Come From Away scores nine nods
Canadian musical Come From Away has scored nine nominations for Drama Desk Awards. The show was announced Thursday as a nominee for the outstanding musical award. Married co-creators Irene Sankoff and David Hein received a trio of nods for outstanding music, lyrics and book of a musical. The 9/11-inspired musical also landed an acting nomination for star Jenn Colella, along with nods for outstanding director of a musical for Christopher Ashley, outstanding choreographer for Kelly Devine, orchestrations for August Eriksmoen and costume design for a musical for Toni-Leslie James. The musical Anastasia starring Ontario-raised theatre actor Ramin Karimloo also scored nine nominations and will compete with Come From Away in the musical category. Winners will be announced June 4.
TELEVISION Atwood ‘impressed’ by Handmaid remake
The Handmaid’s Tale is getting rave reviews ahead of Sunday’s Canadian premiere on Bravo, including from author Margaret Atwood. “I’m very impressed with what they’ve been doing. Like, really impressed,” said the novelist, who wrote the 1985 Governor General’s Award-winning dystopian story that inspired the 10-part TV series. “The cast is wonderful and particularly of interest is that a lot of them are cast counter-type, like it’s not the kind of role they usually play,” Atwood said. “So that’s going to be a surprise to some people, too.”
INTERNET YouTube launches song competition
YouTube is launching a new music competition series for emerging artists featuring Backstreet Boys, Demi Lovato and Jason Derulo. Ryan Seacrest Productions and Endemol Shine North America announced Wednesday that Best. Cover. Ever will debut on YouTube later this year. Ludacris will host the series, where pop stars will give budding artists a chance to perform a cover of one of their songs. The winner will perform a duet version with the star, which will debut on YouTube. Fans can submit videos through May 19 for the first phase.
BALLET Baryshnikov granted Latvian citizenship
Latvia has paid tribute to Mikhail Baryshnikov by granting citizenship to the ballet dancer, choreographer and actor who was born in the Baltic nation when it was part of the Soviet Union. Lawmakers cited his civic involvement and his “voicing of political beliefs in support of democratic values and human rights.” Baryshnikov was born in Riga in 1948 to ethnic Russian parents four years after Moscow had reoccupied the small nation. He spent his first 16 years in Latvia, starting ballet lessons at age 11. Baryshnikov, 69, defected to Canada in 1974 while on tour with the Mariinsky Ballet, requesting political asylum in Toronto and then joining the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. He later moved to New York and became a U.S. citizen.