May 2015 – Star Watch Byline

31May 2015

Drama Desk Awards – ‘Hamilton’ takes home Top Honors, followed by ‘The Curious Incident’

by Melody Star

The 60th Annual Dram Desk Awards were held Sunday, May 31 at 8 PM at the Town Hall on 123rd West 43rd Street in New York City. Tony Award winner and two-time Drama Desk winner Laura Benanti (Gypsy, Sound of Music Live, ABC’s Nashville) hosted the event. The event was produced by Joey Parnes Productions with Gretchen Shugart as Managing Executive Producer of the event. Scripting the Awards event was Bill Rosenfeld, with additional material provided by Benanti. Jack cummings III (co-founder and artistic director of Transport Group) directed.

Tony Award winning actress , host of the 60th annual just walked in looking amazing!

— TheaterPizzazz ()

The Drama Desk Awards, which are presented annually, honor outstanding achievement by professional theater artists on Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway. What sets the Drama Desk Awards apart is that they are voted on and bestowed by theater critics, journalists, editors and publishers covering theater, without any vested interest in the results. For this reason, Drama Desk Awards reflect both enthusiasm for all aspects of New York’s professional theater and a level of erudition and theatrical experience unparalleled in our industry’s other prize-giving organizations.

The Drama Desk was founded in 1949 to explore key issues in the theater and to bring together critics and writers in an organization to support the ongoing development of theater in New York. The organization began presenting its awards in 1955, and it is the only critics’ organization to honor achievement in the theater with competition among Broadway, Off Broadway and Off-Off Broadway productions in the same categories.

The Drama Desk Awards provide a potential preview of the upcoming Tony Awards which will be held on Sunday, June 7.

Top winners were Hamilton with 7 wins, including Best Musical, Renee Elise Goldsberry winning for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, and Thomas Kail taking home the Best Director of a Musical Award; The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time with 6 wins, including Best Play, Alexander Sharp winning Best Actor in a Play, Marianne Elliott as Best Director of a Play. Dame Helen Mirren took home the coveted Best Actress Award for her performance in The Audience, while Robert Fairchild won Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal in An American in Paris. Best Play Revival went to The Elephant Man.

See full list of winners below.

List of Winners

Winners are shown in bold blue font.

Best Play
“You Got Older”
“Airline Highway”
“The City of Conversation”
“Between Riverside and Crazy”
“My Manãna Comes”
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” – Winner
“Let the Right One In”

Best Musical
“An American in Paris”
“Hamilton“ – Winner
“Fly By Night”
“Pretty Filthy”
“Something Rotten”
“The Visit”

Best Revival of a Play
“The Elephant Man“ – Winner
“Fashions for Men”
“Ghosts”
“The Iceman Cometh”
“Tamburlaine the Great”
“The Wayside Motor Inn”

Best Revival of a Musical
“Into the Woods”
“The King and I“ – Winner
“On the Town”
“On the Twentieth Century”
“Pageant”
“Side Show”

Best Actor in a Play
Reed Birney, I’m Gonna Pray For You So Hard
Bradley Cooper, The Elephant Man
Stephen McKinley Henderson, Between Riverside and Crazy
Ben Miles, Wolf Hall, Parts 1 & 2
Bill Pullman, Sticks and Bones
Alexander Sharp, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – Winner

Best Actress in a Play
Brooke Bloom, You Got Older
Kathleen Chalfant, A Walk in the Woods
Kristin Griffith, The Fatal Weakness
Jan Maxwell, The City of Conversation
Helen Mirren, The Audience – Winner
Carey Mulligan, Skylight
Tonya Pinkins, Rasheeda Speaking

Best Actor in a Musical
Brian d’Arcy James, Something Rotten!
Robert Fairchild, An American in Paris – Winner
Jeremy Kushnier, Atomic
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton
Matthew Morrison, Finding Neverland
Ryan Silverman, Side Show

Best Actress in a Musical
Kate Baldwin, John & Jen
Kristin Chenoweth, On the Twentieth Century – Winner
Leanne Cope, An American in Paris
Erin Davie, Side Show
Lisa Howard, It Shoulda Been You
Chita Rivera, The Visit

Best Featured Actor in a Play
F. Murray Abraham, It’s Only a Play
Reed Birney, You Got Older
K. Todd Freeman, Airline Highway – Winner
Jonathan Hadary, Rocket to the Moon
Jason Butler Harner, The Village Bike
Jonathan Hogan, Pocatello
José Joaquin Perez, My Mañana Comes

Best Featured Actress in a Play
Annaleigh Ashford, You Can’t Take It with You – Winner
Beth Dixon, The City of Conversation
Julie Halston, You Can’t Take It with You
Paola Lázaro-Muñoz, To the Bone
Lydia Leonard, Wolf Hall, Parts 1 & 2
Julie White, Airline Highway

Best Featured Actor in a Musical
Christian Borle, Something Rotten! – Winner
Peter Friedman, Fly By Night
Josh Grisetti, It Shoulda Been You
Andy Karl, On the Twentieth Century
Leslie Odom Jr., Hamilton
Brad Oscar, Something Rotten!
Max von Essen, An American in Paris

Best Featured Actress in a Musical
Carolee Carmello, Finding Neverland
Tyne Daly, It Shoulda Been You
Elizabeth A. Davis, Allegro
Renee Elise Goldsberry, Hamilton – Winner
Luba Mason, Pretty Filthy
Nancy Opel, Honeymoon in Vegas
Elizabeth Stanley, On the Town

Best Director of a Play
Marianne Elliott, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – Winner
Jeremy Herrin, Wolf Hall, Parts 1 & 2
Anne Kauffman, You Got Older
Lila Neugebauer, The Wayside Motor Inn
Austin Pendleton, Between Riverside and Crazy
Joe Tantalo, Deliverance
John Tiffany, Let the Right One In

Best Director of a Musical
Carolyn Cantor, Fly By Night
Bill Condon, Side Show
John Doyle, The Visit
Thomas Kail, Hamilton – Winner
Casey Nicholaw, Something Rotten!
Christopher Wheeldon, An American in Paris

Best Choreography
Joshua Bergasse, On the Town
Warren Carlyle, On the Twentieth Century
Steven Hoggett, The Last Ship
Austin McCormick, Rococo Rouge
Casey Nicholaw, Something Rotten
Christopher Wheeldon, An American in Paris – Winner

Best Music
Jason Robert Brown, Honeymoon in Vegas
Michael Friedman, The Fortress of Solitude
John Kander, The Visit
Dave Malloy, Ghost Quartet
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton – Winner
Sting, The Last Ship

Best Lyrics
Jason Robert Brown, Honeymoon in Vegas
Fred Ebb, The Visit
Michael Friedman, The Fortress of Solitude
Karey Kirkpatrick & Wayne Kirkpatrick, Something Rotten!
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton – Winner
Benjamin Scheuer, The Lion

Best Book of a Musical
Hunter Bell & Lee Overtree, Found
Karey Kirkpatrick & John O’Farrell, Something Rotten!
Craig Lucas, An American in Paris
Terence McNally, The Visit
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton – Winner
Kim Rosenstock, Will Connolly, & Michael Mitnick, Fly By Night

Best Orchestrations
Christopher Austin, An American in Paris – Winner
Mary-Mitchell Campbell, Allegro
Larry Hochman, Something Rotten!
Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton
Rob Mathes, The Last Ship
Don Sebesky, Larry Blank, Jason Robert Brown, & Charlie Rosen, Honeymoon in Vegas

Best Music in a Play
Cesar Alvarez, An Octoroon
Danny Blackburn & Bryce Hodgson, Deliverance
Sean Cronin, Kill Me Like You Mean It
Bongi Duma, Generations
Freddi Price, The Pigeoning
Arthur Solari & Jane Shaw, Tamburlaine the Great – Winner

Best Set Design
Bob Crowley, An American in Paris – Winner
Christine Jones, Let The Right One In
David Korins, Hamilton
Mimi Lien, An Octoroon
Scott Pask, The Visit
Daniel Zimmerman, Fashions for Men

Best Costume Design
Bob Crowley, An American in Paris
Bob Crowley, The Audience
Christopher Oram, Wolf Hall, Parts 1 & 2
Paul Tazewell, Hamilton
Andrea Varga, The Fatal Weakness
Catherine Zuber, Gigi – Winner

Best Lighting Design
Howell Binkley, Hamilton
Paule Constable, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – Winner
Paule Constable & David Plater, Wolf Hall, Parts 1 & 2
Maruti Evans, Deliverance
Natasha Katz, The Iceman Cometh
Ben Stanton, Our Lady of Kibeho

Best Projection Design
59 Productions, An American in Paris
Roger Hanna & Price Johnston, Donogoo
Darrel Maloney, Found
Peter Nigrini, Our Lady of Kibeho
Finn Ross, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – Winner
Austin Switser, Big Love

Best Sound Design in a Musical
Peter Hylenski, Side Show
Scott Lehrer, The King & I
Scott Lehrer & Drew Levy, Honeymoon in Vegas
Brian Ronan, The Last Ship
Nevin Steinberg, Hamilton – Winner
Jon Weston, An American in Paris

Best Sound Design in a Play
Nathan Davis, The Other Mozart
Ien Denio, Deliverance
Ian Dickinson (for Autograph), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – Winner
Gareth Fry, Let the Right One In
John Gromada, Lives of the Saints
Matt Tierney, Our Lady of Kibeho

Best Solo Performance
Christina Bianco, Application Pending
Jonny Donahoe, Every Brilliant Thing
Tom Dugan, Wiesenthal
Mona Golabek, The Pianist of Willesden Lane
Joely Richardson, The Belle of Amherst
Benjamin Scheuer, The Lion – Winner

Best Revue
Forbidden Broadway Comes Out Swinging!
Just Jim Dale – Winner
Lennon: Through a Glass Onion
Lonesome Traveler

Unique Theatrical Experience
Catch Me!
Everybody Gets Cake
The Human Symphony
Queen of the Night – Winner
A Rap Guide to Religion

A photo posted by on May 31, 2015 at 9:49pm PDT

is the winner of six – including BEST PLAY!

— Curious Incident ()

.'s wins for Outstanding Musical →

— TheaterMania ()

A photo posted by on May 31, 2015 at 9:35pm PDT

A photo posted by on May 31, 2015 at 9:46pm PDT

A photo posted by on May 31, 2015 at 9:47pm PDT

A photo posted by on May 31, 2015 at 9:40pm PDT

.'s wins for Outstanding Revival of a Musical →

— TheaterMania ()

Congratulations to Catherine Zuber on her win tonight! has the best costumes!

— GIGI ()

at the nominees reception <3

— J e n n i f e r ♔ ()

PIX: press room , & more →

— TheaterMania ()

Congrats ., Tommy Kail, Renee Elise Goldsberry, cast & crew of for the !

— Morris-Jumel Mansion ()

31May 2015

5th Annual Critics Choice Awards – Following Live

by Melody Star

CCTA2015ArticleBanner

Update , with some opinion tossed in:

The Critics Choice Awards had some predictability and some surprises and some frustrations. What is clear is that anything at all “mainstream” is not going to be a choice by the critics, unless you are a veteran who has won so many other awards that they don’t dare over look you. So the major networks saw major losses with The Good Wife, Jane the Virgin, and The Big Bang Theory. It seems that no matter what they do, they won’t likely realize a win from the critics.

What were predictable were the love for Transparent and Empire. Those were anticipated. What surprised us was the BTJA recognizing The Americans and Oliver Kittridge (over The Honorable Woman, which has been noticed by international markets). Surprising also was Amy Schumer’s win, although she seems to lately be the “it” girl in the industry for comedy, and Silicon Valley’s win for comedy. It was nice to see the BTJA still recognize both Jonathan Banks and Bob Odenkirk for their talent, although that was a bit of a surprise. It was great to see Bessie win as well.

What we came away with, as viewers, is that if you watch broadcast TV, you may as well hang up your hat when it comes to ever seeing your network favorites win an award. Sure a nomination may be tossed here and there to those broadcast network shows, but it appears to be gratuitous at best. The industry clearly has no desire to recognize broadcast TV, knowing it lives under constraints that none of the digital streaming services and cable networks have to abide by, therefore not having the same freedoms to bring edgy and fringe storyline to forefront. It is unfortunate, because there still is a need for good TV that is acceptable to all ages and audiences and many shows offer great drama and comedy, but sadly won’t likely ever see an award again.

It was also obvious that there was not well enough time planned for the awards and to hand out awards while red carpet activity was going on to some fine talent was a shame. Overall the Awards Show production itself was quite a mess and seemed very rushed. Clips were worthless because you only had perhaps 2 seconds per show and not enough to truly show the nature of the show or talent. Likewise, handing out awards to winners at the poolside and not seeing all of the nominees was a stunning faux pas choice. Overall it was quite disappointing.

Original Post:

The 5th Annual Critic’s Choice Television Award from the Broadcast Television Journalists Association (BTJA), held Sunday May 31st at the Beverly Hilton Hotel are broadcast on A&E starting at 7 PM ET/ 4PM PT for live red carpet coverage, followed by the awards ceremony. We are covering live and will be live blogging red carpet photos and interviews (as they become available), as well as tweeting live any periscopes. During the actual ceremonies we will be live blogging and tweeting winners and put up memorable acceptance speeches as they become available. Make sure to keep checking back throughout the late afternoon/ evening for our updates.

HBO leads the networks in nominations with 27, followed by FX which garnered 16. Topping the list of nominated series are Justified (FX) and Olive Kitteridge (HBO), both with five nominations. The Americans (FX), Bessie (HBO), The Good Wife (CBS), Transparent (Amazon) and Wolf Hall (PBS) followed close behind with four nominations each. Other top series with multiple nominations include American Crime (ABC), American Horror Story: Freak Show (FX), The Big Bang Theory (CBS), Broad City (Comedy Central), The Honorable Woman (Sundance), Jane the Virgin (The CW), Silicon Valley (HBO), Stockholm, Pennsylvania (Lifetime) and Veep (HBO), all with three nominations. Walton Goggins is nominated for his performance in two different shows: Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Justified (FX) and Best Guest Performer in a Drama for Sons of Anarchy (FX).

The Critics’ Choice Television Awards will honor programs and performances that aired between June 1, 2014 and May 31, 2015. Final voting in all other categories will take place May 27 through May 29.

About BTJA
The Broadcast Television Journalists Association (BTJA) is a partner organization to the Broadcast Film Critics Association. BTJA includes TV, radio and Internet journalists who cover television on a regular basis. The Board of Directors include it’s President Joey Berlin, John De Simio, Jim Ferguson, Mark Ramsey and Sara Voorhees.

Blue Carpet
Interviews
List of Winners
Ceremony Winners & Presenters

Interviews

Blue Carpet

Image: Getty

A photo posted by Heather W () on May 31, 2015 at 5:13pm PDT

Mayim Bialik of in blue on the blue carpet.

— Zap2it ()

.'s Johnny Galecki at the

— Event Extraordinaire ()

There’s no such thing as having way too much fun in the red carpet gif booth!

— Critics' Choice ()

Jaime Pressly looking fab on the carpet

— Zap2it ()

Translation: “Awesome!” Thanks, !

— Critics' Choice ()

LIVE on : Awards — Inside Ballroom

— Michael Ausiello ()

James Corden on the carpet!

— Zap2it ()

Anna Faris on the carpet at the

— Zap2it ()

Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer Image: Getty

Carrie Brownstein Image: Getty

Chris Colfer Image: Getty

Clea Duvall Image: Getty

Angie Harmon Image: Getty

Taraji P. Henson Image: Getty

Holland Taylor Image: Getty

Tracee Ellis Ross Image: Getty

Sarah Paulson Image: Getty

Gina Rodriguez Image: Getty

Looks like ’s is still looking for the last razor on earth

— Critics' Choice ()

Maggie Gyllenhaal at the

— Zap2it ()

Lorraine Toussaint at the

— Zap2it ()

Hey , we’re as giddy as you are.

— Critics' Choice ()

Your fan art makes this the Mother of all Red Carpets. Just ask

— Critics' Choice ()

If you want to to , we may know what he wants

— Critics' Choice ()

. star is living it up on the Red Carpet

— Critics' Choice ()

.’s here. Guess he doesn’t have to go to work until much later.

— Critics' Choice ()

Consegue ser mais perfeita? A resposta é: NÃO. Screenshots from a video of

— little lump of wool ()

You can call her "Doctor" – It's star !… WATCH NOW:

— Melissa Girimonte ()

Looking good ! Thanks for stopping by the red carpet gif booth.

— Critics' Choice ()

Fresh off the streets of , & are working the Red Carpet

— Critics' Choice ()

’s making our Fan Art Red Carpet look just a little bit more gangster

— Critics' Choice ()

Does this fan artist do bus benches and billboards?

— Critics' Choice ()

Certainly no accident you’re here,

— Critics' Choice ()

Wowzers. Carrie Ann Inaba on the blue carpet

— Zap2it ()

The cast of looks so lifelike in front of the Fan Art Red Carpet

— Critics' Choice ()

Who do you spot at right now?

— Jessica Radloff ()

. Allison Janney on the blue carpet

— Zap2it ()

We’re so glad we can be together

— Critics' Choice ()

. like you've never seen her before! Love this talented actress!

— Jessica Radloff ()

We spy of posing in front of the Fan Art Red Carpet

— Critics' Choice ()

A photo posted by Michael Ausiello () on May 31, 2015 at 4:16pm PDT

Sarah Paulson at the

— Zap2it ()

We couldn’t be happier to see three more “horrible” people

— Critics' Choice ()

Josh Charles on the carpet

— Zap2it ()

Bill Paxton arrives at the

— Zap2it ()

What? Tech Crunch Disrupt doesn’t have a Fan Art Red Carpet? Lame.

— Critics' Choice ()

Taraji P. Henson looking fierce at the

— Zap2it ()

Jaimie Alexander on the BLUE carpet

— Zap2it ()

Welcome two-show nominee

— Critics' Choice ()

The cast of thinks it would be, well, a crime to miss tonight’s

— Critics' Choice ()

LIVE on :

— Andy Gelb ()

A photo posted by Michael Ausiello () on May 31, 2015 at 4:00pm PDT

We know who we’re calling if anything goes wrong tonight

— Critics' Choice ()

LIVE on : red carpet — Sarah Paulson

— Michael Ausiello ()

A photo posted by Michael Ausiello () on May 31, 2015 at 3:54pm PDT

A photo posted by Michael Ausiello () on May 31, 2015 at 3:36pm PDT

Nominee uses the Red Carpet as a plug to thank his fans.

— Critics' Choice ()

Good to see ’s is in the house

— Critics' Choice ()

What’s a Girls night without working the Fan Art Red Carpet, right ?

— Critics' Choice ()

LIVE on : red carpet — spot the TV stars!

— Michael Ausiello ()

Looks like presenter and star is taking on the Red Carpet

— Critics' Choice ()

It’s GNO at the

— Critics' Choice ()

…and now you might be inheriting your fictional dad’s Empire.

— Critics' Choice ()

LIVE on : Choice Awards Red Carpet

— Bryshere Gray ()

Thanks, ! We’re excited you’re here, too! Is your TV Mom here yet?

— Critics' Choice ()

We're getting Blue Carpet Ready.

— Critics' Choice ()

A photo posted by Critics' Choice () on May 31, 2015 at 2:55pm PDT

LIVE on : arrivals has begun

— Andy Gelb ()

LIVE on : Awards red carpet — Josh Charles!

— Michael Ausiello ()

Get ready for a night of celebrating TV! It's Blue Carpet time in 30 mins followed by the LIVE show.

— Critics' Choice ()

A video posted by Emmy for Mayim () on May 31, 2015 at 4:30pm PDT

List of Winners

Winners will be/are highlighted in bold blue font.

BEST COMEDY SERIES
• Broad City (Comedy Central)
• Jane the Virgin (The CW)
• Mom (CBS)
• Silicon Valley (HBO)
• Transparent (Amazon)
• Veep (HBO)
• You’re the Worst (FX)

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
• Anthony Anderson, Blackish (ABC)
• Chris Messina, The Mindy Project (FOX)
• Jeffrey Tambor, Transparent (Amazon)
• Johnny Galecki, The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
• Thomas Middleditch, Silicon Valley (HBO)
• Will Forte, The Last Man on Earth (FOX)

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
• Amy Schumer, Inside Amy Schumer (Comedy Central)
• Constance Wu, Fresh Off the Boat (ABC)
• Gina Rodriguez, Jane the Virgin (The CW)
• Ilana Glazer, Broad City (Comedy Central)
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep (HBO)
• Lisa Kudrow, The Comeback (HBO)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
• Adam Driver, Girls (HBO)
• Cameron Monaghan, Shameless (Showtime)
• Jaime Camil, Jane the Virgin (The CW)
• T.J. Miller, Silicon Valley (HBO)
• Tituss Burgess, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix)
• Tony Hale, Veep (HBO)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
• Allison Janney, Mom (CBS)
• Carrie Brownstein, Portlandia (IFC)
• Eden Sher, The Middle (ABC)
• Judith Light, Transparent (Amazon)
• Mayim Bialik, The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
• Melanie Lynskey, Togetherness (HBO)

BEST GUEST PERFORMER IN A COMEDY SERIES
• Becky Ann Baker, Girls (HBO)
• Bradley Whitford, Transparent (Amazon)
• Josh Charles, Inside Amy Schumer (Comedy Central)
• Laurie Metcalf, The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
• Peter Gallagher, Togetherness (HBO)
• Susie Essman, Broad City (Comedy Central)

BEST MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION
• Bessie (HBO)
• Killing Jesus (National Geographic Channel)
• Nightingale (HBO)
• A Poet in New York (BBC America)
• Stockholm, Pennsylvania (Lifetime)

BEST LIMITED SERIES
• 24: Live Another Day (FOX)
• American Crime (ABC)
• The Book of Negroes (BET)
• The Honorable Woman (Sundance)
• Olive Kitteridge (HBO)
• Wolf Hall (PBS)

BEST ACTOR IN A MOVIE OR LIMITED SERIES
• David Oyelowo – Nightingale (HBO)
• James Nesbitt – The Missing (Starz)
• Kiefer Sutherland – 24: Live Another Day (FOX)
• Mark Rylance – Wolf Hall (PBS)
• Michael Gambon – The Casual Vacancy (HBO)
• Richard Jenkins – Olive Kitteridge (HBO)

BEST ACTRESS IN A MOVIE OR LIMITED SERIES
• Aunjanue Ellis – The Book of Negroes (BET)
• Felicity Huffman – American Crime (ABC)
• Frances McDormand – Olive Kitteridge (HBO)
• Jessica Lange – American Horror Story: Freak Show (FX)
• Maggie Gyllenhaal – The Honorable Woman (Sundance)
• Queen Latifah – Bessie (HBO)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MOVIE OR LIMITED SERIES
• Bill Murray – Olive Kitteridge (HBO)
• Cory Michael Smith – Olive Kitteridge (HBO)
• Elvis Nolasco – American Crime (ABC)
• Finn Wittrock – American Horror Story: Freak Show (FX)
• Jason Isaacs – Stockholm, Pennsylvania (Lifetime)
• Jonathan Pryce – Wolf Hall (PBS)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MOVIE OR LIMITED SERIES
• Claire Foy – Wolf Hall (PBS)
• Cynthia Nixon – Stockholm, Pennsylvania (Lifetime)
• Janet McTeer – The Honorable Woman (Sundance)
• Khandi Alexander – Bessie (HBO)
• Mo’Nique – Bessie (HBO)
• Sarah Paulson – American Horror Story: Freak Show (FX)

BEST DRAMA SERIES
• The Americans (FX)
• Empire (Fox)
• Game of Thrones (HBO)
• The Good Wife (CBS)
• Homeland (Showtime)
• Justified (FX)
• Orange Is the New Black (Netflix)

BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
• Eva Green – Penny Dreadful (Showtime)
• Julianna Margulies – The Good Wife (CBS)
• Keri Russell – The Americans (FX)
• Taraji P. Henson – Empire (FOX)
• Vera Farmiga – Bates Motel (A&E)
• Viola Davis – How to Get Away with Murder (ABC)

BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
• Aden Young – Rectify (Sundance)
• Bob Odenkirk – Better Call Saul (AMC)
• Charlie Hunnam – Sons of Anarchy (FX)
• Freddie Highmore – Bates Motel (A&E)
• Matthew Rhys – The Americans (FX)
• Timothy Olyphant – Justified (FX)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
• Carrie Coon – The Leftovers (HBO)
• Christine Baranski – The Good Wife (CBS)
• Joelle Carter – Justified (FX)
• Katheryn Winnick – Vikings (History)
• Lorraine Toussaint – Orange Is the New Black (Netflix)
• Mae Whitman – Parenthood (NBC)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
• Ben Mendelsohn – Bloodline (Netflix)
• Christopher Eccleston – The Leftovers (HBO)
• Craig T. Nelson – Parenthood (NBC)
• Jonathan Banks – Better Call Saul (AMC)
• Mandy Patinkin – Homeland (Showtime)
• Walton Goggins – Justified (FX)

GUEST PERFORMER IN A DRAMA SERIES
• Cicely Tyson – How to Get Away with Murder (ABC)
• Julianne Nicholson – Masters of Sex (Showtime)
• Linda Lavin – The Good Wife (CBS)
• Lois Smith – The Americans (FX)
• Sam Elliott – Justified (FX)
• Walton Goggins – Sons of Anarchy (FX)

BEST REALITY SERIES
• Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (CNN)
• Deadliest Catch (Discovery Channel)
• Married at First Sight (A&E)
• MythBusters (Discovery Channel)
• Shark Tank (ABC)
• Undercover Boss (CBS)

BEST REALITY COMPETITION SERIES
• The Amazing Race (CBS)
• America’s Got Talent (NBC)
• Dancing With the Stars (ABC)
• Face Off (Syfy)
• Master Chef Junior (FOX)
• The Voice (NBC)

BEST REALITY SERIES HOST
• Anthony Bourdain – Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (CNN)
• Betty White – Betty White’s Off Their Rockers (Lifetime)
• Cat Deeley – So You Think You Can Dance (FOX)
• James Lipton – Inside the Actors Studio (Bravo)
• Phil Keoghan – The Amazing Race (CBS)
• Tom Bergeron – Dancing with the Stars (ABC)

BEST ANIMATED SERIES
• Archer (FX)
• Bob’s Burgers (FOX)
• Gravity Falls (Disney Channel)
• The Simpsons (FOX)
• South Park (Comedy Central)
• Star Wars Rebels (Disney XD)

BEST TALK SHOW
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Comedy Central)
• The Graham Norton Show (BBC America)
• Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC)
• Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
• The Late Late Show with James Corden (CBS)
• The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (NBC)

Louis XIII Genius Award goes to Seth MacFarlane

Ceremony & Backstage & Award Winners

The secret’s out … of the envelope. Congrats to Best Drama

— Critics' Choice ()

What’s the only thing better than a 5.2 Weissman Score? winning Best Comedy Series.

— Critics' Choice ()

Here’s to Best Actress in a Drama for ! You get the WHOLE award

— Critics' Choice ()

Here’s to Best Actor in a Drama . Watch your step taking the stage, Slippin' Jimmy

— Critics' Choice ()

.: I'm here because of Vince Gilligan. Thank you to the critics and the fans for giving us a chance.

— Debra Birnbaum ()

Cheers to Best Actor in a Comedy for making the transition from nominee to winner

— Critics' Choice ()

The critics are totally into you. Congrats to for Best Actress In A Comedy

— Critics' Choice ()

Here’s to Best Limited Series . You saved lazy students from having to read the book

— Critics' Choice ()

The critics are singing the same tune. Here’s to ’s for winning Best Movie Made For TV

— Critics' Choice ()

The math is simple. + = Best Actress in a Movie or Limited Series

— Critics' Choice ()

Time to show off your victory dance, . Congrats on winning Best Reality Show Host

— Critics' Choice ()

No prothesthetics. These smiles are real. Congrats to Reality Show Competition Winner

— Critics' Choice ()

We’re 100% in! Congrats to Best Reality Show Non-Competition winner

— Critics' Choice ()

Genius is looking for new ideas. Not really. But pitch your show anyway to

— Critics' Choice ()

The Critics abide. Congrats on winning Best Guest Performer in a Drama for

— Critics' Choice ()

Congrats to for ! Deep down we always knew you were a blonde.

— Critics' Choice ()

Proof you ARE a great Mom. Congrats on Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy for

— Critics' Choice ()

Congrats Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy . Not even Hooli can take this away

— Critics' Choice ()

Vee is for Victory! Congrats to Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for

— Critics' Choice ()

Jonathan Banks to : You're a fine mother f–ing actor.

— Debra Birnbaum ()

: wins best supporting actress in a movie or miniseries

— Variety ()

. just won big at the !

— JustJared.com ()

: wins best animated series

— Variety ()

A photo posted by mayim bialik () on May 31, 2015 at 5:13pm PDT

Looks like is temporarily out of our and out in the open at the

— Critics' Choice ()

TV Awards 2015: Full winners list – Follow along tonight!

— Zap2it ()

: with Jon Stewart wins best talkshow

— Variety ()

A photo posted by Michael Ausiello () on May 31, 2015 at 5:02pm PDT

"oh, im just sitting here with LEGEND Louis Gossett, Jr.!"

— Critics' Choice ()

A photo posted by Michael Ausiello () on May 31, 2015 at 5:54pm PDT

Even the smile is pure genius.

— Critics' Choice ()

A photo posted by Michael Ausiello () on May 31, 2015 at 6:42pm PDT

Best Actor in a Drama Series: Bob Odenkirk for !

— Us Weekly ()

Mayim Bialik

— Trending Report™ ()

A photo posted by Emmy for Mayim () on May 31, 2015 at 6:22pm PDT

Do these guys come with my to-go order at the ?

— Jessica Radloff ()

TV Awards 2015: 's Kiss, 's Cookie Moment and More

— Michael Ausiello ()

With my publicist at the awards I felt like a winner even though I lost.;)

— Mayim Bialik ()

31May 2015

Book Con: Taye Diggs & Shane Evans

by Melody Star

View image | gettyimages.com

Taye Diggs & Shane Evans held a panel discussion moderated by New York Times Children’s Book Editor Maria Russo at Book Con at the Javits Convention Center Saturday May 30 to talk about , written by Diggs and illustrated by Evans from MacMillian Publishers. Mixed Me will hit bookstores October 6, 2015, but is available for pre-order on Amazon.com (see link above). Mixed Me is a vibrant, upbeat picture book that celebrates everything that is special about growing up in a biracial family.

Diggs talked about how the book will follow a multicultural family that will share many experiences similar to multicultural families such as his own family. Diggs researched talking to many multicultural families, both parents and children to put thoughts together for the content of the book. Evans shared how he loves to watch a character come alive on paper and what better way than to have it also inspire children.

This is not the first collaboration of Diggs and Evans. They both also released in 2011 about a boy that looks different than other kids with darker skin, curlier hair who talks to his mother about how he wishes he could be like everyone else. His mother lovingly helps him see how beautiful he really is.

View image | gettyimages.com

31May 2015

Book Con: ‘Parks & Recreation’s’ Aziz Ansari

by Melody Star

View image | gettyimages.com

Book Con opened Saturday, May 30 at Javits Convention Center in New York City and Parks and Recreation’s Aziz Ansari was present to hold a conversation about his book, which he co-authored with Eric Klineberg called releasing June 16, 2015 from Penguin Press. His discussion was moderated by Daniel Jones, editor of New York Times column, Modern Love. Joining the two for the latter half of the discussion was co-author of Modern Romance, Eric Klineberg who makes his living as a professional socialist.

Using his own dating experience to seed the the writing of Modern Romance, he unfolds a story of Tanya, a woman who never responded to his text messages, which confused him and led him to want to understand why and the situation overall. Ansari then talked about using science and finding scientific explanation for feelings and how there are ways to explain, through science the confusing world of dating in the modern world.

Ansari was asked about marriage, having grown up where his parents were the product of “arranged marriage” and discussed his own relationship status, revealing that he has no plans to marry anytime soon.

Ansari read an excerpt from his book, entertaining the audience with his wit evidenced in the humorous voice of the book.

Klineberg, a socialist, gained personal data direct from Ansari, which allowed for further study in modern dating and romance and gave Ansari an approach for writing the book. The panel demonstrated the crossing of comedy with science, talking of how stories from various focus groups around the globe as well as stories from Ansari’s own experiences, combined with both academic perspective helped the book become a reality.

The audience asked questions then the session was closed by Ansari who shared another anecdote of his own relationship. The audience came away understanding the importance of connecting as people, yet understanding we connect using technology and how it can make for a stronger relationship.

30May 2015

Book Con: Nick Offerman, John Hodgman & Paul Rudd

by Melody Star

View image | gettyimages.com

Releasing June 2, 2015 from Dutton publishers, Nick Offerman took stage today at Book Con held at Javits Convention Center in New York City, to talk about his new book , but he did not start out by talking, but rather with a guitar in tow and proceeded to sing songs.

John Hodgman accompanied Offerman to talk about the book, but suddenly Paul Rudd walked out on stage to join them, the trio suddenly turning the stage into a true panel discussing their love for woodworking and anything made from wood and winding their way to discuss or define gumption. Offerman giving his definition, “It’s the spunk, the pith, the gravel one is required to have the get up and go. To see the work that needs doing in their lives around them and they get up and do it…to make the world a more decent place. Gumption is the fuel with which you paddle yourself down the river,” he continued.

Offerman talked about how the book covers people who came together to talk about things that changed him, that were historic and did important things. The men and women in his book are the kind of people he continually learns from on how to be a better person and strive to do better. He talks of role models starting with George Washington and many other role models.

One of the fans in the audience asked Offerman, “Do you prefer reading a book on paper?” Offerman quipped back with, “I do prefer reading a book. I don’t like looking at a screen…I love having a book I can carry with me. It’s great for killing bugs and cudgeling vegans. Kidding. I love vegans. They leave more meat.”

Attendees to the panel enjoyed quick wit and humor from Offerman, Rudd and Hodgman and did not leave disappointed.

Offerman’s book hits bookstores on Tuesday, June 2, 2015. Orders can already be taken by Amazon.com at the above link.

30May 2015

Book Con: Mindy Kaling & BJ Novak

by Melody Star

mindykalinghaircut01_29May2015

Book Con opened Saturday May 30 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City, where a number of celebrities participated in Q&A sessions and panels.

The event started off with a panel featuring Mindy Kaling and BJ Novak in the Special Events Hall discussing Kaling’s book Why Not Me? filling the hall with fans. will release September 29, 2015 from Crown Archetype publishers. You can pre-order the book now on Amazon.com.

Kaling was not to be seen at first but a video began the session where Kaling provided a voice over asking “is Book Con just a con for people too scared to go to a real Comic-Con?” Kaling then began to talk about her roles on The Office and The Mindy Project quipping “where are men of color” in her shows and proceeded to show a clip of photos of President Obama and Elmo with her. She also talked about her book when BJ Novak entered into the clip with her as they bantered back and forth.

With the audience laughing, cheering and applauding, Kaling and Novak then took the stage to introductions and to answer audience questions. Novak took stage first and introduced Kaling, covering her impressive accomplishments and then proceeded to hand over the stage to her.

Following introductions, Kaling proceeded to explain the title of her book Why Not Me?, explaining how she never felt like she quite fit in. She talked about how many of her friends were marrying and having children and how she felt a little left out, then went on to explain how she also feels left out on the careers side, never feeling her accomplishments measure up to others, leaving herself to ask why she can’t be like “that.”

Kaling talked about differences she felt when writing her first book from this book. In her first book, she was just excited to be writing a book, a book that talks about who she is, really wanting people to like her; whereas in Why Not Me? she knew that she had people that liked her, and she opened herself up to vulnerability, leading the book to be a bit funnier. She mentioned that she felt like the book covered a life from the last five years which have felt more like more has happened in those five years than in the previous thirty years of her life.

Following a lot more discussion about her book, and questions from Novak answered by her, they opened up to audience questions to both of them.

View image | gettyimages.com

Can you tell us a bit about your writing process?

Kaling: The biggest compliment I can get about writing is if it sounds like talking to a friend. So, I would record myself talk and write that. When I would transcribe it, it would have something on the page and it helped because there was something on the page.

Novak: My favorite writing advice was “If you can talk, you can write.”

If you had a week to spare, would you want to host SNL?

Kaling: I actually loved to write for SNL for two weeks. I learned so much. If I was there, which I would love to host SNL, I would love to do Cookie from Empire as a celebrity impersonation. I would want to do all the characters from Empire.

Have you learned anything new about yourself playing your characters?

Kaling: It’s been interesting fake dating so many guys. It’s been weird to see what actors’ courtship tactics are like. The character of Mindy in the show is so much smarter than me in some ways, like she’s a surgeon and OG/BYN. She’s a narcissistic and smart twenty-five year old women and I’ve learned so much about having dials to turn back and flip them back and learn how to do that in real life.

Could you tell us something about the project you’re working on together?

Novak: Well, it’s very early in the creative process and we just met yesterday. That book won’t be out for quite awhile. It’ll go through many conversations and directions.

Kaling: Will our fighting stop the production of this book? It’s actually really awesome, we just started to really work on it. I love working with him, so the ideas we’ve had so far are super excited.

Now that The Mindy Project is on Hulu does that mean we can get more risque shots?

Kaling: When you find a platform like Hulu, which is looser with what you’re allowed to do… You have that feeling after working on network television of “Oh, what can we do now!?” We decided that we definitely want people who tune into the show for two reasons: doing cool new things and not giving up the basics of the show. I think that a major thing about romance is restraint. A little goes a long way. But I do think we’re going to expand in more ways than before.

You’ve talked about how you want to get married and have kids, but how you don’t have many female friends. Do you think that you’re still incorporating aspects of your real life into The Mindy Project?

Kaling: It’s so funny. My favorite people in LA I’ve met are also really successful people. One of them is Lena Dunham! These are people personally who I adore and before I can ask them to be on my show, they have their own! Nothing would make me happier than finding a great and worthy and funny person to sit across from and talk about my problems with. The writers room is starting up on Monday and this is something we’re actively thinking about.

Who’s your favorite guest star and who would you want on the show?

Kaling: Kerry Washington is great, especially on Scandal. I love working with BJ and Stephen Colbert. The fact the only acting gig he did between jobs was for our show was amazing! It was wonderful to act with him and it felt cool for the show. Guests I would love: Reese Witherspoon, Tom Hanks, Dave Chapelle.

30May 2015

Beau Biden, son of Vice-President Biden Lost Fight to Brain-Cancer

by Melody Star

Beau Biden and Vice President Biden at the swearing in of Joe Biden into Vice Presidency. Image: Getty Images

Vice-President Joe Biden’s son Beau, lost his life to brain cancer at age 46 in a statement released Saturday night. His father called him “quite simply the finest man any of us have ever known.”

Beau Biden was a former attorney general for the State of Delaware from 2007 to 2015, and served as a Major in Delaware’s National Guard. He was deployed to Iraq for a year in 2008 and came home to witness his father’s swearing in as Vice President.

Many suspected Biden would follow his father’s legacy and enter into the Delaware 2016 gubernatorial race.

Vice President Biden released the following statement:

It is with broken hearts that Hallie, Hunter, Ashley, Jill and I announce the passing of our husband, brother and son, Beau, after he battled brain cancer with the same integrity, courage and strength he demonstrated every day of his life.

The entire Biden family is saddened beyond words. We know that Beau’s spirit will live on in all of us—especially through his brave wife, Hallie, and two remarkable children, Natalie and Hunter.

Beau’s life was defined by service to others. As a young lawyer, he worked to establish the rule of law in war-torn Kosovo. A major in the Delaware National Guard, he was an Iraq War veteran and was awarded the Bronze Star. As Delaware’s Attorney General, he fought for the powerless and made it his mission to protect children from abuse.

More than his professional accomplishments, Beau measured himself as a husband, father, son and brother. His absolute honor made him a role model for our family. Beau embodied my father’s saying that a parent knows success when his child turns out better than he did.

In the words of the Biden family: Beau Biden was, quite simply, the finest man any of us have ever known.

President Obama also released a statement Saturday, upon learning of Biden’s passing:

Michelle and I are grieving tonight. Beau Biden was a friend of ours. His beloved family – Hallie, Natalie, and Hunter – are friends of ours. And Joe and Jill Biden are as good as friends get.

Beau took after Joe. He studied the law, like his dad, even choosing the same law school. He chased a life of public service, like his dad, serving in Iraq and as Delaware’s Attorney General. Like his dad, Beau was a good, big-hearted, devoutly Catholic and deeply faithful man, who made a difference in the lives of all he touched – and he lives on in their hearts.

But for all that Beau Biden achieved in his life, nothing made him prouder; nothing made him happier; nothing claimed a fuller focus of his love and devotion than his family.

Just like his dad.

Joe is one of the strongest men we’ve ever known. He’s as strong as they come, and nothing matters to him more than family. It’s one of the things we love about him. And it is a testament to Joe and Jill – to who they are – that Beau lived a life that was full; a life that mattered; a life that reflected their reverence for family.

The Bidens have more family than they know. In the Delaware they love. In the Senate Joe reveres. Across this country that he has served for more than forty years. And they have a family right here in the White House, where hundreds of hearts ache tonight – for Hallie, Natalie, and Hunter; for Joe and for Jill; for Beau’s brother, Hunter; his sister, Ashley, and for the entire Biden clan.

“I have believed the best of every man,” wrote the poet William Butler Yeats, “And find that to believe it is enough to make a bad man show him at his best or even a good man swing his lantern higher.”

Beau Biden believed the best of us all. For him, and for his family, we swing our lanterns higher.

Michelle and I humbly pray for the good Lord to watch over Beau Biden, and to protect and comfort his family here on Earth.

Survivors include Beau’s wife, Hallie, and their two children, Natalie and Hunter. Beau’s mother, Neilia Hunter died in an automobile accident in 1972 where both Beau and his brother Hunter survived the incident, but his sister, Naomi was also a victim of the crash. Five years later, Beau’s father Joe married his current wife, Jill who helped raise Beau and his brother Hunter.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Vice President Biden and his family as they grieve the loss of their son, Beau. The nation has lost a great one.

29May 2015

The Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons guests on Charlie Rose

by Melody Star

The Big Bang Theory‘s Jim Parsons guest appeared on Charlie Rose and talked about the show, what he thinks about Sheldon and more. Parsons also talked about his latest project.

Parsons is currently appearing in An Act of God at Studio 54 on Broadway in New York City, New York, but took time out of his busy schedule to talk with Rose. An Act of God opened last evening to a standing ovation, star-studded audience.

See Review of An Act of God

See Related An Act of God Opening Night

An Act of God, written by David Javerbaum (formerly head writer of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart), was outgrown from a Twitter account owned by Javerbaum called which led to Javerbaum writing his book The Last Testament: A Memoir by God. Javerbaum further explains that “An Act of God is a 90- minute conversation in which I will reveal the mysteries of the Bible and answer some of the greatest existential questions that plague mankind. I chose Jim to play Me because I relish the irony of telling the real story of the Six Days of Creation through the star of The Big Bang Theory.”

“Over the course of his long and distinguished career, God has literally seen it all. And not just seen. In fact, the multitalented deity has played a pivotal role in many major events, including the creation of the universe, the entirety of world history, and the co-creation (with his son) of The Walking Dead. Sometimes preachy, sometimes holier-than-thou, but always lively, The Last Testament is the ultimate celebrity autobiography,” Javerbaum continues.

See More about An Act of God

See full segment clip below:

See promo clip of the show:

29May 2015

Gold Derby: Emmys eligibility period ends May 31: Unless you’re ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘Veep’ …

by Melody Star

Reposted from golderby.com

By Marcus James Dixon

Confused by the Emmys calendar? We can hardly blame you. While the current eligibility period officially runs from June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015, the TV academy regularly grants exceptions to “hanging episodes” of eligible series — that is, one or more episodes airing outside the Emmy year — as long as they air prior to the final day of nomination voting, June 26.

Some of Emmy’s favorites are amongst the shows whose seasons will conclude after the soft deadline of Sunday, May 31, including Game of Thrones and Veep. But there are many more. Scroll down to see our list of shows with hanging episodes from the 2014-2015 Emmy year, as compiled by Gold Derby’s forum posters.

Bones (Fox)
#10.21 “The Life in the Light” – June 4
#10.22 “The End in the End” – June 11

The Comedians (FX)
#1.09 “Damage Control” – June 4
#1.10 “Misdirection” – June 11
#1.11 “Red, White & Working Blue” – June 18
#1.12 “Overhear” – June 25
#1.13 “Partners” – June 25

Game of Thrones (HBO)
#5.09 “The Dance of Dragons” – June 7
#5.10 “Mother’s Mercy” – June 14

Happyish (Showtime)
#1.07 “Starring David Ogilvy, Anton Chekov and Lady Liberty” – June 7
#1.08 “Starring Rene Descartes, Victor Frankenstein and HRH The Princess of Arendelle” – June 14
#1.09 “Starring Bill Hicks, Joseph McCarthy and Alfred Bernhard Nobel” – June 21
#1.10 “Starring Christopher Hitchens, Philip Larkin and Josef Stalin” – June 28*
*As Emmy voting ends June 26, the season finale is not in contention this year.

Hot in Cleveland (TV Land)
#6.23 “Vegas Baby” – June 3
#6.24 “I Hate Goodbyes” – June 3

Inside Amy Schumer (Comedy Central)
#3.07 “Fight Like a Girl” – June 2
#3.08 – June 9
#3.09 – June 16
#3.10 – June 23

Nurse Jackie (Showtime)
#7.09 “Serviam in Caritate” – June 7
#7.10 “Jackie and the Wolf” – June 14
#7.11 “Vigilante Jones” – June 21
#7.12 “I Say a Little Prayer” – June 28*
*As Emmy voting ends June 26, the series finale is not in contention this year.

Orphan Black (BBC America)
#3.08 “Ruthless in Purpose, and Insidious in Method” – June 6
#3.09 “Insolvent Phantom of Tomorrow” – June 13
#3.10 “History Yet to Be Written” – June 20

Silicon Valley (HBO)
#2.09 “Binding Arbitration” – June 7
#2.10 “Two Days of the Condor” – June 14

Veep (HBO)
#4.09 “Testimony” – June 7
#4.10 “Election Night” – June 14

Younger (TV Land)
#1.11 “Hot Mitzvah” – June 2
#1.12 “The Old Ma’am and the C” – June 9

28May 2015

Stage Review: Jim Parsons is Divine in ‘An Act of God’

by Melody Star

Jim Parsons as “God” and his angelic helpers Timothy Kazurinsky and Christopher Fitzgerald in ‘An Act of God’ at Studio 54 Image: Jeremy Daniel

by E. Caroll, Review Columnist

Securing tickets early in time to get a review out on Opening Night, I was able to attend ‘An Act of God‘ at Studio 54. Studio 54 is wonderful in that no matter where you sit, you have a great view of the stage. An Act of God is a play borne out of a Twitter feed.

An Act of God is written by David Javerbaum (former head writer for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart) , directed by four-time Tony Winner Joe Mantello (Wicked, Angles in America: Millennium Approaches, Take Me Out, Assassins), produced by Jeffrey Finn (Ton-nominated The Elephant Man, The Realistic Joneses, I’ll Eat You Last, Dead Accounts, Scandoulous, Seminar, American Idiot, A View from the Bridge, and so many more) and stars The Big Bang Theory‘s Jim Parsons with co-stars two-time Tony Nominee, Christopher Fitgerald (Finian’s Rainbow, Young Frankenstein and also was in The Merchant of Venice, Wicked, Amour, and Chicago on Broadway and in The Good Wife, Elementary, Twins, Girl Most Likely and Larry Gaye: Renegade Male Flight Attendant) and Tim Kazurinsky (a cast member of Saturday Night Live in 1982-1984 and played Officer Sweetchuck in three Police Academy films, with stage credits including The Odd Couple, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Old Jews Telling Jokes and he has toured with the National Tour of Wicked where he played the Wizard of Oz.)

An Act of God is Parsons’ third role on Broadway (previously starring in The Normal Heart and Harvey), but this clearly is his most important role yet on stage. While he broke hearts in The Normal Heart with his passion, and charmed audiences with the revival of Harvey, this role is completely unique and about as close to a monologue or stand-up comedy routine as you can get while playing a role on stage.

Parsons holds the entire audience while mainly sitting on a couch and talking for the full 90 minutes in which he plays the most important character of all time, “God.” Parsons body is taken over by God so that he can communicate with mankind. He wants to talk to the people of today’s era about many things, including updating them on “proper” interpretation of the Ten Commandments.

Javerbaum’s wish to have Parsons in the role was the right choice. He does charm the audience with what could be some controversial and sticky issues, yet Parsons has a way to remove any possibility of offense with his humor, poise and charisma.

At the open, Parsons appears before a large staircase with the Ten Commandments atop the stairs. Parsons is white-robed and has two Archangels (Fitzgerald as Archangel Michael and Kazurinsky as Archangel Gabriel) that never leave his side, or in this case the theater, because Parsons presence as God fills the whole theater. He is omnipresent after all!

Jim Parsons Image by Jeremy Daniel

While the stage is simple, it lends itself to a perfect setting for the next 90 minutes. It provides a sense of “heavenly” ambiance while the audience is given a “divine” intervention with the Almighty.

“God” is casual dressed in his white robes with jeans, red sneakers and a plaid shirt under his robes, making himself easily available to his creation by not trying to off-put them with being too fancy. He is your ordinary-Joe kind of God that people can relate to and enjoy.

After explaining His reason for coming to talk to the theater-goers, Parsons’s “God” proceeds to hold the audience in the palm of his hand by use of his body language, posture, facial expressions and tone of voice. He answers His wingmen Archangels’ questions and some questions that are brought forward after Archangel Michael goes out into the audience for some interactive participation. While the Archangels have minimal roles, both Fitgerald and Kazurinsky play their parts well, yet in true angelic form, never distract from the Big-Guy Presence on stage. If you are lucky enough to sit in the front row, you might actually get to shake “God’s” hand as Parsons does come down and interact briefly with some audience.

Javerbaum’s penned wit, combined with Parsons’ talent provide a winning combination. Kudos also to the set designer and lighting team for creating the right ambiance.

The creative team included: Scenic design – Scott Pask (The Book of Mormon); Sound Design – Fitz Patton (It’s Only a Play); Costume design – David Zinn (Fun Home); Lighting design – Hugh Vanstone (Matilda The Musical); Projection design – Peter Nigrini (Here Lies Love); with a few witty notations in the program that Hair Design was by Delilah, God’s Executive Assistant is St. Peter and Travel Arrangements by Moses.

An Act of God delighted audience members of all ages, from teens to silver-haired 80-somethings, all who literally and truly laughed out loud to where at times one might miss the next line from all the laughter, but it was all very joyous. And the pièce de résistance? Parsons’ finalé is a vocal number of him singing an original song with lyrics by Javerbaum with music by Adam Schlesunger called “I Have Faith in You,” ending with a standing ovation by the enthusiastically applauding audience.

Overall the play is laugh out loud funny; Parsons is brilliant in his role; and it is not surprising that there have already been repeat audience members because it is one to see over again!

An Act of God is playing at Studio 54 located at 254 West 54th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue, New York City, New York.

fivestars Five Stars out of Five.

: on Instagram: #OpeningNight! #AnActofGod “Praise Be !!”- !! #JimParsons #Broadway #SetDesign photo by #SaraKrulwich #Theater

Reviews from Other Media, followed by summaries:

The New York Times: Review: ‘An Act of God,’ With Jim Parsons as an Almighty Comedian

Broadway .com: Our Father, Who Art in Studio 54: An Act of God, Starring Jim Parsons, Opens on Broadway

Deadline Hollywood: Jim Parsons Rewrites God’s Top 10 list, Dishes Noah – Broadway Review

Variety: Broadway Review: Jim Parsons in ‘An Act of God’

NBC New York: With Jim Parsons as God, Bazingas Fly From On High

The Hollywood Reporter: ‘An Act of God’: Theater Review

Newsday: ‘An Act of God’ review: Jim Parsons in irreverent yet sweet comedy

Broadway World Review: BWW Reviews: Parsons Preaches It in AN ACT OF GOD

New York Daily News: ‘An Act of God’ review: Jim Parsons divine as the Man Upstairs

New York Post: Parsons is a mildly irreverent supreme being in ‘Act of God’

The Star-Ledger (New Jersey): Jim Parsons stars as the Almighty in ‘An Act of God’

Time Out: An Act of God

Theater Mania: An Act of God

Entertainment Weekly: Jim Parsons in An Act of God on Broadway: EW review

Huffington Post: Jim Parsons Carries “An Act of God,” Broadway’s Latest Laugh-Out-Loud Comedy

The Toronto Star: Jim Parsons divine in An Act of God on Broadway

Guardian: An Act of God Review – Jim Parsons Plays The Diety

Vulture: Theater Review: Does Jim Parsons, as God, Knock ‘Em Dead?

Bergen Record: Theater review: ‘An Act of God’

USA Today: Parsons’ ‘God’ Charms But Doesn’t Awe

AM New York: ‘An Act of God’ theater review — 2 stars

Associated Press/Washington Times: Review: Jim Parsons can’t save mindless ‘An Act of God’

Summaries below are reposted from Broadway World Roundup:

Charles Ishwerood, The New York Times: How funny is the guy? He’s Jon Stewart funny, plus Stephen Colbert funny. (Mr. Javerbaum has written for both.) More obviously, it might be said that Mr. Parsons as Mr. Javerbaum’s tell-it-like-it-is God is, yes, divinely funny…Verily I could quote every other line from Mr. Javerbaum’s annotation of the Scriptures and gather a chuckle, so deliriously funny is he as a sort of amateur theologian and stand-up comedy genius rolled into one…With his sly smile and his sparkly eyes, [Parsons] delivers the zingers with an easy grace, giving a nice silky consistency to shtick that, in more aggressive hands, might grow oppressive. He handles the pseudo-biblical language as if it comes as naturally to him as the nerd-speak he spouts on television, looking down upon us with an air of benevolent affection, like a really caring therapist, but one who prefers to talk about himself.

Mark Kennedy, Associated Press: Summer on Broadway is when the weakest of authors somehow find a home. This year, it’s apparently God. The play, with one strange song at the end, is a chance for the Almighty to set the record straight – like that he doesn’t hate gays and he can’t help anyone sing better – and update his 10 Commandments…Javerbaum is obviously pretty good at droll, bite-sized humor. No so much with a 90-minute play. This one seems more like a lounge act cooked up by someone who thinks his Facebook updates are totally hilarious…Parsons…is game playing a sort of overworked divine bystander with anger management issues, forever exasperated at humans and their endless stupidity…One bright spot is Fitzgerald as the Angel Gabriel, who peppers God with questions about heavenly inconsistencies and the nature of evil. Their tension is really the only thing that keeps this lame thing even slightly going. It truly needs divine intervention.

Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter: Jim Parsons would not be the first person to come to mind for the role of God. But the actor proves a surprisingly authoritative Supreme Being in David Javerbaum’s hilarious comedy An Act of God…The script by Javerbaum…is both outrageously irreverent and deeply thoughtful in its exploration of religious issues. The Book of Mormon seems almost restrained by comparison…Although Kazurinsky and Fitzgerald provide terrific deadpan comic support, this is essentially a one-person show, and Parsons runs with it. Displaying the expert comic timing and delivery that’s won him numerous television awards, the actor here delivers a tour-de-force turn in which he fully commands the stage for 90 minutes…Being a comedy sketch stretched out to feature length, An Act of God inevitably has its longueurs. But there’s no denying that this wickedly clever evening is both thought-provoking and anarchic fun.

Marilyn Stasio, Variety: Scott Pask’s celestial set, which consists of a white stairway leading up to what looks like the inside of a big blue egg cup, doesn’t have much to say for itself, and Hugh Vanstone’s lighting design is your basic white-on-white. The real source of light here is Parsons, who was most recently on Broadway in “Harvey” and seems to genuinely enjoy doing stage work, God bless him. The sheer absurdity of the situation makes the offbeat humor tailor-made for Parsons, a master of the deadpan stare and droll comic delivery…Javerbaum undeniably knows his territory. But he doesn’t strike his true vein of gold here until he allows the Lord God to introduce His all-new-and-vastly-improved Ten Commandments…Parsons is such a personable performer that he can hold the floor pretty much on his own, dazzling us with his chatty charm.

David Cote, Time Out NY: There aren’t many lies you can tell about God that organized religion hasn’t told already: He is loving; He rewards the faithful; He is a He; and the biggest crock of all — that He exists. And yet comedy writer David Javerbaum…finds new ways to make the Supreme Being his sock puppet in An Act of God, this summer’s blithely blasphemous occupant at Studio 54. In this divine visitation from the Unmoved Mover, the always charming Jim Parsons will make a disbeliever out of you…Still, Javerbaum’s radical rewrite of the Ten Commandments-the evening is structured around God’s introduction of revised laws — is clever and even refreshingly positive, insisting on the separation of church and state and encouraging us to believe in ourselves, not some elderly white guy in the sky.

Linda Winer, Newsday: If you’re going to cast the embodiment of the Almighty, the King of the Universe, the Alpha and Omega, the Omniscient and the Omnipotent, it makes awfully good — really, quite heavenly — sense to go with Jim Parsons…those not amused by light-fingered, big-hearted blasphemy may assume they will not be amused by the 90-minute summertime entertainment that officially kicked off the new Broadway season…Basically, God is on Broadway to rewrite at least some of the Ten Commandments, which now include “Thou shalt not tell others whom to fornicate.” Nobody is too holy to avoid the occasional easy target…But the material — some framed as questions from the audience — takes on a satisfying number of Big Issues, including a brilliantly skewed explanation of evolution. Parsons…has been delightfully directed by Joe Mantello…Although the performance requires a hellish amount of memorization, Parsons appears to be making all this “godding” up with his usual Texas drawl and his disarming, crooked smile.

Elysa Gardner, USA Today: …Javerbaum’s satire can become rather too obvious. There are digs at Justin Bieber, Sarah Palin and the Kardashian clan. Act’s title character is also problematic; Javerbaum’s God is a comic tyrant, albeit one who can wax earnest and tender, and who ultimately advocates humanism. The tonal shifts are, if not earth-shattering, certainly jarring. Parsons and director Joe Mantello emerge as the show’s saving graces. An affable actor and wry, nimble comedian, Parsons manages to deliver even Javerbaum’s snarkier and more self-righteous lines with minimal smugness. Under Mantello’s witty, playful direction, he establishes an easy, knowing rapport with the audience — and with Christopher Fitzgerald and Saturday Night Live alumnus Tim Kazurinsky, who respectively play Michael and the meeker Gabriel. Javerbaum provides some genuinely funny and incisive lines…Here, as in the best moments of An Act of God, the joke is at least partly on us.

Robert Kahn, NBC New York: “An Act of God” is a 90-minute diversion, as often amusing as it is trifling…Parsons’s God is like Sheldon Cooper after a few double espressos — snide and sarcastic, and now with the power to turn you into a pillar of salt…If you follow Javerbaum’s Twitter account…The material here is uniformly in keeping with that vibe. Parsons nails the material when it’s fresh (a Holocaust one-liner is the most daring thing in the play) and rises above it when it’s mediocre (a ringing cell phone gag is cringe-worthy, as is a story about “Adam and Steve”)…God is assisted by two archangels…They share a breezy chemistry with their boss, especially poor Fitzgerald, whose curiosity about the mysterious ways in which the Lord works may prove his undoing…The ending is tacked on and hokey, in spite of nifty effects. There was no easy way Javerbaum was going to tidily wrap this holy stand-up routine, and I wish he hadn’t tried. Neither heavenly nor hellish, “An Act of God” is primarily for fans of Jim Parsons. They are justifiably legion, and they will get their share of “bazingas” out of his work here.

Matt Windman, AM New York: Jim Parsons is essentially playing Sheldon Cooper…playing God. It’s a very funny, very promising concept, but not much of a play or even a stand-up routine…By offering a live version of his inimitable persona on “The Big Bang Theory,” Parsons provides Broadway audiences the same sort of kick as Larry David, who is playing a slight variation of his “Curb Your Enthusiasm” character in the hit comedy “Fish in the Dark.” Even at 90 minutes, “An Act of God” is long-winded and full of unoriginal jabs at common targets. There may be a play to be drawn out of Javerbaum’s work, but “An Act of God” is not it.

Jeremy Gerard, Deadline: Under the smooth, even convivial direction of Joe Mantello, Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) lounges on Scott Pask’s immaculate, vaguely Mount Sinai-ishe set, attended by favorite, bewinged angels Gabriel (Tim Kazurinsky) and Michael (Christopher Fitzgerald), the former given to mischief and the latter more subservient. Much of the humor seems familiar…A lot more seems phoned in…Some of it could be described as edgy, though to my mind it was merely tasteless, not to say pandering (“People say, ‘Why did you let the Holocaust happen?’ Well, no Holocaust … no Cabaret.”)…Parsons delivers all this polished patter expertly, with a dry sense of the absurd, which makes most of the show mildly entertaining. But if you want to meet the Deity on the edge…spend the money…on tickets to Fun Home or Hand To God.

Joe Dziemianowicz, New York Daily News: Put Jim Parsons behind the wheel of a Broadway star vehicle, and he’ll drive like it’s a Rolls-Royce. Even if it’s really a Ford Fusion Hybrid. So it is with the “An Act of God,” a new mixed-bag comedy about the Man Upstairs in which He cops to having “wrath-management issues.” The play by David Javerbaum has laugh-management issues. Some of it is divinely, if blasphemously, inspired. Some is sorta tired. Unevenness isn’t next to godliness. But Parsons is an ace comic act. He does deadpan and flashes the stink eye like nobody’s business, so the show is fun and entertaining…The best material is out of left field and edgy. Like when God says that “Jesus was a middle child, and acted like it. He is the second of My three children: Zach, Jesus, and Kathy.” Nobody saw that coming. But it lifted the show to cloud nine.

Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Post: If you’re going to spend an hour and a half listening to a mildly irreverent riff on the Bible, it might as well be with Jim Parsons…Parsons is the reason why this extended skit made it onto the Great White Way. God, however, is below his skill level. Parsons is charming as a supreme being who’s relaxed, cocky and at times a little testy. But this play is merely a glorified Top 10 list in which God gives us his revised Commandments — a natural format for playwright David Javerbaum…Parsons is at his best when God’s at his worst. When Michael wonders why the Almighty doesn’t always reward the good or punish the evil, the deity gets cranky: “I totally hear what you’re saying,” he says. “I just prefer mysterious ways, all right?”…At least Parsons got God out of his system. Here’s hoping he’ll apply his considerable talents again to interesting humans.

Jesse Green, Vulture: Parsons…sells the hell out of what is basically a 90-minute monologue…If you’ve followed the tweets…you’ll know the flavor: sarcastic, clever, and, miles beneath the surface, deeply serious. Parsons, whose tonal control is as fine as that of a dimmer switch, handles all this with the insouciance of a young George Burns (to name one of his God-playing predecessors), moving with complete ease between camp and dudgeon, mockery and message…The jokes keep landing — nearly one per sentence — and if they occasionally achieve a rat-a-tat quality that tends to raise smiles while suppressing laughter, they are always, at least, smart…But Javerbaum, and his director, Joe Mantello, are too theatrically savvy to leave it at that. Another note, slowly introduced among the zingers and rim shots, eventually becomes dominant, and this one, while still funny, is darker and potentially more theologically challenging than mere spoofs of Bible stories. It’s the note of divine self-criticism: God, reviewing his infinite life so far, has begun to question not just his actions…but also his very nature.

Peter Marks, The Washington Post: The advantages wielded by “An Act of God” and its astute director, Joe Mantello, are some of Javerbaum’s stinging one-liners and the winningly dry-witted Parsons, who does just fine playing a deity with an attitude. Parsons’s gift for withering contempt is ideal for the playwright’s conception of a haughty heavenly father with communion-wafer-thin patience for an assortment of human frailties…Javerbaum has some clever points regarding the narcissism of humankind and how this might have figured in God’s creation of us in his own image…There’s something about the weary vigilance Parsons projects that gives compelling freshness to this kind of standard-issue Biblical demystification.

Ronni Reich, The Star-Ledger: Directed by Joe Mantello, the show provides light entertainment suited to this point in the season. Javerbaum’s writing is clever and quirky, and Parsons shows off impressive energy and distinctive, off-kilter charm in the 90-minute piece…This is clearly a deity who created man in his image, flaws and all — but God’s are magnified to the level of his power. Parsons is more than up to the task, with an effortless, conversational tone as he takes on Javerbaum’s riffs. As with the scientist he plays on TV, complex phrases roll easily off his tongue, and he speaks with authority while maintaining an approachable quality. While the “Act” is reliably amusing, as we get to know this version of God — one who repeatedly insists that there is something really wrong with him — some jokes become predictable…some of the anecdotes become, well, preachy. The slanted take on familiar stories and the modern sensibility make an uplifting ending seem a little overly sweet.

Richard Ouzounian, Toronto Star: Yea, verily, I have walked through the shadow of death in the theatre world, wondering why so many shows have tended to be hellish experiences, but with An Act of God, which officially opened at Studio 54 on Thursday night, I had a revelation. All you need is someone really divine in your cast. Someone like Jim Parsons…The slightly tricky premise, of course, is that we’re really not seeing Jim Parsons or Sheldon Cooper but God Himself, using the persona of the actor to speak to the masses…An Act of God takes no prisoners, pulls no punches and will provide you with an irreverent, hysterical, yet somehow provocative 90 minutes in the theatre. Joe Mantello has directed with a sleekly inventive hand; Christopher Fitzgerald and Tim Kazurinsky are a droll and deadpan pair of angels; and Javerbaum’s script amuses to the very last line. But it’s Parsons who makes the evening unique. It’s a joy to watch him manipulate our image of him, play to what we expect and then turn it all around 180 degrees. His timing is lethal, his looks are deadlier than a cobra’s and his comedy wins at every turn.

Robert Feldberg, Bergen Record: Much of the show’s pleasure radiates from Parsons, who goes well beyond the constraints of the geeky, socially awkward character he plays on his sitcom to give an aggressively funny performance in the manner of an in-charge stand-up comedian – with some artful acting thrown in.

Alexandra Villarreal, Huffington Post: The play is funny, for sure. Studio 54 resounds with cackles as Parsons carries his role with the acting chops that have earned him four Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. The script may be a little withheld, but for Broadway, it’s not so sterilized as Gigi or cold and isolated as last year’s Betrayal. With A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and Something Rotten! now gracing stages on the Great White Way, wit seems to be making a comeback even in the live equivalent of big budget Blockbusters, and An Act of God is no exception. Jokes land, even if they feel forced, and Javerbaum’s history with Jon Stewart sets the precedent for the show’s humor.

Clark Collis, Entertainment Weekly: The problem is that, for a Broadway show, this isn’t much of a Broadway show. If God really is in the house, would it have killed the Supreme Being who whipped up the Earth and sky to produce a few dancing girls, metaphorical or otherwise? God does have a couple of helpers in the literally angelic forms of Christopher Fitzgerald’s audience-roaming Michael and Tim Kazurinsky’s Commandment-announcing Gabriel. But this is still essentially a stand-up routine-make that a sit-down one, given the amount of time God spends lounging on a sofa on the spare, all-white set. As a theatrical spectacle, An Act of God is the anti-Wicked, which is a surprise given the shows share a director in Joe Mantello. May we suggest another commandment? Thou Shalt Not Charge Broadway Ticket Prices To See Jim Parsons Tell Jokes-no matter how beloved He mightest be.B-

Alexis Soloski, Guardian: If you’ll forgive me, oh Lord of hosts, though this play is billed as a chance to ask “any questions that arise regarding the nature of existence, that I may deign to answer them and enlighten thee”, as justifying the ways of God to man go, this is not exactly Paradise Lost. The main thrust: God often goes into “ethereal-hover mode” while he lets humanity roll along and while he does have a divine plan, “I’m not afraid to riff. Go with the flow.” Which goes a long way toward making sense of the narwhal and several varieties of Haribo sweets.

And with that “God” can laugh even at the bad reviews

28May 2015

‘An Act of God’ and Jim Parsons Debut to Star-Studded Audience

by Melody Star

Timothy Kazurinsky, Jim Parsons and Christopher Fitzgerald in ‘An Act of God’ at Studio 54 Image: Jeremy Daniel

An Act Of God, written by David Javerbaum (former head writer of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart), opened tonight to a star-studded premiere. Watch for our review tonight!

An Act of God is directed by four-time Tony Winner Joe Mantello (Wicked, Angles in America: Millennium Approaches, Take Me Out, Assassins), produced by Jeffrey Finn (Ton-nominated The Elephant Man, The Realistic Joneses, I’ll Eat You Last, Dead Accounts, Scandoulous, Seminar, American Idiot, A View from the Bridge, and so many more) and stars The Big Bang Theory‘s Jim Parsons (Harvey, The Normal Heart) with co-stars two-time Tony Nominee, Christopher Fitgerald (Finian’s Rainbow, Young Frankenstein and also was in The Merchant of Venice, Wicked, Amour, and Chicago on Broadway and in The Good Wife, Elementary, Twins, Girl Most Likely and Larry Gaye: Renegade Male Flight Attendant) and Tim Kazurinsky (a cast member of Saturday Night Live in 1982-1984 and played Officer Sweetchuck in three Police Academy films, with stage credits including The Odd Couple, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Old Jews Telling Jokes and he has toured with the National Tour of Wicked where he played the Wizard of Oz.)

See More About An Act of God

Celebrities present included Javerbaum and his family, Larry Kramer (The Normal Heart), Zach Braff (Bullets Over Broadway, Wish I Was Here, Garden State, Scrubs)Two and a Half Men‘s Amber Tamblyn (Sisterhood with the Traveling Pants), Jason Alexander (Fish in the Dark, Seinfeld), twice Tony Award winner Swoosie Kurtz (Fifth of July, A History of the American Film, Sisters, Frozen, Heartbreak House), Raven Symone (Sister Act), Tony- winning Ellen Barkin (The Normal Heart), Yael Stone (Orange is the New Black), The Princess Grace Award and Helen Hayes Award winner Patrick Page (Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, The Edge, Cyrano De Bergerac, Casa Valintina, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, A Time To Kill) , Paige Davis (Trading Spaces, Chicago, Sweet Charity, Boeing-Boeing), Tony-nominee Brenda Braxton (Cougar the Musical, Chicago, Dreamgirls, Cats), Chef Rocco DiSpirito (Cook Your Butt Off), fellow Big-Bang castmate and two-time Tony nominee, and Laurie Metcalf (Domesticated, The Other Place, Brighton Beach Memoirs, November), to name a few.

We have staff who have attended the previews and are present at tonight’s opening. We will update more following the play.

See Our Review and summary/links to other Reviews

Parsons was interviewed by Variety following his opening night performance. Here are a few quotes from the interview:

“It’s like having a mild drug trip, completely sober, for an hour and a half,” Parsons said after the production’s May 28 opening at Studio 54. “It’s as much fun and as much terror as I’ve ever had at one time.”

“Literally, an actor can do no wrong in this part,” he said. ” ‘I’m playing God. If you don’t like how I do something, tough cookies.’ It’s a feeling you should carry with you in every play you do! But that’s hard for me to get used to, because I’m an actor and I want to be liked.”

“Act of God” marks his third Broadway appearance. He’s a junkie for the “visceral, electric” thrill the stage gives him. “It feels like home,” he said. “But home isn’t usually this unpredictable!”

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More Red Carpet photos from Broadway World

View image | gettyimages.com

Jim Parsons Image: Walter McBride/Getty Images

Jim Parsons on Opening Night of ‘An Act of God’ Image: Getty Images

A great night at in NYC

— Steve Kook ()

A photo posted by Carlos Chiossone () on May 28, 2015 at 7:13pm PDT

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Jim can be seen in the background in this Instagram photo:

A photo posted by Caitlin () on May 28, 2015 at 8:15pm PDT

Last night at the opening night of . Jim Parsons and the rest of the cast were brilliant!

— Paige Davis ()

Bravo ! I laughed a lot and I was often surprised and moved. Jim Parsons is a pure delight and Joe Mantello is genius. Amen.

— jason alexander ()

For everything there is a season. Even for a cherubic onstage selfie.

— An Act Of God ()

28May 2015

Melissa Rauch’s ‘The Bronze’ moved to an October Release to Avoid Summer Comedic Rush

by Melody Star

Melissa Rauch film ‘The Bronze’

Melissa Rauch’s raunchy comedy, The Bronze, about a troubled Olympian gymnast which is being released by Relativity Studios is moving from a previously schedule July 10 release date to October 16 instead. It will have a limited theatrical debut before expanding to a broader release on October 23, 2015.

Relativity was concerned about the number of R-rated summer comedies being released, such as Minions, Ted2, Vacation, and Spy, so opted to move The Bronze to an October date where less comedy genre films and more horror, thriller films are released. The Bronze will be up against Crimson Peak, Bridge of Spies, Goosebumps, The Last Witch Hunter, Jem and the Holograms, Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension, Rock the Kasbah and The Secret in Their Eyes.

The Bronze was co-written by The Big Bang Theory‘s Melissa Rauch and her husband Winston, and directed by Bryan Buckley; starring Melissa Rauch and Sebastian Stan (Captain America: The Winter Soldier). The film is produced by Duplass Brothers Productions’ Stephanie Langhoff.

Relativity who has US rights to The Bronze after purchasing at Sundance Film Festival for $3Mil, whereas foreign distribution is still undecided.

28May 2015

‘The Big Bang Theory’ funds STEM Scholarships for UCLA Students!

by Melody Star

Chuck Lorre, Chuck Lorre Family Foundation and approximately 50 individual cast and crew members of The Big Bang Theory have contributed toward and created a

The Big Bang Theory Scholarship Endowment for UCLA students who wish to study science, technology, engineering and math. It is the first scholarship foundation named for and funded by a television series. The Endowment has raised nearly $4Mil in funds as of this date. Warner Bros. Television has also partnered in the Endowment.

Initially 20 students will receive assistance based on financial need for 2015-2016 academic year with five additional student selected each subsequent year.

“We have all been given a gift with ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ a show that’s not only based in the scientific community, but also enthusiastically supported by that same community — this is our opportunity to give back,” Lorre said in a statement. “In that spirit, our ‘Big Bang’ family has made a meaningful contribution, and together, we’ll share in the support of these future scholars, scientists and leaders.”

Dr. Mayim Biliak, who stars as Amy Farrah Fowler on The Big Bang Theory holds a PhD in Neuroscience from UCLA, and the show’s scientific consultant, Dr. David Salzberg is Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University.

Kudos to a show that cares!

Below is the Warner Bros. Television Studios Press Release Bulletin:

BURBANK, Calif. (May 28, 2015) — In the first-ever university scholarship at UCLA created by and named for a television series, The Big Bang Theory and the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation have established The Big Bang Theory Scholarship Endowment, to support undergraduate students in need of financial aid who are pursuing their higher education in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at UCLA.

With an initial donation from the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation combined with gifts from nearly 50 individuals associated with The Big Bang Theory — including series stars Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch; executive producers Bill Prady, Steven Molaro; and crew — plus partners such as Warner Bros. Television and CBS, as well as contributions from other industry leaders, The Big Bang Theory Scholarship and Endowment has raised more than $4 million to date.

The Big Bang Theory co-creator/executive producer Chuck Lorre enthusiastically announced the scholarship, and said: “We have all been given a gift with The Big Bang Theory, a show that’s not only based in the scientific community, but also enthusiastically supported by that same community — this is our opportunity to give back. In that spirit, our Big Bang family has made a meaningful contribution, and together, we’ll share in the support of these future scholars, scientists and leaders.”

“At UCLA, we pride ourselves on providing opportunities for students from all economic backgrounds,” said UCLA Chancellor Gene Block. “UCLA attracts the very best students from around the world, and admission is very competitive. We are grateful for The Big Bang Theory Scholarship Endowment, whose contributors agree with us that economic standing should not hinder a deserving student’s shot at a degree from a university of UCLA’s caliber.”

With the growing importance placed on STEM skills crucial for success in our increasingly technological global economy, public and private leaders have called for greater emphasis on the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in our educational system. Although scientific advancement and innovation have long been a hallmark of American society, they have perhaps never been so important as they are right now. The current Administration has fully supported STEM-related initiatives with millions in private-sector commitments and in-kind support.

Information on The Big Bang Theory Scholarship Endowment:

Twenty (20) Big Bang Theory scholars will be selected for the 2015–16 academic year to receive financial assistance, with an additional five scholars to be added in each future academic year — in perpetuity. The Big Bang Theory Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need to low-income students who have earned admission to UCLA based on academic merit but need additional support to bridge the gap between typical levels of financial aid and the cost of attendance.

The inaugural group of scholars will be announced in fall 2015 on the set of The Big Bang Theory. Joining the scholars will be the show’s stars, producers, representatives from UCLA and select benefactors.

In addition to centering many of its episodes in the worlds of science and technology,The Big Bang Theory enjoys a healthy appreciation and support from the scientific community at large. And the show’s connection to UCLA extends beyond the scholarship fund: Series star Mayim Bialik earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA, while professor of physics and astronomy David Saltzberg, Ph.D., serves as the show’s science consultant.

This marks the first time that a scholarship endowment at UCLA has been created and funded by a television series.

At UCLA, 52 percent of all students receive need-based scholarships, grants or other aid. That includes approximately 36 percent of undergraduates who receive Pell Grants, federal aid for students from low-income families. Almost one-third of UCLA graduates have parents who didn’t graduate from a four-year college or university.

About The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory stars Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch. Created by Chuck Lorre & Bill Prady, the series is produced by Chuck Lorre Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and is executive produced by Lorre, Prady and showrunner Steven Molaro. The Big Bang Theory returns for its ninth season this fall, Mondays at 8/7c on CBS, and airs five nights a week in national syndication.

About UCLA

UCLA is California’s largest university, with an enrollment of more than 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The UCLA College and the university’s 11 professional schools feature renowned faculty and offer 128 undergraduate majors, 88 master’s programs and 110 doctoral and professional programs. UCLA is a national and international leader in the breadth and quality of its academic, research, health care, cultural, continuing education and athletic programs. Seven alumni and six faculty have been awarded the Nobel Prize.

28May 2015

Tony Awards: 26 Presentors Announced including Jim Parsons, David Hyde Pierce, Larry David, Bradley Cooper, Neil Patrick Harris & More

by Melody Star

2015TonyPresenters01

The 69th Annual Tony Awards will be held June 7th airing on CBS, hosted by Kristin Chenowith and Alan Cumming.

See List of Nominees

Previously we reported the list of performers which include Kristin Chenoweth and the cast of “On the Twentieth Century,” nominees Brian D’Arcy James, Christian Borle, Brad Oscar and the cast of “Something Rotten!,” nominee Chita Rivera and the cast of “The Visit,” nominees Kelli O’Hara and Ken Watanabe and the cast of “The King and I,” as well as the casts of “On the Town,” “Fun Home” and “An American in Paris,” Vanessa Hudgens and the cast of “Gigi,” Tony-nominated Matthew Morrison, Kelsey Grammer and the cast of “Finding Neverland,” and Tyne Daly along with the cast of “It Shoulda Been You.”

Today presenters were announced. The list of presenters include:

Bradley Cooper (Nominee for Leading Actor in a Play for The Elephant Man)
Sting (Nominee for Original Score for The Last Ship)
Jim Parsons (An Act of God)
Larry David (Fish in the Dark)
Rita Wilson (Fish in the Dark)
David Hyde Pierce (by proxy via his directorial debut, It Shoulda Been You; also a Tony winner)
Neil Patrick Harris (past host of the Tony Awards)
Bryan Cranston
Sutton Foster
Tommy Tune (a nine-time Tony winner & a Life-time Achievement Award recipient)
Jason Alexander (joining Fish in the Dark on June 9; also a Tony winner)
Taye Diggs (coming to Hedwig)
Thomas Sadoski
Bobby Cannavale
Rose Byrne (also, Annie)
Anna Chlumsky (in both You Can’t Take It With You and Living on Love)
Debra Messing
Jennifer Nettles
Corey Stoll
Kiefer Sutherland
Marg Helgenberger (recently: The Other Place at Barrington Stage Company)
Joe Manganiello (recently: A Streetcar Named Desire at Yale Rep)
Misty Copeland
Amanda Seyfried (starring with Thomas Sadoski in Second Stage’sThe Way We Get By)
Taylor Schilling (recently spent A Month in the Country with Peter Dinklage)
Ashley Tisdale

28May 2015

‘The Big Bang Theory’ Featured on Sundance TV ‘Behind the Story’ Today; OITNB on June 8!!!

by Melody Star

Go behind the scenes of two fan favorite shows with producers discuss making great TV. The Big Bang Theory will be on Behind the Story at 11/10c PM on Sundance TV. It will be repeated on May 30 at 7:30/6:30c AM. Check your local guide for listings.

Orange is the New Black will be featured on June 8 at 9/8c PM, and repeated the hour following at 10/9c PM.

See preview below:

Updated at 9 PM PT: Clips from tonight

28May 2015

Exclusive: The End of An Era Signified by the Removal of The Late, Late Show with David Letterman Sign

by Melody Star

#periscope

Removal of the Late Show with David Letterman Sign Image: screenshot from #periscope by

Starting around 2 AM EST the Ed Sullivan Theater took on a new look as the sign that sat in place for over 33 years began to be removed in pieces. The Late, Late Show with David Letterman sign came down and two periscopers happened to catch it for those who followed them, and . Also joining the two periscopers was who is also on Twitter, Periscope and Meerkat.

The end of an era is marked by this historic event.

The set, taken down earlier, was going to be dispersed to several locations, including some pieces that Letterman himself had asked be sent to him. Paul Shaffer may also see portions of the set sent to him. But then there were various institutions that had requested pieces and those have already been en route to those institutions. There were no plans to auction off parts of the set.

Set being removed from Ed Sullivan Theater. Image: Deadline.com

It is unknown where the sign will go, although rumors have been circulating that there has been a purchaser of the sign for $2Mil. Ron Waxman, one of the periscopers at the historic event last evening did ask the workers taking down the sign if they knew where the sign would be going, but they had no idea of the destination of the sign, so the rumor could not be confirmed.

In the meantime, CBS who owns Ed Sullivan Theater, will be refurbishing and renovating it, preparing for the changing of the late night host seat to Late Night with Stephen Colbert.

Bye bye Dave. Cranes remove Late Night signs.

— Maxine Shepard ()

More from ! sign coming down!

— Timothy Harshman ()

Workers taking down the sign 😞

— Mburton ()

The removal of Letterman's Late Night Show Sign being Periscoped by Ron Waxman ~ The Batman of Periscope

— Carol Gowin ()

Letterman signage coming down at 340amEST

— Donald Lord ()

— Dustin Isom ()

The closing of a moment in entertainment history, thanks for being there

— Jay Saidso ()

— Rathy ()

Thanks to for alerting me via . I am now live on scene. sign coming down.

— Ron Waxman ()

More of tonight of the sign coming down

— Timothy Harshman ()

More from ! sign coming down!

— Timothy Harshman ()

26May 2015

‘An Act of God’ Holds Strong in Third Week of Previews

by Melody Star

An Act of God, starring The Big Bang Theory‘s Jim Parsons, is holding strong in previews. The capacity numbers increased 1.9%. This past week, while the play increased in capacities, saw the final episode of Late Night with Dave Letterman, lottery tickets given out, and also many Memorial Day events and celebrations occur so this is good news for the producers of An Act of God.

Opening officially this Thursday, May 28, we look forward to seeing numbers next week. Watch for reviews which should release on Thursday.

AOGHistoricalGrossesWeek3_25May2015

During Press Day, there were some Behind the Scenes interviews. Check out video below from An Act of God meeting the press.

Below are the grosses for the week for all shows on Broadway.

Broadway25May2015BoxOffice01 Broadway25May2015BoxOffice02 Broadway25May2015BoxOffice03 Broadway25May2015BoxOffice04

23May 2015

Go Purple with the cast of ‘The Big Bang Theory’ to end Alzheimers!

by Melody Star

Join the cast of The Big Bang Theory, Bradley Cooper, Joey McIntyre, Seth Rogen, Dick Van Dyke, and many, many others by taking the purple pledge to support those facing Alzheimer’s. Worldwide there are 47 million people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementias. Help The Alzheimer Association turn the world purple by committing to raise awareness in June for Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month.

Join the conversation use these hashtags: #ENDALZ #GOPURPLE

Alzheimer’s Disease is a triple threat disease. Get the facts:

47 MILLION WORLDWIDE: Worldwide, 47 million people are living with dementia.

604 BILLION USD PER YEAR: The annual global cost of dementia is $604 billion in U.S. dollars.

2030: 76 MILLION PEOPLE: The number of people living with dementia worldwide is set to skyrocket to 76 million by 2030.

Learn more

23May 2015

Behind the Scenes Look at Jesse Eisenberg & Kunal Nayyar in The New Group’s ‘The Spoils’

by Melody Star

Jesse Eisenberg & Kunal Nayyar in ‘The Spoils’ Image: Monique Carboni

This summer The Big Bang Theory‘s Kunal Nayyar is in the off-Broadway show ‘The Spoils‘ co-starring with and written by Jesse Eisenberg. We have some behind the scenes footage as well as preview performance footage.

See More about The Spoils

The production is directed by Scott Elliott, written by Jesse Eisenberg and produced by The New Group production company in association with Lisa Matlin.

The Spoils stars Eisenberg (Ben) and Kunal Nayyar (Kalyan) along with Erin Darke(Sarah), Annapurma Sriam (Reshma), and Michael Zegen (Ted) and will be held at the Pershing Square Signature Center Signature Theater located at 480 West 42nd Street in New York City, New York.

What is The Spoils About? Nobody likes Ben. Ben doesn’t even like Ben. He’s been kicked out of grad school, lives off his parents’ money, and bullies everyone in his life, including his roommate Kalyan, an earnest Nepalese immigrant. When Ben discovers that his grade school crush is marrying a straight-laced banker, he sets out to destroy their relationship and win her back.

Currently in previews, The Spoils will officially open on June 2. The limited run production will run through June 28. It is playing at:

The New Group at The Pershing Square Signature Center
The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre
480 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036

All the images below are by Monique Carboni.

Two cast interviews that discuss Generation Y’s Point Of View & What Audiences Can Expect when the go see The Spoils:

22May 2015

DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Home’ Available on DVD/Blu-Ray June 26!

by Melody Star

DreamWorks Animation’s hit animated film, Home, starring The Big Bang Theory‘s Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Steve Martin, Jennifer Lopez and Mom‘s Matt Jones will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray beginning June 26th! You can early pre-order on .

See more on the film Home

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Monthly Archives: May 2015

Drama Desk Awards – ‘Hamilton’ takes home Top Honors, followed by ‘The Curious Incident’

List of Winners

5th Annual Critics Choice Awards – Following Live

Interviews

Blue Carpet

List of Winners

Ceremony & Backstage & Award Winners

Book Con: Taye Diggs & Shane Evans

Book Con: ‘Parks & Recreation’s’ Aziz Ansari

Book Con: Nick Offerman, John Hodgman & Paul Rudd

Book Con: Mindy Kaling & BJ Novak

Beau Biden, son of Vice-President Biden Lost Fight to Brain-Cancer

The Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons guests on Charlie Rose

Gold Derby: Emmys eligibility period ends May 31: Unless you’re ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘Veep’ …

Stage Review: Jim Parsons is Divine in ‘An Act of God’

‘An Act of God’ and Jim Parsons Debut to Star-Studded Audience

Melissa Rauch’s ‘The Bronze’ moved to an October Release to Avoid Summer Comedic Rush

‘The Big Bang Theory’ funds STEM Scholarships for UCLA Students!

Tony Awards: 26 Presentors Announced including Jim Parsons, David Hyde Pierce, Larry David, Bradley Cooper, Neil Patrick Harris & More

‘The Big Bang Theory’ Featured on Sundance TV ‘Behind the Story’ Today; OITNB on June 8!!!

Exclusive: The End of An Era Signified by the Removal of The Late, Late Show with David Letterman Sign

‘An Act of God’ Holds Strong in Third Week of Previews

Go Purple with the cast of ‘The Big Bang Theory’ to end Alzheimers!

Behind the Scenes Look at Jesse Eisenberg & Kunal Nayyar in The New Group’s ‘The Spoils’

DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Home’ Available on DVD/Blu-Ray June 26!

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