The Addams Family Musical Flops

Kate Langenburg/A&E Groove

The Addams Family, a tv show that goes way back in cable viewing history, has taken on many forms. Of course, it started as a black and white sitcom of sorts, then was transformed into a movie and a sequel (were there more than two?). But now, it has taken on a whole new face…a musical production on Broadway.

One would think that there would be much for theater artists to create, what with the morbidity and dark humor that oozes from the characters. I would picture a dark set with dark props…overall, very dark. Indeed. But what about the characters?

Critics who have seen it were let down by the new Broadway show.

‘”You’ll laugh a lot, though never during the unmemorable songs, which are supposed to be funny but aren’t,” said The Wall Street Journal. “You’re more than likely to spend a considerable part of the evening wondering how much the set cost.”‘

Ouch. That has to hurt for actors Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth, who play Gomez and Morticia Addams, respectively.

According to ABC News, ‘The New York Times said: “Being in this genuinely ghastly musical … must feel like going to a Halloween party in a strait-jacket or a suit of armor.”‘

Geez, it must be pretty bad to spark such hatred. If you still have the urge to see this musical, be my guest. But make sure you tell us about it. I hear Nathan Lane was the lesser of all evils throughout the entire play. Check out the Addams Family Musical Website for more.

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Pee Wee’s Back!

Kate Langenburg/A&E Groove

Actor Paul Reubens, better known as Pee Wee Herman from Pee Wee’s Playhouse among other Pee Wee movies, has returned to the spot light once again.

It has taken Reubens around twenty years to get himself back to a semi popular role in entertainment. After exposing himself in an adult movie theater in 1991, Americans lost almost all their respect for the goofy kid show star.

Between then and now, he has wandered from movie to movie, taking small roles here and there. Reubens has appeared in movies like Blow, Mystery Men, and even Roald Dahl’s book-gone-movie Matilda.

His old show, Pee Wee’s Playhouse, will now be turned into a newer, more updated stage show. The new show is a recapturing of Pee Wee’s original performances with the Los Angeles comedy troupe, The Groundlings. It will run up until February 7, 2010 at Club Nokia.

According to the Associated Press, Reubens is very happy with his comeback. “It’s been interesting coming back into the spotlight … but it’s been feeling very exciting. I’m totally excited. I don’t even know what to say, heh heh heh,” he said.

Here’s a video of Reubens’ thoughts about his comeback. Enjoy the craziness…

I know many people and critics alike still think he’s funny, and I’d have to agree, but let’s see if he can keep it in his pants this time around.

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Inglourious Basterds Sure to be a Hit

Kate Langenburg/A&E Groove

Every time I see a commercial for Quentin Tarantino’s latest movie, Inglourious Basterds, they make a point of showing the same thing: Brad Pitt and ‘killin’ nazis.’ Well, if that doesn’t spark interest, then I don’t know what does.

Brad Pitt addresses his troops in Inglourious Basterds. Photo from sanfranciscosentinel.com.

The movie will open in theaters this week (August 21 to be exact) and I have a feeling that audiences won’t be let down. The cast of this movie, let alone the director, will draw in large crowds for sure.

Brad Pitt. He’s manly, dirty, and wants to kill nazis. It seems to be his whole reason for living — judging from the trailers I’ve watched.  Nonetheless, whatever this actor does always turns out big. He has the incredible talent to pull this off with ease, as he does in many of his other serious roles. At first, I was a little unsure of how he might fit into this movie, but after seeing a little bit more of the previews, my mind has changed.

Mike Myers. Okay, he’s not really suited for such a serious role, is he? He plays a British general. We’ll just have to wait and see how that one turns out.

And of course, anything directed by Quentin Tarantino really gets people to the movie theaters. He’s got such a way of looking at his movies through a camera that many directors lack. He may act like an inglourious basterd sometimes, but the man has talent.

Watch a behind the scenes video “How to Become a Basterd” and meet the cast.

That should hold you over until Friday.

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