For King and Country’s Joel Smallbone Celebrates a Milestone with Wife, Moriah Peters

Joel Smallbone tweets: “Don’t mind me, just on my way to become an American citizen! 🇺🇸😀”

All rights to the image and quotes belongs to for KING & COUNTRY.

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BTSCelebs to Review Becky Wade’s “True To You”

This week, BTSCelebs received Becky Wade’s latest release in the mail. I’m still new to Ms. Wade’s work, but I’m already on chapter 2 of “True to You”. So far so good. I look forward to learning more about the librarian and former military man’s love story. When I first saw this elegant book, I thought it was a historical novel, but I was pleasantly surprised that it is actually a modern tale.

Stay tuned for the complete review in the coming months.

*BTSCelebs thanks Bethany House for the complimentary copy of the book.*

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[Interview] Actor Jonathan Nieves: “The River Bride’s Story Is So Rich”

Welcome to part 2 of BTSCelebs’ interview with the actors from “The River Bride”! It’s time to meet Jonathan Nieves.

BTSCelebs: Who is Jonathan Nieves?

Jonathan Nieves: I would describe myself as charismatic, passionate, jokester and hard worker.

How did you get your start in acting?

When the bug bit me, I was maybe 10 years old in my church’s Christmas production. I played Gabriel the Angel who tells Mary that Baby Jesus is in her belly. I just remember wanting everyone to laugh and when they did, it felt amazing! 

Why did you choose to be a part of “The River Bride”?

I chose to be a part of ‘The River Bride’ because the story is so rich! It’s got love, magic, heartbreak and ambition. It’s just a really great story that I’m proud to be a part of. 

What similarities do you share with your character Duarte? How do you differ?

We definitely differ in our way of expression. Duarte is less familiar with expressing his emotions, has a tougher exterior, and it takes a lot to earn his trust. I tend to be more open, trusting, and way more welcoming than Duarte. However, we have a lot in common in terms of how we both are heavily guided by our family, tradition, and morals. Especially when choosing those characteristics over love. But you’ll have to watch the show to find out how Duarte deals with that. 

You are the co-founder of Visión Latino Theatre Company. Very impressive! Tell us more about you organization.

Visión Latino Theatre Company’s visión is to  break down racial boundaries and to open the minds of audiences to latino struggles and perseverance through theatre. I’m very excited to have started this company with Xavier and Yajaira Custodio and bring even more Latinex theatre to the Chicago Community. 

Are there any projects we should anticipate from Visión Latino Theatre Company in the near future? Any upcoming projects for the 2017-2018 season?

Yes, we will be having a fundraiser and a reading coming up this fall along with the announcement of our 2017/18 season. People can sign up for more info at www.visionlatino.com 

Catch Jonathan Nieves’s performance in “The River Bride” at the Halycon Theatre in Chicago from May 11th thru June 18th, 2017.

*A Special Thanks to The Silverman Group for the Interview and Image*

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Singer David Dunn Is Getting Married

BEC Recordings artist David Dunn is ready to tie the knot.

Over the weekend, the “Crystal Clear” singer proposed to his girlfriend and she said “yes”! He shared the sweet proposal video via Instagram so fans could rejoice with him.

Check out his joyful post below:

Congratulations to the happy couple!

All rights to the image and quote belongs to David Dunn.

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Book Review: Julianna Deering’s “Murder On The Moor”

There are no words to express how I feel after reading Julianna Deering‘s latest mystery “Murder On The Moor”. It literally leaves you speechless.

Only two seemingly unrelated murders guide Drew Farthering , his buddy Nick and Drew’s wife Madeline throughout most of the book (which is about Drew’s friend Beaky and his wife Sabrina being terrified by the crimes plaguing their quiet neighborhood.) The dim setting (Bloodworth Park Lodge on the moor) didn’t help our unofficial detectives in the least! From the milkman to the gamekeeper, everyone seems like a suspect including an innocent blind girl. Of course, it’s a case of mistaken identity that hinders our detectives and police from finding out the deviant culprit until the very end.

This book is for readers with alot of free time and fans of guessing game mysteries. If you want plenty of opportunities to solve the case on your own, this book is perfect for you!

*BTSCelebs thanks Bethany House for the complimentary copy of the book.*

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[Interview] Actor Nate Santana: [The River Bride] Is A Cross Of ‘The Little Mermaid’, ‘The Notebook’ and ‘Anaconda’

On May 11th, “The River Bride” opens in the Halycon Theatre. BTSCelebs was recently given the golden opportunity to interview the leading men from the local production. The handsome actors Nate Santana and Jonathan Nieves portray Moises and Duarte in Marisela Treviño Orta’s play. Today, the spotlight will be placed on Mr. Santana.

Let’s learn a little more about him right now:

BTSCelebs: Who is Nate Santana?

Nate Santana: I like my privacy and tend to be a little more shy around new people and it can take me a little while to open up. Once I do, I’m definitely a close talker with little regard for personal space.

How did you get your start in acting?

My first play was in eighth grade and it was a musical called ‘You Ain’t Nothing but a Werewolf’. It was sort of a b-movie/sci-fi/1950’s style musical. Who knew there was such a thing???

Why did you choose to be a part of “The River Bride”?

I really like this play! I love the language and the story and characters. Rinska, our director, has a great eye for storytelling and all those things combined made it an easy choice. 

What similarities do you share with your character Moises? How do you differ?

I think Moises is definitely more bold and direct than I choose to be. However, I’d like to think we share some of the same idealistic qualities about love and fate and things happening for a reason.

Name one Hollywood movie you feel mirrors “The River Bride”.

For me, I think it’s a cross of ‘The Little Mermaid’, ‘The Notebook’, and ‘Anaconda’. 

You are a part of the Teatro Vista. So intriguing! Tell us more about Chicago’s Equity Latino theater company and your role with them.

I am! And I am so honored and proud to be a part of the TV familia! When I moved to Chicago, they were the first group of actors I saw in play and it feels a little surreal to have come full circle. For me, Teatro Vista brings so many unique stories to the stage that don’t get told anywhere else in the city. It’s truly a family of artists who are invested in each other and the company. I was just welcomed into the company so for my first year, I’m really looking to listen, learn, and grow as I devote my time to the overall success of the group. 

 Any upcoming projects for the 2017-2018 season?

For July/August 2017, I’ll be playing Romeo in Chicago Shakespeare’s summer parks tour of ‘Romeo and Juliet’.

Catch Nate Santana’s performance in “The River Bride” at the Halycon Theatre in Chicago thru June 18th, 2017.

*A Special Thanks to The Silverman Group for the Interview and Image*

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Ryan Seacrest Overjoyed With New “Live!” Gig

All rights to the image belongs to Disney/ABC and Ryan Seacrest

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The Joffrey Ballet’s “Global Visionaries” – April 26th, 2017

Photo Credit: Cheryl Mann

Global Visionaries is unlike anything you have ever seen before!
From comedy to serious artistic expression, Joffrey‘s Global Visionaries has it all. I have to give another standing ovation to all the hard-working dancers and choreographers who put together such an amazing show. Your labor of love does not go unnoticed.

The Chicago Premiere of The Miraculous Mandarin by San Francisco Ballet Resident choreographer Yuri Possokhov was a spellbinding journey from beginning to end. Their dance resembled elegant musical notes to accompany the beautiful sound of the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra. It quickly transformed into a story illustrating crime, murder and the power of love. There isn’t a dull moment in the The Miraculous Mandarin.

I think this piece is more appropriate for adults because of the subject matter and some of the choreography.

Photo Credit: Cheryl Mann

Photo Credit: Cheryl Mann

Joy was the highlight of the night.

Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman held its grand world premiere yesterday. The audience was elated by the comedy, hiplet inspired choreography and the dancers’ dialogue with us. I was a big fan of our talented dancers verbally communicating with us. I hope they continue to do so in the future. The dancing was on point and the ad-libbing was very entertaining. Alexander Ekman also incorporated trendy music into his piece like Grammy-nominated Brad Mehldau Trio’s blues version of Buddy Johnson’s Since “I Fell for You”; Django Django’s retro single “First Light”, Tiga’s pop song “Shoes” and Moby’s “LA5”.

The one draw back of Joy was the attire. I would have love to see flowing dresses, more colorful suits and a variety of onesies. A fabulous wardrobe would have enhanced it even more.

Photo Credit: Cheryl Mann

Mammatus by choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa made its grand return after premiering at the Joffrey in September of 2015.  The entire piece was like walking into the Art Institute. The dancers’ animal like movements resembled moving sculptures in a refined museum. The special effects in the end made the whole experience seem surreal.

The Joffrey Ballet‘s Global Visionaries runs thru May 7 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL.

* A Special Thanks to The Silverman Group for allowing BTSCelebs to review the ballet*

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A&A Ballet Debuts “Cinderella” in May

The Midwest will be delighted this year by the wonderful dance interpretation of the beloved classic “Cinderella”.  A&A Ballet founders Alexei Kremnev and Anna Reznik are bringing the story to life once again to jump start our summer. Chicago and Naperville are ready to embrace the magic that only these two talented artists can bring.

Click Here to relive BTSCelebs’ interview with “Cinderella” Kennedy Brown.

*A Special Thanks to A&A Ballet for the image and info.*

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Park Shin Hye Shares Cute Pet Goodies During Her Vacation

Park Shin Hye is destressing with her furry friend.

During her recent vacation, the young South Korean star not only took part in a magazine’s photoshoot in the Maldives… she spent some time with her beloved cat Haeri. Whether she brought her favorite feline on her overseas trip or not, she definitely enjoyed quality downtime with Haeri.

Click Here and Here to see her adorable kitty videos.

Park Shin Hye’s upcoming film Silence, which co-stars Choi Min Sik and Ryu Joon Yul, is scheduled to hit theaters later this year.

All rights to the images belongs to Park Shin Hye.

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