Theater Review: 'The Queen of Versailles' with Kristin Chenoweth gets lost in a Hall of Mirrors
NEW YORK (AP) — The new Broadway show "The Queen of Versailles" feels unfinished, despite reuniting Kristin Chenoweth with "Wicked" songwriter Stephen Schwartz, Associated Press critic Mark Kennedy says. Based on a 2012 documentary, it explores socialite Jackie Siegel's attempt to build America's largest private home. The musical, which opened Sunday at the St. James Theatre, struggles to find its tone, wavering between ridicule and admiration. It misses the chance to comment on wealth inequality. Set against the backdrop of Trump's America, the show features extravagant elements but lacks memorable songs. Despite a tryout in Boston, Kennedy says it still feels like a work in progress.
'Predator: Badlands' tops box office with $80 million worldwide
NEW YORK (AP) — "Predator: Badlands" has topped the North American box office with a $40 million debut, according to studio estimates. This marks a new high for the franchise, surpassing the $38.3 million opening of 2004’s "Alien vs. Predator." The film, written and directed by Dan Trachtenberg, also earned $40 million overseas. Despite a challenging box office climate, "Predator: Badlands" has performed well, receiving positive reviews and an “A-” CinemaScore. Other new releases, like "Die My Love" and "Christy," struggled to make a significant impact, while "Sarah’s Oil" emerged as the best performer among newcomers.
How Gary Sinise is helping the nonprofit CreatiVets build ‘a place to go when the PTSD hits’
NASHVILLE (AP) — The nonprofit CreatiVets is transforming a once-abandoned church in Nashville into a 24-hour arts center for veterans and a community hub. Not only will the new center house the nonprofit's programs, including its songwriting program where veterans work with Nashville songwriters to make music out of their experiences in military service, it will provide a place where veterans can gather any time of day. CreatiVets co-founder Richard Casper, a Purple Heart recipient, says the center will offer creative outlets when PTSD strikes. It's an idea that resonated with actor/philanthropist Gary Sinise, who helped fund the effort through his Gary Sinise Foundation.
Fedora man unmasked: Meet the teen behind the Louvre mystery photo
PARIS (AP) — Fifteen-year-old Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux has become an internet sensation after an Associated Press photo captured him outside the Louvre on the day of a crown jewels heist. The image shows him in a fedora and a three-piece, sparking online speculation that he was a detective or even AI-generated. Pedro, a fan of classic detectives like Sherlock Holmes, decided to keep the mystery alive. He lives near Paris and often dresses in vintage style, inspired by historical figures. Despite the viral fame, he remains a regular teenager, amused by the attention and open to future opportunities.
What to Stream: 'Freakier Friday,' NF, 'Landman,' 'Palm Royale' and Black Ops 7
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Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan re-teaming as the body-swapping mother and daughter duo in “Freakier Friday” and albums from 5 Seconds of Summer and the rapper NF 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 Nov. 10 as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists are Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys teaming up for the new limited-series thriller “The Beast in Me,” gamers get Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Apple TV’s star-studded “Palm Royale” is back.
At 101, WWII veteran Irving Locker has become a songwriter
NASHVILLE (AP) — Irving Locker, a World War II veteran, has become a published songwriter at 101. Just before his birthday, his song “If Freedom Was Free” was released by Big Machine Label Group and CreatiVets. Locker collaborated with Texas singer-songwriter Bart Crow and duo Johnny and Heidi Bulford. The song's chorus reflects Locker's message that freedom isn't free, a theme he shares in lectures. Locker, who lives in Florida, finds joy in music and dancing with his wife of 77 years, Bernice. He feels grateful for life and acknowledges the role of faith during the war.
Cyndi Lauper calls for courage and Salt-N-Pepa romp through 'Push It' as they join Rock Hall of Fame
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cyndi Lauper has turned “True Colors” into a powerful anthem at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. On Saturday, she led an all-star jam with artists like Chris Robinson and Bryan Adams to honor fellow Rock Hall inductee Joe Cocker. Lauper acknowledges the women who paved the way for her and those who follow. Salt-N-Pepa also celebrated women's power in music, performing hits like “Push It” and “What a Man.” Outkast doesn't perform together, but Big Boi and Andre 3000 share heartfelt speeches. Soundgarden's segment includes emotional tributes to Chris Cornell. The White Stripes and other rock legends received rousing tributes, making the night unforgettable.
Salman Rushdie is being honored with a Dayton peace prize lifetime achievement award
DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Salman Rushdie is among those being honored at the Dayton Literary Peace Prize event in Ohio. The famed writer was receiving a lifetime achievement award Sunday after publishing his first work of fiction since being stabbed on a New York lecture stage three years ago. The prizes honor both literary merit and the writers’ promotion of peace through their work, with separate awards annually for fiction, nonfiction and lifetime achievement. Rushdie is best known for his novel, “The Satanic Verses,” and the call for his death in 1989 from Iran's spiritual leader. He was blinded in one eye from the 2022 attack. His latest work is “The Eleventh Hour.”
Top BBC bosses resign after criticism of the broadcaster’s editing of a Trump speech
LONDON (AP) — The head of the BBC has resigned after criticism of the broadcaster’s editing of a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump. The BBC said that director-general Tim Davie and news CEO Deborah Turness both announced their resignations on Sunday. Britain’s public broadcaster has been criticized for editing a speech Trump made on Jan. 6, 2021, before protesters attacked the Capitol in Washington. Critics said the way the speech was edited for a BBC documentary last year was misleading and cut out a section where Trump said that he wanted supporters to demonstrate peacefully.
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