AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 1:30 p.m. EDT

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

Spain begins Holy Week with processions, palm branches and familiar faces

MALAGA, Spain (AP) — Actor Antonio Banderas has joined the crowds in dozens of Palm Sunday processions, marking the official start of Holy Week in Spain. Andalusian cities of Seville and Malaga are hosting some of the most popular and lavish processions, featuring elaborately decorated floats and hundreds of penitents, but religious events of all kinds take place throughout Spain. In Cabra, a small town in the nearby mountains of Cordoba, in addition to the faithful who march carrying traditional palm branches, 12 of them portrayed Jesus’ apostles wearing masks bearing their likenesses.