Only the good notes
Do you remember the scene in The Holiday when Iris and Miles are cozying up by the piano? If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you should absolutely add it to your self-isolation movie list. Miles shows Iris the song he's put together for Arthur's celebration ceremony. After, he plays Iris a tune he wrote just for her -- "Iris, if you were a melody, I used only the good notes." The internet is a mixed bag. Some days it can lead me to spiral into constant worry thanks to news updates, rumors and complaints. Other days it points me to joy -- like the Hallmark holiday movie marathon I'm currently watching, thanks to a Linda Holmes tweet announcing the news. Today, I've taken the risk out of it for you! I'm combed through and pulled out the happy news and positive distractions -- only the good notes!
Late night has gone online! Jimmy Fallon has been recording monologues and interviews from the comfort of his home and posting them on YouTube. Tune in to watch a delightful segment with Lin-Manuel Miranda, hand-drawn artwork from Jimmy's kids (who constantly try to interrupt the broadcast), a weird peek into bizarrely designed rooms in the Fallon house and camera operator, Nancy (Jimmy's wife), who rarely laughs at a monologue joke!
One of the things hitting me hardest about this new way of life we find ourselves in is the effect on the Broadway and musical theater communities. Here are a couple of helpful links to manage in the meantime: Vogue published a behind-the-scenes look at the filming of the In the Heights movie; Laura Benati followed Jennifer Garner's lead and put out a call for theater kids to send videos of themselves singing in honor of cancelled school performances; Playbill pulled together a list of filmed Broadway shows that you can watch right now; and Rosie O'Donnell hosted a 3.5 hour livestream last night featuring Broadways stars from past and present saying hi and singing some tunes!
WHAT exactly is going on with Tyler C and Hannah B of Bachelor franchise fame? All we know is that they're quarantined with some friends in a house in Florida, have discovered Tik Tok and enjoy messing with all of our heads. Fortunately this set of circumstances has resulted in some hilarious videos (you can skip the Instagram Lives of them working out... showoffs).
For those of you who missed the chance to see the new version of Emma in theaters (me!), the cinema gods have answered my prayers and released it early on-demand. You can fully embrace the Austen-like nature of this social distancing thing and get in the mood with this period piece.
Looks like the Evans brothers are taking advantage of family bonding time. Scott posted a video of Chris laughing hysterically as they revisit a movie from their childhood. Now I would love if these two made a Tik Tok.
Man, The Good Place has never been more relevant, huh? While the podcast accompanying the show just recently wrapped (if you haven't listened, it's filled with cast and creative team interviews!), host Marc Evan Jackson put out the call on Twitter for listener submissions for a special episode. Perhaps it'll address "what we owe each other," a key philosophy guiding the show. It feels even more important today.
The Harry Styles tiny desk concert is here!!! My text messages were aflutter when word came out that Harry Styles was wandering around Washington, DC and attending workout classes after recording his performance at NPR. Now, you can revel in his debut.
The penguins have taken over Chicago's Shedd Aquarium and they may never let us back in again! Enjoy these delightful videos of Edward and Annie, rockhopper penguins who have bonded, running rampant through the halls of the museum.
You didn't think we'd leave this newsletter without another Linda Holmes reference, did you? She and her team at Pop Culture Happy Hour have pulled together a great list of entertainment to enjoy when stressed.
My hometown neighborhood has been doing a bunch of cute things to keep people both cheery and socially distant. On St. Patrick's Day, they encouraged everyone to go out on their driveways to watch a tiny parade that the kids put on, featuring Irish step dancing and all! NPR didn't hear about it... but they did put together a rundown of other inventive neighborhood activities happening!
Last week marked the 10 year anniversary of Lady Gaga and Beyonce's Telephone music video. Variety sat down with the filmmaker who directed and co-wrote the video to go behind-the-scenes its creation!
Lin-Manuel Miranda has made a triumphant return to Twitter just in time to help cheer us all up. In addition to gems like this, this, this and this, he's currently engaging in a "play-off" with Andrew Lloyd Webber. It's magical.
