Grey’s Anatomy is getting a ‘reignition’ according to one of its longtime cast members
There’s not many shows who have lasted as long as Grey’s Anatomy. The series, which has been on air since 2005, is about to see a “reignition,” according to Kevin McKidd, who plays Dr. Owen Hunt in the long-running series, leaving some fans wondering just how long they plan to go.
The Scottish actor told PEOPLE that the medical drama’s upcoming season will be one that brings the show back to its roots. McKidd, who walked the red carpet Saturday at the 2nd Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards in Beverly Hills, is excited about what that means for his character and the new castmates coming on this season. “We have this amazing group of new interns, brilliant, young, vibrant actors who are really passionate,” he said. “So it’s making room for that. It’s almost like we’re going back to the beginning, if that makes sense. It’s very exciting to feel that we’re all part of that.”
McKidd was insistent that this new chapter isn’t a reboot, but pays homage to how the show became so popular with fans. “We’re not really rebooting, but it’s definitely that pilot episode when Sandra Oh and T.R. Knight first kind of walked into the hospital,” he added. “We’re kind of doing that again. And it’s very exciting to feel that we’re all part of that.”
The show, now in its 19th (yes, that’s 1-9) season, is getting mixed emotions from viewers, who are firmly sitting in one of two camps:
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For his part, McKidd, who has been on the show since Season 5, thinks his character still has a lot of unfinished business. “I think he still has quite a bit of fallout to deal with,” he said of his decision to help a patient die by euthanasia in Season 18. “He did a noble thing last year, but he bent the rules too much and he has to pay the price. He’s already paid a significant price, but it’s going to be interesting to see how that plays out because he isn’t out of hot water yet. He has to dig himself out.”
Season 19 of Grey’s Anatomy will premiere Oct. 6 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC. Will you be watching?
Sometimes tuning in to a favorite TV show is just what your littles (and you!) need to take a time out. But when a cartoon or TV show becomes a favorite beyond the screen, it may be time to soak in one of these immersive TV experiences. There are theatre productions all over town, plus a rad hotel where all your favorite Cartoon Network stars spend the night. They’re all within road trip distance and we know your kid crew is going to love them!
The SpongeBob Musical
photo: Toby's Dinner Theater
Adapted from the iconic Nickelodeon series and nominated for 12 Tony Awards, parents will enjoy the original music by the likes of Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, and Sara Bareilles. Kids will love seeing Sponge Bob, Patrick and Squidward work to save Bikini Bottom.
When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! This brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy Award-winning children’s television series features an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and music by Bluey composer Joff Bush. This is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before—brought to real life!
Walt Disney's Academy Award-winning film comes to life in a one-of-a-kind concert event, featuring the entire feature-length film and an on-stage band celebrating all the record-breaking hit songs from the beloved soundtrack. Families will love singing along to their favorite songs from the musical. For die-hard Encanto fans, consider a gold VIP pass which includes a photo opportunity on the Encanto-themed red carpet as well as taking a picture in the Encanto photo booth to commemorate your fun night! You can find our full review and insider tips in this story.
For a truly immersive cartoon experience, visit the Cartoon Network Hotel. Conveniently located next to Dutch Wonderland, families with littles will especially enjoy this resort, where characters from Cartoon Network favorites decorate the walls, bed linens, and make live appearances in the lobby! From guest rooms featuring bunk beds to the omnicade, coloring station, splash pad and pools, this hotel has everything a family needs to have a blast. Guests will also love the outdoor movie screen, featuring, of course, Cartoon Network favorites.
Through immersive experiences, visitors can work together to solve problems, use their imaginations to transform their surroundings, and play along with Daniel’s singable strategies to learn life’s little lessons. Meet Daniel and all of his friends at the Neighborhood School. While in Pittsburgh, be sure to visit the Mister Roger's Neighborhood exhibit at the Heinz History Center, featuring King Friday’s Castle and the Great Oak Tree, the residence of Henrietta Pussycat and X The Owl. Conclude your Daniel Tiger Trip with a visit to Idlewild and SoakZone, an amusement park with a Daniel Tiger-themed ride, live show, and meet and greet events.
10 Children’s Way Allegheny Square Pittsburgh, PA Online: pittsburghkids.org
Day Out With Thomas
photo: Strasburg Railroad
Time for a visit to the Island of Sodor! As Thomas the Tank Engine rolls into the station, be sure to listen as he greets all the little engineers who come to visit him. Thomas the Train aficionados will adore their ride aboard a full-sized operating steam locomotive. After a 45-minute ride on the famous train, kids will want to stick around to sing and dance along to your favorite Thomas & Friends hits with live singers and dancers on the Town Square Stage. Sir Topham Hatt will also make special appearances, so train-loving tykes can meet their favorite station manager.
Have an Elmo or Addy Cadabby super-fan in your troop? Then Sesame Place, just 30 minutes north of Philadelphia, is ready to welcome you. Your little Cookie Monster can meet Snuffy, Oscar, Elmo, and Bert and Ernie in their own live shows, or hop on one of the Sesame Street-themed rides! Don’t miss the Sesame Street Party Parade, where kids can see all their favorite friends from Sesame Street.
Hayden Panettiere is opening up about the heartbreaking struggles that derailed her career and her life. The 32-year-old actress revealed to People magazine that she spent years in the throes of an opioid and alcohol addiction, then spiraled into postpartum depression after the birth of her 7-year-old daughter, Kaya, in 2014.
The Nashville star said her introduction to drugs came at just 15 years old, when a member of her team gave her “happy pills” to give her energy before a red carpet appearance. “I had no idea that this was not an appropriate thing, or what door that would open for me when it came to my addiction.” She said as she got older, drugs and drinking came to feel like an indispensable part of her life.
Panettiere said she was able to stay drug-free during her pregnancy, but after giving birth and experiencing postpartum depression, things got even worse. “I never had the feeling that I wanted to harm my child, but I didn’t want to spend any time with her,” the actress explained. Things got so bad that she eventually made the heartbreaking choice to hand custody of her daughter to her ex-fiance, Vladimir Klitschko, in 2018. He raised their daughter in Ukraine until the war broke out there earlier this year.
“It was the hardest thing I ever had to do,” Panettiere said of that gut-wrenching decision. “But I wanted to be a good mom to her, and sometimes that means letting them go.”
The actress’s situation rapidly worsened over the next few years. She landed in an on-again, off-again abusive relationship and drank and used drugs so heavily that doctors said her liver might fail and put her life in jeopardy. With the help of rehab and lots of therapy, however, Panettiere has been able to turn things around.
As she’s recovered and gotten herself healthy, Panettiere said her mother-daughter relationship with Kaya has been able to flourish. “I was just with her. She’s just an amazing child. She’s smart and she’s funny and for whatever reason, she still loves me.”
Panettiere is now ready for a comeback. She’s currently filming the next installment in the Scream franchise, reprising her role as Kirby Reed. It’s a job she reached out to the film’s producers on her own to land.
She told the magazine she is optimistic about her future, despite everything she’s been through. “I don’t regret even the ugliest things that have happened to me. I feel incredibly accomplished. And I feel like I have a second chance.”
Summer is officially in full swing and that means July 4th is just around the corner. We’ve got your guide to the most boom-tactic 4th of July events taking place in a LA neighborhood near you. From a small-town parade on the Westside to a music-fueled night at the Hollywood Bowl, here are all places to celebrate July 4th in Los Angeles with kids. And for those that won’t make it to the fireworks and just want to partake in the best foods LA has to offer (because let’s face it, July 4th is a great excuse to eat), check out our guides to the best hot dogs, best pizza spots and even our favorite global restaurants to take the kids this holiday weekend.
photo: iStock
Universal Studios
Independence Day at Universal Studios Hollywood: The park will be celebrating the 4 of July by extending its Independence Day festivities throughout the weekend from Sat., July 2 – Mon., July 4, inclusive of dazzling nightly fireworks displays, live music performances, specially themed décor and more, all included in the price of admission to the theme park. From the moment guests walk along the iconic red carpet and enter the theme park, they will be immersed in July 4 festivities from themed décor to the sounds of a fife and drum band. Then, beginning nightly at 9:00 p.m., an elaborate fireworks display will splash across the sky, synchronized to a score of Universal-themed music and patriotic favorites from two locations inside of the theme park. Event details.
Pacific Palisades
Pacific Palisades Parade & Fireworks: Los Angeles may be a big city, but this 4th of July parade has a small-town feel with marching bands, equestrian groups, drill teams and more. Post-parade, head to Palisades Charter High’s Stadium by the Sea for family-friendly live music, kids activities and food trucks, followed by—you guessed it—fireworks. You can also participate in the Patriotic Home Decorating, Patriotic Pups, and Kids on Bikes Contests. Event details.
DTLA
Grand Park 4th of July Block Party:Grand Park & The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party returns in-person with a spectacular celebration packed with fun for the whole family. This year’s party will feature a series of interactive multi-media art works in tribute to those who have contributed to the spirit of the Grand Park experience as the Park for Everyone, and will showcase a dynamic respective of the last 10 years. Join us for a night that will include food, music, the return of two stages featuring DJs as well as musical performances, dancing, as well as other surprises and dazzling fireworks over The Music Center Plaza. Event details.
Marina del Rey
Marina del Rey Fireworks: One of the best places to see July 4th fireworks is none other than in Marina del Rey. Enjoy dinner at waterfront restaurants in Marina del Rey with the best firework views or charter a yacht for the ultimate close-up! Or head to Burton Chace Park or Fisherman’s Village for a family-friendly party atmosphere including synchronized music played over loudspeakers. The fireworks start at 9 p.m. and last 20 minutes. This is a popular event, with visitors traveling to the area from throughout the Southland. Plan to arrive as early as 1 p.m. and stay in the Marina until the evening's festivities. Event details.
PS: City Cruises will offer special July 4 cruises. Reserve ASAP at City Cruises.
Huntington Beach
Visit California
Annual 4th of July Fireworks Over The Ocean:Launched in 1904, the first Huntington Beach 4th of July celebration commemorated the arrival of the first electric passenger train linking the area with Long Beach and Los Angeles, attracting 50,000 people to the celebration. 118 years later, the annual tradition annually attracts more than 500,000 attendees over 4 days of programming and is the largest 4th of July celebration west of the Mississippi. Join us from Jun. 30-July 4, 2022 as we celebrate our Huntington BeachHometown Tradition! The celebration culminates with the annual 4th of July Fireworks Over The Ocean, presented by Mr. Robert Mayer and family. Event details.
Woodland Hills
Councilman Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza: With one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in Southern California, the July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza delights over 60,000 people with a free concert and 15-minute spectacular fireworks display. There are over 15 local restaurants on hand along with arts and crafts vendors and local businesses promoting and selling their goods. The event takes place on July 4th of each year from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Come early! Parking fees are a donation to Valley Cultural Foundation and allow us to continue our longstanding tradition of bringing music and the arts to our West Valley. Event details.
The 96th Annual Americafest:The Rose Bowl Stadium, recognized as home to one of the nation’s largest and longest running shows to celebrate America’s birthday, will host its 96th Annual AmericaFest Celebration on Mon., July 4th. It is a great privilege to provide an event that will bring family and friends alike to celebrate in-person and enjoy in the patriotic festivities of the day in the Arroyo. Event details.
July 4th Fireworks with Steve Martin & Martin Short at the Hollywood Bowl: Fireworks crown the Hollywood sky on three huge nights at the Bowl, when Thomas Wilkins and the Los Angeles Philharmonic perform a program of favorites—along with two of the funniest, most influential, and most acclaimed talents of the past century: Steve Martin and Martin Short. Join us for one of LA’s greatest July Fourth traditions. Event details.
Calabasas
Calabasas Splash Party & Fireworks Spectacular: The City will once again host its popular Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular at Calabasas High School. Tickets for this exciting event are limited and are likely to sell out quickly. They must be purchased in advance of July 4 and there is free parking on-site. The gates open to public at 4 p.m. and the musically choreographed fireworks spectacular starts at 9 p.m with fun, family-friendly events taking place in-between. Event details.
Celebrate Independence on the Back Bay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort (one of our favorite places to water play) with live music, watersports, food trucks, and an incredible fireworks show sponsored by the City of Newport Beach at one of the region’s top viewing locations.
Hours: 8 a.m.–10 p.m. 1131 Back Bay Dr. Newport Beach Online: newportdunes.com
Gather family and friends at Dana Point Harbor and keep an eye over Doheny State Beach to experience south Orange County’s impressive aerial fireworks display—tune in to KSBR 88.5 FM and listen to patriotic music synchronized to the fourth of July fireworks.
Hours: 9 p.m. Dana Point Harbor Dr. Dana Point Online: danapoint.org
See the 4th of July fireworks from one of the best possible spots—the water—with Cruise Newport Beach where you'll motor along the coastline, catch a stunning sunset and then have a front row seat to the one of the largest fireworks displays in SoCal.
If the late evening cruise sounds too late for your family, you can still get on the water with their 2.5 hour cruises and witness all the fun, 4th of July festivities—maybe even catch sight of a dolphin or whale.
Summer is coming in hot, hot, hot. That means it's time to snag tickets for the best performances coming to the DC area. Enjoy al fresco sing-alongs at Wolf Trap, score free tickets for kid-friendly jams at the Strathmore or trade movie night for the concert version of your favorite cinematic score. If you want to know when Hamilton is hitting the stage or where you can belt out Encanto, scroll down.
Free Concerts for Kids
Strathmore
Black to the Future Join Pierce Freelon on Strathmore's front lawn to hear this Grammy-nominated artist blend elements of Afrofuturism, Black history, and archival voices. This "Black to the Future" concert will be fun for the entire family.
When: July 28, 7:00 p.m. Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda,MD Online: tinybeans.com
Elena Moon Park Korean-American musician Elena Moon Park will perform traditional songs, including Japanese sea shanties, Tibetan jump rope rhymes and joyous Korean harvest sing-alongs with her own twist. There will plenty of opportunities to sing and dance along in multiple languages.
When: July 14, 7:00 p.m. Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD Online: tinybeans.com
Somos Amigos: Songs on Common Ground Sonia De Los Santos and Americana folk duo The Okee Dokee Brothers join forces to bring a joyful message of friendship, This bilingual performance includes songs, old and new, that span the musical traditions of North America.
When: Aug. 11, 7:00 p.m Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD Online: tinybeans.com
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince In Concert The music in the Harry Potter films is just as magical as the stories themselves. The National Symphony Orchestra, led by Steven Reineke, will be playing along on-stage to the 6th installment of the Harry Potter movie series to add an additional layer of beauty to the beloved film.
When: July 22, 8:00 p.m. & July 23, 8:00 p.m. Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA Online: tinybeans.com
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert Star Wars would not be the same without it's incredible soundtrack. In this special showing, The National Symphony Orchestra presents John Williams’s iconic Oscar®-nominated score from The Empire Strikes Back performed live along with the full feature film. Even if you have seen The Empire Strikes back 100 times already, you have never seen it like this!
When: July 29, 8:00 p.m. Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA Online: tinybeans.com
Disney and Pixar's Toy Story in Concert
Hear the score for "You've Got a Friend in Me" and other songs from Toy Story in an entirely new way. In this performance, the National Symphony Orchestra will play along with the popular movie featuring the Oscar® and Grammy®-winning score by Randy Newman.
When: July 30, 8:00 p.m Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA Online: tinybeans.com
John Williams at 90: ET in Concert If you have a soft spot for an adorable Extra Terrestrial who just wants to "phone home" head to the Kennedy Center to hear the score to ET performed by the National Symphony Orchestra. Listening to the movie's music played live as the action unfolds on the big screen will renew your love of this classic film.
When: June 22, 8 p.m. Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC Online: tinybeans.com
Encanto Whether your child belts out "We Don't Talk About Bruno" on the regular or you secretly sing "Surface Pressure" alone in the car, you will not want to miss this Encanto Sing Along. The entire film will play onstage accompanied by a live band. Best of all, singing every word to every song is strongly encouraged. Check out special VIP packages with perks, including the opportunity to walk the Encanto-themed red carpet.
When: Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA Online: tinybeans.com
Sound of Music If you can't stop yourself form singing along to the Sound of Music this performance is for you. Not only is singing along encouraged, but costumes are too! Best of all, you don't need to worry about forgetting any words to the songs since they will be displayed on the screen as the movie plays.
When: July 16 at 7:00 p.m. Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA Online: tinybeans.com
ABBA The Concert Mama Mia! Sweden’s ABBA The Concert continues to be the top ABBA tribute group in the world, dazzling audiences with fantastic performances of ABBA’s iconic hits.
When: Aug. 7 at 8:00 p.m Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA Online:tinybeans.com
The Original Kings of Go-Go Every DC kid should be familiar with the city's homegrown musical style. This performance will feature a collection of the best go-go groups in DC and invites audience members to come ready to dance and sing!
When: May 28 at 7:00 pm Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA Online: tinybeans.com
A Juneteenth Celebration with Thee Phantom and the Illlharmonic Orchestra Juneteenth is finally getting the recognition it deserves as an essential date in American history. This is an all-ages show, focused on celebrating Juneteenth. Since it takes place on Father's Day it's also a great option to celebrate the special Dad in your life.
When: June 19 at 6:00 p.m. Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA Online: tinybeans.com
Mr. Popper's Penguins Mr. Popper, a painter of modest means, dreams of taking an Antarctic adventure. Soon the patter of 20 baby penguin feet are afoot. To feed all of these mouths, the imaginative Mr. Popper and his wife turn his talented penguins into a must-see traveling vaudeville act full of song and dance.
A Monster Calls Based on the popular novel by Patrick Ness, this stage adaptation brings to life the story of thirteen-year-old Conor who goes through a hard time after moving to America. One night, at seven minutes past midnight, Conor is woken up by a monster at his window. The monster has come to tell Conor stories about where it has been before. Then, Conor needs to tell his own story and face his deepest fears.
When: May 25-Jun. 12 Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC Online: tinybeans.com
Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Pigs You know the Big Bad Wolf from Little Red Riding Hood. You know the wolf from The Three Little Pigs. Have you ever considered that the wolf might be the same in both classic tales? Have you ever considered that maybe he's not so bad and is just misunderstood? Catch this puppet show to see if you've been wrong this entire time.
When: June 2- July 3 Where: Puppet Co. Theatre, Glen Echo Park, 7300 Macarthur Bouvard, Glen Echo, MD Online: tinybeans.com
Ravel Dance Company Presents Cinderella This version of Cinderella is based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, features over 80 dancers and is sure to delight the entire family. The ballet will feature the original ballet score by Sergei Prokofiev.
When: Jun. 5 Where: Capitol One Hall, 7750 Capital One Road, Tysons, VA Online: tinybeans.com
Fantastagirl and the Math Monster
Fantastagirl, a second-grade superhero who uses words to save the day, comes face to face with her worst nightmare: the Math Monster! When confronted with problems too big for words alone to solve, Fantastagirl must accept help from her friendly, furry, fraction-loving foe. While Fantastagirl and Math Monster use words and numbers to help her friends and scientist moms, something far more sinister than Math brews on the horizon.
When: June 17 – August 21 Where: Adventure Theatre, Glen Echo Park, 7300 Macarthur Bouvard, Glen Echo, MD Online: tinybeans.com
Children's Theatre In the Woods The beloved Children's Theater In The Woods program returns this summer. Kids can enjoy music, dancing, theatre, puppets and more. Stay after the performance for a walk through the woods and a picnic lunch.
When: Tues.-Sat. at 10:30 a.m. Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA Online: tinybeans.com
New York City Ballet: A Midsummer Night’s Dream This Shakespearian comedy is adapted beautifully by the New York City ballet. Although this performance is not technically a children's production, this version of the classic ballet is very family friendly.
When: June 7-12 Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC Online: tinybeans.com
A Different Kind of Show
Feld Entertainment /Monster Jam
Start Your Engines! Watch Monster Truck drivers (and their trucks) perform tricks, jumps and more at Monster Jam. You can even vote for your favorite using an app.
Blue Man Group Experience eclectic music and art performed by men covered in blue from head to toe. This unique experience with a cult following will be fun for everyone.
When: July 19-31 Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC Online: tinybeans.com
Cirque du Soliel Cirque du Soliel Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities tells the story of an inventor who defies the laws of time, space and dimension. His goal is to reinvest everything that surrounds him. In doing so, the visible becomes invisible, perspectives are transformed, and the world is literally turned upside down.
When: July 29 - Sept. 25 Where: Tyson's Corner, 1961 Chain Bridge Rd, Tysons, VA Online: tinybeans.com
Six Six has it all from Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses. Want more? This sensational broadways how tells the story of all six wives of Henry VIII. These women (even the ones who were beheaded) take five hundred years of historical heartbreak and turn them into an exuberant celebration of 21st century girl power.
When: July 5 - July 10 Where: National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC Online: tinybeans.com
Hamilton Unless you have been living under a rock you are already familiar with this legendary musical telling the story of Alexander Hamilton. If you have a Hamil-Kid bring them to see Hamilton when it returns to DC.
When: Aug 2 – Oct 9 Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC Online: tinybeans.com
Actor and Armchair Expert podcaster Dax Shepard had some sweet words for wife Kristen Bell on Mother’s Day this year, and we are here for it.
“Moms didn’t look like this when I was a kid,” the father-of-two wrote on Instagram. “And I don’t remember anyone having one that was as patient, kind, or emotionally helpful as this unit is. My kids hit the jackpot. All hail The Queen.” The dynamic duo have two daughters, Lincoln, nine, and Delta, seven.
Bell responded to his lovely tribute with: “It’s an honor and a privilege, sir,” but it was her plans for Mother’s Day this year that had all moms nodding their heads in appreciation. The actress told E! News on the red carpet at the Funny Girl premiere on April 24 that this year she’s flying solo for the big day.
“I want to go somewhere where none of my family is,” she said, noting that she sees her family, “all the time.”
“My husband says there’s such a double-standard where dads go golf all day and go to dinner and moms are supposed to be served by the 3-year-old all day and like watercolor with them,” she explained. “No, I do a dads style Mother’s Day. Leave me alone, I’m out.” We love everything about this.
Bell has been open about the ups and downs of parenthood in the past, and we appreciate her honesty. “Parenting is a lot like sports—you’re either winning or losing every minute of the day,” Kristen joked during an October 2021 episode of her series, Momsplaining With Kristen Bell. “Mostly losing, but that’s what makes the winning so sweet, and fleeting. Being a parent is just weird, you know? And it helps to know you’re not alone. I suggest talking to someone—even if no one is there.”
For his part, Shepard has always been one to sing his wife’s praises. Last year for Mother’s Day, he posted a hilarious pic of his wife doing naked yoga (as you do), writing a similar sentiment: “Mom’ing has changed since I was a kid…and I’m here for it.” He continued, “Look at this specimen: kind, patient, nurturing, hilarious, Uber talented, generous, hard AND soft. My girls and I hit the MegaMom Lottery in spectacular fashion. We are so grateful and so in love with you @kristenanniebell.”
When you’re parents, any occasion to get dressed up, polished and party-ready is a photo-worthy event. If you happen to be parents Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively working the red carpet at the Met Gala—which you’re also co-hosting—you’d better believe you’re going to earn some impressive snaps. But what stole the show this week wasn’t Lively’s color-changing Versace gown or her tiara or her oversized jade earrings. It was her husband’s reaction to her ensemble reveal.
Grinning and clapping, Reynolds’ adorable behind-the-scenes reaction to his wife’s walk up the red-carpeted stairs was the reaction we all hope for when we go-go-gadget into date night attire after a full day on the ball field, juggling work, running carpool and stalking the grocery aisles. And while we may not don designer couture and spend weeks, months (years?) planning our outfits for every adult-only outing we make a run at, we all deserve a Reynolds-level response to our efforts.
Maybe the trick is to put some more elbow grease into our date night outfits. Lively certainly put a lot of thought into hers, which is another reason we love her. If you’re going to do a theme, then do it, are we right? This one was “Gilded Glamour,” and Lively certainly went for gold. “Instead of looking to fashion to influence the dress, I looked to New York City’s architecture,” she explained.
Lively’s dress was a nod to the constellation inside Grand Central Station, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. She started the climb up the iconic steps with a sash tied into a large bow. However, halfway up the stairs, men in suits surrounded her, unlatching a turquoise train that made everyone lose their minds. It was gorgeous. Her dress had a staff, y’all.
While Lively’s dress reveal was the moment everyone’s talking about, it must be noted that Reynolds looked pretty fantastic, himself. Dressed by Ralph Lauren in a classic tuxedo, white tie and cumberbund, he also stepped out of Dad Mode for the event, leaving his usual Home Depot-running clothes at home with the kids (just kidding… does he even have Home Depot clothes?). Reynolds joked about his wife’s moment on Instagram, captioning an image of the couple together with, “Blake changing outfits in a split second on the red carpet was a moment I’ll never forget. I recently changed my moisturizer and feel pretty confident it’s more of a slow burn that people will appreciate in time. Like Freaks and Geeks.”
The summer tour includes 32 cities and kicks off on Mon. July 18th in Ridgefield, WA and ends on Aug. 28 in Chicago, IL. While live characters will not be part of the concert, you can choose from several VIP ticket packages that include premium seats, VIP parking, photo opps on the red carpet, a special Encanto gift and much more.
Disney Concerts
The 32-city Encanto Sing-Along concert tour includes:
Monday, July 18 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
Tuesday, July 19 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
Thursday, July 21 – Concord, CA – Concord Pavilion
Saturday, July 23 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion
Sunday, Julu 24 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tuesday, July 26 – El Paso, TX – Plaza Theatre
Wednesday, July 27 – Lubbock, TX – The Buddy Holly Hall
Thursday, July 28 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Friday, July 29 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
Saturday, July 30 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
Sunday, July 31 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre
Tuesday, August 2 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater
Wednesday, August 3 – Pelham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
Friday, August 5 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Saturday, August 6 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sunday, August 7 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Tuesday, August 9 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
Wednesday, August 10 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Thursday, August 11 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap
Friday, August 12 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
Saturday, August 13 – Greensboro, NC – White Oak Amphitheatre at Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Sunday, August 14 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Tuesday, August 16 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at The Mann
Thursday, August 18 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Friday, August 19 – Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre
Saturday, August 20 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
Sunday, August 21 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
Tuesday, August 23 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Thursday, August 25 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
Friday, August 26 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Saturday, August 27 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Sunday, August 28 – Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – CHI
Pre-sale tickets began on the Live Nation website on Wed., Apr. 27 and general public ticket sales begin Fri., Apr. 29 at 10 a.m. PST. You can check individual cities for prices and seats that include everything from boxes to lawn options.
She tells TODAY, “Kase is going to play. He plays drums. So I’m really excited that he’ll get to tour with me. It’s going to make me enjoy touring again…We’ve toured a little bit, not a whole ton. We’ve always had my whole family out, so this will be just he and I.”
The revelation came on the red carpet for new show, “American Song Content” in which Jewel represents her home state of Alaska. Participants of the show includes 56 artists from 50 states, U.S. territories and Washington, D.C. and are all competing to win the country’s Best Original Song.
While Jewel is already a well-established artist, the show opened up a big opportunity for her to focus on motherhood. She tells TODAY, “a lot of women don’t talk about what it’s like to not only be a woman as you grow and age in the music business, but to be a mom. It’s hard to find opportunities that don’t make me go on tour for two years.”
She continues, “This show really checks the box of, hey, it’s supporting songwriters (and) I’m a huge ‘Eurovision’ fan. But it let me be a mom without going on tour for a year. And (it) lets me do a really popular show, have my son with me on the weekend and go home and still be a mom.”
Jewel’s tour will kick off Jun. 8 in Mansfield, MA and ends Aug. 6 in Denver. It looks like Kase and his mom are going to have one heck of an amazing summer!
Stephanie Beatriz, who voices the character of Mirabel in Disney’s Encanto, spoke some truth about body imagery, motherhood and the ever-evolving relationship moms have with themselves. On the Oscar’s red carpet, she told a TODAY correspondent that while the experience performing and presenting at the ceremony had been “…pretty dope” she still missed her daughter. “It’s been quite a few hours away from her and it’s hard.” (Moms of multiple kids: curb your sarcasm. Beatriz welcomed daughter Rosaline in August and her role at the Oscars was some serious werk.)
Beatriz also opened up about how having a daughter has helped her work out her own relationship with her body. “Because I think a lot of women struggle with body dysmorphia, eating disorders, disordered eating. And I think weirdly having a kid made me go, ‘Oh, what do I want this person to know about their body?’ So it made me really appreciate my own body, myself, much more.” And remember, Beatriz said this on the red carpet. She’d probably spent hours being prodded, poked, smeared, and squeezed to get ready for the evening—so for her to have this perspective is worth its weight in (Oscar) gold.
It’s also a perspective that many women wish their own mothers had had during their adolescence. Who here remembers the cabbage-soup diet, or the dehydrated/ rehydrated mail order meals, or the store-bought shakes (that were probably loaded with sugar) blended with ice and wishing you could have that for dinner (except for maybe the cabbage soup). But a report by Common Sense Media suggests that 5-8 year olds who think their moms are unhappy with their bodies are more likely to feel dissatisfied with their own.
Showing up here to say if your eating disorder and body dysmorphia is LOUD today, you’re not alone. I’m here for you. Tell me how you’re going to take care of yourself today! Me? I’m going to forgive myself for judging my body as unworthy. 💕🎠🎟
Mothers play a “huge role” when it comes to affecting their daughters’ body image, a much larger role than most moms realize, said Laura Choate, a professor of counselor education at Louisiana State University and author of “Swimming Upstream: Parenting Girls for Resilience in a Toxic Culture.” And while Beatriz may be early in the mom game, she’s figured out one important rule of thumb: in order for her daughter to feel positively about herself, she’s going to look to her mama for guidance. “We have to learn that to be able to model it,” Beatriz says. “So I’m on the journey of learning that.”
And she’s doing it with the earnestness of Mirabel in Encanto, too—but Beatriz has already discovered one important gift. “Truly the gift (Rosaline) gave me was loving myself a lot more because I want her to love herself. I don’t want her to get caught up in all the other b.s. like so many of us are,” she said. “I want her to feel like she is above it or at least feel like it doesn’t matter what people say because I know my own worth.”
