Entertainment
‘Wicked’ may be set in Oz, but it feels very real in our current world – Andscape
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Twenty minutes into the long-awaited film adaptation that musical theater buffs had been waiting to see, a moviegoer sitting in front of me motioned for me to come back closer. She practically turned her whole body, clearly stunned by the performance of Cynthia Erivo, the Oscar-nominated influencer who brought abolitionist superhero Harriet Tubman to life in 2019 (whether most of you thought she must have done it or not) .
Her words were muffled behind her mask, so she needed to repeat herself twice. She checked out the screen over again, on the already clear masterpiece that sat on the 50-foot screen, taking in the pink and green charm the film had to supply, and this time she pointed at Erivo.
“Is that Jennifer Hudson?”
And so began a two-hour and 42-minute journey into an overtly political journey that we are able to all experience in the film more than likely to be awarded – heavily – this season.
So did it translate masterfully to the silver screen as many had hoped?
That’s true.
But it delivers far more than it guarantees, and what it guarantees is sort of an exorbitant order – the powerful vocals captivate with a twisted version of a time-honored story that leaves everyone who listens to it questioning who’s inherently good and who is definitely evil .
On Broadway when this play was created, it starred theater queens Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda, a privileged witch, blonde, messy-haired, and seemingly blind to the world round her, and Idina Menzel as Elphaba, the raven-haired solid – minus the aspiring sorceress who was rejected by father, rejected (ultimately) by her sister and persecuted by the world round her due to color of her skin – she is green.
As Kermit said, it’s challenging being green.
But in this shot from director Jon M. Chu, we’re gifted with Erivo, and her micro braids and full lips give us a more determined take a look at an outcast who wants to alter the world for the higher. It’s hard to not know that underneath all that green is her black skin, and the pain of what that extra layer of otherness represents makes this version even higher than it must be.
In the film adaptation, which hit theaters on November 22, we see the uncomfortable dynamics of what happens when a jammer enters the chat room, and the way the world round her rejects her ideals – and what she looks like – in response. Especially when he doesn’t need to play the sport.
Especially when she’s mainly not ready for it – are you ready for it? – shut up and dribble.
Sound familiar?
The established order is unacceptable. The world will not be calm. Another community is kidnapped, locked in cages and deprived of their inalienable rights.
We’re still talking about it.
Here’s what’s sensible about this movie: nothing about this approach is recent. This is similar record-breaking production that has captivated Broadway and traveled across the country since 2003, this is similar story of the stage musical that surpassed the $1 billion mark in total Broadway revenues in 2016, putting it in unique long-time Broadway company staple and the just one to point out it. And today? It is the second highest-grossing musical of all time, after Disney.
But Elphaba Erivo might be a sharper representation of otherness – it’s inconceivable not to note it.
And he wants to make use of his emerging power for good. The problem is that the world she lives in – this excellent musical world filled with hopes, manifestations and dreams – only wants her to either be hidden away or – as we learn from the villains – use her powers to oppress others who’re also . other.
In the wake of the 2024 election – which tens of millions thought would result in the coronation of the primary woman president and the primary Black and Asian president – lots of us needed a moment to breathe.
Still yes. This is raw. And it’s early. And the consequences of the national elections are still there and can be there for a while. The headlines are harsh and terrifying. Neo-Nazis openly march in the streets of the Midwest. Anti-Semitic demonstrations before the performance. And unfortunately, there’s quite a lot of anti-black rhetoric.
This is when great art is created and enhanced.
This is when the world we live in is interpreted and transformed for creative consumption.
When art is finished well, when it is really at its best, it is a mirrored image of the times. It’s something that helps mark the story – even when it’s told from a fictional fantasy land that, in a way, is recycled, drawing inspiration from our very real experiences.
is loosely based on the 1995 book, inspired by L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel, which is in fact a movie adaptation of Baum’s book right into a 1939 film that a young Judy Garland helped make.
When Baum’s novel was first published, it was a story a few fantasy world that the creator initially created for youngsters – and later adults – a world that is essentially tortured by a tyrannical witch from whom everyone wants freedom. The story was a hit and was eventually named “America’s greatest and best-loved native fairy tale” by the Library of Congress.
By the time 1939 rolled around, the world had passed three years since athlete Jesse Owens became the primary American to win 4 gold medals in a single Olympic Games. His sporting victory was a direct rejection of Nazi Party leader Adolf Hitler’s belief in Aryan supremacy. Not that they were stopping the inevitable. After Owens’ victory lap, Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, starting World War II.
On American soil, 1939 also saw the discharge of a novel adapted from a Civil War novel that in some ways glorifies slavery.
There is not any Elphaba – there isn’t a anti-hero to root for and who’s willing to risk all the things to uproot the prevailing system. But to the world beyond this film is Hattie McDaniel, who became the primary black person to win an Oscar, and ultimately this film became a significant turning point in the way in which Black Americans were portrayed in cinema.
In , we’re in a position to see a well-known story – one which we all know in and out, one which is so rooted in our human experience that we’re like a family.
We know well. We know the wicked.
And since the world has modified a lot, we have now seen the opposite side of a improbable story that’s rooted in lots of the experiences all of us have.
Because stories with universal truths clearly connect with tens of millions of individuals. As they need to.
Entertainment
Cécred to run in Ulta as the biggest parnerism in the store
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Cécred, a care brand founded by Beyoncé, officially announced the upcoming premiere in Ulta. The edition means the largest partnership in the store to date.
For fans who want to try the singer’s hair line personally, Cécred will start selling its award -winning products in ulta stores throughout the country. According to Businesswire, the largest cosmetics seller in the country will store Collection in over 1,400 locations and online. Beyoncé also divided the news into her Instagram, using her own texts to announce a breakthrough partnership.
The message also appears during the anniversary of Cécred. Since the launch of Marek, she tried to revolutionize and unite care techniques. With Beyoncé’s famous childhood in her mother’s salon, the Cécreda Foundation collection introduced it bestsellers Products such as moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, rice ritual and rose protein and a treatment mask.
Buyers will even have the opportunity to buy popular drops of hair and edge. In addition, Cécred will participate in the first integration of the Ulty salon. Ulty styling facilities, available in all locations, will even promote Cécred products for purchasers by Offering a line during services.
“Last year, we helped so many to establish a deeper connection with their hair, building a community that will redefine what a typical hair care brand looks like,” Beyoncé said, as reported by MSN.
“Our historical partnership with Ulta Beauty is a significant milestone in our journey consisting of transformation in transitions and salons throughout the country so that everyone can experience.”
Exclusive partnership in Ulta will even be equipped with branded elements implemented throughout the store. Thanks to life displays and non -standard devices, the takeover of Cécred will involve fans and avid buyers. Marketing implementation will even emphasize the brand’s patent bottles.
“It will be very visible, at the front and central devices and strengthening of bottles,” also the general director of ulty, Kecia Steelman. “We intend to strengthen it in a way that we have never done before in our showrooms. It will be a total 360 degree approach. “
Cécred has develop into a growing name for salon quality products that provides results for healthier hair of all textures. Thanks to their mission, also raising the spirits of entrepreneurs, Cécred is geared toward expanding its reach by Ulta when he begins the next chapter.
(Tagstranslate) black haircare brands
Entertainment
Serayah and Joey investigates $$ they celebrated V-Day in this SC Seaside Escape
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Thanks to the kindness of Serayah
A few celebrity Serayah and Joey investigates $$ celebrated their Valentine’s Day with an escape in an unexpected place – Folly Beach, Karolina South.
A pair who’ve so much to have a good time, including a baby on the way in which, flew to an exclusive And I maniors beachThree -story coastal sanctuary with Whitaker Group, founded by James Whitner.
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They enjoyed the day of affection and loneliness after the hard -working New York Fashion Week, in which Serayah shared the news that she was pregnant during an epic walking on the catwalk for the Lingerie brand love me.
“It seems so surreal; Every day I am amazed at what my body is capable of – Essence said only before Valentine’s holidays. “I’m very excited that I can start this latest chapter in my life and I am unable to wait for all of the adventures which are related to this.”
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During their stay in Haven, the couple enjoyed a walk on the beach (including putting J+S = on the sand), pair yoga, perfume classes, delicious dining room and amazing views. They made available some paintings from the time to Instagram real estate with the signature “Where Live Lives”.
The three -sleeping, three -way beach center is the subsequent chapter for the Whitaker Group, behind the favored fashion and footwear boutique, and way more. It can be an art gallery full of the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kaws, Hebru Brantley and many other talented creations.
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The spot on the beach can be a physical statement, from a arresting shade, which staines the outer surface among the many joyful beach in the realm, to the proven fact that they welcome people in a spot where black people couldn’t access in the past in the south of Karolina. As Whitner said in a press release about real estate in 2024: “We are involved in creating space in which members of the black and brown community can accept luxury on their own conditions, and the concept A has manière beach is a testimony to this unwavering commitment. “
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“It’s more than a destination; He embodies strengthening and inclusion, “he added. “When choosing Folly Beach, a place with the history of exclusion, we not only rewrite the narrative, but also recover it.”
This is what makes it a perfect place to flee for Joey and Serayah.
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By offering a spot for retreats and events, the beach has a manére is a bit wrapped in a surprising place. The group also has maniére living in DC, a hotel that’s an extension of their streetwear boutique. Other retail locations Maniére are in Atlanta and Houston.
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As for a pair, they have been together since 2023. This shall be Joey’s second child and their first together. “We are both in love with the idea of expanding our family together,” she told us earlier. “It’s a blessing to be able to share these moments and be in harmony about all this.”
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Check out a couple of photos have Manére Beach and their time together. Learn more concerning the hotel jewel a-ma-aniere.com.
Entertainment
Lebron James has another shocking profession with a stadium worker, but this time everything went differently
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NBA Superstar Lebron James never forgets. Regardless of whether this is a key game, a former opponent, or – apparently – a court waitress five years ago, the king’s memory is as sharp as his game.
During the nice and cozy -up before playing in Portland on Thursday, February 20, James noticed a familiar face – Katy Stevens, a court waitress with whom he by chance collided in a viral moment in 2019.
Without hesitation, the 4 -time NBA MVP ran and surprised her with a warm hug, reviving the connection, which for the primary time captured the hearts of fans years ago.
At the initial moment, which took place in December 2019, James by chance collided with Stevens, sending flying drinks. However, as a substitute of going further, he stopped in the course of the sport to assist her, he checked her later, and even briefly went with her arm-rose show of humanity with superstar at the height of his power.
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The 40-year-old still dominates within the league and proved that his memory is as elite as his game.
Despite the years that passed, he recognized Stevens and, like their first meeting, their meeting quickly became popular.
After dropping 40 points, eight rebounds and 4 assists in winning 110-102, he resonated the moment with fans when Hous common It’s with 52.3 million watching on Instagram.
“They have always released her … Union, which, she will call a weapon,” certainly one of the fans joked.
“As many faces as he sees every game, it’s amazing, he remembered her and gave her some love,” wrote another admirer.
Lebron hugged the Portland Arena worker, whom he overturned in 2019 pic.twitter.com/3voxrgneqh
– Sports Center (@SportsCenter) February 21, 2025
Compliments appeared: “Another in Bron”, “Legendine” and “Leremberseving”.
Some comments based on humorous.
“I would never take a shower again,” I read one comment, and another speculated: “And I bet she got a colleague who hated Lol.”
Many saw interaction as another example of James’s incomparable character.
“How it looks when you know you will be successful, but you are still humble,” said one person.
Another added: “He will never understand how people hate this guy, a rare legend on the floor and outside.”
One of the fans simply summed up: “That’s why he is a king.”
The fantastic thing about this congress is honest. NBA players often cross paths with the world staff, but rarely turns into a significant connection that lasts years.
Thinking concerning the original moment, James he said Athletics: “To be able to make someone’s moment. … it’s very, I don’t know, it’s just something that I can’t really explain. I think it’s just really cool. … In a sense, I got lost in words when you hear other people’s thoughts at such a moment. “
He added: “Just humiliated and I tell you as always. I never think that I can be in this position, play the game I play in, and inspire people I can inspire and make such moments. Even if in this case it comes from children or an adult. “
NBA has modified since 2019 – only five players from the present Portland list were even within the league, when James and Stevens met for the primary time, and just one, Anfernee Simons, remains to be with Blazers.
Lebron James, with 21 NBA All-Star selections in his name and associated with Vinc Carter for the player from essentially the most seasons played within the history of the league, stays the premise.
But some things simply exceed basketball, and five years later each James and Stevens show that sometimes essentially the most significant moments in sport don’t occur on the pitch, they occur within the meantime.
(Tagstotransate) Lebron James
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