Covet By Sarah Jessica Parker

God, Sarah Jessica Parker is becoming quite the business woman these days. She is about to start work on the Sex and the City Movie, she has her clothing line "Bitten", and now she has just added a new fragrance to her fragrance line called "Covet". Covet, which is the follow up to her extremely well received Perfume "Lovely", is a blend of Sicilian lime, chocolate, michelia yunnanensis and bois de cashmere. I have no idea what that means but I'm sure it smells great, the last one did. Above is the commercial ad for the fragrance. Pretty cute.

We're SPICE CITY

YYYYAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Spice Girls recently held a competition called Spice City, where their fans could vote for their city to be added to the Reunion Tour. It's just been reported from their official website that TORONTO WON THE CONTEST. Way to go Spice fans. The show has not been given an official date yet but keep checking back at http://www.thespicegirls.com/ and register for tickets as well. This is the second Canadian date to be added, Vancouver was recently added a few days ago and is currently the first stop on the tour. There are currently 15 dates on the tour with rumours of more to be added.

Now all I have to do is hope that I can get a ticket.

Paying Rent Again

As most of you know, I have been madly in love with the musical Rent ever since I was introduced to it by my vocal teacher in 12th grade. I was lucky enough to see the show for the first time on Broadway last year while on holiday in New York. So I am very happy to report that Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal who originated the roles of Mark Cohen and Roger Davies in the Tony Award/Pulitzer Prize winning musical 10 years ago, are both reprising their respective roles for a six week run on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre. The two, who were last seen playing these roles in the film version in 2005, made a choice that they would only come back for this special engagement if the other chose to.

If you would like to see a video interview of the two talking about their return, as well as views from the other current members of the musical (including former American Idol contestant Tamyra Gray who currently stars as Mimi), then just click here.

Anthony and Adam will both pay rent until September 9th.

This Is A Bit Horrifying

I have a few Theatre stories to write about next. The first of which is this horrible news that Kelly Osbourne will be making her West-End debut in the musical Chicago.

Now I was thinking that by the looks of the promotional shot for Kelly's welcome that she would be playing Velma Kelly. She is newly svelte and has the poker straight black bob hair style which is sometimes synonymous with the role. However the article that I read states that she will in fact be taking on the role of Mama Morton, the matron of the prison where Velma and Roxie are held.

I have big issues with this whole story because 1) The Brits seem to have a knack for asking untalented young starlet's to play in this musical (first Ashlee Simpson, now this). Secondly, the role of Mama Morton is generally played by busty African American women in their 40's. Thirdly the role calls for someone with a big, booming Broadway style singing voice. Kelly can barely handle singing Papa Don't Preach without the use of synthesizers on her voice.

Why God, Why?!? Kelly starts her seven week run on September 10th at the Cambridge Theatre.

Emmy Rossum - Inside Out

Golden Globe nominated actress Emmy Rossum who is perhaps best known for her portrayal of Christine Daae in the film adaptation of The Phantom of The Opera, is continuing her foray into music, with the impending release of her first album entitled Inside Out. Although she was approached by many record labels to record a classical music album after displaying her operatic abilities in the film, the new Geffen Records album is more mainstream sounding than most had anticipated.

"It's pop music, but not Britney Spears bubblegum pop." Emmy has said. "I want it to have a David Gray or Annie Lennox feel."

An EP which contains a couple of songs from the album, and a bonus 15 minute documentary video are now available to download off i-tunes. The full length album will be released in stores in October, but until then clips of the album can be heard on Emmy's new Myspace site. It sounds pretty good to me, a bit like Imogen Heap meets Enya meets Kate Bush. I think I will consider investing in it. Listen/Judge for yourself though.

Dead Like Movie

For those of you who were fans of the now cult hit television show "Dead Like Me", you better get ready because the reapers are coming back in the form of a straight to DVD movie.

For those who weren't viewers of the show, Dead Like Me revolved around 18 year old Georgia (George) Lass (played by Ellen Muth) who was snuffed out by a flaming toilet seat that fell from the Mir Space station, blowing her to smithereens. Her soul was then reborn to join the ranks of the undead as a Grim Reaper. The Reapers, who are led by the very Zen-like Rube (played brilliantly by Mandy Patinkin) must pop the souls out of the living before they die, so the victims bodies don't feel anything when they meet their end, and then escort them to their afterlife.

Clockwise from top: Jasmine Guy (Roxy), Laura Harris (Daisy) Mandy Patinkin (Rube), Ellen Muth (George), and Callum Blue (Mason).

The show was cancelled after two seasons, but many online petitions have been signed by die hard fans of the show to bring it back to television. At one time it was a consideration, however Mandy Patinkin was already signed on to another television series by the time serious talks came around so the idea was scrapped. Now, the show will be continuing in a 2 hour straight to DVD movie version.

There are a few exceptions however. Most of the original cast will be reprising their roles, with the (rumoured) exceptions of Patinkin, and Laura Harris who played Daisy. According to what I've read, the Reapers will be lead by a new head Reaper named Calvin Kane, and the role of Daisy Adair will be filled by a new actress.

Sex Ensues

Ever since the hit HBO series Sex And The City went off the air in 2004, it's followers have been anticipating the much discussed film continuation of the lives of Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha. The movie which almost didn't happen due to reports that Kim Cattrall wanted final script approval and a pay raise for her portrayal of sex obsessed Samantha Jones, is now officially in pre-production with all four of the ladies (from left: Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kristin Davis) on board. Here's hoping that all of their respective male counterparts will also take part. It would be slightly disappointing if they don't.

The film should be released through New Line Cinema some time next year. In the mean time I have my collection of DVDs to tide me over.

Tiffany - Open My Eyes Video

Get music video codes at Bolt.

Tiffany - Just Me (Live)

I find it really sad that people can't seem to give Tiffany's newer music a chance because she used to sing in shopping malls 20 years ago, and most of the songs she did were cover songs. Fine, singing a bunch of covers is not the way to establish yourself as an artist these days, but still, she was 16 at the time people....let it go. Tiffany (now 35) is still writing music to this day (really good quality music) and garnering some of the best reviews of her career, but still she is not being played on the radio or achieving the level of success that many others with her talent are. Her latest album "Just Me" is a mix of rocky, country tinged pop music that is reminiscent of artists like Sheryl Crow, Michelle Branch, and Melissa Etheridge. I was going to add the video for the first single "Feels Like Love" (which I may still do), but I felt I should add this clip of her performing the title track live at an autograph signing, just so you skeptics who doubt if she can sing live can be relieved of any doubts. Watch and Enjoy.

First Look: Alvin And The Chipmunks Movie Poster

This ones for the kids. The latest childhood cartoon to be turned into a live action movie with CG characters is Alvin & The Chipmunks. A teaser trailer for this film was also shown for the hoards of people who caught The Simpsons Movie this weekend, and I'm not completely sure that it's going to be a good one for anybody to see. The movie poster seems to indicate that they are making Alvin, Simon, and Theodore find their street cred, while being watched over by their owner/father/manager (whatever relationship he had with these three) David Seville, played by My Name Is Earl star Jason Lee. The clip that was shown made it look like a piece of crap with the same formula that Scooby Doo and Garfield shared when brought to the big screen. But who knows, stranger things have happened and it may just bring new life to the genre. I can say this though, the CG trio do look adorable, and are no longer the size of 5 year old boys like the former cartoon series pictured them (what kind of mutant chipmunks were they? It was trippy enough that they could sing and speak).

What will they bring to the big screen next? The Jetsons or Jem and The Holograms?

Alvin and the Chipmunks will be released December 17th.

Mr Bean's Holiday Trailer

I was quite excited while sitting in the movie theatre on Friday waiting for The Simpsons Movie to start, as a trailer for the new Mr Bean movie caming on the screen. I had no idea that this film was even in the works. I remember nearly dying of laughter when I saw the first movie with my cousin Lynn in Scotland, and so I hope this one is just as great. You be the judge though. Rowan Atkinson is a comic genius in my mind, and certainly one of the best at physical comedy. IMDB is reporting that this movie comes out on August 24th. "Gracias"

First Look: Sweeney Todd Movie Poster

Here is the first movie poster for the film version of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp. I can't wait for this film. The poster indicates that it will be in theatres at Christmas, so I only have 5 more months to wait. I figured the film would come out around either Halloween or Christmas. It's a signature move for the dark and twisted nature of a Burton movie.

On top of Helena Bonham-Carter playing Mrs Lovett and Sacha Baron Cohen playing Signor Pirelli (as I previously reported), Alan Rickman, whom I love, will be playing the role of Judge Turpin, the man whom Sweeney swears his ultimate revenge. I can't wait to hear what the music will be like, will they change it much from the stage show? Perhaps make it darker?

I have high hopes and I better not be let down. What do you think of the poster?

Natalie Imbruglia: Glorious Music Video

As promised, I found the full length music video for Natalie Imbruglia's new single Glorious and it's here for your viewing pleasure. Just a fun little summer romp through the desert with friends and sparklers abound. Enjoy. God she looks good with short hair. Don't you think?

The Simpsons Movie Trailer

Is everyone ready for The Simpsons Movie coming out on Friday? I know I certainly am. But just in case some of you still need a bit of coaxing, here is the Trailer.

Spider Pig, lol Good times!

Inmates Do Thriller

OMG, who knew that jail was this much fun? I think I need to go kill someone in the Phillippines so I can join in on the good times. The guy dressed up like the girl is a bit disturbing however. Thanks to Dawn for informing me about this. Hilarious.

Dirty Harry

Okay, am I the only person who finds this photograph of Daniel Radcliffe just a little ......scheezy? I don't think I am. This is from the latest issue of Details Magazine of which Daniel also appears on the cover (looking quite a bit better than this). I just think they are trying too hard to get him out of the Harry Potter image. The article slightly focuses on his work on the latest Harry Potter film, as well as his role in the Peter Shaffer play Equus where Daniel (now 18) appeared nude on stage. At the same time though, the interviewer seems more interested in asking him about losing his virginity and the size of his "wand" as they refer to it (which is average size according to the article), than what he is working on. I agree that actors (especially young actors) should do all that they can to keep themselves from being typecast as one specific type of character, and I think that Daniel has been making good choices in his career of late, but at the same time, do you really want to be photographed looking like you're two blocks away from your leather daddy orgy club meeting? It's good to show you're growing up, but this is a little much

Lose the vest and the porn-stache and dress like a normal teenager okay? It's not as sexy as they're telling you it will look.

Winona Strikes A Pose

Winona Ryder has always been one of my favorite actresses. She is so versatile in her film choices that she just seems to be able to portray any kind of character with a great sense of ease. From dark comedies like Heathers and Beetlejuice to period pieces like The Crucible and The Age Of Innocence she has cemented herself as one of the most diverse leading women of our generation.

Winona as Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice

After being pretty much absent from the film industry since the public humiliation of being caught shoplifting at Saks Fifth Avenue Beverly Hills in 2002, Winona (now 35) reappears in the spotlight looking lovely on the August cover of Vogue Magazine. In the article she discusses her life around the time of the shoplifting scandal, her conscious decision to put her film career on the back burner, and her three new film projects she has coming out very soon.

Winona as Mina Harker in Bram Stokers Dracula

The three small comedic films are "The Ten" which centers around ten stories, each inspired by one of the Ten Commandments (co-starring Jessica Alba, Paul Rudd, Famke Janssen and Adam Brody, in limited release starting August 3rd), "Sex & Death 101" (written by Daniel Waters who also wrote the screenplay for "Heathers" and co-starring Simon Baker, Dash Mihok and Mindy Cohn who you may remember as Natalie Green on The Facts Of Life), and "The Last Word" (co-starring Ray Romano and Wes Bentley). Hopefully one, if not all, of these pictures will re-establish her as a box-office draw.

Winona (with co-star Daniel Day-Lewis) as Abigail Williams in The Crucible

After working with Daniel Waters again, Winona confirmed that they are soon going to be working on the impending sequel to "Heathers". In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Winona was quoted as saying,

"I don't know how much of the movie is official; it's a ways away. But it takes place in Washington and Christian Slater agreed to come back and make an Obi-Wan-type appearance. It's very funny."

Winona as Donna in A Scanner Darkly

The August issue of Vogue is available on newsstands now.

New Music: Minnie Driver - Seastories

I know the very thought of actors trying to make it as singers is completely gag worthy and ultimately horrible at times, but every so often you get one that really makes an effort and puts together something beautiful. Minnie Driver is definitely one of those few in my eyes.

She has just released her second album, "Seasongs", which is a fantastic collection of acoustic folk rock songs. The album follows the fairly successful "Everything I've Got In My Pocket" which was released in 2004. Minnie's vocals are very subtle but seductive and almost bluesy at the same time (think Jenny Lewis or Martha Wainwright). The 12 track album was completely penned by Driver and features a few friends, including Liz Phair who provides backing vocals to the track Sorry Baby, and Ryan Adams who is featured on the song "Beloved".

The complete track listing is as follows...

1) Stars And Satellites

2) Sorry Baby

3) Beloved

4) Cold Dark River

5) Mockingbird

6) How To Be Good

7) King Without A Queen

8) Mary

9) Lakewater Hair

10) London Skies

11) Coming Back To Life

12) Love Is Love

Minnie As Dahlia Malloy in "The Riches"

Minnie is currently doing a summer tour in support of the album, hopefully she will come back to Toronto as I missed her when she was in town for the first album, and her new TV series "The Riches" for the FX channel has just earned her an Emmy Nomination for Best Actress in a Dramatic Series.

Glorious - Natalie Imbruglia

Ten years after the release of her smash hit Torn, Natalie Imbruglia is releasing her first hits collection entitled Glorious: The Singles 1997 - 2007. The album includes 9 of Natalie's biggest hits from her first three albums, and 5 new songs to tide her fans over until the release of her highly anticipated 4th album some time in early 2008. The Singles Collection will be released September 10th with the first single "Glorious" being released on August 27th. Here she is performing "Glorious" on the National Lottery show in the UK. It's extremely catchy, and I'm just loving the new short hair. Very Nice. Once the official video is available I will add it. I have seen a clip, and she looks gorgeous.

Posh & Becks Get Hot In The U.S.

David and Victoria Beckham are heating things up on the cover of the August issue of (one of my favorite magazines) W magazine on newsstands July 20th. The couple is making their move from London to L.A., where David will be playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy Soccer Team and Victoria will probably be working on her fashion line and preparing for the Spice Girls Reunion tour.

Victoria is also being featured in an hour long special for NBC called Victoria Beckham: Coming To America which will be airing next Monday July 16th. On top of that she is scheduled to appear on Jay Leno this Friday. Set your vcr's and tivo's kids.

The photo layout for W was shot by famed photographer Steven Klein and, as I've read, features the couple in various states of undress. Sounds Hot.