The Metropolitan Opera held auditions for a live snake to appear in its upcoming production of "Così fan tutte", and a yellow-peach boa constrictor named Princess got the part. The Met requires every performer who sets foot, or, in this case, belly, on its stage to audition. On Friday, August 28, the institution opened its […] The post A boa constrictor named Princess lands a role at the Metropolitan Opera appeared first on American Almanac .
The Metropolitan Opera held auditions for a live snake to appear in its upcoming production of "Così fan tutte", and a yellow-peach boa constrictor named Princess got the part. The Met requires every performer who sets foot, or, in this case, belly, on its stage to audition. On Friday, August 28, the institution opened its doors to a lineup of boa constrictors vying for a role in its adaptation of Mozart's 1790 opera, reimagined as a 1950s Coney Island carnival. The Associated Press reported that Princess, a large sun-glow boa constrictor, was selected on a trial basis, with a smaller brown boa named Nala tapped as understudy. The auditions were no formality. Zoe Ziegfeld, a carnival performer turned opera actor cast as the…Open
Actor Tom Hiddleston joins Morning Joe with co-star Hayley Atwell and director Jamie Lloyd to discuss their upcoming Broadway production of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” Hiddleston says the play, an energy-filled show, is “one of Shakespeare’s warmest, funniest and most deeply romantic comedies.”
Actors Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell are set to take the stage this fall on Broadway in Shakespeare’s classic comedy ‘Much Ado About Nothing.’ The production, directed by Tony Award winner Jamie Lloyd, reimagines the play as a modern dance party. The show’s actors and director join Morning Joe to discuss bringing the production from London’s West End to New York’s Broadway for a limited 10-week engagement.
A boa constrictor named Princess has been chosen for a starring role in the Metropolitan Opera’s new adaptation of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte,” after a hands-on audition process that highlights just how far some productions go in the name of spectacle. The Metropolitan Opera in New York is taking its latest production in a bold […] The post Princess the boa constrictor wins role at the Metropolitan Opera after unique audition process appeared first on American Almanac .
A boa constrictor named Princess has been chosen for a starring role in the Metropolitan Opera’s new adaptation of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte,” after a hands-on audition process that highlights just how far some productions go in the name of spectacle. The Metropolitan Opera in New York is taking its latest production in a bold direction, casting a live boa constrictor for a prominent role. Princess, a large sun-glow boa constrictor with yellow-peach coloring, was selected to perform alongside carnival performer-turned-opera actor Zoe Ziegfeld, who will reprise the snake-charmer role for the third time at the Met. Another boa, Nala, has been named understudy. The unusual casting underscores the company’s commitment to…Open
Whitney Leavitt confirmed her departure from “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” after season 5 during a “Good Morning America” interview, sharing that she’s closing one chapter and stepping into new Broadway and television roles. Whitney Leavitt, who first appeared on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” when it debuted in September 2024, has announced […] The post Whitney Leavitt maps out life after ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ season 5 exit appeared first on American Almanac .
Whitney Leavitt confirmed her departure from “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” after season 5 during a “Good Morning America” interview, sharing that she’s closing one chapter and stepping into new Broadway and television roles. Whitney Leavitt, who first appeared on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” when it debuted in September 2024, has announced that season 5 will be her final run on the Hulu and Disney+ series. On September 4, 2026, Leavitt sat down with “Good Morning America” to discuss her decision and what comes next, making clear she’s ready for new challenges. Leavitt described her exit as a natural transition, saying, “I feel like with anything in life, you feel like you have this book of life and it…Open
When 38 planes landed in Gander, Newfoundland during the chaos of September 11, 2001, local residents gave food, shelter, and dignity to 7,000 stranded strangers, a story later transformed into the acclaimed musical “Come From Away.” On that devastating day, the Federal Aviation Administration grounded all air traffic after the attacks on the World Trade […] The post How Gander’s Response to 9/11 Inspired “Come From Away” — and What It Still Teaches Us appeared first on American Almanac .
When 38 planes landed in Gander, Newfoundland during the chaos of September 11, 2001, local residents gave food, shelter, and dignity to 7,000 stranded strangers, a story later transformed into the acclaimed musical “Come From Away.” On that devastating day, the Federal Aviation Administration grounded all air traffic after the attacks on the World Trade Center. As the skies cleared of planes over the United States, 38 international flights were ordered to land at the remote airport outside Gander, Newfoundland, Canada. Suddenly, a town of under 10,000 people found itself host to nearly 7,000 unexpected guests, travelers from around the world, frightened, confused, and desperate for news and comfort. What happened next has become the…Open
Lea Salonga made history as the first Filipina to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a new milestone for representation in the entertainment industry. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce awarded Salonga the 2,855th star on the iconic Walk of Fame during a ceremony in Hollywood, California, on September 4, 2026. Salonga, […] The post Lea Salonga honored as first Filipina with Hollywood Walk of Fame star appeared first on American Almanac .
Lea Salonga made history as the first Filipina to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a new milestone for representation in the entertainment industry. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce awarded Salonga the 2,855th star on the iconic Walk of Fame during a ceremony in Hollywood, California, on September 4, 2026. Salonga, best known for her Tony Award-winning role in “Miss Saigon” and her work as the singing voice of Disney’s Princess Jasmine and Mulan, became the first Filipina, and the first Asian woman to win a Tony Award, as noted by the ceremony’s organizers, to receive this recognition in the Live Performance category. Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez praised Salonga’s…Open
Broadway star and Disney Legend Lea Salonga made history on Friday by becoming the first Filipina to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Dolly Parton spent her last months planning a biopic, a Broadway musical, an avatar concert series, and a slate of new ventures, a roadmap her manager says will guide her team for decades after her death at 80. Danny Nozell, Parton's longtime manager, disclosed the scope of her posthumous plans on Wednesday, one day after […] The post Dolly Parton left a decades-long project roadmap she built while working until her final day appeared first on American Almanac .
Dolly Parton spent her last months planning a biopic, a Broadway musical, an avatar concert series, and a slate of new ventures, a roadmap her manager says will guide her team for decades after her death at 80. Danny Nozell, Parton's longtime manager, disclosed the scope of her posthumous plans on Wednesday, one day after her nephew Bryan Seaver confirmed her death in an Instagram video. Parton had been admitted to Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville on Friday and died four days later after a brief battle with cancer, complicated by kidney and autoimmune issues that had already forced her off the road. The woman who grew up singing with eleven siblings in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee did not spend her final stretch…Open
Ariana Madix reflects on achieving her dream of performing in “Chicago” on Broadway. She says the experience brought back memories of struggling as a young artist and missing time with loved ones, but seeing her mom in the audience made it all worth it. Join CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister as she interviews Emmy-nominated celebrities on anything from their career-defining moments to news-making reflections. Stream episodes of Coming Up on the CNN app now: https://cnn.it/45DMOrX
