INSIDER
Eddie Murphy wants 'Candy Cane Lane' to put you in the Christmas spirit for years to come
Read full article: Eddie Murphy wants 'Candy Cane Lane' to put you in the Christmas spirit for years to comeEddie Murphy fondly remembers watching classic Christmas movies as a child with his family during the holidays.
New this week: 'Nomadland,' 'Kenan' and Andra Day music
Read full article: New this week: 'Nomadland,' 'Kenan' and Andra Day musicThis image released by NBC shows, from left, Dani Lane as Aubrey, Kenan Thompson as Kenan, and Dannah Lane as Birdie in a scene from the comedy series, "Kenan," premiering on Feb. 16. (Casey Durkin/NBC via AP)Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. The album has 13 tracks including “Tigress & Tweed,” an original Day wrote with veteran singer-producer Raphael Saadiq. Ad— “Saturday Night Live” cast member Kenan Thompson, who two decades ago co-starred in “Kenan and Kel,” is headlining his own sitcom. It details the African American church’s history, from enslavement to emancipation, Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights movement to today.
Don Johnson gets his funny on with help from 'SNL' stars
Read full article: Don Johnson gets his funny on with help from 'SNL' starsThis image released by NBC shows, from left, Don Johnson as Rick, Chris Redd as Gary, and Kenan Thompson as Kenan in a scene from the comedy series "Kenan," premiering on Feb. 16. (Casey Durkin/NBC via AP)LOS ANGELES – Don Johnson is getting his funny on with help from a couple of “Saturday Night Live” stars. Johnson's most recent forays into series work came in ABC's “Blood and Oil” in 2015 and HBO's “Watchmen” in 2019. “Kenan and I got on the phone and I felt instant chemistry with Kenan,” Johnson said. Thompson will juggle shooting the series in Los Angeles and doing “SNL” in New York.
Second City comedy theater for sale, 2nd time in 60 years
Read full article: Second City comedy theater for sale, 2nd time in 60 yearsCHICAGO – Chicago’s Second City comedy theater — where performers including Bill Murray, Steve Carell and Jordan Peele honed their skills — has been put up for sale. In a statement released Tuesday, co-owner Andrew Alexander said a sale presents the opportunity for Second City to succeed well into the future. Privately held throughout its 61-year history, Second City suspended all its shows and classes in early March until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Second City is co-owned by Alexander and D’Arcy Stuart, although its president, Steve Johnston, also has a small equity share. The theater was sold once before in the years after Bernie Sahlins, Howard Alk and Paul Sills launched the comedy theater in 1959.
Second City CEO steps down amid claims of racism at theater
Read full article: Second City CEO steps down amid claims of racism at theaterLOS ANGELES Andrew Alexander, the CEO and co-owner of famed The Second City improv theater, said he is stepping down after a former performer leveled accusations of racism against the comedy institution. In a lengthy letter posted on the companys website, Alexander said he failed to create an anti-racist environment wherein artists of color might thrive. I am so deeply and inexpressibly sorry,He vowed Friday that he will be replaced by a person of color. Alexanders announcement Friday followed online criticism from Second City alumnus Dewayne Perkins, an actor, comedian and writer (Brooklyn Nine-Nine). His posts followed a Second City online message of support last week for Black Lives Matter.