Steve Pond's Blog, page 174

April 24, 2025

‘Pirates!’ Broadway Review: David Hyde Pierce Steals a Show That’s Only Half Ship-Shape

Regardless of the role, David Hyde Pierce plays basically the same nebbish guy — and always, he’s simply marvelous on stage. In the latest Broadway production of “The Pirates of Penzance,” the role of the Major-General fits Hyde Pierce like a sparkling, perfectly polished monocle. The revival has been retitled “Pirates! The Penzance Musical,” but the show that opened Thursday at the Todd Haimes Theatre is really “The New Orleans Musical” or, better yet, “The Pilfered Musical.” The story is now set in the French Quarters and many songs have been lifted from other Gilbert & Sullivan operettas.

The best moment in this “Pirates!” would be good news for any revival. The brilliance comes early in the show with “I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General,” and Hyde Pierce turns it into a comic patter-song showpiece without dropping either a syllable or a drop of sweat. The delightful foam on the grog here is his being backed up by Scott Ellis’ outrageous direction of a flag-waving chorus that carries out Warren Carlyle’s foot-stomping choreography to military perfection. The riotous pandemonium builds and builds, and then Hyde Pierce repeats himself with even greater success.

This Broadway and TV legend has a wonderful, younger disciple in Nicholas Barasch, who essays the far less thankful role of the show’s male ingénue. It’s tough to get laughs when you’re a 20-year-old virgin, but  Barasch gets more than his share. This carrot-topped Frederic is a spot-on parody of the fey Irish tenor, a breed that pretty much disappeared as soon as Jeanette MacDonald parted ways with Nelson Eddy. Although it is not used in this oddly renamed revival, Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance” carries a most ingenious subtitle. It’s called “The Slave of Duty,” and Barasch’s performance consistently finds humor in that epigram. Frederic obtusely sticks to the letter of the law even when the law is total nonsense and totally against his best interest.

Rupert Holmes, the “Pirates!” book writer-adaptor, has cleverly transported the story to New Orleans in the 1880s. Most charming is an introduction where Arthur Sullivan (Preston Truman Boyd) and William S. Gilbert (Hyde Pierce) tell the audience why the two of them have eschewed Broadway to bring their latest work to the French Quarters instead. Equally good is a smashing opening that lifts “Good Morning” from “Iolanthe” to introduce Frederic and the pirates, followed by a rousing rendition of “I Am the Pirate King,” sung to perfection by Ramin Karimloo.

Back in 1981, Kevin Kline led a memorable revival of “Pirates,” but he lacked Karimloo’s vocal strength. Karimloo, on the other hand, lacks Kline’s enormous style and humor. Karimloo is a romantic leading man who’s lost at sea playing a comic caricature. He jumps around with great and often joint-crushing derring-do, but in the end, it is all labor and not much fun to watch someone who’s about to book a session with his chiropractor.

Now that Jinkx Monsoon has graduated from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” to the New York stage, all those Hermione Gingold roles are back in safe hands again. She brings great sparkle to the nurse-maid Ruth, who wants to marry the far-younger Frederick, but the performance never really catches fire. Regarding Mabel, Frederick’s real love interest, Samantha Williams is downright screechy, yet another victim of the Disney Princess Syndrome. Mabel is a lovely ingénue from another era who has been turned into a modern-day woman who’s now more ballbuster than sweetheart.

Act 1 ends with an apology from the Major-General that the show needs a big production number, which translates into the chorus singing “We Sail the Ocean Blue” from “HMS Pinafore.”

And why not?

But my patience for being toyed with ran out at the top of Act 2 when Hyde Pierce sings “The Nightmare Song” from “Iolanthe.” I had no idea what was going on until the musical skidded into familiar turf with “A Paradox,” which is clearly from “Pirates.” It helps that Karimloo, Monsoon and Barasch sing the classic song with great panache.

The show ends with “He Is an Englishman” from “HMS Pinafore,” which has been retitled “We’re All From Someplace Else” to make it an ode to immigrants.

Good will does not always translate into good entertainment.

The post ‘Pirates!’ Broadway Review: David Hyde Pierce Steals a Show That’s Only Half Ship-Shape appeared first on TheWrap.

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Published on April 24, 2025 19:00

IAG Parts With Irish Hip-Hop Trio Kneecap After Anti-Israel Coachella Performance

Irish hip-hop group Kneecap has parted ways with their booking agency Independent Artist Group, TheWrap has learned.

The controversial music trio (made up of DJ Próvaí, Mo Chara and Móglaí Bap) split with their agency sometime during the first and second weekends of the Coachella music festival. The group made waves there when rapper Mo Chara told the Coachella crowd, “The Irish not so long ago were persecuted at the hands of the Brits, but we were never bombed from the f—king skies with nowhere to go. The Palestinians have nowhere to go.” Chara then led the crowd in “Free Palestine” chants. Projections on the screen behind the group read “Fuck Israel. Free Palestine” along with another screen that accused Israel of “committing genocide against the Palestinian people.”

The band maintained that their first-weekend set, featuring their pro-Palestine messaging had been censored by the festival. Kneecap’s weekend two set was not live-streamed but images still made the rounds. According to music industry insiders who spoke with TheWrap, Coachella was warned more than once that Kneecap would take an aggressive anti-Israel stance when they were booked and still did nothing.

“Goldenvoice and AEG are claiming they were blindsided by the band and had no clue,” Ari Ingel, executive director of pro-Israel entertainment nonprofit Creative Community for Peace, told The Wrap. “This is a lie. They knew, and they refused to act.”

Kneecap came under harsh criticism from multiple groups and individuals, including Jewish organization the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Sharon Osbourne following the performances.

“Coachella 2025 will be remembered as a festival that compromised its moral and spiritual integrity,” the latter wrote on Instagram. “Kneecap, an Irish rap group, took their performance to a different level by incorporating aggressive political statements.”

The hip-hop group clapped back at Osbourne and the backlash in general on Wednesday.

“Statements aren’t aggressive, murdering 20,000 children is though.” Kneecap manager Daniel Lambert also told Irish radio broadcaster RTÉ, “If somebody is hurt by the truth, that’s something for them to be hurt by, but it’s really important to speak truth. Thankfully the lads are not afraid to do that.”

The post IAG Parts With Irish Hip-Hop Trio Kneecap After Anti-Israel Coachella Performance appeared first on TheWrap.

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Published on April 24, 2025 18:40

Rita Moreno Missed Scheduled ‘Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney’ Appearance Due to a Bout of Vertigo, Rep Says

Rita Moreno couldn’t make it to a scheduled appearance on “Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney” on Wednesday due to a “bout of vertigo,” representatives for the EGOT-winning legend said Thursday.

“Happy to report nothing series,” her spokesperson added in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. “She is bummed. We heard today she’s on the mend.”

The “West Side Story” actress, who lives in Berkeley, California, apparently could not get on a plane to fly down to Los Angeles because of the vertigo spell, but was otherwise fine.

Mulaney announced her absence on this week’s edition of the talk show, which launched on Netflix in March. “Some of you are aware that we had Rita Moreno, the great Rita Moreno, booked on this episode, and I’m very sorry to say that she cannot be here tonight. We hope she’s doing OK. Rita, if you’re watching — I don’t know why you would be — but we hope you’re doing great, and we’re excited to see you on another episode soon.”

Tina Fey stepped in at the last minute alongside fellow guests Conan O’Brien and “The Bear” Emmy winner Ayo Edebiri.

“Have you ever filled in for Rita Moreno before?” Mulaney asked.

“Once, in the movie ‘West Side Story,’ but it goes by so quickly you can’t even tell it’s me,” Fey joked.

“You were an infant,” Mulaney replied — though in reality Fey wasn’t born until nine years after the Oscar-winning movie debuted in 1961.

Fey said she had her own issues with flying in for the show. “I just got off the plane a couple hours ago, and I’m here and I’m sleepy! And also, I keep thinking about how this is live, and sometimes I get violent nosebleeds, and I keep almost hoping I get one now. Wouldn’t that be incredible?”

Moreno’s most recent projects include playing the grandmother of Vin Diesel’s character in “Fast X” and a recurring role on NBC sitcom “Lopez vs Lopez.”

“Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney” streams live Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Netflix. 

The post Rita Moreno Missed Scheduled ‘Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney’ Appearance Due to a Bout of Vertigo, Rep Says appeared first on TheWrap.

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Published on April 24, 2025 17:48

All the ‘You’ Characters Who Came Back for the Final Season

Throughout the five seasons of “You,” Joe Goldberg has killed a lot of people, and as a sloppy, often downright hallucinatory kind of guy, he’s also left a lot of loose ends along the way. Now that the fifth and final season has arrived, plenty of those characters, who range from friend to foe to former flame, appear in some way. While there are some heartbreaking absences from the lineup, there are plenty of fan-favorites who pop up, especially from Seaosn 1.

Here’s a guide to every single “You” character who returned — some as cameos, some as Easer Eggs — in Season 5.

Joe GoldbergA man with wavy dark hair and a serious expression stands partially in shadow, looking over his shoulder with a wary, alert gaze. He wears a dark collared shirt, and light from nearby window blinds casts dramatic lines across his face and chest. The atmosphere is tense and suspenseful, suggesting a moment of secrecy or danger.Penn Badgley in “You” Season 5 (Netflix)

Obviously, but the list would technically be incomplete without him. Yes, Penn Badgley is back and Joe Goldberg is back, confidently home in New York, returned to his real identity, without fear of consequence thanks to Kate’s enormous wealth and power.

Kate LockwoodA woman with wavy brown hair and a poised expression sits on a couch in a modern high-rise apartment, framed by large windows with a cityscape in the background. She wears an elegant off-the-shoulder black top and gazes off to the side with a tense expression, as daylight streams in behind her, casting a cool, polished ambiance.Charlotte Ritchie in “You” Season 5 (Netflix)

Speaking of … Also obvious, but yes, Charlotte Ritchie is also back as Joe’s super-rich Season 4 paramour turned wife Kate Lockwood, who is more powerful than ever in Season 5 after inheriting her father’s fortune.

HenryA man dressed in black leans over a dining table, placing a reassuring hand behind a young boy who sits smiling in a high-backed chair. The boy, wearing a colorful striped shirt, looks up at him with affection. Across the table, a woman with dark hair sits in soft focus, her expression contemplative. Morning light filters through the window, casting a warm, domestic glow over the cozy kitchen setting.“You” Season 5 (Netflix)

Joe’s son with Love Quinn, his murderous ex-wife whom he murdered when he fled Madre Linda, is back after they leveraged Kate’s wealth and influence to get him back from Dante and Lansing, the couple Joe left Henry with at the end of Season 3.

The Legacy of Dr. NickyA man with dark hair and a full beard sits confidently in a mid-century modern leather chair, wearing a beige plaid vest over a white shirt with rolled sleeves. He faces another person who is partially visible in the foreground, suggesting a conversation or therapy session. The setting is softly lit by natural light from a nearby window, creating a calm, introspective atmosphere in the room decorated with plants and books.John Stamos in “You” Season 1 (Netflix)

While John Stamos does not return as Dr. Nicky, who Joe framed for killing Beck after she had an affair with him in Season 1, the character’s son is a key figure in the plot of Season 5. And to add insult to injury, he winds up dead at Joe’s hand.

Guinevere BeckA woman with blonde hair pulled back stands behind a wooden podium in a dimly lit room, softly illuminated by light streaming through large, foggy-paned windows behind her. She wears a tan suede jacket and has a composed yet mysterious expression, with shadows casting a dramatic ambiance around her.Elizabeth Lail in “You” Season 4 (Netflix)

Elizabeth Lail once again returned for a cameo as Joe’s Season 1 girlfriend, Guinevere Beck, who he murdered when she could not love him in the way that he wanted. Season 5 is pretty tied up in the search for justice for Beck and, after appearing in a hallucination in Season 4, this time, Lail returns for flashback scenes.

Karen Minty (kind of)A woman with natural curly hair walks through a brightly lit city street at night, framed by the warm glow of streetlights and storefronts. She wears a leather jacket with a shearling collar over a maroon top, accessorized with layered gold necklaces. Her expression is composed but thoughtful, as if she's in the middle of an important conversation or decision. The blurred background looks like a city with streetlights and lit signsNatalie Paul in “You” Season 1 (Netflix)

Unfortunately, we don’t get a full Karen Minty cameo, but her character does get a shoutout when Bronte recalls a social media account by the name of MintyFresh who said she saw the cage in the basement of the bookstore wth her own eyes — something Karen did when Joe let her use the cage to help Paco’s mom detox.

Dottie QuinnA woman wearing a sparkly, sequined jacket cradles a baby in her arms outside at night, standing beside a car. She gazes at the child with affection, gently cupping his head, while the baby—dressed warmly in a knit hat and jacket—looks back at her with curiosity. The scene is warmly lit, highlighting the tenderness of their connection amid a dark, wooded background.Saffron Burrows as Dottie in “You” Season 3 (Netflix)

The mother of Joe’s ex-wife and her twin brother, Forty, both of whom died after Joe came into their life, Dottie, appears in a compilation of people from Joe’s past who share their experiences on social media.

Sherry and Cary ConradA stylish couple sits closely together at a sunlit table, smiling warmly during a conversation. The woman, dressed in a snake-print top with gold drop earrings and a high ponytail, rests her hands near a white coffee mug. The man, wearing a navy button-down shirt, has his arm gently draped around her shoulders. Wooden blinds in the background filter the light, creating a cozy and intimate daytime setting.Shalita Grant and Travis Van Winkle as Sherry and Cary Conrad on “You” Season 3

Season 3 survivors and married couple Sherry and Cary Conrad turned their experience making it out of Joe and Love’s glass cage alive into an empire, and they also share their experience in a TikTok-style video in Season 5 with Shalita Grant and Travis Van Winkle returning for a cameo.

Annika AttwaterA young woman with long, wavy hair sits at a table in a cozy café, wearing a sparkly black jacket over a graphic tee. She looks down at her bright green phone with a disinterested or mildly annoyed expression, her fingers poised over the screen. Sunlight streams in through large windows behind her, casting a warm, natural glow over the relaxed, daytime setting. Yellow coffee cups are visible on nearby tables, adding a casual, social atmosphere.Kathryn Gallagher in “You” Season 1 (Netflix)

Kathryn Gallagher also pops up in a social testimony cameo as Season 1 body positive influencer and Beck’s friend Annika Attwater, who insists that Joe killed her best friend, Peach.


EthanInside a warmly lit bookstore, a cheerful man wearing glasses, a floral button-up shirt, and a dark apron with a name tag reading “Ethan” stands behind the counter speaking animatedly with a customer. The woman, seen from behind, has long wavy hair and wears a leopard-print top. The cozy atmosphere is filled with bookshelves, wooden furniture, and soft lighting, suggesting a friendly and inviting setting.Zach Cherry in “You” Season 1 (Netflix)

Zach Cherry also pops up in the social media supercut in a quick return as Ethan, Joe’s kind-hearted Season 1 buddy and bookstore employee, who only has good things to say about Joe but says he believes victims.

PacoA young boy sits on a staircase in a dimly lit building, looking up with a solemn and slightly teary-eyed expression. He wears a green long-sleeve shirt and clasps his hands together in front of him. Facing him is a man seen from behind, suggesting a serious or emotional conversation is taking place. The atmosphere feels intimate and tense, highlighting the boy's vulnerability.Luca Padovan in “You” Season 1 (Netflix)

Another returning face from Season 1, Joe’s sweet young neighbor, who had to survive his addict mom and her abusive boyfriend Ron, tries to vouch for Joe in a social media testimony, but it only incriminates him further.

NadiaA young woman with long dark hair smiles warmly while seated at a table in what appears to be a library or study room. She wears a tan leather jacket over a patterned shirt and rests her chin on her hand, giving her full attention to someone off-camera. The softly lit background features rows of bookshelves and a scholarly ambiance, suggesting an engaging conversation in an academic settingAmy-Leigh Hickman as Nadia in “You” Season 4 (Netflix)

Joe’s brightest student at Darcy University in London became the Sherlock nipping at his heels by the end of Season 4, but he killed her boyfriend and framed her for it — with Kate’s help on the second point. She makes her grand return toward the end of Season 5 to help take Joe down.

Lady PhoebeA blonde woman with wavy hair beams with delight, her hands gently pressed together under her chin in a playful, adoring gesture. She wears a silky, light-colored robe and is warmly lit in a cozy, dim room. Behind her hangs a classic-style portrait and soft pink feathers, adding to the scene's rich, vintage ambiance. She appears to be engaging warmly with someone just out of frame.Tilly Keeper as Lady Phoebe in “You” Season 4 (Netflix)

Everyone’s favorite sweetheart socialite from Season 4 is back, Tilly Keeper makes a cameo in Season 5 as Lady Phoebe Borehall-Blaxworth, who checks in on Kate when she’s going through a particularly hard time. Last we saw her in Season 4, she was happy as could be and she still seems to be thriving, and months sober, no less.

Marienne BellamyA woman with long, platinum blonde braids and a septum piercing stands in a bustling outdoor market, looking off to the side with a tense, suspicious expression. Her brows are furrowed, and her gaze is focused, as if she’s just spotted something alarming or unexpected.Tati Gabrielle as Marienne in “You.” (Netflix)

Marienne has escaped Joe a few times. First introduced in Season 3, when she fell for Joe in Madre Linda, she returned and ended up barely making it out of Joe’s cage in Season 4. But she enters the fray once again to help in the mission to bring him down for good in the final episodes of Season 5.

Will Bettelheim

One of the few people to make it out of Joe’s glass cage, not only alive but on pretty good terms with his captor, Robin Lord Taylor returns for a cameo as Season 2 survivor Will Bettelheim, who pops up once again to help Joe secure fake IDs.

All five seasons of “You” are streaming now on Netflix.

The post All the ‘You’ Characters Who Came Back for the Final Season appeared first on TheWrap.

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Published on April 24, 2025 17:00

FCC Seeks DEI Concessions From Paramount to Complete Skydance Merger

The Federal Communications Commission has reached out to Paramount Global about steps the company will need to take for its merger with Skydance Media to be approved.

According to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the talks, the FCC will require the merged company to continue to abstain from any diversity, equity and inclusion programs (DEI), making good on public comments from Trump-appointed chair Brendan Carr last month promising to make DEI abolition a prerequisite for any M&A approval.

Representatives for Paramount declined TheWrap’s request for comment.

The company previously rolled back its DEI policies this past February to comply with the Trump Administration’s demands, and the FCC has also launched investigations of Disney and Comcast over its DEI policies.

“We can only under the statute move forward and approve a transaction if we find that doing so serves the public interest,” Carr said. “If there’s businesses out there that are still promoting invidious forms of DEI discrimination, I really don’t see a path forward where the FCC could reach the conclusion that approving the transaction is going to be in the public interest.”

Regulatory review of the Paramount/Skydance merger has been stalled over the past few months, leading the two companies to extend their merger agreement for another 90 days earlier this month.

The uncertainty over the merger has spilled over into the company’s news division, as Paramount Global has been in settlement talks with Trump’s legal team over a $20 billion lawsuit against the company connected to a “60 Minutes” interview with former vice president Kamala Harris. While legal experts say that Trump has no legal standing in the lawsuit, multiple reports have cited that Paramount sees a settlement as key to ensuring government approval of the Skydance merger.

The CBS news program’s executive producer, Bill Owens, announced his resignation from “60 Minutes” earlier this week, citing corporate interference from Paramount Global’s controlling shareholder Shari Redstone in stories that have investigated the Trump Administration such as its deportation of accused criminals to El Salvador without due process and its sweeping funding cuts to federal departments.

The post FCC Seeks DEI Concessions From Paramount to Complete Skydance Merger appeared first on TheWrap.

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Published on April 24, 2025 16:55

Where to Watch ‘The Legend of Ochi’: Is the A24 Film Streaming?

They say not to touch any strange animals, especially if they’re dangerous. But come on, we all know if you see a baby animal you can help, you’re probably going to try, right?

Such is the case of Yuri, the protagonist of A24’s new film “The Legend of Ochi.” Written and directed by Isaiah Saxon, the film follows Yuri, who’s been raised to fear the ochi species. But when she finds a wounded baby ochi, she’s determined to help him, warnings be damned.

Here’s what you need to know about the film.

What is the release date?

“The Legend of Ochi” officially comes out on April 25, 2025.

Is it streaming?

Nope, you’ll have to catch this one in theaters. You can look for showtimes near you below. But, when it’s time for “The Legend of Ochi” to hit streaming, it’ll head over to Max. We’ll keep you posted on when that happens.

AMC TheatersRegal CinemasFandangoWhat is it about?

The official synopsis reads: “In a remote village on the island of Carpathia, a shy farm girl named Yuri is raised to fear an elusive animal species known as ochi. But when Yuri discovers a wounded baby ochi has been left behind, she escapes on a quest to bring him home.”

Who’s in it?

“The Legend of Ochi” stars Helena Zengel, Finn Wolfhard, Emily Watson and Willem Dafoe.

Watch the trailer

The post Where to Watch ‘The Legend of Ochi’: Is the A24 Film Streaming? appeared first on TheWrap.

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Published on April 24, 2025 16:31

‘Vanderpump Villa’ Season 2 Cast Guide | Photos

“Vanderpump Villa” has officially opened its books, with Lisa Vanderpump is ready to kick off Season 2 of the reality series with some old and new faces.

In Season 2, Vanderpump took France by storm with her exclusive French estate, Château Rosabelle. But now, she’s settled in Italy with her new endeavor Castello Rosato — a 12th century castle sitting in  Orvieto, Italy.

But just because there’s luxury doesn’t mean there’s no drama. Between returning fan favorites and spicy newcomers, there’s a lot for viewers to check into.

Here’s the full cast that’s entering the villa for Season 2. “Vanderpump Villa” premieres on Hulu Thursday, April 24.

Lisa Vanderpump on Lisa Vanderpump on “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (Hulu/Disney)Lisa Vanderpump

BusinesswomanRestauranteur Lisa Vanderpump returns to a new villa once again as the head honcho in charge.

Stassi Schroeder

Stassi Schroeder, who was fired from “Vanderpump Rules” after racist posts she made resurfaced back in 2020, has returned to reality TV after her eight-season run. She will be a VIP guest at the villa.

Anthony on Anthony on “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (Hulu/Disney) Anthony

Season 1 notable Anthony has returned to work his magic in the kitchen for Season 2. He is the villa’s executive chef.

Marciano

Server Marciano also makes a comeback for Season 2.

Hannah on Hannah on “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (Hulu/Disney)Hannah

Another “Vanderpump Villa” veteran is Hannah, who returns as a server.

Grace on Grace on “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (Hulu/Disney)Grace

Grace, who previously starred in the first season, will keep things tidy as the villa’s housekeeper.

Andre on Andre on “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (Hulu/Disney)Andre

Andre comes back to serve up more cocktails and tasty drinks as the bartender in Season 2.

Gabriella on Gabriella on “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (Hulu/Disney)Gabriella

Gabriella is also a veteran. She’ll continue on the events point person.

Tyler on Tyler on “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (Hulu/Disney)Tyler

Tyler is one of the workers at the villa. He joins as one of the activities staffers.

Ashley on Ashley on “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (Hulu/Disney)Ashley

Ashley joins Season 2 as one of the cooks working under Anthony.

Hagen on Hagen on “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (Hulu/Disney)Hagen

Hagen joins the villa as one of the housekeepers.

Lexee on Lexee on “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (Hulu/Disney)Lexee

Working alongside Andre as a bartender is newbie Lexee.

Dominic on Dominic on “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (Hulu/Disney)Dominic

Dominic is cookin’ it up alongside Anthony and Ashley as a cook at the villa.

Tyler Grawn of Tyler Grawn of “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (Instagram, Hulu/Disney)Tyler

Yep, there are two Tylers, but this one is one of the servers at the villa.

Alyssa on Alyssa on “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (Hulu/Disney)Alyssa

Another member of the server staff is Alyssa, a newcomer this season.

Bridget on Bridget on “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (Hulu/Disney)Bridget

Bridget joins the party as second-command. She serves the villa as sous chef.

Aidan from Aidan from “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (/Instagram, Hulu/Disney)Aidan

New cast member, Aidan, works as a server at the villa.

Sianna from Sianna from “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (Hulu/Disney)Sianna

Helping out with the villa’s events is newcomer Sianna.

Siadi on Siadi on “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (Hulu/Disney)Siadi

Handling incoming guests is newbie Siadi, who works as a guest services staff member.

Sher from Sher from “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (Hulu/Disney)Sher

Another member of the serving team is Sher, who also joins the villa for the first time this season.

Sam on Sam on “Vanderpump Villa” Season 2 (Hulu/Disney)Sam

The last member of the bartending team is Sam. He completes the list of new cast mates for Season 2.

The post ‘Vanderpump Villa’ Season 2 Cast Guide | Photos appeared first on TheWrap.

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Published on April 24, 2025 16:05

Harvey Weinstein Accuser’s Roommate Testifies She Was Told About 2006 Sexual Assault, Says Miriam Haley ‘Looked Shaken’

A former roommate of Miriam Haley – one of the Harvey Weinstein’s many accusers – recalled being told about her friend’s 2006 sexual assault by the former producer and Hollywood mogul.

Elizabeth Entin took the stand Thursday during Weinstein’s retrial in New York City. She explained that Haley opened up to her in the summer of 2006 about the alleged sexual assault resulting in Weinstein forcibly performing oral sex on the then TV production assistant.

“She looked shaken,” Entin said, remembering the day Haley told her. “He had forcibly put his mouth on her vagina without her consent.”

She added: “I said, ‘Miriam, that sounds like rape. I think you should call a lawyer.'”

During the cross-examination by Weinstein’s attorney Jennifer Bonjean, she brought up the two books Entin published after testifying during the ex-producer’s 2020 trial. Bonjean also pointed to the witness’s press appearances – including when she mentioned how excited she was to meet Gloria Allred who was representing Haley.

“He raped my friend, and I am not happy about that,” Entin said.

Bonjean reportedly kept up the pressure asking why Entin suggested her former roommate get a lawyer rather than report Weinstein to the authorities.

“Rape has a different stigma in our society — and a different history,” she said.

Thursday marked the second day of Weinstein’s retrial and the third time the disgraced movie mogul has sat before a jury – this time with more women than men – who will decide his fate.

“The defendant wanted their bodies, and the more they resisted, the more forceful he got,” Assistant District Attorney Shannon Lucey said in her opening remarks Wednesday. The prosecutor quoted statements Weinstein is alleged to have said to his victims over the years, including “I couldn’t resist” and “I do not take no for an answer,” and told the jury members in attendance that Weinstein used his victims’ “dream opportunities as weapons.”

The retrial comes one year after the New York Court of Appeals overturned Weinstein’s 2020 conviction and 23-year prison sentence, citing improper testimony and rulings. The once-powerful Hollywood producer is now being retried on a criminal sex act charge stemming from a forcibly performed oral sex on Haley when she was a production assistant in 2006; and for a third-degree rape against Jessica Mann, an actress who alleges that Weinstein forced himself on her at a Manhattan hotel in 2013.

A previously unnamed third accuser in the rape retrial revealed her identity in court Wednesday, making her the youngest alleged victim of the disgraced movie producer – as she was a 16-year-old model at the time of the first of two alleged assaults.

Kaja Sokola was identified by Manhattan prosecutors, who said during opening statements that Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her in his Soho apartment in 2006. He held the Polish model down “while she cried and said ‘Please don’t do this,” Lucey said.

The post Harvey Weinstein Accuser’s Roommate Testifies She Was Told About 2006 Sexual Assault, Says Miriam Haley ‘Looked Shaken’ appeared first on TheWrap.

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Published on April 24, 2025 16:04

Comcast Revenue Slips to $29.8 Billion in Q1 on Continued Broadband, Pay TV Subscriber Losses

Comcast beat Wall Street expectations for its first quarter of 2025 on Thursday.

But the media conglomerate’s total revenue fell 0.6% to $29.89 billion as it shed 199,000 broadband subscribers due to heightened competition and 427,000 video customers due to audiences cutting the cord in favor of streaming. Also contributing to the decline was a 6% drop in domestic advertising revenue in its media business, due to lower revenue at its linear networks.

Meanwhile, its mobile business was a bright spot, adding 323,000 lines. Peacock also continued to make progress during the quarter, adding 5 million paid subscribers for a total of 41 million and growing revenue 16% to $1.2 billion. But the streaming service remains unprofitable, narrowing its loss to $215 million, compared to a loss of $639 million in the prior year period.

Here are the top-line results:

Net income: $3.86 billion, down 12.5% year over year. On an adjusted basis, net income fell 0.9% to $4.17 billion.

Earnings per share: 89 cents per share, down 7.7% year over year. On an adjusted basis, EPS came in at $1.09 cents per share, up 4.5% year over year, compared to 98 cents per share expected by analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research.

Revenue: $29.89 billion, down 0.6% year over year, compared to $29.68 billion expected by Zacks.

The latest quarterly results come as Comcast is preparing to spin off its cable network portfolio into a publicly-traded, standalone company. The move is expected to be completed by the end of the year and will be tax-free to Comcast’s shareholders.

The entity, currently dubbed SpinCo, will house USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel and digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow and SportsEngine, reaching 70 million U.S. households and generating $7 billion in annual revenue.

Comcast shares fell over 4% in pre-market trading on Thursday following the results.

Comcast Continues to Bleed Broadband, Pay TV Subscribers

Comcast ended the quarter with a total of 51.4 million customers in its connectivity & platforms business, including 12.1 million video customers, 8.15 million wireless customers and 31.64 million broadband customers.

Despite the broadband subscriber losses, the segment’s revenue rose 1.7% to $6.56 billion, while wireless revenue climbed 15.6% to $1.12 billion. Video revenue fell 5.4% to $6.72 billion and advertising revenue for the residential connectivity & platforms segment fell 7.4% to $881 million.

Overall, the connectivity & platforms segment’s revenue fell 0.7% to $20.14 billion and profit grew 1.5% to $8.34 billion.

Domestic Advertising Drags Down Media Business

While Peacock saw positive momentum during the quarter, the overall media segment grew revenue just 1.1% to $6.44 billion. The unit’s revenue was dragged down by a 6.8% decrease in domestic advertising revenue to $1.89 billion, primarily due to lower revenue at the company’s linear networks.

But profits for the media segment jumped 21.5% to $1 billion due to lower operating expenses from lower sports programming volume and costs at Peacock compared to the prior year period, offset by higher content costs at its entertainment linear networks and an increase in sports costs for its international networks.

Domestic distribution revenue grew 0.6% to $2.92 billion, reflecting higher revenue at Peacock, offset by the lower revenue at its networks. International networks revenue grew 13.9% to 1.16 billion, primarily due to increased revenue from the distribution of its sports networks.

Studios Revenue Soars on Content Licensing, “Wicked” Digital Sales

The Studios business saw revenue grow 3% to $2.83 billion, driven by a 3.5% increase in content licensing revenue to $2.17 billion and a 17.5% increase in “other” revenue to $366 million, primarily due to digital sales of “Wicked.”

But theatrical revenue dropped 13% to $286 million, primarily due to higher revenue from “Kung Fu Panda 4” and “Migration” in the prior year period, compared to releases in the current quarter, including “Dog Man,” as well as the carryover benefit of “Wicked” and “Nosferatu.”

Overall, the segment saw profits grow 22.3% during the quarter, due to the higher revenue offsetting higher operating expenses. Programming and production expenses increased, mainly driven by higher costs associated with content licensing sales compared to the prior year period. Marketing and promotion
expenses decreased due to the timing of spending on recent and upcoming theatrical film releases.

Epic Universe, Hollywood Wildfires Weigh on Theme Parks Business

Comcast’s theme parks business saw revenue tumble 5.2% to $1.88 billion in the first quarter, due to lower revenue at its domestic theme parks driven by lower attendance and the impact of the Hollywood wildfires. Profit for the segment fell 32% to $429 million due to the lower revenue and higher operating expenses, including around $100 million of pre-opening costs for Epic Universe, which will open in May.

The post Comcast Revenue Slips to $29.8 Billion in Q1 on Continued Broadband, Pay TV Subscriber Losses appeared first on TheWrap.

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Published on April 24, 2025 04:31

April 23, 2025

Jimmy Kimmel Says Trump ‘Should Be Very Grateful’ That His ‘Minions’ Scandals Are Distracting From ‘His Dumb Stuff’ | Video

Jimmy Kimmel had some advice for Donald Trump during his monologue on Wednesday: Really appreciate the people working for you.

Not because they’re competent or good at their jobs of course. But because “doing so much dumb stuff, it makes it harder to focus on his dumb stuff.” Ouch.

Kimmel got to that joke in a wind-y kind of way, by talking about Donald Trump’s plan to install two 100-foot flagpoles at the White House.

“Trump took a little stroll around the White House, he did a little location scouting just like he would do at one of his golf courses in deciding where to bury an ex-wife,” Kimmel said. “He was there. He’s trying to figure out where to install a couple of new flagpoles he ordered. For real, this is what he’s doing.”

“He’s putting up two flagpoles each one will be a hundred feet tall. This is the kind of decision you make when you can’t get an erection,” Kimmel continued. “Right? I mean, this is, if you went, subconsciously, maybe not consciously, you do. You wake up one morning, you go ‘flagpoles!'”

Kimmel joked that the installation of the flagpoles will “clear up a lot of confusion. For years, whenever I’d see a picture of the White House I’d think, ‘Well, that’s a nice building, but what country is it in?” Kimmel said.

“You do have to admit, it is crazy the White House doesn’t have a flag. Other than that giant one – on top of the White House,” he went on. “These will be at a hundred feet though, I guess, to make it less tempting for the President to grope them.”

Kimmel then identified a serious anxiety he has: “My God. He is gonna talk about these flagpoles non-stop. These are gonna be his new windmills. Watch, these are, this is gonna be his new ‘they’re eating the dogs and cats!’ for a while. But that’s Donald Trump! The stock market is down, the dollar is down, our flagpoles though are higher than ever.”

Then Kimmel changed topics to Joe Kaspar, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s chief of staff, who was abruptly demoted on Monday for reasons Kimmel got into.

“Joe Kasper was demoted because in a meeting he had this month with a group that works with veterans, he regaled them with a story about going to a strip club. So, after the incident, and other reported mistakes and complaints, Kasper was reassigned, he got a different position in the department. He’s not the chief of staff, he’s, they made him party planner for the office.”

“I will say, one thing Trump should be very grateful for lately is the people around him,” Kimmel added. “His minions in MAGA are doing so much dumb stuff, it makes it harder to focus on his dumb stuff.”

Watch the full monologue below:

The post Jimmy Kimmel Says Trump ‘Should Be Very Grateful’ That His ‘Minions’ Scandals Are Distracting From ‘His Dumb Stuff’ | Video appeared first on TheWrap.

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Published on April 23, 2025 21:49

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