As 'The Book of Mormon' on Broadway celebrates its 15th anniversary, meet the last original actor
NEW YORK (AP) — John Eric Parker still performs in “The Book of Mormon” — the only original Broadway cast member still there after 15 years. He says the role gives him real joy, and he stays because the work still feels fresh. He also says he makes time for younger cast members who ask for help. He also worked on “Memphis,” and so, he landed two Tony-winning musicals back to back. He says the show keeps changing as the world changes around it. He says not having to hustle for the next job has freed him to give back, like being on the board of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Zendaya teases bridal-themed fashion with something old, new, borrowed ... and soon, blue?
Zendaya has a few more days to wear something blue. The actor, promoting “The Drama” with co-star Robert Pattinson, has worn something old, something new and something borrowed. It all fits in with the wedding theme of “The Drama,” an edgy comedy opening Friday about a Boston couple whose nuptials are thrown into chaos by a dark revelation. Of course, it also dovetails with the bridal theme of Zendaya’s own life. There has been unconfirmed speculation flying — fed in part by rings she’s been wearing — that the superstar is already married to Tom Holland.
Mary Beth Hurt, Tony-nominated Broadway and film actor, dies at 79
NEW YORK (AP) — Tony-nominated actor Mary Beth Hurt has died at 79 after a long career on Broadway and in film. Her daughter says Hurt died on Saturday in New Jersey. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2015. Hurt earned three Tony nominations for roles in “Trelawny of the Wells,” “Crimes of the Heart” and “Benefactors.” She also appeared in films like “The World According to Garp” and “Six Degrees of Separation.” She was married to filmmaker Paul Schrader and worked in his films “Affliction” and “Light Sleeper.” Her daughter remembers her as fierce and graceful.
Thieves steal paintings by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse from Italian private museum
ROME (AP) — Thieves have stolen three famous paintings from a private museum near Parma. Police said Monday that the works are worth millions. They say the break-in happened on the night of March 22 and 23. Police said that the thieves forced open the entrance door and grabbed the paintings. The stolen works include a Renoir, a Cézanne and a Matisse. Local media said that the thieves were out in less than three minutes and escaped through the museum gardens. The museum believes an organized gang did it. The theft adds to a run of major museum heists in Europe.
'Project Hail Mary' flies to $54.5 million second weekend, horror reaches a saturation point
NEW YORK (AP) — “Project Hail Mary” stayed aloft in its second weekend, holding strongly with $54.5 million, adding to the long-term prospects of the year’s biggest hit thus far. The Phil Lord and Chris Miller sci-fi adventure dipped only 32% after notching the best non-franchise opening weekend since 2023’s “Oppenheimer.” Amazon MGM’s yet, “Project Hail Mary” has grossed $300.8 million worldwide in two weeks. The weekend’s top new release, “They Will Kill You,” debuted with a disappointing $5 million for Warner Bros. The gory R-rated horror film starring Zazie Beetz only cost $20 million to make. But the result suggests theaters may have become oversaturated in horror.
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New York Times accuses Pentagon of flouting judge's order blocking its press access policy
WASHINGTON (AP) — A New York Times attorney claims the Pentagon has flouted a court order blocking it from enforcing a policy limiting news reporters’ access to the Defense Department’s headquarters. U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman didn’t immediately rule from the bench on Monday after hearing a second round of arguments from lawyers for the newspaper and the government. The Times claims Pentagon officials implemented a revised press policy that circumvents a prior ruling by Friedman. The newspaper urged the judge to compel the government's compliance with his March 20 order. In that ruling, Friedman said the Pentagon’s new credential policy violated journalists’ constitutional rights to free speech and due process.
Actor James Tolkan of 'Top Gun' and 'Back to the Future' fame dies at 94
Actor James Tolkan, known for his roles as a cigar-chomping naval commander in “Top Gun” and a gruff high school administrator in “Back to the Future,” has died. He was 94. Tolkan's booking agent says Tolkan died Thursday in Lake Placid, New York. In “Back to the Future,” Tolkan portrayed the bow tie-wearing Vice Principal Gerald Strickland, who eyeballed students for trouble — in particular Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox. Tolkan also portrayed commanding officer Tom “Stinger” Jardian in “Top Gun.”
What to Stream: Two doses of Amanda Seyfried, 'The Housemaid' with Sydney Sweeney and Jon Hamm robs
Amanda Seyfried starring in “The Testament of Ann Lee” and Bravo’s hit reality show “The Valley” returning for Season 3 are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time for the week of March 30 as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Jon Hamm is back stealing in his Apple TV series “Your Friends & Neighbors,” Sydney Sweeney teams up with Seyfried for the steamy thriller “The Housemaid” and Grammy-nominated country singer Charley Crockett offers his album, “Age of the Ram.”
Celebrity birthdays for the week of April 5-11 includes Paul Rudd and Kristen Stewart
Celebrities having birthdays during the week of April 5-11 include actor Paul Rudd, “Twilight” actor Kristen Stewart and musician Lil Nas X. Actor Elle Fanning turns 28, singer-guitarist Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend hits 42 and singer-guitarist John Oates of Hall and Oates welcomes 78. Other celebrities with big days include singer-actor Mandy Moore from “This is Us,” “The Sixth Sense” actor Haley Joel Osment and country singer Maren Morris. Actor Robin Wright turns 60, actor Patricia Arquette reaches 58 and bassist Ben McKee of Imagine Dragons welcomes 41. Others celebrating are talk show host Joe Scarborough and actor-model Paulina Porizkova.
Disney's new CEO opens World of Frozen in Paris as he showcases the empire that made him
CHESSY, France (AP) — Disneyland Paris has opened a huge new “Frozen” land as the centerpiece of a major park makeover. Disney unveiled World of Frozen on Sunday and renamed Walt Disney Studios Park as Disney Adventure World. The opening gives new CEO Josh D’Amaro his first big international moment since taking the top job in March. The expansion is the biggest in the resort’s 34-year history. In the park, guests ride Frozen Ever After, meet Anna and Elsa, see new attractions, dining and a lagoon show.
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