The CCM industry just welcomed Cochren & Co!
Toby Mac‘s Gotee Records recently signed the self-proclaimed Christian music fans and posted an introductory message on social media. The lead singer of Cochren & Co is an Indiana native. He and his wife round out the 5 member band.
Check out Gotee’s intro message below:
All the best to Cochren & Co!
Photo Credit: Robert Kusel
The classic 19th-century Italian opera by Giuseppe Verdi comes to the Lyric Opera of Chicago November 17th and plans to stay for 7 exciting performances!
“Hot-blooded tale of love, jealousy, and retribution” is how the official press release describes this popular live production. The realistic characters in “Il Trovatore” promise to fascinate the audience. The cast includes “bold and courageous Manrico (Russell Thomas), his beloved lady Leonora (Tamara Wilson), the fiery Count di Luna (Artur Ruciński) who covets Leonora, and the wild, obsessed Azucena (Jamie Barton), whose terrible secret is central to the story”.
Director Roy Rallo, conductor Marco Armiliato, Lyric Opera Orchestra and Lyric Opera Chorus (prepared by chorus master Michael Black) are some of the many talent people bringing Sir David McVicar’s coproduction back to life.
The press release also boasts that “Game of Thrones” fans will be drawn to the Italian opera. “Il Trovatore” performances dates are Nov. 17, 21, 25, 30 and Dec. 3, 6, 9 (including matinees Nov. 21, 25, and Dec. 9) at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago.
Click Here to read the complete press release.
A Special Thanks to The Silverman Group and Lyric Opera for the press release.
Singer Jamie Grace just announced the joyous news via social media that she and her sister (Morgan Harper Nichols) are both expecting babies!
Jamie: “My husband and i went to share our baby-on-the-way news with my sister and her husband and they surprised us with some big news of their own!! We would have never expected or planned to be pregnant at the same time but we’re so grateful to be on this journey together 
Some may wonder if it’s too soon for my husband and i to have kids (7 months married 💙) or even too soon to announce it, but what seems like a surprise to some is God’s perfect timing for us and never a surprise to Him ✝️ All four of us, and our crazy-excited extended families, are honored to celebrate these sweet, small lives and thank you in advance for your prayers with us as we celebrate them…”
Congratulations to the ladies and their husbands.
All rights to the image, quote and video belongs to Jamie Grace and family.
The To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before actor recently shared a hopeful message via social media. Noah Centineo hinted that new projects await his fans in the new year, and he’s excited.
Check out his post below:
Photo Credit: The Joffrey Ballet/ Todd Rosenberg
Hailing from The Royal Ballet company, Leticia Stock has earned an impressive resume by dancing in classics like “The Nutcracker”, “Sleeping Beauty”, “Giselle”, as well as, a host of others in picturesque Europe. Accomplished choreographers Wayne McGregor, Christopher Wheeldon, Liam Scarlett, and Twyla Tharp are just some of the big names Leticia has worked with.
Recently, BTSCelebs was given the opportunity to ask the new Joffrey Ballet dancer several questions to learn a little more about this rising talent.
BTSCelebs: Describe yourself in a few sentences.
Leticia Stock: I’m a very easy going person and like to enjoy my time on and off stage. I’m very driven and perfectionist, which sometimes it’s a good thing and sometimes makes everything more difficult.
How did you get interested in ballet?
I started very young watching my sister dance. I just wanted to be like her.
Why did you choose to be a part of The Joffrey Ballet?
I think the Joffrey Ballet has great repertoire and great opportunities to dance amazing roles. Also, Chicago is a great city to live in.
Tell us about one unforgettable experience you’ve had in Chicago since you’ve joined Joffrey.
I’ve just moved two months ago so I’m still making memories and finding out great places in Chicago.
If you had the chance to choreograph one Broadway show, what show would it be? Why would you choose this particular production?
Chicago :). I just love the songs.
Which show from Joffrey’s upcoming season are you looking forward to the most?
Our triple bill “Across the Pond.” I can’t wait to dance another piece by Liam Scarlett.
Many people are excited for the new season. Please give us one word you think best describes The Joffrey Ballet’s 2018-2019 season.
Exciting.
A Special Thanks to Leticia Stock, The Silverman Group and The Joffrey Ballet for the exclusive interview and image.
This week, the “Sacred Games” actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui gave his fans a sneak peek into the project he’s currently working on. He posed alongside a young actor for an exclusive photo and posted the following message via Twitter: “We are bringing a special gift for all the lovable kids & their family… MOTICHOOR CHAKNACHOOR – A Romantic Wedding Comedy.”
Filming is scheduled to be completed early next month, according to news reports.
All the best the cast and crew on the upcoming Bollywood film!
All rights to the quote and image belongs to Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
Photo Credit: JTBC
This is the second article that was pitched for a DramaFever release but didn’t make it to publishing.
JTBC is currently airing The Third Charm, which is about a couple’s realistic relationship over the course of a 12 year period. Seo Kang Joon and Esom’s on-screen chemistry make some viewers anxious for the next episode. To fill that weekly void, I created this list from DramaFever’s former library of rom-com programming.
Check out the list and feel free to search online for your favorites!
Manhole (available on Viki.com)
Time traveling comes in handy for a hopeless romantic who is trying to stop his lifelong crush from marrying someone else. The young guy uses a magical manhole to travel back and forth through time to win his childhood friend’s heart before its too late.
Our Gab Soon (available on Viki.com)
A Common law couple, friendly divorcees and even a married pair in a loveless marriage are all thorns in one struggling young couple’s side. They believe lack of financial stability is the reason they haven’t wed yet. However, the negative influences around them may be making an even bigger impact.
One Percent of Something
Arrange marriages seem undesirable, but for one rich guy it’s the only way to gain his coveted inheritance. His late grandfather requested that he marry an elementary school teacher and live with her for 6 months before he can obtain any part of the family wealth. He didn’t expect to develop real feelings for his wife during their contract marriage.
My Secret Romance
One night stands are never a promise for lasting love, but for a businessman and a veterinarian the impossible happened. After a few years separation, the pair unexpectedly reunite to realize that they have been in love with each other since that one fateful night.
Next month, actor Sung Hoon will also star in the brand new Oksusu rom-com I Picked Up a Celebrity on the Street.
Bonus: Longing Heart (available on Hulu.com)
The Third Charm (The Third Way Of Love) currently airs every Friday and Saturday on JTBC and it’s streaming at OnDemandKorea.com.
All rights to the image belongs to JTBC.
Before the DramaFever shocker, I pitched and began writing this article about actor Song Seung Heon. The 42 year-old actor has been one of my celebrity crushes since I first saw him in “Summer Scent”. I’m always rooting for the star and was completely taken aback by his break up with Disney’s new “Mulan” months ago. While I hope the two reconcile someday, Song has stayed busy with an all new cable TV series. He currently stars as a con man (who is fighting for good) in the crime/action series “The Player”.
While viewers enjoy watching his new series in South Korea and online, let’s take a look at 4 screenshots of him in the classics!
“Autumn In My Heart”
Song played a hopeless romantic who fell in love with the girl he thought was his sister. His character Yun Joon Suh continued to love her into adulthood.
“Summer Scent”
Song Seung Hun transformed into heartbroken Yoo Min Woo for the third installment in the Yoon Suk Ho’s Four Seasons dramas. Min Woo was still grieving the tragic death of his fiancee when he accidentally met the recipient of her heart donation. Similarities to his late lover drew him to the new lady. This series is one of my personal favorites.
“East of Eden”
He played gangster Lee Dong Chul, who joined the underworld to help his family out financially. His world turned upside down when he realized his real brother was switched at birth with the enemy’s son.
“Saimdang: Light’s Diary”
Lee Gyeom came to life when Song took the role! He was a fictional character from history who loved Saimdang his whole life. He was completely devoted to her.
You can catch Song Seung Heon in “The Player” on Viki.com.
Dylan Gutierrez and Victoria Jaiani – Photo Credit: Cheryl Mann
“Swan Lake” was breathtaking!
Victoria Jaiani, Dylan Gutierrez and Fabrice Calmels lead an outstanding ensemble for opening night in the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. In Christopher Wheeldon’s “Swan Lake”, the Principal Dancer’s (Gutierrez) vivid imagination seemed more like reality than fantasy. While he envisioned his dance company’s future performance of “Swan Lake”, the audience was whisked away into the fairytale realm where a Prince meets a bevy of swans with a supernatural secret. The Dancer genuinely fell in love in the pretend world with the lovely swan queen (Jaiani), and that remarkable fantasy began to merge with his reality.
Victoria Jaiani and Dylan Gutierrez – Photo Credit: Cheryl Mann
In real life, the Dancer was drawn to a beautiful ballerina at the evening gala, because she reminded him of the swan queen in his dreams. The Principal Dancer and swan queen were front and center for many of yesterday’s scenes. They were surrounded by a sea of gifted dancers who portrayed swan maidens and fellow dancers in the studio. The Patron (Calmels) was absolutely terrifying as the fantasy realm’s Van Rothbart. He made you believe he was truly evil by his sinister moves and dramatic makeup. He did an amazing job.
Scenes to anticipate in Christopher Wheeldon’s version are the swan maidens’ lively first appearance and the evening gala. The variety of dance styles in the latter slightly remind you of the classic “Nutcracker”. The Russian Dance, Spanish Dance, Czardes and Can-Can gave ballet lovers a good introduction to dance diversity around the world. You can’t help but feel “Winning Works” came early this year.
The Joffrey Ballet – Photo Credit: Cheryl Mann
Valeria Chaykina, Nicole Ciapponi, Lucia Connolly and Chloe Sherman – Photo Credit: Cheryl Mann
“Swan Lake” runs at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL through October 28th.
A Special Thanks to The Silverman Group for the press passes and photos.
Photo Credit: SOLE Productions
The star of “Heavens to Betsy” recently chatted with BTSCelebs about the anticipated sequel to the 2017 inspirational comedy.
Karen Lesiewicz, who is also known for roles in new and soon-to-be released projects like “Path of Egress” and “Come As You Are”, disclosed interesting behind-the-scenes information about who she is, how she relates to Betsy, her film character’s maturity and so much more.
Check out her exclusive “Heavens to Betsy 2” interview below.
BTSCelebs: Who is Karen Lesiewicz?
Karen Lesiewicz: I’m an actor in the Chicago land area. I grew up in Schaumburg and studied Marketing at the University of Notre Dame where I competed in track and cross country. I now reside in Chicago and focus my energy on building my Film and Television career. I enjoy themed parties, leaving sporting events early, and temporarily jumping on the latest heath craze (ask me about the juicer I’ve forgotten about)
In the first movie Betsy’s life completely transforms and makes her reevaluate everything, how has Betsy changed in the second film?
In ‘Heavens to Betsy 2’, Betsy is more confident in herself. In the first film we see her relationship with God is very one-demential; she treats God as if he is Santa Claus. By the end of the movie, Betsy has a deeper understanding of her Faith and role God plays in her life.
In ‘Heavens to Betsy 2’, Betsy moves through life with greater purpose, yet faced with ongoing obstacles that come with speaking your truth. She is better equipped in the second movie to deal with these challenges and finds peace in staying true to herself and speaking God’s Will.
Are there any life experiences that Betsy goes through in the new film that mirror your own life?
Photo Courtesy of Karen Lesiewicz
In the second movie Betsy begins her career as a professional writer. Some of the challenges she faces as a professional businesswoman I can relate to in beginning my own acting career. Both journeys require courage to lead an unconventional life and faith in yourself to prevail against challenges.
Was there a moment when you were starstruck by your fellow cast and crew on set?
Karen, writer/director Robert Alaniz and actor Jim O’Heir (Parks & Recreation) – Photo Courtesy of Robert Alaniz
Working with such a diverse and talented cast and crew, I was impressed and inspired each day by different people. I felt so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Jim O’Heir again, who always leaves you feeling the perfect combination of both starstruck and like an old-time friend. Francine Locke, who plays Christian talk show host Clarice Staples, was an amazing addition to the talented cast whom I was lucky enough to work with and learn from.
I’m from the Chicago area, so I was thrilled to find out Heavens To Betsy was filmed in the Chicagoland area. Tell us about your favorite filming location for the movie?
So many people were generous enough to let us reuse locations for the second film. One of my favorite places we shot at was Gatto’s Italian Restaurant… we filmed there three days and the staff couldn’t have been more accommodating and generous!
What message do you hope resonates with movie goers after they see the film?
I hope movie goers feel the confidence to stay true to themselves and resist the pressure to follow and comply with popular opinion.
“Heavens to Betsy 2” is scheduled to be released in early 2019.
A Special Thanks to Karen Lesiewicz and Sole Productions for the exclusive interview and image.
BTSCELEBS 