Netflix’s original series Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker is now available to stream! Based on A’Lelia Bundles’ book On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker, the four-part series stars Oscar winner Octavia Spencer and Golden Globe nominee Blair Underwood (recently on Broadway in A Soldier’s Play).
According to production notes, the series tells the story of “the trailblazing African American hair care entrepreneur who was America’s first female self-made millionaire. Against all odds, Walker overcame post-slavery racial and gender biases, personal betrayals, and business rivalries to build a ground-breaking brand that revolutionized black haircare, as she simultaneously fought for social change.”
The production also stars Tiffany Haddish as Walker’s daughter, Carmen Ejogo as business rival Addie Munroe, Garrett Morris as Walker’s father-in-law, Kevin Carroll as her longtime lawyer Freeman Ransom, and Bill Bellamy as Ransom’s cousin Sweetness.
A First Look at Octavia Spencer and Blair Underwood in Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
The producers of the Broadway revival of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf announced today that the production will not open when Broadway resumes performances, due to ensuing cast scheduling conflicts amid the shutdown.
Hands on a Hardbody Tony nominee Keala Settle, also seen on stage in Waitress and on screen in The Greatest Showman, is the latest artist to take part in Stars in the House, the new daily live streamed concert series created by Playbill correspondent and SiriusXM Broadway host Seth Rudetsky and producer James Wesley.
The series—which launched March 16 with Tony winner Kelli O’Hara—promotes support for The Actors Fund and its services in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Previous guests have also included four-time Tony nominee Judy Kuhn, Tony winner Lindsay Mendez, Tony winner Ruthie Ann Miles, Tony-winning composer-lyricist Marc Shaiman, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester, Tony nominee Anika Larsen, and Tony-winning composer Tom Kitt.
James Wesley and Seth Rudetsky Joseph Marzullo/WENN
New shows air daily at 2 PM ET and 8 PM ET, featuring performances by stars of stage and screen and conversations with Rudetsky between each tune. Rudetsky will encourage live viewers to donate, and Wesley will give updates from The Fund as well as shout-outs to people donating in real time. Dr. Jonathan LaPook, chief medical correspondent for CBS News, will also make frequent appearances to answer questions and offer best practices.
“Our main concern is raising spirits and helping The Fund help those who are suffering,” Rudetsky said. “We’re hoping that everyone watching will not only enjoy the amazing singing and the inside Broadway stories, but also donate to the Actors Fund. And, because social distancing is so important right now, every star will be singing from his or her own home!”
“Now more than ever, people in our community are depending on The Fund’s vital services,” said Fund Chairman Brian Stokes Mitchell. “It’s critical that we be there for those in need, in particular our seniors and the immuno-compromised individuals who need our help, as well as those in financial distress.”
Stars in the House will stream daily until Broadway re-opens.
As the situation surrounding the coronavirus outbreak continues to evolve, The Actors Fund will provide services online and via phone. These services include Artists Health Insurance Resource Center, The Career Center, Housing Resources, Addiction & Recovery, HIV/AIDS and Senior Services, Counseling and Emergency Financial Assistance, as well as The Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts in New York City.
What are some of Judy Kuhn’s fondest memories from show’s past She discussed many of her career-defining roles on yesterday’s matinee edition of Stars in The House- a new concert series from SiriusXM Broadway host Seth Rudetsky and his husband, producer James Wesley, benefitting the Actors Fund.
The stage and screen star, a Tony and Olivier winner for her performance as Kim in the original Broadway and London productions of Miss Saigon, will now launch her series of concerts October 23 in Hawaii.
“While I’m incredibly disappointed to postpone my spring North American tour, we have the safety and well-being of loyal fans and concert-going audiences in mind, at a time when our health services are strained and large gatherings risk accelerating the spread of coronavirus,” Salonga said in a statement. “Please be safe and stay healthy. Wash your hands, practice social distancing, and check in with friends and loved ones who may need some extra support in the weeks ahead. I look forward to seeing you all this fall.”
Ticket holders should consult the venue websites or their point of purchase for details on exchanging tickets for new dates (in some cases this will happen automatically) or refunds if not available for the rescheduled dates.
Current rescheduled dates follow: Honolulu, Hawaii: October 23-24 Funner, California: October 17 Cerritos, California: October 16 Vancouver, British Columbia: October 14 North Bethesda, Maryland: October 30 Cincinnati, Ohio: November 1 Indianapolis Symphony in Indianapolis, Indiana: April 29-30 Malibu, California: October 27-28 Lancaster, California: October 21 Livermore, California: November 4 and 6 Modesto, California: November 8
