by pop star Michael Jackson: Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987). In 1985, Jones produced and conducted the charity song "We Are the World", which raised funds for victims of famine in Ethiopia.

Jones became the first African American to be the musical director and conductor of the Academy Awards in 1971. He was the first African American to receive the academy's Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1995.

Jones was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the Ahmet Ertegun Award category in 2013. He was named one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century by Time

Jones never learned to drive, citing his involvement in a car crash at age 14 as the reason. During this time, he and a group of friends were heading to a rodeo in Yakima when a bus hit them. He said everybody in the car died except him — the scene was gruesome and left him traumatized. He attempted to take driving lessons a few years later but he "just couldn't do it" and never drove again.

In May 2014 Jones revealed that Ray Charles introduced him to heroin at 15, although he stopped using after five months. He was a believer in astrology. In regard to religion, he stated in February 2018 that he believed in a God that opposes the love of money but dismisses the notion of an afterlife. He held a negative opinion of the Catholic Church, believing it is built upon the notions of money and "fear, smoke, and murder".

In 1974, Jones developed a brain aneurysm. He had two brain surgeries, and was warned to never play the trumpet again, because "if he blew a trumpet in the ways that a trumpet player must, the clip would come free and he would die". He ignored that advice, went on tour in Japan, and one night after playing trumpet had a pain in his head. Doctors said the clip in his brain had nearly come loose, as they'd warned, and Jones never played trumpet again.

Jones was married three times and had seven children with five different women. He was married to Jeri Caldwell from 1957 to 1966, and they had a daughter named Jolie. He had a brief affair with Carol Reynolds, and they had a daughter named Rachel. He was later married to Swedish actress Ulla Andersson from 1967 to 1974, and they had a daughter named Martina and a son named Quincy, who also became a music producer. The day after his divorce from Andersson, Jones married American actress Peggy Lipton. They had two daughters, Kidada, who was born before they were married, and Rashida, both of whom became actresses. Jones and Lipton divorced in 1990. He later dated and lived with German actress Nastassja Kinski from 1991 to 1995, and they had a daughter named Kenya, who became a fashion model.

ED BLUESTONE comedian and writer died on October 24, 2024 due to complications from a stroke. He was 76.

With a funny and dark sense of humor, Ed started as a Stand-up Comic in the 1970's, performing at Catch a Rising Star & The Improv in NY and The Comedy Store in LA.

He appeared on The Tonight Show, The Merv Griffin Show, The Mike Douglas Show, Dean Martin variety series, and also was a regular on the revival of Laugh -In. In 1972 he started writing for the National Lampoon, and conceived one of their most famous magazine covers, featuring a dog with a gun pointed at it's head, and the caption "If You Don't buy this Magazine, We'll Kill this Dog."

Bluestone also produced two pieces for the Death issue titled "23 Ways to Be Offensive at the Funeral of Someone You Didn't Like" and "Telling a Kid His Parents are Dead". It was the magazine's best seller that year. The Lampoon cover was ranked number 7 on the American Society of Magazine Editors' list of the "Top 40 Magazine Covers of the Last 40 Years", published in 2005, and was also one of five covers listed in a 2018 article in The Guardian titled "The best magazine covers ever?"

He transitioned to writing screenplays, which he did for the balance of his career. He also wrote a children's book "Rupert Weddington and his small dogs".

Ed is survived by his ex-wife Ann Stordahl, his brother Bob, and three nieces.

Next Column: November 17, 2024
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Laura Deni