Hollywood Blog

You’re The One That I Want

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The search is on for the new Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski. The names don’t ring a bell? These are the lead characters played by John Travolta and Olivia Newton John in the movie “Grease”. Now, a different kind of audition and one of the biggest casting calls has taken place to bring in the new leads for the original high school musical.

Talk about American Idol meets Broadway. You’re The One That I Want is reality TV show that is the biggest casting call for the lead role of the hit musical. The 12 finalists were chosen from among thousands of hopefuls. Everyone from teenagers to housewives; in fact anyone who wants to get on Broadway, had musical talent and loved the show has tried out. There’s a very real gem of a prize at the end – performing on Broadway and not just a trophy and cheque.

The only female judge for the show is Kathleen Marshall, who is the Director and choreographer for the upcoming production. She is joined by co-creator of the musical, Jim Jacobs and David Ian, the theatrical producer. The show will be hosted by Billy Bush of Access Hollywood” and British Star Denise Van Outen.

Olivia Newton John is scheduled to guest on the first two episodes of the show as well.

[tags] Grease,reality TV,Broadway, Olivia Newton-John [/tags]

Originally posted on January 8, 2007 @ 11:05 am

Cruel Season On American Idol

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America’s favorite singing reality TV show is back for its sixth season and this time around Simon Cowell isn’t the only mean boy around. It looks like everyone is getting in on it and the hopeful contestants as well as the viewers don’t like it. Most feel that the judges have gone too far.

Fox Broadcast Co.’s entertainment president Peter Liquori has been defending Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. He denies that the judges bash the unfortunate contestants that they feel lack talent. It is rather difficult to contradict the accusations of unnecessary cruelty when they make statements comparing a contestant’s appearance to that of a bush baby like Simon Cowell did or telling a vocal coach that they will never recommend that they teach anyone to sing.

Cowell says that anybody who auditions for the show should be prepared for the comments they will get. Randy Jackson says that they are appalled at how people who really can’t sing refuse to accept that they really don’t have the necessary talent to qualify.

The sad part is that none of this will have any effect to the show. It will keep on airing. People will still audition and someone will still be chosen as this year’s American Idol.

Originally posted on January 22, 2007 @ 12:45 am

Farewell, Joseph Barbera

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Tom and Jerry, The Flinstones, Josie and The Pussycats, Scooby Doo, The Smurfs…These are but a few of the legacy left behind by animation giant, Joseph Barbera. He passed away this week at the age of 95.

Joseph Barbera’s creations have entertained millions the world over. They made Saturday mornings the best time for kids. Joseph Barbera and his partner William Hanna together produced hundreds of thousands of shows since the 1940’s. They were pioneers in television animation.

Barbera was a great animator. He used to draw and paint each individual piece of celluloid film that was used in the Tom and Jerry Show, the cartoon that won them several Oscars. He also thought up most of the dialogue for the characters. He had many ideas and was constantly coming up with new plots and characters, long after Hanna-Barbera had been bought by Turner -� which� became Cartoon Network – and later purchased by Time Warner.

No matter though who owns the creations, the cartoons that Joseph Barbera and his partner brought to life will never be forgotten. He, and William Hanna, will truly be missed.

[tags] Joseph Barbera,Hanna-Barbera,cartoons,Tom and Jerry [/tags]

Originally posted on December 20, 2006 @ 6:15 pm

Oprah’s Reality TV Shows

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Oprah has two new projects in the works. Her latest venture: feel good reality TV. The shows are titled “Oprah Winfrey’s Big Give” and “Your Money or Your Life” and will be produced by Harpo and ABC.

“Oprah Winfrey’s Big Give” is all about charity. The shows 10 participants are given money (and resources) which they have to increase. They have to be creative and ingenuous in order to mulitply the amount they have. The amount that they raise is given to others. As with most reality shows, one contestant is elminated each week. The winner gets his or her wildest dream granted.

“Your Money or Your Life” on the other hand features family in crisis. A team of experts will be coming in to help each family as they try to change in order to avert disaster; that in itself is already a gift to the family.

The point of these reality TV shows is changing lives for the better and making wishes come true. Oprah is just opening up more shows that will hopefully help people and still make great TV. There is word yet on whether Oprah will do the actual hosting for either show.

[tags] reality TV,Oprah Winfrey,HARPO,charity,family [/tags]

Originally posted on December 16, 2006 @ 4:24 pm

Dancing With The Stars Finale Tonight

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It promises to be a great show on Dancing With The Stars. It was great fun watching the celebrities have a great time and shine on the dance floor. It was definitely great entertainment. In fact, they were a surprise in the ratings, ranking below only three other shows: Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives and CSI.

Tonight is the last night of the competition. It is down to the final two pairs in this show. Who will be the winner of this season? Will it be Actor-TV Host Mario Lopez and Karina Smirnoff or will it be NFL’s Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke?

Mario Lopez is best remembered by most for his role as A.C. Slater from Saved By The Bell – which hasn’t been an advantage with the judges. He is however the best technical dancer of this batch’s competitors. His dimples are a built in advantage for him though they can’t guarantee him a win.

Emmitt Smith is better known for his prowess as running back on the football field. He has however surprised the audience, the judges and himself with his dancing abilities. The football player turned out to be a natural dancer. He is really smooth!
Mario has the advantage of being young, agile and sexy. Emmitt has a natural charm, good rhythm and a partner who complements him well. Cheryl Burke does her best to make them look great together as a pair, a skill that only the best dancers have. Of course she is also the partner of last season’s winner, Drew Lachey so this just shows that she truly is talented.

Want to know who wins? Tune in and watch the show.

[tags] Dancing With The Stars, Competition, Drew Lachey, Mario Lopez, Emmitt Smith, Cheryl Burke [/tags]

Originally posted on November 14, 2006 @ 12:17 pm