People's Choice Buzz Blog » Tony Awards

Maybe Annie Should Get Her Gun…

pcavote — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:06:19 +0000

So if you’re a dad, or you have one, or you know one, or you married one, you’re well aware that this is a big week for Pops everywhere. Turns out, Father’s Day is very much afoot. So this week we’ll be asking you to select your favorite TV Dads, Movie Padres, Rock Poppas — the whole Dadchilada. And when you’re done, we’ll cap it all off on Friday and let the world know which fathers were your faves. So get started on these Daddy polls! Now — in addition to Dads, you know in this blog we talk about TV. And movies. And music. We address entertainment in general, with an eye towards what people do and do not like. Sometimes we discuss a celebrity’s selection – howsomever dubious – of a particular role. Or spouse. But there’s one very significant medium to which we’ve not devoted one iota of attention, far as I know. And it certainly warrants some. Or at least it will today. See, for those people who weren’t aware that Little Orphan Annie, beloved redhead of TV, stage and film, was originally a comic strip (and I’m one of them), it’s time to take note. Because that she is. And now? Time to say buh-bye. Because she’s ended her 86-year comic-strip reign, and her parent (not to be confused with Daddy Warbucks) Tribune Media Services has announced that as of yesterday Annie will be in newspapers no more – although they did try to sound vague about where she’ll pop up next (don’t they always do that?) Nor did they send her off with a fond happily-ever-after farewell, either. Apparently our fave pupil-free redhead is stranded somewhere in Guatemala with a guy called the Butcher of the Balkans. (So not only was I unaware of Annie’s comic strip status — but I also had zero idea that she dealt in hard-core international terror-based intrigue). Now because she’s a beloved icon, we’re going to focus today’s poll on that li’l carrot-top. Before we do, however — did you catch the 64th Annual Tony Awards last night on CBS? Both Scarlett Johansson & Catherine Zeta-Jones took home their first golden statuettes, and Denzel got one too, while Sean Hayes hosted Broadway’s annual awards gala. I caught some of it, and noted that this year’s broadcast featured two things it’s never had before: Glee and American Idiot. Two wildly popular living organisms with insane followings who could conceivably bring more cred, cool, and viewers to the Tony b-cast (which unfortunately tends not to give other awards shows a huge run for their money.) So it was great to see the hit TV show and the multiple-Grammy winner/Broadway musical out in full force. And while I love me some Lea Michele and Matthew Morrison, I did have a teensy query about Matt’s wardrobe. He sang All I Need is the Girl (from Gypsy, if you were curious) and though fantastic, he might have dressed differently. Here’s why: the song’s all about how dolled up a fella gets for a night on the town, when of course none of it matters – in the end, it’s really all about a gal. And while Morrison is in part of a tux, he’s not even wearing the tie he references, the vest is undone, etc. Oh sure, he’s casual chic, but for my money (and this won’t be a popular opinion) he ought to have been more formally attired, if he’s gonna sing about it. Just saying. That said, he’s still magnificent. Now speaking of big Broadway shows, let’s get back to Annie (who certainly was that as well). Not exactly sure what’ll become of our multiple-media heroine who won’t be gracing newspapers any longer. Although the good news is that she, like so many other big names, could be headed for the web. It’s where everyone’s going, you know. So now, let’s take a peek at four comic strips. Voice your choice in today’s featured poll and tell us which of these is your favorite:

1) Annie

2) Peanuts

3) Calvin & Hobbs

4) Cathy

Tagged: American Idiot, annie, Catherine Zeta-Jones, daddy warbucks, denzel washington, Glee, Lea Michele, little orphan annie, Matthew Morrison, scarlett johansson, sean hayes, Tony Awards, trbune media services

Makin’ Whoopi

fredonelson — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:48:05 +0000

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg will be guest-starring on the second season of The Cleaner when it premieres on A&E next week. The Cleaner star Benjamin Bratt recently told Entertainment Weekly, “Talk about an iconic persona. I think over the years people have forgotten what an amazing actor [Whoopi] is.”

So true. Better known now as co-host of The View and earlier this decade as host of the Academy Awards and the Tony Awards, Whoopi started her career as a movie actress, earning a Best Actress Oscar nomination in 1986 for her portrayal of Celie Johnson in The Color Purple. This was only her second big screen appearance. She went on to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress as Oda Mae Brown in Ghost in 1991. From 1993 – 1996 she won four People’s Choice Awards, fueled by her comedic turns as Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act and its sequel, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.

Which is your favorite of Whoopi’s iconic movie roles? Voice your choice in today’s featured poll. And let’s all set our DVRs to A&E on June 23rd so we can remind ourselves why we fell in love with her in the first place.

Tagged: A&E, Academy Awards, Benjamin Bratt, Entertainment Weekly, Ghost, People's Choice Awards, Sister Act, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, The Cleaner, The Color Purple, The View, Tony Awards, Whoopi Goldberg

The 2009 Tony Awards

fredonelson — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:32:32 +0000

The opening performance at the 2009 Tony Awards

Did you catch the Tony Awards on CBS last night? I was fortunate enough to attend the live event at Radio City Music Hall and I’m here to tell you that it was extraordinary. From the opening production number (that included the casts of the four shows nominated for Best Musical and the four shows nominated for Best Revival of a Musical, with a little Liza Minnelli thrown in for good measure) to host Neil Patrick Harris’ hilarious show closing number, the 2009 Tony Awards did not disappoint.

Billy Elliot was the big winner of the night, taking home trophies for Best Musical, Book of a Musical, Leading Actor, Featured Actor, Direction, Choreography, Orchestrations, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, and Sound Design. These victories were all well-deserved; I saw Billy Elliot on Broadway (for the third time!) on Friday night and I can’t say enough good things about the show. I was thrilled to see Elton John open last night’s Tonys along with the three boys who went on to share the Leading Actor in a Musical Award: David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish. Their (clearly unprepared) acceptance speech at the end of the show was priceless.

If you find yourself in New York or London any time soon, run — don’t walk — to get tickets for Billy Elliot. But don’t ignore the three also-rans in the Best Musical category: Next to Normal, Rock of Ages and Shrek. Although they didn’t take home the Best Musical Tony Award last night, they are each terrific shows in their own right. Which of these Tony runners up are you most excited to see, based on the performances at last night’s Tonys? Voice your choice in today’s featured poll. And post your comments on last night’s Tony telecast below. The Emmy Awards are three months away, so this is our last major awards show for awhile. Personally, I think the Tonys should win an Emmy.

Tagged: Billy Elliot, CBS, David Alvarez, Elton John, Emmy Awards, Kiril Kulish, Liza Minnelli, Neil Patrick Harris, Next to Normal, Radio City Music Hall, Rock of Ages, Shrek, Tony Awards, Trent Kowalik

Tony Award Nominations Announced

fredonelson — Tue, 05 May 2009 14:07:21 +0000

The People’s Choice Awards have a long history with the Tonys. Tony Orlando won Favorite All Around Male Entertainer (an award he shared with Bob Hope) and Toni Tennille won Favorite New Song for Love Will Keep Us Together (along with her hubby The Captain) at the 2nd annual show back in ’76. Those other Tony Awards — the ones that honor the best of Broadway — announced their nominees this morning and I just couldn’t resist weighing in. I know, I know, we mostly talk about movies, TV and music here. I get it. Plus, most of you don’t live in New York and can’t see these shows as easily as those of us in the Big Apple can. As Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls sang, “Sue me.” These shows often go on tour and they just might be coming to a theater near you.

Let’s focus on the nominees for Best Revival of a Musical: Guys and Dolls, Hair, Pal Joey, and West Side Story. I was lucky enough to see the first three and I’m taking my sister Holly to West Side Story when she comes for her annual New York trip in June. Pal Joey has since closed; the other three are alive and kicking and are worth your precious time and hard-earned money. Guys and Dolls is good clean fun. I mean, really, what’s not to love about that show? Although none of the cast received acting nods for their performances, they were terrific. You can check out my video review of Guys and Dolls at Broadway.com. Hair will have you humming “Let the Sunshine” for weeks to come. Will Swenson, a nominee for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, is especially great. Our featured poll today asks which of these musical revivals you are most anxious to see. Voice your choice! And let us know your thoughts on today’s Tony nominations. For a complete list of nominees click here.

West Side Story, Tony Nominee for Best Revival of a Musical

Tagged: Broadway, broadway.com, Guys and Dolls, Hair, Musical, Pal Joey, Revival, The Captain and Tennille, Toni Tennille, Tony Awards, Tony Orlando, West Side Story