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Hit musical “Wicked” makes millions for it’s creators

From Playbill: The international hit musical Wicked, which is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire and features a score by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, has made its creators multimillionaires.

Producers and investors in the musical, which celebrated its eighth anniversary at Broadway’s Gershwin Theatre Oct. 30, 2011, have enjoyed more than $300 million in profits from productions of Wicked worldwide, according to Bloomberg.com.

Authors Maguire, Schwartz and Holzman have earned more than $95 million, while director Joe Mantello’s take has exceeded $23 million. Others who have profited include set designer Eugene Lee (more than $6.6 million), choreographer Wayne Cilento (more than $6.3 million) and costume designer Susan Hilferty (more than $2.2 million).

Information was obtained from papers released by the New York State attorney general’s office. A production spokesperson could not confirm the figures.

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Official source says George Zimmerman to be charged in Trayvon Martin shooting

Florida special prosecutor Angela Corey plans to announce as early as Wednesday afternoon that she is charging neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in the shooting of Trayvon Martin, according to a law enforcement official close to the investigation.

It was not immediately clear what charge Zimmerman will face.

Martin, 17 and unarmed, was shot and killed Feb. 26 by Zimmerman, who said he was acting in self-defense. Police in Sanford, Fla., where the shooting took place, did not charge Zimmerman, citing the state’s “stand your ground” law.

Corey told reporters Tuesday night that she would hold a news conference about the case within 72 hours. A news release from her office said the event will be held in Sanford or Jacksonville, Fla.

The announcement of a charge against Zimmerman would come a day after Zimmerman’s attorneys withdrew from the case, citing their inability to contact Zimmerman.
(source)

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CD: Songs of Faith and Inspiration featuring Olivia Newton-john

HOPE: Classic Songs of Inspiration is an album of uplifting music emanating both from within and outside the Christian faith.

BUY ALBUM HERE: http://shop.abc.net.au/products/hope-various-cd

The CD is available worldwide in the iTunes Store. Here’s the link to find it in the US iTunes Store.

Produced by musical director for the stars, Chong Lim, the album represents a partnership between ABC Music, Universal Music Australia and World Vision Australia. With guest appearances from a who’s-who of Australian and international celebrities, Hope is an album like no other, its theme of spiritual and personal rejuvenation through the joy of music offering a fresh view of timeless, uplifting classic songs.

Among other artists, Olivia Newton-John has contributed a new version of her song “Isn’t It Amazing” for the project. Here’s a sample of the new recording:

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George Zimmerman’s lawyers stepping back from representing him

George Zimmerman’s lawyers made a statement today to the media that they have lost contact with George Zimmerman and are stepping back from representing him for now.

Hal Uhrig and Craig Sonner say they have not heard from Zimmerman since a text message on Sunday.

They also indicated that Zimmerman has reached out to media figures like Sean Hannity against their counsel and also has spoken to the special prosecutor directly against legal advice.

They contend they believe he is still innocent of wrong doing, and that, if asked would turn himself in.

George Zimmerman’s former lawyers said during a press conference Tuesday that they never met face to face with their client. The communication was done through phone calls and meetings with family members, they said.

The lawyers suggested that their former client may not be in Florida anymore. “Stop looking in Florida,” the lawyers said.

Trayvon Martin’s family attorney expressed concern that Zimmerman may flee: “Trayvon’s family was always concerned that Zimmerman doesn’t try to skirt his legal responsibilities and become a flight risk.”

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SC Governor: “There is no war on women; women are doing well”

Gov. Nikki Haley’s definition of “doing well”:

• Unemployment for women has been practically stagnant for three years

• 88 percent of jobs created since the end of the recession went to men

• In Haley’s state of South Carolina, women are paid just 76 cents for every dollar a man makes

• Women also face higher poverty rates in South Carolina with 19 percent below the poverty line compared to 15 percent of men

“If you don’t feel this is an attack [on women], you need to go home and talk to your wife and your daughters,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

A new Washington Post/ABC News poll out this morning shows him trailing Obama by 19 points among women.
(source)

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Josh Groban and Renee Fleming – Brigadoon medley

Not for nothing, but these two can really sing.

I’ve met Josh Groban a few times over the past ten years or so as his vocal coach is one of my best friends. I really give a lot of credit to Josh and David Romano, his coach, for the voice that is Josh Groban. You don’t roll out of bed and sing at this level for years without working at it.

I’ve seen Josh many times in concert and he’s always spot on. Great vocal technique.

AND he has a fun, quirky sense of humor that is disarming and charming.

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Breaking: Rick Santorum suspending his campaign

The Associated Press is reporting Rick Santorum is suspending his campaign for the GOP presidential nomination, clearing a path for Mitt Romney to become the nominee.

A campaign spokesman says the former Pennsylvania senator was to make the announcement Tuesday in his home state of Pennsylvania, two weeks before the GOP presidential primary there. Santorum faced a tough fight in his home state against Romney.

NBC’s David Gregory reports Romney has called Santorum – however Santorum did not endorse Romney in his speech today.

Newt Gingrich wasted no time going after Rick Santorum’s backers.

“I humbly ask Senator Santorum’s supporters to visit Newt.org to review my conservative record and join us as we bring these values to Tampa,” Gingrich said in a statement. “We know well that only a conservative can protect life, defend the Constitution, restore jobs and growth and return to a balanced budget.”

Gingrich commended Santorum on his presidential run, saying the former Pennsylvania senator “waged a remarkable campaign.”

The former House speaker repeated his promise to stay in the race until the nomination is clinched, even if that means taking it to the national convention in August.