newsmakers

newsmakers

Tony Bennett sets mark as oldest act with No. 1 LP

NEW YORK

Even at age 88, Tony Bennett is still reaching No. 1 on the charts.

The singer once again is the oldest performer with a No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 for “Cheek to Cheek,” his jazz-duets collaboration with Lady Gaga.

“Cheek to Cheek” sold more than 131,000 copies since its release last week, according to Nielsen SoundScan, edging ahead of new albums by Kenny Chesney and Barbra Streisand. The placement gives Bennett his second No. 1 overall and Gaga her third-consecutive No. 1 album.

Bennett established the previous record of 85 years old with the 2011 release of “Duets II,” an album that included a song with Lady Gaga.

“Cheek to Cheek” also landed at No. 1 on the jazz- albums and traditional jazz-album charts.

‘Zhivago’ musical coming to Broadway

NEW YORK

The latest version of “Cinderella” soon will disappear from the Broadway Theatre, but another sweepingly romantic musical is ready to take its place — “Doctor Zhivago.”

Producers said Wednesday that the tale of five intertwined lovers during the final days of Czarist Russia will be led by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff, with a book by Academy Award nominee Michael Weller, music by Grammy Award winner Lucy Simon, lyrics by Tony nominee Michael Korie and Emmy Award nominee Amy Powers, and choreography by Tony nominee Kelly Devine.

Casting to be announced soon. Previews will take place March 27 with an opening April 21.

Associated Press