Orlandoโs Norm Lewis continues to make musical history on Broadway
Before he made history by becoming the first African American to play coveted Broadway roles, such as Javert in Les Miserables and the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera, Norm Lewis spent his years growing up in Eatonville, a town located just to the north of Orlando.
โSoul,โ โMa Raineyโsโ among AFIโs top 10 films of the year
This image released by Netflix shows, from second left, Norm Lewis, Clarke Peters Isiah Whitlock Jr., and Delroy Lindo in a scene from "Da 5 Bloods," named one of the top 10 films of the year by The American Film Institute. (David Lee/Netflix via AP)The American Film Institute on Monday announced its top 10 films of the year, including Pixarโs jazz themed โSoulโ and two of Chadwick Bosemanโs final films: the August Wilson adaptation โMa Raineyโs Black Bottomโ and Spike Leeโs Vietnam drama โDa 5 Bloods,โ both of which are Netflix films. AFI also selected Warner Bros.โ Black Panther Party film โJudas and the Black Messiahโ which will have its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on Feb. 1. The AFI also named its top 10 television shows, including Netflixโs โThe Queenโs Gambit,โ the Disney+ phenomenon โThe Mandalorianโ and Apple TV+โs โTed Lasso.โThe selection jury included filmmakers Rian Johnson and Lulu Wang. The group also included a special citation for โHamilton.โIn lieu of the annual luncheon celebrating the honorees, AFI will hold a virtual benediction on Feb. 26 streaming on YouTube and the AFI website.
Holiday movies, music specials arrive to light a bleak year
(NBC/Apple/HBO Max/Netflix/Disney + via AP)LOS ANGELES โ Bring on the sentimental holiday rom-coms, the chorus of Christmas music specials and the nostalgia of last centuryโs animated charmers. HOLIDAY HARMONYโ โMy Gift: A Christmas Special From Carrie Underwood,โ now streaming on HBO Max. โ โMariah Careyโs Magical Christmas Special,โ Dec. 4, Apple TV+. Music, dancing, animation and surprise guest stars help create what the streaming service promises to be a heartwarming journey with the pop star. Dolly Parton sings hymns, holiday pop classics and tunes from her new album, and shares personal and faith-based Christmas memories.
In online ceremony, Orlando marks 4 years since the Pulse nightclub shooting
ORLANDO, Fla. Hundreds logged on Friday night to pay their respects to the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting, which happened exactly four years ago. The ceremony included comments from Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Broadway star and Orlando native Norm Lewis and Pulse nightclub owner Barbara Poma. The online ceremony included family members who lost loved ones reading the names of the 49 lives lost. An hour later, St. Lukes Methodist Church also held an online vigil for the Pulse nightclub victims. At Pulse, many who survived the shooting gathered to comfort each other.
New this week: Spike Lee flick, 'Artemis Fowl,' Norah Jones
This image released by Netflix shows, from left, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Norm Lewis, Clarke Peters, Delroy Lindo and Jonathan Majors in a scene from the Spike Lee film "Da 5 Bloods." (David Lee/Netflix via AP)Heres a collection curated by The Associated Press entertainment journalists of whats arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. MOVIESDa 5 Bloods: Its always the right time for a Spike Lee joint and thankfully Netflix has his latest ready to debut Friday. AP Music Editor Mesfin FekaduTELEVISIONGabrielle Union, engaged in a battle with NBC over her firing from Americas Got Talent, is firmly in control on L.A.s Finest, the drama she produces and stars in with Jessica Alba. Also back are closeted man of the cloth Leonard (Al Weaver) and Tessa-Peake Jones as an indispensable if stern housekeeper.