AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 1:23 p.m. EDT

A reimagined 'Cats' on Broadway features a special cat — an actor from the original 1980s musical

NEW YORK (AP) — Ken Ard makes a triumphant return to Broadway in “Cats: The Jellicle Ball.” He starred in the original “Cats” and now returns after 25 years. Ard’s journey is one of redemption, echoing New York's recovery post-9/11. He struggled with PTSD and confidence after the attacks, but this show marks his first Broadway appearance since then. Ard was inspired by the vibrant reinvention of “Cats” into the Black and Latino queer ballroom scene. He now plays DJ Griddlebone, bringing energy and history to the production. Ard hopes this marks the end of his corporate kitchen days.

Ye postpones Marseille concert after French authorities say they will seek a ban

PARIS (AP) — The rapper formerly known as Kanye West has postponed his upcoming show in Marseille. French authorities had planned to ban the concert by Ye due to a history of antisemitic remarks. Ye announced the decision on social media, expressing a desire to make amends and not put fans in the middle. The show was set for June 11 at Marseille's Stade Vélodrome. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and Marseille's mayor opposed the event. Ye has faced backlash for past antisemitic statements and actions. He has apologized, attributing his behavior to bipolar disorder.

Billy Crystal eyes return to Broadway in one-man show about the house he lost to LA wildfires

NEW YORK (AP) — Billy Crystal returns to Broadway this fall with an intimate one-man show called "860." Written and performed by Crystal, the show begins previews in October at a theater yet to be announced. The title refers to the street address of his longtime Los Angeles home, lost in last year's devastating Palisades fire. Crystal invites audiences inside "860" to share funny and touching stories about his career and family. This marks his first Broadway return since "Mr. Saturday Night" in 2022. Scott Ellis will direct the new work. Crystal's career spans comedy, TV, and film, including "When Harry Met Sally."

Anitta, like you've never heard her before. The Brazilian superstar talks new album, 'SNL' and God

NEW YORK (AP) — Anitta’s upcoming album “Equilibrium” showcases her roots with a vibrant mix of Brazilian funk, samba, bossa nova and more. “Equilibrium” is a departure from her previous album, “Funk Generation,” and includes diverse sounds and cultural influences. She calls it her “most Brazilian album.” It features collaborations with Brazilian artists and Shakira. Anitta sings in multiple languages, but Portuguese takes the lead in “Equilibrium.” She aims to celebrate diversity and unity, delivering deep messages in a pop package. The Associated Press spent time with the Brazilian superstar Anitta as she prepared to make her “Saturday Night Live” debut last week.

Madonna announces new album, a sequel two decades later, 'Confessions on a Dance Floor: Part II'

NEW YORK (AP) — As Madonna sang in her 2005 hit, “Hung Up,” time goes by so slowly. But it continues to move. On Wednesday, the pop superstar announced she’ll release a new album, “Confessions on a Dance Floor: Part II,” on July 3. That's 21 years after the original. The album is a sequel to her 2005 release, “Confessions on a Dance Floor.” It is also her first full-length since 2019’s “Madame X.” The original “Confessions” has been widely regarded as a return to the top of her powers, dance-pop disco for a new era of clubgoers. It was certified platinum in 2005 and won a Grammy for best electronic/dance album in 2006.

‘Mormon Wives’ star Taylor Frankie Paul will not face new domestic violence charges

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah reality star Taylor Frankie Paul will not be charged in recent fights with her former partner, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office said. Police in the Salt Lake City suburbs of Draper City and West Jordan have been investigating claims of domestic violence from Paul’s ex-partner Dakota Mortensen. The pair shares a 2-year-old son. Any new charges against Paul would have violated her probation. Paul is a star of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and a recently scrubbed season of “The Bachelorette.” The pair has filed dueling petitions for protective orders against one another that will be the subject of an April 30 hearing.

BBC will cut up to 2,000 jobs to reduce costs by about 10%

LONDON (AP) — The BBC plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs to save 10% of its annual budget. The national broadcaster announced the layoffs on Wednesday. They mark the biggest cuts at the BBC in more than a decade. Interim Director-General Rhodri Talfan Davies said that the reductions are driven by inflation and economic pressures. The cuts come as former Google executive Matt Brittin is set to become director-general next month. The BBC is funded by a license fee. The broadcaster is both a beloved and oft-criticized cultural institution. The Labour government promises sustainable funding but hasn't ruled out changes.

Warner Bros. puts on a starry CinemaCon show with Cruise, Kidman, Bullock, Zendaya and Chalamet

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Warner Bros. has showcased its upcoming films at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, featuring stars like Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. Attendees saw previews of films like “The Great Beyond” and “Dune: Part Three.” Cruise received a standing ovation for his role in “Digger,” described as a boisterous satire. Studio heads Pam Abdy and Mike DeLuca emphasized originality over sameness, highlighting successes like “Sinners” and “A Minecraft Movie.” Meanwhile, concerns about Warner Bros.' potential merger with Paramount were voiced, with some fearing higher ticket prices and fewer films. James Cameron supports the merger, praising Paramount's leadership.

Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel on art, their friendship and 'The Christophers'

NEW YORK (AP) — As screen presences and cultural figures, Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel could hardly be more different. McKellen, a titan of Shakespeare, the Gandalf of the big screen, is more than twice the age of Coel, the multihyphenate whose autobiography-tinged work has made her a voice of a much different generation. But in Steven Soderbergh’s “The Christophers,” they make one of the more memorably on-screen pairs in recent memory. And it's turned them into great chums, too. Neon expands the film nationwide in theaters this Friday.