Media Morsels 9.21.12


Emmy Prep
The Emmy Awards will be handed out this Sunday night! (Don't remember who or what shows are nominated? Here's a reminder.) This past Saturday, however, the Creative Arts Emmys were handed out. Creative Arts Emmys cover categories like casting, design elements, camera work and other non-performance areas. The Emmys website has the full list of winners, including Downton Abbey's hairstylist, Anne "Nosh" Oldham; the Adam Schlesinger-David Javerbaum 2011 Tony tune, "It's Not Just for Gays Anymore"; and the writing staff of The Daily Show. Tune in this Sunday night to the primetime Emmy Awards. Host Jimmy Kimmel will start the fun at 8pm EDT on ABC. Visit emmys.com for details. And now, some Emmy prep:
Election Update
And now, a little reminder about voting, from our friends at The West Wing:


(Remember: head to Rock the Vote for information about registering to vote and what to do on Election Day.)

New Albums
September 25 will see a few new albums "drop":
New York City Ballet Fall Season
City Ballet's fall season is underway! Last night's fall gala performance was fantastic, with a New York preview of a new work from my favorite, Christopher Wheeldon. (Look for my review early next week.) You can visit nycballet.com for information about the season, which includes a world premiere from company member Justin Peck, and to purchase tickets. In the meantime, check out these treats highlighting the fall gala's honoree, designer Valentino:
And here, check out a "trailer" for Justin Peck's new ballet, Year of the Rabbit, set to have its world premiere next month:



Oscar Update
Big Oscar news this week: nominations will be announced on Thursday, January 10, 2013, rather than Tuesday, January 15. This means Oscar nominations will be out before the Golden Globes are presented. This may not sound like a big deal (and in the grand scheme of what's important, this isn't) but it sure does have an impact on award season. As EW points out in a round up of the ripple effects of the date change, the earlier nomination date reestablishes the season as Oscar season, rather than award show season. The earlier nomination date also gives Academy voters less time to see the eligible films, many of which will first be released the last week of December. You know what this means, right? Get to the multiplex now to see already-released possible contenders, like Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master!

In somewhat related news, Baz Luhrnmann's The Great Gatsby has a new release date. You may recall that it was initially slated to open this year on December 25 (Christmas Day), leaving me with the Sophie's choice of which Leonardo DiCaprio film to see, since Django Unchained also opens that day. You may also recall that a few weeks ago, it was announced that Gatsby was pushing its release date to summer 2013. It's now official: The Great Gatsby will open in the US on May 10, 2013. I actually think this is interesting counter-but-not-counter programming. It's a big splashy movie, but it's not based on a comic book hero. Mark your calendars!
 

Side by Side by Susan Blackwell: Broadway on Broadway

Sexypants POTUS and ScarJo to Star in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
When the Tennessee Williams oft-revived classic Cat on a Hot Tin Roof comes back to Broadway in December, it will bring with it Benjamin Walker (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson) and Tony winner Scarlett Johansson. Though some other names had been tossed around for the role of Brick, Walker will bring the iconic role to life in Rob Ashford's production. (Johansson will, of course, play Maggie.) This marks Ashford's debut as straight play director; until now, he's always traded in musicals. Previews will begin December 18 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, in anticipation of a January 17, 2013, opening. Playbill has details.

Venus in Fur on Film?
I'm not totally on board with this: Venus in Fur, the scintillating, provocative sexual power play, is being adapted - in French - for the screen by Roman Polanski. And Tony winner Nina Arianda is not in it. (Is that even allowed?) Polanski is collaborating with Fur playwright David Ives on the script; filming begins in November. I like that Ives is involved, but Polanski's film adaptation of God of Carnage lacked any shred of the sharp wit and keen insight of Yasmina Reza's play. I'm cautiously optimistic. (So is James Franco. Remember when he wrote about why a film adaptation of the brilliant play would be challenging?) Playbill has details about the adaptation.

Theatre Updates
  • Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) will star in the new play he penned, The Revisionist, and joining him onstage at the Cherry Lane Theatre will be the legendary Vanessa Redgrave. Eisenberg made a successful playwrighting debut last season with Asuncion. The Revisionist begins previews on February 6, 2013, opening night is set for February 21 and the limited engagement will conclude its run on March 31. Playbill has details. 

  • When Phish's Trey Anastasio's new musical Hands on a Hardbody comes to Broadway, it will have Sergio Trujillo (Next to Normal, Memphis, Leap of Faith) on board as its choreographer. Former NYC Ballet principal dancer Benjamin Millepied (Black Swan) was originally attached to the piece but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. Playbill has details.
Jake Gyllenhaal Makes NY Stage Debut
If There is I Haven't Found it Yet, the new off-Broadway play starring Jake Gyllenhaal, opened last night. Herein, a bit of opening night coverage:

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