Nicole Kidman, as Lucille Ball, seems to make no attempt to imitate Lucy’s accent. Fine with me. I generally prefer biopics (not that this is really a biopic, it’s about Ball’s hit comedy TV show in the 1950s) that aren’t slavish. Javier Bardem, as Desi Arnaz, reportedly outshines Kidman. We’ll see. On December 10th in cinemas, and streaming on December 21st on Amazon Prime video.
“History of the World, Part I” is finally getting a Part II, with Hulu ordering a variety series followup to the classic Mel Brooks comedy film, Variety reports. “History of the World, Part II” is described as a sequel to the 1981 film. The film was made up of segments set during different periods of world history. Among those was the Stone Age, Ancient Rome, and the French Revolution. Like most of Brooks’ work, it also featured musical numbers, including one about the Spanish Inquisition and, of course, “Jews in Space.” Brooks is a writer and executive producer on the series along with Nick Kroll, Wanda Sykes, Ike Barinholtz, David Stassen and Kevin Salter. There is no word yet on which world events the series will cover. Hulu has ordered eight episodes of the show. The writers room is beginning in October with production slated to begin in Spring 2022. Searchlight Television and 20th Television will produce.
The photo is a few years old but I smile every time I see it. Jackman will soon be starting rehearsals for “The Music Man” on Broadway. It’s a must-see but be prepared for severe sticker shock. The handling fee assessed by Telecharge if 95 dollars — even if you print your tickets out at home.
TV/Streaming: The big news is the return of “Succession” on HBO. I’m not a fan but most of my friends are. Reviews for the new season are terrific…Movies: Ridley Scott’s “The Last Duel,” with Adam Driver, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck, opens Friday…Books: Jonathan Franzen’s new novel is “Crossroads.” For some reason, I generally resist reading his books right away, but when I do I find them rewarding…Music: I listened to a bit of Brandi Carlisle’s new album, “In These Silent Days,” and I liked it, I really liked it…Sports: I enjoyed the Dodgers-Giants series, and now that it’s over I’m done with baseball for the year.
Saturday Night Live favorite Cecily Strong (Schmigadoon!) will make her theatrical debut in The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe. Written by Jane Wagner—who has newly revised the script—the solo show premiered on Broadway in 1985, garnering a Best Actress Tony for its star Lily Tomlin. It was adapted into a film in 1991 and revived on Broadway in 2000, both again starring Tomlin. Tony nominee Leigh Silverman (Violet) will direct this new staging for The Shed, in New York City. Tomlin and Wagner will executive produce. The production runs December 21–February 5, 2022.
