What's hotter than Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean? Well, actually pretty much nobody is hotter than Johnny Depp. BUT, coming in a close second is the dashing Mr. Hadley Fraser who plays Tiernan in the breathtaking new musical The Pirate Queen.

Not only is he dreamy (Check out his photo here.), but Fraser is also a veteran musical theatre heartthrob. He starred as Marius in Les Miserables and has originated many other standout roles in mainstage productions around the world. His UK accent absolutely melts audiences here in the U.S. (and by audiences, of course, I mean me) and his fine singing voice will no doubt earn him a Tony nomination in 2007.
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One of my all time favorite bands is New Order, formed from the group Joy Division after the death by suicide of their singer Ian Curtis. Lately I have pulled all the albums out of retirement to go back through their material, and I am struck by the variety of their past work. I think many people are probably unaware of some of the best material they did in the early days, so this entry is an attempt to help unearth some of the New Order goodies you might not know of.

The album most people have probably heard is Power, Corruption, and Lies, which contains their biggest hits like Everything's Gone Green and Blue Monday. No doubt, this is a great album, and a good starting point for anyone new to New Order. All the songs on that album are great, and signal a real shift from the earlier Joy Division dark sound to a more upbeat but still thoughtful place.
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I am a junkie for the Post-Punk revival bands like Interpol, so it was with great anticipation that I put in the Editors' latest album, "The Back Room" today on the way to work. I wouldn't say I was disappointed, but I certainly look forward to the Editors' next album where hopefully they'll achieve their obviously great potential more fully.

While the music on many of the tracks was strong, with a nice layering of minimal synths alongside powerful drumming and catchy guitar riffs, there were no really memorable tracks and the words to the songs were weak. The singer has a strong and fittingly deep, dark voice, but the words were just too empty for my taste. One of the hallmarks of Post-Punk bands like Gang of Four and Joy Division were great, thoughtful lyrics that pushed you to actually think about things. After all, why get in a dark moody place if you're not going to at least turn it into a thoughtful experience?
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MTV is currently celebrating its 25th birthday, and what started out as a cute, youthful music revolution has grown into a three-headed, fire-spitting monster out to destroy all that is good in music.

Led Zeppelin officially disbanded in September of 1980 after the death of drummer John Bonham. A few months later, in August of 1981, MTV launched its first ever music video, The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star”. It’s unfortunate that the band that many consider the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band of all time never had a chance to weigh in on what became the future of music.

It started out as a unique and entertaining concept, a non-stop music video channel. For most of the 1980s MTV remained an outlet for performers to simply get their new music noticed and attract new fans with creative videos. Though they would expand their programming to include shows such as “The Headbangers Ball,” all MTV original shows still centered around music.
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Mary Poppins is my absolute, hands-down favorite childhood movie. A big part of my fantasy life as a child involved floating tea parties, jumping into sidewalk chalk landscapes, winning carousel horse races and cleaning my room just by singing and clapping. Needless to say, when I heard Richard Eyre was bringing this wonderful story to the stage at the New Amsterdam Theatre, I was ecstatic.

The show has become a smash hit across the pond in London, but I haven't seen it yet. I'm tempted to take a weekend trip to England just to hear the Chimney Sweep song performed live, but since the opening here is in just a few months I'll try to wait. It's a co-production of Disney Theatrical (known for their lush and delightful spectacles -- except Tarzan) and Cameron Mackintosh (the most financially successful theatrical producer in history), so there's pretty much a 100% chance it will be a rollicking good time and a huge moneymaker.
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Another trading deadline has come to pass and while the flurry of speculation and wild predictions may not have panned out, there were still a number of moves made around both leagues that could alter the playoff picture come October. Yes Alfonso Soriano is still a National, Barry Zito still an A and the biggest name to be moved, Greg Maddux, has won four games since May - but there were a number of role players that changed teams and are poised to make an impact.

Winners: New York Yankees, Greg Maddux, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers

New York Yankees

Once again George Steinbrenner has proved that with deep pockets, anything is possible. Sunday afternoon the Yankees were able to acquire All-Star outfielder Bobby Abreu and solid starter Corey Lidle from the Phillies for next to nothing. Sure they gave up a handful of prospects, but none were the coveted double-A starter Philip Hughes. All Uncle George had to do was whip out the checkbook and the Yankees were able to add another huge bat to their already ridiculously potent lineup. Oh and just to build on their depth, the Yankees also acquired 20-plus-homer a year Craig Wilson to come off their bench.
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