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“Spider Man” Using Understudies as Leads Go to Rehearsals

Roger Friedman
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5
“Spider Man” Using Understudies as Leads Go to Rehearsals

“Spider Man: Turn off the Dark” is now using understudies instead of its leads for regular performances. Two sources tell me that an announcement was made to the cast and crew that Reeve Carney, who plays Peter Parker, Jennifer Damiano (Mary Jane), and Patrick Page (Green Goblin) are all out of the main performances for the next two weeks. The reason is they’re rehearsing new material on dawn til dusk. (A spokesman for the show insists that the performers can work all day and all night, and that understudies will not be used.)

The good news might be that audiences will see Matthew James Thomas as Peter Parker. He’s very good. What’s unclear is how this affects the character of Arachne, played by T.V. Carpio. She’s been out because of an injury. Her understudy, America Olivo, has been playing Arachne. Who is rehearsing Arachne’s new material is a big question. But that role, sources tell me, is being cut way down anyway.

“The whole second act has been rewritten,” says a source. “And there are new songs.” The show closes down after the April 17th performance, for three and a half weeks. The whole first week, I’m told, is just to make technical changes without the actors.

Meantime, the “Spider Man” producers still have no signed deal with creator Julie Taymor. Sources say that legally she may still have power to veto the new work that’s being done.

Horrifying “Kennedys” Sensationalizes Sister Rosemary’s Condition

Roger Friedman
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13
Horrifying “Kennedys” Sensationalizes Sister Rosemary’s Condition

Fans of “Melrose Place” may remember a big reveal from one season when Kimberly, who was crazy as a bed bug, pulled her hair back in front of a mirror to reveal a massive scar from brain surgery. It was the last scene of an episode, and done for maximum shock. Guess what? In Joel Surnow’s really terrible miniseries, “The Kennedys,” about real people, the scene is more or less re-enacted in the worst possible way.

Episode 5, just toward the end: “The Kennedys” stages a scene of Rose Kennedy coming to see her daughter, Rosemary, after her lobotomy. The miniseries acts as if Rose knew nothing of the surgery in advance, that Joe Kennedy did it without anyone’s acquiescence. This is historically inaccurate according to Laurence Leamer’s book about the Kennedy women. In fact there was much discussion in the family before the surgery. Kathleen Kennedy aka “Kick”–who is not mentioned in the miniseries–did a lot of research in advance. She was told it was a mistake.

In the miniseries, Rose walks into a hospital room where Rosemary is seated and staring into space. For maximum shock, Rose pushes back Rosemary’s hair to discover a severe and bloody scar on her forehead. It’s right out of Hannibal Lecter, and totally disgusting. I’m not sure if Caroline Kennedy or Maria Shriver made it this far into the series, but if they did, I wouldn’t blame them for calling anyone they knew to kill it. Reprehensible and unnecessary. Yikes.

I can’t even imagine what awaits me in Episodes 6, 7, and 8.

James Franco: “It’s An Honor” To Teach at NYU

Roger Friedman
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0
James Franco: “It’s An Honor” To Teach at NYU

James Franco, in classes at Yale, this week, is about to become a professor. He’s been asked to teach a directing class at NYU Film School.

Franco told me: “It’s an honor to be asked to teach there.” He’s finishing his MFA at NYU, and on the road to a PhD at Yale. Today’s New York Post sounded positively bitter as it quizzed NYU students–none of whom will be in Franco’s class–whether he should teach there. It does seem that the more Franco accomplishes, the more people in the media seem to resent it. Well, too bad.

The “127 Hours” star did fine at the Oscars, too, despite crazy accusations that he was stoned or unprepared. Again, insane. As a teacher of film directing, Franco has plenty of experience, too: several short films, a couple of small features, all praised. He’s also working on a plan to shoot William Faulkner’s “As I Lay Dying” next year. Franco could be like the two dozen or so other young actors in his age group, just going from one mediocre film to another and not trying to do anything new or interesting. By the way, the students who are chosen for his directing class will not be there to ogle a movie star. They’ll be there to get work done, just like the teacher. Give James Franco an A for effort.

“Mad Men”: AMC Does Itself In With Hit Show

Roger Friedman
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2
“Mad Men”: AMC Does Itself In With Hit Show

I’ve been writing about “Mad Men” and Matthew Weiner’s problems there for some time. So it came as no shock today that AMC announced it was going forward with a fifth season even though it doesn’t have an agreement with Weiner. The cable network — so lucky to have “Mad Men–doesn’t seem to get it. They proposed things to Weiner like cutting two full time cast members and shaving minutes off each episode for more commercials. Greed is no stranger to TV executives and networks but this takes the cake. “Mad Men,” if Weiner’s deal is ever done, won’t be back on the air until nine months from now at least. Ridiculous. AMC blew a whole year by not acting professionally. If HBO hadn’t passed on “Mad Men,” they’d be doing everything they could to keep it on the air as often as possible, AMC has literally pissed away all its good will with the public. It’s also hung up Weiner, his crew and cast for months for nothing. Cut two characters? Not on your life. More commercials? AMC should be taking pleasure in its future syndication and DVD plans, not trying to bleed the show before its done. What a shame. In TV History, AMC will now be remembered as the network that didn’t know enough to get out of its own way.

$1 Million Of Missing Madonna Raising Malawi Money Came from AmFAR

Roger Friedman
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4
$1 Million Of Missing Madonna Raising Malawi Money Came from AmFAR

There’s money missing from Madonna‘s charity, Raising Malawi. I told you earlier that a grand jury’s been convened to figure it all out. But let’s not forget–$1 million of the money that went to Raising Malawi came from AmFAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research.

Apparel magnate Kenneth Cole is now trying to put AmFAR on a new road. But in 2007-2008, as I first reported last May, AmFAR gave Raising Malawi a $1 million in kind donation after Madonna made an appearance at AmFAR’s annual Cinema Against AIDS gala during the 2008 Cannes Film Festival.

In 2008, when she came to Cannes, everyone wondered why Madonna had finally just shown up so suddenly. My sources tell me now that it was to get money out of AmFAR for Raising Malawi. It was strange because Madonna’s Ray of Light Foundation had given nearly nothing to AIDS organization– odd since she has such a big gay following. She did help raise money that night by auctioning off handbags.

But the Raising Malawi money is now gone, and no one seems capable of explaining what happened to it.

Originally, Madonna had put $5 million aside, my sources say, for a Spirituality for Kids school in New York. Like the one in Los Angeles, it was going to be the Kabbalah Children’s Academy. When that school didn’t pan out, I’m told the Bergs convinced Madonna to build a school in Malawi. And that’s interesting, too, because Madonna said in her documentary that she was persuaded to build the school after meeting an  African woman who told her about Malawi’s plight. Not at all, says an insider.It was Kabbalah Centre’s Michael Berg, son of founders Philip and Karen Berg, who didn’t want her to take the $5 million back.

PS You wouldn’t think AmFAR could have afforded to give away a million dollars at thetime, considering their expenses. Their longtime leader, now gone, Jerome Radwin, took home $481,778 in 2008-2009. That was a raise from $365,379 the previous year.

Charities: Padma Lakshmi’s Genitals Discussed; Betty White Purrs

Roger Friedman
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1

Two good charity events recently came and went, and I’ve been remiss in not mentioning them. The Endometriosis Foundation is turning into a big deal, what with “Top Chef” star Padma Lakshmi leading the way. A recent new mother, Lakshmi told a very scientific crowd at the New York Public Library that it took her a long time to conceive and carry a child because of this ailment. She got pretty specific on the podium before a little self-editing.

“I’m not going to discuss my genitalia here,” she said sweetly, but it was too late. Susan Sarandon also spoke, and we got to meet Oprah’s “Dr. Oz,” violinist Joshua Bell, and some models. During dinner, philanthropist Jean Shafiroff discussed world events, and talk to Bridget Moynihan and director Joel Schumacher…

…Meanwhile, in LA, Betty White–she’s 89, everyone loves her–hosted the Humane Society’s 25th annual Genesis Awards. Kristin Davis of “Sex and the City” was honored with the Wyler Award for bringing the plight of elephants’ poached ivory tusks to the world. James Cromwell, who loved animals in “Babe,” singer Leona Lewis, and Valerie Bertinelli–who co-stars with Betty in “Hot in Cleveland” on TV Land–were there for support. Ryan O’Neal was there, too. I don’t know why. Betty White, I’m told, was in and out quickly. Betty, the password is, speak to the reporters. Still, her work with animals is quite admirable.

“The Kennedys” Performed as “Dallas”: Sue Ellen Had It Better than Jackie

Roger Friedman
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4
“The Kennedys” Performed as “Dallas”: Sue Ellen Had It Better than Jackie

“The Kennedys” premieres in Los Angeles tonight. I’ve heard the press is not invited. Really, it doesn’t matter. I’ve made it through five of the eight episodes. They are truly awful. Watching this thing is torture, although the music is nice.

It’s not the politics. The shows are just badly made. Greg Kinnear, who’s usually very good, does the best he can. By episode 3 he just gives up trying to maintain the Boston accent. (Now you know why Melissa Leo and Christian Bale got Oscars; it’s not easy to do.) Katie Holmes can’t do it either. As Jackie she sounds like a female Elmer Fudd. She also looks mystified most of the time.

The real stars of this show are Barry Pepper as Bobby, and Tom Wilkinson as Jock Ewing, er, Joe Kennedy senior. “The Kennedys” is written like a short season of “Dallas” with Jock and Miss Ellie as Joe and Rose, JR Ewing as Jack Kennedy, Bobby Ewing as Bobby Kennedy, and Sue Ellen as Jackie. (Maybe Pam is Ethel.)I love it when the announcer says at the start of each episode, “Previously on The

The mini series is very concerned about Jack’s philandering, that he and Jackie both are amped up on Dr. Feelgood’s shots, that Bobby is a choir boy, and Joe Senior is a crusty curmudgeon. They are always discussing their sex lives. The basis for the mini series seems to be a weaving together of all the trashiest books ever written on the Kennedys. C. David Heymann, Kitty Kelly, the whole gang. You wonder why the History Channel didn’t want it? I’m sure in Episode 1 when Jack Kennedy is riffling through his medicine cabinet, someone at History said, “Whoa!”

There are weird omissions and additions: Teddy Kennedy is completely absent. I don’t think he’s ever mentioned. Also missing is Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy, who was played so well by Tracy Pollan in a better TV movie years ago. But shooting fish in a barrel, the series makes a long detour into the story of Rosemary Kennedy, who was lobotomized.

I don’t know if Caroline Kennedy or Maria Shriver had a role in History dropping the show. But if they did, they were right. In the 50th anniversary year of President Kennedy’s election, this miniseries is no tribute. I’m not advocating whitewashing, but a well made, historically accurate show would have been preferable.

If I can force myself through volumes 6 through 8, I’ll update you.

Charlie Sheen Show Tickets Available: We Told You First

Roger Friedman
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1
Charlie Sheen Show Tickets Available: We Told You First

Last week I reported that there were thousands of tickets available for Charlie Sheen’s shows. Then CNBC’s Jane Wells decided to take the story and make it hers, without credit. Tsk, Tsk Jane. That was lame, Jane. You read it here first. I’m keeping an eye on you now.

On Monday Charlie Sheen was back on Twitter with new bon mots. He called ex wife Denise Richards, mother of his two little girls, “a traitor and a whore” in a Tweet. Nice, huh? It something to do with the family dog. Here’s the Tweet: “We must bombard with Warlock Napalm, that traitor and loser whore #DUH-neese POOR-ards. a vile kidnapper and now dog thief. hate. SBW c.” Won’t it be great when his kids see all this stuff in ten years?

President Obama Opening Act for NBC Four Presidents Show Tonight

Roger Friedman
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0

NBC isn’t doing much to promote it, but right after President Obama’s speech tonight, there’s a great hour long music special with the other four living prezzes: two Bushes, Clinton, and Carter.

Since there have been no promos it’s hard to know who made the final cut. But my guess is you’ll see Sam Moore and Cee Lo Green singing a medley of Sam’s “Hold On I’m Coming” and “Soul Man.” There’s also Mavis Staples with Jonny Lang on “Gotta Serve Somebody.” Reba McEntire does a lot of the hosting and sings, as do Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Brad Paisley, and Kid Rock. They may even include speeches by Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, and Bush 43.

The show was produced at the Kennedy Center by George Stevens Jr and his son Michael Stevens with talent coordination by Danette Herman, who also works on the Oscars and the Emmys. George Bush 41 was honored for his Points of Light organization, which is underwritten by Sheikh Al-Thani of Qatar, Philip Morris, Texan big oil companies, the Carlyle Group.

What a night!

Kabbalah Centre Said to Be Subject of Grand Jury Investigation

Roger Friedman
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72
Kabbalah Centre Said to Be Subject of Grand Jury Investigation

EXCLUSIVE: Madonna‘s “religion” and the main object of her charity giving, the Kabbalah Centre, is being investigated by the IRS. Sources tell me that a federal grand jury has been convened to ask questions about the organization. I’ve personally spoken to two people who were served subpoenas from the grand jury, being held at the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York.

The targets of the investigation, sources tell me, are the Kabbalah Centre, Raising Malawi, and the Berg family–mother Karen and sons Yehuda and Michael, who own the company. Madonna, they say, is aware of the grand jury. The pop star has given millions–not “loaned” as some reports say–to the Kabbalah Centre and its offshoots SFK and Raising Malawi. In 2008-2009, she donated $2.5 million to them.

This may be yet another reason that she hired top gun pr specialist Mark Fabiani through the Kabbalah Centre. As I told you this weekend, the Kabbalah Centre is being sued in Los Angeles for $20 million by Courtenay Geddes, a wealthy donor who claims now that she was swindled by the Centre and the Bergs. Madonna is being sued in Malawi by the board of directors of her cancelled school project for Raising Malawi, her charitable effort there with the Kabbalah Centre.

One of the things the grand jury might be asking about is who actually does the bookkeeping for the Kabbalah Centre, Raising Malawi, and SFK. The two women who’ve handled the business in house are said to be the daughters of Karen Berg, the leader of all the organizations and wife of Philip Berg, known as the “Rav.”

Carly Sullivan of the US Attorney’s office in Manhattan said the office could neither confirm or deny anything about grand jury proceedings.

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