http://www.post-gazette.com/ Articles from all entertainment categories en-us Copyright 2012, post-gazette.com. Sun, 5 Feb 2012 16:09:24 -0500 15 http://www.post-gazette.com/includes/2007design/images/150x30pg_now_logo.gif http://www.post-gazette.com/ 144 39 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12036/1208306-51-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml The visitors have been coming at a steady trickle, reverent, bemused, squinting at the crabbed handwriting in the anguished letters from his American tour ("They will never leave me alone ... I shake hands every day ... with five or six hundred people"), the missives on mesmerism, philanthropy, storytelling, Christmas books and his own manic energy. Sun, 5 Feb 2012 13:47:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12036/1208080-51-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Three hundred and fifty years ago, using the wrong pronouns in Massachusetts could land you in hot water. If you were a Quaker living in a Massachusetts Bay settlement circa 1660, your transgressive language would have made you a target for the governing Puritans. Quakers rejected the hierarchical pronoun system that required ye, you and your to be used as a sign of deference to superiors. Sun, 5 Feb 2012 11:20:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12036/1208319-51.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml The august Morgan Library in midtown Manhattan houses the second largest collection of manuscripts and letters after the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, including the original manuscript of "A Christmas Carol," one of only a handful of Dickens' original works located outside Britain, said Declan Kiely, the Robert H. Taylor Curator of Manuscripts at the library. Sun, 5 Feb 2012 11:09:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12036/1207933-325.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Mark Clayton Southers has been working on "The Gammage Project" for two years and directing the play through rehearsals as it readies for a Thursday opening. There was a moment when he let his actors do some freestyle acting, just to have a little fun, before getting back to the play. "That's going to be the most fun we have," he said. "It's a real tough piece." Sun, 5 Feb 2012 10:37:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12036/1205681-67.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml It is often the case that networks in the most dire straits take the wildest swings. ABC unleashed "Twin Peaks" during a ratings downturn and NBC's early 1980s desperation allowed for the creative rebirth of the network with "Hill Street Blues," "Cheers" and "The Cosby Show." Sun, 5 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12036/1207906-44.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml A list of the best-selling fiction and nonfiction titles. Sun, 5 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12036/1207907-148.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Krys Lee's stories in her debut collection, "Drifting House," occupy spaces between, and her characters -- immigrants and refugees, families and lovers -- are nomads of time, place and culture. They make a keen observation of the layers of Korean society the past few generations, and of the dualities that have shaped the peninsula and its people Sun, 5 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12036/1207908-148.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Considering how many books on pro football are released every year, it's eye-opening that a definitive biography of the best man ever to take a snap from center has never been published. That man, of course, is Bart Starr, and if you didn't know that, then it is especially important that you read "America's Quarterback" by Keith Dunnavant, the most important book on pro football this season. Sun, 5 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12036/1207909-148.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml The cover image of Georgia Pellegrini's "Girl Hunter" is fashioned after those old master portraits, the purpose of which is not so much to show what someone looks like, but to display who they are. Sun, 5 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12036/1207923-67-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml On a beautiful fall day in New York, Christian Borle was thinking of Pittsburgh. He had expected to return to his hometown, but filming episodes of the new NBC series "Smash" was demanding his time. "Where in Pittsburgh are you so I can imagine it?" he asked. When I told him I was near the Point, he said, "Ah. I really, really wanted to come back for Thanksgiving." Sun, 5 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12036/1207942-388-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml A kickoff reception for the exhibit "A City of Rhythm: A Tribute to African American Music in Pittsburgh" will be held in the lobby of the City-County Building, Downtown, at 6 p.m. The reception, which is free and open to the public, will include refreshments, a performance by singer/songwriter Joy Ike and comments by those involved with the city's Black History Month celebration. Sun, 5 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12036/1207944-348.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Chris Bell, 25, was named to Forbes magazine's 30 Under 30 list, along with more famous names like LeBron James and actor Jonah Hill, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck and actress Chloe Moretz. The Carnegie Mellon graduate describes himself as a game artist with formal training in game and graphic design. Sun, 5 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208237-42-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml NEW YORK -- Phylicia Rashad gave the most affectionate speech, Brian Dennehy the funniest and Donald Margulies the best written. But the best overall was by surprise presenter Meryl Streep -- affectionate and funny, delivered in that artless way that is the perfection of art. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 18:32:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208111-66.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml INDIANAPOLIS -- Three decades after his Coke commercial won advertising's version of the Oscar, Joe Greene and his No. 75 Steelers jersey make a comeback in another Super Bowl spot on television. The new commercial relies heavily on the old one, only the Coke bottle has been replaced by a container of Downy Unstopables laundry product. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 12:01:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208109-122-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Ben Gazzara, an intense actor whose long career included playing Brick in the original "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" on Broadway, roles in influential films by John Cassavetes and work with several generations of top Hollywood directors, died Friday in New York City. He was 81. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 11:42:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208189-388-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml As Thomas Hampson neared the end of his part in Brahms' glorious "Ein Deutsches Requiem" he intoned, "Behold, I show you a mystery." It was hard for me to not take these words at face value even in the midst of a work of profound spirituality and one set to biblical verse. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 11:31:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1207970-388.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Bruce Springsteen guitarist Steve Van Zandt says touring without saxophonist Clarence Clemons is sure to be emotional for the E Street Band and its audience. Mr. Clemons died at age 69 last year after a stroke. Mr. Van Zandt said Thursday that the band's work will always be a tribute to Mr. Clemons and keyboard player Danny Federici, who died in 2008. Mr. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208083-325.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml A dance company's season lineup is like a good recipe. It's got to be just the right blend of tried and true favorites, something sweet and something spicy with a dash of surprise. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's 2012-13 offering will treat audiences to a little whimsy and fantasy, passion and heartache and the ooo-la-la of turn-of-the-century Paris. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208084-67-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml If Snooki and JWoww need a place to live, Jersey Shore will welcome them with open arms. Jersey Shore, Pa., that is. The Central Pennsylvania Film Office wants the stars of MTV's "Jersey Shore" reality show to come to the tiny borough in northcentral Pennsylvania or to nearby Williamsport to shoot a planned spinoff of their gym-tan-laundry lifestyle. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208085-67-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Sharon Needles' debut on "RuPaul's Drag Race" was dead-on. The season 4 premiere Monday was the highest in Logo history for a series, a 50 percent increase over last season's opener. It scored a 0.6 rating in the premiere adult 18-49 demo, with 481,000 total viewers across various broadcast and social media platforms. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207766-67.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Characters Unite, USA Network's public service campaign created to address social injustice and cultural divides, visited Clairton High School in November with Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward for its latest special, "NFL Characters Unite," which will air on USA at 7 p.m. Feb. 10. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:50:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207764-60.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml WASHINGTON -- An Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker was arrested at a House hearing Wednesday after trying to film the proceedings without the required media credentials, the Associated Press reports. Joshua Fox of Milanville, Wayne County, was led out of the room in handcuffs and charged by Capitol Police with unlawful entry. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:48:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207767-120.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml This is how the young Clark Kent must have felt. If Clark Kent had been on Facebook. For Andrew, Matt and Steve -- three self-obsessed Seattle high school buds who climb down a hole and emerge with telekinetic powers -- coming to grips with their newfound skills not only is a challenge, but also a kick. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:35:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207769-121.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml The Post-Gazette reviews movies from a family perspective: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:34:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207765-120.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Freeing Willy was a cakewalk compared to what would-be rescuers face in Alaska. Three California gray whales, christened Fred, Wilma and Bamm-Bamm, are trapped off the coast of Barrow, Alaska, north of the Arctic Circle. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:33:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207758-348-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Michelle Obama is known for her commitment to health and exercise. But who knew she was so tenacious when it comes to pushups? On her talk show Thursday, Ellen DeGeneres invited the first lady to do some pushups with her. And Mrs. Obama didn't disappoint -- quickly dropping and doing 25, much to the surprise of the host, People reports. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207759-67.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Black History Month programming continues on WQED-TV Sunday with four documentaries: "Wylie Avenue Days" (3 p.m.), set during the prime of Pittsburgh's Hill District in the 1930s-50s; "Barbershops: PA Stylin" (4 p.m.), hosted by Chris Moore; "Torchbearers" (5 p.m.), about local civil rights pioneers; and "Secrets of the Dead: Slave Ship Mutiny" (8 p.m.), the 1766 story of a Dutch slave ship's Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207760-67-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Original online TV programming gets a boost this month as several big-name tech companies make a push into territory that historically has been the realm of TV programmers. These new series look like traditional TV shows, but you won't find them on a broadcast or cable network. They're shows made to be viewed online and via broadband streaming. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207761-60-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml In the event you find yourself in Los Angeles later this month, there are a series of "Oscar Week" events that are either free or just $5 each. On Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m., two-time Oscar winner Brad Bird will host "Shorts! The 2011 Animated and Live Action Short Film Nominees." Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207771-120.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml "The Woman in Black" is a ghost story for beginners. It stars Daniel Radcliffe, is rated PG-13, and runs just 95 minutes. At a preview, a cluster of moviegoers audibly reacted now and then, but the jolts were mild, barely raising any gooseflesh and certainly not electrifying audiences the way "Insidious," "The Orphanage" or "The Shining" did. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207465-388.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:25:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207444-325.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Jen Childs is coming to Pittsburgh to face her fears for all to see. Don't be fooled by the silly costumes and the improv veteran's knack for finding the funny in her subject. She takes dance very seriously. In her one-woman show, "Why I'm Scared of Dance," Ms. Childs mixes storytelling and parodies of iconic dance numbers with her own dance experiences. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:24:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207457-388-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Anti-Flag takes peace and punk to Asia Anti-Flag is out making new friends -- in Southeast Asia. On its first-ever swing through the region, the political Pittsburgh band has been rallying the punks at the Silver Lake Music Festival in Thailand (with the likes of Incubus, Owl City and Seether) and in Indonesia, and is now moving on to Malaysia and Hong Kong. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:36:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207416-60-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml There are some films that people are more than happy to view over and over again. In celebration of Groundhog Day and recognition of "Groundhog Day," we asked people in the Pittsburgh arts and media scene, along with PG readers, what movies they can revisit any old time. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:25:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207454-388.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Coincidences can be startling: one week after I received the debut solo EP from local "party martyr" Sneaky Mike (featuring the single "Lil B"), a cover story emerged in the respected British music mag The Wire about that very same Lil B, the "Based God" rapper from Berkeley, Calif. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:18:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207417-60.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml John Pfab: "Slapshot" ... not just for being filmed in Johnstown. I've been a hockey fan most of my life, and this always brings out a laugh. Marge Connor Stout: "The Breakfast Club." There isn't a better '80s movie out there! A good representation of the various cliques in the '80s high school environment!! Jackie Belczyk: "The Princess Bride." ... Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:16:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207426-120-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Ryan Gosling stars as a loner and L.A. transplant known simply as Driver who splits his time between working as a movie stuntman and a getaway driver for criminals. He doesn't carry a gun or participate in the heists. He just drives. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:04:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207696-388.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Ben Folds will return to Heinz Hall to perform with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. May 25. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:59:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207528-437.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Thu, 2 Feb 2012 10:35:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207419-388.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml It started out as a memorial for a friend, became a tribute to a mother and ended up a message for humanity. Johannes Brahms' "A German Requiem" was all of that, and it is one of his most enduring compositions. The death in 1856 of Robert Schumann, the great German composer and close friend, inspired the choral work. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 09:48:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207415-120-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Reviews are out of four stars. 'Final Fantasy XIII-2' A rich library of characters and storylines allows the "Final Fantasy" franchise to flesh out entire games around seemingly minor characters. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207418-388.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml With names such as Couperin instead of Chopin, Blow instead of Brahms, and Purcell instead of Prokofiev, the music of the 17th century needs a little help being appreciated. You'd almost say it needs a Bernstein to bridge the gap. That's exactly what National Public Radio has tagged acclaimed harpsichordist and conductor Richard Egarr, and he is up to the challenge. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207430-120.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Forget swimming pools with clean, chlorinated water and lounge chairs perfectly positioned to catch the California sun. Josh "Skreech" Sandoval wants a "death box" -- an abandoned, empty cement bowl in which he can skateboard until the wheels come off or neighbors threaten to call the cops. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207431-60-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml The Screen Actors Guild Awards were celebrated Sunday night and the Oscars are nearing, but around Long Beach, Calif., the biggest awards of the season may be the Rosies. Community activist and all-around doggone good guy Justin Rudd is playing host for the Rosie Awards competition, named for his English bulldog, Rosie, to honor the animals that make movie magic. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207453-388-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml You may have seen her on "Saturday Night Live." She was the one in the formal gown so shaky on the vocal you could swear eyes were scanning for the Exit sign. Adele, she's not. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207456-67.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml PASADENA, Calif. -- CBS's "NCIS" remains the No. 1 scripted drama this season and next week it hits the 200-episode mark, quite an achievement for a series that didn't become an indisputable hit until about five years into its current nine-season run. Generally, TV shows are either successful out of the gate or grow into hits over the course of a season or two. Five years to become a hit? Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207466-388.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml "It's broken, stays broken forever/I'm keeping my heart intact," Ben Hackett sings in a tearful moan over a piano dirge on his second album, "The Blue Hour." This is indeed an album for the brokenhearted. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500