NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

‘The Girl on the Train’ steamrolls Parker’s ‘The Birth of a Nation’

NEW YORK

Propelled by the popularity of Paula Hawkins’ best-seller, the fast-tracked big-screen adaptation of “The Girl on the Train” led North American theaters in ticket sales with $24.7 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. Less successful was Nate Parker’s Nat Turner biopic “The Birth of a Nation,” which moviegoers largely greeted with a shrug after a 17-year-old rape allegation resurfaced against its star and director.

“The Girl on the Train,” a psychological thriller starring Emily Blunt, appealed significantly to female moviegoers, who made up 68 percent of the audience, according to the film’s distributer, Universal Pictures. The film, directed by Tate Taylor (“The Help”), is about an alcoholic suburbanite woman who becomes embroiled in a mysterious disappearance

Last week’s top film, Tim Burton’s “Miss Peregrine’s School for Peculiar Children,” slid to second place with $15 million in its second week.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to comScore. Where available, the latest international numbers for Friday through Sunday are also included. Final domestic figures will be released today.

1. “The Girl on the Train,” $24.7 million ($16.5 million international).

2. “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” $15 million ($42.5 million international).

3. “Deepwater Horizon,” $11.8 million ($10.6 million international).

4. “The Magnificent Seven,” $9.2 million ($6.9 million international).

5. “Storks,” $8.5 million ($9.7 million international).

Singer John Legend opens Ohio theater

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio

Oscar- and Grammy-winning artist John Legend has helped dedicate an Ohio theater named in his honor.

The Springfield News-Sun reports Legend spoke Sunday at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the recently renovated theater. He also performed several songs in the updated performance space.

Legend, a Springfield native, donated $500,000 for the project.

At Sunday’s ceremony, the singer recalled memories of growing up and performing in the city. He said he wants to extend opportunities to young people living there.

The 680-seat John Legend Theater is housed at the Springfield Center of Innovation: The Dome.

Students from multiple districts will have the chance to use the theater and learn how to run a production.

The Dome was once a high school and is now home to several education programs.

Associated Press