http://www.post-gazette.com/ Articles from all entertainment categories en-us Copyright 2012, post-gazette.com. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 13:40:05 -0500 15 http://www.post-gazette.com/includes/2007design/images/150x30pg_now_logo.gif http://www.post-gazette.com/ 144 39 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208237-42-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Sat, 4 Feb 2012 12:21:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208111-66.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml INDIANAPOLIS -- Three decades after his Coke commercial won advertising's version of the Oscar, Joe Greene and his No. 75 Steelers jersey make a comeback in another Super Bowl spot on television. The new commercial relies heavily on the old one, only the Coke bottle has been replaced by a container of Downy Unstopables laundry product. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 12:01:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208109-122-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Ben Gazzara, an intense actor whose long career included playing Brick in the original "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" on Broadway, roles in influential films by John Cassavetes and work with several generations of top Hollywood directors, died Friday in New York City. He was 81. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 11:46:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208189-388-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml As Thomas Hampson neared the end of his part in Brahms' glorious "Ein Deutsches Requiem" he intoned, "Behold, I show you a mystery." It was hard for me to not take these words at face value even in the midst of a work of profound spirituality and one set to biblical verse. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 11:31:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1207970-388.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Bruce Springsteen guitarist Steve Van Zandt says touring without saxophonist Clarence Clemons is sure to be emotional for the E Street Band and its audience. Mr. Clemons died at age 69 last year after a stroke. Mr. Van Zandt said Thursday that the band's work will always be a tribute to Mr. Clemons and keyboard player Danny Federici, who died in 2008. Mr. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208083-325.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml A dance company's season lineup is like a good recipe. It's got to be just the right blend of tried and true favorites, something sweet and something spicy with a dash of surprise. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's 2012-13 offering will treat audiences to a little whimsy and fantasy, passion and heartache and the ooo-la-la of turn-of-the-century Paris. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208084-67-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml If Snooki and JWoww need a place to live, Jersey Shore will welcome them with open arms. Jersey Shore, Pa., that is. The Central Pennsylvania Film Office wants the stars of MTV's "Jersey Shore" reality show to come to the tiny borough in northcentral Pennsylvania or to nearby Williamsport to shoot a planned spinoff of their gym-tan-laundry lifestyle. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208085-67-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Sharon Needles' debut on "RuPaul's Drag Race" was dead-on. The season 4 premiere Monday was the highest in Logo history for a series, a 50 percent increase over last season's opener. It scored a 0.6 rating in the premiere adult 18-49 demo, with 481,000 total viewers across various broadcast and social media platforms. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207766-67.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Characters Unite, USA Network's public service campaign created to address social injustice and cultural divides, visited Clairton High School in November with Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward for its latest special, "NFL Characters Unite," which will air on USA at 7 p.m. Feb. 10. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:50:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207764-60.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml WASHINGTON -- An Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker was arrested at a House hearing Wednesday after trying to film the proceedings without the required media credentials, the Associated Press reports. Joshua Fox of Milanville, Wayne County, was led out of the room in handcuffs and charged by Capitol Police with unlawful entry. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:48:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207767-120.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml This is how the young Clark Kent must have felt. If Clark Kent had been on Facebook. For Andrew, Matt and Steve -- three self-obsessed Seattle high school buds who climb down a hole and emerge with telekinetic powers -- coming to grips with their newfound skills not only is a challenge, but also a kick. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:35:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207769-121.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml The Post-Gazette reviews movies from a family perspective: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:34:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207765-120.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Freeing Willy was a cakewalk compared to what would-be rescuers face in Alaska. Three California gray whales, christened Fred, Wilma and Bamm-Bamm, are trapped off the coast of Barrow, Alaska, north of the Arctic Circle. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:33:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207758-348-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Michelle Obama is known for her commitment to health and exercise. But who knew she was so tenacious when it comes to pushups? On her talk show Thursday, Ellen DeGeneres invited the first lady to do some pushups with her. And Mrs. Obama didn't disappoint -- quickly dropping and doing 25, much to the surprise of the host, People reports. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207759-67.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Black History Month programming continues on WQED-TV Sunday with four documentaries: "Wylie Avenue Days" (3 p.m.), set during the prime of Pittsburgh's Hill District in the 1930s-50s; "Barbershops: PA Stylin" (4 p.m.), hosted by Chris Moore; "Torchbearers" (5 p.m.), about local civil rights pioneers; and "Secrets of the Dead: Slave Ship Mutiny" (8 p.m.), the 1766 story of a Dutch slave ship's Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207760-67-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Original online TV programming gets a boost this month as several big-name tech companies make a push into territory that historically has been the realm of TV programmers. These new series look like traditional TV shows, but you won't find them on a broadcast or cable network. They're shows made to be viewed online and via broadband streaming. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207761-60-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml In the event you find yourself in Los Angeles later this month, there are a series of "Oscar Week" events that are either free or just $5 each. On Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m., two-time Oscar winner Brad Bird will host "Shorts! The 2011 Animated and Live Action Short Film Nominees." Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207771-120.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml "The Woman in Black" is a ghost story for beginners. It stars Daniel Radcliffe, is rated PG-13, and runs just 95 minutes. At a preview, a cluster of moviegoers audibly reacted now and then, but the jolts were mild, barely raising any gooseflesh and certainly not electrifying audiences the way "Insidious," "The Orphanage" or "The Shining" did. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207465-388.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:25:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207444-325.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Jen Childs is coming to Pittsburgh to face her fears for all to see. Don't be fooled by the silly costumes and the improv veteran's knack for finding the funny in her subject. She takes dance very seriously. In her one-woman show, "Why I'm Scared of Dance," Ms. Childs mixes storytelling and parodies of iconic dance numbers with her own dance experiences. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:24:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207457-388-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Anti-Flag takes peace and punk to Asia Anti-Flag is out making new friends -- in Southeast Asia. On its first-ever swing through the region, the political Pittsburgh band has been rallying the punks at the Silver Lake Music Festival in Thailand (with the likes of Incubus, Owl City and Seether) and in Indonesia, and is now moving on to Malaysia and Hong Kong. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:36:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207416-60-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml There are some films that people are more than happy to view over and over again. In celebration of Groundhog Day and recognition of "Groundhog Day," we asked people in the Pittsburgh arts and media scene, along with PG readers, what movies they can revisit any old time. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:25:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207454-388.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Coincidences can be startling: one week after I received the debut solo EP from local "party martyr" Sneaky Mike (featuring the single "Lil B"), a cover story emerged in the respected British music mag The Wire about that very same Lil B, the "Based God" rapper from Berkeley, Calif. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:18:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207417-60.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml John Pfab: "Slapshot" ... not just for being filmed in Johnstown. I've been a hockey fan most of my life, and this always brings out a laugh. Marge Connor Stout: "The Breakfast Club." There isn't a better '80s movie out there! A good representation of the various cliques in the '80s high school environment!! Jackie Belczyk: "The Princess Bride." ... Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:16:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207426-120-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Ryan Gosling stars as a loner and L.A. transplant known simply as Driver who splits his time between working as a movie stuntman and a getaway driver for criminals. He doesn't carry a gun or participate in the heists. He just drives. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:04:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207696-388.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Ben Folds will return to Heinz Hall to perform with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. May 25. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:59:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207528-437.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Thu, 2 Feb 2012 10:35:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207419-388.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml It started out as a memorial for a friend, became a tribute to a mother and ended up a message for humanity. Johannes Brahms' "A German Requiem" was all of that, and it is one of his most enduring compositions. The death in 1856 of Robert Schumann, the great German composer and close friend, inspired the choral work. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 09:48:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207415-120-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Reviews are out of four stars. 'Final Fantasy XIII-2' A rich library of characters and storylines allows the "Final Fantasy" franchise to flesh out entire games around seemingly minor characters. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207418-388.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml With names such as Couperin instead of Chopin, Blow instead of Brahms, and Purcell instead of Prokofiev, the music of the 17th century needs a little help being appreciated. You'd almost say it needs a Bernstein to bridge the gap. That's exactly what National Public Radio has tagged acclaimed harpsichordist and conductor Richard Egarr, and he is up to the challenge. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207430-120.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Forget swimming pools with clean, chlorinated water and lounge chairs perfectly positioned to catch the California sun. Josh "Skreech" Sandoval wants a "death box" -- an abandoned, empty cement bowl in which he can skateboard until the wheels come off or neighbors threaten to call the cops. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207431-60-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml The Screen Actors Guild Awards were celebrated Sunday night and the Oscars are nearing, but around Long Beach, Calif., the biggest awards of the season may be the Rosies. Community activist and all-around doggone good guy Justin Rudd is playing host for the Rosie Awards competition, named for his English bulldog, Rosie, to honor the animals that make movie magic. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207453-388-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml You may have seen her on "Saturday Night Live." She was the one in the formal gown so shaky on the vocal you could swear eyes were scanning for the Exit sign. Adele, she's not. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207456-67.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml PASADENA, Calif. -- CBS's "NCIS" remains the No. 1 scripted drama this season and next week it hits the 200-episode mark, quite an achievement for a series that didn't become an indisputable hit until about five years into its current nine-season run. Generally, TV shows are either successful out of the gate or grow into hits over the course of a season or two. Five years to become a hit? Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207466-388.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml "It's broken, stays broken forever/I'm keeping my heart intact," Ben Hackett sings in a tearful moan over a piano dirge on his second album, "The Blue Hour." This is indeed an album for the brokenhearted. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207194-325.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Eric Burns would have you believe that he's not a social person, that collaboration is against his nature, and that a change has come over him in a few weeks of putting on a show in Pittsburgh. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 22:36:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207443-500.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml There's electricity in the air when a Broadway tour comes to town, bringing a Tony-winning musical to the Benedum for the first time. For the opening-night audience, it can be like the electricity young Billy Elliot feels when he's dancing. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 16:37:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207371-42.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Democratic state Rep. Eugene DePasquale proposed legislation this morning that would direct $30 million to 18 academically and fiscally distressed school districts to be used for research-based methods of improving academic achievement. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 15:40:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207195-500.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Valentine's Day has come early to the Cultural District with a charming amatory confection, "As You Like It." Whatever Shakespeare meant by that enigmatic title, on this occasion it works: Ted Pappas' Public Theater show should prove to be just how the audience likes it, indeed. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 10:23:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207210-348-0.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Music's biggest night was already going to be a big night for Adele: She's nominated in six categories -- a career high -- and Kanye West has her outnumbered only by a single nod. But the 2012 Grammy Awards represents another special milestone for the bluesy Brit with the powerhouse voice. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500