A Jenna Bush Hager imprint release is now in Oprah's book club
NEW YORK (AP) — Oprah Winfrey has selected Sophie Chen Keller's novel “Little Wonder” for her book club. The book, set in China, tells the story of a food delivery worker and her musically gifted son who gets lost in Beijing. Winfrey announced her choice on Tuesday. The novel was published by Jenna Bush Hager's Thousand Voices imprint. Hager, a “Today” show host, facilitated the call where Winfrey informed Keller of her decision. Keller expressed her excitement, calling it a dream come true. Winfrey's podcast interview with Keller is available on the Oprah YouTube Channel and other outlets.
Luke's 'Empire' light saber, 'Wizard of Oz' witch hat and Lebowski rugs going up for auction
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Luke Skywalker light saber from “The Empire Strikes Back” is expected to fetch at least $1 million at an upcoming auction. Heritage Auctions announced Tuesday that the event will be held from July 13 to 17. It features iconic items from movies, music and pop culture. Notable pieces include hats from “The Wizard of Oz” and “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” hoverboards from “Back to the Future II,” and rugs from “The Big Lebowski.” John Lennon's handwritten lyrics for “If I Fell” will also be up for sale, with bidding starting at $500,000.
'Paddington' stage musical to pack its marmalade sandwiches and travel to Broadway
NEW YORK (AP) — Paddington Bear is heading to Broadway with “Paddington The Musical” set to play at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in March. The show has already impressed critics in London, winning seven Olivier Awards, including best new musical. Director Luke Sheppard says the excitement around the show is palpable. The musical is based on Michael Bond's stories and was written by Jessica Swale and Tom Fletcher. Paddington's revival includes three successful movies and an appearance with Queen Elizabeth II. The creative team plans to fine-tune the show for its New York audience, aiming to attract first-time theatergoers.
A new Ishiguro novel heads to 1930s England, with spies, music and wit
NEW YORK (AP) — Kazuo Ishiguro's next novel, “Miss Lambert Steps Aboard Danger,” is set in 1930s England. Alfred A. Knopf announced Tuesday that the book will be published on March 9. The story revolves around an encounter between the title character and a fellow music hall attendee in London in 1938. Knopf Publisher Jordan Pavlin describes it as a blend of spy fiction and P.G. Wodehouse's wit. Ishiguro, who won the Nobel Prize in 2017, is also known for “Never Let Me Go.” A film adaptation of his novel “Klara and the Sun” is scheduled for October.
Christopher Jackson to reprise his Tony-nominated role as George Washington in 'Hamilton'
NEW YORK (AP) — Christopher Jackson is returning to his role as George Washington in he Broadway hit “Hamilton.” Jackson was an original cast member and earned a Tony nomination for the role. He says he wanted to reconnect with the show that transformed him as an artist. He'll perform at the Richard Rodgers Theatre from Sept. 8 to Jan. 3. His return follows Leslie Odom Jr., who reprised his role as Aaron Burr last year. Jackson left “Hamilton” in 2016 and has since worked on various projects, including TV shows and movies. He looks forward to creating new memories in his favorite theater.
Recommended for you
'Task' master Brad Inglesby put Ruffalo's redemption at center of HBO series from the start
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The HBO show “Task” features tense standoffs and dramatic moments, but its most powerful scene may be Mark Ruffalo reading a victim impact statement in court. Ruffalo, likely to receive an Emmy nomination, plays a former priest and FBI agent seeking redemption for himself and his son. Creator Brad Inglesby told The Associated Press that the emotional journey was central to the show. Inglesby, known for “Mare of Easttown,” drew inspiration from real-life struggles of parents with disabled children. “Task” was initially a limited series, but HBO announced a second season. Season two will feature Mahershala Ali and returning cast members.
Paris Hilton returns to Utah 'troubled teen' facility to support others who allege mistreatment
SPRINGVILLE, Utah (AP) — Paris Hilton has returned to the Utah boarding school where she said she was abused as a teenager. It's the latest stop in her yearslong campaign calling for reforms to what is commonly known as the troubled teen industry. Hilton was speaking in support of families who sued Monday alleging their children were mistreated at Provo Canyon School. Hilton spent 11 months there in the late 1990s. The hotel heiress called on licensors to shut down the school. She has testified about her experiences there in Congress and state legislatures. The school said in a statement that safety is its highest priority.
Steve Harvey: God’s blessings come with a duty to give back
Steve Harvey believes his success as an entertainer and author is a blessing from God, tied to his philanthropy. He told The Associated Press that giving back is essential, as the blessings also come with a responsibility to help others. Harvey emphasizes that true giving means not judging how recipients use the help. The longtime “Family Feud” host said he learned the importance of philanthropy from his mother and instills it in his children. The Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation’s mentorship camp reflects these values, though Harvey notes that today’s participants require a gentler approach.
Author Amy Griffin sues woman who alleged she stole her stories of sexual abuse in memoir 'The Tell'
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Author Amy Griffin has sued a former classmate for defamation. She's claiming the woman falsely accused her of stealing stories of sexual abuse for her memoir, “The Tell.” Griffin's lawsuit was filed Monday in Nevada. It says the classmate's allegations in a New York Times story and a lawsuit are false. The Times story included claims that Griffin's experiences mirrored the classmate's. Griffin argues she documented her abuse in 2020, before the alleged theft. The Times denies misrepresenting the story. Griffin seeks a declaration that the allegations are false and financial damages. The classmate insists her account is true.
Singer Bonnie Tyler out of coma but in intensive care after emergency surgery
LONDON (AP) — Singer Bonnie Tyler is no longer in a coma but remains in intensive care after being hospitalized. An update on her official website says the Welsh singer is still “very unwell.” The 75-year-old pop star was hospitalized last month in Faro, Portugal, where she lives, for emergency intestinal surgery. She was later placed in an induced coma. The statement says her condition is improving. Doctors are confident she will recover but it will take time. Her shows scheduled through August have been canceled or postponed. Tyler is best known for the 1980s power ballad “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”

(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.