The Black Informant | African American Commentary, News and Community Building

Denzel Washington to Star in Broadway Staging of Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar”

Two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington is set to star as Brutus in a new Broadway staging of Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar.” The poltical tragedy will open in March 2005 at the Belasco Theatre in New York City. Daniel Sullivan (”Proof”) will direct. (read more)

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FREE/JAY-Z INTERNET RUMOR: E-mail circulates of rapper getting 106 host pregnant.

*Free, co-host of BET’s “106 & Park,” has refused to comment on this week’s rampant Internet rumor that she is pregnant with Jay-Z’s baby.

According to one e-mail sent to employees of various record labels, as well as staffers at MTV, Free also reportedly resigned from BET, giving notice that this month will be her last at the network. (read more)

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FANTASIA’S SALES POORER THAN EXPECTED: Album fails to debut at No. 1 like ‘Idol’ predecessors.

This most likely has less to do with talent, and more to do with the fact that U2 and Gwen Stefani were coming out at the same time. For whatever reason, Fantasia’s debut album “Free Yourself” is the first recording from an “American Idol” winner that did not debut at No. 1 on Billboard. (read more)

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BEYONCE VS. PETA: Animal rights group has issue with her rabbit boots.

Somehow, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals found out that Beyonce dropped $492 on a pair of Canadian Mukluk shoes – and now they hope to shame the singer by exposing the inhumane way the shoes are crafted. (read more)

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Movies

First Look: Diary of a Mad Black Woman

Distributor: Lions Gate Films

Director: Darren Grant

Cast: Kimberly Elise, Steve Harris, Shemar Moore, Cicely Tyson, Tamara Taylor, Mablean Ephriam, & Donnie McClurkin

Plot: The husband, Charles, is a powerful attorney while Helen has been a devoted housewife. They seem to have everything, money, a beautiful mansion — the American Dream. But just as Helen prepares to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, her picture-perfect life is about to takes an unexpected twist: Charles wants to divorce her for her best friend. (click here to go to page where you can see trailer)

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Release Date: January 14, 2005

Distributor: Paramount Pictures

Film Genre: Drama

Country: United States

Director: Thomas Carter

Screenwriter: Mark Schwahn, John Gatins

Cast: Samuel L. Jackson , Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Ri’chard, Rob Brown, Debbi Morgan, Ashanti, Rick Gonzalez

Synopsis:

Inspired by a true-life story, “Coach Carter” is an inspirational account of a controversial high school basketball coach, who received both high praise and staunch criticism when he made national news in 1999 for benching his entire undefeated basketball team for poor academic performance. (click here to see pics from movie)