CAN ACTOR SHIA LABEOUF BE SAVED FROM HOLLYWOOD
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THE GLORIOUS CORNER
Story By: G. H. HARDING
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| Jenny McCarthy |
VIEW MINUS TWO --- I can't say I'm surprised, but late last night it was announced that both Sherrie Shepherd and diamond girl Jenny McCarthy would be exiting The View, and possibly co-creator Bill Gedde. When Barbara Walters left the show, announcing her retirement, although she has already filed several new stories yet to be aired; speculation was rife that the entire show would be revamped. Now, with the Shepherd and McCarthy gone, that leaves only Whoopi Goldberg and rumors are flying that the new additions might be of the male kind; which is what we first posited many columns back.
Face it, when Walters first borrowed Regis Philbin’s host-chat format for this show, choosing an entire female line-up was kind of, well, a wild-card idea … now, all these years later, a more, shall we say, balanced mix, might do the trick. Also, Rosie O’Donnell might return.
Shepherd, I never really cared for and Jenny, well, she was easy on the eyes. Bill Gedde would be a real loss, as he and Walters did a terrific job with the show … but, things at ABC/Disney are off the rails (Diane Sawyer was just let go from their Evening News too), so I'm not really surprised. Bob Iger is making waves over ... but, not the good kind.
YO SHIA – Troubled-actor Shia LaBeouf was arrested at last night’s performance of Cabaret over at Studio 54? Please let’s get this young, troubled actor some help. What’s it going to take … for him to be armed, as well as dangerous? If you read his bio and see what his life has been like, this behavior is entirely explainable. Let’s help him now!
SLOW HAND EXIT --- Eric Clapton was in the middle of his song “Cocaine” while performing Sunday night at the Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland when he suddenly stopped playing and walked off the stage.
Clapton released this official statement on his web page explaining the action:
“Unfortunately last night in Glasgow we experienced a steadily worsening technical problem with the PA system that the band battled with throughout the show but by the last song of the set it became unbearable on stage and Eric was unable to complete that number. During the encore break we were able to reset and the band finished as planned with the last number.
The usual touring set length runs at 1hr 35 mins so in fact the full set was performed apart from the entirety of “Cocaine” which had to be curtailed.
Eric is nevertheless sorry for the break in the concert and the disappointment of his fans.”
The Hydro issued their own statement saying “The production team for last night’s performance suffered a technical issue which resulted in the concert ending earlier than anticipated. By the time the venue had been made aware of the circumstances patrons were already leaving the bowl; however, our stewards and staff did their best to convey this information as it became known.”
While Clapton did not return to the stage, the rest of the band did come back to play the final song, “High Time We Went” with Paul Carrack (Ace) on lead.
Yesterday, Clapton revealed he is ready to retire from touring after more than 50 years on the road.
The 69-year-old British musician said traveling has become unbearable and he has concerns about his health, adding that he fears he could end up embarrassing himself, reported the Daily Mirror.
Father-of-four Clapton, who also became a grandfather last year, claimed in addition that he has lost much of his love for touring because most countries are now a different version of America.
"There are tons of things I'd like to do but I'm looking at retirement too. I'm 70 next year. I think what I'll allow myself to do, within reason, is carry on recording in the studio," Clapton said.
"I don't want to go off the boil to the point where I'm embarrassing myself. The road has become unbearable. It's unapproachable, because it takes so long to get anywhere - and it's hostile," he added.
Clapton added that there could soon be a day when he is no longer able to play the guitar, saying, "Maybe. Physically, it might be that I can't, if it hurts too much. I have odd ailments."
TICKET BOUGHT FOR SURE --- From MTV News: “In a moment that’s much like walking into a bakery and standing shell-shocked with excitement and unable to decide which delightful pastry you'll eat, the Coen Brothers have presented us with an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the cast of their next movie, Hail Caesar!
“Like, first off, it’s a movie directed, written and produced by Joel and Ethan Coen. We're already in. That ticket is bought. But the insane, overwhelming frosting on that cake is the list of boldfaced names that will be gracing the screen.”
“Today, it was reported that Channing Tatum would join the cast, sidling up alongside fellow handsome men George Clooney and Josh Brolin. As if getting a little Chan up in there wasn’t enough, favored earthlings Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes have also reportedly signed on to the flick.”
“The movie will be a period comedy set in the Golden Age of Hollywood, with Tatum reportedly playing a Gene Kelly-type character, Swinton a gossip columnist and Fiennes a studio director. No word on whether a wood chipper will be involved, a la “Fargo.”
CLOSING NOTES --- What new classical/rock artist, who just had his indie- debut album officially released, has already gone through three sets of PR-people? Usually, there’s just one … but, three? I can only imagine the bills this fellow has run up. Must be nice to be rich! Wonder if he’ll put his indie-record company into Chapter 11? …
Tom Hanks will reunite with Meg Ryan? Hanks is in talks to reunite with his Sleepless in Seattle co-star Meg Ryan in Ithaca, the film adaption of William Saroyan’s classic 1943 novel The Human Comedy, that will mark Ryan’s directorial debut. Shooting starts next month in Virginia. Ithaca will mark the fourth time that the two have appeared together on the big screen after Joe Versus the Volcano, Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve got Mail, their last film, released in 1998 …
Speaking of Cabaret; their troupe, including the brilliant Alan Cumming, performed on NBC’s Today Show. I loved this current production, but something about seeing them all in broad day-light was creepy. Very creepy indeed …
Two shows on TNT started their summer-cycle this week; Rizzoli & Isles and Perception, and their first episodes were spot-on perfect. We've always loved the beautiful Angie Harmon and she simply shines in this show, as does co-star Sasha Alexander. The opening show was terrific, but ended with the death of Lee Thompson Young (Barry Frost on the show). Thompson Young, tragically committed suicide last fall after struggling with bipolar disorder. Young was also known for his role as the lead in Disney’s The Famous Jett Jackson and his role as Justice League member Cyborg on Smallville. The show was done with brilliant taste and composure. Kudos to show-runner Jan Nash. Harmon was truly riveting at the end of the show funeral with a stirring cameo by Ernie Hudson as Frost’s father. Kudos to all …
Perception, which stars the brilliant Eric McCormack is an American crime drama television series created by Kenneth Biller and Mike Sussman. McCormack stars as Dr. Daniel Pierce, a schizophrenic neuropsychiatrist who assists the FBI on some of their most complicated cases (Rachael Leigh Cook co-stars as well). It premiered on July 9, 2012. The writing has been superb and the performance of McCormack is just sensational. If you loved him on Will & Grace –and, who didn't- he’s amazing here. Sure, it’s somewhat of a procedural, but his presence makes it all come together in a most pleasurable way. The two shows so far this season have ended with a voiceover from McCormack with scenes from Season one and two. Brilliant! ...
Jersey Boys Donnie Kehr has announced his next Rockers On Broadway event; Monday, November 17 at Le Poisson Rouge in downtown Manhattan. The honoree this year: Micky Dolenz! ...
Songwriter Gerry Goffin passed this week – more of his amazing journey and career next week. RIP!
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