No-one is recognised as knowing more about Hollywood and celebrities than David Hartnell MNZM. He’s not only spent a lifetime reporting on Hollywood’s trivia, gossip and scandals, but he counts many celebrities among his personal friends. Every Monday morning David will give you an exclusive weekly update on the gossip, scandals and trivia of Hollywood’s elite.
David is an award winning broadcaster and columnist and he is also the patron of The Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Inc.
Her Majesty The Queen, awarded David the Insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (formerly an MBE) in the Queen’s birthday Honours list 2011 for his recognition for his services to entertainment.
In 2012 he was made an Ambassador St James Saviours, the trust formed to save the iconic Auckland theatre. In 2014 he was made an Ambassador to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand.
In 2016 he was made Patron of the Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians.
Visit David’s Website
‘Under a spell – David Hartnell’s First Love,‘ in the NZ Woman’s Weekly. View the article here on David’s website.
Be in to win monthly DVDs
…simply answer a question correctly, from this week’s column and you will be entered into the draw.
This week: How many times has Meryl Streep been nominated for an Oscar, and how many has she won?
Answer by clicking here.
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Monday 26th SEPTEMBER 2016I’m not one to gossip but…………… You have to admit the cover of the New York Post is totally funny and timely, BUT I want to remind you, not truthful!
Remember that Jennifer broke up with Brad before he started filming Mr & Mrs Smith with Angelina. Yes, he was heartbroken as he started the movie – he and Jen were discussing when and how to announce the divorce.
The divorce was filed BEFORE Brad started up with Angelina. He did not cheat on Jennifer and she never wanted him back. It was Jennifer’s decision to break up. That is the unglamorous TRUTH! I do feel awfully sorry for Jennifer, who has never been vindictive, and must be bombarded by reporters.
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American actress Kathy Bates is all smiles as she accepts the 2,589th star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in Hollywood.
The 68-year-old actress was honoured by her family, and Shirley MacLaine and Billy Bob Thornton, who will serve as her co-stars in Bad Santa 2.
“She is the type of actor who is not only loved by the public, the fans and the critics but also actors who know how good she is and what she can do,” Billy expressed during his speech. “I’m gonna keep this short and tell you that if I could be a woman, I’d be Kathy Bates.”
Kathy, who has survived both ovarian and breast cancer, dedicated her star
to an eight-year-old girl named Emma, whom she said was like her battling
lymphedema, a condition often associated with cancer patients and which
causes swelling of the limbs.
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Bette Midler is already breaking Broadway records.
First-day ticket sales for a new production of Hello, Dolly! with Bette in the role of matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi reached $9.08 million (US) – a
record for all of Broadway.
Bette shared the news on Twitter and wrote: ‘Wow!!!’
Start saving your pennies. Tickets are pricey going for $189 (US) for non-premium seats and $275 (US) and $375 (US) for premium seats, according
to the Shubert Theatre-owned ticket service Telecharge.
The new Broadway production will be directed by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks and will begin performances on Broadway on 15 March in 2017.
The show’s composer, Jerry Herman has described Midler is ‘the singular, outsized personality that I was looking for in a 21st Century Dolly.’
Midler made her Broadway debut in the original Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof in 1967. Throughout the 1970′s, she brought to Broadway three well-loved concert events: Bette Midler (in 1973, and for which she received a special Tony Award), Bette Midler’s Clams on the Half Shell Revue (in 1975), and Bette! Divine Madness (in 1979).
In 2013, Midler returned to the Broadway stage, after a nearly 40-year absence, to star in the one-woman play I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers in which she played the legendary Hollywood agent.
The iconic role of Dolly was, of course, originated by the great Carol Channing on Broadway in the 1960s after Ethel Merman, who it was written for, passed on the show. Channing went on to win the Tony Award and star in subsequent revivals and national tours of the show.
Merman eventually stepped into the role at the end of an original Broadway run that also had such stars as Pearl Bailey, Phyllis Diller, Betty Grable, Martha Raye and Ginger Rogers.
Barbra Streisand, coming off the success of Funny Girl on stage and screen, landed the lead in the 1969 film version of the show but was widely considered to be too young for the role of story of a meddlesome widow who strives to bring romance to several couples and herself.
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Amal Clooney delivers an emotional speech to the United Nations at a human trafficking panel in New York City.
The 38-year-old human rights lawyer and activist (who is married to fellow
activist George Clooney introduced her client Nadia Murad Basee Taha, a Yazidi ISIS human trafficking survivor, as Nadia was appointed as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s Goodwill Ambassador.
The two ladies also attended the Women In The World reception that same day along with journalist Tina Brown.
In her speech, Amal expressed her disappointment that the UN is “failing to
prevent or even punish genocide because they find that their own interests get in the way.
“I am proud to know you, Nadia, and I am sorry that we have failed you,” Amal stated. “I hope that your appointment today can be a turning point for all victims of sexual violence and human trafficking.
“And to those who thought that in their acts, they could destroy you, let them know this,” she added. “Nadia Murad’s spirit is not broken and her voice will not be silenced, because as of today, Nadia is the United Nations ambassador who will speak for survivors all over the world.”
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Thomas Gibson is speaking out with his side of the story after being fired
from Criminal Minds for allegedly kicking writer-producer Virgil Williams.
“I feel like it took years to make a good reputation and a minute to damage
it,” the 54-year-old actor told People Magazine. “We were shooting a scene
late one night when I went to Virgil and told him there was a line that I
thought contradicted an earlier line. He said, ‘Sorry, it’s necessary, and I absolutely have to have it.’”
Later, Thomas said he was sharing what Virgil said with some other actors.
“He came into that room and started coming towards me. As he brushed past
me, my foot came up and tapped him on the leg. If I hadn’t moved, he would
have run into me. We had some choice words, for which I apologised the next
day, and that was it. It was over. We shot the scene, I went home – and I never got to go back,” Thomas said.
“My pride and reputation are hurt, but in the end I know the good work is what people will remember. I just need more opportunities to do good work and be a good guy,” Thomas added.
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Jim Carrey is speaking out after being sued for his involvement in the death
of his ex-girlfriend Cathriona White, who overdosed last year.
The 54-year-old actor is being accused of providing drugs that contributed
to Cathriona‘s death by her estranged husband, Mark Burton.
According to TMZ, Jim‘s lawyer says that the prescriptions were stolen and
Jim did not provide her with any drugs.
“What a shame. It would be easy for me to get back in a room with this man’s lawyer and make this go away, but there are moments in life when you have to stand up and defend your honour against the evil in this world. I will not tolerate this heartless attempt to exploit me or the woman I loved,” Jim said in a statement.
He continued, “Cat‘s troubles were born long before I met her and sadly her tragic end was beyond anyone’s control. I really hope someday soon people will stop trying to profit from this and let her rest in peace.”
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Angela Lansbury just reprised her role as Mrs Potts from Beauty and the Beast and it’s incredible.
The 90-year-old Dame Angela has shown that age is just a number at a 25th anniversary of the iconic Disney film.
Appearing at the Lincoln Centre in New York alongside a number of other cast members, the nonagenarian made a surprise appearance on stage with composer Alan Menken on the piano.
The star even added the closing line, “off to the cupboard with you now, Chip. It’s past your bedtime.”
Talking to reporters at the event, Dame Angela said the film was probably one of the most memorable from her career.
“It’s never been very far away from me,” she added. “It will be remembered, I think, as one of the great movies I will be remembered for. Among the movies I will be remembered for, I’d say this is number one or two.”
We weren’t the only ones to go mad over it, though. Unsurprisingly, social media exploded too. On Twitter, Jon Risinger said: “I’m not crying in my bed at one in the morning hugging my dog.”
Another added: “I can’t help but tear up hearing Angela Lansbury sing that song. My grandmother would sing that to me a lot and Angela reminds me of her.”
Watch Dame Angela’s performance below:
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FLY MY PRETTIES ANNOUNCE THE CAST FOR NATIONAL SUMMER TOUR
With the new album String Theory ready to be unleashed on the world on
November 11, Fly My Pretties have today confirmed the 14-strong cast for
their six date January 2017 tour.
Each show will see the same performers who appear on the String Theory album take to the stage. This cast features a number of Fly My Pretties favourites along with some of the most exciting new musical talents emerging in New
Zealand, combining to create a truly special live performance experience.
Frontman and musical director Barnaby Weir will be joined by his The Black Seeds bandmates Jarney Murphy and Nigel Patterson, who, along with Mike Fabulous and The Nudge members Iraia Whakamoe, James Coyle, & Ryan Prebble, form the backbone of Fly My Pretties.
Bailey Wiley, Laughton Kora, Ria Hall and Tiki Taane are four artists who are performing at the peak of their
powers, filling out the robust sound that Fly My Pretties are known for. The cast is rounded out by A Girl Named Mo, Ills Winter and Miloux, who are back to blow audiences away across the summer tour, having wowed the crowds
during their recent Fly My Pretties’ performances.
With music as a channel to explore the fabric of the cosmos and uncover the meaning of our lives within it, the tour will bring the String Theory album to life on stage, the way it was meant to be heard. The tour will showcase the best of New Zealand summers in stunning outdoor venues, setting this tour apart from any previous Fly My Pretties shows.
Tickets for the String Theory tour are on sale now, available through Ticketek in Wellington and Ticketmaster for all other shows. Priced at $72.00, all shows are all ages with children under 12 years are welcome free of charge with a paying adult – excluding the show at Coroglen Tavern which is R18.
The Fly My Pretties – String Theory Cast is:
Barnaby Weir- Jarney Murphy (The Black Seeds) – Nigel Patterson (The Black Seeds) – Mike Fabulous (Lord Echo) – Iraia Whakamoe (The Nudge) – James Coyle (The Nudge) – Ryan Prebble (The Nudge) – Bailey Wiley – Laughton Kora – Ria Hall
– Tiki Taane – A Girl Named Mo – Ills Winter – Miloux
Civic Events presents Fly My Pretties – String Theory Tour
JANUARY
Saturday 7 Coromandel Coroglen Tavern (R18)
Friday 13 Upper Moutere Neudorf Vineyards
Sunday 15 Wairpara Waipara Hills
Saturday 21 Havelock North Blackbarn Vineyards
Sunday 22 Wellington Botanical Gardens
Sunday 29 Waiheke Island Cable Bay Vineyards
www.civicevents.co.nz
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Win a copy of Florence Foster Jenkins
From acclaimed director Stephen Frears (Philomena, The Queen) comes this hilarious and heart-warming true story of an heiress and socialite who dared to follow her dreams.
In 1940s New York, Florence Foster Jenkins (Meryl Streep: The Iron Lady) aspires to become a great opera singer, blissfully unaware that she can barely hold a tune. Her devoted husband, St. Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant: About A Boy) has protected her from ridicule for years. But when Florence decides to give a performance at Carnegie Hall, St. Clair knows he’ll face his greatest challenge yet. Funny, moving and
featuring a brilliant performance from three-time Academy Award© winner Meryl Streep, Florence Foster Jenkins is a fitting tribute to an irrepressible diva whose passion for music was matched only by her determination to share it with the world.
Trust me if you haven’t seen this movie, you’re missing a treat of a real life story. Meryl, Hugh and Simon Helberg are all wonderful in their roles.
…………………. Until next week my lips are sealed!
David H. W. Hartnell MNZM copyright 2016
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Monday 19th September 2016
I’m not one to gossip but…..Fans of Dame Joan Collins have been banned from telling her how much they love her at her live Unscripted shows.
The actress’ husband Percy Gibson introduces the star to the stage, where
the audience is invited to ask questions as part of the show.
Before starting Percy, 51, informed the crowd that they would not be permitted to ask for selfies with Joan, and warned against any lengthy,
gushing remarks from anyone selected to ask a question.
He stated: “Telling Joan how much you’ve loved her for years, and you’re her
biggest fan isn’t necessary… she knows.”
When one audience member mistakenly referred to her as “Miss Collins,” Percy interrupted and informed them: “Just Dame Joan is fine, thanks.”
Some topics were also off limits, including the upcoming US presidential election and Brexit – after Joan publicly backed the ‘Leave’ campaign.
Otherwise Dame Joan, 83, was happy to discuss personal anecdotes about her Hollywood life, as well as offering sentimental stories about her late sister, Jackie.
During Sunday’s show, she revealed she is returning to the ITV comedy series Benidorm to reprise her role as Crystal Hennesey-Vaas, the CEO of the Solana Hotel Group, saying: “I love it. I’m filming next week.” She appeared miffed to have not been invited to a Star Trek convention in the Midlands next month, saying: “I’m a bit surprised they haven’t asked me
to come to Birmingham. I’m not sure why that is. I’ve made appearances at those kind of things before.”
Speaking about overcoming trials and tribulations in her personal life, she said: “I have an ability, when things aren’t going well, to think about people who are worse off, people who are starving, or poor… and then I think about my life and how fortunate I’ve been, and then I feel really lucky. I’m optimistic.”
During a lengthy spiel about her Marks and Spencer makeup range, her husband of 14 years Percy chipped in helpfully with the word: “Plug!”
She also vowed to never participate in reality TV, saying: “You wouldn’t believe the money they offer me to be on some of these shows.”
Speaking about current Hollywood stars she would like to work with, she said: “Cate Blanchett is one. She’s spectacular. And who’s the girl who’s always falling over at awards dos? Jennifer Lawrence, that’s it. I like her.”
The Mirror UK
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Lady Gaga keeps it casual in a white tee and shorts as she heads out and
about on Friday afternoon in New York City.
The night before, the 30-year-old singer took the stage at Tony Bennett’s
90th birthday bash and she revealed that he’s the one she calls when she’s
having a bad day.
“Because sometimes you don’t wanna call your mom and air out everything
because then she’s nervous. Then you call your father, and he gets upset, and he wants to beat the guy up,” she explained.
Gaga added, “So I say: Who do I call when I’m in heartbreak? I call Tony. I
really do. I really do. I call Tony.”
She also explained that Tony’s given her some good advice, telling her, “Straight ahead, lady. Just go straight ahead. Because you’re a star, and the world loves you.”
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Taylor Swift pledged to donate $1 million (US) to Louisiana flood relief
earlier this year and she’s following through on her promise!
The 26-year-old superstar has already given $50,000 (US) to the Greater
Baton Rouge Food Bank and just made another donation. Taylor gave an additional $50,000 (US) to Ascension Public Schools, which still has five schools that are closed due to damages from the flood.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of those wanting to help our students. We are particularly honoured that Taylor Swift is reaching out to us. Her investment in our children will have far reaching impacts as we recover from the flood,” the district’s superintendent David Alexander said in a statement.
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Whoopi Goldberg has plenty to say about transgender people who ‘have been with us forever.’
The Oscar winning actress and moderator of The View is one of the executive
producers of a new show about transgender models called Strut.
The show follows the lives of five models who are signed to Slay Model
Management – the first modeling agency that is exclusively transgender.
Goldberg says being transgender is ‘not about superficiality.’
‘This is about how to deal with your mom or your dad, who may not get it,’
she tells Out Magazine in an interview posted this week. ‘People say, “Honey, God doesn’t make mistakes.” No, God doesn’t make mistakes, but Mother Nature will f*ck with you. So if someone says, ‘I don’t think I’m in the right body,’ you have to listen.’
Goldberg also has this to say to people: ‘No matter where you live, you know someone or you’ve met someone who is transgender. So relax. They’re just trying to find their place in the world.’
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Halle Berry looks fresh-faced and gorgeous while out running errands at the Fedex office in West Hollywood, Calif.
The 50-year-old actress recently opened up how she goes about choosing her roles. “It was intentional to not play the gorgeous girl. I came from the world of beauty pageants and modelling and right away when people heard that I got
discounted as an actor,” Halle told W Magazine “So, I had the job of trying to eliminate that part of my persona, and Spike Lee gave me a chance to do that. And I took on roles early on that really didn’t rely on my physical self at all and that was a good way to sort of get some credibility within my industry.”
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This will be good news for anyone who ever had a Teen Beat poster of Ricky Schroder in their locker. Or, you know, anyone who ever had a picture of Newt Dobbs from Lonesome Dove that they ripped from a TV Guide. I’m sure those people exist. TMZ says that after 24 years of marriage, Ricky Schroder is getting divorced from his wife Andrea Schroder.
A 21-year-old Ricky met a 17-year-old (eeesh) Andrea while he was filming a movie in Canada in 1991. They got married a year later, and ended up having four kids. Ricky converted to Mormonism for her. Hearing the word “Mormon”
immediately made me picture a smiling Ricky ringing Andrea’s doorbell and asking her if she likes her new house and if he could clean her gutters.
TMZ says that Andrea filed papers in Los Angeles only a few weeks before their 24th anniversary. She wants sole legal and physical custody of their youngest kid (the other three are of legal age) with visitation for Ricky. She’s also demanding spousal support.
TMZ doesn’t know exactly why they decided to split. But I think I have a theory. A few years ago, Andrea and Ricky were on an episode of Oprah: Where Are They Now, and she showed off a “dream board” – which was really more of a bag – that she made when she was 8. On the inside there was a picture of Ricky and she’d written that her dream was to marry/meet him and have kids with him.
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Chloe Moretz wraps her arms around her ex-boyfriend Brooklyn Beckham while posing for the cover of Teen Vogue’s October/November 2016 issue, on newsstands September 27.
Here is what the 19-year-old actress had to share with the mag in her
interview with Julianne Moore (Note: The photo shoot and interview were
conducted when she was still dating Brooklyn):
On working with Brooklyn: “I would definitely be more than happy to be shot by him any day. He’s grown up understanding a lot of the artistic sides of
different industries, from his mom’s to his dad’s to now his own as an
artist.”
On being in a long-term relationship: “You know as well as I do that it
feels like everything in this industry is a long-distance relationship. So
getting into a relationship with someone who also has lived some of their
life between cities, from L.A. to New York to London, is easier. We both
understand that there will be times when we can’t speak because we are too
busy. Some of it is just based on trust. If you feel that you can trust each
other and go eight hours without talking, then you have something that can withstand space and time.”
On what makes her feel in control of her life: “This year especially, I had to realise that it’s OK to ask for help – it’s OK to not know. As a young woman you feel like you really need to have everything figured out – but it’s all right to say, ‘I don’t know. I have absolutely no idea.’ Keep good people around you because positivity begets positivity. I learned that the hard way. Just try to keep your head above the water and don’t get caught up in all the trash.”
For more from Chloe, visit TeenVogue.com!
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Sharon Osbourne just revealed that she had a psychiatric breakdown and was hospitalised in a mental health facility last year.
During the season premiere of The Talk, the 63-year-old host explained that
in May of 2015 she suffered from mental health issues that left her unable
to speak or comprehend anything.
“I had a complete and utter breakdown. I woke up in Cedars Sinai hospital
and probably for three days, I knew nothing,” she admitted.
Sharon added, “My brain just shut down on me. My brain just totally fused,
and I couldn’t cope with anything. My family put me into a facility, and in
this facility, they diagnose you, there’s therapists, there’s psychiatrists and you do a lot of group therapy.”
She went on to explain that her breakdown was triggered by overworking herself but she now wants her experience to help someone else.
“I feel now that I have got a grip on the problem that I have and I’m in control. It doesn’t control me. And if I can help somebody else along the way, I would feel great to give whatever advice to help somebody else. If you have a bad leg, you tell everybody you have a bad leg. I just have a bad head,” Sharon said.
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They don’t make movies like this anymore, this is when they made great movie musicals. Here’s a clip to refresh your memory.
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DAZZLING INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTION OF JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
ANNOUNCED FOR NEW ZEALAND
Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington April 2017. Pre-sales have already started.
Any dream will do – one of the most enduring shows of all time, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT has been reinvented for a new generation and is heading to New Zealand in April 2017.
The producers of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Cats, The Sound of Music and Singin’ in the Rain today announce that this lavish international production featuring an outstanding cast will open at The Civic in Auckland on Saturday, 15 April 2017. It will then move to Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal, opening on Wednesday, 10 May and the Opera House in Wellington a week later.
A joyous retelling of the Biblical story of Joseph, his 11 scheming brothers and his coat of many colours, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is a kaleidoscope of catchy songs and colourful dance numbers – Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door to Me and Go Go Go Joseph – parodying various musical styles from rock ‘n’ roll to country and western, French ballad, calypso and jazz.
This new production of JOSEPH is completely reimagined with a contemporary twist, and exudes as much fun, cheek, exuberance, colour, music, dance, high energy, wit, gags, quirkiness and dazzle as ever. It is an irresistible family musical.
Tickets for these strictly limited seasons go on pre-sale today Monday, 12 September. All remaining tickets will be released to the general public on Friday, 16 September at 5pm. A record-breaking musical, that has enjoyed three West End productions, one on Broadway, and continues to tour the US and UK, JOSEPH launched the careers of both Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, and was the beginning of what went on to become one of the most successful musical theatre partnerships of all time.
A box-office hit, seen by some 30 million people, it also boasts multiple Tony, Olivier and Drama Desk award nominations
including best musical, best original score and best choreography.
This production features an outstanding international cast, including Jonathan Roxmouth, who starred in Grease in New Zealand and The Phantom of the Opera internationally. Choreography is by Duane Alexander who worked his own magic on Singin’ In the Rain.
Presenter and CEO of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, James Cundall, says “JOSEPH has to be everyone’s favourite musical – it is blessed with a fantastic story, fabulous music and great comedy. We are hugely excited to be bringing one of the world’s most treasured shows to Auckland, in a dazzling new production for the 21st century. Audiences of all ages will be spellbound.”
The ultimate feel-good show, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT will once again see New Zealand audiences cheering the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is licensed by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Really Useful Group and presented in New Zealand by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and David Atkins Enterprises, in association with Pieter Toerien Productions.
“The best kind of feel-good show, warm hearted and irresistible” – The Sunday Times, UK
“A brilliant celebration of words, music and colour” – The Sunday Times, UK
“Joseph is still the wittiest of Lloyd Webber’s extravaganzas” – Orlando Sentinel, US
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat has you floating on a rainbow-hued cloud and hunting around for the nearest dance floor” – Financial Mail, South Africa
“Dazzling Joseph. brilliant production” – The Star, South Africa
“Joseph is an absolute blast” – Financial Mail, South Africa
Auckland from 15 April 2017 The Civic Bookings: Ticketmaster Christchurch from 10 May 2017 Isaac Theatre Royal Bookings: Ticketek Wellington from 17 May 2017 Opera House Bookings: Ticketek
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TIMELESS CLASSIC WEST SIDE STORY ANNOUNCED FOR NEW ZEALAND 2017 AUCKLAND ONLY
Pre-sale starts today. All remaining tickets on sale Friday at 5pm.
An international award-winning production of WEST SIDE STORY, described as “the No. 1 greatest musical of all time,” (The Times, UK), is set to electrify Auckland audiences when it comes to The Civic from Thursday, 22 June 2017 for a strictly limited season. The announcement was made today by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, the producers of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat also coming to New Zealand next year, as well as the forthcoming productions, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Beyond the Barricade, and the recent shows Cats, The Sound of Music, Singin’ in the Rain and Annie.
Inspired by Shakespeare’s tumultuous love story Romeo and Juliet, and set amidst the vicious rivalry of teenage gangs in 1950s New York, WEST SIDE STORY’s ground-breaking choreography and unforgettable score changed the face of musical theatre for ever when it burst onto the Broadway stage in 1957.
Now a vibrant new stage production of the classic dance musical is receiving wild acclaim during sold-out seasons around the world, from London to Tokyo, and Sydney to Johannesburg.
WEST SIDE STORY packs a powerful punch, both dramatically and musically. With choreography by the legendary Jerome Robbins, book by Arthur Laurents, score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the show was ambitious in that each of the four aimed to contribute their talent equally and unreservedly. The result was awe-inspiring. They achieved a unity of music, dance, book and lyrics that no one had ever realised before, and that has hardly been matched since.
Youthful desires, fears and swagger described so tersely and precisely in Arthur Laurent’s script, have been masterfully translated by legendary choreographer Jerome Robbins into some of the most exhilarating dance routines in the world of musical theatre, full of provocative finger snapping from street gangs and Puerto Rican girls’ whirling skirts on New
York City’s flat rooftops.
The now-famous score by Leonard Bernstein braved uncharted waters at the time it was written, and combines influences from American jazz with classical and Latin American music to create a sublime work of art.
Stephen Sondheim, then only an unknown young musician and lyricist who would later rise to great musical heights with works such as Gypsy, Sweeney Todd and Into The Woods, managed to condense the painful process of coming-of-age, passionate love and fateful conflict into concise and punchy song lyrics.
This new production of WEST SIDE STORY is as daring, realistic and relevant today as it was on the day of its premiere. Jerome Robbins’ original choreography has been recreated by director and choreographer Joey McKneely, a former pupil of Jerome Robbins. Musical supervisor is the renowned conductor Donald Chan, who studied under Bernstein himself, and who leads a live orchestra of 20 musicians.
An outstanding international cast will electrify audiences with their impassioned high-energy dance routines and their astounding vocal range in such classic songs as Maria, Tonight, Somewhere, America and I Feel Pretty.
In a sweltering New York summer, the boys from the Upper West Side neighbourhood are on the prowl. Ready to explode at any moment they dance with their girls, the air vibrating with the rhythms of mambo, rock ‘n’ roll and jazz. They belong to two enemy street gangs ruling the immigrant quarter – the Jets and the Sharks – and a clash is imminent. The Jets, sons
of previous immigrants to America, are fighting the new arrivals from Puerto Rico, the Sharks, for domination of the streets in the area. Among them, Tony, a Jet, and Maria, sister to the leader of the Sharks, fall in love.
The action takes place over no more than a few hours of two consecutive days and portrays a love story, action thriller and social study all at the same time. WEST SIDE STORY tells the tale of a love between two young people whose happiness is destroyed by the hate of two enemy camps in New York City’s urban jungle.
WEST SIDE STORY has been produced three times on Broadway, twice in London’s West End, and enjoyed numerous US, UK and international tours over the last 60 years. The movie version, released in 1961, went on to win an incredible 10 Oscars (including Best Picture) and further cemented the reputation of this undoubted masterpiece.
Don’t miss your chance to see this celebrated production of the greatest Broadway musical of all time.
BB Promotion GmbH in association with Sundance Productions, Inc. NY, Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and David Atkins Enterprises present a production of Michael Brenner.
“IF YOU BUY ONE TICKET, MAKE IT THIS ONE” – The Observer (UK)
“THIS IS A SHOW THAT TRULY HAS IT ALL. BLAZINGLY UNDIMINISHED” – The Sunday Express (UK)
“QUITE SIMPLY A MASTERPIECE” – London Evening Standard (UK)
“IT’S A FABULOUS, EMOTIONALLY POWER-PACKED REVIVAL” – London Evening Standard (UK)
…………………. Until next week my lips are sealed!
David H. W. Hartnell MNZM copyright 2016
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Monday 12th SEPTEMBER 2016
I’m not one to gossip but…………… Don’t forget it’s Blue September and as an Ambassador for Prostate New Zealand along with the other Ambassadors, we are out their raising money and awareness.
Last Tuesday night at Auckland’s SkyCity Convention Centre in front of a large audience, I was one of the roasters roasting my old mate Sir Peter Leitch along with Sir Graham Henry (does that man ever smile?), Sir John Kirwan, Leighton Smith, Miles Davis, Murray Deaker ONZM and Phil Gifford. They all gave Sir Peter heaps, but Sir Peter being Sir Peter, fired every jibe right back to the roasters tenfold.
It was a great night and Sir Peter gave back as good as he got, and that was plenty.
On Friday night I hosted my annual Hollywood Trivia Night for Blue September which was a huge success. During the evening magician Mick Peck stunned the audience with his magic, he is a master of his craft and was recently inducted into the Magic Circle in London, the most prestigious magic club in the world. Check out his website – you’ll not be disappointed.
Donna Marie, who is an amazing balloon artist, arrived from Tauranga with a surprise for me. There I was made out of 180 balloons and took Donna three hours to complete.
Have a look at the pictures which she took of ‘Balloon Me’ on the way to Auckland from Tauranga.
Balloon David was the star of the show everyone wanted a picture with him, of course I was fuming no one wanted a picture of me my ego was crushed!
Pictured above right: Mick Peck, Magician, Donna Marie, yours truly and Balloon Me.
If you live in the Tauranga area and want special balloon designed for your event, or maybe to brighten someone in hospital Donna is the woman to see.
She is not only a lovely friendly woman she is extremely talented, go check out her website.
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Mel Gibson hasn’t directed a movie in ten years (since his scandalous behaviour decimated his career) but Mel is making a surprise comeback.
He obviously wants to be forgiven for his excruciating past mistakes, and his new movie, Hacksaw Ridge, could help – it certainly can’t hurt. It’s a touching WWII true story about a conscientious objector who became a brave but unarmed medic on the front lines.
The Venice Film Festival audience gave the movie a ten minute standing ovation.
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In the past, Faye Dunaway has been famously tight-lipped about her feelings on 1981’s flop movie Mommie Dearest, regularly telling interviewers the subject was off-limits, and even canceling interviews if the topic of the film was broached.
(You can hear her in this voicemail rant say she doesn’t want any “dilly-dallying” over the film: “I don’t want to even discuss it in my interview,” she barks.)
But for whatever reason, she was finally willing to open up to People magazine about her suspicions that the film derailed her career.
“I think it turned my career in a direction where people would irretrievably have the wrong impression of me,” she says, “and that’s an awful hard thing to beat. I should have known better, but sometimes you’re vulnerable and you don’t realise what you’re getting into.
“It’s unfortunate they felt they had to make that kind of movie,” she continues. “But you can’t be ashamed of the work you’ve done. You make a decision, and then you have to live with the consequence.”
The rumours about her behaviour on set probably haven’t helped her reputation, either.
“People despised Faye,” co-star Rutanya Ald told Bay Area Reporter newspaper back in 2013. “Faye was despised because she was so rude to people. Everyone was on pins and needles when she worked, and everyone relaxed when she didn’t.”
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Renee Zellweger takes the cover of Red magazine’s October 2016 issue.
Here’s what the Bridget Jones’s Baby star had to share:
On Bridget Jones in 2016: “She’s older, and slightly wiser. She’s less naïve, more professionally accomplished, but she still has her charms and her idiosyncrasies. Don’t we all? There are conversations about ageism and independence and evolving with the times. Bridget always survives it. Whatever it is. Gives us hope.”
On taking five years off from acting: “I needed to stop. It was time. I’m a working girl, but I did save so that, when it was time for me to take a minute, I could. I did the things I used to do if I had time. I visited my parents. I spent time with my brother and his children. I made a home for myself. I fell in love with somebody.”
On fame: “I’m getting better at it. Not good at it. I don’t think I’ll ever be good at being a public person, because there’s nothing natural about it. But I’m getting better. And my girlfriends have a lot to do with that because we can laugh at it. I depend on my little group of girlfriends, all of them different, and brilliant. We get together and watch (Beyoncé’s visual album) Lemonade, and subsequently email a million mantras. We’ve got Beyoncé, so things aren’t all bad!”
The full interview appears in the October issue of Red. For further exclusive content, please go to www.RedOnline.co.uk
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Halle Berry and Oliver Martinez’s divorce may be called off.
The 50-year-old actress and Olivier, 50, filed divorce papers in October of last year. According to TMZ, the couple is now poised to have their case dismissed!
A letter from the court clerk was obtained, telling Halle and Olivier that they have done nothing in the way of proceeding with the divorce, and if no steps are taken, the case will be dismissed.
The site claims that neither are in a rush to get divorced and are okay staying married. Halle and Olivier are currently co-parenting 3-year-old Maceo and her daughter from another relationship, Nahla, 8. The couple are apparently “just friends and good parents.”
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Marilyn Manson is speaking out in defense of his long time friend Johnny Depp.
The 47-year-old singer opens up about their friendship and references Amber Heard’s abuse allegations in a new interview.
“Lily-Rose is my goddaughter and I was there when [his son] Jack was born, so we go back,” Manson told The Daily Beast. “Johnny is one of the nicest people that I know – to the extent where it’s almost heartbreaking how kind he is to his friends, and everyone around him. I know that he was completely crucified – unjustly.”
Marilyn continued, “I would stand by him on anything. As my friend, I know that he’s handling it the best he can and he’s a great dad, too. It fills me with joy to see his kids grow up and be so smart, and so hilarious. We played a show together not too long ago. It’s hard to say when you talk about your friends. Of course I think that all of it was bullshit, and I think that he is a great person. I wouldn’t agree with any of it if someone were to put me on the stand and ask me what I know, or what I’ve witnessed.”
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GRAEME JAMES – ONE + ONE
Following on from the huge success of his debut single Alive, Graeme James is delighted to release the video for his brand new single One + One, from his upcoming album News From Nowhere.
Graeme James started his musical journey busking on the streets of Wellington in 2012. Armed with a loop pedal, a portable amp, and some car batteries, he layered electric violin, guitar, bass, ukulele and beat boxing, attracting large crowds of late night revellers, with the busking sessions often turning into full blown street parties.
One + One began life on the street during an improvised jam session, and is written about his now-wife Zoe, who he met while busking. As such, the song is bursting at the seams with joy, featuring rousing fiddle solos over punchy beatbox and strummed violin.
The video features Graeme in his natural habitat – busking on Cuba Street with electric fiddle in hand. Offering a glimpse into the joy that surrounds him as a street performer, and starring a few of the eclectic folks he’s met over the years, the One + One video gives viewers a taste of the spontaneity and genuine good fun that kept him coming back night after night.
One + One is the second single from News From Nowhere, the debut album from Graeme James, which will be released on September 23rd.
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UK’S ACCLAIMED ‘BEYOND THE BARRICADE’ MAKES DEBUT IN NEW ZEALAND THIS MONTH SONGS FROM THE WORLD’S GREATEST MUSICALS IN CONCERT
The Phantom of the Opera Jersey Boys Evita Wicked Miss Saigon
West Side Story Mamma Mia Jesus Christ Superstar The Lion King
beyondthebarricade.co.nz
Past principal performers from the West End’s Les Misérables are preparing to dazzle audiences across New Zealand with their 21-venue tour of the musical spectacular BEYOND THE BARRICADE, from 20 September to 16 October, 2016.
This glittering concert of musical showstoppers will travel from Kerikeri in the north to Invercargill in the south, presenting favourite songs from the world’s greatest West End and Broadway musicals including The Phantom of the Opera, Jersey Boys, Evita, Wicked, Miss Saigon, West Side Story, Mamma Mia, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King and many others, climaxing with a spectacular finale from Les Misérables.
From the producers of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Cats, The Sound of Music and Singin’ in the Rain, BEYOND THE BARRICADE is two hours of pure musical theatre brilliance.
BEYOND THE BARRICADE has been delighting audiences throughout the UK and Europe for 17 years, from the Royal Albert Hall to the Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria Cunard cruise liners, and last year toured Asia for the first time with performances in Manila, Singapore and Hong Kong.
The former cast members of London’s longest-running musical, Les Misérables, include Andy Reiss, who has played numerous male roles including Jean Valjean; David Fawcett, who played Valjean; and Katie Leeming who played the role of Eponine. They are joined by Julie-Alanah Brighten who played the lead role of Belle in the West End production of Beauty and the Beast.
The four performers are accompanied by an ensemble of talented musicians to create an authentic live experience, capturing all the passions and orchestrations of the original shows.
Andy Reiss and David Fawcett met while performing in Les Misérables in the West End and then in Manchester, and in 1996 devised a charity concert comprised of musical hits. Over the next few years the show began to take on a life of its own and in 1999 was renamed BEYOND THE BARRICADE with the move to only cast Les Misérables principals. A major UK tour followed culminating in a Gala Performance at the Royal Albert Hall accompanied by a 100-voice choir of people who had worked with Andy on the numerous Les Misérables Masterclasses he had directed. Ten years later BEYOND THE BARRICADE celebrated its first decade of touring with a Gala Concert at the Birmingham Symphony Hall.
“Our aim was, and continues to be, to deliver these much-loved songs from the top musicals in a way that captures the feel of the original orchestrations, so the audience feels they are listening to the original performance,” explains co-founder Andy Reiss. “We don’t use backing tracks, so every musical note is played and sung live, giving a dynamic feel to the show.”
Andy Reiss landed his first professional role in musical theatre following an open audition for the first UK production of Les Misérables outside the West End – in Manchester. Not only did he stay with Les Misérables for its entire residency in Manchester, he ended up being the show’s Resident Director whilst performing in the show, and remains the only person ever to do this. Andy has also performed in Les Misérables in Dublin and Edinburgh, and after a two year break from the show he returned as the Resident Director for the first National Tour. Andy was also selected from the worldwide casts of Les Misérables to appear in the 10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Andy has also performed in the musical Chess, and as Che Guevara in the UK national tour of Evita.
David Fawcett spent two years in the West End production of Les Misérables, where he played the Bishop of Digne and the lead role of Jean Valjean on many occasions, having previously spent 13 months in the original Manchester production. He also appeared in the 10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall. David’s other musical theatre roles include Jesus in the rock musicals Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell, the Emcee in Cabaret and Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls.
As well as performing various roles including Eponine in the West End production of Les Misérables for three years, Katie Leeming appeared in the Les Misérables 25th Anniversary concert at the O2 Arena in London, and was delighted to be asked to perform at The Royal Variety Performance 2010 at The Palladium Theatre. Her involvement with Les Misérables continued with the televised performance of The Classical Brit Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in May 2011, and as an ensemble vocalist in the 2012 Oscar-winning movie.
It was during her West End debut in Oliver! at the London Palladium that Julie-Alanah Brighten won the coveted role of Belle in Disney’s original London production of Beauty and the Beast at the Dominion Theatre. This led to several more leading roles in the West End, i