Everybody’s a Critic blog

Extras needed for Wahlberg film

Posted on June 30, 2009 by Alex Stevens
Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

So you wanna be in a movie? Here’s your chance. Playing “Irish” Micky Ward in a movie has been a passion project for Mark Wahlberg, and now he’s getting the chance to do it. Production is underway for the film, “The Fighter.” And on July 14-16, they’re looking for a bunch of extras for a shoot in Lowell, and that means you. They need spectators at a boxing match. Anyone 16-plus is invited. No audition. No headshots. No pay. But you get free food and the chance to see how a movie is made. For more info and to sign up, go to www.beinamovie.com

Thoughts on Michael Jackson

Posted on June 26, 2009 by Alex Stevens
Filed Under Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Michael Jackson is dead and I’m not laughing.
Jackson’s most recent service to society was as a late-night talk show punchline, an oddity, a curiosity perhaps deserving of his own wing in the Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum.
But with his death I was hit with a sadness I hadn’t anticipated. Not at the loss of his music — I don’t own one Michael Jackson album and he hadn’t been musically relevant since 1982 — but a sadness at the fact the whole big sorry mess of his life had come to end. He was little boy lost, a victim and perhaps a victimizer. I certainly wasn’t alone when, years ago, I predicted his death by age 50. He was a tragic figure destined for a tragic end. Anyone could see that.
He may not have been the King of Pop, as he claimed. But he was certainly pop royalty. It’s a sign of the immense tragedy of his life that his tabloid infamy overshadows his towering music legacy… at least for now, in the immediate aftermath of his death. Say the name Michael Jackson, and his music probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind — a clear sign that the dark shadows of his life have not disappeared with his death. That will take time.

A sad goodbye to the North Shore Music Theatre

Posted on June 16, 2009 by David Ertischek
Filed Under theater | 1 Comment

I used to love going to the press nights at the North Shore Music Theatre. I was copped those tickets for free. Maybe if I had paid for some of those tickets they’d still be in business. But alas, the North Shore Music Theatre has closed after 54 years.

Kind of a big “Deal’

Posted on June 16, 2009 by Alex Stevens
Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Are you capable of choosing a case? Do you have a favorite number? Are you ideally suited for a game show that requires absolutely no brain power whatsoever? Then “Deal or No Deal” is the show for you. And Saturday may be your lucky day. That’s when the game show is holding an open casting call. They claim they’re looking for “nerves of steel,” “a killer instinct” and “an amazing personality.” But, frankly, I think they’ll settle for someone who’s a compelling presence on TV. So if that “American Idol” audition didn’t work out for you last week, here’s another shot at fame.
The details: Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Seaport Hotel in Boston. More details at www.dealornodealtv.com

Bummed that you live 1,100 miles from Bonnaroo?

Posted on June 12, 2009 by Deb Filcman
Filed Under Very cool performances, events, music | Leave a Comment

Manchester, Tenn., may be a long ways from home, but don’t despair - you can still hear the four-day Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival from the comfort of your New England home.

Just under 1 hour and 30 minutes from the time I write this, the live Webcast will begin at At&T Music’s site. Thank God for that handy-dandy countdown!

A new ‘Day’

Posted on June 12, 2009 by Alex Stevens
Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

The new CD “21st Century Breakdown” is further proof that it’s almost impossible for Billie Joe Armstrong to write a song that isn’t catchy. Punk music with a pop influence may be my favorite brand of music. The Clash pioneered it; Green Day may be perfecting it.
It’s funny to think of the lifestyle that Armstrong and his band mates are living these days – millionaire punk rockers. It should be incongruous for any rock musician to be a millionaire, but especially a punk band that was living on the fringe of society when their album “Dookie” hit. It must be surreal for them.

To be fair…

Posted on June 9, 2009 by Alex Stevens
Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

To be fair to the Tony Awards, this week’s telecast reminded me that there are a few shows down in New York I’d like to see. The scene from “Next to Normal” made that musical look unique and interesting. “God of Carnage” won Best Play, so you have to check that out. And, taking a cue from our president, I’d like to catch “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.” I don’t anticipate a police escort on the night I attend.

The problem with the Tony Awards

Posted on June 8, 2009 by Alex Stevens
Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

There’s always something slightly mortifying about watching the Tony Awards, especially for those of us who love theater — even the dopey musicals. Plays — especially the musicals — almost never look good on TV. And it’s embarrassing when you have to trot out all those shows and entertainers that look incredibly dated. Why is “Mamma Mia” — a musicals that’s 10 years old now — featured in a 2009 Tony broadcast? (A 10-year anniversary isn’t a good enough reason.) And it’s just not good when Liza Minnelli not only appears on the broadcast, she also wins an award. It makes it look like Broadway is where former artists go to die. And I’m sure that the revival of “Hair” is a terrific show, but again, there’s something sad about the fact that one of the most exciting moments of the night belonged to a show that’s 42 years old.
Trust me, the current theater scene is more interesting than it appeared on TV last night.

‘American Idol’ auditions

Posted on June 4, 2009 by Alex Stevens
Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

If you think you have all the singing talent of William (”She Bangs”) Hung, then here’s your opportunity to prove it. “American Idol” will hold auditions on Sunday June 14 at Gillette Stadium. Preregister June 12 and 13 (Tables open at 7 a.m.).

Conan arrives

Posted on June 2, 2009 by Alex Stevens
Filed Under Uncategorized | 3 Comments

I have a good feeling about Conan O’Brien taking over the “Tonight Show.” And he’s off to a good start with this first cold open. Click the “Featured Video” window here: Conan\'s first cold open

keep looking »