NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

Steve Martin strums at Broadway opening

NEW YORK

Broadway fans were treated to a surprise performance by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell at the end of their new musical, “Bright Star.”

The cast had taken their bows to a standing ovation when part of the set was rotated to reveal Martin and Brickell to thunderous applause at the show’s opening Thursday night at the Cort Theater. After they took their bows, director Walter Bobbie walked onstage and handed Martin a banjo. After Martin strapped it on, he launched into “Sun’s Gonna Shine,” with Brickell and the show’s star, Carmen Cusack, trading verses as the audience clapped along.

Martin and Brickell have recorded two albums together, including the Grammy-winning “Love Has Come for You,” but “Bright Star” is their first musical. The idea was sparked by the common love they share for musical theater. Martin joked about their tastes at the show’s after-party.

Hart writes memoir

LOS ANGELES

Add author to actor- comedian Kevin Hart’s list of accomplishments.

Atria Publishing Group announced Tuesday that the “Ride Along” star is writing a memoir about his experiences growing up and early failures as a comedian that helped fuel his now-prolific career.

The book will be titled “From the Hart” and is scheduled to be released next year by Atria’s imprint 37 Ink.

Hart has become a popular actor, appearing in the “Ride Along” films with Ice Cube, “Get Hard” with Will Ferrell and 2015’s “The Wedding Ringer.”

‘Batman v Superman’ rakes in $27.7 million

LOS ANGELES

Studio estimates say “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” has earned an impressive $27.7 million from its preview screenings.

Warner Bros. released estimates Friday saying the haul from the Thursday-night showings includes $3.6 million from IMAX screens.

The film stars Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill as the dueling superheroes and cost a reported $250 million to produce. Analysts predict it could earn about $150 million this weekend despite largely negative reviews.

The $27.7 million debut is a record-breaker for the Easter weekend slot. But it’s still a far cry from the biggest Thursday night opening ever. That distinction goes to “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” which made $57 million on a Thursday in December.

Honor planned for U2

LOS ANGELES

U2 will be honored with the Innovator Award at this year’s iHeartRadio Music Awards for their impact on popular culture and commitment to social causes.

IHeartMedia announced Friday that the special honor will be given to the rock band during the awards show in Los Angeles on April 3. The show will air live on TBS, TNT and truTV, as well as on iHeartRadio stations and across the iHeartRadio digital music platform. The group, consisting of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr., celebrates 40 years together this year.

Associated Press