Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton” Movie Is Dropping Early & Heading Directly to Disney+

by Jennifer SwartvagherMay 13, 2020

If you were watching Good Morning America this morning, you were among the first to hear the exciting news. The Hamilton movie, originally intended for a full theatrical release premiering Oct. 2021 will be dropping sooner than expected.Now, the release has been moved up a year and a half to Jul 3 and will stream on Disney+.

Miranda, the show’s creator, and Bob Iger, executive chairman of The Walt Disney Company, made the surprise announcement this morning.

“No other artistic work in the last decade has had the cultural impact of Hamilton—an inspiring and captivating tale told and performed in a powerfully creative way. In light of the extraordinary challenges facing our world, this story about leadership, tenacity, hope, love and the power of people to unite against the forces of adversity is both relevant and impactful,” said Iger. “We are thrilled to bring this phenomenon to Disney+ on the eve of Independence Day, and we have the brilliant Lin-Manuel Miranda and the team behind ‘Hamilton’ to thank for allowing us to do so more than a year before planned.”

According to Miranda, The Hamilton performance that will air on Disney+ was filmed over three days in July 2016 with the original cast. “It just captures that moment in time so beautifully and watching it brings me right back there with that incredible, once-in-a-lifetime company,” he said.

The film is a leap forward in the art of “live capture” which transports its audience into the world of the Broadway show in a uniquely intimate way. Combining the best elements of live theater, film, and streaming, the result is a cinematic stage performance that is a wholly new way to experience Hamilton.

“I’m so proud of how beautifully Tommy Kail has brought ‘Hamilton’ to the screen. He’s given everyone who watches this film the best seat in the house,” said Lin-Manuel Miranda. “I’m so grateful to Disney and Disney+ for reimagining and moving up our release to July 4th weekend of this year, in light of the world turning upside down. I’m so grateful to all the fans who asked for this, and I’m so glad that we’re able to make it happen. I’m so proud of this show. I can’t wait for you to see it.”

Filmed at The Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway in Jun. of 2016, Hamilton features Tony Award winners Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton; Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson; Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler; Leslie Odom, Jr. as Aaron Burr; Tony Award nominees Christopher Jackson as George Washington; Jonathan Groff as King George; Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton; and Jasmine Cephas Jones as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds; Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison; and Anthony Ramos as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton.

The cast also includes Carleigh Bettiol, Ariana DeBose, Hope Easterbrook, Sydney James Harcourt, Sasha Hutchings, Thayne Jasperson, Elizabeth Judd, Jon Rua, Austin Smith, Seth Stewart and Ephraim Sykes.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Disney+

John Krasinski Surprises Hamilton Superfan with a Cast Reunion

Disney+ Celebrates Star Wars Day with the Mandalorian & More

Taylor Swift Announces Concert Special After Cancelling Tour

by Jennifer SwartvagherMay 13, 2020

Swifties rejoice! Taylor Swift’s Lover Fest tour may have been cancelled, but fans can still enjoy the experience from their living rooms. Today, ABC announced a brand new concert special, Taylor Swift City of Lover Concert, airing Sun., May 17 at 10 p.m., immediately following the season finale of American Idol.

The special will be made available the following day on demand, on Hulu and Disney+.

Filmed last September at L’Olympia Theater in Paris, France, Swift performs songs from her award-winning album “Lover” to an intimate crowd of fans from 37 countries, traveling to the City of Love for this once-in-a-lifetime concert. The musical event gives fans unprecedented access to behind-the-scenes moments with the artist and marks her only concert performance this year, after her Lover Fest tour was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While we are all home, Taylor Swift and her family of fans will be able to have a moment together and experience a never-before-seen, intimate performance, and we are so thrilled to be able to offer this to our own family of viewers on ABC,” added Eric Avram, vice president, Talent and Booking, ABC Entertainment.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: ABC

“Captain Underpants” Author Dav Pilkey Is Hosting Weekly Virtual Drawing Lesson

Julie Andrews Is Hosting a Storytelling Podcast for Children

The Wiggles Are Bringing Their Concerts to Your Home

by Jennifer SwartvagherMay 6, 2020

Wiggles fans rejoice! If your kids missed out on seeing the Wiggles in concert this year, then we have great news for you. The Wiggles are bringing their live show back to millions of fans around the world with The Wiggles – Live from Hot Potato Studios!

This intimate series of concerts will give every fan of The Wiggles a front row seat. Live from Hot Potato Studios will feature six separate live Wiggles concerts. The Wiggles will hit the road from their state-of-the-art Hot Potato Studios with the first show, “Let There Be Rock-a-Bye Your Bear” (a tip of that hat to fellow countrymen AC/DC) on Tuesday, May 5th. A new concert experience will take the stage approximately every two weeks. Each concert will be available on iTunes and Google Play and priced at $2.99 per concert, or $10.99 for the six-concert season pass.

Experience Emma, Lachy, Simon and Anthony as you used to be able to when they were live and on-stage, all from the comfort of your own home. Each concert is filmed live in Hot Potato Studios; with no editing, retakes or over dubs, to truly capture that live-in-concert feel so many Wiggles fans have enjoyed for nearly 30 years.

Join in for unscripted fun, impromptu moments of hilarity as the group navigate bringing their shows to life in the studio whilst practicing important social distancing. Each concert will feature a unique theme that aims to enrich, educate and entertain with all the Wiggly songs, dancing and fun fans have come to expect at a Wiggles show. You will truly feel that you have the best seats in the house as you enjoy Wiggling to The Wiggles – Live from Hot Potato Studios!

The first concert, “Let There Be Rock-a-Bye Your Bear” is now available.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: The Wiggles via YouTube

“Captain Underpants” Author Dav Pilkey Is Hosting Weekly Virtual Drawing Lesson

Julie Andrews Is Hosting a Storytelling Podcast for Children

Speak & Listen to Your Kids—No Words Required

By Jocelyn Greene

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

April 20, 2020

In 1989 my parents made a VHS recording of Into the Woods when the B’way show aired on PBS. That tape must have been made of strong stuff since I probably watched scores of times. I knew all the words, made up secret handshakes with my best friend to the Sondheim lyrics and dressed as Little Red Riding Hood for Halloween for three consecutive years, totally inspired by that show.

But it wasn’t until I became a mom that I understood the “Children Will Listen” song that the Witch sings about her daughter, Rapunzel. When I recently directed a group of kids in the Broadway Jr version, these lyrics cut me to the quick. The kids stood out simply and sang:

Careful the things you say

Children will listen

Careful the things you do

Children will see and learn

Children may not obey, but children will listen

Children will look to you for which way to turn

To learn what to be

Careful before you say “Listen to me”

Sondheim was wise.

“Listening” is one of those words that actors and acting teachers care a great deal about. When we really listen instead of planning what we are going to do on stage or in front of the camera, we can have authentic reactions. Why is it so hard to do this? Possibly because we don’t actually listen enough in our real life?

So what if we take words out of the equation. Can we listen to our kids, without language? Can we create a meaningful and intimate conversation where we are giving and receiving information but no words are exchanged? Where listening is with our body and our heart? Where talking is through gesture and emotion?

I want Nathaniel to know that I hear him – to feel like I get what he is giving me. And in turn, I know that he will listen, like the lyrics say. So what can I give him to listen to that is simple, truthful and filled with love?

Here’s the game for that: Magic Mirror

Mirrors are portals to the fantasy world—as in Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass. They can also be portentous instruments of information as in Snow White or Beauty and the Beast. It isn’t hard to convince your child to play a Magical Mirror game.

Explain to your child that they get to do whatever they like and the Mirror (you) will follow them. The goal is not to leave the mirror behind so you have to go really slowly – slower than you normally would to do an activity.

Use this as a way to connect with your child when the incessant stream of language is overwhelming, when you hear yourself talking too much or when you just want a new way to bond.

I’d love to hear about your experience playing Magic Mirror—so chime in below and tell us how you did it!

This post originally appeared on Child's Play In Action.

Jocelyn Greene

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Jocelyn Greene is a Brooklyn based educator, director and mom. With her company, Child's Play NY, she teaches hundreds of kids a year and is equally joyous adapting fairytales for 4s as she is staging Shakespaere with the teens. Check out http://www.childsplayinaction.com/ for video tutorials on game-based play to do at home!

Here’s How Hilary Duff’s Wedding Dress Celebrated Her Kids

by Erica LoopDecember 29, 2019

Actress Hilary Duff recently wed Matthew Koma in an intimate ceremony at the couple’s Los Angeles home. Even though the nuptials were private, Duff shared the details on her dress with Vogue.

In a video posted by Vogue, Duff opens up and talks about Koma’s proposal and her wedding plans. The actress reveals her wedding-day hairstyle and gives fans a glimpse of her gorgeous gown.

The simple, structured flowing white gown, which was designed by Jenny Packham, is sleek and as Duff describes it, a “statement” dress that is, “gorgeous and toned down.”

Along with the design itself, Duff dished on her plans to make the dress extra-meaningful. “There’s a sweet little embroidery with our initials. There’s an M and an H and then the date of our wedding.” The newlywed continues, “And over here there’s initials for our kids.”

After revealing the sweet tribute to her kiddos Luca and Banks, Duff went on to say, “They’re part of our ceremony and obviously the biggest part of our life.” Huff then mused, “Maybe someday Banks will want to wear my dress.”

Duff also showed off Banks’ dress—which was also designed by Packham. The 14-month-old’s dress was white, like her mama’s, but also had a sweet pink ribbon across the front and a massively adorable bow at the back!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Vogue via YouTube

Hilary Duff Gets Real about Working Mom Guilt & We Are Here for Her

Here’s Why Hilary Duff Won’t Share Parenting Advice with Her Sister Haylie

Meghan Markle Celebrates Prince Harry’s Birthday with a New Pic of Baby Archie

by Erica LoopSeptember 18, 2019

Meghan Markle celebrated Prince Harry’s 35th birthday with a special Instagram pic collage—and it included a never-before-seen photo of the the new mum, dad and baby Archie.

Even though the couple have chosen to remain fairly private (for Royals) they’ve released a few family photos. That is, a very few family photos. This makes Markle’s IG post a welcome addition.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal)

The bday collage includes nine sentimentally sweet pics, including a shot of a baby Prince Harry with Princess Diana, one as a teen with big brother Prince William, a wedding pic and an intimate family moment at Archie’s July christening.

Markle also added a heart-felt caption, writing, “Your service to the causes you care so deeply for inspires me every day. You are the best husband and most amazing dad to our son. We love you.”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Sussex Royal via Instagram

Princess Charlotte Starts School Soon & What Will Her Teachers Call Her?

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Celebrate One-Year Anniversary with Precious Pics

Baby Archie Attended His Very First Polo Match with His Royal Cousins

by Shahrzad WarkentinJuly 11, 2019

Babies have so many adorable milestones and first moments, but when you’re a Royal those firsts can be a little different. This week Meghan Markle brought baby Archie to his very first playdate with his cousins that just happened to be a polo match.

While dad Prince Harry was busy playing in the charity match, the King Power Royal Charity Polo Day in Wokingham, England, mom had her hands full holding Archie as they cheered him on. Duchess Kate Middleton was also in attendance with her own little ones, including Prince Louis, who is no longer the baby of the family. They were also cheering on their dad, Prince William who played in the match as well.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by HELLO! Magazine (@hellomag)

It’s been a busy week for the two-month-old royal who was just in the spotlight over the weekend when the Royal family celebrated Archie’s baptism in an intimate ceremony.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: SussexRoyal via Instagram

Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Are Taking Baby Archie on His First Tour

How Much Did Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Spend to Renovate Their Home?

Baby Archie’s Christening Pics Look Like His Cousins’ Photos, but Are There Differences?

by Erica LoopJuly 8, 2019

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s son Archie is the fourth royal little christened in the past few years—following on the heels of his cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Even though the official pics of Archie’s, George’s, Charlotte’s and Louis’s christenings may look fairly similar, there are some notable differences. Unlike his cousins, Archie’s big day was not an entirely public event, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex expressing their desire to have a private, intimate celebration for close family and friends.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal)

Archie’s small-sized event didn’t share a venue with any of his cousins. With a guest list limited to 25, the ceremony was held at Queen Elizabeth’s private chapel at Windsor Castle. Prince George and Prince Louis were christened at St. James’s Palace’s Royal Chapel and Princess Charlotte had her ceremony at Sandringham’s St. Mary Magdalene church in Norfolk.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have released four official photographs to mark the christening of Prince Louis on Monday 9th July.

The photographs were taken by Matt Holyoak at Clarence House, following Prince Louis's christening. pic.twitter.com/v6mN6QDgrr

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 15, 2018

When it comes to the godparents, Kate Middleton and Prince William announced a lengthy list of seven close friends prior to Prince George’s christening. Likewise, the royal parents announced five godparents before Princess Charlotte’s christening and six for Prince Louis. Breaking from tradition, Markle and Prince Harry have kept mum on the names of Archie’s godparents.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by British Royal Family (@love_britishroyals)

Despite the differences, there are some similarities between Archie’s christening and his cousins’ ceremonies. Baby Archie’s christening dress echoed the ones worn by his cousins. Like son, like mother—Markle’s cream-colored Dior dress was also reminiscent (at least in hue) of Middleton’s christening day fashion choices.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Sussex Royal via Instagram

Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Are Taking Baby Archie on His First Tour

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Celebrate One-Year Anniversary with Precious Pics

Where Will Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Will Celebrate Baby Archie’s Christening?

by Erica LoopJuly 1, 2019

New mum and dad Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are getting ready for an intimate christening ceremony for the adorable little Archie.

According to reports, the royal couple will hold the baby’s christening in Queen Elizabeth’s private chapel at Windsor Castle. A royal source told PEOPLE, Markle and Prince Harry “wanted an intimate, peaceful setting in a place with such a special connection to Her Majesty.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal)

And don’t expect a gaggle of guests. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are limiting the christening to 25 of their closest family and friends.

The unnamed royal source also told PEOPLE, “This is a beautiful milestone and they are excited to share it as a family first and then with the world.” Not only does this refer to the small size, but it also means the Royals will give us all a sneak peek into the christening—that is after the fact. Reportedly the new parents will share pics in the days after the Jul. 6 event.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Sussex Royal via Instagram

How Much Did Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Spend to Renovate Their Home?

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Celebrate One-Year Anniversary with Precious Pics

Target Wants to Make Buying Bras Easier with 3 New Size-Inclusive Lines

by Erica LoopFebruary 27, 2019

What do real women want? Size-inclusive apparel at Target! And that’s why the big red bullseye retailer is unveiling three new brands for women.

Before creating the new brands—Auden, Stars Above and Colsie—Target’s in-house design experts got personal with their customers by talking to women of all ages, shapes and sizes. Not only did Target’s pros use this info to build the new brands, but they also used the knowledge to revamp in-store and online experiences.

In-store changes include new displays that are inclusive of all shapes and styles. Online shoppers will get bonus help finding sizes that work for them. According to Target, 80 percent of women wear the wrong size bra. To remedy this situation, Target created its exclusive Find Your Fit tool. The easy-to-use tool helps women of all shapes to accurately identify their true bra size.

Target senior vice president, general merchandise manager, apparel and accessories for home, Jill Sando, said, of the new brands and store changes, “Within intimates and sleepwear, we know our guests want to look and feel their very best, and we see potential for Target to offer both current and new guests so much more.” Sando added, “From new brands and experiences, to a campaign that celebrates that women come in all different shapes and sizes, we want to create the ultimate destination for our guests—one that’s inviting and inspiring and allows all women to feel comfortable and confident.”

What can you expect from Target’s three new brands? Auden offers customers 200 bras in more than 40 styles, with a bra size range from 32AA to 46G and underwear from XS to 4X. All Auden pieces are under $22.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Target (@target)

Stars Above features 125 styles of sleep- and loungewear, with a size range of XS to 4X.

The teen and young adult Colsie line includes almost 30 different lounge and sleepwear styles—along with 20 intimates styles—in XS through 3X.

All three brands will debut in Target stores and on Target.com in March!

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of Target

Target’s New Swimsuit Ads Will Keep It Real—Stretch Marks and All

Target’s New Product Line Is One Smart Way to Save Big on Everyday Needs

ML Interest Tag: intimate

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton” Movie Is Dropping Early & Heading Directly to Disney+

Related reads

Taylor Swift Announces Concert Special After Cancelling Tour

Related reads

Speak & Listen to Your Kids—No Words Required

By Jocelyn Greene

Jocelyn Greene

Related reads

Here’s How Hilary Duff’s Wedding Dress Celebrated Her Kids

Related reads

Baby Archie Attended His Very First Polo Match with His Royal Cousins

Related reads

Baby Archie’s Christening Pics Look Like His Cousins’ Photos, but Are There Differences?

Related reads

Where Will Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Will Celebrate Baby Archie’s Christening?

Related reads

Target Wants to Make Buying Bras Easier with 3 New Size-Inclusive Lines

Related reads