andPOP » musical

Ashanti To Make Stage Debut In The Wiz

Eva Lam — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:18:15 +0000

Ashanti is off to see the Wizard.

The R&B singer has scored the lead role of Dorothy in this summer’s revival of “The Wiz” in New York City. The role marks Ashanti’s stage debut, though she played the character in the 2005 made-for-TV movie “The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz.”

No other casting has been announced for the musical, which will be directed by Thomas Kail and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler with music direction by Alex Lacamoire. The three collaborated previously on “In the Heights,” which won the Tony Award for best musical last year.

“The Wiz,” a soul-tinged adaptation of the book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum, made its Broadway debut in 1975 with Stephanie Mills as Dorothy and won seven Tony Awards. It was also made into a movie in 1978 starring Diana Ross.

The New York City Center’s “Encores! Summar Stars” production of “The Wiz” is scheduled to run from June 12 to July 5.

Ashanti, who has acted in such films as “Coach Carter” and “Resident Evil: Extinction,” released her fourth studio album, “The Declaration,” last June.

‘Repo’ Looking For Toronto Extras

andPOP Staff — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:48:22 +0000

Do you have a tux or formal dress and eight hours to spare? Repo wants you!

The musical film, now shooting in Toronto, is looking for 200 extras in an opera scene Wednesday and Thursday.

It’s an opportunity for fans to see Canadian legend Sarah Brightman at work, as well as stars Anthony Head (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Alexa Vega (Spy Kids), Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas), Billy Moseley (The Devil’s Rejects), Kevin Ogilvie (of Skinny Puppy) and Paris Hilton.

Men and women between 25 and 75 are encouraged to send their name, age, contact number and photo to operaextras@gmail.com.

Extras will not be paid, but they do get a free lunch – and possibly a venereal disease from being near Hilton.

Burton to Take on Sweeney Todd

andPOP Staff — Tue, 13 Jun 2006 20:56:51 +0000

Jim Carrey and Tim Burton’s film “Believe it Or Not” may have been put on hold again, but don’t worry; the legendary director has another project in the works.

Reuters is reporting that Burton will be adapting the musical “Sweeney Todd” from the stage to the big screen.

The film has yet to be cast, but rumour has it Burton is looking at casting Johnny Depp in the lead role of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Sweeney Todd won a Tony at the theatre awards show held on Sunday ? it walked away with a best director trophy.

Jersey Boys Capture Top Tony

andPOP Staff — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 09:34:18 +0000

“Jersey Boys,” the musical about Franki Valli and The Four Seasons, topped the 60th annual Tony Awards last night to win Best Musical, Reuters reports.

Winner of the best play went to “The History Boys.” The play set a record for the most awards won by a dramatic play. It also won for leading actor for Richard Griffiths, set for Bob Crowley, lighting for Mark Henderson, director for Nicholas Hytner and featured actress for Frances de la Tour.

Despite not winning best musical the Canadian production, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” did not walk away empty handed. It won awards for best set, costumes and best featured actress for Beth Leavel.

Besides winning best musical, “Jersey Boys” also won for best performance by a leading actor in a musical for John Lloyd Young, Christian Hoff won for best supporting actor in a musical and Howell Binkley took home the award for best lighting.

Other award winners include:
- Kathleen Marshall for choreography for the musical “The Pajama Game,” which also won as best revival of a musical.
- John Doyle won for his direction of “Sweeney Todd,” Sarah Travis for her orchestrations of the musical.
- Best leading actress in a musical went to LaChanze for “The Color Purple”
- Cynthia Nixon won best leading actress in a play for “Rabbit Hole”
- Ian McDiarmid won best featured actor in a play for “Faith Heale”
- Lincoln Centre Theatre won for their production of “Awake and Sing!” which was also named best revival of a play and best costume design for a play.