Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer was born on July 24, 1969, in the Castle Hill section of the Bronx. Her father, David, was a computer technician. Her mother, Guadalupe, taught kindergarten. Jennifer is the middle of three daughters. Her elder sister, Leslie, is a housewife who sings opera. Her younger sister, Lynda, is a DJ on New York's WKTU, a VH1 VJ, and a morning news show correspondent on New York's Channel 11. Jennifer's parents were born in Puerto Rico, but did not meet until both came to America. Her mother's parents were Europeans who settled in Puerto Rico. She says that it was her parents' work ethic that made a difference in her life. Jennifer took singing and dancing lessons from age 5. She attended 12 years of Catholic school, including an all-girl high school. She played softball and tennis in high school and was a gymnast.

Lady GaGa Performs At EuroPride In Rome

Lady GaGa has continued to show her support for gay rights by performing at EuroPride in Rome, Italy over the weekend.

The 25-year old, who has previously spoken about equality at the Don't Ask, Don't Tell event last year, took to the stage at the city's Circus Maximus stadium to perform stripped-down versions of tracks Born This Way and The Edge of Glory on a piano.

SEE PICS OF GAGA AT DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL RALLY HERE

As well as singing at the Italian gay rights rally, GaGa also addressed her adoring crowd, with her describing homosexual people as "revolutionaries of love" and stating that she will continue to campaign for "full equality."

According to the Associated Press, the Judas singer claimed: "We're all from the same DNA. We were just born this way. I stand here as a woman of the world and I ask governments, with you, worldwide to facilitate our dream of equality."

CHECK OUT SEXY SNAPS OF LADY GAGA HERE  

"Let us be revolutionaries of love and use our very strong human powers to save lives and encourage unity around the world."

GaGa then revealed that she is often asked "how gay" she is, to which she told her audience: "My answer is: 'I am a child of diversity',"

SEE WHY MTV LOVES LADY GAGA HERE!!  

In other Lady G news, the eccentric singer has been named as the highest paid celebrity under thirty, beating the likes of Justin Bieber and Katy Perry with her estimated $90million fortune.

Watch MTV News on the hour every hour on MTV - Sky Channel 126 and Virgin Channel 311

Paris Hilton Greets Fans At The Jimmy Kimmel Show!

Paris Hilton was all smiles while signing a giant portrait of herself while greeting fans at the Jimmy Kimmel Show yesterday!

Tags: Paris Hilton

Karina Smirnoff Looked Great While Hosting An Event At Tao In Las Vegas!

Karina Smirnoff was all smiles while hosting an event at Tao nightclub in Las Vegas this weekend! Tony Parker and dancer Peta Murgatroyd were also at the event!

Kristen Stewart

Though most famous for her role as Bella Swan in the Twilight saga, Kristen Stewart has been a working actor since her early years in Los Angeles, California. Her parents, John Stewart and Jules Mann-Stewart, both work in film and television. Her mother is Australian. The family includes three boys, her older brother Cameron Stewart, and two adopted brothers Dana and Taylor.

After a talent scout caught her grade school performance in a Christmas play at the age of eight, she appeared on television in a few small roles. Her first significant role came when she was cast as Sam Jennings in The Safety of Objects (2001). Soon after that, she starred alongside Jodie Foster in the hit drama, Panic Room (2002) and was nominated for a Young Artist Award.

Shakira

Grammy-winning Latina pop singer Shakira was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, on February 2, 1977. Her father is a Lebanese-American immigrant and her mother a native of Colombia of Italian and Spanish decent. Shakira began her musical career at age 12 and quickly captured fans throughout Latin America. She won the 2001 Best Latin pop Grammy for her "MTV Unplugged" album.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow is the daughter of producer Bruce Paltrow and actress Blythe Danner. After attending the Spence School in New York City, she moved to California where she attended the University of California in Santa Barbara, majoring in Art History. She soon quit, realizing it was not her passion. She began acting in the Williamstown Theatre play "Picnic, " with her mother. In 1991 she appeared in her first film, Shout (1991) with John Travolta. She met Steven Spielberg and was cast in his film Hook (1991). After a bit part in the 1995 film Se7en (1995) she began dating her co-star Brad Pitt. She appeared in The Pallbearer (1996) and Emma (1996) and received her first Oscar nomination in 1999 for her role as Viola in John Madden's, Shakespeare in Love (1998)

Kim Lee Shakes Her Milkshake At Millions Of Milkshakes!

The Hangover 2 movie’s Kim Lee makes her very own milkshake at Millions Of Milkshakes in West Hollywood to benefit Tornado victims!

San Diego Chargers' Marcus McNeill To Give Free Bike Helmets To Kids

San Diego Chargers’ Marcus McNeill is giving away 250 free bike helmets to kids.

Join Kaiser Permanente at Westfield Parkway in San Diego on Saturday, June 4th from 12pm-2:30pm for a Kids Bicycle Helmet giveaway taking place near the Carousel by Pat & Oscar’s. The first 250 kids under 12 will be given a free helmet just for showing up. Children must be present to be fitted.

Plus, enjoy these other great activities while you’re there:

Meet San Diego Chargers player Marcus McNeillEnjoy tasty fruits for kidsConsult a DieticianLearn about San Diego’s in-school Agricultural Education ProgramsLearn about Westfield Parkway’s Family ProgramSpin a prize wheel to win free prizes like free movie tickets to Regal Cinemas inside Westfield Parkway

Marcus is also taking registrations for a fantastic charity 5K run on July 23 that benefits his own charity, Mack's Miracles. The race will start at 7 a.m. in front of Chargers Park and finish on the field at Qualcomm Stadium, where a 1K children’s fun run will take place.

Registration is $33 for adults through July 1 and $12 for children 12-and-younger. Spots are limited and the event is expected to sell out.
In addition to a powder blue Dri-Fit running shirt provided to all participants and a medal for children that complete the fun run, each person will get a chance to see themselves on the JumboTron as they dash to the finish at Qualcomm Stadium’s 50-yard line.

Proceeds will benefit Mack’s Miracles, a non-profit charitable foundation started by Chargers offensive tackle Marcus McNeill that promotes a healthy lifestyle, physical activity, education and financial literacy for youth.

Elizabeth Taylor To Be Honored By Women In Film

Women In Film has announced that film and television actress Melissa McCarthy will host this year’s Crystal + Lucy Awards on Thursday, June 16 evening, in the Beverly Hilton International Ballroom.

Making the announcement, Women In Film President, Cathy Schulman said, “This year, WIF is highlighting the impact women make on the media. Having laughed at Melissa’s years of trend setting and zeitgeist performances, topped by the wonderful ‘Megan’ in Bridesmaids, we’re thrilled to have Melissa hosting our event. We’re bound to have an unforgettable night.”

Women In Film and PANDORA have also announced that the 2011 Norma Zarky Humanitarian Award, presented by PANDORA, will be given to Dame Elizabeth Taylor. It will be accepted by Naomi Wilding on behalf of her late grandmother.

Of this year’s selection, Ms. Schulman said, “We look forward to honoring this community’s revered Elizabeth Taylor. In remembering Ms. Taylor, we are commemorating her many extraordinary moments in the annals of American cinema and a woman who was one of the great humanitarians of all time. Hers is the kind of impact the Norma Zarky Award was designed to recognize.”

“We believe all women of the world are unique and precious. They live different lives in different cultures, and yet they are all fabulous in their own, individual ways. At PANDORA we celebrate all these personalities and their unforgettable moments. All stories are worth sharing and honoring, and so is the story of the humanitarian work done by the late Elizabeth Taylor, which we are thrilled to be able to give tribute to, together with WIF,” said Mikkel Berg, Executive Director of Marketing, about the award.

For nearly two decades, Elizabeth Taylor was a leader in AIDS activism, including her founding role in the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), and establishment of The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF).

Elizabeth Taylor began her work as a spokesperson and fundraiser in the struggle against AIDS in the early 1980s. A mysterious virus had appeared in the community, a fatal illness of unknown origin that sent shockwaves of fear across the nation. Great stigma accompanied this fear, and Ms. Taylor’s determined outspokenness was indeed controversial. When Rock Hudson died, a well-known face was put to the disease, and awareness was slowly born. Ms. Taylor’s work began with fundraising for an AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) dinner, the first major AIDS benefit ever held. This support marked the debut of her public commitment to raising funds and awareness for AIDS.

In 1985, Ms. Taylor joined with Dr. Mathilde Krim and a small group of physicians and scientists to form the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR). As amfAR’s Founding National Chairman, she used her celebrity to take the issue of HIV/AIDS to the mainstream media. Ms. Taylor became a potent force in mobilizing the entertainment, arts and fashion communities to step up their initiatives in connection with AIDS, traveling extensively to speak at conferences, concert venues and benefit events around the globe. She testified before Congress to ensure Senate support for the Ryan White CARE Act, spoke before the National Press Club, and addressed the General Assembly at the United Nations on World AIDS Day.

In October, 1991, Ms. Taylor established The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF). With a focus on direct patient care, ETAF provides funding to AIDS service organizations throughout the world to assist those living with HIV and AIDS.
Since its inception, the Foundation has raised funds for HIV/AIDS service organizations throughout the world, providing critically-needed support services and prevention education. A current major effort is providing mobile medical van units, bringing doctors and medicines directly to those most in need, whether in cities in the United States or in villages throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Also being honored at the event are Annette Bening, Nina Tassler (presented by Geena Davis), Katie Holmes (presented by MaxMara’s Nicola Maramotti), director Pamela Fryman (presented by Neil Patrick Harris) and cinematographer Reed Morano (presented by Victoria Mahoney.)

Stars Donate Shoes To Celebrity Charity Auction

Soles4Souls, the international shoe charity, has announced a complete line-up of A-list celebrities who decided to take off their shoes for a good cause.

What began as a staff shoe drive internally at NBCUniversal 30 Rock studios for the charity’s Japan relief efforts quickly caught on to stars such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Sir Elton John, sisters Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney Kardashian, Jessica Simpson, Justin Timberlake, John Krasinski, Michelle Pfeiffer, Mariska Hargitay, Yoko Ono, the TODAY show cast, and many more. Jennifer Wilson, an NBCUniversal employee who helped initiate the celebrity shoe auction, said it was the kindness of organizations like Soles4Souls during Hurricane Katrina that drew her to help.

“I’m a Louisiana girl with family in New Orleans, so I saw first-hand the destruction, pain, and uncertainty that comes with a natural disaster,” Wilson said. “I started this to help those that helped us.”

The celebrity shoe auction that will benefit Soles4Souls will include game shoes from Lamar Odom, The SNL Cast, Spike Lee, and signed game cleats from Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, C.C. Sabathia, Joe Girardi, and Robinson Cano, and will launch in coordination with Soles4Souls’ 4th annual National Barefoot Week on the charity auction site CharityBuzz.com, beginning May 31st and extending until June 22nd.

“We are so excited about our 4th year of hosting Barefoot Week and are honored by our friends at NBCUniversal and Jennifer Wilson who have really put their ‘sole’ into this auction and this year’s festivities,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “We encourage the country to follow the lead of these celebrities and take their shoes off for the week to help the world see that there is an incredible global need for footwear.”

Other celebrities that kicked off their soles for the auction include Brooke Burke, Paris Hilton, Matthew Morrison, Chelsea Handler, Tom Brokaw, Joan and Melissa Rivers, Carmelo Anthony, Amaré Stoudemire, Nick Harper, Maria Menounos, Billy Bush, Kenny Rogers, Bill Engvall, Maria Sharapova, Ricky Gervais, Karl Pilkington, Stephen Merchant, Jason Bateman, Guiliana Rancic, Ryan Seacrest, Chace Crawford, Brian Williams, the cast of Law and Order, Jimmy Fallon, Quest Love of The Roots, Lance Bass, NASCAR drivers Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Mark Martin, NHL players Alex Ovechkin, Zach Parise, Zdeno Chara, Ryan Getzlaf, and Chris Pronger, the Eureka cast, Jillian Michaels, Camille Grammar, Margaret Cho, Alison Sweeney, Curt Schilling, Phil Mickelson, Wayne Gretzky, Jennie Finch, Stacey Dash, and Jonah Hill.

Stars To Cycle 100 Miles While Standing Still For Charity

David Duchovny is one of the stars expected to attend the 100 Mile-A-Thon to benefit The 100 Mile Man Foundation and the Harold Robinson Foundation at Santa Monica Pier this weekend.

The 100 Mile Man and The Harold Robinson Foundation are teaming up bringing their annual bike ride to the the West Coast at the Santa Monica Pier. 100 Butts. 100 Bikes. 100 Miles! All of the proceeds will go to the Harold Robinson Foundation, providing a camp experience for underprivileged children that would otherwise never get the opportunity. The aim of the event is to raise $ 500,000 which will send 20 different inner-city schools to camp for all expense paid retreats.

100 stationary bikes will be positioned on Santa Monica Pier for the event. You “buy” a bike for the day and can either share the bike with a team (friends/co-workers/family) or ride individually. It should take six hours to ride the entire 100 miles.. Yes, it’s hard…but so is changing the world!

This event was organized to raise funds for the Harold Robinson Foundation, which provides underprivileged children the means, free of cost, to attend a safe, nurturing and non-competitive camp environment where they will experience nature and participate in diverse recreational programs designed to strengthen confidence and independence, build character and develop leadership skills.

Other celebrities expected to attend include Peter Krause (Parenthood), Doug E. Fresh (rapper), Alexandra Paul (Baywatch), Michael Bergin (Baywatch), Brooke Burns (Baywatch), David Chokachi (Baywatch), Greg Bonnan (creator of Baywatch), Mike Newman (Baywatch), Kelly Packard (Baywatch), Felicis Terrell (Point Dume), Vickie Bronaugh (Point Dume), David Braff (Point Dume) and many others.

The event opens at 10am on Sunday, finishing at 5pm. There is a $250 registration fee for each participant. Each bike must raise a minimum of $1,500.

The 100 Mile Man Foundation is a 501c3 that was founded in November 2006, when Jesse Itzler ran 100 miles (non-stop) in under 24 hours. Today, the foundation continues its “physical philanthropy” raising money for various charities through endurance events that test one’s physical and mental strength. To date the foundation has raised over $3 million, supporting over 30 charitable causes.

Jeff Gordon Brings Cancer Treatment To Rwandan Kids

Four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon – alongside Partners In Health representatives, Dr. Larry Shulman and Dr. Sara Stulac – gathered friends and supporters on Wednesday evening to announce their new partnership to bring accessible cancer treatment to children of Rwanda.

The Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation has committed to raise $1.5 million dollars over the course of three years to participate in the development and implementation of proper protocols for pediatric cancer patients in that region.

Rwanda remains Africa’s most densely populated country, and its estimated population of 10 million is expected to double within the next 10 years. Through the funding of the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation, Partners in Health and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute will develop a comprehensive program to address all components of cancer: prevention, diagnosis, chemo and radiation therapies, surgery and survivor follow-up care for children faced with cancer.

“Childhood cancer occurs randomly, regularly and excludes no ethnicity, socioeconomic class or geographic region and that is why it is imperative we reach beyond our borders and bring access to treatment to countries like Rwanda,” said Gordon. “Partners In Health and the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation share a mutual desire to reach the day when no child faces the uncertainties of cancer. With our new partnership we are one step closer.”

The evening concluded with a discussion among Gordon, Dr. Shulman and Dr. Stulac and the assembled guests about the newly launched initiative. They answered questions, shared first-hand stories of their personal experiences and showed video footage of rural Rwanda demonstrating the urgent need for pediatric medical care.

Together in partnership, the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation and Partners In Health and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute are committed to establish and execute a proper infrastructure for oncological treatment and care.

The Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation was established as a non-profit organization in 1999 by the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. The Foundation supports children battling pediatric cancer by funding programs that improve patients’ quality of life, treatment programs that increase survivorship and pediatric medical research dedicated to finding a cure. In addition, the foundation also supports the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital in Concord, NC.

Celebrities Design T-Shirts To Save Japan!

UNIQLO Stores, Save Japan! Project, Vogue Japan and GQ Japan have teamed up with international celebrities Lady Gaga, Nicole Kidman, Victoria Beckham, Cyndi Lauper, Orlando Bloom, Karl Lagerfeld, Charlize Theron, Blake Lively, Gwyneth Paltrow and Alber Elbaz to create a line of Save Japan! T-shirts emblazoned with messages of support for victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11.

Approximately 100 million yen raised through the sale of the Save Japan! T-shirts will be donated by UNIQLO to the Japanese Red Cross Society, which is helping with recovery efforts in affected areas in north-eastern Japan.

Each limited edition Save Japan! t-shirt is specially designed by a celebrity and features a personal message of support.

The Academy Award and Golden Globe Award winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow’s heartfelt message reads “One world in it together. Your strength strengthens us.”

Karl Lagerfeld, the legendary fashion designer known for his work at French fashion house Chanel, sends out an inspiring message of “love, hope and courage” written against a backdrop of a graphic design of the sun shining in the sky.

The Save Japan! T-shirts will cost £12.99 (US$19.90) each and will go on sale on June 25 at all UNIQLO stores.

Stars Take The Hollywood Pledge For Charity

Inspired by Bill Gates & Warren Buffett’s Giving Pledge, the Give Back Hollywood Foundation has brought together some of the biggest names in music, fashion, sports and entertainment to demonstrate their commitment to philanthropy with the launch of the “Hollywood Pledge”.

Stars who have already taken the Pledge include Laurence Fishburne, Richard Gere, Dwight Howard, Hugh Jackman, Jewel, Kim Kardashian, Ricky Martin, Kelly Osbourne, Rachel Zoe, Jordin Sparks, Denzel Washington, and many others.

Celebrities take the Hollywood Pledge through the HollywoodPledge.com website and list the charity or charities they support. Fans are also encouraged to give back, whether through monetary donations, volunteer work, or just getting involved in their communities to make a difference.

“For more than seven years, The Give Back Hollywood Foundation has linked celebrities with meaningful causes and produced hundreds of charity events, especially those focused on children, health and disaster relief,” explains founder and president Todd Krim. “The Hollywood Pledge, inspired by the ‘Giving Pledge,’ is a natural evolution of this effort and intended to drive the adoption of charity causes by the leading figures in entertainment, which in turn can become an incredible motivator for fans worldwide to embrace the same commitment.”

The ABC Television Network, The Hollywood Reporter and the Screen Actors Guild Foundation have signed on as official partners of the Hollywood Pledge. All three of these organizations have pro-social initiatives, ABC’s “A Better Community,” The Hollywood Reporter’s July issue focusing on “Philanthropy and Hollywood,” and the Screen Actors Guild Foundation’s Children’s Literacy Initiative. Additional sponsors of the Pledge include JetBlue, Fashion Forms, Glam Rock Watches, Coca-Cola, L’Anza Healing Haircare, LePosh Salon, Niche Your Home, Coffee Bean, Honfoto and Fig & Olive.

The Give Back Hollywood Foundation will host an exclusive VIP Hollywood Pledge Launch Party and Beauty Retreat at a private mansion in Beverly Hills on Saturday, June 4th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Guests will be introduced to the Pledge and given the opportunity to use social media to support various charities including DoSomething.org, Cancer Research Institute, Can-Do, the Screen Actors Guild Foundation and Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (which will be launching its 100 Million Miracles Campaign at the event). Guests will also be treated to beauty services such as massages, manicures, pedicures and hairstyling, along with a sponsored open bar featuring VNC Cocktails and catered culinary delights from some of Hollywood’s favorite restaurants and Chef Micah Killough. Buddha Bar-style grooves by DJ Josh LeCash and actress Taryn Manning as well as a live musical performance by American Idol finalist Blake Lewis are among the highlights of this one-of-a-kind event.

Scrubs Star To Give Shoes To The Homeless At Celebrity Charity Event

Scrubs star Donald Faison and Price of Beauty’s CaCee Cobb will be handing out shoes at the Los Angeles Mission next week.

National Barefoot Week will be celebrated with the giveaway of several thousand pairs of new shoes at the Los Angeles Mission – as the Mission kicks off its 75th Anniversary Celebration.

Soles4Souls is the title sponsor the series of events nationwide (June 1-7), encouraging people to temporarily go barefoot and donate their shoes. Events will be held in six cities with nearly 10,000 pairs of shoes to be distributed.

At the Los Angeles Mission celebrities and other volunteers will distribute the new shoes as part of this effort. Shoes are donated by manufacturers, shoe stores and individuals.

Footwear is a critical need for the homeless in Los Angeles. Many homeless and poor have foot issues because of ill-fitting or worn shoes, and the inability to take care of their feet adequately. New, correct sized shoes will make a big difference to their overall health and well-being.

Soles4Souls focuses on providing free shoes to needy people around the world. The organization collects and distributes both new and “gently worn” shoes. Soles4Souls was started by professionals in the footwear industry who use industry resources to make a difference around the world.

The event takes place at the Mission at 303E. Fifth Street at 9am on Monday, June 6.

Celebrity Guests To Attend A Charity Evening For Autism

A host of celebrity guests will be out-and-about in Newport Beach on June 11 for An Evening For Autism.

Ali Landry, Karina Smirnoff, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Elisabeth Rohm, Adrienne Maloof-Nassif, Camille Grammar, Max Ryan, Tinsel Korey and Brandi Glanville are just some of the well known faces scheduled to attend the event.

This tropical-themed event celebrates its 3rd year. This first-class, fully-catered event will include four live bands (“Arrest My Sister” rock performance by Scott Siegel, a Steel Drum band, a Pan Jive Band and a Rockin House Party Band), a golf putting green, pool tables, pinball machines, video games, valet parking, red-carpet entrance, and eight beverage bars including a margarita bar, martini bar, mojito bar, wine bar, beer bar and coffee bar as well as a silent and live auction featuring numerous gifts, trips and unique memorabilia such as autographed musical instruments, sports memorabilia, yacht trips and golf experiences.

More than 600 people from across the Southland are expected to attend this VIP event scheduled for June 11, 2011 at 6pm. Hosted by Orange County real estate entrepreneur Barry Saywitz, along with US Bank(Platinum sponsor) and PowerDirect (Diamond sponsor), this event will benefit the following charities: ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today), Autism Society of America (ASA), Easter Seals Southern California and Talk About Curing Autism (TACA). In addition, proceeds from the event will benefit Newport Mesa School District’s Autism Programs.

West End LIVE line up announced

West End LIVE, the world’s largest theatre festival, will return to the capital for its seventh year on June 18 and 19, 2011.

Enjoy West End LIVE

The eagerly awaited event, will be staged in London’s Trafalgar Square for the first time ever and will showcase some of the biggest and best acts from Theatreland.

The line up includes the productions Billy Elliot The Musical, Chicago The Musical, Wicked, We Will Rock You, The Lion King, Jersey Boys, Legally Blonde The Musical, Love Never Dies, Mamma Mia!, Million Dollar Quartet, Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical, Stomp, Thriller Live, War Horse and ZooNation’s Some Like It Hip Hop.

New musicals Betty Blue Eyes, The Wizard of Oz, Shrek The Musical, Ghost The Musical, Crazy For You, Lend Me A Tenor The Musical, Potted Potter and The Flying Karamazov Brothers will also feature over the weekend and there will even be a special preview of Broadway hit Rock of Ages which will open in the city in September.

A host of big-name stars including The Wizard of Oz’s leading lady Danielle Hope ? who is currently gracing the Palladium’s stage as Dorothy ? and Lee Mead? who will take to the stage as Emmett Forest in Legally Blonde The Musical from mid-June ? are set to make an appearance over the weekend.

A great event for the whole family, West End LIVE will also include fantastic onstage performances by acts such as The Gleeks, West End Gospel Choir and London Gay Men’s Chorus, stalls by exhibitors including the National Gallery and guests the children will love including Bob the Builder.

West End LIVE is free to attend and is expected to attract more than 500,000 people to the capital. The event will run from 11:00am ? 6:00pm on June 18 and 12:00 ? 6:00pm on June 19, so why not come along and join in the fun?

More cast changes for Les Miserables

Published on Thursday 26th May, 10.35am, Written by Jonathan Dudley

Further changes to the cast of Les Miserables have been announced.

Mamma Mia!‘s Caroline Sheen and Katy Secombe will join the cast as Fantine and Madame Thenardier respectively, Wicked‘s Alexia Khadime will play Eponine, Hair‘s Liam Tamne will take the role of Enjolras and West End newcomers Craig Mather and Lisa-Anne Woods will play Marius and Cosette.

The new cast members will join the previously announced Alfie Boe and Matt Lucas on stage. Boe is to play Jean Valjean until November 26, 2011 (excluding Monday evenings and Wednesday matinees) and Lucas is to play Thenardier until September 10, 2011.

Les Miserables will close for three days after the June 18 evening performance to install a new sound system and make the necessary changes to accommodate the 25th anniversary celebration orchestrations. The show will reopen on June 23 with the new cast.

Les Miserables ticket and hotel packages are available from Show-and-Stay.co.uk from ?92 including top tickets and an overnight hotel stay.

Tagged as: alfie boe, hair, les mis 25th anniversary, les miserables, mamma mia!, matt lucas, new cast, wicked

Royal Albert Hall to host Phantom 25th anniversary production

The 25th anniversary of The Phantom of the Opera will be marked by special performances at the Royal Albert Hall this October.

The show’s original choreographer, Gillian Lyne, has been recruited to help stage the anniversary production and Really Useful Group and Cameron Mackintosh Ltd are to produce. Details of the new production remain scant, but sources speaking to The Stage have claimed that it’ll be a “completely new production”.

As suspected, Ramin Karimloo will play The Phantom and it is widely thought that the role of Christine Daae will be reprised by Sierra Boggess. Boggess first played Christine in the Las Vegas production in 2006 and also took on the role for Love Never Dies, in which she starred alongside Karimloo until March 2011.

Speaking to The Stage about the upcoming anniversary performances, Karimloo said: ?It?s going to be great and I will treat it like the Les Mis anniversary concerts, which I recently appeared in and where, because it was performing a part I had played before, I could tap into the work I had done prior. But I will also use it as a chance to try something new. More importantly, though, it?s a celebratory performance. We?re there not for us, but to celebrate the product and why we all love it.?

Also speaking to The Stage, Lighting Designer Patrick Woodroffe explained how much of a challenge the new production would be for the creative team, saying: “Our version will be a take on the old one, but designed specifically for the Albert Hall and created very much with that space in mind. There has been such a welcome from the Phantom camp, particularly from the original lighting designer, Andy Bridge, with whom I am collaborating on this project, that we all feel up to the huge challenge of putting on what is in effect a completely new production of this great musical with only three days? fit up in the Albert Hall.”

Further details are expected during June, keep an eye on Show-and-Stay.co.uk for ticket and hotel packages for the Phantom anniversary production.

Spring Awakening writers working on new musical

Spring Awakening writers Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik are reportedly workshopping a new musical at London’s National Theatre.

Image via Neuro Productions@Flickr

The show is entitled Alice By Heart and was inspired by Lewis Carroll’s surreal 1865 fantasy novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The musical will reportedly add a heightened sense of urgency and even more danger to the classic story, will explore the rather adult themes of grief and loss and will move the story to “a new historical context”.

Speaking to Playbill.com, Steven Sater said: “It’s about how to leave childhood behind and the challenge and struggle in that”.

The National Theatre’s Connections programme, which develops plays for youth theatres across the United Kingdom, commissioned the new musical.

Sater and Sheik aim to have both script and scow complete by July and intend to stage a workshop presentation at the National Theatre some time in November. The presentation is to be attended by the heads of youth theatres from around the country and each of those theatres will have the chance to stage a production of Alice By Heart. One group will then be selected to perform the show at the National in 2012.

The ultimate aim is to see a professional production in London or New York after the 2012 performances at the National.

Reviewed: Shrek The Musical

Walking into the foyer of the Theatre Royal Drury lane to a host of theatergoers donning bright green ears, one thing was certain ? Shrek The Musical has arrived in London and people are excited.

Shrek The Musical at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane

With both kids and adults alike clearly in the mood for a fairytale evening, the atmosphere was electric, however, following mediocre reviews on Broadway, the West End production had to impress. And impress it did.

Based on the 2001 Oscar award-winning Dreamworks film, the musical (on the whole) remains true to the original plot, which if you are unfamiliar with goes something like this. A miserable ogre named Shrek and his noble steed ? a talking, parfait-loving donkey ? set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from a tower. Mission complete, they begin their journey back home to Duloc where Princess Fiona is set to marry the tyrannical Lord Farquaad, however, an unexpected love blossoms and a rather strange secret emerges. Throw in a love-sick, fire breathing dragon, a bunch of fairytale misfits and a gingerbread man with ‘tude and you have a fantastic recipe for a West End production.

The costumes were absolutely sensational and credit must go to designer Tim Hatley for bringing the beloved characters of the hit film to life with breathtaking detail. Pinocchio (Jonathan Steward) stood out from the crowd with his nobbly, wooden knees and his ever-growing nose worked like a treat. The cross-dressing (not so big, or bad) wolf was hysterical and the three little pigs’ suitcases designed to look like straw, sticks and bricks were a great touch.

Shrek (Nigel Lindsay) and Princess Fiona (Amanda Holden) resembled the much-loved characters from the movie and their costumes were exquisite. The messy face and body cast sessions clearly paid off and even the fluorescent green skin tone and prosthetic ears looked realistic. The transformation of Princess Fiona from elegant beauty, to grotesque ogre was quick and flawless and the practicality of such a costume had clearly been meticulously thought out.

Leading the cast, Nigel Lindsay was sensational in the role of Shrek and endeared himself to the audience from the off. Maintaining an impressive Scottish accent throughout the show ? even during his musical numbers ? Lindsay did not overact the part, but captured the grumpiness of the much-loved ogre with ease.

Amanda Holden shone in the role of Princess Fiona and her chemistry with Lindsay was particularly apparent during the number I Think You Got Me Beat. A hilarious show tune, with plenty of burping and farting involved, it went down incredibly well with the kids and there were definitely a host of adults chuckling too. Holden gave a strong vocal performance, despite struggling on some of the higher notes and her comic timing was on point.

The absolute star of the show, however, was the sensational Nigel Harman who played a very camp, very deluded Lord Farquaad. Performing every one of his scenes almost entirely on his knees with two artificial legs dangling in front of him, Harman was hilarious and received the biggest cheers of the night. Somehow the silky black, shoulder length wig made Harman’s facial expressions even funnier and his shiny red boots were simply brilliant. With a superb stage presence and the strongest voice in the production, Harman made it worth seeing the show for his scenes alone. Spectacular.

Unfortunately Richard Blackwood’s portrayal of Donkey did not quite live up to expectations. He was a little wooden on stage and seemed to lack the charm and charisma required to play such a much-loved character. However, there were moments throughout the show where he really redeemed himself and his true talent shined through. During the song Make a Move, he was amusing, sang well and seemed to get into the groove, which went down well with the audience. Eddie Murphy (who voiced the lovable ass in the original movie) certainly set standards high, however, with a little more practice, I think Blackwood will be excellent in the role.

The special effects used throughout the production were spellbinding and helped bring the show to life in the West End. The scenes featuring the sassy, soulful dragon were the best in the show and had the whole audience gazing on in awe. With the help of incredible puppeteers, the mythical creature (voiced by Landi Oshinowo) was made to look like she could actually sing and belted out one of the most catchy songs in the show, Forever. Complete with fluttering eyelashes, the dragon commanded the stage with a whole lot of attitude and was wonderful to watch. Landi Oshinowo ? who also voiced Humpty Dumpty ? was the strongest female vocalist in the production and her voice was so powerful it gave me goose pimples.

The finale was also spectacular as a mechanical dragon came out from the audience breathing smoke onto the stage. Staying true to the original ending of the movie, the production team did not shy away from making the final scene spectacular and it certainly paid off. I was amazed as an adult and I could but imagine what the hundreds of children gracing the theatre would have thought.

An enchanting and family-friendly production featuring a selection of fabulous songs including I’m A Believer, Shrek The Musical is a great night out and definitely a must-see. With plenty of jokes the kids will love and several thrown in solely for adults, the production is highly entertaining and wonderfully magical.

Book a theatre break to see Shrek the Musical today.

Scotty McCreery Wins 'American Idol'

America has spoken and 17-year-old Scotty McCreery is their new Idol champion. The teen singer charmed audiences this season with his boyish appearance and amazing baritone voice.Upon winning, Scotty was quick to point out that it's been more than a year since he first encountered runner-up Lauren Alaina, and said the two of them won't be saying goodbye anytime soon. He went on to perform his first single, "I Love You This Big," a country song that shows off his unique vocal quality which is already getting some very good reviews. But he could barely perform the song with all the hugging and tears.Throughout the season, Scotty built a faithful fanbase that consistently kept him safe from elimination. But while some criticized him for a lack of range, Scotty stayed consistent and brought his same country baritone every week with audiences eating it up.On Wednesday night, the front page of the iTunes store was taken over with Scotty's picture and his first single is already available for purchase. Take a listen to the new single below.

A Final Goodbye to Wrigleyville's "The Wild Hare"

Wrigleyville's The Wild Hare, known as "America's Reggae Capital" says goodbye with a weekend farewell concert May 13th through May 15th.  Throughout its history The Wild Hare's legendary stage has graced the likes of both dancehall elites and Roots Reggae luminaries like Ziggy Marley, Sean Paul, and the Maytals. Windy City music lovers are invited to come out for their final experiences at this well-known landmark.  The Wild Hare staple band, Flex Crew, will take the stage alongside reggae power house artists such as Tugs, Dub Dis. Reggae legend Glen Washington has been tapped as the last artist to grace the Wild Hare's historic stage.  The award winning singer, songwriter, producer, and drummer has traveled the world, recorded ten albums, and is the perfect choice to end Chicago's reggae era at the Wild Hare. Washington is known for his heavenly harmonies and tight crisp performances designed to entertain, educate and enlighten all types of people.Don't miss this event 25 years in the making. With a drink in hand and the music flowing, you feel exactly what Bob Marley meant when he sang "Every Little Thing Will Be Alright".The Wild Hare is located at 3530 N Clark St

Sir Richard Branson, Andrian Grenier and Virginia Madsen

Virgin America took over the Windy City on Wednesday, May 25th with a star-studded bash at ROOF atop theWit Hotel located at 201 N. State. The A-list event was in celebration of Virgin America's first flight to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Sir Richard Branson hosted the red carpet event, with additional celebrities spotted mingling amongst the crowd including: Adrian Grenier (Entourage), Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory), Jesse Williams (Grey's Anatomy), Jonathan Sadowski ($#*! My Dad Says) and Tim Meadows (The Ladies Man). Even Creed Bratton (The Office) brought his son along and cracked jokes with the media! Though crippled by crutches and a broken foot, Virginia Madsen (The Event) and her date enjoyed the evening, even stopping for a bite in theWit Hotel's all-american eatery, State and Lake. The always gorgeous Jenna Dewan (Step Up) was one of the last celebs to arrive and she walked the red carpet with friend, Naturi Naughton (3LW, Playboy TV series). For more Gossip & Entertainment News Follow Me! For Tips email: lashonda.matlock@gmail.com

Published in Adrian Grenier, Celebrities, Celebrity Sightings, Celebrity Sightings Chicago, Chicago, Chicago Celeb Gossip, Chicago Entertainment News, Chicagonow, Chicagonow.com, Creed Bratton, Entertainment, Entertainment News, Event, Gossip, Jenna Dewan, Jesse Williams, Johnny Galecki, Jonathan Sadowski , LaShonda, LaShonda Matlock, Naturi Naughton, Pop Buzz!, Pop Culture, ROOF, Sightings, Sir Richard Branson, Tim Meadows , Virginia Madsen, theWit Hotel and tagged Adrian Grenier, Celeb Sightings, Celebrities, Celebrity, Celebrity Sightings, Chicago, Chicago Celebrity Sightings, Chicagonow, Chicagonow.com, Creed Bratton, Entertainment, Entertainment News, Jenna Dewan, Jesse Williams, Johnny Galecki, Jonathan Sadowski, LaShonda, LaShonda Matlock, Natiuri Naughton, Pop Buzz!, Pop Culture, ROOF, ROOF at theWit Hotel, Sightings, Sir Richard Branson, theWit Hotel, Tim meadows, Virgin America, Virgin America party Chicago, Virginia Madsen

Michael Bolton Steals the Show on 'Saturday Night Live'!

Appearing in the SNL Digital Short "Jack Sparrow" along with Andy Samberg's Lonely Island, singer Michael Bolton proved he had a lot more than just a massive voice. He has a great sense of humor and some impeccable comedic timing!

It all starts when Bolton rolls into the recording studio after watching a "Pirates of the Carribean" marathon, channeling Captain Jack Sparrow all the way. When it becomes apparent that references from the "Pirates" film franchise aren't flying with the Lonely Island guys, Bolton experiments with a few other films, including "Forrest Gump," "Scarface," even "Erin Brockovich."