SNL Alum Maya Rudolph To Star In Fox’s ‘A Christmas Story’ Live Musical
Maya Rudolph is getting in the holiday spirit.
The Saturday Night Live alum has signed on to star in Fox’s A Christmas Story live musical production, it was announced Tuesday at the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour.
Rudolph will play Ralphie Parker’s mother in the telecast, with additional casting to be announced at a later date.
Based on the short stories of Midwestern humorist Jean Shepherd, the musical is set in the 1940s, when all 9-year-old Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB gun. The film follows Ralphie and his family’s various holiday-themed adventures, which include a terrible trip to visit the department store Santa, his younger brother’s disgusting eating habits (or lack thereof) and his dad’s infatuation with an obnoxious lamp made to look like a woman’s leg.
Released in 1983, A Christmas Story earned less than $20 million at the box office but went on to become a cult classic, playing in a 24-hour loop every Christmas on TBS and TNT for the past two decades. Spurred by the popularity of the film, A Christmas Story: The Musical debuted on Broadway in 2012 and went on to earn three Tony nominations.
Marc Platt, who executive produced Fox’s critical and commercial success Grease Live in 2016, will serve in the same capacity on A Christmas Story. He is joined by fellow exec producer Adam Siegel (the Broadway revival of The King and I), with Jonathan Tolins and Robert Cary (Grease Live) serving as co-exec producers and writers.
Oscar- and Tony-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul of La La Land and Dear Evan Hansen wrote the original music for A Christmas Story: The Musical and will compose several new songs for the event.
For Rudolph, the role brings her back to Fox, where she recently had arcs on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and, before that, The Grinder. Her other credits include the NBC variety show Maya & Marty, Bridesmaids and Up All Night.She is repped by WME and Hirsch Wallerstein.
While NBC was the first to test the waters of live musicals with Sound of Music Live and Peter Pan Live, more broadcast networks are looking to enter the mix as a way to draw more live viewers. NBC will actually sit out this holiday season for the first time since 2013, as it was forced to delay its planned live version of Bye Bye Birdie due to star and executive producer Jennifer Lopez’s busy schedule. However, it also has a live version of Jesus Christ Superstar set for Easter Sunday — which Platt is also set to exec produce — in addition to its first live play: A Few Good Men, headlined by Emmy winner Alec Baldwin.
A Christmas Story: The Musical is set to air Dec. 17 on Fox.
Source; The Hollywood Reporter
‘Insecure’ Renewed At HBO!
Viewers haven’t seen the last ofBallers and Insecure.
HBO has renewed the Dwayne Johnson and Issa Rae comedies for seasons four and three, respectively.
The renewals come midway through the half-hours’ current summer runs, where they are airing behind Game of Thrones.
“We’re thrilled that the summer lineup of Ballers and Insecure connected with our viewers out of the gate,” said HBO programming executive vp Amy Gravitt. “We’re so proud to work with Dwayne, Issa and all of the amazing talent in both shows.”
Debuting in November 2016, HBO moved up Insecure‘s sophomore run to pair the series with two of the pay cabler’s biggest original hits, Game of Thrones and Ballers.
Ballers has been one of the HBO’s top comedies since it premiered in 2015. Johnson, Stephen Levinson, Mark Wahlberg, Dany Garcia, Peter Berg, Evan Reilly, Rob Weiss, Julian Farino, Denis Biggs and Karyn McCarthy executive produce the series.
The continued success of Ballers comes on top of Johnson’s busy film career, which includes an upcoming Jumanji remake, San Andreas 2 and Jungle Cruise, among others.
Rae co-created Insecure with Larry Wilmore, and she exec produces with showrunner Prentice Penny, Melina Matsoukas, Michael Rotenberg, Dave Becky and Jonathan Berry.
Previously best known for her web series Awkward Black Girl, Rae earned a Golden Globe nomination for best actress in a comedy series for her work on season one of Insecure.
At HBO, Ballers and Insecure join returning original comedies Veep, Silicon Valley, Divorce, Crashing, Vice Principals, High Maintenance and the ninth-season revival of Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm. Upcoming entries include Barry, starring Bill Hader.
Jamie Foxx To Exec Produce And Co-Star With Jay Pharoah In Showtime’s ‘White Famous’!
InWHITE FAMOUS, Jay Pharoah plays talented young comedian Floyd Mooney, whose star is rising, forcing him to navigate the treacherous waters of maintaining his credibility as he begins to cross over into the world of becoming “white famous.” A co-production of Lionsgate Television and SHOWTIME, WHITE FAMOUS is a collaboration between writer and showrunner Tom Kapinos (CALIFORNICATION), who will executive produce, and Jamie Foxx, who will executive produce and guest star in a recurring role. Tim Story, the prolific director who helmed the movie franchises Barbershop, Ride Alongand Think Like A Man, will executive produce and direct the pilot.
Utkarsh Ambudkar (The Mindy Project) plays Malcolm, Floyd’s frustrated agent who wants his client to do whatever it takes to make it big. Cleopatra Coleman (The Last Man on Earth) plays Floyd’s ex-girlfriend Sadie, the love of his life and the mother of his son, played by Lonnie Chavis(This is Us). Jacob Ming-Trent (Feed the Beast) stars as Ron Balls, Floyd’s roommate – in the middle of the chaos, he remains the voice of reason. Stephen Tobolowsky (The Goldbergs) guest stars in the series’ pilot. Additional guest stars this season will include Meagan Good, Jack Davenport, Michael Rapaport, Kendrick Sampson, Lyndon Smith and Natalie Zea.
The show also has a premiere date — Sunday, October 15 at 10 p.m.
Oprah Winfrey’s Network OWN Renews Hit Drama Series ‘Greenleaf’ For Season Three
LOS ANGELES – OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network has renewed its acclaimed original drama series, “Greenleaf,” from Lionsgate, award-winning writer/producer Craig Wright (“Lost,” “Six Feet Under”) and executive producers Clement Virgo (“The Book of Negros”) and Oprah Winfrey (“Selma”) for a third season. Additionally, Rick Fox, who portrays journalist Darius Nash, has been upped to a series regular for the new season. Previously announced, the second half of season two will return with a two-night premiere on Tuesday, August 15 and Wednesday, August 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT and will regularly air Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
“We can’t wait to see what another season of ‘Greenleaf’ will bring,” said Erik Logan, President, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. “This series was instrumental in evolving OWN’s scripted programming and it continues to pull in viewers each week with its unique storytelling and characters.”
“We’re excited to extend our relationship with Oprah Winfrey and the OWN team for a third season of the hit series ‘Greenleaf,’” said Lionsgate Executive Vice President & Head of Worldwide Scripted Television Chris Selak. “The combination of a brilliant creator, an incredibly talented cast and inspirational music have positioned ‘Greenleaf’ for a long run, and we can hardly wait to see where the third season takes us.”
Year to date, “Greenleaf” is the #5 original scripted series on ad-supported cable in W25-54 in Live+3. It is Wednesday night’s #2 original scripted cable series for W25-54 and one of the Top 4 original scripted cable series for African-American women and total viewers. The series is averaging over 2 million total viewers in Live+3.
Jay-Z And NAS Rap Like Biggie In ‘Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G.’ Trailer
As part of its relaunch of the “Biography” series, A&E premiered an official new trailer over the weekend for its upcoming documentary, “Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G.”
Featuring exclusive interviews with hip hop legends, Jay-Z and Nas, the trailer provides a sneak peek of the film’s never-before-seen footage of the iconic rapper. Providing an unprecedented perspective on Biggie’s life, the documentary will debut onSeptember 4.
Watch the trailer below:
Donald Glover Wins Several Awards At Television Critics Association Awards
Donald Glover and his breakout FX comedy, Atlanta, took home honors at the 2017 Television Critics Association Awards on Saturday night.
Glover won Individual Achievement in Comedy. Issa Rae was also nominated for the award for Insecure.
Atlanta also won Outstanding Achievement in Comedy. black-ish was also nominated for the award. Atlanta was also nominated for Outstanding New Program and Program of the Year.
Other nominations included Sterling K. Brown for This Is Us, and several programs with black actors had nominations and awards like Master of None (Lena Waithe), The Handmaid’s Tale (Samira Wiley), Big Little Lies (Zoe Kravitz), Stranger Things (Caleb McLaughlin)
The Handmaid’s Tale took home the top TCA award, Program of the Year.
Other nominations included Sterling K. Brown for Individual Achievement in Drama for This Is Us. Check out the full list of nominations below:
Individual Achievement in Drama
Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us, NBC Carrie Coon, The Leftovers & Fargo, HBO & FX
Claire Foy, The Crown, Netflix
Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies, HBO
Jessica Lange, Feud: Bette and Joan, FX
Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid’s Tale, Hulu
Susan Sarandon, Feud: Bette and Joan, FX
Individual Achievement in Comedy
Pamela Adlon, Better Things, FX
Aziz Ansari, Master of None, Netflix
Kristen Bell, The Good Place, NBC Donald Glover, Atlanta, FX
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep, HBO
Issa Rae, Insecure, HBO
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag, Amazon
Outstanding Achievement in News and Information
Full Frontal With Samantha Bee, TBS
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, HBO
The Lead With Jake Tapper, CNN O.J.: Made in America, ESPN
Planet Earth II, BBC America
Weiner, Showtime
Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming
The Circus, Showtime
The Great British Baking Show, PBS
The Keepers, Netflix Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, A&E
Shark Tank, ABC
Survivor: Game Changers, CBS
Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, PBS
Doc McStuffins, Disney Junior
Elena of Avalor, Disney Channel
Odd Squad, PBS
Sesame Street, HBO Speechless, ABC
Outstanding New Program
Atlanta, FX
The Crown, Netflix
The Good Place, NBC
The Handmaid’s Tale, Hulu
Stranger Things, Netflix This Is Us, NBC
Outstanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries and Specials Big Little Lies, HBO
Fargo, FX
Feud: Bette and Joan, FX
Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, Netflix
The Night Of, HBO
Wizard of Lies, HBO
Outstanding Achievement in Drama
Better Call Saul, AMC
Stranger Things, Netflix
The Americans, FX
The Crown, Netflix The Handmaid’s Tale, Hulu
This Is Us, NBC
Outstanding Achievement in Comedy Atlanta, FX
black-ish, ABC
Fleabag, Amazon
Master of None, Netflix
The Good Place, NBC
Veep, HBO
Program of the Year
Atlanta, FX
Big Little Lies, HBO
Stranger Things, Netflix The Handmaid’s Tale, Hulu
The Leftovers, HBO
This Is Us, NBC
‘Celebrity Family Feud’ And ‘$100,000 Pyramid’ Renewed By ABC!
Two of ABC’s hit ‘Fun & Games’ shows, “The $100,000 Pyramid” and “Celebrity Family Feud,” have received season three and four greenlights, respectively. They join the previously announced season three pickup of “Match Game.”
Hosted by “Good Morning America” co-anchor Michael Strahan, the Emmy Award®-winning pop-culture phenomenon, “The $100,000 Pyramid,” is reimagined and better than ever when a cast of all-star celebrities take center stage and partner with contestants from across the country to compete against each other with hopes of making it to the winner’s circle and the ultimate grand cash prize. The show rans #1 in its 10:00 p.m. time slot on Sundays this summer and retains 100% of its lead-in among Adults 18-49.
“Returning for season three definitely goes under the category ‘Things that are Awesome,’” said Strahan. “It has been such an honor continuing the legacy of the legendary Dick Clark as host of ‘Pyramid.’ Looking forward to another season of giving away ABC’s money.”
“Celebrity Family Feud” pits celebrity families, and their immediate family members or their extended TV families, against each other in a contest to name the most popular responses to survey-type questions posed to 100 people. Celebrity teams from the world of entertainment, music and sports compete against each other to have fun and win money for charity. Hosted by Steve Harvey, the highly popular standup comedian, actor, author and Emmy® Award-winning game show host, “Celebrity Family Feud” is the most-watched show in Sunday’s 8:00 p.m. hour this summer.
Harvey said, “The politically correct reason that ‘Celebrity Family Feud’ has struck a chord is because it’s a great show where people can play along at home and everyone can join in on the fun. The true reason it’s a success is because they went and got me to host. It’s been a blessing to host this show, I’m one of those people who loves what they’re doing.”
“The $100,000 Pyramid” is produced by SMAC Entertainment in association with Sony Pictures Television and was taped in front of a live studio audience in New York. “The $100,000 Pyramid” is executive produced by Michael Strahan, Constance Schwartz and Vin Rubino.
“Celebrity Family Feud” is produced by FremantleMedia North America and is taped in front of a live audience in Los Angeles, California. Gaby Johnston and Jennifer Mullin are executive producers.
Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, And Kevin Hart Hit The Stage At Radio City Music Hall!
On Saturday night, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and Kevin Hart hit the stage at Radio CIty Music Hall for Chappelle’s annual event. The event, which we reported about a couple of days ago, has featured lots of musical acts such as NeYo, Common, and The Roots, just to name a few.
Anyway, we got an inside look at the historic show from writer, producer Ali LeRoi, who was there. Years from now they will still be talking about this event and possibly even meant that it was a major turning point in comedy since Chappelle started producing these types of comedy shows. Who knows? Regardless, here is LeRoi’s point of view of the show;
Tonight I was in the room where it happened. Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and Kevin Hart (featuring Amy Schumer and Jeff Ross) at Radio City Music Hall is the greatest comedy event in 20 years. Three icons from three generations, each with their own style, in different ways, at the top of their game. It would be like Cosby, Pryor, and Murphy doing a show. But those guys weren’t friends. This was a show built from Dave’s love of comedy, love of his peers, and love for his audience. You can’t do this by writing checks. You have to earn the respect of your contemporaries and the fans, in a way that says what you are trying to do has to be done, and you can’t do it without them. This is the dopest comedy show I’ve ever seen. Period. Even further, like if The Beatles, The Stones, and Led Zeppelin had done a show. It was just some next level shit.
-Ali LeRoi
L-R Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Jeff Ross, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock
Whoopi Goldberg To Return For ‘The View’ For Season 21!
COURTESY OF ABC
Whoopi Goldberg is ready to ring in her 10th anniversary at “The View.” The Oscar-winning actress will return as the moderator for the show’s 21st season this fall, Variety has learned.
Her contract renewal is an important one for ABC, as Goldberg has been the glue that’s kept “The View” together since creator Barbara Walters retired in 2014.
By focusing on political stories under Trump’s presidency, ratings for “The View” this season are at its highest in three years. The show averaged 2.6 million viewers last week, beating “The Talk,” which tends to veer away from politics in favor of pop culture. And “The View” has landed big guests over the last year, such as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice.
A spokesperson for ABC declined to comment.
Goldberg joined “The View” in the late summer of 2007, and she’s been at the Hot Topics table for the highs (such as Obama’s historic presidency) and lows (a revolving door of cast changes). She’s now spent more time on the show than almost any other co-host, surpassing Meredith Vieira and Star Jones (nine years each). The only two that have been on longer are Joy Behar, who’s still part of the ensemble after launching with the original cast in 1997, and Walters, who spent 17 years on the show.
Goldberg is also a prolific film and television producer, running her company One Ho Productions. Her upcoming credits include the big-screen dramas “9/11” and “Rio.”
The 21st season of “The View” starts in early September.
Jay-Z Recasts ‘Friends’ With Black Actors For ‘4:44’ For Tidal!
Tidal
A little less than 23 years after Friends debuted on NBC, Jay-Z today released a reimagining of the David Crane- and Marta Kauffman-created series with an all African-American cast. Add to that deft move, his new “Moonlight” music video breaks the fourth wall courtesy of Hannibal Buress and Jerrod Carmichael and makes mentions of Oscar Best Picture fiasco at the 89th Academy Awards – put some exclusivity on that and you have yourself a Friday viral sensation on the 56th birthday of the nation’s first African-American president Barack Obama.
Starring The Carmichael Show lead of the now-canceled NBC show plus castmate and Get Out star Lil Rel Howery and Insecure’s Issa Rae in the roles of Ross, Joey and Rachel, this black Friends video of Jay-Z’s “Moonlight” from his 4:44 alum was directed by Alan Yang. Currently only available on Jay’s music streaming service Tidal, the video also features Emmy nominee Atlanta’s Lakeith Stanfield, Thor: Ragnarok’s Tessa Thompson and Girls Trip’s Tiffany Haddish as Chandler, Monica and Phoebe.
Dropped today at 4:44 PM ET on Tidal, the video references Friends and nods to Jordan Peele’s horror hit Get Out. However, as the song title itself makes clear, the tune itself has something to say about the mistake at the Oscars in February when La La Land was first announced as the Best Picture winner before it was revealed that Moonlight was the real victor.
The “Moonlight” song says “We got stuck in La La Land” and even snares some of the audio of the big screen’s Moonlight, La La Land and the Best Picture screw-up at the Oscars. “It’s really a commentary on the culture and where we’re going,” the man born Shawn Carter said in a radio interview this afternoon of Moonlight the movie being the real winner of Hollywood’s big night.
That comes along with many a nudge nudge wink wink to the blockbuster comedy’s premise and relationships in a 2017 context – as you can see from the short clip the Master of None co-creator posted online earlier today:
I directed a music video for Jay-Z. It’s called Moonlight. Available on Tidal now and everywhere in a week
Drawing on scenes from Friends‘ ‘The One Where No One’s Ready’ episode from September 26, 1996, the video goes in a whole other direction as Carmichael breaks character and asks Buress between scenes what he thinks of the whole thing. After the comedian says he thought it was “garbage” and more, Carmichael and Rae split the set and stroll through a studio. The campy and simultaneously droll Moonlight video ends with the Transformers: The Last Knight actor sitting on a bench by himself staring up at the stars.
Of course, unless you have Tidal, you won’t have seen much of this.
As Yang notes in his tweet, the ‘Moonlight’ video will be release “everywhere in a week.” So, if you really want to see Moonlight now, then you have to sign up to Tidal. Which is the true bottom line aim of Jay-Z for the service he bought in early 2015 and that Sprint now owns 33% of.