Another Idol alumnus becomes a Dreamgirl
Published Monday June 29th, 2009
Dreamgirls has turned to an American Idol alum to play one of the leads in the upcoming stage revival of the musical in New York City.
Syesha Mercado will portray Deena Jones in the production, which will begin a national tour at Harlem's legendary Apollo Theater, Nov. 7 through Dec. 6. Mercado was the second runner-up in the seventh season of Idol, the hit Fox television series.
Moya Angela will play the pivotal role of Effie White in the production. Jennifer Hudson won an Oscar for her portrayal of Effie in the film version of the musical.
***
Calgary dancer Sean Cheesman says appearing in Michael Jackson's "Bad" video was the most incredible experience of his life.
Cheesman, a guest judge on So You Think You Can Dance Canada, also performed with the King of Pop in the video for "The Way You Make Me Feel."
And, he worked as a choreographer on the "Scream" video Jackson made with his sister Janet.
Cheesman says he landed his job on the "Bad" video when he was just 17, shortly after moving from Calgary to New York.
The video was directed by Martin Scorsese.
Cheesman called Jackson, who died Thursday, "dance royalty."
***
Ed McMahon's publicist says a celebration of the late Tonight show sidekick, who died last week, is set for Wednesday.
McMahon's publicist, Howard Bragman, said that NBC will host the untelevised event, at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in North Hollywood.
Bragman says details are still being finalized, including the guest list.
McMahon died last Tuesday at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Bragman says McMahon had a "multitude of health problems the last few months."
McMahon played second banana to longtime host Johnny Carson on NBC's Tonight show from 1962 until Carson retired in 1992.
***
Celebrity Birthdays
* Actor Gary Busey is 65.
* Comedian Richard Lewis is 62.
* Singer Don Dokken of Dokken is 56.
* Singer Colin Hay of Men at Work is 56.
* Actress Maria Conchita Alonso is 52.
* Actress Sharon Lawrence (NYPD Blue) is 48.
* Actress Amanda Donohoe is 47.
* Singer Stedman Pearson of Five Star is 45.
* Former cross-Canada runner Steve Fonyo is 44.
* Actress Melora Hardin (The Office) is 42.
* Rapper DJ Shadow is 37.
* Guitarist Todd Sansom of Marshall Dyllon is 31.
* Singer Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls is 31.
Disabled
Search Articles
More CE Network Sites & Partners:
