Entertainment
Ken Page, who starred in ‘Cats’ on Broadway and voiced Oogie Boogie, dies at 70
NEW YORK (AP) – Ken Page, the stage and film actor who played alongside him Beyoncé in “Dreamgirls” introduced Broadway audiences to Old Deuteronomy v “Cats” and scared generations of kids when the voice of Oogie Boogie, the villain from the 1993 animated holiday movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” died. He was 70 years old.
Talent agent Todd M. Eskin of ATB Talent Agency announced the artist’s death to The Associated Press on Tuesday, but no details were provided.
“He was quite simply one of the best and most generous souls I know. Full of life and filled with joy. Talented and then some. “Ken, my friend, you will be greatly missed,” wrote writer-producer Tim Burton in X.
Page made his Broadway debut in “The Wiz” because the Cowardly Lion and then took on the role of Nicely-Nicely Johnson in “Guys and Dolls” with Robert Guillaume. He also appeared in the unique forged of Fats Waller’s musical Ain’t Misbehavin, winning a Drama Desk Award, and was on board when the musical returned to Broadway in 1988.
Page originated the role of the sensible Old Deuteronomy when “Cats” landed on Broadway in 1982 and achieved a then-record performance singing “Old Deuteronomy,” “The Moments of Happiness” and “The Ad-Dressing of Cats.”
Elaine Paige, who originated the role of Grizabella on Cats and reprized the role in the 1998 film version of Cats, paid tribute to her X co-star, saying Page had “moved on to the heavyweight layer” and added: “He was a wonderful, kind and talented man.”
In 2010, Page revisited the Old Book of Deuteronomy at the Muny, a community theater association in St. Louis — and St. Louis critic. Louis Post-Dispatch said, “Emerging from a gentle presence, Page acts as a feline spirit guide to the hilt,” adding, “Maybe no one will bow to a kitten while chanting ‘OH CAT,’ but Page can make it at least look over you’ll think about it.”
Page can have made his best impression because the voice of Oogie Boogie, a burlap sack with lots of of bugs crawling inside, in Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” His character hoped to develop into the King of the Seven Christmases by kidnapping the Christmas (*70*) for the remaining holidays. “It’s hopeless/you’re done/you don’t have a prayer/’cause I’m Mr. Oogie Boogie/and you’re not going anywhere,” he sang to Santa.
He then reprized his role as Oogie Boogie, including: in video games and at the film’s thirtieth anniversary concert at the Hollywood Bowl in 2023. He also provided the voice of King Gator in the 1989 Disney animated film All Dogs Go to Heaven.
His other movies include 1988’s “Torch Song Trilogy,” in which he played the witty drag queen Murray, and 2006’s “Dreamgirls,” in which he played Max Washington. His television shows include “Family Matters,” “Touched by an Angel” and “Maleficent.”
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Entertainment
Mary J. Blige Announces 2025 ‘For My Fans Tour’ Dates – Essence
Photo credit: Will Sterling
Mary J. Blige continues to reign as some of the influential voices in music, and her emergence proves her endurance. With a profession spanning many years, the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul” has no intention of slowing down as she also prepares to rejoice her recent album, thus expanding her already iconic catalogue.
The 27-city tour, produced by Live Nation, will kick off on January 30 on the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, and can feature special guests NE-YO and Mario. Blige will visit major cities including Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and more, concluding on April 14 at Boston’s TD Garden.
“I’m very excited to start this tour. I have amazing fans and I am so grateful for all the love and support they have shown me over the years,” Blige shared in a statement. “This tour is for them and I can’t wait to go to all these cities and meet everyone. Right now, I am in a place of great gratitude and peace.”
Blige’s upcoming album shall be released on November 15 and can feature the one “Respiratory” featuring Fabolous. The tour and album represent her journey towards peace and recognition, making 2025 a milestone yr for the artist. Additionally, Blige shall be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on October 19 in Cleveland to honor her legacy as a music pioneer.
Tickets shall be available with an artist pre-sale starting on Tuesday, October 1. Additional pre-sales will run throughout the week prior to the final sale starting Friday, October 4 at 10 a.m. ET LiveNation.com AND Ticketmaster.com.
You will find all of the dates below.
- January 30 – Greensboro, NC on the Greensboro Coliseum
- January 31 – Raleigh, NC on the Lenovo Center
- February 3 – Atlanta, Georgia at State Farm Arena
- February 6 – Charlotte, NC on the Spectrum Center
- February 8 – Tampa, FL at Amalie Arena
- February 11 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live
- February 14 – New Orleans, Louisiana at Smoothie King Center
- February 18 – Houston, Texas at Toyota Center
- February 21 – Ft. Worth, Texas at Dickies Arena
- February 25 – Denver, Colorado at Ball Arena
- March 1 – Los Angeles, California on the Intuit Dome
- March 7 – San Francisco, California at Chase Center
- March 8 – Sacramento, California, Golden 1 Center
- March 12 – St. Louis, Missouri on the Enterprise Center
- March 14 – Chicago, Illinois on the United Center
- March 16 – St. Paul, Minnesota, Xcel Energy Center
- March 19 – Detroit, Michigan, Little Caesars Arena
- March 22 – Buffalo, New York at KeyBank Center
- March 24 – Toronto, Ontario at Scotiabank Arena
- March 26 – Washington, DC at Capital One Arena
- March 28 – Atlantic City, New Jersey at Boardwalk Hall
- April 2 – Columbus, Ohio at Nationwide Arena
- April 4 – Baltimore, Maryland at CFG Bank Arena
- April 6 – Newark, New Jersey, Prudential Center
- April 10 – New York, New York at Madison Square Garden
- April 11 – Elmont, New York at UBS Arena
- April 14 – Boston, Massachusetts at TD Garden
Entertainment
Ciara’s Breathtaking ‘Goodies’ Fans Speculate She ‘Definitely’ Did Her Job
For twenty years, Ciara has been telling fans to maintain in search of her “merch” until they finally take notice.
The singer spent the summer months on the road with Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes on their “Out of This World” tour, sending longtime fans right into a frenzy as they spread clips of her seductive choreography online.
Now, a month after her last performance, fans are once more going crazy over the assets she delivered to the stage. A video of her rocking chap-inspired leather pants and form-fitting black top sparked debate amongst social media users as as to whether the “Body Party” artist was flaunting her natural curves or surreptitiously highlighting her butt.
Close-ups of the artist gyrating on stage have come under scrutiny by those that imagine the Atlanta princess joined the cosmetic surgery trend to fill out her figure. “I didn’t know Ciara had BBL,” the user wrote after watching the video.
More evaluation viewers included one one that wrote, “It’s only when she turns around that I don’t think it looks natural,” apparently noting that her derriere was undeniably more pronounced. However, just as “haters” began commenting on Ciara’s figure, so did her loyal followers; they were the one ones who stood up for her.
While a couple of people reaffirmed their belief, stating, “It’s definitely BBL” and “It doesn’t look real,” countless others have stated that it’s not. One person argued: “No. This is the child’s natural weight. She at all times had a pleasant ass.
Ciara has been telling fans to maintain in search of her “merch” for twenty years, until they finally take notice. The singer spent the summer months on the road with Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes on their “Out of This World” tour, sending longtime fans right into a frenzy as they spread clips of her seductive choreography online. Now, a month after her last performance, fans are once more going crazy over the assets she delivered to the stage. A video of her rocking chap-inspired leather pants and form-fitting black top sparked debate amongst social media users as as to whether the “Body Party” artist was flaunting her natural curves or surreptitiously highlighting her butt. Close-ups of the artist gyrating on stage have come under scrutiny by those that imagine the Atlanta princess joined the cosmetic surgery trend to fill out her figure. “I didn’t know Ciara had BBL,” the user wrote after viewing the video on Google. More evaluation from onlookers included someone who wrote, “It’s only when she turns around that I don’t think it looks natural,” apparently noting that her derriere was undeniably more pronounced. However, just as “haters” began commenting on Ciara’s figure, so did her loyal followers; they were the one ones who stood up for her. While a couple of people reaffirmed their belief, stating, “It’s definitely BBL” and “It doesn’t look real,” countless others have stated that it’s not. One person argued: “No. This is the baby’s natural weight. She always had a nice ass. Another person said that thanks to Russell Wilson, fans have more to watch. They commented: “Russell spiced things up with the kids.” Ciara and her husband have been married for eight years and are parents to four children, Future Zahir, whom she shares with ex-fiance rapper Future, Sienna, Win and Adora. The last one was welcomed in December 2023. Since the birth of her fourth child, the singer has clearly gained a fuller figure. However, another defender suggested that Ciara’s extra curves shouldn’t be a surprise. “When she first came out, she was fat,” they wrote. Ciara has never mentioned or mentioned the necessity to seek help from a health care provider to maintain her body in tip-top shape. Before heading out on tour, she announced plans to lose a few of her baby weight. Fans then begged her to carry an additional pillow, comically noting that Russell wasn’t the just one having fun with the sight.
Another person said that due to Russell Wilson, fans have more to look at. They commented: “Russell spiced things up with the kids.” Ciara and her husband have been married for eight years and are parents to 4 children: Future Zahir, whom she shares with ex-fiance rapper Future, Sienna, Win and Adora.
The last one was welcomed in December 2023. Since the birth of her fourth child, the singer has clearly gained a fuller figure. However, one other defender suggested that Ciara’s extra curves should not be a surprise.
“When she first came out, she was fat,” they wrote. Ciara has never mentioned or hinted at going under the knife to assist her keep her body in tip-top shape.
Before heading out on tour, she announced plans to lose a few of her baby weight. Fans then begged her to carry an additional pillow, comically noting that Russell wasn’t the just one having fun with the sight.
Entertainment
Your must-have guide – Andscape
October really brings us into fall. Basketball, Halloween and homecoming are on the schedule. Adidas created special editions for five historically black colleges and universities. New Balance is repeating its popular mesh trainers, considered one of many favorites that brands are reviving. Meanwhile, Nike marks the return of several fan favorites, with Jordan debuting a brand new silhouette.
Adidas shows like to HBCUs
Adidas returns to the vault to release special editions of the ’90s-popular Crazy 8 Low for five HBCUs – Alabama State, Alcorn State, Grambling State, Prairie View A&M and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. While the HBCU Crazy 8 Low will likely be exclusive to members of the college’s basketball teams, Adidas has made this version available to the general public. Each pair features the first colours of their respective schools and the college logo on the tongue.
Release date: Tuesday
Retail: $120
New Balance 1906 enters fall
The New Balance 1906 model has quietly develop into considered one of the brand’s hottest shoes over the past 12 months. The 1906 has proven to have something for everybody, from collaborative applications to derivative models to general releases. Step into the newest 1906 model in shades that match fall.
The predominantly linen-gray upper is roofed in shades of green and clay in “Dark Olivine,” which evoke the colours of pumpkins and other gourds in store windows this time of 12 months. Tying the look together is a two-tone off-white and brown midsole atop a black outsole.
Release date: Tuesday
Retail: $160
Nike pays tribute to Blue Ribbon Sports
Before Nike took its name from the Greek goddess of victory, it was generally known as Blue Ribbon Sports. The Air Max 1 “BRS Powerwall” is back after 18 years in a vault. Brown suede mudguards and heels accentuate the green upper. Paired with gray accent panels that complement the pink swoosh, this Air Max is a nod to the style and materials of early Blue Ribbon Sports. The final touch is the Nike Air “Big Bubble”, an original design element.
Release date: Tuesday
Retail: $170
Adidas celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of Hello Kitty
The fictional character Hello Kitty is one of the iconic brands in popular culture. The Adidas Gazelle is an iconic silhouette, so it’s no surprise that the 2 brands got here together to rejoice Hello Kitty’s fiftieth anniversary. The Gazelle model comes primarily in a white upper, with three Gazelle stripes on the perimeters covered within the classic red Hello Kitty bow. The upper is etched/embossed with a bow and Hello Kitty’s face is placed on the rear lateral side of the shoe. The whole is complemented by cobranding on the tongue and insole of the shoe.
Release date: Tuesday
Retail: $120
Aunt Pearl gets the retro treatment
While Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant’s signature shoes feature lots of the classic colorways that fans have come to like, no pair is more beloved and wanted than the “Aunt Pearl” colorway, which debuted on KD4 in 2012 and is making a comeback greater than a decade later. The colourful makeup is a tribute to Durant’s late aunt Pearl, who died of lung cancer in 2000. Durant talked about how his aunt all the time encouraged him to pursue his dreams. The shoe encompasses a pink upper with a pearl pattern on the tongue, inner and outer heel. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the shoes will likely be donated to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund for cancer research.
Release date: Thursday
Retail: $130
Wild duck hunting
Over the past twenty years, the Oregon Football team has develop into generally known as much for its uniforms as its on-field products. From crazy duck egg uniforms, to yellow highlighter, to a nightmare combination that individuals are still attempting to work out whether it’s black, brown or green, Oregon has proven that it’ll proceed to push the boundaries of what a uniform can seem like. It looks just like the creative chaos will find its way into the Nike Dunk.
Division Street brand Ducks of a Feather has partnered with Nike and GOAT to release the Nike Dunk “What the Duck” for home and away games. Each version draws from Ducks jersey designs from the past twenty years to showcase the evolution of Oregon football.
Release date: Friday
Retail: $275
Golfing on the Eastside
Golf within the east
Golf within the east
Frequent Jordan Brand collaborator Eastside Golf returns with its first collaboration with Nike. Echoing the classic Air Max 1, the “Everyone’s Game” is designed in white with hints of metallic gold on the upper eyelets and gold rivets that function anchors for 3 sets of reversible, removable Nike Swoosh. The six swoosh colours include burgundy and white for Morehouse College, blue and white for Spelman College, a mirror swoosh for self-reflection, a dimpled swoosh inspired by golf balls, a gold swoosh representing the Eastside Golf swingman logo, and a chenille swoosh referencing their signature sweater designs. To further personalize the look, an Eastside Golf logo replaces the Nike logo on the tongue. Unlike most golf shoes, this model forgoes the normal spikes, making it perfect for a fast nine-nine game or looking for your next set of clubs.
Release date: October 7
Retail: $180
Ja Morant is aiming on the sky
Nike
Nike recently announced the second edition of Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant’s signature shoe, the Nike Ja 2. The initial colorway was based on the “Purple Sky” colorway. A daring purple covers the upper paired with a lemon yellow Nike swoosh on the skin of the shoe, while a soft blue covers the inner swoosh. The night sky motif is complemented by a black midsole with white spots symbolizing stars. Look for them to make several appearances on Morant’s feet and in gyms across the country this season.
Release date: October 8
Retail: $120
His Air creates the Heir of Jordan
Mark Jordan
As women’s sports developed and athletes began to accumulate their very own distinctive shoes, it was only a matter of time before the Jordan brand’s flagship model appeared. Enter the Heir of Jordan. The low-cut silhouette is roofed in peach with hints of neon green throughout the shoe. Add a yellow Jumpman logo and a white midsole, and this shoe encompasses a Georgia peach hanging from a tree.
Release date: October 10
Retail: $120
What time? Lady’s Time
Adidas
Milwaukee Bucks protect Damian Lillard’s signature shoes return for his or her ninth edition. Adidas’ Dame 9 encompasses a primarily cream and white upper with purple and forest green liner to make sure a secure fit and luxury. While this colorway matches the Bucks’ uniforms, there isn’t any doubt that it was inspired by, if not created for, the early 2000s jerseys of Ray Allen and Glenn Robinson.
Release date: October 22
Retail: $120
Halloween chapter in Book 1
Nike
While many shoes are equipped for Halloween, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker’s “Halloween” Nike Book 1 “Halloween” signature sneaker gets an additional, unique twist when it debuts. Featuring a black leather and nubuck upper, a stitched skeletal swoosh and hints of orange on the upper eyelet and tongue tie in the total Halloween color scheme. If the stitching and font on the grip look familiar, then Booker’s love of shoes inspired lots of the shoe’s design elements.
Release date: October 30
Retail: $140
Cactus Jack reunites with Jumpman
Nike
Nike
There’s something special about creating several collaborations with a brand, following a certain formula and making each pair feel fresh and different. This happens each time rapper Travis Scott rocks the Jordan 1 Low. All of Scott’s signature refinements are present on the Air Jordan Low x Travis Scott “Reverse Olive” in the shape of a reverse swoosh, Cactus Jack branding on the heel tab and medial side of the shoe. A medium olive upper and white leather overlays create the right color combination.
Release date: September 28
Retail: $150
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