For the first time in the 76-year history of the Tony Awards, three Pulitzer Prize-winning original dramas have been nominated in the Best Play category in the same year. Only five of the 17 new plays from the 2022-2023 season made the cut in the extraordinarily competitive race, and three of the five had previously received the prestigious honor of the Pulitzer: James Ijames’ “Fat Ham,” Stephen Adly Guirgis’ “Between Riverside and Crazy,” and Martyna Majok’s “Cost of Living.”
This historic result was not a guarantee. Indeed, according to our final official odds, only two of the plays were anticipated to break through: “Fat Ham,” which ultimately nabbed five nominations, and “Between Riverside and Crazy,” which landed two. “Cost of Living,” which closed back in November, was ranked seventh, but its odds were bolstered by three of our Editors and two of our Experts correctly predicting it to break through.
This historic result was not a guarantee. Indeed, according to our final official odds, only two of the plays were anticipated to break through: “Fat Ham,” which ultimately nabbed five nominations, and “Between Riverside and Crazy,” which landed two. “Cost of Living,” which closed back in November, was ranked seventh, but its odds were bolstered by three of our Editors and two of our Experts correctly predicting it to break through.
- 5/5/2023
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Mankind Entertainment feature starring Ana Villafane, James Franco is in post.
Mankind Entertainment has hired music producer, composer and songwriter Carlos José Alvarez to score Castro’s Daughter, which UTA Independent Film Group’s Alex Brunner represents for worldwide sales and has begun talks with buyers heading into the Cannes market.
As previously announced Ana Villafane plays the lead role opposite James Franco as Castro. The project shot on location in Colombia doubling for Castro-era Havana and is in post. Global sales talks continue with an eye towards having the film ready for Venice and Toronto.
Miguel Bardem directs the...
Mankind Entertainment has hired music producer, composer and songwriter Carlos José Alvarez to score Castro’s Daughter, which UTA Independent Film Group’s Alex Brunner represents for worldwide sales and has begun talks with buyers heading into the Cannes market.
As previously announced Ana Villafane plays the lead role opposite James Franco as Castro. The project shot on location in Colombia doubling for Castro-era Havana and is in post. Global sales talks continue with an eye towards having the film ready for Venice and Toronto.
Miguel Bardem directs the...
- 4/30/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Mankind Entertainment feature starring Ana Villafane, James Franco is in post.
Latin Grammy-winning music producer Carlos José Alvarez has been hired by Mankind Entertainment to score Castro’s Daughter, which UTA Independent Film Group’s Alex Brunner represents for worldwide sales and has begun talks with buyers heading into the Cannes market.
As previously announced Ana Villafane plays the lead role opposite James Franco as Castro. The project shot on location in Colombia doubling for Castro-era Havana and is in post. Global sales talks continue with an eye towards having the film ready for Venice and Toronto.
Miguel Bardem directs...
Latin Grammy-winning music producer Carlos José Alvarez has been hired by Mankind Entertainment to score Castro’s Daughter, which UTA Independent Film Group’s Alex Brunner represents for worldwide sales and has begun talks with buyers heading into the Cannes market.
As previously announced Ana Villafane plays the lead role opposite James Franco as Castro. The project shot on location in Colombia doubling for Castro-era Havana and is in post. Global sales talks continue with an eye towards having the film ready for Venice and Toronto.
Miguel Bardem directs...
- 4/30/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Following the success of the recent Scream films, Melissa Barrera is looking to reteam with some familiar faces as sources tell Deadline Barrera is set to join Radio Silence’s Untitled Monster Thriller at Universal.
Radio Silence’s Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett, who directed the recent Scream pics she starred in, will helm the project with Scream producer Chad Villella serving as producer alongside William Sherak, Paul Neinstein and James Vanderbilt at Project X Entertainment. The script was written by Stephen Shields, with revisions by Guy Busick.
Tripp Vinson will produce as well with Radio Silence and Project X, who are recently coming off the huge success of Scream VI that Bettinelli-Olpin & Gillett directed, Project X produced and Radio Silence’s Villella executive produced. Co-written by Project X’s Vanderbilt, the film set a franchise record opening at the global box office and grossed $67.1 million globally. The teams also...
Radio Silence’s Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett, who directed the recent Scream pics she starred in, will helm the project with Scream producer Chad Villella serving as producer alongside William Sherak, Paul Neinstein and James Vanderbilt at Project X Entertainment. The script was written by Stephen Shields, with revisions by Guy Busick.
Tripp Vinson will produce as well with Radio Silence and Project X, who are recently coming off the huge success of Scream VI that Bettinelli-Olpin & Gillett directed, Project X produced and Radio Silence’s Villella executive produced. Co-written by Project X’s Vanderbilt, the film set a franchise record opening at the global box office and grossed $67.1 million globally. The teams also...
- 4/13/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
The Tony Awards contest for the top honor of Best Play is the most crowded it has been in at least a decade. A whopping 17 new dramatic works will vie for only five slots that recognize the most stellar productions and playwrights on Broadway. This season, the plays in contention hail from renowned dramatists like Tony winners Tom Stoppard for “Leopoldstadt” and David Auburn for “Summer, 1976,” and past nominee Sharr White for “Pictures From Home.” Notably, there are also three winners of the Pulitzer Prize eligible this season: James Ijames’ “Fat Ham,” Stephen Adly Guirgis’ “Between Riverside and Crazy,” and Martyna Majok’s “Cost of Living.” If all three of these works land nominations, the Tonys will set a record for the most Pulitzer winners nominated for Best Play in one year in history.
According to our current combined odds, it is very possible that history will indeed be made this year.
According to our current combined odds, it is very possible that history will indeed be made this year.
- 3/28/2023
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
James Franco’s casting as Fidel Castro in the upcoming period piece “Alina of Cuba: La Hija Rebelde” has caused major backlash, but the Oscar nominee has one important supporter: Castro’s daughter, Alina Fernández.
“James Franco has an obvious physical resemblance with Fidel Castro, besides his skills and charisma,” Fernández told Deadline of the “This Is the End” star portraying her Communist leader father.
“The project is almost entirely Latino, both in front and behind the camera,” Fernández added, citing Franco’s Portuguese heritage. “I find the selection of the cast amazing. The filmmakers worked a lot and I can’t be more grateful to them for their overall inclusive selection.”
For “Alina of Cuba,” Fernández will be played by Ana Villafañe, with Mía Maestro starring as Natalia “Naty” Revuelta, the socialite whom Castro had an affair with, resulting in the birth of Fernández.
The film, directed by Miguel Bardem...
“James Franco has an obvious physical resemblance with Fidel Castro, besides his skills and charisma,” Fernández told Deadline of the “This Is the End” star portraying her Communist leader father.
“The project is almost entirely Latino, both in front and behind the camera,” Fernández added, citing Franco’s Portuguese heritage. “I find the selection of the cast amazing. The filmmakers worked a lot and I can’t be more grateful to them for their overall inclusive selection.”
For “Alina of Cuba,” Fernández will be played by Ana Villafañe, with Mía Maestro starring as Natalia “Naty” Revuelta, the socialite whom Castro had an affair with, resulting in the birth of Fernández.
The film, directed by Miguel Bardem...
- 8/8/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Fidel Castro’s daughter, Alina Fernández, has emphasized to Deadline her endorsement of James Franco playing her Cuban leader revolutionary father in the upcoming independent feature, Alina of Cuba.
She is also proud that “the project is almost entirely Latino, both in front and behind the camera.”
“James Franco has an obvious physical resemblance with Fidel Castro, besides his skills and charisma,” said Fernández about the 127 Hours Oscar nominated actor of Portuguese heritage.
Fernández will be played in Alina of Cuba by Ana Villafañe.
Deadline told you first that Franco would play Castro, Villafañe as Fernández and Mía Maestro as her mother Natalia “Naty” Revuelta, the Cuban-born socialite who El Comandante has a passionate love affair with. The movie which is directed by Miguel Bardem and scripted by Oscar-nominated scribe Jose Rivera (The Motorcycle Diaries) and Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz, follows the true story of Cuban exile-turned-social advocate Fernandez,...
She is also proud that “the project is almost entirely Latino, both in front and behind the camera.”
“James Franco has an obvious physical resemblance with Fidel Castro, besides his skills and charisma,” said Fernández about the 127 Hours Oscar nominated actor of Portuguese heritage.
Fernández will be played in Alina of Cuba by Ana Villafañe.
Deadline told you first that Franco would play Castro, Villafañe as Fernández and Mía Maestro as her mother Natalia “Naty” Revuelta, the Cuban-born socialite who El Comandante has a passionate love affair with. The movie which is directed by Miguel Bardem and scripted by Oscar-nominated scribe Jose Rivera (The Motorcycle Diaries) and Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz, follows the true story of Cuban exile-turned-social advocate Fernandez,...
- 8/7/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
After expressing his outrage over James Franco being cast as Fidel Castro in the independent feature drama Alina of Cuba, Primetime Emmy winner John Leguizamo has expounded on his stance regarding Hollywood casting non-Latinos in Latino roles. Specifically, in an Instagram post earlier today, he says “Alright, look, I got no problems with James Franco, yo, Ok?” while explaining, “I grew up in a era where Latin people couldn’t play Latin people on film.”
Also earlier today, Alina of Cuba producer John Martinez O’Felan released a statement defending the casting of Franco who is of Latin-Portuguese heritage and responding to Leguizamo’s initial protest, saying “I want to point out that his odd comments, if you base them on genealogy, are a blind attack and lack any factual substance.”
Deadline first told you about Franco playing El Comandante in the Miguel Bardem directed Alina of Cuba from Oscar-nominated scribe...
Also earlier today, Alina of Cuba producer John Martinez O’Felan released a statement defending the casting of Franco who is of Latin-Portuguese heritage and responding to Leguizamo’s initial protest, saying “I want to point out that his odd comments, if you base them on genealogy, are a blind attack and lack any factual substance.”
Deadline first told you about Franco playing El Comandante in the Miguel Bardem directed Alina of Cuba from Oscar-nominated scribe...
- 8/7/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Following criticisms by John Leguizamo of James Franco’s casting as Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro in the independent film Alina of Cuba, producer John Martinez O’Felan has responded, calling the comments “culturally uneducated.”
Set to be directed by Miguel Bardem and based on a script written by Jose Rivera and Nilo Cruz, Franco stars opposite Mía Maestro, who portrays Natalia “Naty” Revuelta, a Cuban-born socialite with whom Castro becomes romantically entwined. The film is based on the true-life story of Alina Fernandez — played by Ana Villafañe — a Cuban exile turned social advocate who learns at age 10 that she is Castro’s daughter.
Leguizamo, a Colombian American actor who wrote and performed the Broadway production Latin History for Morons, took to Instagram on Friday to slam the decision to cast Franco, questioning why Hollywood is “excluding” the Latinx community and notes that a film...
Following criticisms by John Leguizamo of James Franco’s casting as Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro in the independent film Alina of Cuba, producer John Martinez O’Felan has responded, calling the comments “culturally uneducated.”
Set to be directed by Miguel Bardem and based on a script written by Jose Rivera and Nilo Cruz, Franco stars opposite Mía Maestro, who portrays Natalia “Naty” Revuelta, a Cuban-born socialite with whom Castro becomes romantically entwined. The film is based on the true-life story of Alina Fernandez — played by Ana Villafañe — a Cuban exile turned social advocate who learns at age 10 that she is Castro’s daughter.
Leguizamo, a Colombian American actor who wrote and performed the Broadway production Latin History for Morons, took to Instagram on Friday to slam the decision to cast Franco, questioning why Hollywood is “excluding” the Latinx community and notes that a film...
- 8/6/2022
- by Lexy Perez and Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John Leguizamo thinks the casting of James Franco as Cuban revolution leader Fidel Castro is no bueno.
That’s “no good,” for those of you who aren’t Latino. Like Franco.
Deadline exclusively broke the news earlier this week that Franco, 44, will be playing Castro in the indie film Alina of Cuba. That spawned an Instagram eruption today from Lequizamo, who ranted against having a non-Latino actor in the role.
“How is this still going on? How is Hollywood excluding us but stealing our narratives as well? No more appropriation Hollywood and streamers! Boycott! This F’d up! Plus seriously difficult story to tell without aggrandizement which would b wrong!”
He added, “I don’t got a prob with Franco but he ain’t Latino!”
His comments struck a nerve, drawing 10,000 likes, including new The View cohost Ana Navarro, who said she would join a boycott of the film.
“I...
That’s “no good,” for those of you who aren’t Latino. Like Franco.
Deadline exclusively broke the news earlier this week that Franco, 44, will be playing Castro in the indie film Alina of Cuba. That spawned an Instagram eruption today from Lequizamo, who ranted against having a non-Latino actor in the role.
“How is this still going on? How is Hollywood excluding us but stealing our narratives as well? No more appropriation Hollywood and streamers! Boycott! This F’d up! Plus seriously difficult story to tell without aggrandizement which would b wrong!”
He added, “I don’t got a prob with Franco but he ain’t Latino!”
His comments struck a nerve, drawing 10,000 likes, including new The View cohost Ana Navarro, who said she would join a boycott of the film.
“I...
- 8/6/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
John Leguizamo took to Instagram to speak out against the recent casting of James Franco as Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro in the upcoming independent film, “Alina of Cuba.” Variety confirmed Franco’s casting on Aug. 4. “Alina of Cuba” is directed by Miguel Bardem, based on a script written by Jose Rivera and Nilo Cruz.
“How is this still going on?” Leguizamo asked his Instagram followers about Franco being cast as the Cuban historical figure. “How is Hollywood excluding us but stealing our narratives as well? No more appropriation Hollywood and streamers! Boycott! This F’d up! Plus seriously difficult story to tell without aggrandizement, which would be wrong! I don’t got a [problem] with Franco but he ain’t Latino!”
“Alina of Cuba” is slated to begin production on Aug. 15, with the crew shooting in Colombia. Franco will star opposite Ana Villafañe, who portrays the title character Alina Fernandez, Castro’s daughter.
“How is this still going on?” Leguizamo asked his Instagram followers about Franco being cast as the Cuban historical figure. “How is Hollywood excluding us but stealing our narratives as well? No more appropriation Hollywood and streamers! Boycott! This F’d up! Plus seriously difficult story to tell without aggrandizement, which would be wrong! I don’t got a [problem] with Franco but he ain’t Latino!”
“Alina of Cuba” is slated to begin production on Aug. 15, with the crew shooting in Colombia. Franco will star opposite Ana Villafañe, who portrays the title character Alina Fernandez, Castro’s daughter.
- 8/5/2022
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
James Franco has landed the role of Fidel Castro in “Alina of Cuba,” an independent film about the Cuban revolutionary’s daughter, Alina Fernandez.
The project is the latest of multiple live-action films the actor has recently signed on to, ending the hiatus he took following accusations of sexual misconduct 2018 and 2019. Last month, he booked a leading role in post-World War II drama “Me, You” with Tom Hollander and Daisy Jacob.
Starring Ana Villafañe as Fernandez, “Alina of Cuba” recounts the true story of her exile from Cuba and eventual turn to social advocacy. As previously announced, Mía Maestro will play Natalia “Naty” Revuelta, the Cuban socialite whose affair with Castro resulted in the birth of their daughter.
Also Read:
James Franco Addresses Sexual Misconduct Accusations, Admits Sleeping With Students in His Acting School (Video)
Fernandez, who learned of her father’s identity at age 10, eventually became one of his most outspoken critics.
The project is the latest of multiple live-action films the actor has recently signed on to, ending the hiatus he took following accusations of sexual misconduct 2018 and 2019. Last month, he booked a leading role in post-World War II drama “Me, You” with Tom Hollander and Daisy Jacob.
Starring Ana Villafañe as Fernandez, “Alina of Cuba” recounts the true story of her exile from Cuba and eventual turn to social advocacy. As previously announced, Mía Maestro will play Natalia “Naty” Revuelta, the Cuban socialite whose affair with Castro resulted in the birth of their daughter.
Also Read:
James Franco Addresses Sexual Misconduct Accusations, Admits Sleeping With Students in His Acting School (Video)
Fernandez, who learned of her father’s identity at age 10, eventually became one of his most outspoken critics.
- 8/4/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
James Franco has been cast as Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro in the independent film “Alina of Cuba,” Variety has confirmed.
Franco joins the previously announced Ana Villafañe, who portrays the title character Alina Fernandez, Castro’s daughter. In addition, Mía Maestro has also joined the cast as Alina’s mother Natalia Revuelta, the Cuban socialite who gave birth to her after an affair with Castro. The film will follow Alina’s life as Castro’s illegitimate daughter and a critic of his reign in Cuba before leaving the country and defecting to Spain in 1993. Franco’s casting was supported by the real life Fernandez, who is serving the production as an on-set creative and biographical consultant.
Franco’s casting comes less than a month after the announcement that the actor will appear in the post-war drama “Me, You” from British director Billie August. The films represent a return for Franco...
Franco joins the previously announced Ana Villafañe, who portrays the title character Alina Fernandez, Castro’s daughter. In addition, Mía Maestro has also joined the cast as Alina’s mother Natalia Revuelta, the Cuban socialite who gave birth to her after an affair with Castro. The film will follow Alina’s life as Castro’s illegitimate daughter and a critic of his reign in Cuba before leaving the country and defecting to Spain in 1993. Franco’s casting was supported by the real life Fernandez, who is serving the production as an on-set creative and biographical consultant.
Franco’s casting comes less than a month after the announcement that the actor will appear in the post-war drama “Me, You” from British director Billie August. The films represent a return for Franco...
- 8/4/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Oscar nominee and 2x Golden Globe winner James Franco will play Cuban leader Fidel Castro in Miguel Bardem’s Aline of Cuba with Imagen Award winner Mía Maestro set to play Natalia “Naty” Revuelta, the Cuban-born socialite he has a passionate love affair with.
They join previously announced actress Ana Villafañe who is portraying Alina Fernandez aka Castro’s Daughter. The screenplay from Oscar-nominated scribe Jose Rivera (The Motorcycle Diaries) and Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz, follows the true-life story of Cuban exile turned social advocate, Fernandez, whose birth was the result of the tryst between Revuelta and Castro. Revuelta sacrificed her and her physician husband’s personal belongings and finances to help fund the start of the communist revolution. Fernandez learned that she was Fidel Castro’s daughter at the age of 10 when after years of secret visits to her home, her mother finally revealed that “El Comandante” was her biological father.
They join previously announced actress Ana Villafañe who is portraying Alina Fernandez aka Castro’s Daughter. The screenplay from Oscar-nominated scribe Jose Rivera (The Motorcycle Diaries) and Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz, follows the true-life story of Cuban exile turned social advocate, Fernandez, whose birth was the result of the tryst between Revuelta and Castro. Revuelta sacrificed her and her physician husband’s personal belongings and finances to help fund the start of the communist revolution. Fernandez learned that she was Fidel Castro’s daughter at the age of 10 when after years of secret visits to her home, her mother finally revealed that “El Comandante” was her biological father.
- 8/4/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Cuban American actress Ana Villafañe has landed the lead role in the indie feature Alina of Cuba: La Hija Rebelde from Mankind Entertainment and Maven Pictures. She will portray Fidel Castro’s daughter and anti-communism activist, Alina Fernandez.
Alina of Cuba is based on the true-life story of Fernandez, a Cuban American immigrant and human rights advocate whose birth was the result of a passionate love affair between Castro and Natalia “Naty” Revuelta. Revuelta, a Cuban-born socialite, sacrificed her and her physician husband’s personal belongings and finances to help fund the revolution.
Fernandez learned of her connection to Castro at the age of 10: when after years of secret visits to her home, she was finally told by her mother that “El Comandante” was her biological father. Fernandez and her mother stayed in Cuba after the former’s stepfather and her sister fled to the U.S. after...
Alina of Cuba is based on the true-life story of Fernandez, a Cuban American immigrant and human rights advocate whose birth was the result of a passionate love affair between Castro and Natalia “Naty” Revuelta. Revuelta, a Cuban-born socialite, sacrificed her and her physician husband’s personal belongings and finances to help fund the revolution.
Fernandez learned of her connection to Castro at the age of 10: when after years of secret visits to her home, she was finally told by her mother that “El Comandante” was her biological father. Fernandez and her mother stayed in Cuba after the former’s stepfather and her sister fled to the U.S. after...
- 3/21/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: A new musical stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning 1959 film Black Orpheus is being readied for a Broadway premiere next season, producers said today. The production will feature a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz, original music by Brazilian music icon Sergio Mendes, and direction and choreography by Sergio Trujillo, the Tony-winning choreographer of Ain’t Too Proud.
In addition to winning both the Cannes Palme d’Or and the 1959 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, the 1959 film directed by Marcel Camus based on a play by Vinicius de Moraes played a seminal role in launching the international popularity of Bossa Nova music. The stage adaptation will feature both new, original music by Mendes and selections from the beloved movie score by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Luiz Bonfa and Vinicius de Moraes.
In a statement, producers Stephen Byrd and Alia Jones-Harvey said, “It is our privilege to ready Black...
In addition to winning both the Cannes Palme d’Or and the 1959 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, the 1959 film directed by Marcel Camus based on a play by Vinicius de Moraes played a seminal role in launching the international popularity of Bossa Nova music. The stage adaptation will feature both new, original music by Mendes and selections from the beloved movie score by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Luiz Bonfa and Vinicius de Moraes.
In a statement, producers Stephen Byrd and Alia Jones-Harvey said, “It is our privilege to ready Black...
- 1/20/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Matthew López became the first Latino playwright to win the Tony Award for best play last Sunday, but “The Inheritance” creator was worried the milestone would go unnoticed unless he drew attention to the historic moment while taking the stage.
Before the big night, López surveyed several friends and fellow writers about what he should say if he won the top prize. Gloria Calderón Kellett, the co-showrunner of “One Day at a Time,” was one of the people who read his draft and urged him to seize the moment.
“When you’re the first you understand the grave responsibility you have for all those who come after you,” she says. “He understood that this moment was bigger than him and beyond being a celebration of his work. To not talk about it would have been a missed opportunity.”
And López had an important message for the crowd of theatrical power brokers and producers.
Before the big night, López surveyed several friends and fellow writers about what he should say if he won the top prize. Gloria Calderón Kellett, the co-showrunner of “One Day at a Time,” was one of the people who read his draft and urged him to seize the moment.
“When you’re the first you understand the grave responsibility you have for all those who come after you,” she says. “He understood that this moment was bigger than him and beyond being a celebration of his work. To not talk about it would have been a missed opportunity.”
And López had an important message for the crowd of theatrical power brokers and producers.
- 9/28/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The Great Work Begins: Scenes from Angels In America, director Ellie Heyman’s star-packed, virtual reimagining of Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize-winning epic, has been named the year’s Outstanding Digital Theater production by the Drama League.
The award — one of five categories created by the Drama League specifically for this year’s pandemic-altered theater season — was announced Friday night at the 87th annual Drama League Awards, streamed worldwide through the interactive Awards Room platform.
For the first time since the league began presenting awards in 1922, theater companies and productions beyond New York’s Broadway and Off Broadway were able to compete, reflecting the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic shutdown season. Theater artists from across the nation who created digital and socially distanced theatrical productions were eligible in the five newly created categories.
In all, the 33 nominated productions, which premiered between March 12, 2020 and March 15, 2021, were selected from submissions by more...
The award — one of five categories created by the Drama League specifically for this year’s pandemic-altered theater season — was announced Friday night at the 87th annual Drama League Awards, streamed worldwide through the interactive Awards Room platform.
For the first time since the league began presenting awards in 1922, theater companies and productions beyond New York’s Broadway and Off Broadway were able to compete, reflecting the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic shutdown season. Theater artists from across the nation who created digital and socially distanced theatrical productions were eligible in the five newly created categories.
In all, the 33 nominated productions, which premiered between March 12, 2020 and March 15, 2021, were selected from submissions by more...
- 5/22/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Jamie Dornan is set to star in “Carmen,” a reimagining of the classic French opera in a musical film that has already been acquired by Sony Pictures Classics, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Dornan will star alongside Mexican actress Melissa Barrera in a film that will be the directorial debut of Benjamin Millepiedm the French choreographer and dancer behind “Black Swan.” Dimitri Rassam will produce, and the film is scheduled to begin production in October in Los Angeles.
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz is writing the shooting draft of the screenplay for “Carmen,” and Nicholas Britell, an Oscar nominee for “Moonlight” and “If Beale Street Could Talk,” will write the score. He’ll also write several original songs for the film along with singer-songwriter Julieta Venegas.
Also Read: Jamie Dornan and Holliday Grainger to Star in John Patrick Shanley's 'Wild Mountain Thyme'
French...
Dornan will star alongside Mexican actress Melissa Barrera in a film that will be the directorial debut of Benjamin Millepiedm the French choreographer and dancer behind “Black Swan.” Dimitri Rassam will produce, and the film is scheduled to begin production in October in Los Angeles.
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz is writing the shooting draft of the screenplay for “Carmen,” and Nicholas Britell, an Oscar nominee for “Moonlight” and “If Beale Street Could Talk,” will write the score. He’ll also write several original songs for the film along with singer-songwriter Julieta Venegas.
Also Read: Jamie Dornan and Holliday Grainger to Star in John Patrick Shanley's 'Wild Mountain Thyme'
French...
- 5/15/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired Benjamin Millepied’s debut feature film “Carmen,” a modern-day reimagining of one of the world’s most celebrated operas that will be headlined by Jamie Dornan and Melissa Barrera, and produced by Dimitri Rassam (“Playmobil”).
Spc has acquired rights to the project for North America, Latin America, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the Cis and the Middle East. TF1 Studio has come on board to handle the remaining territories and will be kicking off pre-sales at Cannes. The movie will start shooting in October in L.A.
Millepied has assembled a strong creative team, including Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz (“Anna in the Tropics”) who is currently finalizing the shooting draft, and Oscar-nominated music composer Nicholas Britell who will compose an original score.
“Carmen” will also feature new songs by Britell and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Julieta Venegas.
Barrera will play the titular role of Carmen. Barrera is currently...
Spc has acquired rights to the project for North America, Latin America, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the Cis and the Middle East. TF1 Studio has come on board to handle the remaining territories and will be kicking off pre-sales at Cannes. The movie will start shooting in October in L.A.
Millepied has assembled a strong creative team, including Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz (“Anna in the Tropics”) who is currently finalizing the shooting draft, and Oscar-nominated music composer Nicholas Britell who will compose an original score.
“Carmen” will also feature new songs by Britell and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Julieta Venegas.
Barrera will play the titular role of Carmen. Barrera is currently...
- 5/15/2019
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
A priest is torn between two loves. Marcela Hannia Guillen and her Cuban-Americanfamily are struggling and Father Monroe Raul Mendez offers them warmth and kindness. Generosity blossoms into love as the lines between vocation and passion begin to blur. Artistic Director Emily Mann and playwright Nilo Cruz reunite for the first time since the Pulitzer Prize-winning Anna in the Tropics with this lyrical and romantic new play. Click below to go behind the scenes with the cast and creative team...
- 9/16/2016
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
When Father Monroe discovers that Marcela and her Cuban-American familyare struggling, he offers a warmth and kindness unlike anything Marcela has ever experienced.Small acts of generosity blossom into love as the lines between vocation and passion begin toblur.McCarter Theatre Center Artistic Director Emily Mann and playwright Nilo Cruz reunite forthe first time since the Pulitzer Prize-winning Anna in the Tropics with this lyricalnew play aboutfalling in love and finding a place to call home.
- 9/9/2016
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
When Father Monroe discovers that Marcela and her Cuban-American familyare struggling, he offers a warmth and kindness unlike anything Marcela has ever experienced.Small acts of generosity blossom into love as the lines between vocation and passion begin toblur.McCarter Theatre Center Artistic Director Emily Mann and playwright Nilo Cruz reunite forthe first time since the Pulitzer Prize-winning Anna in the Tropics with this lyricalnew play aboutfalling in love and finding a place to call home.
- 8/11/2016
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Happy Birthday Daphne Rubin-Vega Rubin Vega is a two-time Tony and Drama Desk nominee and recipient of the Theater World, Obie, Blockbuster awards and was recently nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for her role in Jack Goes Boating. She is perhaps best known for the roles she originated, including Mimi Rent and Conchita Anna in the Tropics, both Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway shows for which she was nominated for the Tony award. She also originated the role of Rahmi Gum, Sofia Nilo Cruz' Two Sisters and a Piano, Canary Mary Suzan-Lori Parks' Fucking A, Lucille Lortel nomination and Lucy Jack Goes Boating at the Public Theater, as well as starred in the Broadway revivals of The Rocky Horror Picture Show Magenta and Les Mis, 'Fantine' and most recently, The New Group's Blood From a Stone 'Yvette' opposite Ethan Hawke.'...
- 11/18/2015
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
Stonewall
Roadside Attractions has announced a September 25th release date for Roland Emmerich's Lgbt rights drama "Stonewall" which deals with the 1969 Stonewall riots. Jeremy Irvine, Jonny Beauchamp, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Ron Perlman star in the film
Irvine plays a young man living in Greenwich Village, homeless and destitute, who befriends a group of street kids. As he his friends experience discrimination, endure atrocities and are repeatedly harassed by the police, rage begins to build and with the toss of a single brick, a riot ensues and a crusade for equality is born. [Source: Roadside Attractions]
Castro's Daughter
Mexican filmmaker Luis Mandoki ("When a Man Loves a Woman") is set to direct the historical drama "Castro's Daughter" which John Martinez O'Felan and Joe Lamy are producing. Bobby Moresco and Nilo Cruz penned the script.
The story revolves around Alina Fernandez, Fidel Castro's love child with a wealthy socialite who co-financed Castro's...
Roadside Attractions has announced a September 25th release date for Roland Emmerich's Lgbt rights drama "Stonewall" which deals with the 1969 Stonewall riots. Jeremy Irvine, Jonny Beauchamp, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Ron Perlman star in the film
Irvine plays a young man living in Greenwich Village, homeless and destitute, who befriends a group of street kids. As he his friends experience discrimination, endure atrocities and are repeatedly harassed by the police, rage begins to build and with the toss of a single brick, a riot ensues and a crusade for equality is born. [Source: Roadside Attractions]
Castro's Daughter
Mexican filmmaker Luis Mandoki ("When a Man Loves a Woman") is set to direct the historical drama "Castro's Daughter" which John Martinez O'Felan and Joe Lamy are producing. Bobby Moresco and Nilo Cruz penned the script.
The story revolves around Alina Fernandez, Fidel Castro's love child with a wealthy socialite who co-financed Castro's...
- 7/21/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Happy Birthday Daphne Rubin-Vega Rubin Vega is a two-time Tony and Drama Desk nominee and recipient of the Theater World, Obie, Blockbuster awards and was recently nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for her role in Jack Goes Boating. She is perhaps best known for the roles she originated, including Mimi Rent and Conchita Anna in the Tropics, both Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway shows for which she was nominated for the Tony award. She also originated the role of Rahmi Gum, Sofia Nilo Cruz' Two Sisters and a Piano, Canary Mary Suzan-Lori Parks' Fucking A, Lucille Lortel nomination and Lucy Jack Goes Boating at the Public Theater, as well as starred in the Broadway revivals of The Rocky Horror Picture Show Magenta and Les Mis, 'Fantine' and most recently, The New Group's Blood From a Stone 'Yvette' opposite Ethan Hawke.'...
- 11/18/2014
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
George C Wolfe has come on board to direct Mankind Entertainment’s adaptation of playwright Nilo Cruz’s Broadway hit Anna In The Tropics. The play had its Broadway berth in 2003, and starred Jimmy Smits, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Priscilla Lopez, John Ortiz, Vanessa Aspillaga, Victor Argo and David Zayas. Playwright Cruz's play is set in a Cuban-American cigar factory in 1929. The factory employs "lectors" to entertain and educate the factory workers, and a new lector who reads aloud from Anna Karenina becomes "a catalyst in the lives of his avid listeners, for whom Tolstoy, the tropics, and the American dream prove a volatile combination." No casting yet but filming is scheduled...
- 12/10/2013
- by Natasha Greeves
- ShadowAndAct
George C Wolfe has come on to direct Mankind Entertainment’s adaptation of playwright Nilo Cruz’s Broadway hit Anna In The Tropics.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning Hispanic theatre classic is set in a Cuban cigar factory in Tampa, Florida, in the early 20th century around the time of the Great Depression.
Wolfe (pictured) earned an Emmy nomination for his HBO Film Lackawanna Blues and also directed Nights In Rodanthe for Warner Bros.
Austin-based Mankind’s John Martinez O’Felan and Joe Lamy acquired, developed and will produce Anna In The Tropics.
Filming will take place in early 2015 in Puerto Rico as a follow-up to Mankind recently greenlit film Castro’s Daughter. Cruz co-wrote that film with Bobby Moresco.
“We are very excited at the opportunity to work with Nilo again on our next project,” said O’Felan. “As the first Hispanic to win the Pulitzer Prize for drama, he’s proven to crack the cross-culture code on...
The Pulitzer Prize-winning Hispanic theatre classic is set in a Cuban cigar factory in Tampa, Florida, in the early 20th century around the time of the Great Depression.
Wolfe (pictured) earned an Emmy nomination for his HBO Film Lackawanna Blues and also directed Nights In Rodanthe for Warner Bros.
Austin-based Mankind’s John Martinez O’Felan and Joe Lamy acquired, developed and will produce Anna In The Tropics.
Filming will take place in early 2015 in Puerto Rico as a follow-up to Mankind recently greenlit film Castro’s Daughter. Cruz co-wrote that film with Bobby Moresco.
“We are very excited at the opportunity to work with Nilo again on our next project,” said O’Felan. “As the first Hispanic to win the Pulitzer Prize for drama, he’s proven to crack the cross-culture code on...
- 12/9/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Bridge's Catalina Sandino Moreno has been cast in the lead role in Castro's Daughter.
Castro's Daughter will chronicle the life of the former Cuban president's exiled child Alina Fernandez, to be played by Sandino Moreno.
Fernandez was born of a love affair between Castro and Cuban socialite Natalia 'Naty' Revuelta in the 1950s.
The film will be directed by Crazy Kind of Love's Sarah Siegel-Magness.
Oscar winner and Crash writer Bobby Moresco and Cuban playwright Nilo Cruz (Anna in the Tropics) have penned the script.
Castro's Daughter is expected to be released in Us cinemas on November 11, 2015. The film has yet to be given a UK release.
Moreno is best known for playing Alma Ruiz in FX's The Bridge, and for her Oscar-nominated performance in Maria Full of Grace.
> Rosario Dawson replaced by Catalina Sandino Moreno in Incarnate
> Michael Cera's Magic Magic debuts first trailer...
Castro's Daughter will chronicle the life of the former Cuban president's exiled child Alina Fernandez, to be played by Sandino Moreno.
Fernandez was born of a love affair between Castro and Cuban socialite Natalia 'Naty' Revuelta in the 1950s.
The film will be directed by Crazy Kind of Love's Sarah Siegel-Magness.
Oscar winner and Crash writer Bobby Moresco and Cuban playwright Nilo Cruz (Anna in the Tropics) have penned the script.
Castro's Daughter is expected to be released in Us cinemas on November 11, 2015. The film has yet to be given a UK release.
Moreno is best known for playing Alma Ruiz in FX's The Bridge, and for her Oscar-nominated performance in Maria Full of Grace.
> Rosario Dawson replaced by Catalina Sandino Moreno in Incarnate
> Michael Cera's Magic Magic debuts first trailer...
- 11/25/2013
- Digital Spy
Colombian actress Catalina Sandino Moreno, who earned an Oscar nomination for her performance in “Maria Full of Grace,” is set to star in the historical drama “Castro’s Daughter,” it was announced Saturday by Mankind Entertainment and Smokewood Entertainment Group. Sarah Siegel-Magness is directing ”Castro’s Daughter,” which was written by Oscar winner Bobby Moresco (“Crash”) and acclaimed Cuban playwright Nilo Cruz (“Anna in the Tropics”), who was the first Hispanic to win the Pulitzer Prize for drama. Sandino Moreno will play Fidel Castro’s exiled daughter Alina Fernandez, who was the result of an extramarital love affair Castro had with wealthy Cuban socialite Natalia.
- 11/23/2013
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Happy Birthday Daphne Rubin-Vega Rubin Vega is a two-time Tony and Drama Desk nominee and recipient of the Theater World, Obie, Blockbuster awards and was recently nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for her role in Jack Goes Boating. She is perhaps best known for the roles she originated, including Mimi Rent and Conchita Anna in the Tropics, both Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway shows for which she was nominated for the Tony award. She also originated the role of Rahmi Gum, Sofia Nilo Cruz' Two Sisters and a Piano, Canary Mary Suzan-Lori Parks' Fucking A, Lucille Lortel nomination and Lucy Jack Goes Boating at the Public Theater, as well as starred in the Broadway revivals of The Rocky Horror Picture Show Magenta and Les Mis, Fantine and most recently, The New Group's Blood From a Stone Yvette opposite Ethan Hawke.
- 11/18/2012
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
Michael Radford, best known for his work on the Italian-language hit "Il Postino" in the late '90s, has signed on to direct "Castro's Daughter." Though Radford has been chasing that success with middling results over the last 15 years--please see "Flawless" or "The Merchant Of Venice" for evidence--the pedigree behind his next effort shows promise with Bobby Moresco (Oscar-winning screenwriter of "Crash") and Cuban playwright Nilo Cruz (Pulitzer Prizer-winning author of "Anna in the Tropics") penning the script. 'Daughter' will tell the story of Alina Fernandez, Fidel Castro's daughter, who escaped Cuba as a Spanish tourist and went on to…...
- 6/30/2011
- The Playlist
Lee Daniels, or, if you prefer, the Precious director, is quite busy guy these days.
He already has two new projects in the pipeline, (Selma and The Butler), and now we had a chance to hear that another one is coming!
Project titled Anna in the Tropics is an upcoming movie based on Nilo Cruz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play that won a Steinberg Prize and two Tony nominations.
“This lush romantic drama depicts a family of cigar makers whose loves and lives are played out against the backdrop of America in the midst of the Depression.
Set in Ybor City (Tampa) in 1930, Cruz imagines the catalytic effect the arrival of a new “lector” (who reads Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina to the workers as they toil in the cigar factory) has on a Cuban-American family. Cruz celebrates the search for identity in a new land.”
Daniels will develop the script with Cruz,...
He already has two new projects in the pipeline, (Selma and The Butler), and now we had a chance to hear that another one is coming!
Project titled Anna in the Tropics is an upcoming movie based on Nilo Cruz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play that won a Steinberg Prize and two Tony nominations.
“This lush romantic drama depicts a family of cigar makers whose loves and lives are played out against the backdrop of America in the midst of the Depression.
Set in Ybor City (Tampa) in 1930, Cruz imagines the catalytic effect the arrival of a new “lector” (who reads Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina to the workers as they toil in the cigar factory) has on a Cuban-American family. Cruz celebrates the search for identity in a new land.”
Daniels will develop the script with Cruz,...
- 12/19/2010
- by Fiona
- Filmofilia
Lee Daniels ("Precious") will direct the film adaptation of Nilo Cruz's Pulitzer and Steinberg Prize-winning Broadway play "Anna in the Tropics."According to Variety, John Torres Martinez and Joe Lamy of the Austin, Texas-based Mankind Entertainment, will produce.Daniels will work on the screenplay with Cruz.Set in Tampa, Florida, during the Great Depression, the play focuses on a family of Cuban cigar rollers, whose lives are altered through the growing influence of literature.Casting will begin next year.The play garnered two Tony award nominations and has been translated and produced for audiences in Australia, China, Spain, Germany and France.
- 12/15/2010
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
Filmmaker Lee Daniels is set to bring hit Broadway play Anna In The Tropics to the big screen in a new movie adaptation.
The Oscar-nominated Precious director has signed up to develop a screenplay based on Nilo Cruz's critically-acclaimed production, which tells the story of Cuban immigrants working in cigar factories in 19th Century Florida.
Daniels will work with playwright Cruz to transform the story into a feature film, according to Variety.
Anna in the Tropics won a Pulitzer Prize in 2003 and later garnered two Tony Award nominations.
The Oscar-nominated Precious director has signed up to develop a screenplay based on Nilo Cruz's critically-acclaimed production, which tells the story of Cuban immigrants working in cigar factories in 19th Century Florida.
Daniels will work with playwright Cruz to transform the story into a feature film, according to Variety.
Anna in the Tropics won a Pulitzer Prize in 2003 and later garnered two Tony Award nominations.
- 12/15/2010
- WENN
Precious director Lee Daniels has signed on to direct a film adaptation of Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play "Anna in the Tropics" for Mankind Entertainment says The Hollywood Reporter.
Inspired by Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, Nilo Cruz's play follows a family of cigar rollers in 1920s Florida who find their lives changed by the power of literature.
John Torres Martinez and Joe Lamy will produce. Daniels will develop the script with Cruz starting in January, while Daniels will continue work on his civil rights project "Selma".
Inspired by Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, Nilo Cruz's play follows a family of cigar rollers in 1920s Florida who find their lives changed by the power of literature.
John Torres Martinez and Joe Lamy will produce. Daniels will develop the script with Cruz starting in January, while Daniels will continue work on his civil rights project "Selma".
- 12/15/2010
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Precious director Lee Daniels has signed on to direct a film adaptation of Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play "Anna in the Tropics" for Mankind Entertainment says The Hollywood Reporter.
Inspired by Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, Nilo Cruz's play follows a family of cigar rollers in 1920s Florida who find their lives changed by the power of literature.
John Torres Martinez and Joe Lamy will produce. Daniels will develop the script with Cruz starting in January, while Daniels will continue work on his civil rights project "Selma".
Inspired by Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, Nilo Cruz's play follows a family of cigar rollers in 1920s Florida who find their lives changed by the power of literature.
John Torres Martinez and Joe Lamy will produce. Daniels will develop the script with Cruz starting in January, while Daniels will continue work on his civil rights project "Selma".
- 12/15/2010
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Well, it's better than remaking Fellini's Nights of Cabiria. Lee Daniels is still riding a wave of influence inexplicably generated by Precious, and he continues to accrue possible directorial projects. While it appears [1] that he'll make The Butler next, with Civil Rights project Selma falling by the wayside, the filmmaker is signing on for other films to make down the road. There's the remake [2] of Nights of Cabiria -- a terrible idea if ever there was one -- and a possible film version of the stage musical The Scottsboro Boys. And now Lee Daniels has booked time to develop a film version of Nilo Cruz’s Pulitzer and Steinberg Prize-winning Broadway play Anna in the Tropics. THR [3] says that Mr. Daniels will develop the script with Nilo Cruz (that's possibly a good sign). The playwright told the trade, “I always saw it as a film. Even though I wrote is as a play,...
- 12/14/2010
- by Russ Fischer
- Slash Film
Bombastic filmmaker Lee Daniels earned worldwide praise last year for his unflinchingly dark urban drama Precious Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire. So with a new and seemingly devoted fan following, Daniels has been aiming high for his next venture with his signature level of modesty in tact. First came reports that Daniels wanted to remake the classic Federico Fellini film Nights of Cabiria, and now THR is dropping word that Daniels has his eye on adapting the Pulitzer-Prize winning Broadway play Anna in the Tropics, which centers on a family of cigar rollers in 1920s Tampa and the influence literature has on their lives.
Currently signed on to direct, Daniels will develop the screenplay alongside the play’s author, Nilo Cruz, who is eager to adapt the Anna Karenina-inspired tale. “I always saw it as a film,” says Cruz. “Even though I wrote is as a play,...
Currently signed on to direct, Daniels will develop the screenplay alongside the play’s author, Nilo Cruz, who is eager to adapt the Anna Karenina-inspired tale. “I always saw it as a film,” says Cruz. “Even though I wrote is as a play,...
- 12/14/2010
- by Kristy Puchko
- The Film Stage
Lee Daniels (Precious) has signed on to develop and direct Anna in the Tropics, a film adaptation of Nilo Cruz’s Pulitzer and Steinberg Prize-winning Broadway play. John Torres Martinez and Joe Lamy of Austin-based Mankind Entertainment are set to produce this project.
The story takes place in Tampa, Fl during the 1920s, which at the time was the seat of cigar-making industry and featured an imported Cuban tradition of lectors reading to workers. Inspired by Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, Tropics centers on a family of cigar rollers whose lives are changed by the power of literature.
The play was a huge hit with audiences from Australia and China to Spain, Germany and France. It garnered nominations for two Tonys.
Cruz had the following to say about the project,
“I always saw it as a film. Even though I wrote is as a play, I just think it has endless possibilities as a film.
The story takes place in Tampa, Fl during the 1920s, which at the time was the seat of cigar-making industry and featured an imported Cuban tradition of lectors reading to workers. Inspired by Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, Tropics centers on a family of cigar rollers whose lives are changed by the power of literature.
The play was a huge hit with audiences from Australia and China to Spain, Germany and France. It garnered nominations for two Tonys.
Cruz had the following to say about the project,
“I always saw it as a film. Even though I wrote is as a play, I just think it has endless possibilities as a film.
- 12/14/2010
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
Though I wasn't very pleased with the recent news that the director had lined up a remake of Federico Fellini's Nights of Cabiria, another project for the Lee Daniels sounds less maddening. THR reports the director has signed on to develop and direct an adaptation of the award winning Broadway play Anna in the Tropics. Inspired by Leo Tolstoy's novel Anna Kernina, the 1920's set story follows a Tampa family of cigar rollers whose lives are changed by the power of literature during a high point in the cigar-making history. Thankfully, the play's writer, Nilo Cruz, is quite pleased with the idea of an adaptation as he says, "I always saw it as a film." Cruz went on to say, "Even though I wrote is as a play, I just think it has endless possibilities as a film. The play itself is full of images and I want...
- 12/14/2010
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
So what happens when your sophomore feature film gets nominated for six Academy Awards and walks away with two statues? If you're Lee Daniels, you give yourself a lot of options before choosing your next post-Oscar project. With "Selma," "The Butler," "The Scottsboro Boys" and an ill-advised remake of Frederico Fellini's "Nights Of Cabiria" all kicking around on the helmer's slate, he's gone ahead and added yet another potential project. Lee Daniels will develop and direct a feature film adaptation of the Pulitzer- and Steinberg Prize-winning play "Anna In The Tropics" by Nilo Cruz. Inspired by Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina," the…...
- 12/14/2010
- The Playlist
Precious director Lee Daniels will develop and direct Anna in the Tropics , an adaptation of Nilo Cruz's Pulitzer and Steinberg Prize-winning Broadway play, says The Hollywood Reporter . According to the trade, "the story is set in 1920s Tampa, then the seat of cigar-making industry and featured an imported Cuban tradition of lectors reading to workers. Inspired by Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, Tropics centers on a family of cigar rollers whose lives are changed by the power of literature." Daniels is set to develop the script with Cruz while he also works on his civil rights project Selma .
- 12/14/2010
- Comingsoon.net
“Precious” director Lee Daniels confirmed his next movie by signing on to direct and develop the big-screen adaptation of Nilo Cruz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play “Anna in the Tropics.” According to “The Hollywood Reporter,” Daniels joined producers John Torres Martinez and Joe Lamy of Austin-based Mankind Entertainment on the project. Cruz also won two Tony Awards for the hit play, about a family of cigar rollers in ‘20s Tampa whose lives are changed by literature.
- 12/14/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
“Precious” director Lee Daniels confirmed his next movie by signing on to direct and develop the big-screen adaptation of Nilo Cruz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play “Anna in the Tropics.” According to “The Hollywood Reporter,” Daniels joined producers John Torres Martinez and Joe Lamy of Austin-based Mankind Entertainment on the project. Cruz also won two Tony Awards for the hit play, about a family of cigar rollers in ‘20s Tampa whose lives are changed by literature.
- 12/14/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
This must be the 5th project that Lee Daniels has signed on to direct in the last 12 months. I’m hoping he actually makes one of them soon!
Announced today, Daniels will develop and direct Anna In The Tropics, a film adaptation of Nilo Cruz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play, set in a small Tampa, Florida cigar factory in 1929, and centers on a family of cigar rollers whose lives are changed by the power of literature. When Juan Julian, a new lector, arrives at the tobacco shop, lives will inexorably be changed as he navigates through the prose of Anna Karenina for the edification of the cigar rollers. The characters battle each other and themselves about the changing times as they confront technology, equality, money and love, reflected in the passages read by Julian.
The play itself, which was nominated for two Tony Awards, is obviously inspired by Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina.
Announced today, Daniels will develop and direct Anna In The Tropics, a film adaptation of Nilo Cruz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play, set in a small Tampa, Florida cigar factory in 1929, and centers on a family of cigar rollers whose lives are changed by the power of literature. When Juan Julian, a new lector, arrives at the tobacco shop, lives will inexorably be changed as he navigates through the prose of Anna Karenina for the edification of the cigar rollers. The characters battle each other and themselves about the changing times as they confront technology, equality, money and love, reflected in the passages read by Julian.
The play itself, which was nominated for two Tony Awards, is obviously inspired by Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina.
- 12/14/2010
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
Paz Vega and Daniel Bruhl both look likely to star in Castro's Daughter, the story of the exiled Alina Fernandez. Based on her Exile's Memoir of Cuba, the film will be directed by Bobby Moresco, who co-wrote Crash with Paul Haggis. Fernandez is the illegitimate daughter of Fidel Castro, and one of his most vocal critics. Her dissenting political views led her to flee Cuba, heavily disguised, in 1993. She's been living in Miami ever since, where her otherwise middle-of-the-road Simply Alina radio show devotes every Wednesday evening to Cuban politics.The Cuban-American playwrite Nilo Cruz has co-written the script with Moresco. Vega was the star of Julio Medem's brilliant Sex and Lucia, and also showed up in Talk to Her, Fade to Black and The Spirit. Bruhl was most recently seen shooting from a belltower in Inglourious Basterds but we also loved him in The Edukators and Goodbye Lenin.
- 1/29/2010
- EmpireOnline
Paz Vega, Daniel Bruhl and Mia Maestro have been cast in the independent drama "Castro's Daughter."Vega would be playing Fidel Castro's exiled daughter, Alina Fernandez. Fernandez was the result of a love affair Castro had prior to taking power in Cuba, and grew up hidden in the shadows of her father and the Revolution. Later on in her life, she began speaking out against Castro and the Revolution and became a dissident forbidden to leave Cuba. In 1993, after several failed attempts, she fled Cuba.According to Variety, shooting begins in Puerto Rico in late spring.Bobby Moresco, who co-wrote "Crash" with Paul Haggis, is directing from a screenplay he co-wrote with Nilo Cruz.
- 1/28/2010
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
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