Tonight, noted choreographer Bill T. Jones’ latest project, “Fela!” will premiere on Broadway. The musical is based upon the life of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, a Nigerian who created the musical genre ‘Afrobeat’, and was also an activist during his heyday in the 1970s. Never heard of him? Neither had I until I first heard about the initial production. I missed the show during its successful Off-Broadway run last year but I got to see a preview a few weeks ago. And it was love from the first scene because Jones and his partners— JIm Lewis and Stephen Hendel— throw Broadway convention out of the nearest window to let in a fresh breeze of energy. In other words, don’t expect your run of mill high brow Broadway experience (you know where you may offer a polite but enthusiastic clap for the big number) or to stay quietly seated through the performance. But be warned if you operate on c.p. time you might run smack dab into one the cast who frequently work the aisles—plus you’ll have no idea what’s going on. Read the full story

For some folks in Hollywood Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are just too good to be true. He is one of the highest paid actors in Hollywood after all and according to Patrick Goldstein of The Los Angeles Times is probably one of the only stars who won’t have to take a salary cut in these economic times. (Just so you know, Denzel Washington did have to reduce his asking price). Their marriage looks like its on solid ground and their children are charming and are showing talent of their own. Anyway, it should come as no surprise that with all the power Will yields people are on the hunt for any kind of dent in the couple’s armor. What did they find? A possible link to Scientology. Now this is not news, this rumor comes up over and over again. But these days it has become more persistent. The latest finger was pointed by The New York Post’s Page Six over the weekend. Read the full story

All week long I have been reading about Janet Hubert’s claims that her time on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” was not all sweetness and light (mostly because of Will Smith). Words like ‘controlling’ have been bandied about (as well as claims that he labeled her ‘difficult’). Anyway, today I heard her for myself on a radio interview with April Woodard (who was filling in for Wendy Williams) and let’s just say that I was thoroughly perplexed by their entire exchange. Read the full story

Will Smith’s uber-successful movie career will almost make you forget that he was paired with Jazzy Jeff as a “happy rap” duo back in the day. Now he pulls down more than $20 million for a single film. For the most part he’s box-office gold. But his last flick, “Seven Pounds” didn’t have everyone and their mama running to theaters. Perhaps it was a little too mysterious and mystical for the holiday season. Today it’s out on DVD, so here’s a chance to check it out if you missed it. Just have some tissues nearby you’re going to need them.

Will Smith’s latest action flick is another certified hit, grossing over $100 million in its first five days of release. It is certainly good (although I wouldn’t say it’s great) but there is one thing that has bugged me more and more since I’ve seen the movie. (Okay, if you haven’t seen the movie and like surprises please stop reading now *Major Spoiler Alert).
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