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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2008 > February > 05 > Entry
Sneak peek of TV ‘Raisin’ a hot ticket
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thanks to True Colors Theatre co-founder Kenny Leon, folks in his hometown will get a gander at his acclaimed version of “A Raisin in the Sun” (which had its premiere at Sundance last month) well in advance of its three-hour broadcast premiere on ABC Feb. 25.
On Feb. 11, Leon, who directed the new TV version as well as the 2004 Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of the Lorraine Hansberry classic, will host the red carpet Atlanta premiere of the film at the Woodruff Arts Center.
But unless you’ve already secured tickets, chances are slim you’ll get into the premiere, without braving a stand-by list.
While the event is technically free, donations to the nonprofit True Colors Theatre are being graciously accepted. Explained True Colors communications director Jenny Costantino to Buzz Monday: “Since it’s a broadcast film, we couldn’t and shouldn’t charge for the event. But we leapt at the opportunity to put the work of True Colors out there as a nonprofit.”
Confirmed “Raisin” cast members set to stroll the red carpet include: Audra McDonald, Bill Nunn, David Oyelowo and young actor Justin Martin, who portrays grandson Travis in the telefilm.
Amy Sancetta / AP
At Sundance last month, some of the stars of the production: Sanaa Lathan, Audra McDonald, Phylicia Rashad, John Stamos and Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Part-time Atlantan Sean Combs and Atlanta fave Phylicia Rashad haven’t as yet been confirmed for the premiere here but Costantino assured us that Leon is using every ounce of his considerable charm to persuade the stars to participate (Rashad is currently performing in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” on Broadway and Combs is scheduled to attend the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday).
For his film version, Costantino tells us that the playwright’s estate allowed Leon to flesh out certain aspects of the Younger family saga for the ABC premiere.
At Sundance last month, Rashad and the film itself both received a standing ovation.
“Normally, people who attend Sundance pop in to get the feel of a film and then they pop out to the next screening,” explained Costantino. “But people stayed. We were excited by the reaction. Sundance is a tough crowd!”
For info: www.woodruffcentertickets.org/center.
‘GWTW’ MUSICAL PICKS ITS RHETT
Finally, Scarlett has someone to sing dysfunctional duets with. Former U.K. “Pop Idol” finalist Darius Danesh will join Jill Paice in the cast in Trevor Nunn’s musical production of “Gone With the Wind,” playing the iconic roles of Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara.
The new adaptation of the classic love story with music by Margaret Martin will open at the New London Theatre on April 4.
Danesh is a platinum-selling recording artist, songwriter and actor who rose to fame on the hit British television show that inspired “American Idol.”
In 2006, Danesh played Billy Flynn in the West End run of the musical “Chicago” at the Adelphi Theatre, and in 2007 he starred as Sky Masterson in Michael Grandage’s Olivier Award-winning production of “Guys and Dolls.”
CELEBRITY DOCKET
Sigh. Hick-hop artist/alleged Waffle House beatdown artist Kid Rock’s arraignment in DeKalb County has now been continued until March 3. Last month, the court date was postponed until Monday. As you’ll no doubt recall, Mr. Rock made national headlines after he was arrested here in October following a post-concert, pre-breakfast brawl at a smothered, covered and chunked center on Buford Highway in DeKalb. Rock, his entourage and one less-than-devout fan who is charged with a felony count of second-degree criminal damage to property resulting from a broken window, are all due to appear or be represented by legal counsel next month.
OVERSCENE
Over the weekend, OutKast’s Big Boi celebrated his 33rd birthday party in the basement of Stats downtown with 30 close friends and family, including DJ Speedy. We’re told the rapper-actor played OutKast tunes from his personal iPod while guests sampled spicy buffalo wings with blue cheese celery sticks, diner chips with warm crumbled blue cheese and housemade fries. The drink of choice at the party? Hennessey, natch.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Actor Stuart Damon is 71. Writer-producer Stephen J. Cannell is 67. Actress Charlotte Rampling is 62. Actress Barbara Hershey is 60. Actor-director-comedian Christopher Guest is 60. Actress Laura Linney (“The Truman Show,” “You Can Count On Me”) is 44. Bassist Duff McKagan of Velvet Revolver (and Guns N’ Roses) is 44. Singer Bobby Brown is 39. Country singer Sara Evans (above) is 37.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I don’t like October Road for the same reason I don’t like getting an air conditioner dropped on my head: It’s painful.”
TV Guide columnist Michael Ausiello responding to a reader on Tvguide.com. The critically panned ABC drama shot its initial episodes and exteriors here last year.
Contributing: News services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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