Actor George Clooney is planning a telethon for Haiti that will take place in about a week. Details are forthcoming. The telethon would be a good way for locals to help aid Haitians after this week's devestating earthquake.
Read more about it here.
-January Holmes
Thursday, January 14, 2010
"Idol" favorites
After two nights of watching the new season of "American Idol," I realize how much I will miss the crafty crabbiness of Simon Cowell.
No one could hurl better insults yet be entirely dead on at the same time as he tells people they look like Latoya Jackson and such. He actually seems tamer this year, though.
Last night's show, featuring auditions in Atlanta, brought out some strong talent that I'm looking forward to seeing during Hollywood week. My favorite so far is the country girl from Vonore, Tenn. - Vanessa Wolfe. She's the girl that likes to jump off bridges and brought her pink audition dress from the Dollar Store.
That's pretty down home.
Her dream is to get out of the dead-end town she feels "trapped in." She has the sweetest personality and a great voice. I'm worried that she'll get thrown to the wolves during Hollywood week, though. And if she does, by the grace of God, happen to triumph, I still worry that when forced to sing other genres, she might not do so well. But here's hoping.
I'm also looking forward to the dude (Antonio "Skii Bo Ski" Wheeler) that said the all the crazy stuff on last night's show that no one could understand while trying to make his stage name the new catch phrase. He may not have the best voice in the world, but he certainly pumps some fun into "Idol." It's amazing he got through.
Too bad 62-year-old Larry Platt is too old to move on. I really liked his original "Pants on the Ground" song. Seems Simon did too.
-January Holmes
No one could hurl better insults yet be entirely dead on at the same time as he tells people they look like Latoya Jackson and such. He actually seems tamer this year, though.
Last night's show, featuring auditions in Atlanta, brought out some strong talent that I'm looking forward to seeing during Hollywood week. My favorite so far is the country girl from Vonore, Tenn. - Vanessa Wolfe. She's the girl that likes to jump off bridges and brought her pink audition dress from the Dollar Store.
That's pretty down home.
Her dream is to get out of the dead-end town she feels "trapped in." She has the sweetest personality and a great voice. I'm worried that she'll get thrown to the wolves during Hollywood week, though. And if she does, by the grace of God, happen to triumph, I still worry that when forced to sing other genres, she might not do so well. But here's hoping.
I'm also looking forward to the dude (Antonio "Skii Bo Ski" Wheeler) that said the all the crazy stuff on last night's show that no one could understand while trying to make his stage name the new catch phrase. He may not have the best voice in the world, but he certainly pumps some fun into "Idol." It's amazing he got through.
Too bad 62-year-old Larry Platt is too old to move on. I really liked his original "Pants on the Ground" song. Seems Simon did too.
-January Holmes
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Late Night Wars continue
So whose side are you on? Team Conan or Team Jay?
I, for one, am rooting for Team Conan.
The Webosphere has just now exploded with activity since Conan O'Brien's latest statement on the matter.
He plans on leaving NBC if the network pushes the "Tonight Show" to 12:05 a.m. to give Jay Leno his old 11:35 p.m. time slot.
If Jay can't pull in the numbers at 10 p.m. will a sleepier crowd take him back for a half-hour of laughs? I can't imagine that.
All I know is that Letterman is probably glad he didn't take that"Tonight Show" gig way back. On a brighter note, if Conan ends up leaving, then maybe "American Idol" can snag him to replace Simon Cowell.
Wouldn't that be entertaining?
-January Holmes
I, for one, am rooting for Team Conan.
The Webosphere has just now exploded with activity since Conan O'Brien's latest statement on the matter.
He plans on leaving NBC if the network pushes the "Tonight Show" to 12:05 a.m. to give Jay Leno his old 11:35 p.m. time slot.
If Jay can't pull in the numbers at 10 p.m. will a sleepier crowd take him back for a half-hour of laughs? I can't imagine that.
All I know is that Letterman is probably glad he didn't take that"Tonight Show" gig way back. On a brighter note, if Conan ends up leaving, then maybe "American Idol" can snag him to replace Simon Cowell.
Wouldn't that be entertaining?
-January Holmes
Friday, January 8, 2010
Manatee Players auditions coming soon
Manatee Players will hold its next set of auditions at 7 p.m. Jan. 17-18 at Saint Stephen's Episcopal School. The troupe is looking to fill role for these two shows: "Joseph and the Amazing Techincolor Dreamcoat" and "Gypsy."
The first show will be directed and choreographed by Dewayne Barrett. The second, by Rick Kerby.
Adults and children should come prepared with a song and to dance. Auditions will be held at the school's music and theater department. The best way to get there is through the parking lot at the traffic light of 39th St. W. and Manatee Ave. W. across from Publix.
- January Holmes
The first show will be directed and choreographed by Dewayne Barrett. The second, by Rick Kerby.
Adults and children should come prepared with a song and to dance. Auditions will be held at the school's music and theater department. The best way to get there is through the parking lot at the traffic light of 39th St. W. and Manatee Ave. W. across from Publix.
- January Holmes
Save the Date!
The Players Theatre presented its 2010-2011 Broadway series today during a luncheon at The Bijou Cafe. Artistic director Jeffery Kin, with the help of managing director Michelle Pingel, unveiled their picks to board members and media that gathered for the event.
There's lots to look forward to for next year:
The Fantasticks by Harvey Schmidt & Tom Jones
Sept 16-26, 2010
Since 1941 generations have embraced this sweet love story and its unforgettable music. Try to Remember, Much More, Soon it’s Gonna Rain.
Oklahoma! by Rodgers & Hammerstein
Oct 21-31, 2010
The ground-breaking story of rivalry and true love. I Cain’t Say No, People Will Say We’re in Love, Surrey with the Fringe on Top.
Mame by Jerry Herman
Dec 2-12, 2010
“Life is a banquet…” The fabulous adventures of a fun-loving woman. Gooch’s Song, Open a New Window, Bosom Buddies.
Big: The Musical by John Weidman
Jan 13-23, 2011
The dazzling, energetic and heartfelt musical based on the hit movie. I Want to Go Home, Fun, Stars, Stars, Stars.
Rumors by Neil Simon
Feb 17-27, 2011
The fun, farcical romp during a posh dinner party involving the police, the mayor, the media and an accidental earlobe shooting.
The Producers by Mel Brooks
Mar 10-20, 2011
An exhilarating musical comedy and 12-time Tony Award winner. I Wanna Be a Producer, Springtime for Hitler.
Victor Victoria by Edwards, Wildhorn, Mancini
Apr 14-24, 2011
A woman, disguised as a man, entertains as a female impersonator and becomes the toast of
Paris. Le Jazz Hot!, You & Me.
Season Subscriptions: $80-126
Single Tickets: (Available in September) $23 Adults; $12 Students.
Box Office: 941-365-2494,10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon-Sat.
Tickets are also available at http://www.theplayers.org/ and at the door one hour before show times.
The Players Theatre is located at 838 N. Tamiami Tr. between Blvd. of the Arts and 10th Street.
Sept 16-26, 2010
Since 1941 generations have embraced this sweet love story and its unforgettable music. Try to Remember, Much More, Soon it’s Gonna Rain.
Oklahoma! by Rodgers & Hammerstein
Oct 21-31, 2010
The ground-breaking story of rivalry and true love. I Cain’t Say No, People Will Say We’re in Love, Surrey with the Fringe on Top.
Mame by Jerry Herman
Dec 2-12, 2010
“Life is a banquet…” The fabulous adventures of a fun-loving woman. Gooch’s Song, Open a New Window, Bosom Buddies.
Big: The Musical by John Weidman
Jan 13-23, 2011
The dazzling, energetic and heartfelt musical based on the hit movie. I Want to Go Home, Fun, Stars, Stars, Stars.
Rumors by Neil Simon
Feb 17-27, 2011
The fun, farcical romp during a posh dinner party involving the police, the mayor, the media and an accidental earlobe shooting.
The Producers by Mel Brooks
Mar 10-20, 2011
An exhilarating musical comedy and 12-time Tony Award winner. I Wanna Be a Producer, Springtime for Hitler.
Victor Victoria by Edwards, Wildhorn, Mancini
Apr 14-24, 2011
A woman, disguised as a man, entertains as a female impersonator and becomes the toast of
Paris. Le Jazz Hot!, You & Me.
Season Subscriptions: $80-126
Single Tickets: (Available in September) $23 Adults; $12 Students.
Box Office: 941-365-2494,10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon-Sat.
Tickets are also available at http://www.theplayers.org/ and at the door one hour before show times.
The Players Theatre is located at 838 N. Tamiami Tr. between Blvd. of the Arts and 10th Street.
Monday, January 4, 2010
New space for Asolo
Asolo Repertory Theatre has established the Robert and Beverly Koski Production Center Campus at 1009 Tallevast Rd., Sarasota. The 45,000 building will house scenery and production facilities and the theatre's costume and prop collection, which is so large that it is currently stored in two separate buildings.
The property was purchased for $1.65 million through the combined gifts of Beverly Koski, Herman and Sharon Frankel, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice and an anonymous donor.
- January Holmes
The property was purchased for $1.65 million through the combined gifts of Beverly Koski, Herman and Sharon Frankel, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice and an anonymous donor.
- January Holmes
A star is rising
Remember this name: Brannon Westfall.
Though, longtime residents of Bradenton may already know Brannon from his youth. The 23-year-old son of Lawrence and Valerie Westfall attended Manatee High School and State College of Florida when it was known simply as MCC. He was also a familiar face on the Manatee Players' stage. Though he never had any speaking lines.
"I was the cute kid that would come on stage and the audience would say 'awww,'" he said when we chatted by phone during his holiday break here in Bradenton.
These days, Brannon has been making a name for himself in Hollywood as a background actor on TV and film. Sure, background actors really don't have a lot of speaking lines per se nor do they get much face time on the screen, but Brannon has been defying those odds in the eight months he's been out West.
Brannon moved to Hollywood last year in hopes of pursing his dream of working behind the camera after he lost his job at the Blockbuster on Cortez. With the job market dried up last summer, his friend Justin Safari encouraged him to move to California to find a job as a production assistant. Safaei said Brannon could stay with him until he could get on his feet. Though the would-be actor landed a few production jobs, in this business it's all about who you know. And Brannon didn't know a lot of people. Those he did know would often tell him he had a face suited for the camera. So he took a chance and signed up with Central Casting in L.A.
So far, he's landed on shows that include "CSI Miami," "Criminal Minds" and MTV's "Parental Control" - he even had a long speaking part in that one. Remember the cafeteria scene between Claire Bennet and her new friend in college? Brannon walked right by the pair in the scene, he said.
He's even landed on the silver screen. You can catch him in the new "Alvin and the Chipmunks" film in the scene where the Chipmunks compete in a singing competition against the Chipettes. He's in the crowd wearing a bright green polo shirt.
Other films to watch out for with Brannon: "Priest," slated for August, which stars Paul Bettany. According to IMBD, the film is about a priest who disobeys the church to track down the vampires that has kidnapped his niece.
Brannon also has an appearance in the upcoming May release of "Iron Man 2," starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Scarlett Johansson. In the film, Brannon is a "French Street Hipster" hanging out at the race track.
Brannon said he couldn't have gotten this far without the help of his friend and his parents. And now that he's eligible to become a member of the Screen Actors Guild, his goal for 2010 is to find an agent so he can land bigger roles and a nicer paycheck.
We wish Brannon good luck. Or rather, in theater speak, break a leg!
-January Holmes
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