newsmakers

newsmakers

Tony Awards promise many performances

NEW YORK

The Tony Awards will be heavy on showcasing works on Broadway this season, with performances from Ricky Martin, Raul Esparza, Audra McDonald, Matthew Broderick and the casts of “Godspell” and “Ghost The Musical,” among many others.

Producers Monday revealed a list of performances that include all four new musicals — “Newsies,” “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” “Once” and the now-closed “Leap of Faith” — but also the revivals “Follies,” “Evita,” “The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

The show will even have performances from several plays, including “End of the Rainbow,” “Peter and the Starcatcher” and “One Man, Two Guvnors.”

The Tonys will air live on CBS from the Beacon Theatre in New York City on Sunday. Neil Patrick Harris returns as host.

Jazz singer Jarreau cancels concerts

PARIS

Grammy-winning jazz musician Al Jarreau has canceled part of a French tour after being diagnosed with pneumonia.

The singer’s press team said in a statement Monday that Jarreau’s doctors had recommended that he not travel while he recovers.

Jarreau had been scheduled to give concerts in France on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The statement said he hopes to perform in France later in the month.

The statement said the 72-year-old musician, who has won Grammy awards in jazz, pop and R&B, “deeply regretted” the cancellations.

‘Spartacus’ to end run next season

NEW YORK

Starz network says it is ending its highly successful “Spartacus” saga next season.

In an unusual move announced Monday, Starz will conclude this action-adventure series while it’s still a big hit, and after logging only three seasons (or four, counting a “prequel” season). This season, the series drew 6 million viewers, an enormous number for a paid subscription channel.

Creator-executive producer Steven S. DeKnight promises a “stunningly epic” final season.

That 10-episode cycle, which will kick off next January, currently is filming in New Zealand.

The series stars Liam McIntyre as the Thracian-slave-turned-revolutionary who’s out to topple the Roman Empire. McIntyre took over the role from Andy Whitfield, who starred the first season, then withdrew due to illness. He died of cancer in September 2011.

Vindicator wire services