The Original Manhattanite is a pop culture blog focused on entertainment, television, music, art, fashion and more, written by pop culture enthusiast, freelance writer, and the queen who wears her New York crown proudly and many hats, Chloe Jewel Riccardo her blog has been published and was created on October 21, 2008 in New York City.
Who doesn’t love a good performance
and a great show? These shows are incredible and touch masses of audiences. They
drift you to a fantasyland where you can escape your reality and the
mundane.Growing up I am sure many
of you who loved the circus were surprised to hear the news about Barnum and
Bailey’s circus closing this past year. You would think with a successful show
that lasted generations it would continue on and keep growing the brand and
their legacy too. The Barnum and Bailey Circus, was founded in 1917, by
politician, showman, and businessman, PT (Phineas Taylor) Barnum and Hachaliah
Bailey. The circus was founded in 1871. PT Barnum who started out as a teenager
working as a salesman for the Bailey’s show and eventually grew into a
businessman and partial owner of the PT Barnum and Bailey Circus.
As I mentioned the last show was
performed for the circus this year and came to New York City selling out
Madison Square Garden, the Barclays Center, and gave their last performance.
The show’s budget and costs of having animals travel along with them began to
take a toll on the owners. Also the rising prices of travel and fees started to
take a toll on the staff. You
would think it would continue especially for their younger audiences of
children and young teens who love going to the circus and are animal lovers.
I think for me it stung and tore at
your heartstrings a bit when you hear about anything from your childhood coming
to an end. It brought me back to when I was a little girl and initially fell in
love with entertainment too. Something about it was beautiful and magical to
see the circus.I hope I will have
the same opportunity will be just as fortunate to give my future children the
same experience too.
The millions of viewers who loved
the show you know what a great performance can do for you and to you too. How
it can affect a child’s imagination, their creativity, and their social skills
too. I think any show can entertain you that captivated you much like this show
is something that you just enjoy and you need to divulge into as well. A show
like this probably should be brought back and established too. There is
something magical, majestic, and beautiful about seeing these animals that are
trained for hours actually performing and are able to do these amazing tricks
and performances all in front of a live audience.
This movie takes a snapshot of how
the circus first came to be and was first started by PT Barnum. It’s a time
that takes you back to when it all began and when it first started for the
businessman his vision and what he saw in the future for the circus. How it all
came together and what it took to make it a success. The role of PT Barnum is
played by triple threat, Broadway actor, and film actor, Hugh Jackman (“X Men
Series”, “Les Miserables”, “The Prestige”, “Prisoners”, and “The Fountain”),
Michelle Williams (“Manchester by the sea”, “My week with Marilyn”, “Dawson’s
Creek”,actress, singer,
model,Zendaya (Zapped, KC
Undercover, Shake It Up, Spiderman: Homecoming_ , Zac Efron (Baywatch,
Neighbors, Lucky One, That Awkward Moment, Dirty Grandpa, New Years Eve , and Neighbors2).The film will debut Christmas week on
December 20, 2017. Fans are already excited and getting prepared to watch there
has been a lot of promotion for the film even Bloomingdales are in the on the
action interviewing the cast and stars of the film. This is supposed to be
2017’s “La La Land” the only
difference is this is based on a true story of two men with a common and
beautiful dream and they made it a reality and will be two legends for the
ages. The previews are breathtaking and gorgeous. So escape this Christmas to
PT Barnum and Hachaliah Bailey’s world For more information visit http://www.foxmovies.com/ thegreatestshowman
The cast of "The Greatest Showman"
Zendaya and Zac Efron in one scene from the Greatest Showman
Michelle Williams and Hugh Jackman in scene for "Greatest Showman"
Forty years ago the movie “Saturday
Night Fever” the movie debuted on December 14, 1977. This movie is a phenomenon
that everyone has known about for decades. I love to dance for years since I
was a kid always aspired to be a ballerina or an entertainer. These
movies,were two of my sources
that inspired me to get into music further and really enjoyed entertainment. I
have grown up watching and seeing many movies, television shows, and many live
concerts. These two movies definitely inspired me growing up wanting to learn
more about music, songs, and this period of the 1970s the Disco Era. I remember
I became so entranced with the movie. I remember giving all of my friends in
junior high school the nicknames and characternames of the movie “Grease” that’s how much I loved it too.
One of my cousins introduced me to the movie first I was about 11 going on 12
when she showed me and I was hooked actually.She always knew from our parents I was interested in the
arts, movies, and a creative field.
The first movie “Saturday Night
Fever” is an absolute classic for New Yorkers who love this movie because it
was filmed and shot right here in New York City in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
There was no stage set or production set everything was very authentic to the
city from street names, destination signs, and landmarks were well noted
including the opening shot of the former twin towers.
The movie stars “Blue Eyes” with a
cleft in his chin and charismatic dance moves and the ability to charm every
woman in a nightclub is 19-year-old, Tony Manero who is a paint store clerk who
lives in Brooklyn, New York with his family. He works very hard in the paint store
but he feels a restless when he’s there. He knows there is something more to
just selling paint every day to customers. He would rather be on the dance
floor. He works hard and convinces his boss to even give him a raise.
He goes every weekend with his
friends and he loves to turn up the fire on the dance floor. He has a strong
presence but lacks one thing he doesn’t quite have the perfect dance partner
yet. Many women throw themselves at him. They are all vying for his affections
and attention. He eventually crosses paths with Stephanie on the dance floor
and spots her he realizes he wants her and that she has just that special
quality and dance technique he needs on the dance floor. They eventually begin
competing with each other and also start developing feelings for one another in
the film.
This movie has a soundtrack that is
legendary and one of my favorites. The hit group of 1970s and 80s were “The Bee
Gees” made up of Robin, Barry, andMaurice Gibb. They had phenomenal hit songs from the 1970s you couldn’t
ask for a better time and period of music too. They produced hits and wrote,
“Stayin’ Alive”, “How Deep is your Love”, “Night Fever”, and “More than a
woman”. These are songs that everyone knows and who grew up with during that
time love and admire.I know many
millennials many not be familiar with these songs are timeless and well worth
knowing too. So to the wonderful cast of the film dedicate this post to you and
Happy 40th Anniversary love this movie and if it’s remade or
rewritten I know thry will have to top a classic.
Also in 2018 will be the 40th
anniversary of this classic film, “Grease” on June 16th, next year.
I wanted to include it now because I figured lets keep the Travolta Train going
and honor him and the cast of Grease he along with Olivia Newton-John, Stockard
Channing, Didi, all
were apart of the film and were apart of this classic I can tell you as a kid I
probably watched the movie 1,000 times growing up. I think I even remember
running home just to watch the movie from school. This movie I will definitely
go into depth more as we get closer to the anniversary but I just wanted to add
this one in too. Love the movie and cannot wait to see what the cast and everyone
will have in mind of celebrating this one.
For more information make sure you
watch the film it’s a classic restored and probably on dvd everywhere.
The Bee Gees in the 1970s were at the height of their career when the produced, composed, wrote the soundtrack of "Saturday Night Fever" in 1977.
I will follow up closer to the anniversary date-the movie debuted June 16, 1978 at the height of the disco era but the film was based in the 1950s.
The original cast of Grease
Jeff Conaway, Olivia Newton-John, John Travolta, and Stockard Channing
I wrote this about 5 o'clock in the morning last month and I remember just listening to all of these crazy news stories about what's been happening with these women who have been put through the ringer whether they are celebrities or just every day women it breaks my heart what is happening out there. I am sure many of you well educated smart men know what's going on. I applaud the women who have been coming forward with their stories struggling to share the abuse and mistreatment they feel in the workplace, in their personal lives, or anywhere else. I dedicate this all to you because I wanted you to know we come from the earth we are made of the earth. Diamonds are built under pressure, under tough situations, we are the strongest stone on this earth which is made of carbon. We are diamond women we go through so many situations from the moment we are born to adults that can change our perceptions of life, ourselves, but we must not live in fear, not have our voices not heard, or ignore what is happening around us either. I dedicate this all to you I know what it's like to be in some situations where you feel like your voice is not heard and you are not able to get out there to shine. You need to and do it brilliantly. Speak the truth and believe me justice will prevail, justice and karma will be served to anyone who has ever hurt you verbally, physically, mentally, or emotionally. You will have a chance to have your stories heard. I also dedicate to men as well who have been scared to share their stories as well. Or if you have a relative, friend, co-worker you know someone who has been hurt. I hope you will heal their hearts too. Behavior must be corrected in all environments, we all just want to be respected, appreciated, loved, and valued just like a precious and rare valuable diamond.
Need to speak your minds
Why hide our voices
When we are the species who talks the most
Why are we fearful of not validating the truth
We are nurturers
The caregivers
The truth seekers
The protectors
How can we be protectors to our children, our loved ones
when we haven’t been protected ourselves.
We have been scarred, disappointed, and hurt. We show up to
every occasion able to smile for the cameras and give our best. Yet we hide
behind smiles that are filled with pain and broken.
We pursue, we pray, we talk, we seek healing and find a way
to medicate and meditate the horrible experiences etched in our souls and minds
away.
How do we find all of the strength we are diamond women.
Women of stone the strongest, most valuable, unbreakable stone able to deal
with the pressure of life, whether someone diminishes our joy, takes away our
smiles.
We continue to push through the pressure, push through all
of life’s pain, then we show the world our sparkle and we shine brilliantly and
illuminating with our light.
She’s one half fifth of the quintet Fifth Harmony who were
discovered in 2012 by Simon Cowell on the popular singing competition show “X
Factor”. She’s a pint-sized, girl next door describes herself as a
self-proclaimed introvert. This 20 year old with Latina movie star looks and a
flirtatious, seductive voice. Her name is Camila Cabello (full birth name,
Karla Camila Cabello Estrabao) is the break out star from the group Fifth
Harmony who departed ways in December 2016. Cabelloshocked her fans when she left the group and decided to
depart for a solo career. When she decided to leave and go into a new direction
it was a surprise to the group as well. Who has reached critical acclaim and
become extremely successful with 3 albums under their belt. “Reflection”,
“7/27”, and “Fifth Harmony” just released their third album self-titled album
this year. She knows how to
separate herself when she’s on stage and who she is a young woman too. She’s
the shy girl behind close doors and can rip the stage and become this bombshell
right before our eyes.
I saw her performing at the Billboard Music Awards this past
summer when she broke out with her first single, “Crying in the Club” which
became a hit right away and you knew this young lady has something. She also
teamed up with Shawn Mendes for, “I know what you did last summer”. Showcasing
her vocal abilities and talents but the song that has become a hit that she is
well known for is “Havana” featuring Young Thug has become a hit across the
globe and she has become an even bigger star. Havana has already become a hit peaking since the beginning
of November at number 2.
Her former tour member from "The Neon Lights" tour and songstress, Demi Lovato predicted
she would become a superstar in her own right as well.Camila has already become the spokeswoman
for Guess jeans. Her name is even perfect as a singer and makes perfect sense.
There’s something about an artist you know when someone has something special
and they can captivate you with their music or with who they are as a person.
They have something that can separate them from other artists too.Her new album, “The Hurting, The
Healing, and the Loving” will debut this year in 2017. Would love to see how
this star continues to shine and what else she has to bring to the table.
I love the theme of her video how she was just a simple girl at home watching her
favorite television shows or soap operas but she knew there was something more
of what she wanted too. She
dedicates “Havana” to all of the dreamers , her birthplace of Havana (she also
grew up in Mexico City) and those who want to strive for their goals and
ambitions because just as she did anything is possible when you believe in
yourself, your gift, your talents, and it can take you somewhere unexpected. Visit
http://www.camilacabello.com for
more information upcoming tour dates, concerts, and more.
She has expanded a career of nearly six decades, she has
changed and inspired many people on the planet with her uplifting music.Well let’s just put it this way
before…..Fifth Harmony, before the Spice Girls, before TLC, Destiny’s
Child, Xscape,
Once upon a time there was a group titled, “The Supremes” originally called “The
Primettes” and formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1959. These women are legendary she
formed the group with the late, Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson. Originally a
quartet one girl left the group due to having a baby and the group became a
trio. They were discovered by Barry Gordy after doing hand claps, background
vocals for the artists featured at the Hitsville studio which is the birthplace
of Motown Records.
The biggest girl groups of the 90s and 2000s TLC
Destiny's Child
Fifth Harmony
Xscape they are back and on tour now
Anyone notice this movie was loosely based on a pop diva's life? I am sure you all know Dreamgirls (2006) loosely based on Diana Ross, The Supremes, and their journey with Motown
Something in my spirit told me you have to write this story
and blog about it because something about hearing that Diana Ross the legendary
star, living legend, singer, songwriter, performer, and was one third of the
original girl groups, The Supremes would be the recipient of the 2017 American
Music Awards it touched my heart right away cause I remember someone once
calling me and jokingly saying I was acting like “Diana Ross” one time when I
was younger in high school at Academy of Sacred Heart. I think I was joking
around dancing and singing one day with my choir but now looking back I will
never take that as a critique I take it as a compliment. I remember when I was
about six years old this is back in 1992.
I was attending
my school Holy Name Catholic School in Washington, D.C. and I was to be
performing in a talent show. I was always into little recitals and talent
shows, and I remember seeing three girls on stage and they were getting ready
to hit the stage doing rehearsals. They were singing the Supreme hit, “Stop in the name of Love”. They are
actually one of the most sampled girl groups as well. I just realized if you
listen to the song “If” by Janet Jackson there’s a sample from “Someday we’ll
be together” by the Supremes in the beginning.
They call her the original diva, star, they call her “Ms
Ross the Boss” but it’s quite an incredible title this woman has accomplished
and broke so many records. You have to look at her as a whole person and woman.
She’s been through so much as a child, teenager, and she’s strong as hell.
She’s incredible if it wasn’t for her and these women I don’t think there would
have been any girl groups today.Her impact definitely changed the way pop culture, music, entertainment
would change the way we view women, women in the music industry, and would
change how girl groups and solo artist are viewed today in the 21st
century.
Diana Ross originally born Diane Ernestine Earle Ross on
March 26, 1944 was born in Detroit, Michigan she was the second eldest of her
family along with . She had a lot of luck and fate with her childhood. Diana
when she used to be a neighbor of hit maker, lead singer of the Miracles,
Smokey Robinson. I think that’s pretty amazing because he ended up writing some
of Diana’s biggest hits and of course a dear lifelong friend too. She formed her group in 1959 with the
Supremes and for about 10 years the Supremes dominated the airwaves and television
performing on a variety of television shows from 1959-1970s.The Supremes truly have left a mark for
women they were the original girl group and changed the game entirely.
No matter who you are you know who this woman is and her
impact on music, film, and television history. Diana’s music is definitely
timeless. I was looking at a clip when she was on Oprah Winfrey’s final season
in 2011. They showed a clip of Diana performing at the Oscars with Lionel
Richie in 1982 singing “Endless Love” and it was just incredible that 35 years
later this song is today still being played at weddings and it’s still a
classic. “I am coming out” an anthem for so many different social communities
in society is one that people can often recognize. Her classic music and songs.
Diana continues to evolve with each generation her style, her fashion, her
music, she reinvents herself time and time again. One thing I know is her music
has impacted many generations in my family from the 1960s-Present everyone can
probably personally remember a song that they love and can remember. Or a movie
I remember when I was 12 I auditioned for the Wiz an off broadway version as a
kid I didn’t get it though. I remember studying the movie, learning the words
“Home” which is a song so many girls audition to even to this day. Her voice
definitely gave
Anyone ever heard of the classic (1978) film "The Wiz"
The original members, Diana, Florence, and Mary Wilson
The Supremes Mary Wilson, Diana, and Cindy Songbird (replaced Florence Ballard)
One of my favorites love this movie the costumes and her theme song, "Do you know where your going to?"
`1980s Diana and her 3 oldest children: Rhonda, Tracee, and Chutney
The gangs all here Diana and her family now with her children and grandchildren and their spouses
Love this photo is classic Diana her children and the hitmaker and founder of Motown , Barry Gordy
me chills this was during a time when I was taking vocal
lessons too. I started singing about 7 but I never really started taking it
seriously until I was in my teen years but now I realize that was when my love
for music began. Watching movies like “The Wiz”, “Lady Sings the Blues”: The
Billie Holiday Story, “Double Platinum” with her and Brandy Norwood, or “Mahogany”
these are films that gave every young actress a chance to see herself in that
character. One thing I really love about her was when she was working hard to
be in the business, she designed clothing, she was designing costumes for her
group, and herself. Much like her character Tracy in the film Mahogany. I loved
how relentless she was she has a drive and work ethic that is pretty incredible
and unstoppable.
Ms Ross has impacted so many generations of people including
her own family you see her impact in her five children: Rhonda, Tracee,
Chutney, Ross, and Evan, and her grandchildren. Her story will continue to be
shared for many generations to come who are inspired by this chameleon this
powerful woman who is a force and is not be stopped at all.
I remember my mother telling me the story how she was in
Central Park in 1982 when everyone was out there and Diana was singing “Reach
out and touch” to the crowd with her long dark brown wavy hair blowing in the
wind in a fierce red mesh jumpsuit, and high heels pouring her heart out. That
takes dedication to be in a massive storm and she survived. I am sure God was
carrying her the whole way through. I hope that with her relentless
determination and persistence. Diana will continue to be a major influence in
the entertainment industry, impacting a new generation of fierce unstoppable
divas who want to have their voices heard and to make their mark.
Congratulations cannot wait to see her achievement. All of your fans and those
you have influenced are in awe and we all salute you.
