THE BANISTER BUZZ 9/5/13 - DANCING WITH THE STARS SEASON 17 CAST ANNOUNCEMENT

BREAKING NEWS: Pro Anna Trebunskaya is preggers, which explains why she's not participating in the show this season. No word on who the baby daddy is (she split with husband, Jonathan Roberts, earlier this year.)

Yesterday was a big day for DWTS devotees like myself. The names of the 12 celebrities who will be competing on Season 17 were revealed on Good Morning America. Actually, "confirmed" is probably the more appropriate word because thanks to the good folks at TMZ I knew 9 of the 12 celebrities in advance. Spoilers rock! ;) So, what do I think of the latest crop of ballroom dancer wannabes? Overall, I'm pleased. There's a good range of ages and personalities, and there are several contestants who have previous dance experience and/or musicality to help them with this challenge. I'll just go ahead and admit that I prefer watching stars who have some natural aptitude for dance. Imagine a show full of Kate Gosselins and Master Ps . . . SHUDDER

So, let's break this thing down. Here are the 6 brave men and 6 courageous women who will be vying for the mirror ball trophy, starting Sept. 16th, along with my thoughts on their potential and my predictions on where they will place in this Battle of the Sequins! Ladies first . . .

Elizabeth Berkley (Actress, Saved by the Bell/Showgirls), paired with Val Chmerkovskiy - She's tall, which means she'll have great lines, she's relatively young (41), she's fit, and most importantly, she has dance experience (And no, I'm not taking about her stripper pole shenanigans in Showgirls, she was in a dance company when she was a kid and performed in many ballets and musicals.) Val's one of my fave male pros on the show (I think he's the best choreographer next to Derek) and he's on a hot streak since he made the finals the last two seasons. My prediction: FINAL FOUR

Valerie Harper (Actress, The Mary Tyler Moore Show/Rhoda/Valerie), paired with Tristan MacManus - She's a television icon, so there's a huge nostalgia factor with her, plus she started out her career as a Broadway dancer, so she's got that muscle memory and knows how to move. Sadly, she's battling a terminal illness, which has been much discussed in the news the past 8 months. She's doing much better than her doctors expected and she seems to be in great spirits. I admire her tremendously for taking this on and I will be rooting for her to do well. I just worry about the physical and emotional toll this will take on her. She's fortunate to have the very sweet and nurturing Tristan as her partner. My prediction: Middle of the pack  

Christina Milian (Singer/Actress), paired with Mark Ballas - She's young (31), has a fun personality, and should have great musicality since she's a singer. Plus, she's got a sizable fanbase online (over a million followers on Twitter.) Mark's a fairly popular pro and he's good at coming up with edgy/different choreography that I think will suit Christina. My prediction: FINAL FOUR

Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi (Reality TV star), paired with Sasha Farber. A few years ago, I probably would have cringed at the inclusion of Snooki in the cast, but she's rehabbed her image quite a bit lately by becoming a devoted mom, losing weight, and leaving the Jersey Shore behind. She's a firecracker, and I think she'll be really entertaining to watch. I didn't realize that she was a gymnast and cheerleader (so was last year's winner, Kellie Pickler), which I'm sure will hold her in good stead. I think Snooki will surprise a lot of people on this show. My prediction: Middle of the pack

Leah Remini (Actress, King of Queens), paired with Tony Dovolani - She's outspoken and feisty and has been getting quite a bit of press lately over her leaving the Scientology fold and speaking out against them. I think she'll probably be a decent dancer (I read somewhere that she and her husband have taken salsa lessons.) I'm just not sure if the DWTS audience will embrace her. And I'm just not feeling her partnership with Tony. I know it's early days, but I didn't see much spark between them during their GMA bits. The other female competitors are so strong this year; I think Leah might get overshadowed. My prediction: Out early  

FUN FACT: Leah and Elizabeth were on Saved by the Bell together back in 1991.
  

Amber Riley (Actress & Singer/Glee), paired with Derek Hough - She's spent the last few years learning and executing choreography on Glee, so I don't think she'll have any trouble  picking up ballroom dancing. She's got the Gleeks behind her, and that is one hardcore fanbase. Plus, she's got DEREK as a partner and he wins almost every season! No way this girl isn't making it to the end. My prediction: FINAL FOUR 




Corbin Bleu (Actor, Singer, Model & Dancer/High School Musical & One Life to Live), paired with Karina Smirnoff - This guy's a frontrunner if there ever was one. He was in High School Musical, people! And yes, I've seen all three of those movies, don't judge me. Corbin is adorable, he's studied ballet and jazz, and now that he's shaved off his signature 'fro, he looks like a young Ben Vereen. He will be gold on DWTS and he's the best bet the guys have this season. My prediction: FINAL FOUR

FUN FACT: Whenever Karina's been asked who her dream DWTS partner would be, she's always said "John Stamos or Corbin Bleu." So, she's finally getting her wish! 

Brant Daugherty(Actor, Pretty Little Liars/Army Wives), paired with Peta Murgatroyd - I did not have a clue who this guy was when his name was announced, but he is major eye candy and seemed sweet in the GMA interview. So, I look forward to seeing what he can do. Fingers crossed that Peta doesn't oversexualize Brant in their routines (she's done this with other partners who were good-looking and it got icky quick.) Despite the pretty, I'm afraid that Brant's lack of name recognition will do him in. My prediction: Out early

Bill Engvall (Comedian/Actor), paired with Emma Slater - Historically, comedians have not done well on this show, so I don't hold out much hope for this poor guy. The fact that he's paired with a first-time pro (Emma was promoted from the troupe), who doesn't have a fanbase, isn't going to help matters either. And their goofy partner pose? GROAN My prediction: Out early

Keyshawn Johnson (Retired football player), paired with  Sharna Burgess - DWTS loves its football players (3 of them won mirror ball trophies!) I'm not sure how well-known Keyshawn is or what kind of fanbase he might have. I just hope he's light on his feet and has a good work ethic like most of the athletes who've been on the show. His secret weapon will be Sharna who worked a miracle on Andy Dick last season. For the record, I have a total girl crush on Sharna and think her choreo is uh-mazing! If she could take Andy to 7th place, I'm confident she'll go even further with Keyshawn. However, I think he'll be bested by all of the celebs with dance backgrounds in the end. My prediction: Middle of the pack

Bill Nye (TV host, Scientist, Actor), paired with Tyne Stecklein - The Science Guy? Really, Dancing With the Stars? SIGH As a rule, middle-aged white men don't fare well on this show, but a little research told me that Bill is an avid swing dancer. Is he a good swing dancer? Who knows? But hopefully this means he has some rhythm. Still, I don't see him lasting long because his fanbase is mostly kids and they're probably not going to watch this show and power vote for him. Also, I have no idea who his partner is. Apparently, she was in the troupe before being promoted, but all of those troupe blondes blend together in my head.  My prediction: Out early

Jack Osbourne (Television personality), paired with Cheryl Burke - Will Jack do as well as his older sister, Kelly, who made it to the finals and finished in 3rd place back in Season 9? Probably not, but I think he'll do a respectable job. He seems earnest, and Cheryl is a tough taskmaster, so I'm sure she'll pull the very best out of him. Jack was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis last year, so I applaud him for attempting to do something like this. He's got guts. My prediction: Middle of the pack


FUN FACT: A feud erupted between Jack's mom, Sharon Osbourne, and Leah Remini, after the latter was dismissed  from her hosting position on The Talk back in 2011. Leah said on Twitter that the firing was fellow co-host Sharon's fault. Sharon denied it and said Leah should move on. DRAMA! Their paths might just cross at DWTS this season as I'm sure Sharon will be there to support her son. Stay tuned . . .

Who will you be rooting for on DWTS this season? Do you have any early picks for the celeb who will be first out or the one who will take home that tacky trophy? What do you think about ABC eliminating the Tuesday night Results Show? Performances and eliminations on the same night - weird or wonderful? 

P.S. I will, also, be watching clips of Strictly Come Dancing (the British mother show) on You Tube this fall. They just announced their cast of 15, and I didn't know a single person! That's okay. It's always fun to "discover" British celebs, like Harry Judd, the adorable drummer from pop group McFly, when I watch SCD. This season I'm planning to keep a very close eye on this hottie - former rugby player Ben Cohen. 

COVER REVEAL - ZOEY & THE MOMENT OF ZEN BY CAT LAVOIE

COMING IN OCTOBER 2013

When coffee shop owner Zoey Everwood takes her obsession with ex-boyfriend Braden too far, everyone—except Zoey—is convinced a bit of fun in the sun at the Moment of Zen Wellness Resort will help her get over him once and for all. 

But Zoey's relaxing vacation turns out to be anything but peaceful when she meets Shane Lawson, a resort guest who bears a striking resemblance to Braden. And things get even more complicated when the resort's owner starts spilling secrets about Zoey’s aunt Nessa, the woman who raised her. Add a snarky Wellness Coordinator and Nate Holmes—Shane's grumpy friend—to the mix, and you've got the recipe for a perfect tropical storm. 

When Zoey comes back home with a new husband instead of tacky souvenirs, she must convince everyone she hasn't completely lost her mind. As Zoey and Shane struggle to keep the magic alive outside the resort, Zoey discovers that she isn't the only one having trouble letting go of the past. And when Nate drops a bombshell that changes everything, Zoey must decide if the old saying is true—what happens at the Moment of Zen stays at the Moment of Zen. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cat Lavoie lives in Montreal, Canada with her tempestuous cat, Abbie. Her debut novel, Breaking the Rules, was published in August 2012 by Marching Ink. If Cat isn't reading or writing, she's most likely watching too much TV or daydreaming about her next trip to London.

CONNECT WITH CAT:

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THE BANISTER BUZZ 8/29/13 - BRANAGH & FASSY TACKLE MACBETH, ORLANDO MAKES HIS BROADWAY DEBUT & VAMPIRE BILL WOOS A WANNABE NUN

FYI: that high-pitched shriek of delight you heard last week was my reaction to the news that Sir Kenneth Branagh (Shakespeare interpreter extraordinaire - see his incredible  performances in Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet, and Othello) will be making his New York stage debut in Macbeth at the Park Avenue Armory next summer. I cannot possibly overstate how excited I am about this. Seeing Branagh perform live in a Shakespeare play is something that's been on my Bucket List for ages (I even gave a character in my novel, Blame It On the Fame, a backstory of wanting to become an actress after seeing Branagh on stage in Hamlet.) I love Shakespeare's plays and have done so since I first read Macbeth in my sophomore English class. To this day, that play remains my favorite of his tragedies and I can recite the entire "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, Creeps in this petty pace . . ." monologue verbatim. I have no doubt that Sir Kenneth will make a sublime Macbeth and I have my fingers, toes, and eyes crossed that I will be able to get tickets for this show. Pray for me, people! I should, also, mention that the wonderful Alex Kingston (River Song!) will be playing opposite Kenneth in this production. She's an acting powerhouse, so I'm sure that they will make a memorable pair on stage. 

Apparently, Macbeth is hot right now because it was, also, announced last week that there's a new, big-screen version coming our way and wait for it . . . one of my favorite actors, Michael Fassbender, will be playing the lead role! SQUEE Michael is such an amazing talent and he's so charismatic and intense, I have no doubt that he will be mesmerizing as the murderous Scottish king. I'm already predicting an Oscar nomination (It goes without saying that Branagh will be winning a Tony for his Macbeth.) Fassy's Lady Macbeth will be the lovely Marion Cotillard (She's replacing Natalie Portman, which I think is a good thing. Lady M is such a steely and formidable character. I just can't imagine dainty, sweet-voiced Nat pulling that off.) This movie will start shooting in the UK in January, so I'll have to keep an eye out for pix and tidbits from the set. Hope we get to see King Fassy with his ginger beard!

Moving on to another British actor who recently made his Broadway debut in a Shakespeare play . . . the always-dreamy Orlando Bloom hit the boards, along with multi-Tony nominee Condola Rashad (Yes, she's the real-life daughter of Claire Huxtable!) in Romeo & Juliet at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. The show is still in previews, so no reviews yet. But judging by the great chemistry between Condola and Orlando on Good Morning America last week, I'd say that they should have no trouble selling a story of star-crossed love. If I were going to be in NYC this fall, this is definitely the show I'd want to see! R&J is a limited engagement and will end its run on Nov. 24th. Hopefully, this won't be the last time we see Mr. Bloom on The Great White Way.

So, we've talked plays, now let's talk musicals, which I am equally fond of. I've seen The Sound of Music on stage twice, and the film version of the musical is something I watch annually. I had such a crush on Christopher Plummer's Captain Von Trapp when I was a little girl! Must have been the accent. ;) I had no idea that there was a live television version of TSOM in the works until it was announced last week that Stephen Moyer of True Blood fame would be playing Captain Von Trapp opposite Carrie Underwood's Maria. I love this casting! I didn't even know that Stephen could sing, but a little research revealed that he's a graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and apparently he killed it when he played Billy Flynn in the Hollywood Bowl's production of Chicago recently (see proof below.) And, of course, we already know that Carrie has an amazing voice, so this production promises to be a terrific one! I look forward to seeing how these performers interpret the iconic roles of Maria and Von Trapp. NBC will be giving us an early Christmas present by airing the new Sound of Music on NBC on Dec. 5th. The live factor should give the production an extra jolt of excitement. Can't wait!

   

That's it for this week's Banister Buzz. Hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it! Comments make my day, so please leave yours below. Tell me what your favorite Shakespeare play or movie is. Who do you think will make the better Macbeth - Branagh or Fassy? And what old-school musical would you like to see remade and who would you cast in it? Until next time, my friends. Wishing my fellow Americans a safe and fun holiday weekend!

THE BANISTER BUZZ 8/21/13 - A TRIP TO WONDERLAND VIA PAGE & SMALL SCREEN, PLUS SOME ONCE NEWS

Buzzers and Buzzettes, this week I'm taking you down the rabbit hole to one of my favorite fictional locales, a magical, mind-bending place called "Wonderland." I have been a huge fan of All Things Alice ever since discovering Lewis Carroll's brilliant flights of fancy, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, in my elementary school library many moons ago, so imagine my delight when my new Twitter pal, Johnnie-Marie Howard, told me about a new YA series that's a dark, funky, super creative re-envisioning of the Alice story.

I rushed right over to Amazon, read the blurb, and purchased an e-copy of Splintered by A.G. Howard. That's right, people, I didn't even sample the book first. I was so beguiled by the blurb and the gorgeous cover art that I took a leap of faith and I was so glad I did! Splintered grabbed me on the first page and held me in its thrall for the entire weekend. Household chores, friends, family, my own writing - all of it was forgotten so that I could keep reading about Alyssa Gardner, the  skateboarding, blue hair extension-wearing teen whose great-great-great grandmother, Alice Liddell, was the inspiration for Lewis Carroll's books. Alyssa has a lot to deal with - her mother's locked up in an insane asylum, her secret crush, the hottie-next-door, is dating the mean girl who's been picking on her since they were kids, and oh yeah, she can hear the voices of insects and flowers, which probably means she's going crazy. 

How Alyssa and the aforementioned hottie, Jeb, end up in Wonderland and what strange, shocking, perception-skewing things happen to them while they're there I won't share with you because I want you to enjoy the amazing journey this book will take you on. What I will divulge are a few of the reasons why I loved this book so much. 1) Alyssa is a wonderful (ha ha) protagonist, smart, brave, pro-active, and wise beyond her years while still being realistically vulnerable and confused. She's a heroine a reader can root for. 2) The author did an incredible job of taking elements and characters from the original tales and putting her own imaginative, twisted spin on them. Her creativity knows no bounds, and I am in awe of her world-building and storytelling skills. 3) Unlike most of the weak, unbalanced love triangles I've come across in YA books, the three-sided romantic configuration in this book is incredibly compelling and I found myself changing my mind about who Alyssa should be with from chapter to chapter - Jeb, the sexy artist with the troubled past who's always been there for Alyssa, or Morpheus, her seductive, infuriatingly engimatic guide to Wonderland whom Alyssa finds herself drawn to even though she doesn't trust him.   

I'm going to stop gushing about this book now, but I want  everyone to read it and tell me what you think! If you don't normally delve into the YA genre, don't let that scare you off. This book is one that I think readers of all ages will enjoy; the themes of love, loss, sacrifice, and self-discovery are just as relevant to adults as they are to teens. P.S. The second book in this series, Unhinged, will be out on January 7, 2014. The cover art is, once again, stunning. Kudos to Maria T. Middleton. 

Now that you all know what an Alice enthusiast I am, it should come as no surprise to you that the new fall TV show I am most looking forward to is Once Upon a Time in Wonderland. Original Recipe Once is one of my fave shows; it's a fabulous hybrid of fairy tale, fantasy, mystery, and family drama and I think the creators have done a brilliant job with the show. So, I was thrilled to hear that they were going to tackle Wonderland and its inhabitants. The Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts have already appeared on Once, and I loved the show's interpretation of those  characters. But the new Wonderland is going to be focusing on Alice, a young woman in what looks to be Victorian Era London who's languishing in an asylum because no one believes her tales of the fantastical realm she visited and the unusual creatures she encountered there.

While she was in Wonderland, this Alice met and fell in love with a genie named Cyrus (I am already crushing on Peter Gadiot, the actor playing this role, based on the trailer and his interviews from Comic-Con.) and she is devastated over his loss. When the Knave of Hearts shows up and gives Alice hope that her beloved is still alive, she's off on another adventure, which promises to be a blast for viewers. The cast of this show is stellar - in addition to exciting newbies Peter, Sophie Lowe (Alice), and Michael Socha (Knave of Hearts), acting greats John Lithgow (The White Rabbit) and Naveen Andrews (Jafar) will be on hand. I think this show is going to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor and be a big hit. So, be sure to tune in for the premiere on Thursday, October 10th on ABC.     

 

On the subject of Once, there's been some big casting news for the mother show. JoAnna Garcia Swisher is in as everyone's favorite mermaid, Ariel, and Kiwi actress Rose McIver will be playing Tinkerbell. I think both ladies will be perfect in their respective roles, and I can't wait to see what Once has planned for their characters. Might I suggest that the rascally Captain Hook make a love connection with one of them? I was 'shipping Hook and Emma early last season, but now that her baby daddy, Neal/Baelfire, is back, I have zero interest in seeing a love triangle with Emma being torn between bad boy Hook and her first love, Neal. There's just no way Hook can ever win that one and seeing him get dumped on would be no fun at all. Hook is at his best when he's being flirty, so I say, pair him up with the singing fish or the sassy fairy and let's see what happens. I think Hook's best bet would be Tink since she's always been a bit naughty and knows how to devote herself to a man (Rumor has it that Once's Peter Pan will be a malevolent 17 y/o, so that should keep him out of the running for Tink's heart.) Rose  and Colin O'Donoghue look good together, don't they?

  
A special treat for my fellow Hookers - a deleted scene from S2 in which Hook tries to make time with Red: 

 

I'm going to end this fantasy edition of The Banister Buzz by inviting you all to join me for a virtual party at Alice's Tea Cup - hats not optional. Doesn't this place look amazing? The next time I visit New York City, I am so dropping in on this little eatery and having a croque monsieur, along with a pot of Earl Grey Extra Fancy. 

As always, thanks for reading. I heart comments, so let me know if you've read any good YA books lately, what obsessions you've carried over from childhood, who you think would be the perfect mate for that scallywag Captain Hook, or what kind of tea and scones you'd like to be served at our little get-together.