NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

Ephraim Sykes of ‘Hamilton’ joins NBC’s ‘Hairspray Live!’

LOS ANGELES

Broadway performers Ephraim Sykes and Shahadi Wright Joseph are joining the cast of NBC’s “Hairspray Live!”

Sykes, an original company member with the hit musical “Hamilton,” will play Seaweed J. Stubbs in “Hairspray Live!”

Wright Joseph will play Seaweed’s sister, Little Inez, NBC said Wednesday. The actress’ credits include the musicals “The Lion King” and “School of Rock.”

Previously announced cast members for “Hairspray Live!” include Harvey Fierstein, Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande.

The musical is scheduled to air Dec. 7 on NBC.

$3M in jewels missing from Drake tour bus

PHOENIX

Phoenix police say $3 million worth of jewelry was taken from a tour bus being used by rapper Drake and DJ Future the Prince.

Police Sgt. Vince Lewis says the theft occurred Tuesday night at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in downtown Phoenix, where the men were performing.

Drake has been co-headlining his “Summer Sixteen” concert tour with fellow rapper Future. Future the Prince is Drake’s official DJ.

According to investigators, a suspect entered the bus between 10 and 10:15 p.m. and removed a briefcase containing the jewelry.

Lewis says police do not disclose the identities of burglary victims, but he confirmed the jewelry did not belong to the “Hotline Bling” rapper.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Representatives for Drake did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday. A representative for Future the Prince declined comment on the theft case.

Loretta Lynn hurt in fall, requires surgery

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

Country music star Loretta Lynn has postponed shows after suffering injuries in a fall that will require minor surgery.

Lynn’s injuries were described as not serious, but a statement posted on her website on Wednesday said her doctors have advised her to stay off the road until she’s made a full recovery.

The 84-year-old singer and songwriter was not able to perform during a Labor Day weekend show at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., and three upcoming shows this month have been postponed.

The “Coal Miner’s Daughter” released her first studio album in a decade earlier this year, called “Full Circle.” She continues to tour regularly.

Associated Press