Takei going off-Broadway in ‘Pacific Overtures’

Takei going off-Broadway in ‘Pacific Overtures’

NEW YORK

“Star Trek” star George Takei is going from Broadway to off-Broadway – he’ll next star in a spring revival of “Pacific Overtures” by the Classic Stage Company.

Takei, who was on Broadway last season in “Allegiance,” will play Reciter in the Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman musical to be directed by John Doyle. Performances begin in April.

“Pacific Overtures” tells the story of a samurai and a fisherman who are caught up in the Westernization of the East. In 2002, Takei appeared in a concert production of “Pacific Overtures” at the Loft Theatre in Dayton, Ohio.

Stallone praises ‘Rocky’ toddler’s viral workout

A video of a toddler mimicking Sylvester Stallone’s moves while watching a clip of the training montage in “Rocky II” has earned kudos from the actor himself.

The video posted to Facebook by an Ohio dad shows the diaper-clad boy doing one-armed pushups and pretending to work a speed bag, chop wood and lift weights in sync with the big-screen boxer.

The video has received millions of views online. Stallone reposted it to Instagram on Wednesday with a note saying “this kid makes me so proud.” He jokes that he may have to fight the boy in “Rocky 10.”

Stallone earned a Golden Globe earlier this year for reprising his most famous role as Rocky Balboa in last year’s “Creed.”

Belafonte launches social justice music festival

NEW YORK

Harry Belafonte will launch a racial and social justice festival in October with the inaugural event featuring appearances and performances from actors Chris Rock and Jesse Williams and musicians John Legend and Common.

Belafonte announced Thursday that Sankofa.org, his social justice organization, will put on the “Many Rivers to Cross” music and arts festival Oct. 1-2 in the Atlanta suburb of Chattahoochee Hills, Ga.

The event will promote advocacy and awareness around urgent human-rights issues.

Carlos Santana, Dave Matthews, Public Enemy, Danny Glover, Dr. Cornel West, Michelle Alexander and Estelle also will participate in the two-day festival.

More performers and entertainers will be announced at a later date.

Tickets for the festival go on sale July 29.

Belafonte founded Sankofa.org in 2013.

Associated Press