Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Back Stage Visitors Cast in 'War Horse' National Tour

Back Stage Visitors Cast in 'War Horse' National Tour By Daniel Lehman March 5, 2012 Nick LaMedica Nick LaMedica, an actress who was simply the subject of the " Who Got the Part" column inside the pages of Back Stage a year ago, remains cast inside the first national tour of "War Equine," champion of the year's Tony Award to find the best Play. He introduced the good thing on his Facebook page on Feb. 20.The actor attended Equity principal auditions for "War Equine" in October becoming an Equity membership candidate. Throughout several types of callbacks that extended in to the month of the month of january, he read for multiple roles inside the show, done moments getting a coach, and attended a puppetry workshop to understand to create the production's complex equine puppets to existence. LaMedica learned in the finish of February that he'll be one of the puppeteers playing "Joey," the central equine character, just like a foal. He can also be featured inside the ensemble, furthermore to understudying Albert and Billy."It absolutely was this type of amazing experience being backstage at Lincoln subsequently subsequently Center and inside their testing spaces," LaMedica states. "That alone will be a dream be realized! Inside the a year ago, I've labored my means by towards the EMC program, become the opportunity to utilize some incredible artists, now I am likely to be joining Equity so on by having an amazing national tourall a couple of a few things i wouldn't have observed an chance to complete essentially didn't stick available at 6 a.m. inside the cold to acquire seen."Rehearsals originate from late April, as well as the tour opens in La in June. LaMedica is submerging themselves inside the story when planning. Furthermore to reading through through (and re-reading through through) the script, he's researching the creation and adaptation in the piece from Michael Morpurgo's novel of the title, in addition to familiarizing themselves while using work in the Handspring Puppet Company, which designed the production's actor-operated equine puppets. The play is occur England, France, and Germany through the First World War, and so the actor needs to discover more in regards to the background dialects of individuals regions, too.InchSubsequent month I am likely to be trading amount of time in a household friend's stable therefore i can learn to ride, train, and take proper care of horses," he adds. "There's a good deal relevant for this world that If only to completely understand nearly as much as it is possible to before we have on-going.InchLaMedica states that although he'd not seen the show before his first audition, he understood he preferred to get familiar with the acclaimed production. "You'll find several roles throughout my maturity and kind range," according to him. "It absolutely was a good chance to look by Lincoln subsequently subsequently Center's casting office, plus it won the Tony. As soon as I started reading through through sides, I recognized how badly I desired to find out it and be a part of it. Throughout my callback process, I needed myself to look for the show a few occasions from different angles, therefore i could absorb as up to possible. It was not cheap, however it might be a helpful investment." On Nick LaMedica on BackStage.com. Back Stage Visitors Cast in 'War Horse' National Tour By Daniel Lehman March 5, 2012 Nick LaMedica Nick LaMedica, an actress who was simply the subject of the "Who Got the Part" column inside the pages of Back Stage a year ago, remains cast inside the first national tour of "War Equine," champion in the 2011 Tony Award to find the best Play. He introduced the good thing on his Facebook page on Feb. 20.The actor attended Equity principal auditions for "War Equine" in October becoming an Equity membership candidate. Throughout several types of callbacks that extended in to the month of the month of january, he read for multiple roles inside the show, done moments getting a coach, and attended a puppetry workshop to understand to create the production's complex equine puppets to existence. LaMedica learned in the finish of February that he'll be one of the puppeteers playing "Joey," the central equine character, just like a foal. He can also be featured inside the ensemble, furthermore to understudying Albert and Billy."It absolutely was this type of amazing experience being backstage at Lincoln subsequently subsequently Center and inside their testing spaces," LaMedica states. "That alone will be a dream be realized! Inside the a year ago, I've labored my distance towards the EMC program, become the opportunity to utilize some incredible artists, now I am likely to be joining Equity so on by having an amazing national tourall a couple of a few things i wouldn't have observed an chance to complete essentially didn't stick available at 6 a.m. inside the cold to acquire seen."Rehearsals originate from late April, as well as the tour opens in La in June. LaMedica is submerging themselves inside the story when planning. Furthermore to reading through through (and re-reading through through) the script, he's researching the creation and adaptation in the piece from Michael Morpurgo's novel of the title, in addition to familiarizing themselves while using work in the Handspring Puppet Company, which designed the production's actor-operated equine puppets. The play is occur England, France, and Germany through the First World War, and so the actor needs to understand more about a history and dialects of individuals regions, too.InchSubsequent month I am likely to be trading amount of time in a household friend's stable to be able to learn to ride, train, and take proper care of horses," he adds. "There's a good deal relevant for this world that If only to completely understand whenever you can before we have on-going.InchLaMedica states that although he'd not seen the show before his first audition, he understood he preferred to get familiar with the acclaimed production. "You'll find several roles throughout my maturity and kind range," according to him. "It absolutely was a good chance to look by Lincoln subsequently subsequently Center's casting office, plus it won the Tony. As soon as I started reading through through sides, I recognized how badly I desired to find out it and be a part of it. Throughout my callback process, I needed myself to look for the show a few occasions from different angles, therefore i could absorb whenever you can. It was not cheap, however it might be a helpful investment."On Nick LaMedica on BackStage.com.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Dane Prepare To Star In NBC Comedy Pilot Next Caller Please

Dane Prepare is positioned to star inside the NBC’s single-camera comedy pilot Next Caller Please. The Lionsgate/Universal TV project, put together by Stephen Falk, concentrates on Cam Doherty (Prepare), a brash, hard-consuming, no-filter maverick DJ from the satellite radio show whose world is rocked while using arrival of perky, feminist new on-air co-host Stella Stoobler (Collette Wolfe). Prepare’s casting originates from the NBC development deal he signed last fall. Prepare most recently guest starred round the Foreign exchange comedy Louie and came out inside the features Methods to Nothing, Detention and Guns and ladies & Gambling. UTA-repped Prepare includes an effective stand-up career: He's offered out arena venues for instance Madison Square Garden and Staples Center, released several multi-platinum comedy albums and Digital video disks and starred in the slew of cable standup special deals.

Desperate Regular folks: Scott Bakula Beginning Business with Bree?

Jimmy Fallon Cheers to Jimmy Fallon for showing she's the beat - comedically speaking. Want more Cheers & Jeers? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now! Saturday Evening Live used to be TV's premiere late-evening musical showcase, but after its recent run of off-key site visitors (Lana Del Rey, Karmin, Sleigh Sensors), the skitcom's alum has surpassed his former employer. The other day, Late Evening saluted Broadway with amounts from "Anything Goes," "Porgy & Bess," "How you can achieve Business Without Really Trying" and "Jimmy Fallon: The Musical" (sang with the amazing Bashir Salahuddin) which week includes a Bruce Springsteen tribute, with performances within the E Street Band themselves additionally to Kenny Chesney and Elvis Costello. The hits just continue coming, from Fallon's note-perfect Jewel Jam parody, altering "Jeremy" in to a Lin-sanely funny homage for the Knicks' breakout point guard for the latest edition of "Slow Jamming this newsInch with always-game NBC anchorman John "BriWi" Williams attempting to describe SuperPACs while Jimmy and also the superb house band the Roots change it into something dirty. Without doubt relating to this: If the involves late-evening musical comedy, Fallon might be in charge. Are you currently presently in tune with Late Evening? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Dion cancels Caesars Structure shows

Celine Dion has abruptly canceled her shows through March 18 at Caesars Structure in Vegas. The singer has lately been getting issues with her vocal guitar chords and was pressure to cancel shows earlier this weekend. After being examined at UCLA Clinic, Dion was told to place all shows on hold until June 9, when she'll restart her Caesars engagement. "I attempted to sing inside my soundcheck a week ago, and that i didn't have charge of my voice whatsoever," stated Dion. "We believed that following a couple of days relaxation I'd improve however it wasn't getting much better. This is actually the worst factor for any singer. Personally i think worse understanding that I am disappointing my fans. I am so sorry .I really hope they forgive me." Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Monday, February 27, 2012

Union supporters protest Spike series

About 60 supporters from the Intl. Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and also the Intl. Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 399 attended a Monday morning rally outdoors the Burbank headquarters of Original Prods. included in a push to unionize the Spike TV series "1000 Methods to Die." The rally was set after producers ignored about 30 crew people who have been trying to unionize. The big event featured speeches from Authors Guild of the usa West leader Christopher Keyser, WGA West professional director David Youthful, Screen Stars Guild board member Adam Arkin, IATSE repetition Peter Marley, Teamsters repetition Steve Dayan and Maria Elena Durazo, executive secretary-treasurer from the La County Federation at work. Dayan stated the unions intends to stage another picket Tuesday. Original hasn't said concerning the rally. Four-year-old "A 1000 Methods to Die" re-enacts the demise of individuals have left under bizarre conditions. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Mike Mendes Posts First Skyfall Blog

Opening notes on Bond 23Following Peter Jackson's fine Hobbit good examples, Mike Mendes has elected to publish periodic video blogs as Skyfall all comes together. The very first of these just showed up at official site 007.com.Except blogging is not quite what's happening here: instead of Jackson's approach to showing to-camera, this really appears to become footage of the Mendes interview, very possibly being come up with for any DVD documentary. The director discusses his personal link with Mission Impossible, his passion from the films becoming an adult and just how impressed he was with Casino Royale, with Daniel Craig's Bond particularly. He highlights that, despite as being a British director, Skyfall is his first British movie, because the previous half dozen have been shot on American soil.Significantly, there's practically no Skyfall footage within the brief 90-second clip, although there is a peek at Craig sneaking around together with his Walther, as already observed in the still launched a couple of days ago. Otherwise it's Mendes in the monitors, Mendes having a large camera lens, Mendes in an airport terminal (shooting with a baggage slide carousel! Exclusive!) and Mendes outdoors Westminster Tube Station.But this really is clearly intended because the to begin several "updates", as well as an opening chapter at this. So there must be plenty more in the future as Skyfallplummets towards its October 26 release date. Watch, as the saying goes, this space.

Universal Buys Novel Manuscript Demonologist For Robert Zemeckis ImageMovers

EXCLUSIVE: Universal has acquired Demonologist, a novel manuscript by Andrew Pyper. The book will be sold at auction shortly, but most important the film project will be produced by ImageMovers partners Robert Zemeckis, Jack Rapke and Steve Starkey. The studio made a preemptive deal for rights to the manuscript. The plot:When a professor who studies Paradise Lost accepts a free trip to Italy,a demonic spirit appears to kill his daughter, and he mustgo on a dark journey of discovery in hopes of getting her back.Pyper is repped by UTA and Toronto-based Anne McDermid & Associates.

One Tree Hill's Chad Michael Murray: I Came Back For the Fans

Closeted jock Dave Karofsky may have reached his darkest hour on Tuesday's episode of Glee, but actor Max Adler felt it was necessary because he says "it provides a message of hope." [SPOILERS! The following interview contains references to major events from Tuesday's Glee episode, "On My Way."] Read More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Daniel RoebuckRyan GoslingMatthew MorrisonAaron HillDot Marie JonesGleeChris ColferMax AdlerGrant Gustin

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Past contestants spread the message

Ali Vincent (after)Ali Vincent (before)With the exception of the Beatles and "I'm a Loser," rarely will you see the term applied to such winners as those who shed great weight on "The Biggest Loser." To its alumni, the uplifting NBC series has indeed been all about life-changing triumphs.So how has life been different since starring on the show?"For me it's been a total 180," says Patrick House, 29, the show's season 10 winner from Mississippi who dropped 181 pounds and finished at 219 for that finale. "When I was over 400 pounds, it hindered me as far as doing things with my family, whether it was sitting in a stadium seat at a baseball game or going to Disney World and not being able to go on the rides. Now I'm a better husband and better father, the kind I always wanted to be."Generally speaking, House's sentiments represent the party line of previous "Biggest Loser" winners, but it's not rehearsed or contrived. Positive observations flow out of their mouths these days as naturally as calorie-packed items once traveled into them.Along with House, other "Biggest Loser" victors such as Olivia Ward (season 11), Danny Cahill (season 8) and Ali Vincent (season 5) are still reaping the rewards of experiencing the high-profile exercise-and-diet regimen, while at the same time working to make sure others benefit from their examples."I have literally hugged thousands of people and have heard their stories of entering into healthy lifestyles because of the show," says the 36-year-old Vincent, who has gone on to a career as a motivational speaker, as have several of the show's participants. "I've had people say that watching the show gave them the courage to change their lives around. I get email like that from people all over the world."Naturally, one of the major concerns for "Biggest Loser" contestants and winners -- as well as the fans who look to them for inspiration -- is the possibility of regressing into the previous lifestyle. But for the most part, these losers remain big winners."My father died about two months ago," the 42-year-old Cahill says. "I found myself falling back into old habits. I put on 15 pounds, but I'm taking it off again. I'm about to run a 10K in Florida."I will say there is a little bit of pressure because I feel like an example. I'm a motivational speaker, and I tell people they do have hope in changing their lives in terms of weight, in their businesses, in their relationships. If I do gain weight back, then I'm not as effective in helping other people."Ward, 36, perhaps best sums up the challenge of post-"Biggest Loser" life: "I'm a food addict. It's something I have to face every day and struggle with. We (her sister Hannah was also a contestant with Olivia and finished second) are within 5 pounds of our finale weight. I'm more proud of the maintenance. That's where the real work begins."'The Biggest Loser' 200th EpisodeSeries a good fit for NBC, overweight public | 'Loser' brand breaks new horizons | Trainers accept being in the spotlight | Sweeney takes host gig to heart | Past contestants spread the message Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Jenny McCarthy to Host Love inside the Wild Season 2

Miranda Cosgrove and Jennette McCurdy iCarly, Masters of magic of Waverly Place, All The Best Charlie and Victorious are actually nominated for just about any Kids' Choice Award inside the Favorite Show category, TVGuide.com has learned exclusively. "I am so excited that iCarly remains nominated," the show's star Miranda Cosgrove told us. "I am also honored and grateful the fans continue being encouraging in the show ultimately these years." The Kids' Choice Honours, situated by Will Cruz, will air Saturday, March 31 at 8/7c on Nickelodeon.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

NBC orders 'Hannibal' to series

FullerNBC has purchased a drama concept according to Hannibal Lecter right to series, showing the rapid decline of midseason series "The Firm" has not numbed the network's readiness to risk missing the pilot stage. Gaumont Intl. Television has offered 13 instances of "Hannibal," which is executive created by Bryan Larger ("Pushing Daisies") and Martha DeLaurentiis, a producer behind the flicks concerning the cannibal killer. Skein features the classic figures from Thomas Harris' novel "Red-colored Dragon," FBI agent Will Graham and the mentor Dr. Lecter, who're re-introduced at the outset of their budding relationship. "Hannibal" follows an identical business design as "Firm," which Entertainment One guaranteed a 22-episode commitment from NBC, simply because eOne offered a considerably reduced license fee permitted by worldwide financing deals. However the savings come at the fee for placing a series through its paces through the traditional pilot model -- a far more costly commitment for any much shorter-term. "Firm," which finishes its operate on NBC this Saturday, demonstrated a disappointment for that network, calculating a paltry 5.7 million total audiences along with a 1.4/4 within the 18-49 demo. Larger has already been at the office on another series reinvention of the existing franchise, "The Munsters." Now entitled "Mockingbird Lane," the series was drawn from consideration for that fall schedule a week ago by NBC, which really wants to devote additional time to developing it by having an eye for potential midseason release in 2013. The network also purchased another drama pilot, "Well known," from Universal Television and BermanBraun. Series is definitely an opulent cleaning soap where a female detective returns undercover towards the wealthy family she was raised in - -because the maid's daughter--to resolve the murder from the well known heiress who had been once her nearest friend. Lloyd Braun, Gail Berman and Gene Stein are executive producers with Liz Heldens, who done NBC's "Friday Evening Lights." Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Keck's Exclusives: Jaclyn Cruz to Guest Star on CSI

Jacklyn Cruz After nine seasons on CSI, Wallace Langham just received one helluva bonus. (Or should I only say a heavenly bonus?) Former Charlie's Angels beauty Jaclyn Cruz just signed onto play mother to Wally's lab tech character, David Hodges. Word is Mrs. Hodges constitutes a surprise visit doing boy and reaches connect to all his co-employees within an amusing fashion. While Jaclyn is better referred to as TV's longest-running angel, Kelly Garrett (a job she reprised within the 2003 movie Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle), she also received popularity of numerous TV movies and small-series, in addition to a 2010 appearance on Law and Order: SVU. Jaclyn reviews towards the CSI set in a few days. Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

Saturday, January 21, 2012

'Awakening' stirs up Friday B.O.

'Underworld Awakening'Sony's occult actioner "Underworld Awakening" took the domestic B.O. yesterday with about $9.4 million.The franchise fourth is keeping pace with studio estimates that have it earning in the mid-$20 million range to win the weekend. Pic is the first to feature 3D and the first to star Kate Beckinsale since 2006's "Underworld: Evolution," which Sony is hoping will give the film better business in holdover frames than its predecessors."Awakening" is outpacing all previous "Underworld" installments except "Evolution," which grossed $10.2 million on opening night.Fox's "Red Tails" grossed $6 million Friday to place second. Going into the weekend, Fox delivered a conservative estimate in the high single digits for the frame, while other B.O. observers expect "Red Tails" to land in the mid-teens and yesterday's gross seems to support that.Universal holdover "Contraband" earned $3.7 yesterday, putting it just ahead of Warner Bros.' "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," which opened wide in its fifth frame to earn $3.2 million yesterday. Pics have cumed $37.6 million and $3.9 million, respectively.Finally, Relativity opener "Haywire" bowed to $2.9 million yesterday. The Steven Soderbergh pic is expected to fall in the high single digits this frame. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Saturday, January 14, 2012

David Duchovny's Roundabout Distance To Showbiz

NY (AP) David Duchovny has starred by 50 percent hit Tv shows, "The X-Files" and "Californication," but the thought of starting showbiz never happened to him because he was maturing.InchI never even had the wayward thought. It never even became a member of the farthest reaches of my imagination. ... Never imagined concerning the stars on television or film like which kind of existence they'd,Inch he mentioned in the recent interview.Duchovny, 51, mentioned he didn't begin acting until his late twenties"I desired to produce plays. I used to be at Yale graduate school in those days for British literature not for acting. ... I loved the idea of collaboration which i figured should i be gonna write plays I will learn something about speaking the lines that we might make an effort to write. Assistance me just like a author to actually understand it from that side," he mentioned. "So that's virtually the actual way it started."His career needed offered by roles on "Twin Peaks," ''Red Shoe Journals" and, clearly, "The X-Files," which made him a star together with a sex symbol."I used to be kind of completely overconfident at first which i do not state that just like a joke," he mentioned. "I understood I believed I used to be good. Not great. Not in the conceited or cocky way, but with techniques like, 'Yes, I am able to perform this.' You will need with techniques to consider sometimes."Duchovny credits "The X-Files" with helping him with acting."Each day I desired to begin working and every day for 14 several hours year after each year I am unsure essentially might have handled to obtain with this point essentially might have just gone from movie to movie to movie as being a three-month stint here together with a 3-month stint there. It absolutely was very ideal for me and my particular sense of myself or my craft to own to make use of each day and take action.InchNow because he looks back at old "X-Files" episodes, they assist help remind him of films."I'll can remember the day, you understand I'll can remember the lunch, I'll can remember the weather ... and, after i mentioned, I'll laugh at how bad I'm or such things as that. Formerly seriously and I'd tell (wife) Tea (Leoni), 'Can you just observe bad I am?A and she'd never agree but it is kind of funny embarrassing. Like films.""Californication" is becoming within the fifth season on Showtime.Duchovny plays Hank Moody, a obvious, crisp-tongued author who consistently finds themselves involved with crazy and sometimes sexual situations.According to him this is not to tug in the show's quick-witted dialogue."Sometimes the higher the writing, greater it's to see because you need to service it," he mentioned. "It's tough being that fast and articulate around. You have to try making it appear discovered, you understand, not practiced."Many of the series is devoted towards the push and pull of Hank's relationship along with his ex-girlfriend Karen (Natascha McElhone) and whether they occasion to reconcile permanently."Both Hank and Karen are changing in their own personal ways over time which i imagine they have to believe that they first first got it right the first time,In . mentioned Duchovny. "They have to return there, return for the beginning."Copyright 2012 Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. By Alicia Rancilio The month of the month of january 13, 2012 David Duchovny PHOTO CREDIT AP Photo/Carlo Allegri NY (AP) David Duchovny has starred by 50 percent hit Tv shows, "The X-Files" and "Californication," but the thought of beginning showbiz never happened to him because he was maturing.InchI never even had the wayward thought. It never even became a member of the farthest reaches of my imagination. ... Never imagined in regards to the stars on television or film like which kind of existence they'd,Inch he mentioned in the recent interview.Duchovny, 51, mentioned he didn't begin acting until his late twenties"I desired to produce plays. I used to be at Yale graduate school in those days for British literature not for acting. ... I loved the idea of collaboration which i figured should i be gonna write plays I will learn something about speaking the lines that we might make an effort to write. It might let me just like a author to actually understand it from that side," he mentioned. "So that's virtually the actual way it started."His career needed offered by roles on "Twin Peaks," ''Red Shoe Journals" and, clearly, "The X-Files," which made him a star together with a sex symbol."I used to be kind of completely overconfident at first which i do not condition that they like a tale,Inch he mentioned. "I understood I believed I used to be good. Not great. Not in the conceited or cocky way, but with techniques like, 'Yes, I am able to perform that.A You will need with techniques to consider sometimes."Duchovny credits "The X-Files" with helping him with acting."Each day I desired to begin working and every day for 14 several hours every every year I am unsure essentially might have handled to obtain so far essentially might have just gone from movie to movie to movie as being a three-month stint here together with a 3-month stint there. It absolutely was excellent personally and my particular sense of myself or my craft to use each day and take action.InchNow because he looks back at old "X-Files" episodes, they assist help remind him of films."I'll can remember the day, you understand I'll can remember the lunch, I'll can remember the weather ... and, after i mentioned, I'll laugh at how bad I am or such things as that. Formerly seriously and I'd tell (wife) Tea (Leoni), 'Can you just observe bad I am?A and she'd never agree but it's kind of funny embarrassing. Like films.""Californication" is becoming within the fifth season on Showtime.Duchovny plays Hank Moody, a obvious, crisp-tongued author who consistently finds themselves involved with crazy and sometimes sexual situations.According to him this is not to tug in the show's quick-witted dialogue."Sometimes the higher the writing, greater it's to see because you need to service it," he mentioned. "It's tough being that fast and articulate around. You have to try making it appear discovered, you understand, not practiced."Many of the series is devoted towards the push and pull of Hank's relationship along with his ex-girlfriend Karen (Natascha McElhone) and whether they occasion to reconcile permanently."Both Hank and Karen are changing in their own personal ways over time which i imagine they have to believe that they first first got it right the first time,In . mentioned Duchovny. "They have to return there, go back to the beginning.InchCopyright laws and regulations 2012 Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

The Biz: CBS' Morning Glory?

CBS Logo The exposed brick walls in the new Manhattan studio for CBS This Morning are lined with items that reflect the legacy of the network's news division. A world map from Walter Cronkite's years on the evening news that was rescued from a New Jersey warehouse hangs on one side. Across the way are shelves with books by CBS journalists, vintage TV sets and video cameras. Standing out amid the paraphernalia is a green-and-gold Oakland A's cap, meant to remind the program's staff of the film Moneyball, in which Brad Pitt plays the renegade baseball executive Billy Beane. CBS This Morning executive producer Chris Licht screened the film at a private launch party for the cast and crew held at the Ed Sullivan Theater last month. The message to the troops: out with the old rules and traditions of morning television. No forced banter, comedic weather forecasters and cheering fans on an outdoor plaza. "We're the Moneyball of TV," Licht says. "We're going to try to do it in a different way and everyone will scoff at it." Just how different will be apparent to viewers who tune in at 7am on Monday, January 9, and see Charlie Rose, whose sonorous, soft drawl is more familiar to late-night viewers of his PBS talk show. He will be joined by Gayle King, a big personality who is well known and well liked but has never been part of a hit show outside of the universe of famous best friend Oprah Winfrey. One factor in her favor is that the early morning hours don't faze her. "I haven't had a good night's sleep since I hit menopause," she says. They'll be joined by Erica Hill, a holdover from CBS' The Early Show and the only one of the three with experience making the morning trains run on time. The anchor trio, along with correspondents Jeff Glor (the Early Show's news anchor), John Miller (an ABC News veteran who specializes in national security and law enforcement issues) and Rebecca Jarvis (the Early Show's Saturday news anchor), has been rehearsing around a clear Lucite table with the famous CBS eye logo in the center. While everyone says they're pleased with the way it's gone so far, the real test of whether the program can achieve its stated goal of giving viewers smart conversation in the morning begins when the show goes live. "You don't know how to explain or plan chemistry," says King. "You either have it or you don't. You can't manufacture it." Licht believes that taking two seasoned broadcasters and putting them in a setting they've never worked in will make CBS This Morning a fresh alternative. "Charlie is an incredible interviewer," he says. "And he has done this long enough to know the difference between having the time to talk with somebody for 25 minutes or six or seven minutes on the set here. Gayle pops off the screen - she knows everything you need to know about what's happening in the world, from Real Housewives to politics. It's an interesting proposition." Licht does have a record of creating morning-TV alchemy, as he previously ran MSNBC's Morning Joe with the unlikely-on-paper pairing of former congressman Joe Scarborough and veteran network correspondent Mika Brzezinski. Over time it became a buzzed-about destination for political junkies. Licht says it's not a formula that can be simply replicated. "You can't re-create Morning Joe without Joe and Mika," he says. But Rose's presence is also a statement that CBS This Morning will embrace the news division's emphasis on serious journalism and original reporting. That makes sense since breeziness has never been a strength of CBS News, which partly explains why it has never mounted a successful effort against NBC's Today and ABC's Good Morning America. "They wanted to do something different and Charlie Rose is well known," a TV-news agent explains. "Since they're not in the game they can't do worse; maybe they'll get lucky and people will decide to give them a shot." Who are those people? Ask Rose and he'll echo the philosophy of late Apple founder Steve Jobs, who never focus-grouped products before putting them out to market. Viewers may not know they want it, Rose says, "but once they realize it's there, they will come to it." Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Nick Cannon Hospitalized With Kidney Problem

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon Nick Cannon has been hospitalized as a result of "mild kidney failure," Mariah Carey tweeted Wednesday.Carey, 41, also posted a photo of the two lying together in Cannon's hospital bed, and elaborated about the situation on her blog."This is us in the hospital - role reversal. Last year it was me attached to the machines (after having dembabies) and Nick was there with me through it, and now here we are," she wrote, referring to the April 30 birth of the couple's twins Moroccan and Monroe.Mariah Carey unveils post-baby body: I lost 70 pounds"We're trying to be as festive as possible under the circumstances but please keep Nick in your thoughts because this is very painful."Cannon, 31, was hospitalized in Aspen, Colo., where the couple went to spend New Year's Eve.