Carrie Preston Teases Her ‘Elsbeth' Guest Star Wish List: 'Pretty Much Everybody On Broadway'
While attending last weekend's 78th Tony Awards, the Emmy-winning actress teased who from Broadway she'd like to work with on an upcoming season of the CBS procedural comedy drama.
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'There's so many people on this red carpet that I've met tonight or that I know. I always ask them, 'Do you wanna be on the show? Because I'll pass it along,'' she told Us Weekly at the awards show.
Preston added, 'So I saw Brooke Shields tonight. I saw Celia Keenan-Bolger tonight. Of course Cole Escola. I'd like to see if we can round up pretty much everybody on Broadway and get them on.'
The interview came shortly before Escola made history as the first openly non-binary Tony Winner, taking home Lead Actor in a Play for their hilarious take on Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary!, which they also wrote.
Elsebeth's Season 2 finale 'Ramen Holiday' brought back guest stars Stephen Moyer, Retta, Gina Gershon, Elizabeth Lail, Arian Moayed, André De Shields, Alyssa Milano, Mary-Louise Parker and Ethan Slater for the musical episode.
'We were trying to get maybe four of these guest stars, but we got eight,' Preston previously told Deadline. 'They wanted to come back and play with us, which was such an honor. It just meant the world to me that they wanted to be a part of it, and they were all so game.'
Executive producer Jonathan Tolins told Deadline of the episode's Chicago tribute, 'The two hardest parts were the scheduling and waiting to be granted the rights to use the 'Cell Block Tango'. We prepared as if they were going to say yes, and fortunately, in the end, they did, because we went a long way on a limb getting ready for it, and getting the number together.'
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Chicago Tribune
32 minutes ago
- Chicago Tribune
Donna Vickroy: Tales of giants await passengers on Chicago's architecture river cruise
— Carl Sandburg, 'Chicago' Chicago is not just a big city. It's a big deal. It is a story of strength, vision, talent and grit that you truly have to see to appreciate. Thankfully, you can. Each summer, thousands climb aboard the Chicago Architecture Foundation's River Cruise ( and glide past skyscrapers towering on the footholds of determination and ingenuity. (Full disclosure: I have been on the foundation's River Cruise more than 15 times. It's become one of our annual summer things to do in the city.) The 90-minute cruise showcases Chicago's architecture and rich history while it glides along all three branches of the Chicago River, providing a 360-degree view of the city's skyline. Each time I disembark, I swear I've learned something new about architecture — how patios can preserve sightlines, why the Merchandise Mart has its own ZIP code, how engineers keep the wind from knocking it all down — as well as about this robust, beautiful city with a gritty, storied past and a beckoning future. On a recent Saturday afternoon, our guide opened his tour with a nod to Carl Sandburg, the Galesburg-born, Pulitzer Prize-winning Illinois poet laureate. He ended the fact- and folklore-laden presentation with a harmonica solo. In between, he pointed out the stars of the show, examples of Gothic Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, Contemporary and Art Deco architecture. He explained the characteristics of each and their place along Chicago's skyline. With cameos from geography, geology, engineering and folklore, the city's story comes to life. Did you know that on the very site where Mrs. O'Leary's cow was 'falsely accused' of kicking over a lantern and starting the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, there now stands a fire training academy, our guide asks. 'In literature, we call that irony,' he said. In Chicago-ese, we call it resilience. From Bertrand Goldberg's cylindrical Marina Towers to Jeanne Gang's wavy Aqua Tower to the commanding Willis skyscraper, which forever will be referred to by locals as the 'Sears Tower,' the breadth of design runs parallel to the city's own far-reaching story of form, function and vision. The cruise, which launches at Michigan Avenue and East Wacker Drive, was the brainchild of Bob Irving, a Chicago Architecture Foundation docent from the class of 1971, said Caroline Duda, senior director of volunteer services for the CAF. 'Much like all of the tours we offer, Bob saw a need to showcase the architecture along the river,' Duda said. In 1983, the late Irving had 'the wherewithal to see the river's value as an educational tool. He created a route on a sailboat, starting at Navy Pier,' she said. Irving had arranged for the bridge lifts to go up as the boat passed. 'But,' Duda added, 'he forgot to arrange to have them go up when he came back.' In 1993, the CAF partnered with Chicago's First Lady Cruises and the route was changed slightly, but the purpose remained the same. 'Our goal is to showcase Chicago's architecture,' Duda said. 'You get see so much along the river from our boats. It builds a sense of community when you share part of us, when we share our stories with guests.' The tour welcomes some 300,000 guests annually, said Duda, who estimates that, over the years, millions have come along for the ride. While most of the passengers hail from outside Cook County, a decent percentage are like me, locals proud to call this toddlin' town home. The tours are run by docents who, Duda said, 'have a passion for sharing' the architecture and story of Chicago. The 150 volunteers come from all walks of life — a former FBI agent, a mapmaker, a food scientist – but share a love for the city, a love for lifelong learning and an ease being in front of an audience, she said. All go through a rigorous 100-hour training regimen. 'Basically. It's a graduate level architecture course,' Duda said. 'All get six weeks of studying the fundamentals of architecture. Then an additional five weeks devoted to learning the river.' On four or five practice cruises, they learn how to build their spiel. There's also a library of videos that introduce them to the work of other docents and allow them to practice at home, she said. Timing is key, she added. So is remembering that, when facing a crowd, your left is the audience's right. Though there are mandatory talking points along the route, each docent is free to personalize his or her approach. They are free to 'geek out,' she said. The docents are not paid, and there's a no-tip policy. So, you may wonder, what's in it for them? They do it for glory, Duda said. 'Passion drives them. They want you to love Chicago and its architecture as much as they do,' she said. Oh, she said, 'and you get 250 people to listen to you, a captive audience, for 90 minutes. 'Because, how often does that happen?'
Elle
an hour ago
- Elle
26 Fourth of July Movies That Are Better Than Watching Fireworks
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Fireworks? Sure. A patriotic cookout? Maybe. A good movie lineup? Non-negotiable. Whether you're staying cool indoors or winding down after a day in the sun, nothing beats kicking back with a film that captures the spirit—or spectacle—of the Fourth of July. From nostalgic blockbusters to timeless dramas, these are the titles worth pressing play on during the long weekend. I mean, it's kind of all right there in the name. Watch Now on Prime Video Now that Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway hit is on Disney+, you can watch this Tony-winning musical right from home. Watch Now on Disney+ The maxi-sized Baker family (Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Hilary Duff, Tom Welling, and more) trek to Lake Winnetka to celebrate Labor Day, but watching little Mark Baker (Forrest Landis) set off an entire backpack full of fireworks and causing their boat to explode is much more entertaining than seeing it happen to your cousin. The Vietnam War tale, based on a veteran's true story, gets automatic inclusion on this list. Celebrating our country's Independence Day means remembering the dark days in our nation's history too. This 2021 film does just that—it follows abolitionist Harriet Tubman (played by Cynthia Erivo) who led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. It doesn't get much more American than this coming-of-age comedy with a strong dose of '60s nostalgia. Watch Now The action goes down on a Fourth of July weekend, but this horror movie might make you too afraid of sharks to ever celebrate July 4 on a beach again. This classic celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, so it might be time to brave the waters. This comedy doesn't scream Fourth of July, but the four main characters are heading to New Orleans on July 4th weekend for the Essence Festival. Independence Day films don't always have to be about outright patriotism and freedom—a nice laugh on the holiday works too. A musical classic about the man who wrote 'You're a Grand Old Flag.' Mustache-less Chris Evans. Need I say more? Watch Now Disney+ For the more eclectic celebrators, Moonrise Kingdom is the ultimate summery Wes Anderson Americana flick—and probably the only film that could actually make you actually want to go camping. Ava DuVernay directs this Civil Rights film that follows Martin Luther King Jr.'s (David Oyelowo) journey to securing voting rights for Black Americans. A biopic that truly demonstrates patriotism and freedom. Watch Now on Paramount+ This is the second Tom Cruise combat movie on this list, and it helped make 'Maverick' a part of the American pop-culture lexicon. Sure, it's another Tom Cruise film, but this one's a sequel that was 36 years in the making. With a new generation of rising stars (hi, Glen Powell), high-speed jets, and shirtless beach football, what more could you want in a summer movie? Corn on the cob and a dip in the pool for Independence day? Boring. Instead, try a summer lake-house romp that explores all of America's scariest lore in one fell swoop. Few things are more American than baseball. Feminist film A League of Their Own shows a women-led team breaking the glass ceiling in the male-dominated league. Nicolas Cage turns into a historian obsessed with finding a hidden treasure with links to his family history. His fixation leads him to steal the Declaration of Independence, where a coded message to a map lies. Will he find the treasure or is he just another victim of a good ole conspiracy theory? Watch and you'll see! The ultimate action actor, Harrison Ford, plays a former soldier turned president who must save his family and staff from terrorists after they hijack his plane. Acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg (who also helmed Jaws above) directed and produced this biopic about former president Abraham Lincoln, with Daniel Day-Lewis delivering a stunning performance in the titular role. This 2012 film has become a staple of American cinema, which makes it a perfect 4th of July film. Celebrate the Black veterans who risked their lives fighting the Confederacy in the Civil War. This film brings all the feels. Starring Denzel Washington and a 20-year-old Ryan Gosling, this sports film is based on a true story of a newly integrated high school football team and their Black coach. The performances are spectacular, but it's the soundtrack that'll give you goosebumps. This thriller follows U.S. intelligence officers and Navy SEALS on their decade-long search for Osama bin Laden. Enter: Maya, a CIA intelligence analyst who might have answers to all of their questions. The untold story of three courageous Black women who helped NASA journey to space is the perfect film to reminisce about America's history. Add the stellar performances of Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae, Hidden Figures might become one of your favorites. A love triangle and a historical drama all in one? Pop the popcorn, please. If Remember the Titans will make you tear up, then Saving Private Ryan will make you bawl. This war film follows a group of soldiers who venture behind enemy lines to rescue a lone soldier whose brothers have all been killed in combat. Watch Now on Prime Video Okay, technically it's not about the Fourth—but Eddie Murphy arriving in Queens in search of true love is a tribute to the American Dream story if we've ever seen one. Packed with iconic lines and peak '80s style, it's patriotic in its own way. Watch Now on Pluto TV Few movies capture the freedom of summer quite like this nostalgic coming-of-age classic. There's baseball, fireworks, s'mores, and just the right amount of childhood chaos. Watch Now on Hulu
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Why Richard Simmons Died 'Very Happy' According to a Friend Who Spoke to Him 1 Day Before His Death (Exclusive)
Those closest to Simmons say he was energized by a new project months before he died and had begun writing songs for a potential Broadway musical about his life alongside musician Patrick Leonard 'He was so excited,' says older brother Lenny, 'and would always read us the lyrics, in poetry form, of the last song he had written for Patrick' Tom Estey, Simmons' publicist for decades, says the health guru was in a "much more serene, very happy, very content" place before he diedSo much changed in the final year of fitness star Richard Simmons's life before he died at age 76, almost one year ago. From early 2014 to the beginning of 2024, the once-ubiquitous health icon, who became a household name in the '80s and starred in a series of tank-top clad workout videos, retreated from the public eye and avoided most contact with even his closest friends and professional circle, as PEOPLE previously reported. But months before he died as a result of a fall and underlying coronary disease, the "Sweatin' to the Oldies" legend returned to social media — partly to distance himself from an unsanctioned film about his life. Those closest to him also say Simmons was energized by a new project and had begun writing songs for a potential Broadway musical about his life alongside musician Patrick Leonard, who has worked with megastars from Madonna to Elton John. 'He was so excited,' says older brother Lenny, 'and would always read us the lyrics, in poetry form, of the last song he had written for Patrick.' "When we reconnected, it was a completely different Richard," says Tom Estey, who was Simmons' publicist for decades, adding that the health guru "was in a very happy and content place' after he reemerged. While Simmons was home in the Hollywood Hills, "He did know that people missed him and he missed them, but he never took his eye nor his heart off them," Estey adds. Simmons's death came as a complete surprise to Estey, who also noted, "the last day, he didn't feel well." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "My body told me I needed to retire," Simmons himself told PEOPLE in an interview two days before his death, explaining how years of intense workouts had caught up to him and contributed to his decision to take a step back from public appearances a decade earlier. Michael Catalano, who worked as the star's manager for years, said, "He found some peace in coming back and reconnecting with all people he had not spoken to in years," adding that throughout his career, Simmons was always uniquely able to bond with fans. "He cried with them and he laughed with them, and he was never judgmental," Catalano said. Read the original article on People
