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The Glorious Corner

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G.H. HARDING

TOM HANKS’ PINOCCHIO— Via Deadline:  After earning an Oscar nomination for playing Mr. Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Tom Hanks is zeroing in on another beloved character. We are hearing that he is early negotiations to play Geppetto in Disney and Robert Zemeckis’ live-action retelling of Pinocchio.

Although insiders say negotiations are very early, we hear that after reading the script, Hanks has reached out to Zemeckis and let him know he wants to do the film. Disney has always longed for Hanks to play the woodcarver, having approached him years ago when Paul King was attached to direct. That deal never made, but given Hanks and Zemeckis’ long-standing relationship going back to when they both won Oscars for their work on Forrest Gump, this seems more likely to move forward.

Zemeckis will direct the film.

The original animated movie tells the tale of a living puppet who, with the help of a cricket as his conscience, must prove himself worthy to become a real boy.

Disney continues to see its live-action adaptation strategy as a major part of its pipeline, with last year’s Aladdin and The Lion King both crossing the billion-dollar milestone.

The film marks the third collaboration between Hanks and Zemeckis having worked together on Forest Gump, Cast Away and the Christmas classic The Polar Express.

Hanks is still filming the Elvis Presley-biopic, which had to halt production after he and his wife, Rita Wilson, tested positive for COVID-19. They have since recovered and the studio is hoping to start production again in the fall in Australia. He was most recently seen in the World War II pic Greyhound, which premiered on Apple TV + and shattered viewing records for the streamer following its release.

Cinephiles will recall Hanks played Walt Disney himself, in the 2013 film, Savings Mr. Banks, which I loved. John Lee Hancock directed that epic.

Tom Petty

TOM PETTY VAULT —The Tom Petty estate has dug into the late musician’s vault and shared a lost cut from his historic Wildflower sessions dubbed “There Goes Angela (Dream Away).”

This acts as yet another teaser of a new Wildflowers celebratory release, to be an “exhaustive chronicle of the making of one of Petty’s most enduring albums.”

As Adria Petty explained in June, “The family and all our engineers and the Heartbreakers have been circling around this project and making it as delightful and complete as possible. We’re really pleased to be able to share the second half of the Wildflowers double album. But there are also completist versions of how the sessions evolved. My dad was prolific at that time and there was so much recording done.”

Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7heuP-CPcf8 

Peter Hamill

PETE HAMILL RIP — Pete Hamill has passed at 85. The much-revered writer was at The New York Daily News and the New York Post. He dated Jackie O and Shirley MacLaine and was the toast of NY for decades. You’d see him at premieres, Elaine’s; the Lions Head in the West Village; as well as some of the worst haunts ever in NYC.

He was a brilliant writer, raconteur and supporter of NYC. As I young auteur in NYC, he was constant inspiration. Rest easy Pete!

SHORT TAKES — I can’t remember who, but one of TV’s best talking heads opened his show recently by saying: Who would have ever thought that the Kanye West and Kim Khardasian marriage might not last? Truly funny then … and, certainly now. How that show ever got on the air is still a mystery to me … though I suspect it was all Ryan’s fault … Great piece on The Mike & Micky Show Live album and Dolenz, from Ultimate Classic Rock. Check it out: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/micky-dolenz-mike-and-micky-show/ … Q1043’s Jim Kerr interviewed Dave Mason Wednesday on the artist’s re-recording of his hit “Feeling Alright.” Michael McDonald, Mike Fleetwood and Sammy Hagar join in on the new recording which sounds pretty good, considering it was mostly done on iPhones. Mason said this song has been covered by over 50 major artists and was originally written as “Feeling Alright?” – with a question mark at the end. The new version sort of follows Joe Cocker’s memorable rendition in 1969. Mason sold off the publishing rights many moons ago, but remains as his signature tune.

I’ve been a Mason-fan for decades and am really looking forward to hearing his re-imagined recording of his classic 1970 album, Alone Together; re-named Alone Together Again. Mason, who has changed managers and publicists as often as one would change a t-shirt, has released this independently, which means it’s going to be hard to obtain. I hope we get the shot to hear it. An old pirate of the first order, Mason continues to tour constantly …

Paul McCartney

And, I think the best ever interview I’ve read on Paul McCartney (and, in quite some time!) is in this month’s British-version of GQ. Simply amazing. Check it out here:

https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/paul-mccartney-interview .

100 COLUMNS — This is my 100th column for T2C. It’s actually this column’s third incarnation; Times Square Gossip initially; then the marvelous and much-missed MAC WIRE. Thanks to all who followed me each step of the way and all the terrific PR and promo people that have assisted me. I could not do it without your able assistance. And, most of all the T2C’s Suzanna Bowling (and, Magda Katz) who immediately gave me the fastest green-light ever, when the column looked like it was once again, on its last legs.

 It is, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made to come aboard. Too bad we can’t party like it’s 1999 … because I sure would!

NAMES IN THE NEWS — Cory Robbins; Brad LeBeau; Michael Starr; Ben Widdicombe; Richard Johnson; Liz Smith; Cindy Adams; Coati Mundi; Judd Bernard; Glenn Friscia; Andy Skurow; Luke Evans; Tony King; Lisa Robinson; Robert Evans; Matt Wardlaw; and, CHIP!

G. H. Harding is a four decades insider to the entertainment world. He’s worked for record companies; movie companies; video-production He’s worked for record companies; movie companies; video-production companies and several cable outlets. His anonymity is essential in bringing an unbiased view to his writings on pop culture. He is based in NYC.

Celebrities

The Glorious Corner

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G.H. HARDING

WALTER’S WIT — Sad news here for sure. Walters definitely broke the glass ceiling for sure and on her last day on The View,  all the female anchors and co-anchors (those who knew her and those that she inspired) showed up to wish her well and that was a beautiful site. From Savannah Guthrie and Debbie Roberts and Katie Couric and Joan Lunden on down, it was quite a site. Fitting for sure.

I would bump into Walters at various events and screenings and she was always totally focused and charming. I actually shared a table with her and bff Cindy Adams at The Palm West one night; set up by their PR-man David Salidor.
Walters was again suitably charming and I walked away with even more respect. Sure she had some trouble along the way -namely Harry Reasoner and Dan Rather- but in reality, that’s part of the game. I don’t think it was due to her gender, rather just being competitive. Say hat you will, but media in general is a tough game to play and a measured degree of aggressiveness is always called for.
I was at many View shows too and though ti was always hard to talk to her during that show, she was graceful. A true giant for sure. The main talent Booker there Donald Berman -retired last year and there from the start of the program- was a true gentleman with exquisite taste.
One other point must be made: he partner and co-producer Bill Geddie was with her right in the line of fire. Bill was always a gentleman, but he, along with Walters, made The View what is was. ABC bought her out and it’s never been the same.
THE GOOD NURSE —People keep asking me what’s happened to the cinema this year as the choices have been downright meager and frustrating. Top Gun/Maverick could well get a slew of nominations – not for the movie – but for bringing people back into the theaters. The nominations are announced on Tuesday, January 24.
The Fablemans, to me at least, was a major disappointment and I can’t really put my finger on why. I’m a Spielberg fan for sure, but this just seemed somewhat too ordinary. Plus, the script by Tony Kushner seemed terribly limp – especially when compared to his beatific Angels In America epic.
We watched The Good Nurse with Eddie Redmayne and Jessica Chastain and it was pretty good, but a movie about a serial killer was certainly a downer, certainly not the movie for New Year’s Eve. Redmayne was good, not in his Harry Potter-esque motif, but again, it was a one-note portrayal. Chastain continually surprises me and was actually stunningly terrific. Her performance is worth the price of admission.SHORT TAKES — Hulu’s Welcome to Chippendales ends this week after 8 episodes. I’ve watched all seven so far and as I’ve said, have found the story to be vastly compelling. That said, the production looks cheap. Had they spent a few more dollars, it could have been a stellar show. Murray Bartlett (White Lotus) as Nick di Noia is just great and Andrew Rannells as his bf is sensational too. Topliner Kumail Nanjiana is searing as well. The story’s great for sure … 
Bischoff’s Confectionary, in Teaneck, New Jersey, was a sweet shop for 90 years. They just closed. Sad, Check out their story: https://newjersey.news12.com/bischoffs-teanecks-beloved-ice-cream-shop-honored-for-90-years-of-serviceRolling Stone magazine just issued their list of the Best 100 Singers of All Time. It’s a ludicrous list, emphasizing yet again, the current edition of Rolling Stone has absolutely NO relation to the Jann Wanner-days. So, so sad. Check out Roger Friedman’s brilliant take on it. Honestly, I couldn’t have written a better one myself: https://www.showbiz411.com/2023/01/01/rolling-stone-vomits-up-a-random-clickbait-list-of-top-100-singers-with-sinatra-at-19-streisand-147-do-they-know-what-singing-means

Canons

I got into a whole playlist of Canons and just loved it. They’re the band that had “Fire For You” and “Tunnel Of You.” Led by Michelle Joy, they’ve become a major favorite and I see big things in store for them. One selection was a cover of Springsteen’s “Dancing In The Dark” which was great. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7r_xgV-z88

Looking for something to watch I came across Woody Allen’s Irrational Man with Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone and Parker Posey and absolutely loved it. Imagine  my surprise when I learned it was from 2015. Ever since the brouhaha with Mia Farrow, Allen’s been persona non grata is many ways. Honestly, this film was sensational. It was Allen’s typical-magnificent work and the actors were great. One of Stone’s best and Parker Posey’s best ever. I loved it … Loved last week’s Kennedy Center Awards. Thought the tribute to George Clooney was hilarious and his father speech just terrific. Dianne Reeves performance was just splendid but no mention of George’s aunt Rosemary. I was hoping for some ERcast-members to show, but nada. Eddie Vedder doing two U2 songs was great. What a voice … Check out this video from Ashley Suppa doing Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UMwajNkvG0&t=113s … Exquisite. Going to be a big year for Ms. Suppa; stay tuned … and HAPPY BDAY Bruce Shindler and RIP Fred White of Earth, Wind & Fire and Anita Pointer.
NAMES IN THE NEWS — Chris Gilman; Tom & Lisa Cuddy; Jodi Ritzen; Donna Quinter; Cori Gardner; Russ Titleman; Decca Records; Peter Bart; Bruce Haring; Joe Lynch; Peter Abraham; Len Salidor; Mark bego; Cliff Richard; John Reid; Hugh Jackman; Jack Rollins; Jerry Seinfeld; Dennis Arfa;  CRIMSHAW; and CHIP!
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Broadway

Broadway Barks Returns July 9th

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For their first in-person event in three years for its 24th annual dog and cat adoption event that benefits New York City animal rescue groups. The event, co-founded by Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore, features Broadway celebrities who use their star power to help find loving homes for animals in need from 25 participating NYC area shelters. 

This year, Peters will host the event with Sutton Foster who currently stars on Broadway in the hit musical, The Music Man. 

For over 20 years, more than 2,000 cats and dogs have stolen Broadway’s spotlight and the hearts of all who come to the event. Approximately 85% of these furry friends have successfully found forever homes. The event, produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, will take place in Shubert Alley (located between 44th and 45th Streets, between Broadway and Eighth Avenues).  Festivities begin at 3 p.m. for a ‘meet and greet’ with all the adoptable pets (adoption event); from 5-6:30 p.m. adoptees make their Broadway debut on stage alongside some of Broadway’s favorite stars (celebrity presentations).  

The event is free and open to the public.

Celebrity participants to be announced at a later date.

Follow Broadway Barks:

– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/broadwaybarks

– Twitter: @BroadwayBarks

 Instagram: @broadwaybarks

Follow Bernadette Peters:

– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BernadettePeters

            – Twitter: @OfficialBPeters

            -Instagram: @officialbernadettepeters  

Follow Sutton Foster:

            -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suttonlfoster  

            -Twitter: https://twitter.com/sfosternyc

            -Instagram: @suttonlenore

Follow Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS:

– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BCEFA

            – Twitter: @BCEFA

            – Instagram: @BCEFA

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Best of Lists

Lights, Camera, Mother’s Day in True Hollywood Fashion with a Distinctive Tradition

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Distinctive Assets is once again be producing and distributing its annual “Mother’s Day in Hollywood” Gift Bag. Distinctive Assets will pamper twenty-five of the world’s most famous moms with a broad array of fabulous gifts that are innovative, unique and useful.

“We hope these gifts will help these incredible women celebrate motherhood, family and a life well lived. These ladies inspire us through their work, and our intention is to give them both inspiration and indulgence in their motherhood journeys,” says Distinctive Assets’ founder and noted gift expert Lash Fary.

The list of this year’s mommies includes Jennifer Love Hewitt, Emmy Rossum, Mena Suvari, Kristen Wiig, Mandy Moore, Kylie Bunbury, Katherine Schwarzenegger, Hilary Duff, Priyanka Chopra, Katharine McPhee Foster, Emma Roberts, Kelly Rowland, Halsey, Amber Heard, Amanda Seyfried, Emily Vancamp, Olivia Munn, Eve, Jamie Chung, Freida Pinto, Jeannie Mai, Christina Ricci, Meghan Trainor, Nicki Minaj and Jennifer Lawrence.

The 2022 “Mother’s Day in Hollywood” Gift Bag features:

The Almighty Pineapple handcrafted Tranquility Oil Roller, Andis Company Wet & Dry Shaver + Personal Trimmer, ARTKIVE kids’ art keepsake box-to-book conversion service, Athena Futures potty-training watch, Atkins Chai Latte Protein Shakes, Baketivity kids’ baking kit, BIOKIDÉ Moisturizer Face Cream with baobab oil, BYROE salad-infused beauty, The Chai Box hand-blended small batch chai, City Pier Seafood Kitch’n Kidz seafood- inspired cooking kit, CocoVaa Chocolatier award-winning fine chocolate collection, COLAB Refresh & Protect dry shampoo, Color Street Nail Strip deluxe gift box, C60 Purple Power ultimate antioxidant protection, Dig It Handwear Garden Gloves, Dr. Rahi MD advanced aesthetics treatments, Elixinol Sleep Gummies, Ferver Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Goddaughters AngelEyes Heart on My Shoulder pearl necklace, The Heart Company vegan Eau de Parfum fragrance collection, Hello Gorgeous premium French craft cocktails, It’s a Sign gratitude journal, Jambys “performance inactivewear”, Kandoona Zentyme Moments aromatherapy shower steamers, Koita premium Italian plant-based milks, Ladybug Potions wellness supplements, Leaner Creamer all-natural non-dairy coconut oil coffee creamer, Little Elska luxurious minky blanket, Stepping Stone by Liv Arnold, Lottie the Leopard Can’t Find Her Spots by Ron Roecker, Love Sun Body SHEER POWER cruelty-free mineral face SPF 30 formula, MAЁLYS GET-SPRUNG Enriched Stretch Mark Oil + B- FLAT Belly Firming Cream, Moments Condoms reproductive planning and pleasure gift set, Mommies Work illustrated children’s book, and NutriFit customized healthy meal delivery.

There is also the ODDICT TWIG PRO wireless earbuds, PeaTos plant-based deluxe snack bundle, Pedi Licious aloe gel/coconut oil infused Foot Polishing Scrub, Quest Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars Minis, RaVina Labs Skin Essentials Travel Kit, R.J. Iguanas Everyday Hot Sauce, Rose Box NYC 4 rose acrylic jewelry box, RYDIR Band travel necessity, SABON Green Rose Dead Sea Body Scrub, Schwank Grills Portable Infrared Grill, Shinery Radiance Wash hand + jewelry cleaner, SPOTMYUV UV Detection Stickers, Sweet Rosie Jewellery handmade jewelry, Tidal Hair Sticks hair accessories, Tree by Melina Sempil Watts, T-Time Products Interpersonal Shea Butter Balm, Tub Cubby Bathroom Organizer, Two Sisters Spa toy-filled bath bombs, Vahdam India sustainable & stylish on-the-go insulated Rover Bottle, The Vocal Toolkit optimal vocal health resources, Warmies heatable cozy plush stuffed animals, WaterWipes biodegradable/plastic-free/compostable baby wipes, Wunderkeks “Best Cookies Ever” sampler, and YOUTH Anti-Blemish Concentrate.

Cover art by Dakota Corbin on Unsplash

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