This year’s Tonys will be held on June 16, so the American Theatre Wing will likely be announcing its Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in the near future. Who do you think should take home this prestigious trophy, which honors an individual’s body of work? It has gone to veteran stage performers, directors, choreographers, playwrights, songwriters, producers and designers. In some years we get multiple recipients.
Last year these honors went to actor Joel Grey and composer John Kander. The following living male Broadway vets have also received this award in the past and thus won’t be chosen again: Paul Gemignani, Alan Ayckbourn, Athol Fugard, Marshall W. Mason, Tommy Tune, James Earl Jones, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Harold Wheeler.
Here are 10 possibilities featured in our poll below, all accomplished men over the age of 65. Vote to let us know who you’d like to see honored. And take a...
Last year these honors went to actor Joel Grey and composer John Kander. The following living male Broadway vets have also received this award in the past and thus won’t be chosen again: Paul Gemignani, Alan Ayckbourn, Athol Fugard, Marshall W. Mason, Tommy Tune, James Earl Jones, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Harold Wheeler.
Here are 10 possibilities featured in our poll below, all accomplished men over the age of 65. Vote to let us know who you’d like to see honored. And take a...
- 3/26/2024
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
The actors from the current revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s “Merrily We Roll Along” have skyrocketed in Gold Derby’s combined odds for the 2024 Tony Awards nominations. The prediction center displays commanding leads for Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez and Daniel Radcliffe to win their respective categories. This is an understandable result considering this revival is the hottest ticket in town and this trio of performers has been ever-present in the media. But how often does a trio of actors from the same production pull off three separate acting victories at the Tony Awards?
It’s quite common for a musical to grab two acting trophies, but three awards is much rarer. To date, only 15 musical productions have earned three acting wins. The first time this feat occurred was at the 1956 ceremony, which was ironically the first time the Tony Awards ever announced a slate of nominees (previously...
It’s quite common for a musical to grab two acting trophies, but three awards is much rarer. To date, only 15 musical productions have earned three acting wins. The first time this feat occurred was at the 1956 ceremony, which was ironically the first time the Tony Awards ever announced a slate of nominees (previously...
- 3/14/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
The Obie Awards, the venerable honors for outstanding Off Broadway and Off Off Broadway productions, is doing away with its annual ceremony and will instead use the funds to provide winners with grants ranging from $1,000-$5,000.
Heather Hitchens, the president and CEO of the American Theatre Wing, which presents the Obies, called the grants a new path forward for the awards, saying the move “genuinely reflects the ethos of the Awards as well as the Off & Off Off Broadway movements – which is to continuously evolve and meet the moment.”
Select winners of this year’s 67th Obie Awards will be announced Saturday on New York’s Spectrum News NY1 as a special presentation of the channel’s On Stage program hosted by Frank Dilella. The special airs at 7:30 p.m./Et.
“The grants and our relationship with Spectrum News NY1 will provide meaningful support, and more effective, nationwide promotion for these incredible artists,...
Heather Hitchens, the president and CEO of the American Theatre Wing, which presents the Obies, called the grants a new path forward for the awards, saying the move “genuinely reflects the ethos of the Awards as well as the Off & Off Off Broadway movements – which is to continuously evolve and meet the moment.”
Select winners of this year’s 67th Obie Awards will be announced Saturday on New York’s Spectrum News NY1 as a special presentation of the channel’s On Stage program hosted by Frank Dilella. The special airs at 7:30 p.m./Et.
“The grants and our relationship with Spectrum News NY1 will provide meaningful support, and more effective, nationwide promotion for these incredible artists,...
- 1/25/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Clockwise l to r: Some Like It Hot (Marc J. Franklin), Waitress (Josh Lehrer), Spamalot (Joan Marcus), Legally Blonde (Paul Kolnik)Graphic: The A.V. Club
It’s nothing new for Broadway creatives to look to Hollywood for inspiration, but the trend has gotten a little out of hand in recent years.
It’s nothing new for Broadway creatives to look to Hollywood for inspiration, but the trend has gotten a little out of hand in recent years.
- 1/15/2024
- by Cindy White
- avclub.com
There has always been a tenuous relationship between live theatre and streaming. Some old-school voices in the theatre believe that allowing people to watch stage shows from the comfort of their own homes would disincentivize them from showing up to see shows in person. More progressive voices in the community argue that by giving audiences opportunities to stay excited about theatre in between trips to see shows only makes them more and more excited to see the real thing live and in person.
One company that is looking to bridge that gap is BroadwayHD, which launched in 2015 and has been a platform for filmed theatrical productions and stage-to-screen adaptations ever since. On Thursday, the company announced that it had reached a deal with NBCUniversal to stream a collection of NBC’s live musicals, including “Hairspray Live!”, “The Sound of Music Live!”, and “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.” These titles...
One company that is looking to bridge that gap is BroadwayHD, which launched in 2015 and has been a platform for filmed theatrical productions and stage-to-screen adaptations ever since. On Thursday, the company announced that it had reached a deal with NBCUniversal to stream a collection of NBC’s live musicals, including “Hairspray Live!”, “The Sound of Music Live!”, and “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.” These titles...
- 10/5/2023
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
Funny Girl has recouped its capitalization costs on Broadway, producers said Monday.
The musical, which originally opened at the August Wilson Theatre in April 2022, was capitalized for $16.5 million. The production, starring Lea Michele, is set to close on Broadway on Sept. 3. A North American tour, starring Katerina McCrimmon, will follow.
The production started with Beanie Feldstein in the leading role, but after she received mixed reviews, grosses and attendance began to fall. Feldstein was then replaced with Michele, who had already performed several of the songs on Glee and thus was a draw for audience members. However, Michele had to fight back against allegations of on-set bullying while on the television show as well as the controversy of taking over the role from Feldstein. She came into the production on Sept. 6, 2022, and was well-received in the role, and the box office began trending upward.
Since then, Funny Girl has set...
The musical, which originally opened at the August Wilson Theatre in April 2022, was capitalized for $16.5 million. The production, starring Lea Michele, is set to close on Broadway on Sept. 3. A North American tour, starring Katerina McCrimmon, will follow.
The production started with Beanie Feldstein in the leading role, but after she received mixed reviews, grosses and attendance began to fall. Feldstein was then replaced with Michele, who had already performed several of the songs on Glee and thus was a draw for audience members. However, Michele had to fight back against allegations of on-set bullying while on the television show as well as the controversy of taking over the role from Feldstein. She came into the production on Sept. 6, 2022, and was well-received in the role, and the box office began trending upward.
Since then, Funny Girl has set...
- 8/7/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sheldon Harnick, the nimble lyricist who partnered with composer Jerry Bock to create the songs for some of Broadway’s greatest musicals, including Fiddler on the Roof, Fiorello! and She Loves Me, has died Friday. He was 99.
Harnick died of natural causes at his apartment overlooking Central Park on the Upper West Side, spokesperson Sean Katz told The Hollywood Reporter.
Harnick, who credited actress Charlotte Rae for inspiring him to become a Broadway lyricist, had an uncanny knack of making it sound as if the singer were having a conversation with the audience. His lyrics for such tunes as “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “She Loves Me” and “Little Tin Box” were simple and straightforward yet deeply moving at the same time.
“A theater lyricist is a playwright who writes short plays in verse that have to be set to music,” Harnick said in a 2016 interview with the Los Angeles Times.
Harnick died of natural causes at his apartment overlooking Central Park on the Upper West Side, spokesperson Sean Katz told The Hollywood Reporter.
Harnick, who credited actress Charlotte Rae for inspiring him to become a Broadway lyricist, had an uncanny knack of making it sound as if the singer were having a conversation with the audience. His lyrics for such tunes as “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “She Loves Me” and “Little Tin Box” were simple and straightforward yet deeply moving at the same time.
“A theater lyricist is a playwright who writes short plays in verse that have to be set to music,” Harnick said in a 2016 interview with the Los Angeles Times.
- 6/23/2023
- by Chris Koseluk
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jodie Comer has become the 100th performer to win a Tony Award for their Broadway debut for her performance in the play, “Prima Facie.”
She won Best Actress in a Play for portraying Tess, a lawyer who concentrates in providing legal defense for men who are accused of sexual assault but soon has the unthinkable happen to her. She is the 11th person to win the category for her first outing on a Broadway stage. She joins:
SEE2023 Tony Awards: Every winner (and nominee) in all 26 competitive categories
Martita Hunt, “The Madwoman of Chaillot” (1949)
Beryl Reid, “The Killing of Sister George” (1967)
Phyllis Frelich, “Children of a Lesser God” (1980)
Jane Lapotaire, “Piaf” (1981)
Joan Allen, “Burn This” (1988)
Pauline Collins, “Shirley Valentine” (1989)
Janet McTeer, “A Doll’s House” (1997)
Marie Mullen, “The Beauty Queen of Leeane” (1998)
Jennifer Ehle, “The Real Thing” (2000)
Deanna Dunagan, “August: Osage County” (2008)
Below are the Broadway debuts in the seven other...
She won Best Actress in a Play for portraying Tess, a lawyer who concentrates in providing legal defense for men who are accused of sexual assault but soon has the unthinkable happen to her. She is the 11th person to win the category for her first outing on a Broadway stage. She joins:
SEE2023 Tony Awards: Every winner (and nominee) in all 26 competitive categories
Martita Hunt, “The Madwoman of Chaillot” (1949)
Beryl Reid, “The Killing of Sister George” (1967)
Phyllis Frelich, “Children of a Lesser God” (1980)
Jane Lapotaire, “Piaf” (1981)
Joan Allen, “Burn This” (1988)
Pauline Collins, “Shirley Valentine” (1989)
Janet McTeer, “A Doll’s House” (1997)
Marie Mullen, “The Beauty Queen of Leeane” (1998)
Jennifer Ehle, “The Real Thing” (2000)
Deanna Dunagan, “August: Osage County” (2008)
Below are the Broadway debuts in the seven other...
- 6/12/2023
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
Lea Michele has enjoyed monumental success since formally joining the cast of the Broadway hit Funny Girl in September 2022.
But while she’s earned praise for deftly portraying the coveted role of the beloved character Fanny Brice, there’s a simple reason why she’s not eligible for a Tony Award.
According to the Tony Awards’ rules and regulations under eligibility requirements, “in order to be eligible, an actor or actress must perform in the role on the production’s opening night and must perform in the minimum number of performances to which the producer of such production must invite and make tickets available to Tony voters as required by Rule 2(a)vi).”
And therein lies the issue — the original actress who performed Funny Girl on opening night was Beanie Feldstein, who left in the wake of the show being at risk of closing due to poor reviews and lackluster ticket sales.
But while she’s earned praise for deftly portraying the coveted role of the beloved character Fanny Brice, there’s a simple reason why she’s not eligible for a Tony Award.
According to the Tony Awards’ rules and regulations under eligibility requirements, “in order to be eligible, an actor or actress must perform in the role on the production’s opening night and must perform in the minimum number of performances to which the producer of such production must invite and make tickets available to Tony voters as required by Rule 2(a)vi).”
And therein lies the issue — the original actress who performed Funny Girl on opening night was Beanie Feldstein, who left in the wake of the show being at risk of closing due to poor reviews and lackluster ticket sales.
- 6/11/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
The 76th annual Tony Awards have already made history. For the first time, two of the acting nominees identify as non-binary: Harrison Ghee who is contending for lead actor in musical for “Some Like It Hot” and Alex Newell, vying for featured actor in a musical for “Shucked.” Their nominations have been warmly embraced. But 40 years ago, a history-making acceptance led to death threats.
At the 37th annual Tony Awards on June 5, 1983, producer John Glines thanked his lover when he accepted the best play honor for Harvey Fierstein’s “Torch Song Trilogy,” a three-act drama set in New York in the 1970s and early 80s starring Fierstein as a gay, drag queen and torch singer. “He expressed gratitude to an assortment of people , ‘lastly but most importantly, to the one person who believed and followed the dream from the beginning, who never said ‘You’re crazy; it can’t be...
At the 37th annual Tony Awards on June 5, 1983, producer John Glines thanked his lover when he accepted the best play honor for Harvey Fierstein’s “Torch Song Trilogy,” a three-act drama set in New York in the 1970s and early 80s starring Fierstein as a gay, drag queen and torch singer. “He expressed gratitude to an assortment of people , ‘lastly but most importantly, to the one person who believed and followed the dream from the beginning, who never said ‘You’re crazy; it can’t be...
- 5/31/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Ambra Danon, the Italian costume designer who worked on the three La Cage aux Folles films, earning an Oscar nomination for the first one, has died. She was 75.
Danon died April 12 in Rome after a long battle with cancer, her niece, Echo Danon, told The Hollywood Reporter.
The original La Cage Aux Folles (1978), based on Jean Poiret’s 1973 play of the same name, was directed by Édouard Molinaro and released by United Artists. The French-language comedy starred Ugo Tognazzi and Michel Serrault as a gay couple operating a drag nightclub in a French resort town and was a huge box office success.
Danon, who shared her Academy Award nom with five-time nominee Piero Tosi, lost out on Oscar night to Albert Wolsky of All That Jazz. She then returned for the La Cage aux Folles sequels released in 1980 and 1985.
The daughter of Marcello Danon, who produced the first two movies in the series,...
Danon died April 12 in Rome after a long battle with cancer, her niece, Echo Danon, told The Hollywood Reporter.
The original La Cage Aux Folles (1978), based on Jean Poiret’s 1973 play of the same name, was directed by Édouard Molinaro and released by United Artists. The French-language comedy starred Ugo Tognazzi and Michel Serrault as a gay couple operating a drag nightclub in a French resort town and was a huge box office success.
Danon, who shared her Academy Award nom with five-time nominee Piero Tosi, lost out on Oscar night to Albert Wolsky of All That Jazz. She then returned for the La Cage aux Folles sequels released in 1980 and 1985.
The daughter of Marcello Danon, who produced the first two movies in the series,...
- 5/24/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Andrew Levitt — best known as his bubbly, mama bear drag persona Nina West — is no stranger to life on the road. In addition to a laundry list of film and TV credits, the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 11 fan-favorite and Miss Congeniality winner has for years toured the country as Nina and, more recently, as the beloved Edna Turnblad in the national tour of “Hairspray.” (The latter begins its three-week stint at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Tuesday.)
But it’s only within the last year that touring in any capacity has begun to feel dangerous. Anti-drag bills are sweeping across the U.S., with Tennessee banning public drag shows as of March, and over a dozen other states introducing similar legislation, including Arizona, Kentucky and Oklahoma. Levitt’s holiday drag revue, “A Drag Queen Christmas,” toured 35 dates between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, and he, in conversation with TheWrap,...
But it’s only within the last year that touring in any capacity has begun to feel dangerous. Anti-drag bills are sweeping across the U.S., with Tennessee banning public drag shows as of March, and over a dozen other states introducing similar legislation, including Arizona, Kentucky and Oklahoma. Levitt’s holiday drag revue, “A Drag Queen Christmas,” toured 35 dates between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, and he, in conversation with TheWrap,...
- 5/2/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
Lea Michele will play Fanny Brice through the end of Funny Girl’s run on Broadway.
The Broadway production will play its final performance Sept. 3. In addition to Michele, Ramin Karimloo, who plays Nick Arnstein, Tovah Feldshuh, who plays Fanny’s mother, Mrs. Brice, and Jared Grimes, who plays Eddie Ryan, will remain with the production through the closing.
A North American tour of Funny Girl will launch in September in Providence, R.I., before heading to more than 30 cities across the country.
The Broadway revival, the first since the 1964 production starring Barbra Streisand, began previews at the August Wilson Theatre on March 26, 2022 and opened April 24. Beanie Feldstein played the lead role until July 31, and Michele took over the role of Fanny Brice on Sept. 6, 2022. Standby Julie Benko filled in until Michele’s start date and continues to perform on Thursday evenings.
After Michele joined the production, and received rave reviews,...
The Broadway production will play its final performance Sept. 3. In addition to Michele, Ramin Karimloo, who plays Nick Arnstein, Tovah Feldshuh, who plays Fanny’s mother, Mrs. Brice, and Jared Grimes, who plays Eddie Ryan, will remain with the production through the closing.
A North American tour of Funny Girl will launch in September in Providence, R.I., before heading to more than 30 cities across the country.
The Broadway revival, the first since the 1964 production starring Barbra Streisand, began previews at the August Wilson Theatre on March 26, 2022 and opened April 24. Beanie Feldstein played the lead role until July 31, and Michele took over the role of Fanny Brice on Sept. 6, 2022. Standby Julie Benko filled in until Michele’s start date and continues to perform on Thursday evenings.
After Michele joined the production, and received rave reviews,...
- 3/2/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
To celebrate the release of Bros – released on DVD & Blu-ray 6th February – we have a Blu-ray up for grabs!
From the ferocious comic mind of Billy Eichner and the hit making brilliance of filmmakers Nicholas Stoller and Judd Apatow, comes Bros, a smart, swoony and heartfelt comedy about how hard it is to find another tolerable human being to go through life with.
Starring Billy Eichner, the first openly gay man to co-write and star in his own major studio film, and Luke MacFarlane (Killjoys), the film featuring an entirely LGBTQ+principal cast, including Guy Branum (The Other Two), Miss Lawrence (Star), Ts Madison (The Ts Madison Experience), Dot-marie Jones (Glee), Jim Rash (Community) and Amanda Bearse (Married… with Children). The film also features appearances by Emmy winner Debra Messing (Will & Grace) and legendary four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein (Torch Song Trilogy).
Funny, heartwarming and deliriously entertaining, Bros is the...
From the ferocious comic mind of Billy Eichner and the hit making brilliance of filmmakers Nicholas Stoller and Judd Apatow, comes Bros, a smart, swoony and heartfelt comedy about how hard it is to find another tolerable human being to go through life with.
Starring Billy Eichner, the first openly gay man to co-write and star in his own major studio film, and Luke MacFarlane (Killjoys), the film featuring an entirely LGBTQ+principal cast, including Guy Branum (The Other Two), Miss Lawrence (Star), Ts Madison (The Ts Madison Experience), Dot-marie Jones (Glee), Jim Rash (Community) and Amanda Bearse (Married… with Children). The film also features appearances by Emmy winner Debra Messing (Will & Grace) and legendary four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein (Torch Song Trilogy).
Funny, heartwarming and deliriously entertaining, Bros is the...
- 2/7/2023
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
To celebrate the release of Bros – released on DVD & Blu-ray 6th February – we have a Blu-ray up for grabs!
From the ferocious comic mind of Billy Eichner and the hit making brilliance of filmmakers Nicholas Stoller and Judd Apatow, comes Bros, a smart, swoony and heartfelt comedy about how hard it is to find another tolerable human being to go through life with.
Starring Billy Eichner, the first openly gay man to co-write and star in his own major studio film,and Luke MacFarlane (Killjoys), the filmfeaturing an entirely LGBTQ+principal cast, including Guy Branum (The Other Two), Miss Lawrence (Star), Ts Madison (The Ts Madison Experience), Dot-marie Jones (Glee), Jim Rash (Community) and Amanda Bearse (Married… with Children). The film also features appearances by Emmy winner Debra Messing (Will & Grace) and legendary four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein (Torch Song Trilogy). Funny, heartwarming and deliriously entertaining, Bros is the perfect...
From the ferocious comic mind of Billy Eichner and the hit making brilliance of filmmakers Nicholas Stoller and Judd Apatow, comes Bros, a smart, swoony and heartfelt comedy about how hard it is to find another tolerable human being to go through life with.
Starring Billy Eichner, the first openly gay man to co-write and star in his own major studio film,and Luke MacFarlane (Killjoys), the filmfeaturing an entirely LGBTQ+principal cast, including Guy Branum (The Other Two), Miss Lawrence (Star), Ts Madison (The Ts Madison Experience), Dot-marie Jones (Glee), Jim Rash (Community) and Amanda Bearse (Married… with Children). The film also features appearances by Emmy winner Debra Messing (Will & Grace) and legendary four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein (Torch Song Trilogy). Funny, heartwarming and deliriously entertaining, Bros is the perfect...
- 2/7/2023
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
During the course of reporting a feature on Peacock’s delightful upcoming mystery series Poker Face, we got far more material from creator Rian Johnson and star Natasha Lyonne than could comfortably fit. So as a bonus, we’re giving you some highlights from the rest of our conversations.
Last week, we had Johnson going deep on the fun and challenges of giving Lyonne’s character Charlie Cale the ability to tell when anyone is lying. That’s where we open things with the actress, who explains that “I hate bullshit.
Last week, we had Johnson going deep on the fun and challenges of giving Lyonne’s character Charlie Cale the ability to tell when anyone is lying. That’s where we open things with the actress, who explains that “I hate bullshit.
- 1/27/2023
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Rollingstone.com
Barry Grove will step down as the Executive Producer of Manhattan Theatre Club, a major Broadway and Off Broadway institution, at the conclusion of the 2022-2023 season.
In his 48 years collaborating with Mtc’s founder and Artistic Director Lynne Meadow, Grove has been a driving force in the production of nearly 450 American and world premieres, earning Mtc 28 Tony Awards, 7 Pulitzer Prizes, 50 Drama Desk Awards and numerous Obie, Outer Critics Circle, and other honors.
Among the productions staged by the subscription-based non-profit company in the decades under Grove and Meadow are seminal works by playwrights Alan Ayckbourn; Richard Greenberg, Harvey Fierstein, Paula Vogel, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Charlayne Woodard and Matthew Lopez, to name a few. Pulitzer Prize and Tony winners include Cost of Living by Martyna Majok (Pulitzer); Crimes of the Heart (Pulitzer) by Beth Henley; Doubt by John Patrick Shanley (Pulitzer and Tony); Love! Valour! Compassion! (Tony) by Terrence McNally; Rabbit...
In his 48 years collaborating with Mtc’s founder and Artistic Director Lynne Meadow, Grove has been a driving force in the production of nearly 450 American and world premieres, earning Mtc 28 Tony Awards, 7 Pulitzer Prizes, 50 Drama Desk Awards and numerous Obie, Outer Critics Circle, and other honors.
Among the productions staged by the subscription-based non-profit company in the decades under Grove and Meadow are seminal works by playwrights Alan Ayckbourn; Richard Greenberg, Harvey Fierstein, Paula Vogel, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Charlayne Woodard and Matthew Lopez, to name a few. Pulitzer Prize and Tony winners include Cost of Living by Martyna Majok (Pulitzer); Crimes of the Heart (Pulitzer) by Beth Henley; Doubt by John Patrick Shanley (Pulitzer and Tony); Love! Valour! Compassion! (Tony) by Terrence McNally; Rabbit...
- 1/11/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock has announced that the groundbreaking romantic comedy Bros — the first from a major studio to center on two gay men — will begin streaming exclusively on the platform on December 2nd.
The film directed by Nicholas Stoller is a smart, swoony and heartfelt story about gay men — played by Billy Eichner and Luke Macfarlane—maybe, possibly, probably, stumbling towards love. Maybe. They’re both very busy. Its cast also includes Ts Madison, Miss Lawrence, Symone, Guillermo Diaz, Guy Branum, Monica Raymund, Jim Rash, Harvey Fierstein, Bowen Yang, Amanda Bearse, Dot-Marie Jones, and many more.
Eichner and Stoller penned the script. Stoller also produced alongside Judd Apatow and Josh Church, with Eichner exec producing.
While Bros world premiered to critical acclaim at the 2022 Toronto Film Festival, it had a disappointing showing upon its September theatrical release via Universal Pictures, grossing just over 14.6M worldwide. Its co-writer and star Eichner made history with Bros,...
The film directed by Nicholas Stoller is a smart, swoony and heartfelt story about gay men — played by Billy Eichner and Luke Macfarlane—maybe, possibly, probably, stumbling towards love. Maybe. They’re both very busy. Its cast also includes Ts Madison, Miss Lawrence, Symone, Guillermo Diaz, Guy Branum, Monica Raymund, Jim Rash, Harvey Fierstein, Bowen Yang, Amanda Bearse, Dot-Marie Jones, and many more.
Eichner and Stoller penned the script. Stoller also produced alongside Judd Apatow and Josh Church, with Eichner exec producing.
While Bros world premiered to critical acclaim at the 2022 Toronto Film Festival, it had a disappointing showing upon its September theatrical release via Universal Pictures, grossing just over 14.6M worldwide. Its co-writer and star Eichner made history with Bros,...
- 11/28/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Here at /Film, we're obviously obsessed with movies and TV. But sometimes it's nice to crack open a good book. Of course, since our brains are always thinking about cinema and television, that means we love books that allow us to dig deeper into the big screen and the increasingly large flickering box that isn't much of a small screen anymore. That's why, after Part 1 and Part 2 of the 2022 /Film Holiday Gift Guide highlighted a bunch of movies and TV shows on physical media, Part 3 is focused on a truckload of books for the pop culture nerd in your life.
We've assembled a huge list of books here, including memoirs from your favorite actors like Alan Rickman, Steve Martin, Geena Davis, Bob Odenkirk, Viola Davis, and the late Michael K. Williams. There are plenty of in-depth, behind-the-scenes chronicles of classics such as "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" and new blockbusters like "Avatar: The Way of Water.
We've assembled a huge list of books here, including memoirs from your favorite actors like Alan Rickman, Steve Martin, Geena Davis, Bob Odenkirk, Viola Davis, and the late Michael K. Williams. There are plenty of in-depth, behind-the-scenes chronicles of classics such as "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" and new blockbusters like "Avatar: The Way of Water.
- 11/23/2022
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
To those of us that love it, the 1993 dramedy "Mrs. Doubtfire" is a touchstone and a classic. It's pure nostalgia fuel, and it certainly reminds me of a simpler time in my own childhood. In the same breath, the film's perfect balance of comedy and drama was the perfect vehicle through which to tell a really heart-wrenching story, and made everything about the movie—from the characters to the punchlines to the incredible makeup work—that much more memorable. Before any of us got to see the film, the late Robin Williams knew there was more there than your average comedy.
In the 2018 biography "Robin" by Dave Itzkoff, Williams revealed that the best part of getting to become "this sweet, blue-mouthed old woman" named Euphegenia was playing "someone totally unlike myself." The actor added, "It isn't just drag. It's the fact that it was like, to be, to have this...
In the 2018 biography "Robin" by Dave Itzkoff, Williams revealed that the best part of getting to become "this sweet, blue-mouthed old woman" named Euphegenia was playing "someone totally unlike myself." The actor added, "It isn't just drag. It's the fact that it was like, to be, to have this...
- 11/19/2022
- by Lex Briscuso
- Slash Film
Less than a month after it was released in theaters, Billy Eichner’s Bros is now available to watch online.
The LGBTQ romantic comedy stars Eichner and Luke Macfarlane as a gay couple navigating the complicated online dating world, with a few obstacles — and people — thrown in along the way.
Despite a number of solid reviews and a big promo push around it, Bros ultimately stalled at the box office, debuting to just 4.8 million in its opening weekend — less than half of the projected 10 million estimate.
Eichner later took to Twitter to express his disappointment,...
The LGBTQ romantic comedy stars Eichner and Luke Macfarlane as a gay couple navigating the complicated online dating world, with a few obstacles — and people — thrown in along the way.
Despite a number of solid reviews and a big promo push around it, Bros ultimately stalled at the box office, debuting to just 4.8 million in its opening weekend — less than half of the projected 10 million estimate.
Eichner later took to Twitter to express his disappointment,...
- 10/18/2022
- by Tim Chan
- Rollingstone.com
When news of Angela Lansbury’s death broke on Tuesday, less than a week before her 97th birthday, a major link to the entertainment world of the past was severed. A legend of the stage, television, and cinema, the London-born Lansbury’s career began in 1944 with the George Cukor-directed thriller “Gaslight” starring Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, and Joseph Cotton. Revolutionary theater work followed, including the first Broadway production of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” and then, of course, the 264 episodes of “Murder, She Wrote.”
Over the years she had three Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress and was presented with an Honorary Oscar in 2013. She won five competitive Tony Awards and received a Lifetime Achievement award in 2020. She was nominated for 18 Primetime Emmys, but never nabbed the statue, and also was nominated for one Grammy, for the “Beauty and the Beast” soundtrack.
Many notables were...
Over the years she had three Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress and was presented with an Honorary Oscar in 2013. She won five competitive Tony Awards and received a Lifetime Achievement award in 2020. She was nominated for 18 Primetime Emmys, but never nabbed the statue, and also was nominated for one Grammy, for the “Beauty and the Beast” soundtrack.
Many notables were...
- 10/12/2022
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
One of the world’s most popular and enduring actresses died today, and tributes to Dame Angela Lansbury are raining down like a closing-night curtain call. Here is just a sampling that spans the worlds of film, television and theater:
Related: Angela Lansbury Film, Television and Broadway Career In Photos Gallery
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher:
“I was fortunate to have seen Dame Lansbury twice on Broadway, and she was even more captivating on stage as she was on television and film. What an amazing presence. She was an inspiration both on and off stage, and I was personally a huge fan. Thank God she lived a good, long life as we were all blessed to bask in her light. I’m grateful that her body of work lives on to inspire generations to come. I will miss you terribly, Angela, you were one in a mil!”
Related: Hollywood...
Related: Angela Lansbury Film, Television and Broadway Career In Photos Gallery
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher:
“I was fortunate to have seen Dame Lansbury twice on Broadway, and she was even more captivating on stage as she was on television and film. What an amazing presence. She was an inspiration both on and off stage, and I was personally a huge fan. Thank God she lived a good, long life as we were all blessed to bask in her light. I’m grateful that her body of work lives on to inspire generations to come. I will miss you terribly, Angela, you were one in a mil!”
Related: Hollywood...
- 10/11/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The world is mourning the death of Angela Lansbury, who died at age 96 after making her mark on stage, film and television during a career spanning eight decades.
As fans mourn her passing, numerous celebrities have been taking to social media to share tributes to the “Murder, She Wrote” star.
Read More: Angela Lansbury, Star Of ‘Murder, She Wrote’, Dies At 96
Among the many to honour the late actress have been “Seinfeld” alum Jason Alexander, Broadway star Harvey Fierstein and “Star Trek” icon George Takei.
Check out a sampling of celebs’ tweets celebrating Lansbury’s extraordinary life and legendary career.
The great Angela Lansbury – one of the most versatile, talented, graceful, kind, witty, wise, classy ladies I’ve ever met has left us. Her huge contribution to the arts and the world remains always. #ripAngelaLansbury
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) October 11, 2022
Angela Lansbury – She, my darlings, was Everything! pic.twitter.com/MLKlRNjxhA...
As fans mourn her passing, numerous celebrities have been taking to social media to share tributes to the “Murder, She Wrote” star.
Read More: Angela Lansbury, Star Of ‘Murder, She Wrote’, Dies At 96
Among the many to honour the late actress have been “Seinfeld” alum Jason Alexander, Broadway star Harvey Fierstein and “Star Trek” icon George Takei.
Check out a sampling of celebs’ tweets celebrating Lansbury’s extraordinary life and legendary career.
The great Angela Lansbury – one of the most versatile, talented, graceful, kind, witty, wise, classy ladies I’ve ever met has left us. Her huge contribution to the arts and the world remains always. #ripAngelaLansbury
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) October 11, 2022
Angela Lansbury – She, my darlings, was Everything! pic.twitter.com/MLKlRNjxhA...
- 10/11/2022
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Click here to read the full article.
Robby Benson, Viola Davis and Josh Gad were among the list of Hollywood stars and entertainment industry members who shared tributes and expressed their condolences following the news of the passing of actress Angela Lansbury.
The celebrated performer and iconic star of Murder, She Wrote was a five-time Tony Award winner, recipient of an honorary Oscar, multiple Golden Globe winner and a 12-time Emmy nominee — one for each season she starred in the hit CBS procedural. Known for her memorable and acclaimed roles in films like 1945’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, 1962’s The Manchurian Candidate and 1944’s Gaslight — for which she received her first Oscar nomination at 19 — Lansbury passed away in the early hours of Tuesday at her L.A. home just five days shy of turning 97.
The actress was also a legendary stage talent, winning her first Tony for her role...
Robby Benson, Viola Davis and Josh Gad were among the list of Hollywood stars and entertainment industry members who shared tributes and expressed their condolences following the news of the passing of actress Angela Lansbury.
The celebrated performer and iconic star of Murder, She Wrote was a five-time Tony Award winner, recipient of an honorary Oscar, multiple Golden Globe winner and a 12-time Emmy nominee — one for each season she starred in the hit CBS procedural. Known for her memorable and acclaimed roles in films like 1945’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, 1962’s The Manchurian Candidate and 1944’s Gaslight — for which she received her first Oscar nomination at 19 — Lansbury passed away in the early hours of Tuesday at her L.A. home just five days shy of turning 97.
The actress was also a legendary stage talent, winning her first Tony for her role...
- 10/11/2022
- by Lexy Perez and Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Stars from the world of Hollywood and Broadway on Tuesday poured out their affection for the legend Angela Lansbury, the star of film, TV and theater who died at age 96.
The London-born actress had an 80-year career in film, television and theater, with famous roles like those in “The Manchurian Candidate,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Mame” and “Sweeney Todd.”
“Rest In Peace Great Dame Angela Lansbury,” wrote comedian, actor and thespian Mario Cantone. “She was a glorious one.”
Also Read:
Angela Lansbury’s 10 Best Film and TV Roles, From ‘Gaslight’ to ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (Photos)
Comedian Kathy Griffin spoke for the larger community of fans of Lansbury: “I cannot tell you how many ladies and gays are crushed, moved and feeling nostalgic about something in the past with the news of the passing of the fabulous Dame Angela Lansbury.”
Tony-Award winning playwright Harvey Fierstein tweeted, “Angela Lansbury – She, my darlings,...
The London-born actress had an 80-year career in film, television and theater, with famous roles like those in “The Manchurian Candidate,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Mame” and “Sweeney Todd.”
“Rest In Peace Great Dame Angela Lansbury,” wrote comedian, actor and thespian Mario Cantone. “She was a glorious one.”
Also Read:
Angela Lansbury’s 10 Best Film and TV Roles, From ‘Gaslight’ to ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (Photos)
Comedian Kathy Griffin spoke for the larger community of fans of Lansbury: “I cannot tell you how many ladies and gays are crushed, moved and feeling nostalgic about something in the past with the news of the passing of the fabulous Dame Angela Lansbury.”
Tony-Award winning playwright Harvey Fierstein tweeted, “Angela Lansbury – She, my darlings,...
- 10/11/2022
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Leading names from the world of television, film, Broadway theater and beyond are mourning the passing of beloved actress Angela Lansbury. The Murder, She Wrote actress died at age 96 on Tuesday, October 11, and as soon as the sad news was announced the tributes started pouring in. George Takei, Harvey Fierstein, Josh Gad, and Mario Catone were among the first to offer their condolences and speak of their admiration and love for the legendary actress. “Angela Lansbury, who graced the stage for decades winning five Tony awards and brought the sleuthing Jessica Fletcher into our living rooms for a dozen years, has passed,” said Takei. “A tale old as time, our beloved Mrs. Potts will sing lullabies to us now from the stars. Rest, great soul.” Angela Lansbury, who graced the stage for decades winning five Tony awards and brought the sleuthing Jessica Fletcher into our living rooms for a dozen years,...
- 10/11/2022
- TV Insider
After the news broke of Angela Lansbury’s death aged 96 on Tuesday (11 October), tributes from fellow celebrities poured in.
The Murder, She Wrote and Beauty and the Beast star died “peacefully in her sleep”, just five days shy of her birthday, her family have announced.
Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson led tributes on Twitter, recalling the moment he sat “next to Angela Lansbury at an opening night”.
“Even though I had to pee I refused to leave my seat during intermission. I spent the 15 minutes chatting with her instead. She was incredibly lovely and I’m so glad I had that brief time with her. Rip Angela,” he shared.
Kathy Griffin posted: “I cannot tell you how many ladies and gays are crushed, moved and feeling nostalgic about something in the past with the news of the passing of the fabulous Dame Angela Lansbury.”
Seinfeld actor Jason Alexander remembered...
The Murder, She Wrote and Beauty and the Beast star died “peacefully in her sleep”, just five days shy of her birthday, her family have announced.
Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson led tributes on Twitter, recalling the moment he sat “next to Angela Lansbury at an opening night”.
“Even though I had to pee I refused to leave my seat during intermission. I spent the 15 minutes chatting with her instead. She was incredibly lovely and I’m so glad I had that brief time with her. Rip Angela,” he shared.
Kathy Griffin posted: “I cannot tell you how many ladies and gays are crushed, moved and feeling nostalgic about something in the past with the news of the passing of the fabulous Dame Angela Lansbury.”
Seinfeld actor Jason Alexander remembered...
- 10/11/2022
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Film
Click here to read the full article.
Billy Eichner further addressed the box office performance of Bros after its disappointing opening weekend and his controversial Twitter response.
Speaking at the New Yorker Festival in Chelsea on Friday, alongside Harvey Fierstein, who makes a brief appearance in the film, Eichner was asked whether he believes homophobia was the factor that kept audience members away. During the film’s opening weekend, Bros brought in just 4.8 million, and Eichner sent a now-deleted tweet in which he referenced homophobia and the fact that some movie theaters refused to even play the trailer. In the tweet, he also encouraged “Everyone who Isn’T a homophobic weirdo” to see the film.
“Homophobia is a bigger problem than as it pertains to this silly rom-com we made, you know what I mean? But do I think it’s a factor? Yes. I think in certain parts of the country,...
Billy Eichner further addressed the box office performance of Bros after its disappointing opening weekend and his controversial Twitter response.
Speaking at the New Yorker Festival in Chelsea on Friday, alongside Harvey Fierstein, who makes a brief appearance in the film, Eichner was asked whether he believes homophobia was the factor that kept audience members away. During the film’s opening weekend, Bros brought in just 4.8 million, and Eichner sent a now-deleted tweet in which he referenced homophobia and the fact that some movie theaters refused to even play the trailer. In the tweet, he also encouraged “Everyone who Isn’T a homophobic weirdo” to see the film.
“Homophobia is a bigger problem than as it pertains to this silly rom-com we made, you know what I mean? But do I think it’s a factor? Yes. I think in certain parts of the country,...
- 10/8/2022
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A New Yorker Festival panel with actor and comedian Billy Eichner and playwright and actor Harvey Fierstein, who both appear in Bros, turned into an onstage post-mortem about the gay rom-com’s disappointing opening.
Fierstein, who has a cameo role in the film, criticized Universal’s “history-lesson” marketing and the studio’s decision to open it wide given that the high-stakes release pattern meant that the pitch took a hectoring turn. It then had to cajole a broad cross-section of people to buy tickets, not an easy feat even before the climate grew even dicier for theatrical comedies coming out of Covid. The result: a 4.8 million weekend, about 40 below expectations.
In his signature rasp, Fierstein blasted “the whole idea of putting this movie out with this idea of, ‘The first ever gay movie! Starring a gay homo! And written by a big homo … but produced by heterosexuals! I mean, ‘Is...
Fierstein, who has a cameo role in the film, criticized Universal’s “history-lesson” marketing and the studio’s decision to open it wide given that the high-stakes release pattern meant that the pitch took a hectoring turn. It then had to cajole a broad cross-section of people to buy tickets, not an easy feat even before the climate grew even dicier for theatrical comedies coming out of Covid. The result: a 4.8 million weekend, about 40 below expectations.
In his signature rasp, Fierstein blasted “the whole idea of putting this movie out with this idea of, ‘The first ever gay movie! Starring a gay homo! And written by a big homo … but produced by heterosexuals! I mean, ‘Is...
- 10/8/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
“Success has many fathers,” the old saying goes, “but failure is an orphan.” Nonetheless, that orphan has no shortage of forensic surgeons ready to give it an autopsy. As early as Saturday of the opening weekend of the Universal gay romantic comedy “Bros,” the Monday-morning quarterbacking began, as various corners of the internet came forward with their reasons why the film’s grosses were a disappointment.
The marketing was too focused on its status as the first major-studio LGBTQ rom-com! It was too white! The poster was off-putting! The title was vague! Billy Eichner and Luke Macfarlane aren’t big enough names to open a movie! People don’t go to rom-coms during Halloween season! People don’t go to rom-coms, full stop! The reasons seemed endless. Sometimes they were thoughtful. Sometimes.
If you’re familiar with “Bros” star and co-writer Eichner’s work on “Billy on the Street” or “Difficult People,...
The marketing was too focused on its status as the first major-studio LGBTQ rom-com! It was too white! The poster was off-putting! The title was vague! Billy Eichner and Luke Macfarlane aren’t big enough names to open a movie! People don’t go to rom-coms during Halloween season! People don’t go to rom-coms, full stop! The reasons seemed endless. Sometimes they were thoughtful. Sometimes.
If you’re familiar with “Bros” star and co-writer Eichner’s work on “Billy on the Street” or “Difficult People,...
- 10/6/2022
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
It’s not often that a major Broadway musical lands its ideal lead six months after beginning performances and opening to mixed reviews. Then again, it’s an anomaly that a star with the credentials of Lea Michele would agree to step in as a replacement lead. But Michele’s tenacious determination to test her skills as Fanny Brice, a role she clearly considers the part of a lifetime, puts her in uncommon territory.
To get the headline news out of the way first, Michele gives a sensational performance in Funny Girl. While her predecessor in the Broadway revival, Beanie Feldstein, was a sweetly captivating presence who leaned hard on the comedy, her light, pleasant singing voice put her out of her depth with numbers that called for supple modulation and commanding power.
Perhaps even more crucially, the hunger that defines early 20th...
It’s not often that a major Broadway musical lands its ideal lead six months after beginning performances and opening to mixed reviews. Then again, it’s an anomaly that a star with the credentials of Lea Michele would agree to step in as a replacement lead. But Michele’s tenacious determination to test her skills as Fanny Brice, a role she clearly considers the part of a lifetime, puts her in uncommon territory.
To get the headline news out of the way first, Michele gives a sensational performance in Funny Girl. While her predecessor in the Broadway revival, Beanie Feldstein, was a sweetly captivating presence who leaned hard on the comedy, her light, pleasant singing voice put her out of her depth with numbers that called for supple modulation and commanding power.
Perhaps even more crucially, the hunger that defines early 20th...
- 10/3/2022
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Billy Eichner is calling out straight people for not seeing “Bros” in theaters.
The Judd Apatow-produced romantic comedy opened to 4.8 million at the box office after premiering at TIFF and receiving strong reviews. However, lead star and co-writer Eichner is bemoaning the lack of audiences showing up in theaters as “homophobic,” especially in “certain parts of the country.”
“Everyone who Isn’T a homophobic weirdo should go see Bros tonight! You will have a blast! And it is special and uniquely powerful to see this particular story on a big screen, esp for queer folks who don’t get this opportunity often. I love this movie so much. Go Bros!!!,” Eichner tweeted.
“Bros” centers on a podcast host (Eichner) who is tasked with writing a romance film that appeals to straight audiences, in a meta twist. In real life, Eichner penned the script for “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” with director Nicholas Stoller,...
The Judd Apatow-produced romantic comedy opened to 4.8 million at the box office after premiering at TIFF and receiving strong reviews. However, lead star and co-writer Eichner is bemoaning the lack of audiences showing up in theaters as “homophobic,” especially in “certain parts of the country.”
“Everyone who Isn’T a homophobic weirdo should go see Bros tonight! You will have a blast! And it is special and uniquely powerful to see this particular story on a big screen, esp for queer folks who don’t get this opportunity often. I love this movie so much. Go Bros!!!,” Eichner tweeted.
“Bros” centers on a podcast host (Eichner) who is tasked with writing a romance film that appeals to straight audiences, in a meta twist. In real life, Eichner penned the script for “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” with director Nicholas Stoller,...
- 10/3/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
Actor Billy Eichner didn’t hold back when taking to Twitter on Sunday to comment on the dismal box office opening of his new comedy, Bros.
The Universal film — which marks the first gay romantic comedy released by a major Hollywood studio — debuted to a dismal 4.8 million after doing little business in much of middle America and the south.
“Everyone who Isn’T a homophobic weirdo should go see Bros tonight! You will have a blast! And it is special and uniquely powerful to see this particular story on a big screen, esp for queer folks who don’t get this opportunity often. I love this movie so much. Go Bros!!!,” tweeted Eichner.
Universal has stayed in the comedy business, even as the genre struggles theatrically and increasingly becomes the purview of streaming. Among the studios longtime partners are Bros producer Judd Apatow and director-writer Nicholas Stoller,...
Actor Billy Eichner didn’t hold back when taking to Twitter on Sunday to comment on the dismal box office opening of his new comedy, Bros.
The Universal film — which marks the first gay romantic comedy released by a major Hollywood studio — debuted to a dismal 4.8 million after doing little business in much of middle America and the south.
“Everyone who Isn’T a homophobic weirdo should go see Bros tonight! You will have a blast! And it is special and uniquely powerful to see this particular story on a big screen, esp for queer folks who don’t get this opportunity often. I love this movie so much. Go Bros!!!,” tweeted Eichner.
Universal has stayed in the comedy business, even as the genre struggles theatrically and increasingly becomes the purview of streaming. Among the studios longtime partners are Bros producer Judd Apatow and director-writer Nicholas Stoller,...
- 10/3/2022
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on Wbgr-fm on September 29th, 2022, reviewing “Bros,” a mainstream studio Lbgtq+ romantic comedy, with all cast members who are queer portrayed by Lbgtq+ actors. In theaters now.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Billy Eichner (of “Billy on the Street”) has his first major lead role as Bobby, a podcaster who is gay, 40 years old and has never had a major relationship. He survives through a series of increasingly shallow hook-ups, until he is suddenly smitten by Aaron (Luke Macfarlane), a hunky estate lawyer. They both play hard to get, but eventually both get got and end up together. Can this budding couple survive Bobby’s attempt to open a new LGBTQ+ National Museum in New York City, constant gay lifestyle temptation and meeting Aaron’s parents?
“Bros” is in theaters beginning September 30th Featuring Billy Eichner, Luke Macfarlane, Jim Rash,...
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Billy Eichner (of “Billy on the Street”) has his first major lead role as Bobby, a podcaster who is gay, 40 years old and has never had a major relationship. He survives through a series of increasingly shallow hook-ups, until he is suddenly smitten by Aaron (Luke Macfarlane), a hunky estate lawyer. They both play hard to get, but eventually both get got and end up together. Can this budding couple survive Bobby’s attempt to open a new LGBTQ+ National Museum in New York City, constant gay lifestyle temptation and meeting Aaron’s parents?
“Bros” is in theaters beginning September 30th Featuring Billy Eichner, Luke Macfarlane, Jim Rash,...
- 10/1/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
“Smile,” the horror film from Paramount and writer-director Parker Finn, made 2 million at the box office Thursday in its preview screenings from roughly 3,000 screens and that began at 7 p.m. It opens on 3,648 screens this weekend.
“Smile” opens alongside Universal’s “Bros,” the LGBTQ+ and R-rated romantic comedy from writer and star Billy Eichner. “Bros” brought in 500,000 at the box office in its own preview screenings from 2,700 theaters that began at 5 p.m. It opens on 3,350 screens this weekend.
Neither “Smile” or “Bros” is expected to break the 20 million mark this weekend, a disappointing trend for movies this month at the box office, though both have modest budgets and hope to turn a profit on the backs of strong reviews for each and some creative viral marketing, whether it’s eerily grinning fans at a baseball game or Eichner running down New York City streets with Paul Rudd and a pack of lesbians.
“Smile” opens alongside Universal’s “Bros,” the LGBTQ+ and R-rated romantic comedy from writer and star Billy Eichner. “Bros” brought in 500,000 at the box office in its own preview screenings from 2,700 theaters that began at 5 p.m. It opens on 3,350 screens this weekend.
Neither “Smile” or “Bros” is expected to break the 20 million mark this weekend, a disappointing trend for movies this month at the box office, though both have modest budgets and hope to turn a profit on the backs of strong reviews for each and some creative viral marketing, whether it’s eerily grinning fans at a baseball game or Eichner running down New York City streets with Paul Rudd and a pack of lesbians.
- 9/30/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Nick Stoller and Billy Eichner’s “Bros” has plenty going for it beyond its allegedly boundary-breaking elements — Eichner, who co-wrote the film and stars in it, called it “the first gay rom-com ever released by a major studio” earlier this year, which is kind of true, but also not at all essential for enjoying the film on its own merits — and should (hopefully) prove to be box office catnip for audiences starved for funny, sexy, sweet romantic comedies.
“Bros” stars an entirely Lgtbq+ cast and centers on Eichner as a jaded podcast host who falls for Hallmark Channel alum Luke Macfarlane; the cast also includes Harvey Fierstein, Bowen Yang, Symone, Miss Lawrence, Guy Branum, Guillermo Diaz, Amanda Bearse, and Ts Madison.
As Eichner’s Bobby Lieber jokes throughout the film — it’s even part and parcel of its latest trailer — finding a way to tell gay stories for straight audiences is confusing at best,...
“Bros” stars an entirely Lgtbq+ cast and centers on Eichner as a jaded podcast host who falls for Hallmark Channel alum Luke Macfarlane; the cast also includes Harvey Fierstein, Bowen Yang, Symone, Miss Lawrence, Guy Branum, Guillermo Diaz, Amanda Bearse, and Ts Madison.
As Eichner’s Bobby Lieber jokes throughout the film — it’s even part and parcel of its latest trailer — finding a way to tell gay stories for straight audiences is confusing at best,...
- 9/30/2022
- by Kate Erbland, Ryan Lattanzio and Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Let’s get the historical housekeeping out of the way first: “Bros” is the first gay rom-com to be released by a major studio, an accomplishment with its share of codicils — there have been other queer films released by majors but they weren’t romantic comedies, there have been LGBTQ+ films of all stripes released by studios, but always by their indie shingle.
That’s a lot of historical baggage for any one film to have to carry, but it matters that the film succeeds at the rom-com just as much as it deserves notice for its narrowly defined status as “first.” Star and co-writer Billy Eichner spins a lot of plates here, crafting a hilarious and heartfelt film that also acknowledges the challenging and often hidden history of queer people in American society.
It’s also clear that Eichner fully understands his privilege; the film opens with his character,...
That’s a lot of historical baggage for any one film to have to carry, but it matters that the film succeeds at the rom-com just as much as it deserves notice for its narrowly defined status as “first.” Star and co-writer Billy Eichner spins a lot of plates here, crafting a hilarious and heartfelt film that also acknowledges the challenging and often hidden history of queer people in American society.
It’s also clear that Eichner fully understands his privilege; the film opens with his character,...
- 9/28/2022
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
September has been notoriously more off-kilter than normal with no movie opening north of 20 million – at least, so far. The month isn’t over, and two movies opening wide this weekend will make an effort to keep film lovers satisfied until some of the bigger holiday and awards fare. This will be a particularly interesting week since both new flicks will open in north of 3,000 theaters, and they’re so different from each other, business could essentially be split between them. Read on for Gold Derby’s box office preview.
Comedian Billy Eichner made a name for himself with his “Billy on the Street” videos, first on YouTube and then on cable, where he would go up to some unassuming people on the street and yell things at them. (Maybe it’s a little more clever than that.) Eichner has come a long way, and with his new movie “Bros,...
Comedian Billy Eichner made a name for himself with his “Billy on the Street” videos, first on YouTube and then on cable, where he would go up to some unassuming people on the street and yell things at them. (Maybe it’s a little more clever than that.) Eichner has come a long way, and with his new movie “Bros,...
- 9/28/2022
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
Billy Eichner’s “Bros” is bowing out of the Middle East.
Universal Pictures confirmed the first R-rated gay rom-com ever made by a major studio will not debut in Middle East markets “due to cultural and commercial reasons,” per a source. The film premieres in the U.S. September 30 and will be rolled out in most international markets throughout October and November.
“Bros” is expected to not screen in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Kuwait, especially after those respective nations have previously banned films with queer themes, much like “Lightyear” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” earlier this year.
“Bros” stars Eichner as a podcaster and museum executive who has a complicated courtship with a lawyer who is seemingly out of his league, played by Luke Macfarlane. “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” helmer Nicholas Stoller directs the film with an entirely queer cast, including Bowen Yang, Jim Rash,...
Universal Pictures confirmed the first R-rated gay rom-com ever made by a major studio will not debut in Middle East markets “due to cultural and commercial reasons,” per a source. The film premieres in the U.S. September 30 and will be rolled out in most international markets throughout October and November.
“Bros” is expected to not screen in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Kuwait, especially after those respective nations have previously banned films with queer themes, much like “Lightyear” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” earlier this year.
“Bros” stars Eichner as a podcaster and museum executive who has a complicated courtship with a lawyer who is seemingly out of his league, played by Luke Macfarlane. “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” helmer Nicholas Stoller directs the film with an entirely queer cast, including Bowen Yang, Jim Rash,...
- 9/23/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Billy Eichner’s “Bros” will be making history upon its release as the first R-rated gay rom-com ever made by a major studio, but that historical record certainly won’t include the Middle East.
The Universal movie, which hits the U.S. box office on Sept. 30, is set to roll out across most international markets in October and November, but is pre-emptively skipping any kind of release in Middle East markets due to cultural and commercial reasons, sources close to the studio tell Variety.
It’s still unclear exactly what markets in the region will be affected, but it’s likely to include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Kuwait — all of which are notorious for censoring movies over even the slightest hint of LGBTQ themes or content.
And, as anyone who has seen “Bros” will tell you, the film — to its credit — is anything but subtle in depicting gay romance and sexuality,...
The Universal movie, which hits the U.S. box office on Sept. 30, is set to roll out across most international markets in October and November, but is pre-emptively skipping any kind of release in Middle East markets due to cultural and commercial reasons, sources close to the studio tell Variety.
It’s still unclear exactly what markets in the region will be affected, but it’s likely to include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Kuwait — all of which are notorious for censoring movies over even the slightest hint of LGBTQ themes or content.
And, as anyone who has seen “Bros” will tell you, the film — to its credit — is anything but subtle in depicting gay romance and sexuality,...
- 9/23/2022
- by Manori Ravindran and Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
“Billy on the Street” is back — and with Paul Rudd.
After three years of waiting, a new episode of the hilarious rapid-fire series dropped online Tuesday, which Eichner announced in a tweet on Monday.
“Surprise! The first Billy On The Street In 3 Years drops Tomorrow!!!!!!” Eichner wrote on Twitter alongside a photo of Eichner and the “Ant-Man” actor sporting merchandise for the upcoming LGBTQ rom-com “Bros,” which Eichner stars in and co-wrote.
Indeed, the nearly three-minute episode features Rudd and Eichner running around New York City demanding straight people see “Bros,” which premieres in theaters Sept. 30.
“I’m out here back on the street with famous and beloved straight man Paul Rudd,” Eichner says in the episode’s intro. “We’re going to spread the word about my new movie ‘Bros.’ … Let’s bro!”
The shenanigans that ensue include Rudd physically carrying a man to see the movie, Eichner yelling...
After three years of waiting, a new episode of the hilarious rapid-fire series dropped online Tuesday, which Eichner announced in a tweet on Monday.
“Surprise! The first Billy On The Street In 3 Years drops Tomorrow!!!!!!” Eichner wrote on Twitter alongside a photo of Eichner and the “Ant-Man” actor sporting merchandise for the upcoming LGBTQ rom-com “Bros,” which Eichner stars in and co-wrote.
Indeed, the nearly three-minute episode features Rudd and Eichner running around New York City demanding straight people see “Bros,” which premieres in theaters Sept. 30.
“I’m out here back on the street with famous and beloved straight man Paul Rudd,” Eichner says in the episode’s intro. “We’re going to spread the word about my new movie ‘Bros.’ … Let’s bro!”
The shenanigans that ensue include Rudd physically carrying a man to see the movie, Eichner yelling...
- 9/20/2022
- by Katie Reul and Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
A memory piece in four extraordinary voices, Sébastien Lifshitz’s sharp and tender documentary reveals the secret history of an underground network created by cross-dressing men and transgender women in the 1950s and ’60s. Casa Susanna takes its title from the secluded Catskills resort that became a refuge for pathfinders from around the world at a time when many countries’ laws and social norms were aligned against them. Two of these pioneering trans woman, octogenarians at the time of filming, are interviewed for the doc, recalling the rustic retreat’s crucial role in their journey to self-realization. The other two subjects, now entering their 70s, were children during the Casa’s heyday, with family ties to the uncommon New York bungalow colony.
The French filmmaker, who has explored the transgender experience in a number of films, among them the narrative drama Wild Side...
A memory piece in four extraordinary voices, Sébastien Lifshitz’s sharp and tender documentary reveals the secret history of an underground network created by cross-dressing men and transgender women in the 1950s and ’60s. Casa Susanna takes its title from the secluded Catskills resort that became a refuge for pathfinders from around the world at a time when many countries’ laws and social norms were aligned against them. Two of these pioneering trans woman, octogenarians at the time of filming, are interviewed for the doc, recalling the rustic retreat’s crucial role in their journey to self-realization. The other two subjects, now entering their 70s, were children during the Casa’s heyday, with family ties to the uncommon New York bungalow colony.
The French filmmaker, who has explored the transgender experience in a number of films, among them the narrative drama Wild Side...
- 9/17/2022
- by Sheri Linden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Don’t let it rain on your parade if you haven’t been able to get tickets to see Lea Michele in the 2022 revival of Broadway’s Funny Girl. Michele’s September 6 debut date almost entirely sold out after the house had played to 65 capacity, and despite Michele’s abrupt performance cancellations due to testing positive Covid-19, ticket prices continue to soar for her return. So what is it about her casting that’s made the show’s popularity increase, and why is it so controversial?
The revival opened on...
The revival opened on...
- 9/12/2022
- by Sage Anderson
- Rollingstone.com
Tucked in a corner of the Catskills, Casa Susanna was a modest private resort where cross-dressing heterosexual men and transgender women gathered on summer weekends through the 1950s and ‘60s to live as their true selves, dressed in the ladies’ fashion of the day and engaging in bourgeois social activities such as taking snapshots.
Over the past 15 years, a handful of articles, academic research, and photography exhibitions (and let’s not forget the 2014 Tony-nominated play by Harvey Fierstein) have gradually opened the door to this secret subculture of Cold War America.
Now “Casa Susanna,” a new documentary by French filmmaker Sébastien Lifshitz, flings it open.
Following a warmly received world premiere in Venice and screenings this week in Toronto, “Casa” lands this fall at BFI London Film Festival and select U.S. and international festivals. PBS Intl., which has global rights and is receiving strong interest, is planning an awards campaign for this year.
Over the past 15 years, a handful of articles, academic research, and photography exhibitions (and let’s not forget the 2014 Tony-nominated play by Harvey Fierstein) have gradually opened the door to this secret subculture of Cold War America.
Now “Casa Susanna,” a new documentary by French filmmaker Sébastien Lifshitz, flings it open.
Following a warmly received world premiere in Venice and screenings this week in Toronto, “Casa” lands this fall at BFI London Film Festival and select U.S. and international festivals. PBS Intl., which has global rights and is receiving strong interest, is planning an awards campaign for this year.
- 9/12/2022
- by Jennie Punter
- Variety Film + TV
Billy Eichner’s ‘Bros’ is breaking all kinds of barriers: It’s the first gay rom-com ever made by a major studio, the first with an all openly LGBTQ cast and Eichner is the first openly gay man to ever write and star in a studio movie.
Audiences finally got to see the movie for themselves in Toronto on Friday evening and, judging by the shrieks of laughter throughout the screening, it was a hit.
“I want to thank TIFF for letting a comedy into a movie festival!” Eichner yelled into the audience before the film rolled, making a valid point about the dearth of studio comedies that world premiere at top international film festivals.
Eichner stars in ‘Bros’ as Bobby, a frail museum head who’s down on his luck with the complicated, modern dating world. That is, until he runs into Luke Macfarlane’s Aaron, a buff lawyer...
Audiences finally got to see the movie for themselves in Toronto on Friday evening and, judging by the shrieks of laughter throughout the screening, it was a hit.
“I want to thank TIFF for letting a comedy into a movie festival!” Eichner yelled into the audience before the film rolled, making a valid point about the dearth of studio comedies that world premiere at top international film festivals.
Eichner stars in ‘Bros’ as Bobby, a frail museum head who’s down on his luck with the complicated, modern dating world. That is, until he runs into Luke Macfarlane’s Aaron, a buff lawyer...
- 9/10/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
The major studio rom-com is back with a flourish, but it took Billy Eichner and Nicholas Stoller to prove the format still works, even if this time it is two gay men who are the ones who find love against all odds.
Although Bros is indeed making history as the first major studio film with an all LGBTQ principal cast, and the first to star and be co-written by an openly gay man, ultimately what it has to say about how hard it is to find the perfect someone to spend your life with is truly universal. Don’t get me wrong. Much of the humor in Bros comes from situations and attitudes specific to gay culture, but you don’t have to be gay to laugh out loud at most of it.
It must be seen in a theater as I did tonight with a rollicking full house at...
Although Bros is indeed making history as the first major studio film with an all LGBTQ principal cast, and the first to star and be co-written by an openly gay man, ultimately what it has to say about how hard it is to find the perfect someone to spend your life with is truly universal. Don’t get me wrong. Much of the humor in Bros comes from situations and attitudes specific to gay culture, but you don’t have to be gay to laugh out loud at most of it.
It must be seen in a theater as I did tonight with a rollicking full house at...
- 9/10/2022
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Did Billy Eichner’s “Bros” just make history at the Toronto International Film Festival? It certainly felt like it.
The Universal movie is breaking all kinds of barriers: It’s the first gay rom-com ever made by a major studio, the first with an all openly LGBTQ cast and Eichner is the first openly gay man to ever write and star in a studio movie. Audiences finally got to see the movie for themselves in Toronto on Friday night and, judging by the shrieks of laughter throughout the screening, it was a hit.
“I want to thank TIFF for letting a comedy into a movie festival!” Eichner yelled into the audience before the film rolled, making a valid point about the dearth of studio comedies that world premiere at top international film festivals.
Eichner stars in “Bros” as Bobby, a frail museum head who’s down on his luck with the complicated,...
The Universal movie is breaking all kinds of barriers: It’s the first gay rom-com ever made by a major studio, the first with an all openly LGBTQ cast and Eichner is the first openly gay man to ever write and star in a studio movie. Audiences finally got to see the movie for themselves in Toronto on Friday night and, judging by the shrieks of laughter throughout the screening, it was a hit.
“I want to thank TIFF for letting a comedy into a movie festival!” Eichner yelled into the audience before the film rolled, making a valid point about the dearth of studio comedies that world premiere at top international film festivals.
Eichner stars in “Bros” as Bobby, a frail museum head who’s down on his luck with the complicated,...
- 9/10/2022
- by Manori Ravindran and Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Lea Michelle’s Broadway run of Funny Girl is beginning after it was announced this July that she would be taking over the role of Fanny Brice from Beanie Feldstein, who had been garnering a mixed reception in the role.
Michele’s opening night was Tuesday and celebs like Ryan Murphy, Jonathan Groff, Zachary Quinto and Harvey Fierstein were there to support her.
Michele reportedly received four standing ovations before the show’s intermission, with the first one occurring just when she took the stage at the August Wilson Theatre without even singing a note. The show ended with seven total standing ovations in honor of Michele’s performance.
There were even modifications made to this version of the show. The song “I’d Rather Be Blue Over You,” which they had cut from the Feldstein revival run, has been since added to the show
Interestingly, Michele performed alongside Tova Feldshuh as Ms.
Michele’s opening night was Tuesday and celebs like Ryan Murphy, Jonathan Groff, Zachary Quinto and Harvey Fierstein were there to support her.
Michele reportedly received four standing ovations before the show’s intermission, with the first one occurring just when she took the stage at the August Wilson Theatre without even singing a note. The show ended with seven total standing ovations in honor of Michele’s performance.
There were even modifications made to this version of the show. The song “I’d Rather Be Blue Over You,” which they had cut from the Feldstein revival run, has been since added to the show
Interestingly, Michele performed alongside Tova Feldshuh as Ms.
- 9/8/2022
- by Jacob Linden
- Uinterview
Lea Michele is the toast of Broadway!
The “Glee” alum made her debut as Fanny Brice in the Broadway revival of “Funny Girl” on Tuesday night, with her performance met by not just one standing ovation but four — and that was just at the end of the first intermission.
Deadline reports that Michele’s first performance in the iconic musical — in which she takes over the role of Fanny Brice from Beanie Feldstein — received a rapturous reception from the audience, receiving her first standing O when she took to the stage, and then three more before the end of the first act.
Read More: Lea Michele Sings ‘I’m The Greatest Star’ In Promo For ‘Funny Girl’ On Broadway
Among those spotted in the audience were her former “Spring Awakening” co-star Jonathan Groff, “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy and Harvey Fierstein, who added new material to the new revival of the classic musical,...
The “Glee” alum made her debut as Fanny Brice in the Broadway revival of “Funny Girl” on Tuesday night, with her performance met by not just one standing ovation but four — and that was just at the end of the first intermission.
Deadline reports that Michele’s first performance in the iconic musical — in which she takes over the role of Fanny Brice from Beanie Feldstein — received a rapturous reception from the audience, receiving her first standing O when she took to the stage, and then three more before the end of the first act.
Read More: Lea Michele Sings ‘I’m The Greatest Star’ In Promo For ‘Funny Girl’ On Broadway
Among those spotted in the audience were her former “Spring Awakening” co-star Jonathan Groff, “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy and Harvey Fierstein, who added new material to the new revival of the classic musical,...
- 9/7/2022
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
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