'The Voice' Going Straight to Blind Auditions in Premiere Episode

NBC The Voice is no longer the new kid on an increasingly crowded block of talent competitions. STORY: 'The Voice' Names Christina Milian Season 2's Social Media Correspondent X Factor has name talent. Its judges act as mentors -- it also attracted big guest mentors. And it has solid ratings. So, The Voice is apparently focusing on the aspect of the show it knows no one else has: The blind auditions. At a press junket for Season 2 on Friday, executive producer Mark Burnett announced that the show's Feb. 5 premiere after the Super Bowl will go straight into the blind auditions. He says that's really what fans responded to on Season 1 and it intends to give them more of it. Instead of eight contestants on each of the coaches' (not "judges," Burnett emphasizes) teams, there will be 12 with more weeks of blind audition rounds. STORY: Adam Levine Calls Out 'Evil' Fox News, Bans Music From Channel: What People Are Saying A Warner Bros. spokesperson tells THR an exact episode order by NBC has not been finalized. Also, Christina Aguilera teased that she and her fellow coaches will once again open the season with a "kickass" group performance. She then declined, or was pretty much asked not to, elaborate on the performance. What else is different about the second season? Host Carson Daly is now credited as a producer on the show. His publicist points out that it's not exactly a new role for him. Years ago, he was a producer on MTV's TRL. Christina Aguilera The Voice Carson Daly

Come Fly Away

Twyla Tharps Come Fly Away brings Frank Sinatra songs to life. A Nederlander Presentations and W.A.T. presentation, by special arrangement with the Frank Sinatra family and Frank Sinatra Enterprises, of a musical in one act with concept and book by Twyla Tharp and vocals by Frank Sinatra. Conceived, choreographed and directed by Tharp.With: Matthew Stockwell Dibble, Ashley Blair Fitzgerald, Cody Green, Martin Harvey, Laurie Kanyok, Ramona Kelley, Marielys Molina, John Selya, Ron Todorowski, Christopher Vo, Anthony Burrell, Mallauri Esquibel, Marina Lazzaretto, Meredith Miles, Marceea Moreno, Candy Olsen, Julius Anthony Rubio, Amy Ruggiero, Justin Urso, Tanairi Sade Vazquez, Chehon Wespi-Tschopp, Michael Williams.Twyla Tharp's dance extravaganza set to the Sinatra songbook, "Come Fly Away," doesn't lead us gently by the hand, but wrenches us into an Art Deco ballroom as if by the Chairman of the Board's fiat to "Siddown and enjoy yourself!" And that we do, through 25 of his very greatest standards and the choreographed birth and growth of several romances in the course of one gin-soaked night. Trimmed by more than a half hour from Broadway and minus its intermission, the show is a lively wallow in gorgeous music and equally gorgeous bods. The narrative is considerably less elaborate than that for Tharp's Billy Joel tribute "Movin' Out," and perhaps for that reason, even more compelling. Four couples whom we can readily chart - some sexy, some funny, all varying degrees of cool - meet on the dance floor to flirt, quarrel, separate and reunite to the music of the preeminent romantic troubadour of our century. They also gradually doff more and more of their clothes, unusual behavior in any nitery but a familiar response whenever that troubadour is on the phonograph. The way they wear their hats is very much in keeping with the classic ring-a-ding-ding style. Dashing Cody Green (on opening night; there's cast mix-n-matching at different perfs) and brooding Martin Harvey are the most obvious stand-ins for Ol' Blue Eyes, with respective partners Meredith Miles and Marceea Moreno exuding the kind of smolder you figure Angie Dickinson must have ignited when hanging with the Rat Pack. Interestingly, the most stage time and final bow are allotted to the least Sinatra-esque pair: comical bartender Ron Todorowski and impatient-for-commitment Mallauri Esquibel, audience faves in every leap and pratfall. (Though on second thought, they possess an air of Nathan and Miss Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls," and Todorowski gets some "Come Blow Your Horn" assistance from the dapper Green. So maybe there's more Sinatra there than meets the eye.) Tharp's gift for fusing social dance and classical ballet tropes is in full flower here, paralleled by a neat fusion of original vocals - mostly from the mid-to-late career, strong and husky - with Rob Cookman's live (with some electronic augmentation), 14-strong big band. Not all the dance settings seem apropos. Donald Holder's lighting and the lyrics for "One For My Baby" suggest late-nite weary reverie at odds with its pas de deux's gymnastics, like figure skaters whose dazzling moves don't at all reflect their musical accompaniment. That number killed as part of Tharp's previous, briefer "Nine Sinatra Songs" dance suite, but here it smacks of overkill at a time when we and the couples could use a breather. But when style and number connect, which is most of the time - as in the sizzlingly sexy "That's Life" and "Witchcraft," or the men cutting loose to bring an entire bachelor party to exuberant life in "I'm Gonna Live 'Til I Die" - "Come Fly Away" sweeps you away in a veritable orgy of nostalgia and romance. That's life - or it oughta be.Sets, James Youmans; costumes, Katherine Roth; lighting, Donald Holder; sound, Peter McBoyle; original music supervisors, Sam Lutfiyya; music coordinator Talitha Fehr; music supervisor, additional arrangements and orchestrations, Dave Pierce; music director, Rob Cookman; production stage manager, Tom Bartlett. Opened, reviewed Oct. 25, 2011. Runs through Nov. 6. Running time: 1 HOUR, 10 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Occupy Wall Street: MTV Plans 'True Life' Episode

L.Lanteri MTV's documentary series True Existence has covered a range of subjects, including "Home is really a Brothel," "I'm Prone to Body body fat Camping," "I'll Do Just About Anything for that moneyInch and "I Don't Like My Small Breasts." Now, the show, that has been available since 1998, is coping with the present NY protests with "I'm Trying out Wall Street."our editor recommendsThe Scene at Occupy Wall StreetOccupy Wall Street: Naomi Wolf Arrested (Video)Occupy Wall Street: Protesters Create Print Publication MTV introduced the episode about youthful demonstrators will air on Saturday, November 5 at 6 p.m. ET/PT. MTV embedded its cameras around the two-week period with three youthful people in NY City. PHOTOS: The Scene at Occupy Wall Street The show follows Bryan, one of the leaders in the Occupy Wall Street sanitation team. While outside camping in Zuccotti Park in lower Manhattan, he becomes fearful the town uses sanitation issues becoming an excuse to evict the protesters. Audiences may even meet Kait and Caitlin, two college students worried they're not going to be capable of find jobs after they graduate. The pair tries to recruit their pals to participate the main reason and then try to keep spirits high among the citizens. Since 1998, True Existence has covered greater than 140 subjects, from drug abuse to body issues and sexual subjects. VIDEO: Occupy Wall Street: Alec Baldwin Visits the Protesters The other day, reviews circulated the ad on C-list within the designers of MTV's The Actual Existence was trying to find Occupy Wall Street protestors to participate the cast. Reps from Bunim/Murray confirmed for the Hollywood Reporter the publish was their very own, adding the business frequently targets specific groups in the same manner to discover a diverse cast. The Occupy Wall Street protests began in mid-September in Zuccotti Park. The protesters are actually showing against corporate avarice and corruption. Stars and filmmakers, including Susan Sarandon, Michael Moore, Alec Baldwin and Mark Ruffalo, have came through the protests to share their support. MTV Occupy

Whitechapel

'Whitechapel'Filmed inside the U.K. by Circus. Executive producer, Sally Woodward Gentle producer, Marcus Wilson line producer, Julie Clark director, SJ Clarkson authors, Ben Court, Caroline Ip.DI Ernest Chandler - Rupert Penry-Manley DS Miles - Phil Davis Edward Buchan - Steve Pemberton Dr. Llewellyn - Clarie Rushbrook Commander Anderson - Alex Jennings Jimmy/Johnny Kray - Craig Parkinson DCI Torbin Cazenove - Peter Serafinowicz Electricity McCormack - George Rossi Electricity Kent - Mike Stockman The allure of Jack the Ripper is actually ingrained inside the awareness it's difficult to go to wrong coming back towards the story, from numerous movies to "The Evening Stalker." Plunging into people fog-enshrouded streets comes "Whitechapel," an imaginative U.K. production through which somebody begins replicating the 120-year-old killings in modern-day London, departing a brand new detective ("The 39 Steps'?" Rupert Penry-Manley) designated, just like a friend states, with "fixing the unsolvable." Similar to Ripper tales, the payback isn't similar to the buildup, but whoever dunnit, the initial three several hours provide another fine opportunity to allow 'er rip. Considering the killings comes with an instant way to obtain tension between Penry-Jones' lately turned up, politically connected Det. Inspector Ernest Chandler and also the gruff charges, introduced by world-weary second in command DS Miles (Phil Davis), who button button snaps within the new boss, "All your courses might look wonderful on paper, nonetheless they count free of charge here." Still, Chandler not only identifies the killer's pattern but seeks using a "Ripperologist," Edward Buchan (Steve Pemberton), who makes his living leading brought around Ripper landmarks. Yet can that understanding crack the problem, along with modern enhancements like CTV cameras which makes it harder for your killer to remain hidden? Authors Ben Court and Caroline Ip ("Primeval") have considerable fun improving the familiar elements, debunking areas of Ripper lore while showing new lines and wrinkles -- being an intrusive electronic media further further complicating case study. The dynamic between Penry-Manley and Davis' Neanderthal cops most importantly else approximates the first "Existence on Mars," and Pemberton's historian can be a hoot to own around. Round the lower side, "Whitechapel" utilizes gore and spooky, costly-cut editing in manners that feel a trifle overdone. Furthermore, the limited series doesn't just deal with the Ripper, but segues inside the partner of the six-episode encounter a string of crimes reflecting damage triggered by Britain's well-known sixties-era Kray twins (the subject of the 1990 movie). Beyond that arc being more obscure to Yank audiences, the particular idea of a detective squad frequently facing such copycats strains the suspension of disbelief to near its breaking point. However, the classy of British drama which is short-order approach might be the liberty not to overextend a concept past its expiration date. Seen by doing this, "Whitechapel" might be loved for which it's -- grounds to think about another bloody stroll lower memory lane, while tacking on another film addition for the house that Jack built.Camera, Balazs Bolygo production designer, Martyn John editor, Liana Del Giudice music, Ruth Barrett, Martin Phipps casting, Andy Pryor. 60 MIN. Contact John Lowry at john.lowry@variety.com

Finding Yourself In Illness & Pension News For SAG People

The Screen Stars Guild’s Pension and Health Plansjust informed people who minimum earnings to become qualified for any coverage of health are growing 2% effective The month of the month of january 1, 2012. Out-of-pocket maximums for individuals and people are also growing. SAG informed people within the latest “Take 2 E-e-newsletter” just mailed and also on SAG’s website. Minimum annual earnings needs will rise to $30,750 for Plan 1 also to $15,100 for Plan 2. Out-of-pocket in-network maximums may also be growing by $500 for individuals to $1,750, by $1,000 to $3,500 for families.Round the pension side, the earnings level increaseis faster together with a pension credit will require $20,000 in earnings effective The month of the month of january 1, 2012 instead of 2013.The quantity of being qualified occasions of employment will stay.This not so great will unquestionably impact SAG leadership’s determinationto merge withAFTRA. Reps of both unions meet a couple of days ago in the third number of confabs to hammer out particulars in the merger plan using the goal of showing one last proposal for the national boards within the month of the month of january.. The SAG/AFTRA Group for starters Union will begin conferring Friday and conclude on Tuesday. So farbarely any detailswere revealed after conferences in June and August.

Hulu: Experts Weigh in on Way forward for Company, Boss Jason Kilar

NY - What's next for Hulu since the internet video partnership is finished a four-several weeks sales process?our editor recommendsAnalyst: Google Will be the 'Most Compelling' Buyer of Hulu'Arrested Development' Putting in a bid War Breaks Out Between Hulu, Netflix (Report)The Kamikaze Brain of Jason Kilar Some Wall Street experts on Friday stated the organization could reconsider a preliminary public offering within the next few years, but additionally reported hurdles for this type of move. PHOTOS: 9 Greatest Compensated Entertainment CEOs And requested about the way forward for Boss Jason Kilar, whose previous contract ended the 2009 summer time and who had some conflicts with Hulu's proprietors previously, some stated he ought to be requested to remain. Kilar continues to be with the organization, sources stated. Hulu's proprietors along with a spokesperson didn't discuss future steps past the finish from the auction. "Why wouldn't Jason be restored?," stated BTIG analyst Richard Greenfieldthough. "He's done an incredible job!" "I'd assume he'd be remaining," added Burns Tabak analyst David Joyce. Kilar is "spectacular,Inch stated Ray Haverty, portfolio manager at Gamco Traders, that is a trader in News Corp. "But he could move onto bigger things." PHOTOS: Hollywood Golfers' Handicaps The Wall Street Journalreported Friday the finish from the Hulu auction can lead to talks with Kilar along with other top professionals with small stakes in the organization about purchasing them out. Hulu is possessed by entertainment conglomerates News Corp., Wally Disney and Comcast's NBCUniversal, in addition to private equity finance firm Providence Equity Partners. Kilar were built with a famous public run-in with Hulu's proprietors when he asked traditional television's method of business that applied his corporate bosses the wrong manner. However, many in the pub stated that his relationship with Hulu's proprietors appears to possess been calmer since that time. Still, Hulu's multiple proprietors will probably still mean arguments on strategy, experts say. "It's a difficult possession structure where you will find varied corporate interests with various opinions on ad loads and content windowing availability," stated Joyce. "But we believe Hulu, that was the ninth most-visited movie site in August [based on comScore] with 26.4 million unique site visitors and 166.5 million viewing periods, however the second-greatest when it comes to engagement [minutes per viewer at 192.4 for that month], should survive as money making is growing, however it may need a far more consensus approach toward content availability and advertising." Based on the Wall Street Journal, Providence comes with an approaching choice to sell its small stake in Hulu, which can lead to the organization's exit from the organization. It wasn't obvious though when the other proprietors would turn to collectively cash out its stake or search for other available choices, for example getting in another investor or offering Providence's stake within an IPO. STORY: Hulu Takes Itself From the Auction Block Hulu formerly investigated a potential IPO, which some stated might be priced at $2 billion. Experts stated Hulu's proprietors could see that option again down the road, despite the fact that not every one is convinced it might be advisable. "They'd not [get it done] in the near future if whatsoever," recommended Joyce. "At this time, the IPO market could be challenged." And Susquehanna Financial analyst Vasily Karasyovpointed out: "To complete an IPO you'll need earnings growth." Meanwhile, Wells Fargo analyst Marci Ryvickersaid inside a report Friday the finish from the Hulu auction is an optimistic for shares of satellite television firm Dish Network, that was among the lead bidders. "We don't think an investment community quite understood (or loved) Dish's potential purchase of Hulu, especially considering the fact that the organization already can access such content via its linear Dish Network," she authored. "Since such purchase continues to be drawn, we believe an overhang on Dish stock continues to be alleviated." Related Subjects Hulu Jason Kilar

Furious Bethenny Frankel Denies Claims She Inflated Skinnygirl Payday (Exclusive)

Bravo-lebrity turned mega-reality-entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel is denying reports that she earned an underwhelming $8.1 million in the acquisition of her Skinnygirl cocktail line to Beam Global in March 2011.our editor recommendsBravo Backs Bethenny Frankel's Lost at Sea StoryBethenny Frankel Responds to SkinnyGirl Margarita ControversyBethenny Frankel: How My Tough Childhood Helps Me Today (Video) PHOTOS: Hollywood's Twitter Feuds "It's completely inaccurate," Frankel tells The Hollywood Reporter, the first outlet to report the sale of her juggernaut cocktail companyfor $120 million. "I've never wanted to discuss my net worth, but I've been quite successful. I would never allow my fans to believe something that wasn't true." While Frankel is unable to confirm the final sale price (due to a non-disclosure with the liquor distributor), she stands by THR's previous reports and shoots down a Huffington Post blog report that uncovered the company's quarterly report that listed the acquisition's purchase price as $8.1 million: "Frankly, I'm going to pay a lot more than $8.1 million in taxes. Are you really going to trust some blogger sitting in a dark room on his computer?" Beam Global also denies the report, claiming Huffington Post blogger Rob Shuter misunderstood the company's August 5, 2011 quarterly report. STORY: How Bethenny Frankel Used Her Reality Show to Make $120 Million "Contrary to recent media reports, the information in our second quarter 10-Q referenced as the purchase price relates to accounting goodwill attributed to the brand and not the purchase price for its acquisition," a Beam spokesperson tells THR. Frankel's Skinnygirl cocktails have sold one million cases in nine months, making it the fastest growing spirits brand worldwide. "That would mean I sold the brand for $8 a case. That's actually moronic," the reality star says. "I have other issues in my life, but making money is not one of them." Huffington Post has since issued a correction on their website: "Our reporter misread the $8.1 million figure in the financial documents. As Forbes points out, the number refers to the amount of Skinnygirl attributed to goodwill, not the total purchase price. We regret the error." STORY: Bethenny Frankel Inks 3 Book Fiction Deal With Touchstone Fireside Skinnygirl recently announced two additional ready-to-drink cocktails to its line, including the recently launched Skinnygirl Sangria and Skinnygirl White Cranberry Cosmo. "There are probably about ten additional things coming out with Beam," Frankel says. "I'm not an idiot, I didn't hand over my company without any back end." As for her empire, Frankel says her Skinnygirl cocktail line is just one piece of the pie. The Bravo star's Skinnygirl Face & Body Solutions line will be appearing in 1500 Wal-mart stores across the country and in Canada next month and recently signed a hyper-lucrative book deal with Touchstone Fireside for three additional titles. "The whole thing is a joke. I would never allow my brand to be misrepresented. It was irresponsible journalism and misleading to the average person," Frankel says. "Next week it will probably come out that Skinnygirl cocktails have no alcohol in them." Related Topics Bethenny Frankel Bravo