Monday, June 17, 2024

Is Merrily We Roll Along, the Daniel Radcliffe's come back?

Daniel Radcliffe won Tony Award 2024
Merrily We Roll Along, Tony award winner of Best Revival of a Musical, was one of the favorite stories of the season, delighting audiences and critics with the revival of Stephen Sondheim's most famous production, which closed its doors after 52 runs. previews and 16 performances and 44 previews..

The Tony award marks the culmination of Merrily We Roll Along's remarkable comeback story, from an infamously short-lived original production to a revival that's the hottest ticket in town. While the original Broadway production of Merrily only ran for short time, this revival is proving that there was a "Good Thing Going" at the center of the story. 

The original Broadway production of Merrily received a single Tony award nomination for Best Original Score, losing out to Maury Yeston's Nine as best revival of a musical.

At the same time, Daniel Radcliffe won the Tony Award for best performance by an actor in a featured role in a musical, for his work in the smash hit revival of “Merrily We Roll Along.” The show is Daniel  Radcliffe’s fifth on Broadway, but the first for which he was even nominated for a Tony award, despite mostly admiring reviews all along the way.

Despite Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) is one of the world’s most famous actors, he never won a major award. Until now.

Merrily We Roll Along on the big screen: a crazy project?

The temptation to adapt successful musical shows for the big screen is high among certain directors or film producers. In Sondheim's repertoire alone there were A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, A Little Night Music, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd... And we've also been talking about Merrily We Roll Along for several years.

In 2019, the press announced that Richard Linklater was going to direct an adaptation of Merrily We Roll Along and that the filming would be done on the same principle as Boyhood (2014). This film, anticipating this best revival of a musical, brought him worldwide fame and a shower of awards, was shot over a period of ten years, thus making it possible to incorporate the effects of the passage of time, both physical and psychological, on the actors.

With Merrily We Roll Along, the challenge is even greater, since the libretto spans twenty years. We follow the destiny of three friends determined to break into the artistic world, who experience ups and downs... The particularity of the work is that the story is told in reverse: when the curtain rises, we discover the 'one of them, rich and famous composer and producer; then, in each scene, we go back in time... until the end of the show which depicts their meeting at the end of adolescence.

Since we will have to wait twenty years – will we still be here? – to discover Merrily We Roll Along in a dark room – will there be more? –, let’s take advantage of the time that passes by relistening to “Old Friends”, the flagship song from Merrily We Roll Along by Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez:

Well, we are full of hopes regarding this best revival of a musical

Sunday, June 16, 2024

Bryson DeChambeau won US Open although it is not over

Bryson DeChambeau won US Open
US Open golf: second before the final round, Matthieu Pavon plays for the win and history this Sunday

Bryson DeChambeau took the lead at the US Open at Pinehurst. The American is three shots ahead of a trio which includes Frenchman Matthieu Pavon.

Matthieu Pavon will start in the final group this Sunday at the US Open, the third major tournament of the season. Three shots behind leader Bryson DeChambeau, the 31-year-old Frenchman can dream big.

The question on everybody lips: Is French golf on the verge of its greatest achievement in history? Ideally positioned before the final round of the US Open this Sunday, Matthieu Pavon is seeking the first major for a French golfer in over 100 years, following Arnaud Massy's triumph at the British Open in 1907. Three shots behind leader Bryson DeChambeau, Matthieu Pavon has his chance.

The 31-year-old Frenchman will start this Sunday at Pinehurst (North Carolina, USA) around 8:30 PM, in the final group, three shots behind leader Bryson DeChambeau. To get there, the Frenchman continued his strong week by posting a score of 69 (1 under par) on Saturday, thanks to three birdies on the front nine, before committing two bogeys afterward. 

"The course is showing its teeth, it's tough (...) I had ups and downs today (Saturday), but I’m happy with my score," he commented. "Discipline and patience are the keys to the week, that's the biggest lesson I've learned since joining the PGA Tour.

Second alongside McIlroy

A week so far in line with what he has (very well) produced this season, with a victory at Torrey Pines in January, followed by two more challenging months. At a total of -4, he is second alongside Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay, ranked number 3 and number 9 in the world, respectively.

Before the final rouns, one step ahead for now, Bryson DeChambeau had a superb day (67) with six birdies but missed the opportunity to widen the gap due to a double bogey on the 16th hole. "I try to play boring golf. The middle of the greens is stable, so I aim there to ensure a two-putt," explained the 2020 US Open winner, who now plays for the rival LIV tour, funded by Saudi Arabia."

Even if there is one more round, the general opinion is that Bryson DeChambeau won US Open this year

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Liverpool FC set to welcome Taylor Swift The Eras Tour to Anfield

swift the eras tour to anfield
Liverpool FC look forward to welcoming Taylor Swift The Eras Tour at Anfield during the summer 2024 concerts.

“Taylor Swift The Eras Tour” will be heading to Liverpool for three nights, starting on Thursday June 13, and the club is set to welcome Swifties to Anfield for what is sure to be a show to remember.

Ahead of the concerts, show-goers are encouraged to check out all the latest information on attending concerts at Anfield in our Concert Hub, and further information is available in our dedicated FAQ Taylor Swift The Eras Tour.

Our Concert Center has lots of useful information for traveling to and from Anfield, as well as information on how to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

There are plenty of options for attending concerts at Anfield by public transport, while walking trails are also available from the city center and nearby train stations. You will find all the details about it here.

Please note that there will be no parking available at the stadium and fans are advised to use city center car parks if driving to the concerts.

Those who do not have tickets should not travel to the stadium or surrounding areas and are encouraged to enjoy the city center atmosphere, including the fantastic Taylor Town Experience hosted by Liverpool City Council.

Fans who have tickets are asked not to arrive at the field early as you may be asked to leave and return at the time indicated on your ticket. Please also note that camping is not permitted in the stadium or the immediate surrounding area.

Before heading to the stadium, make sure you familiarize yourself with the list of prohibited items to avoid any potential problems upon entry. The full list can be found here. This includes the club's baggage policy, which states that only bags sized A5 or smaller are permitted into the stadium, or official merchandise in the clear bags provided.

Please note that the minimum age to enter the Liverpool FC  stadium unaccompanied by an adult is 16 years old. Any child under 16 must be accompanied by an adult over 18. Any child attending concers at Anfield  without being accompanied by an adult will be refused entry.

The minimum age to access the Liverpool FC location is 14 years old and must be accompanied by an adult. Any child under the age of 14 will be refused access to the standing area of ​​the location. Please note that anyone suspected of being under the age of 14 will be required to present identification with proof of age.

Once inside the stadium, remember that attending concerts at Anfield is a cashless facility and therefore only card payments are permitted.

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Central Station Concert of Taylor Swift to Rescue a Fan

Central Stadium Concert
“I’M JUST GOING TO KEEP TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP IN FRONT OF ME”: TAYLOR SWIFT FLYS AGAIN TO THE RESCUE OF A FAN IN THE MIDDLE OF A CONCERT

Taylor Swift had to deal with the death of a young girl during a central station concert in Brazil in the middle of a heatwave, in November 2023.

Taylor Swift helped a fan during her concert in Scotland this Friday, June 7, ensuring that she would not start singing again until this person was rescued.

In any Central Station Concert Taylor Swift always ready to help. The star once again had to face a fan in bad shape during his concert in Scotland, this Friday, June 7. After briefly interrupting his concert last week in Lyon for the same reasons, the 34-year-old artist this time asked for musical help and actively participated in ensuring that security could find the fan in question.

HIS GUITAR LIKE A COMPASS

While the star was performing one of her songs on the guitar, she visibly noticed something abnormal in front of her. While continuing to play the guitar, she raised the alarm regarding people who need help..

“We need help right in front of me, please, right in front of me,” said the artist. “I'm going to keep playing until the person is found. It’s right there,” she continues, pointing her guitar in the direction in question, specifying that she would continue talking while playing until help had intervened.

A sequence shared on the X network, in which she explains: “I don’t think we came to his aid.” “It's going to be the case, because (...) I'm just going to continue talking about the people who need help in front of me,” she continues in rhythm with the music. “Keep me posted, because I can do this all night,” she continues.

WHAT IF ANFIELD CONCERTS ARE THE BEST PLACE TO FIND LOVE?

arnfield concerts
Are you wondering where you are most likely to find love? It is neither at the station nor on a café terrace, but rather during Anfield concerts, in any case what a recent study carried out by Happn states.

What if, ultimately, the best place to date was concert halls? If for many, the idea of ​​going to a concert with a person you don't know "that" well can be a little strange, for others, it's the idea of ​​the century. In a recent study, dating app Happn surveyed its community of singles to find out the best places for a first date and it looks like the gig ranks highly.

Better, there would even be a boom in activity on geolocated dating applications (like Happn) during concerts and there is nothing surprising about that: what could be better than dating someone who has the same musical tastes than us? That already has something in common.

Some artists could even turn into a “date accelerator”. Perhaps the best recent example is that of Taylor Swift who, in addition to breaking all records in the music industry, could soon be at the origin of a baby boom of baby swifties.

+55% CROSSOVER ON TAYLOR SWIFT CONCERT EVENINGS

More than a meeting place, Taylor Swift's Anfield concerts have transformed into a real dating place. Between two songs, people meet while singing “Love Story” at the top of their lungs. The beautiful Taylor's songs are also ideal for declaring your love ("You'll be the prince and I be the princess").

According to the results of the survey conducted by Happn, there was a 55% increase in crossovers during Taylor Swift Anfield concerts. The crushes therefore met at stadium concerts and beautiful stories were surely born thanks to the American singer.

THE IDEAL PLACE FOR A SUCCESSFUL DATE

Taylor Swift concerts are not the only concerts to attract singles looking for love, for 69% of respondents, stadium concerts remain the best place to date: it is the perfect opportunity to create complicity , to discover each other in a setting a little more original than a café terrace and it is already an excellent way to start creating memories together.

For 88% of respondents, it is easier to get closer to someone else during a concert and this is surely why 79% of singles are ready to go to the concert of an artist they don't like, just to please their crush.

Better yet, stadium concerts also seem to be the perfect place to make big requests. There is no shortage of videos of artists doing gender reveals, but the most popular act is undoubtedly the marriage proposal. Moreover, 30% of respondents would like to be proposed to during a concert (ideally to their favorite song).

If you're looking for love, and best palace to date you know what to do.

Friday, June 7, 2024

Taylor Swift defends Lady Gaga over pregnancy rumors

lady gaga pregnancy rumors
In a Tiktok published Tuesday June 5, Lady Gaga silences the pregnancy rumors about her that have been circulating for days. 

In the comments, Taylor Swift defends the singer.

She is not the first and - unfortunately - not the last celebrity to come forward with pregnancy rumors. For days, Internet users have speculated  Lady Gaga pregnancy rumors by her boyfriend Michael Polansky, with whom she has been in a relationship for four years. The reason ? Photos taken of her by paparazzi would suggest that the star has a baby bump, because she is wearing a tight dress.

The enthusiasm is such on social networks that the 38-year-old singer was forced to deny the rumors in a Tiktok published Tuesday June 5, 2024. In comments on the video related Lady Gaga pregnancy rumors, Taylor Swift even comes to her defense.

TAYLOR SWIFT REMINDS INTERNET USERS THAT WE DO NOT COMMENT ON WOMEN’S BODY

On the video, Lady Gaga notes "not pregnant - just crying at the gym." A sentence which allows him both to deny Lady Gaga pregnancy rumors but also to refer to the song Down Bad by Taylor Swift, a title from her latest album in which the latter uses this same formulation.

A video that quickly became viral - 5.5 million views in a few hours - which did not fail to make Taylor Swift react. In comment, she replies: "We all agree that it is invasive and irresponsible to comment on a woman's body." And continued: “Gaga owes no one an explanation and neither does any woman.”

Thursday, June 6, 2024

CAMERON DIAZ - BENEFITS OF “SLEEP DIVORCE”

benefits sleep divorce
CAMERON DIAZ ROOMS WITH HIS HUSBAND AND ADVOCATES THE BENEFITS OF “SLEEP DIVORCE”

If you're in a relationship, has it ever crossed your mind to stop sleeping with your other half? However, this is the “sleep divorce” trend, which Cameron Diaz has been practicing for 8 years now.

Tonight you are going to sleep in your bed, and your husband is going to sleep in his. No, no, you haven't just gotten so confused that you have to go to a separate room. You're just practicing benefits Sleep Divorce!

What is Sleep Divorce?

If you don't know what it is, it's very simple: it's about improving your sleep and strengthening your relationship by not sleeping together. You may love your partner with all your heart... Maybe sleeping together isn't the best idea. Especially if your partner snores, gestures, pulls the duvet or even talks in their sleep!

In the Lipstick on the Rim podcast, American actress Cameron Diaz explains benefits sleep divorce, that she is a true fan of the separate bedroom. This greatly improves his sleep and brings him a whole host of benefits.

WHY PRACTICE DIVORCE SLEEP? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SLEEPING SEPARATELY?

The 51-year-old actress has decided to no longer sleep in her partner's room. The one who is married to Benji Maddenau, guitarist of the group Good Charlotte, extols the merits of this rather special habit.

She had this idea long before her marriage. Cameron Diaz explains: "My vision of things (as a couple) is: I have my house, you have yours. We have the family house in the middle. I'm going to sleep in my room. You're going to sleep in your room. Everything is fine". Especially since Benji Madden would snore a lot...

SLEEPING SEPARATELY, A COMING TREND?

According to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, sleeping separately also has the benefit of making couples more affectionate, more rested and therefore more available to spend time with each other.

Cameron is categorical: “We should normalize sleeping separately.” This is increasingly the case among Anglo-Saxons, whose share of couples sleeping apart has doubled in ten years, going from 7 to 15% according to a study carried out in 2019 and relayed by the Telegraph. But it still remains very taboo in France.

SHOULD WE FEAR A DECLINE IN PRIVACY?

Apparently the answer is no. For Cameron Diaz, his couple is still as close as ever, even after 8 years of practice. This separation at night would create lack, and therefore more desire when the couple is reunited.

For those who could afford it, the star even recommends having a room between the two individual bedrooms, dedicated to intimate relationships. But you still need to have space at home.

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Taylor Swift breaks historic record for her concert in Lyon

two concerts groupama stadium lyon
Taylor Swift gave the first of her two concerts at Groupama Stadium in Lyon this Sunday evening. Despite the rain, the superstar was delighted to have broken an attendance record for a female artist:

Taylor Swift in France, second! A month after his four concert events at Paris La Défense Arena, the megastar settled down at Groupama Stadium in Lyon for the continuation of his record-breaking tour "The Eras Tour". This Sunday evening, the American singer gave the first of her two shows for 3h15, performing the hits "Cruel Summer", "Blank Space" and "Anti-Hero", and celebrating Pride Month, even if the rain played surprise guests during the evening. “We have a rainy concert tonight. You are truly champions and heroes for continuing to dance in the rain,” she announced during the “Folkmore” portion of her show, before coming to the aid of a fan in difficulty in the front rows, by appealing to security guards in French: “Please!” (...) We take care of you because you are the best.” The Lyon public was especially waiting for the famous "surprise songs" and they were delighted: she performed "The Prophecy", taken from her latest album "The Tortured Poets Department", on the guitar, then a mashup of "Fifteen" and “You’re On Your Own, Kid” on the piano.

“I didn’t think we would have this much fun.”

Everywhere she goes in Eras Tour , Taylor Swift creates an event, and Lyon has not escaped it. At the start of the show, the star announced big news to her fans: like in Paris, she broke the attendance record for a concert by a female artist at Groupama Stadium in Lyon! “Look how you welcome us, it’s incredible!” Before going on stage, I was told that thanks to you, it was a record for a concert by a female artist in Lyon. It’s a really exciting start to the show,” she told the delirious crowd just before performing “Lover”. According to our colleagues from Le Parisien, there were 62,000 Swifties last night in Lyon. Until now, Mylène Farmer held the record with 45,000 spectators for her "Nevermore" tour just a year ago, while the concerts of Rihanna and Céline Dion, the only other women to have filled the stadium, attracted between 35 and 39,000 spectators in 2016 and 2017.

However, Taylor Swift does not beat the absolute attendance record at Groupama Stadium, held by Indochine. On June 25, 2022, 72,500 fans applauded the French rock group's "Central Tour", on the central stage, captured for the release of the CD and DVD a few months later. Regardless, the “Fortnight” singer recalled on stage how happy she was to play in Europe after so many years of waiting: “You know, I haven't toured Europe a lot. I didn't know what to expect when I came to do these two concerts Groupama Stadium lyon. But I can't thank you enough for the way you made us feel welcome. I have never played in front of such crowds in my life. (...) I didn’t think we would have so much fun on this European Eras tour.”

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

things to know about Claudia Sheinbaum, the first woman elected president of Mexico

first woman elected president mexico
Here are 6 things to know about Claudia Sheinbaum, who became the first woman elected president of Mexico on Sunday.

1 - The first woman elected president of Mexico

Aged 61, Claudia Sheinbaum made Mexican history on Sunday, becoming the first woman elected as head of the country since its independence in 1821.

The new president also announced that she had not voted for herself on Sunday, but for a pioneer of the Mexican left, Ifigenia Martinez, aged 93.

2 - She is an environmental scientist

Raised by a biochemist mother and a chemist father, Claudia Sheinbaum holds a master's degree in energy engineering from the University of Mexico (UNAM), as well as a doctorate in energy engineering which she earned through work at Lawrence National Laboratory -Berkley of the US Department of Energy.

She has published dozens of scientific articles on energy efficiency, her favorite field. She also wrote part of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report in 2007, the year the group won the Nobel Peace Prize.

3 – She was mayor of Mexico City

She served as mayor of Mexico City, the country's capital, between 2018 and 2023. She is best known for increasing security on the streets and making life difficult for criminal gang leaders.

However, her years as mayor were also marred by the tragic collapse of a metro line when a train passed by on May 3, 2021. The tragedy left 27 dead and 79 injured.

The new president's government was singled out in the affair because reports showed that the accident was caused by construction defects.

4 – She succeeds her mentor

On October 1, the 61-year-old will take over from her political mentor, outgoing left-wing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, nicknamed AMLO.

When he was mayor of Mexico City between 2000 and 2006, he entrusted him with one of the most important portfolios in the administration, that of the environment. A strategic position in the megacity which had nine million inhabitants in 2023.

Claudia Sheinbaum thus contributed to the construction of the second floor of the “ring road”, a transport system set up to relieve congestion on one of the urban highways which crosses Mexico City. She is also behind the development of reserved bus lanes and cycle paths in the metropolis.

5 – She wants to fight against femicide

According to UN Women, 70% of Mexican women over the age of 15 have experienced gender-based violence at least once in their life, including sexual harassment and abuse.

The president-elect “will have a specific policy towards feminicides, which Lopez Obrador did not want to have”, hopes Pamela Starr, expert on Mexico at the University of Southern California.

Ms. Sheinbaum proposes creating teams dedicated to investigating feminicides. At the end of 2022, she accused the prosecutor's office in Morelos, a state south of Mexico, of protecting the alleged murderer of a young woman who disappeared in the capital.

6 – She wants to take on the cartels

To tackle cartels and violence in the country, she promised to target the causes of violence, strengthen the National Guard, and move towards a policy of “zero impunity” against criminals.

“We will lead Mexico on the path to peace and security,” Sheinbaum said after announcing her victory.

Cartels and violence have marked this electoral campaign. 37 political candidates have been killed in Mexico in recent months, including legislative and local elections that took place during the same period. 27,000 soldiers were mobilized on Sunday to ensure the security of the vote.

Monday, June 3, 2024

Taylor Swift ignited Groupama Stadium

taylor swift ignited groupama stadium
On Sunday June 2, 2024, in Lyon metropolis, Taylor Swift set Groupama Stadium in Décines-Charpieu on fire 

The American star gave nearly 3.5 hours of show for the first Lyon date of his "The Eras Tour" on Sunday June 2 at Groupama Stadium.

Almost 3h30 of show, 40 hits linked together without a hitch and without false notes, carefully staged scenes, fans called the Swifties in full hysteria and in perfect communion: Taylor Swift ignited Groupama Stadium in Décines-Charpieu, in the metropolis of Lyon, Sunday June 2, 2024.

The American star who hits cities as well as hits gave his first mega concert of his two dates in Lyon.

Countdown, XXL screen and masterful entrance

Fans fought for a seat. The 34-year-old American, who has exceeded a billion dollars in personal fortune, can boast of moving crowds around the world. Last night among the 63,000 spectators, Americans, Spaniards, English and of course French, at home.

It is 8:10 p.m. when a giant countdown on a clock is displayed on an XXL screen in front of the monumental stage set up on the lawn of Groupama Stadium. After the last ten seconds are counted down by excited Swifties, the show begins. And the least we can say is that we’re going to be amazed by it.

His entrance is masterful. Taylor swift ignited Groupama Stadium. Sorts of orange peacock plumes emerge one by one from the screen in the smoke and advance at length towards the pit. They gather at the end, bend down and when they get up, they reveal the singer in the middle of fifteen dancers.

“Lyon, enchanted”

After four dates in Paris in May, the singer learned a few words of French. Sweet words for his fans who are raising the temperature in the stadium. Swifties never put down their phones, know every word to his songs and scream with every bat of their idol's eyelashes.

“Lyon, enchanted,” exclaims Taylor Swift at the start of the concert. 

During the concert, it is in French in the text that she declares her love to her fans. “I love you all,” she said to the screams. “C’est ma première fois à Lyon, c’est incroyable. Ne pas avoir assez fait de concerts en France, je ne ferai pas cette erreur à nouveau !". "Je vous aime tous"

Over 40 tracks, no downtime and incredible outfits

The star's contract is respected. For her “The Eras Tour”, she reviews her entire career, from well-known hits like “Cruel Summer”, “Karma”, “Shake it off”, “Delicate” through more confidential titles for the general public , best known to Swifties.

Taylor Swift had a series of charts and hits, more than 40 in 3 hours 20 minutes of show.

Taylor Swift had a series of charts and hits, more than 40 in 3 hours 20 minutes of show. (©Nicolas Zaugra/ news Lyon)

Taylor Swift's strength is the sequence of paintings, without interruption. She performs “Were are never ever getting back together” and “All too well” alone with her acoustic guitar then sways amidst smoke and moving cube-shaped stages on “Shake it off”. She also masters the piano perfectly live.

It is impossible here to reveal all the paintings which follow one another at full speed. Walls of flame, smoke, decorations, XXL dresses, fanfares: Taylor Swift arrived with a huge American-style device.

The rain doesn't stop Taylor Swift

The bad weather neither cooled the Swifties nor the singer. In the pouring rain, she performed several of her songs including “Enchanted” in a long princess dress, without stopping. The artist is used to it and it’s not the drops in Lyon that will stop him. In May 2023, she performed for 3.5 hours in torrential rain during a date in the United States.

The finale is explosive with fireworks and pyrotechnic effects after 3h20 of show without break. Too long ? The public who came to accompany the die-hard fans may have found the time long. But not the Swifties who are still asking for more. Some will even be present this Monday evening for the singer's second Lyon the Eras tour concert.

The organization of Groupama Stadium criticized

While fans loved Taylor Swift's performance, many Swifties didn't really like the organization of the event. According to comments on site, access to the pit was difficult at certain stadium doors when the doors opened. It took more than 30 minutes to enter the stadium which annoyed some spectators who missed the start of the first part provided by Paramore. 

Leaving the stadium was also complicated. At 1 a.m., fans were still waiting in the queue for the tram shuttles even though the last departure was announced for 12:15 a.m. 

Many foreign fans were looking for taxis and VTCs, particularly numerous around the stadium, which caused huge traffic jams and a lot of irritation after the show. The organizers still have a few hours to correct the situation and make amends with the Swifties…