After successful openings this fall, Puccini’s romantic tearjerker and an Italian production inspired by the Cinderella tale are ready to return to the Lyric Opera of Chicago.”La Bohème” is scheduled for a string of performances January 10 – 31, while “Cendrillon” has planned shows for January 11-20.
For “Cendrillon”, famed international performers Siobhan Stagg, Alice Coote, Elizabeth Bishop, Derek Welton, Emily Pogorelc and Kayleigh Decker round out the main cast. Lyric’s music director Sir Andrew Davis and international conductor Francesco Milioto headline the skilled crew who will bring this unique Cinderella tale to life.
Now that DramaFever is gone, the search is on for the best places to find your K-dramas in the coming year. Look no further, because I’ve narrowed down the top places to stream new shows legally.
OnDemandKorea has a great mix of everything! After DramaFever shut down in October, ODK picked up a large selection of their latest and popular K-dramas. ODK also offers several programs in the variety/reality, documentary, sports, religion genres and more. There is literally something for everyone on this Korea Content Platform, LLC. approved streaming site.
Cable shows like Song Joong Ki’s “The Chronicles of Aseudal”, Lee Dong Wook’s “Touch Your Heart”, Park Bo Young’s “Abyss” and Lee Jong Suk and Lee Na Young’s “Love Is A Supplement” may be licensed by a variety of online streaming sites like NetFlix, YouTube, Amazon and VIKI.
Bae Doo Na and Joo Ji Hoon’s “Kingdom”, Kim So Hyun’s “Love Alarm” and Ji Soo’s “Because It’s My First Love” are all NetFlix productions! It’s safe to say these will start streaming exclusively there.
In March 2019, author Jolina Petersheim plans to release her next contemporary fiction novel titled “How The Light Gets In”. Tyndale House Publishers graciously sent BTSCelebs an advance reader copy last month…. so this winter I’m reviewing it!
I haven’t started reading the novel, but it seems “How The Light Gets In” resembles the biblical story of Ruth. The main character’s name is Ruth. She and her mother-in-law search for a new start after tragically losing their husbands.
I’ll try to give you my complete review before the early Spring release date. Stay Tuned!
*A Special Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for the advance reader copy of the book*
BTShas taken the music industry by storm with their unique music and mesmerizing choreography! It’s only a matter of time before they share the spotlight with another talented act from South Korea. The country is full of gifted musicians, and today I plan to place a spotlight on three chart-topping K-Pop artists who could prove to be stiff competition for BTS in the USA.
IU
The 25 year-old singer and actress continues her award-winning streak with numerous projects. IU, who celebrates a 10-year career anniversary this year, is best known for songs like “Nagging”, Good Day” and “Palette”. In October, she released her first alternative R&B single “Bbibbi” just five months after her cable mini-series “My Mister” ended.
Watch the music video for the single that was streamed over 100 million times.
BLACK PINK
After debuting a little over two years ago, BLACK PINK has blown music lovers away by releasing a string of hits like “Whistle”, “As If It’s Your Last”, and”Ddu-Du Ddu-Du”. In addition to selling millions of singles, the girl group set YouTube records by earning 100s of millions of views for multiple videos. BLACK PINK recently signed a deal with Interscope Records & UMG to start promoting their music here in the States.
“As If It’s Your Last” is inching its way to half a billion views!
EXO
Since 2012, EXO enjoyed the title as Asia’s number one boy band! They consistently headlined global tours and music festivals. Despite a few members parting ways with the team, they have stayed strong through their hit singles and record album sales. EXO is best known for songs like “Growl”, “Call Me Baby” and “Ko Ko Bop”. Many K-drama and movie fans are well-acquainted with members D.O., Kai, Chanyeol and more as they solidified their successful acting careers.
Watch a dance video for one of their earlier hits “Growl”.
Keep your eye on these singers as the years go by.
Rachel, Melody and Ana are back in Carla Laureano’s newest Supper Club Novel “Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe”. Readers are quickly getting introduced to the trio of friends through their foodie/romance books. The first book in the series, “The Saturday Night Supper Club, Rachel and Alex’s love story was highlighted.
“Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe” is all about Melody Johansson’s new relationship with handsome young pilot Justin Keller. The baker/pastry chef accidentally meets the him when he gets stranded near her job. Despite their initial attraction to each other, they aren’t ready for yet another unpredictable relationship. The two part ways hoping to never run into each other again. However, nosy friends and an unexpected death in the family have them crossing paths repeatedly. Over time, the pair starts dating, but their polar opposite career aspirations become yet another hurdle.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll love this one! “Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe” is abounding in delicious pastries, loaves of bread and love. This book also illustrates different levels of love through faith, friendship, family and significant others.
“Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe” releases in February 2019.
*A Special Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for the advance reader copy of the book*
The famous show plans to start wowing audiences May 18th under the Big Top!
According to The Silverman Group‘s official press release, VOLTA will run through June 23rd in Soldier Field’s South Lot. The public relations boutique described the grand performance as a “captivating voyage of discovery”. “Energetic, urban and contemporary, VOLTA is a captivating voyage of discovery that showcases never-before-seen under the Big Top acrobatics in a visually striking world. Driven by a stirring melodic score and inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, VOLTA is a story of transformation.”
Amber’s “Gone Rogue” Tour has already sold out shows in Washington D.C., New York and San Francisco! Next month, her very first solo tour plans to make stops all over the USA with one special concert in Toronto, Canada. Click Here to read more on her social media page.
WINNER’s “Everywhere” Tour is ready to kick off 2019 with an impressive list of concerts across the country! Like Amber, they’ll meet everyone in major US cities and Toronto. (See photo above for details).
Tiffany recently released a video teasing her upcoming solo tour “Lips On Lips” in March.
Eight episodes of KBS W’s fantasy series “When Time Stopped” has already aired, however, international viewers (like myself) will play the waiting game to watch the entire series free of charge. The good news is episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on Viki.com, while the remaining ones are scheduled to be shared with the general public as the weeks go by.
By the end of December, Kim Hyun Joong and An Ji Hyun’sentire series should be free for everyone to watchon Viki.com.
“When Time Stopped” is all about a man with supernatural power s meeting a simple lady who seems to be unaffected by his extraordinary ability. The lonely time traveler begins to value his own existence after spending time with her.
Stars Essence Atkins, Robin Givens, Brian White, Kendrick Cross and more are ready to act in Oprah Winfrey Network’s saga “Ambitions”. According to an official press release, “‘Ambitions’ is a multigenerational family saga centered around one woman who, having recently relocated and intent on revitalizing her marriage, finds herself going head to head with some of the most powerful and deceitful players in the city.”
The new Atlanta based show, which also stars Brely Evans and Erica Page, is produced by Will Packer Media alongside Lionsgate and Lionsgate-owned distributor Debmar-Mercury. It boasts an award-winning writing staff and all around famed production team featuring Kevin Arkadie (“New York Undercover” co-creator) and Jamey Giddens (DaytimeConfidential.com co-owner).
“Ambitions” is scheduled to premiere on OWN in 2019, and the “All Eyez on Me” director Benny Boom is in charge of the pilot episode.
A Special Thanks to The Lippin Group for Lionsgate and OWN for the press release. Image Credit: OWN
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