EURweb |
09-20-06 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
USHER’S ‘CHICAGO’ RUN EXTENDED: Singer will give Broadway the ol’ razzle-dazzle through Oct. 14.
*Folks hoping to see Usher during his Broadway run in “Chicago” will now have an extra two weeks before the curtains close on his performance for good.
The R&B singer was due to end his role as conniving lawyer Billy Flynn on Oct. 1, but will now remain with the John Kander-Fred Ebb-Bob Fosse musical until Oct. 14 after agreeing to a two-week extension.
“Chicago” producer Barry Weissler said in a statement: "I am so happy
to have concluded the negotiation for the extension which certainly makes
Usher the King of Broadway."
Box office earnings for “Chicago” since Usher’s Aug. 22 arrival have
skyrocketed. Last week, the production grossed $728,907, playing to more
than 97 percent of capacity at the Ambassador Theatre.
Co-starring with Usher in the current cast are Bianca Marroquin
(Roxie Hart), Brenda Braxton (Velma Kelly), Roz Ryan (Matron Mama Morton),
Rob Bartlett (Amos Hart) and R. Lowe (Mary Sunshine).
“Chicago’s” performance schedule is Monday, Thursday and Friday at 8
p.m.; Tuesday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
and 7 p.m. For tickets call www.Telecharge.com at 212 239-6200.
SHAQ LAUNCHES REAL ESTATE/DEVELOPMENT CO.: 'O'Neal Group' to focus on urban renewal in cities across the country.
*NBA star Shaquille O'Neal has announced the launch of his own real
estate and development company that will pursue partnerships and joint
ventures to acquire, develop and promote select projects across the U.S.
"The O'Neal Group," announced Tuesday during a press conference in
Miami, has set as its first project a partnership with MDM Development in
the building of Metropolitan Miami (The Met), a billion-dollar mixed-use
development anchoring downtown Miami's urban renewal.
The project includes more than 1,100 residential units, among them
the 866-foot Met 3, the tallest residential tower south of New York, an
office tower, luxury hotel, entertainment complex, and the area's first
Whole Foods store. O'Neal plans to also bring a 24-Hour Fitness/Shaq Ultra
Sport fitness facility to the project.
"We've scoured the country to find an appropriate venue through
which we could launch the O'Neal Group," said the Miami Heat center, "and
ultimately we decided that the best place to start was in our own backyard
with Metropolitan Miami. This is the largest residential development project
in downtown Miami proper, and it sits on the site where the historical Royal
Palm Hotel used to be, the property that first launched downtown Miami more
than 100 years ago. I am excited about our involvement with The Met and
proud to be part of the area's comeback."
While financial terms were not disclosed, The O'Neal Group will
assist with the sales and marketing of the development, which includes
engagement of the O'Neal Group as part of The Met's sales team.
Shaq's company formalizes his interest in real estate, as O'Neal has
already amassed a portfolio of residential and commercial property valued at
more than $50 million. Areas of interest for the new company include his
native state, New Jersey and select markets in the northeast, along with
South Florida, Los Angeles, and Louisiana.
For more information about The Met visit
http://www.metropolitanmiami.com, or call 305-960-9990.
SAMUEL L. INKS DEAL WITH NEW LINE: After several films with the company,
actor to begin developing projects.
*Samuel L. Jackson, who has made several successful films for New
Line Cinema, will now create projects for the studio under a new production
deal through 2008.
"I have made four movies with New Line so far, and they have all been
immensely positive experiences for me," Jackson said. His New Line films
include the 2005 dud “The Man,” and this year’s marketing machine “Snakes on
a Plane,” which grossed $33.5 million to date.
Jackson will set up shop in Los Angeles and is currently searching
for an executive to run the still-untitled company, according to the
Hollywood Reporter.
The Kangol-wearing star has served as producer on such films as
"Eve's Bayou" and as an executive producer on "The Caveman's Valentine" and
"Formula 51." He also is producing and voicing the title character in the
upcoming Spike TV animated series "Afro Samurai."
New Line says it wanted to do business with the Washington D.C.
native because of his knack for choosing commercial material, as well as his
varied resume, ranging from big-budget action flicks to more serious
subjects.
The movies Jackson produces will be a mix of starring vehicles and
fare developed by his company.
ASHANTI TAKES THE STAND AGAINST FORMER MANAGER: Man claims singer owes him $2.3 million for first three albums.
*Ashanti testified in a Manhattan court Monday against her former
manager Genard Parker, who is suing her for $2.3 million on claims that he
was instrumental in launching her career.
Parker says he is owed a percentage of the 6 million copies sold
among her first three albums, as allegedly outlined in contracts she signed
with the plaintiff in 1996.
"Not only did he not get his last paycheck, he did not even get a
thank you," Parker’s lawyer Latif Donman told the jury.
Ashanti, the first witness to testify in the case, said she met
Parker at a time when she wanted only "to follow my dream. …I wanted to be a
singer." After their initial meeting in 1996, she and her mother visited
Parker’s home to work on songs to possibly launch her career, Ashanti
testified.
The singer’s attorney, Alan Cominsky, said Parker "couldn't deliver
for her" and eventually signed a release that allowed her to pursue other
record companies. Although Ashanti signed a deal that allowed Parker to
receive a sales percentage of her first three records with her next record
company, that company ultimately dropped her, so she owed Parker nothing
from that arrangement, her lawyer said.
Cominsky said Parker should receive no more than the $50,000 a judge
has already concluded he must be paid.
DIDDY’S FULL COURT ‘PRESS’ BEGINS IN PHILLY: Mogul tells students to ‘take responsibility for your future.’
*Couching personal album promotion within motivational messages to
youngsters, Sean “Diddy” Combs visited a Philadelphia high school to kick
off his high school promo tour for “Press Play,” the mogul’s new album due
Oct. 17. (See tour dates below.)
About 750 students at Benjamin Franklin High School erupted in
cheers as the blinged-out entrepreneur was introduced by Principal
Cristopher Johnson.
"This is a really important time for you all right now," Combs, 36,
told the students. "This is the time that is going to dictate your future."
Wearing dark shades, the founder of Bad Boy Records called some
students on stage to discuss their personal goals. He advised the
individuals to work hard and stay in school.
"Take responsibility for your future. No excuses." Combs said.
The school district is hoping to incorporate Diddy's message into an
anti-truancy campaign, said Cecilia Cummings, senior vice president for
communications and community relations.
"We wanted someone whom they would sit down and listen to, someone
who comes from the same type of background," Johnson told The Associated
Press. "To have a superstar come in to talk is extremely powerful."
On Tuesday, his tour was scheduled to take him through the
Baltimore/Washington D.C. area. Here is Diddy’s complete schedule for the
“Press Play” promo tour:
Monday, September 18 - Philly
Tuesday, Septmber 19 - Baltimore, DC
Wednesday, September 20 - DC/Richmond/Norfolk
Thursday, September 21 - Raleigh/Greensborough
Friday, September 22 - Atlanta
Saturday, September 23 - Atlanta
Tuesday, September 26 - Minneapolis
Wednesday, September 27 - Los Angeles
Monday, October 2 - New York
Thursday, October 5 - Boston/Hartford/Providence
Tuesday, October 10 - Seattle
Wednesday, October 11 - San Fran/Sacramento
Thursday - October 12 - Las Vegas
Friday, October 13 - Chicago
CAREY, PEAS, BLIGE, FOXX GET AMA NODS: American Music Awards set for Nov. 21 in Los Angeles.
*Mariah Carey and the Black Eyed Peas were among the top nominees
announced Tuesday for the American Music Awards, to be held in Los Angeles
on November 21, organizers said.
The two acts, along with Nickelback and the Red Hot Chili Peppers,
received three nods apiece to lead the pack, while rappers Eminem, Kanye
West and T.I., actor/R&B singer Jamie Foxx and soul diva Mary J. Blige were
among the artists who nabbed two nominations.
Carey has a somewhat sad history with mainstream music awards shows.
In 1997, she was nominated six times at the AMAs and went home with nothing.
At last year's ceremony, she led the field with four in connection with her
album "The Emancipation of Mimi," but won just one. At the Grammy's in
February, she won three of her eight nominations.
This year, she's nominated for favorite female artist in both the
pop/rock and soul/R&B categories, as well as for favorite soul/R&B album
("Mimi"). She was also nominated in these categories last year, winning for
favorite female soul/R&B artist.
The Peas will compete in the categories of favorite rap/hip-hop band,
and favorite album ("Monkey Business") in both the rap/hip-hop and soul/R&B
categories. The band won two awards last year in different categories.
Nominees are chosen from radio airplay and retail sales data, and
winners are selected from a poll of 20,000 people.
WE REMEMBER ROBERT EARL JONES: Actor and father of James Earl Jones dies at age 96.
*Actor Robert Earl Jones, a veteran Broadway and film star and the
father of actor James Earl Jones, has died at the age of 96.
The Senotobia, Miss. native, who worked as a sharecropper, then
became a boxer before taking up acting in New York City, died Sept. 7 at the
Lillian Booth Actors' Home in Englewood, NJ, according to the home and Dale
Olson, his son's agent.
After arriving in New York to seek acting jobs, poet Langston Hughes
cast Jones in an early role in the Harlem Suitcase Theatre. The actor went
on to star as boxer Joe Louis in “Spirit of Youth” and other films and
Broadway productions before his career took a hit in the 1950s, when he was
blacklisted for refusing to testify before the House un-American Activities
Committee.
In the late 50s, Jones’ film career picked up again and he starred in
more than 20 films during a career that extended into the 1990s. His credits
include "Odds Against Tomorrow," "Wild River," "The Sting" and "Witness."
His stage work included several productions with his son, James Earl Jones.
Robert Earl Jones, who was also an avid runner and participated in
the New York City marathon in 1996, is survived by James Earl Jones, another
son Matthew Earl Jones and a grandson. Funeral services were private.
SERENA WILLIAMS STIRS ZAB JUDAH MARITAL DRAMA: Boxer’s wife goes off after catching him at the club with tennis star.
*Boxer Zab Judah had a little situation with his wife last week
after she caught him spending time at a club with tennis star Serena
Williams, reports the New York Daily News.
To add insult to injury, the missus, Meda Judah, wasn’t even able to
get into the VIP section, where Judah and Williams were said to be partying.
That was the straw that reportedly sent Mrs. Judah into hurricane mode.
"She threw a hysterical fit," a source told the Daily News. "She
grabbed her husband and dragged him out of the club. She showed him who the
champ was."
After Judah’s exit, Williams reportedly began hanging with Busta
Rhymes, who was also in the spot.
Meanwhile, Judah’s ex-wife Natassia Wright is due in Queens Family
Court today seeking $100,488 in back child support for their 4-year-old
daughter, Amissia.
"If he doesn't pay up, we're going to send him to jail," said
Wright’s lawyer, Suzanne Kimberly Bracker, according to boxingscene.com.
OLETA ADAMS RETURNS WITH HOLIDAY ALBUM: Singer ends five-year hiatus with ‘Christmas Time.’
*Oleta Adams, the R&B and gospel songstress best known for her 1991
breakthrough hit “Get Here,” is set to release a Christmas album that will
mark her first full-length project in five years.
"Christmas Time with Oleta," due Oct. 3 via Koch Records, comes with
a mix of holiday classics and a handful of personal favorites – all produced
by Adams and recorded at her home studio in Kansas City.
Adams also played most of the instruments in the 10-song set, her
first studio work since 2001’s “All the Love.” “Christmas Time” features
such songs as "Let It Snow," "Silent Night," "Have Yourself a Merry Little
Christmas" and "Winter Wonderland."
Lesser-known titles that hold special meaning to the artist are also
given her personal stamp, including Amy Grant's co-written "Breath of
Heaven," Adams' personal favorite on the album; Melissa Manchester's
co-scribed "There's Still My Joy," a song Adams performed with the artist
during her annual Colors of Christmas concert trek and which here, features
a cello solo by Beth McCullom that Adams arranged; and the spiritual
"Alleluia, Alleluia (Peace on Earth)," which focuses on the true meaning of
the season.
NEW EMINEM MIXTAPE BECOMES OFFICIAL ALBUM: ‘The Re-Up’ features his artists and rap vets; plus, divorce with Kim headed toward mediation.
*Eminem’s previously-announced underground mixtape project has
turned into an official, full-length compilation album due Dec. 5 via his
Shady Records imprint.
Titled “Eminem Presents: The Re-Up,” the disc features guest artists
50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, D12, Obie Trice, Akon and Production From The
Alchemist. The set will also introduce his Shady Records artists Stat Quo,
Ca$his and Bobby Creekwater.
"So much wrong information has gotten out," said the Detroit rapper
of the buzz surrounding its initial mixtape form. The project was originally
intended as an unofficial, sparsely-produced CD with the sole intent of
showcasing his new artists.
"But what happened is that the material was so good and the tracks
were getting produced like a regular album," said Eminem. "Instead of
putting it out there rough and unfinished, I thought we should add some
other new tracks, make it a real album, and put it in the record stores to
give these new artists a real boost."
Internet gossip had reported that “The Re-Up” would be a tribute to
Em’s slain best friend Proof from the group D12.
"The D12 album and those unreleased songs with Proof are coming,"
explains Eminem. "But ‘The Re-Up’ is about these new artists and these new
songs. It isn't fair to them or to the memory of Proof to mix them up."
Tracks on “The Re-Up” are linked by The Alchemist, who also produced
several songs on the album and is best known for his work with Cypress Hill,
Nas, Snoop Dogg, Mobb Deep, and Jadakiss.
In other Eminem news, it was reported that his divorce with wife
Kimberley Mathers is being referred to a mediator. Macomb County Circuit
Judge Antonio Viviano told reporters the news following an hour-long private
hearing on Tuesday.
Eminem's lawyer Harvey Hauer and Kimberley Mathers' lawyer Michael J.
Smith said they hope the case will be settled amicably. The couple filed for
divorce last April 5, just 82 days after they remarried in Rochester on Jan.
14. Their first marriage lasted from 1999 to 2001.
A QUINTET OF QUICK TAKES: Five Film Reviews in Brief
by Kam Williams
Al Franken God Spoke -- Franken fans are the intended audience for this
light-hearted look at the political landscape during which the left-leaning
comedian devotes most of his time annoying familiar right-wing media-darlings,
from Bill O'Reilly to Sean Hannity to Ann Coulter to Henry Kissinger. Most of
Al's adversaries take his in-your-face confrontations in stride, with the notable
exception of the humorless Coulter who remains rabid even when the TV cameras have
been turned off.
Very good (3 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 90 minutes
Studi Balcony Releasing
Aurora Borealis -- This generation-skipping drama is about a slacker (Joshua Jackson) mourning the passing of his father who suddenly finds the spark that's been
missing from his life when he takes a job as a janitor at his grandparents'
retirement home where he unexpectedly finds a love interest in a spunky
nurse (Juliette Lewis). Unfortunately, the story drags because the
characters aren't compelling, despite decent performances delivered by
Donald Sutherland and Louise Fletcher as the aging elders.
Good (2 stars)
Rated R for profanity
Running time: 90 minutes
Studi Regent Releasing
Le Petit Lieutenant -- This unlikely-buddy crime thriller, set in Paris, pairs
an enthusiastic rookie cop (Jalil Lespert) fresh out of the Police Academy with
a jaded veteran inspector (Nathalie Baye) who's turned to alcohol since the death
of her son. This atmospheric mood piece devotes as much time to character
development as to cracking the case of the serial killer responsible for the
series of brutal attacks along the banks of the Seine River.
Excellent (3.5 stars)
Unrated
In Polish, Russian and French with subtitles.
Running time: 110 minutes
Studi The Cinema Guild
Saint of 9/11 -- Moving bio-pic of Father Mychal Judge chronicles the martyred NYFD Chaplain's life and times through the eyes of not only firemen, but friends,
colleagues parishioners and anyone who happened to cross his path.
Captivating film makes a convincing case that this Franciscan priest who
ministered in sandals to AIDS patients and the homeless deserves serious
consideration for canonization. Narrated nicely by Ian McKellen.
Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 90 minutes
Studi IFC Films
Sherrybaby -- Maggie Gyllenhaal is magnificent in her most demanding role since
Secretary (2002). As Sherry, a just-released ex-con trying to read just to the
real world while living in a halfway house, she's torn between the urge to use
drugs again and the desire to regain custody of her daughter. An incest
survivor with boundary issues, Sherry survives by using sex to manipulate
men. Bittersweet tale of redemption features additional noteworthy
performances by Giancarlo Esposito and Danny Trejo.
Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 96 minutes
Studi IFC Films
MUSIC BITS: New Luther; J.Lo in Vegas; Run DMC sued; Whitney performance
coming?; new Ciara; Fat Joe revives Imperial.
*Another Luther Vandross tribute CD is in the works from
Universal-distributed Rendezvous, reports Billboard.com. "Forever, for
Always, for Luther, Vol. 2," due Nov. 20, features Kirk Whalum (making a
return appearance), Patti Austin, Jonathan Butler, Jeff Lorber, Wayman
Tisdale, Gerald Albright, Will Downing, Maysa (of Incognito fame) and Norman
Brown. The set is produced by Rex Rideout and Bud Harner, two members of the
team behind 2004's first tribute volume. A portion of the CD's sales will
benefit the American Heart Assn. Sources say a U.S. tour is being planned
for the spring.
*Jennifer Lopez helped hubby Marc Anthony celebrate his 38th birthday
Sunday with a huge party at The Venetian's Tao nightclub in Las Vegas.
According to People magazine, the lovebirds danced, snuggled and kissed all
night, and shared cake and champagne with 25 friends, including Leah Remini
and Criss Angel.
*Twenty years after Run DMC released their song “It’s Tricky,” the
rap group is being sued for copyright infringement by 80s pop/rock group,
The Knack. According to allhiphop.com, The Knack's Doug Fieger and Berton
Averre filed the lawsuit Friday (9/15) claiming Run DMC stole major sections
of their 1979 classic “My Sharona,” including the famous guitar riff. The
Knack seeks compensation for all albums sold with “It's Tricky” in the track
listing from 1986.
*Columnist Cindy Adams says Sony BMG head Clive Davis is hoping to
have Whitney Houston sing at the Oct. 28 Carousel of Hope charity gala to be
held at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills. The annual event raises
money for the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.
*Ciara is scheduled to drop her sophomore album “Ciara: The
Evolution” on Dec. 5 via La Face/Zomba. The artist is writing or co-writing
every song on the album and will earn her first production credit as a
co-producer on almost every track. Other producers on the project include
Rodney Jerkins, Pharrell Williams, will.i.am, Lil Jon and Polow (Fergie’s
“London Bridge”). Polow produced the set’s first single, “Promise.”
*Fat Joe will release his new album “Me, Myself and I” in November
via EMI’s reactivated urban imprint, Imperial Records, reports
Allhiphop.com. Imperial was originally founded in 1946 and housed such
artists as Fats Domino, Irma Thomas and T-Bone Walker. The label was phased
out in 1969, but in June of this year, it was re-launched as a full-service
Urban Music division of EMI by music veteran Neil Levine. "Terror Squad
Entertainment is so happy to be in the independent world right now and we're
going to do amazing things," Fat Joe said. "I am so happy to be in control
of my career."
FILM/TV/DVD BITS: Sinbad DVD; Cole on TV One; CW starts tonight with new
‘Top Model.’
*Comedian Sinbad is set to release a DVD of his HBO comedy special
“Afros and Bellbottoms” on Oct. 3 via CodeBlack Entertainment. The release
will be the first of three classic stand-up comedy DVDs from the veteran
entertainer. The 60-minute special features Sinbad revisiting the days of
dashikis, afros, bellbottoms, platform shoes, and collars “wide enough to
take hang gliding.”
*Eight-time Grammy-winner Natalie Cole offers TV One viewers a
personal glimpse of her life story in “TV One on One” with Cathy Hughes,
premiering Sunday, Sept. 24 from 9-10 p.m. ET. Cole will discuss the loss of
her father Nat King Cole at age 15, her battle for sobriety, the vocal chord
injury that threatened her career, her acting work and more. The special
repeats on Monday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. ET.
*The new CW Network launches tonight with the two-hour season
premiere of “America’s Next Top Model,” one of several shows from former
networks UPN and the WB to survive the merge. On Oct. 1, the CW will
premiere its Sunday night lineup of African American sitcoms: "Everybody
Hates Chris" (7 p.m.), "All of Us" (7:30 p.m.), “Girlfriends” (8 p.m.) and
“The Game” (8:30 p.m.) A rerun of the week’s “America’s Next Top Model”
episode will air at 9 p.m.
PRINCETON TO OPEN NEW AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES CENTER: Facility to focus on research of race in America.
*Building on a strong core of faculty with a history of distinguished
contributions to African American studies, Princeton University is
establishing a new center to serve as a model for teaching and research on
race in America, the school reports on its Web site.
President Shirley M. Tilghman launched the Center for African
American Studies in a statement announcing that historic Stanhope Hall on
the University's front campus is being renovated to serve as its home.
"Of all the challenges that confront America, none is more profound
than the struggle to achieve racial equality and understand the impact of
race on the life and institutions of the United States," Tilghman said.
"As a University dedicated to 'the nation's service and the service
of all nations,' Princeton must be in a position to contribute to this quest
through research that yields valuable insights into the nature of racial
identity and social justice, and through education that trains new
generations of leaders to solve problems that have persisted too long, both
in this country and abroad," she added.
Princeton will enhance its curriculum -- particularly at the
undergraduate level -- double the size of the faculty in African American
studies, and seek funds to endow the new center with the resources necessary
to ensure its success, Tilghman said.
"The committee recommended that we become a center rather than a
department because we felt that a center could do everything that
departments do and more," said Professor of English Valerie Smith, the
director of African American studies. "We wanted to be able to appoint
faculty solely in AAS, as a department would be able to do, but we also
imagined ourselves having a broad impact on the University curriculum and
supporting new African American studies research."
Read the full account of Princeton’s expanded African American
studies program here:
http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S15/85/91C70/index.xml?section=topstories
