By Mr. Will Wong

The legacy of WEST SIDE STORY is undeniable. With six TONY Awards and an Academy Award win for Best Picture, following-up on its celebrated 1961 predecessor some 60 years later is a tall ask.

Steven Spielberg takes the reins in the upcoming 2021 retelling of the Film, with a Script by Tony Kushner. This latest rendition takes us back to 1957 New York City as we are placed in the middle of a war between feuding teenage street gangs, and also a compelling story of young love.

Our Justin Waldman had the pleasure of sitting-in on the global press conference for WEST SIDE STORY. In attendance were:

Steven Spielberg – Director

Rita Moreno – “Valentina” and Producer

Tony Kushner – Screenwriter

Rachel Zegler – Maria

Ansel Elgort – Tony

Ariana DeBose – Anita

David Alvarez – Bernardo

Mike Faist – Riff

Brian d’Arcy James – Officer Krupke

Josh Andres Rivera – Chino

Corey Stoll – Lieutenant Schrank

Steven Spielberg talks about getting the legendary late Stephen Sondheim onboard after bumping into each other at the White House receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The iconic Composer/Lyricist had passed away late November.

Spielberg : “Steve (Sondheim) was very involved in commenting about Tony‘s Script. Tony had a very open dialogue with Steve on the Script going from one draft to the next. Where Steve got really involved, which was the best place for his involvement, was when we did the pre-records with all the Vocal Artists. Steve was there for three weeks, five days a week sitting right beside me in the recording studio. It was an honour.”.

Spielberg admits to having known all the lyrics as kid to West Side Story. He comments what it was like working on the Film from rehearsals to filming.

Spielberg: “You know something? I did jump out of my chair and did dance with the Cast, singing off-key and dancing like a I had three left feet, during rehearsal. We had four and a half months of intense rehearsals, both in the City and in Brooklyn at this place called Dumbo. And Rita (Moreno) was there too. Rita was dancing with the Cast. We were so compelled to get up on our feet because there was so much life in the air of song and dance and genius Choreography by Justin Peck. When I filmed the Movie, I would just tap my feet as I was too focused on what images we were capturing. This was the most delightful family affair I’ve had since E.T. In E.T., I felt like I was a dad to all those kids and I wasn’t a dad then. It made me want to be a dad and my first child was born three years after I directed E.T. This was the next time I had that kind of a feeling that I was a part of a very diverse family. I was not at the center of the family, but was a part of the family.”.

Rita Moreno who originated the on-screen role of Anita in the 1961 version of this Film for which she won an Academy Award, plays the newly-created role of Valentina, intended as a cameo. She talks about passing the torch, being a part of the new Film.

Moreno: “It wasn’t easy. I mean I’m not gonna say I wasn’t envious. That would be just a bloody lie. I wished I could be that young again and do it again. Then I got this beautifully-written card from this man, and you don’t say things that easily. I don’t care what they say, I love every scene I’m in. Therefore, I love what I’m doing. And it was difficult, it was absolutely creepy to do that one scene I did with Anita (Ariana DeBose) in the Film and it was strange for her and even more difficult for me. I kept looking at her and had the toughest time getting into the scene because what I was really doing was saving Anita‘s life, because these boys were about to possibly rape her. I had to put a stop to it. It was very strange.”.

Tony Kushner is asked whether or not he considered setting this Film in modern day.

Kushner: “We never discussed transposing it because there’s nothing dated about the Score. It’s lively and great and it feels of any moment and I’m convinced for all time. Whenever you hear that Music, you’re going to feel as though it’s happening just right now. There’s nothing quaint or old-fashioned about it. Sondheim who is one of the greatest Lyricists and Composers, is a master at a kind of specificity that is certainly timeless in the sense his insights into the way people think and feel are never gonna get dated.”.

Brian d’Arcy James and Corey Stoll playing the authority in West Side Story. Both comment on their characters, which still are a very much a part of the discussion today on race relations in America.

Stoll: “Tony Kushner‘s Script is such an incredible addition to telling this story. The understanding of race and of ethnicity and of language that he brings to it, it’s more about these systemic forces and how power instills itself on a community, as opposed to ‘That person is a racist! That’s the bad person and we’re good in relation to that.”. It’s about power and how those in power hold onto it. I represent the authority trying to hold that line, and taking away someone’s language is something you do when trying to instill that power. I had the fewest days on-set and some had been working months before I showed up. I am the closest thing to an audience coming in. I’ve never been on a set like this. Maybe it’s because I come from Downtown Theatre where everyone’s very sullen and I’ve never been in a Musical. Everyone was having so much fun and I’ve never seen this!”.

James: “I felt the same way literally on the outside standing and watching this incredible array of ability and talent and enthusiasm and joy and spirit. After every take, a throng of like 40 dancers would run over to the monitor and watch the scene and go ‘Hurray! That was great!’. To me, that is the lifeblood of this Film. The spirit of this Film is captured by the fact that everybody is so in love with the fact they got to do it.”.

Rachel Zegler makes her big screen debut as Maria and talks about New York being a character in the Film, plus also her preparation process for this role of a lifetime.

Zegler: “It’s a character. New York became a character. The morning after the balcony scene, it’s just shot after shot of New York in the morning. And even if you’re not familiar with 1957 New York, even if you’re just familiar with New York right now, it embraces that so well. And I think the Film became a love letter to New York, not only because of how stunning it is visually, but because of the context Tony Kushner gave it in the Script, understanding the political climate as well. It was really cool stepping onto Adam Stockhausen‘s 1957 set and feeling transported, and I think we were all really able to incorporate it into our performances as well because it’s so immersive”.

The Cast are asked about using the Film’s source material, and balancing staying true to it, with making it their own. DeBose who plays Anita, and is getting a lot of early Awards Season buzz, comments on this, as do Zegler, Elgort and Alvarez.

Zegler: “I made the choice not to. The comparisons are eminent so when I got the part, I was like whether they like it or not, they’re gonna compare, so I’m just gonna distance myself as much as I can.”.

“The Music you have to listen to, to study and understand, but it was retaught to us in a brand new way by Jeanine Tesori, conducted by David Newman of the New York Philharmonic, so I think we were all able to look at it with a fresh perspective inherently through our leadership. I don’t think it was necessarily encouraged to watch or not watch the Film, but Tony Kushner did recommend we look at Romeo & Juliet and its text.”.

Elgort: “No I haven’t seen the Movie since I was a kid but I used to love it, especially the Prologue. I’ve always been told as an Actor not to look at someone else’s performance because you’re supposed to pull it out. But I will say Steven Spielberg obviously loves the source material and it very much is based off of that source material and then reimagined the way that Art is supposed to be.”.

Ariana: “I am well-versed in the Movie, but I did not revisit it. I saw it when I was seven or eight and it was ingrained in my mind. I just let the knowledge of it live with me even though I did not seek it out.

Alvarez: “I definitely didn’t see it. I mean I saw it when I was young, but I didn’t want to see it because I didn’t want my idea of Bernardo to change because of the Movie. But I did look at Romeo & Juliet.”.

20th Century Studios Canada release WEST SIDE STORY December 10, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios Canada)

20th Century Studios Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see Steven Spielberg‘s WEST SIDE STORY. Screenings take place in Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver on December 8, 2021.

Synopsis:

Directed by Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, “West Side Story” tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This reimagining of the beloved musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony); Ariana DeBose (Anita); David Alvarez (Bernardo); Mike Faist (Riff); Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke); Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank); Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino); with Rita Moreno (as Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works); and introducing Rachel Zegler (Maria). Moreno – one of only three artists to be honored with Academy®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, Tony® and Peabody Awards – also serves as one of the film’s executive producers. 

Bringing together the best of both Broadway and Hollywood, the film’s creative team includes Kushner, who also served as an executive producer; Tony Award® winner Justin Peck, who choreographed the musical numbers in the film; renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor and GRAMMY Award® winner Gustavo Dudamel, who helmed the recording of the iconic score; Academy Award®-nominated composer and conductor David Newman (“Anastasia”), who arranged the score, Tony Award®-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (“Fun Home,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie”), who supervised the cast on vocals; and GRAMMY®-nominated music supervisor Matt Sullivan (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Chicago”), who serves as executive music producer for the film. The film is produced by Spielberg, p.g.a., Academy Award®-nominated producer Kristie Macosko Krieger, p.g.a. and Tony Award®-winning producer Kevin McCollum. “West Side Story” has been adapted for the screen from the original 1957 Broadway show. Original choreography by Jerome Robbins, based on the stage play, book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, play conceived, directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, music by Leonard Bernstein. 

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Indicate on the comments your City. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet for an extra chance.

Rules and regulations here.

20th Century Studios Canada release Steven Spielberg‘s WEST SIDE STORY December 10, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios Canada)

At long last we get some new footage from Steven Spielberg‘s WEST SIDE STORY! Here’s a new sneak peek!

Synopsis:

Directed by Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, “West Side Story” tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This reimagining of the beloved musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony); Ariana DeBose (Anita); David Alvarez (Bernardo); Mike Faist (Riff); Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke); Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank); Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino); with Rita Moreno (as Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works); and introducing Rachel Zegler (Maria.) Moreno – one of only three artists to be honored with Academy®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, Tony® and Peabody Awards – also serves as one of the film’s executive producers. 

Bringing together the best of both Broadway and Hollywood, the film’s creative team includes Kushner, who also served as an executive producer; Tony Award® winner Justin Peck, who choreographed the musical numbers in the film; renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor and GRAMMY Award® winner Gustavo Dudamel, who helmed the recording of the iconic score; Academy Award®-nominated composer and conductor David Newman (“Anastasia”), who arranged the score, Tony Award®-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (“Fun Home,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie”), who supervised the cast on vocals; and GRAMMY®-nominated music supervisor Matt Sullivan (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Chicago”), who serves as executive music producer for the film. The film is produced by Spielberg, p.g.a., Academy Award®-nominated producer Kristie Macosko Krieger, p.g.a. and Tony Award®-winning producer Kevin McCollum. “West Side Story” has been adapted for the screen from the original 1957 Broadway show. Original choreography by Jerome Robbins, based on the stage play, book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, play conceived, directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, music by Leonard Bernstein. 

20th Century Studios Canada release WEST SIDE STORY December 10, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios Canada)

We present the latest Trailer for WEST SIDE STORY, Steven Spielberg‘s adaptation of this classic hits theatres this December!

Synopsis:

Directed by Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, “West Side Story” tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This reimagining of the beloved musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony); Rachel Zegler (María); Ariana DeBose (Anita); David Alvarez (Bernardo); Mike Faist (Riff); Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino); Ana Isabelle (Rosalía); Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank); Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke); and Rita Moreno (as Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works). Moreno – one of only three artists to be honoured with Academy®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, Tony® and Peabody Awards – also serves as one of the film’s executive producers.

20th Century Studios Canada release WEST SIDE STORY December 10, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios Canada)

In case you missed it tonight during the Oscars broadcast, here’s the brand-new Teaser for Steven Spielberg‘s WEST SIDE STORY!

Synopsis:

Directed by Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, “West Side Story” tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This reimagining of the beloved musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony); Rachel Zegler (María); Ariana DeBose (Anita); David Alvarez (Bernardo); Mike Faist (Riff); Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino); Ana Isabelle (Rosalía); Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank); Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke); and Rita Moreno (as Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works). Moreno – one of only three artists to be honored with Academy®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, Tony® and Peabody Awards – also serves as one of the film’s executive producers.

See the Trailer:

20th Century Studios release WEST SIDE STORY December 10, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios)

If there was ever a year that contained highs and lows for me, 2019 was that year. My heart was broken losing my best friend and companion Billy in March. Since then there have been good days and bad days. I try to keep myself occupied always as it keeps my mind off things and I’ve decided this was the way I would cope. The Holidays this year will be extra tough and while I appreciate people quick to comment, “Just get another dog, you have so much love to give”, it really isn’t that easy. I am touched by the donations on Billy‘s behalf, the flowers we received, the thoughtful tokens and sentiments. Those helped.

I am in a different place than I was 16 years ago when I first got Billy. Life is much more hectic for me now and I didn’t have to be there as much for my parents as I do now. So to those who are concerned, the day will come when I will open my heart again to the possibility of pet parenting, but it isn’t just yet.

On that note, I also feel that we really don’t do enough to support people mourning pet loss. At work, employees get Bereavement Leave when they lose an immediate human family member and can get accommodations for mental wellness if deemed supported by the employer. But when it comes to a pet whom we love just as deeply and experience just as much pain when they’re gone, there are no formal regulated measures in place. In fact, with that being said, it is easy to feel embarrassed and ashamed for grieving a pet because it is so institutionalized that losing human lives is so much more important than losing an animal life. Pets are dependents and provide affection, support and routine in one’s life. When a pet ails, the heart aches just as much as it does as when a family member or a friend is ill. And when a pet goes, the disruption in one’s flow is dramatic. Just think about that for a sec.

The year while marred by some sadness, contained several happy moments that I will never forget. In addition to celebrating our tenth anniversary as a Blog, we met more heroes than we could’ve dreamed, saw great Films, enjoyed some great Music.  These are things that no amount of unhappiness could erase. Thank you to our Readers and Team Mr. Will – Dave, Jonathan, Justin, George, Amanda and Siobhán for all your continued loyalty and all you give so generously.

I always look forward to sharing with you my favourites of the year, and here are my Best-Of 2019.

Marriage Story
Knives Out
Uncut Gems
Hustlers
Rocketman
Joker
Bombshell
Jojo Rabbit
Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood
Little Women

Juice – Lizzo
Cruel Summer – Taylor Swift
Old Town Road (Diplo Remix) – Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus
Lover – Taylor Swift
Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
Good as Hell – Lizzo
Sweet But Psycho – Ava Max
Hey Look Ma, I Made It – Panic! at the Disco
Dancing with a Stranger – Sam Smith ft. Normani
7 Rings – Ariana Grande

TORONTO RAPTORS
I’ll admit it, I know little about Basketball but for that one moment in time that night in June, every Torontonian was a die-hard fan! 2019 was Toronto’s year and no one can ever take that away from us. The City has never been more united and I’m so happy despite it being gruelingly-hot, I was able to skip away from work thanks to my boss, and take-in the 2019 Toronto Raptors Championship Parade. You never forget a moment like that. Eight hours under the scorching sun on University Avenue.  Screaming children who didn’t want to be there. People budding ahead of you. But the moment the Raptors came through, none of that mattered.

One unassuming night waiting on a friend arriving on an L.A. flight, I’d cross paths with basically all them Raptors. All of them came passing through the terminal returning back from their exhibition games in Tokyo. I couldn’t believe my eyes! It was like being in one of those rooms with the dollar bills spiraling in the wind around you on a game show. Slam Dunk!🏀

CÉLINE DION
Céline not only is a national treasure, she is an Artist I’ve loved for many, many years. While power ballads haven’t always remained in-vogue, her Music has stood the test of time. My Heart Will Go On helped me cope with losing Billy and I like to think of meeting Céline as Billy‘s gift to me from beyond. Seeing her on her Courage World Tour finally for the first time, my heart wept. Only she can make me laugh hysterically and bring a tear to my eye in the span of four minutes. Such a blessing getting to meet my Heroine (the only one I didn’t have a photo-with yet other than Mariah!), even if I waited till 2 AM for it to happen on a frigid night in Toronto! I felt like death shortly after, but I’m alive! See what I did there?

RENÉE ZELLWEGER
Bridget Jones’s Diary is the reason I got inspired to Blog. She defined an era in my life as did Renée Zellweger. Seeing her at TIFF ’19 for JUDY was a bright spot in my life and getting to chat with her gorgeousness is something I will never forget. At the risk of being one of those annoying people who see like one movie a year and cry “Oscar!”, I actually mean it and you better be ready for a complete domination this Awards Season. Internet trolls, let’s see who gets the last laugh now!

J-LO
Who wasn’t obsessed with Jennifer Lopez in the early 2000s? Everyone calls Auld Lang Syne their New Year’s song, but sorry! Waiting for Tonight is all about 12/31 to me and always will be! Lorene Scafaria‘s HUSTLERS is the bomb and anyone who thinks otherwise sucks. It is about women taking back what’s theirs, owning-up to their mistakes and surviving to tell us about the juicy details. If that’s not empowerment, please step aside, I don’t need your negative energy! J-Lo and Constance Wu killed it.

Will never forget meeting J-Lo after hearing her and her Castmates speak at a Panel about the female voice, in support of the Film. Buy and download HUSTLERS now.

CONSTANCE WU
It’s okay sister, I got you! I’m not going to go on about how much Constance owned my 2018 with CRAZY RICH ASIANS because that’s so 2018, but meeting her and J-Lo after blessing us with that beautiful performance in HUSTLERS? I was a dummy for not stocking-up on Lotto 6/49 tickets that night!

LIZZO

This time last year I would’ve been, “Who-zzo?!?”. LIZZO slayed my 2019 with her excellence and one-by-one I saw the world become believers. I discovered her Music seeing her performance at Coachella on YouTube and became obsessed. I paid top-dollar for a ticket to her Danforth Music Hall Show which was long sold-out, grabbed that Meet & Greet lanyard and have never booked back. That was money well-spent seeing her twerk all up my face front row 🍑 and collectively with the sold-out crowd, be moved to tears by her inspiring words. I still don’t know how Truth Hurts became a #1 hit before Juice, but okay! CUZ I LUV YOU is essential listening. You. will. not. regret. buying. this. Album.

TOM HANKS
Never mind that I look like I’m losing control of my bladder in this pic and mysterious age lines that came from nowhere. This man of grace and legendary stature was kind enough to acknowledge me and that is enough. “I’m not going to pose for your Selfie, but I will walk by verrryyyy slowly.”. These are words spoken by Tom to me which I will repeat over and over in my head like a mantra till I die.

STEVEN SPIELBERG
Oh how nice, you got a Selfie with Kendall Jenner. Who cares!? This is the Selfie any self-respecting human being wants. LEGEND. ICON. KING MASTERMIND. Yes, I know, blurry as sh*t. Not even Remini could save this, but I got it. That was a night in New York at the Saturday Night Live Afterparty I’ll never forget!

SCARLETT JOHANSSON
We’ve all criticized some of Scarlett‘s choice of roles. 2019 was the year I’ve decided that Scarlett should be absolved of all casting sins as she more than redeemed herself with a mesmerizing performance in Noah Baumbach‘s MARRIAGE STORY, my personal fave of 2019. I am still traumatized from that fight scene with Adam Driver. I don’t care what Critics say about that part ruining the Movie – it was perfect, it was passion, it was ACTING! And if it weren’t for damn Renée and her brilliance, it would be the Year of Scarlett. She also is a delight in JOJO RABBIT. See both. Scarlett is notoriously-tough on Selfies, but she was amazing to give me a smile and a wave at the New York Film Festival Premiere of MARRIAGE STORY. Close enough!

MERYL STREEP
Okay, this really is pushing it as it doesn’t really count as a Selfie so much as it is her looking the same direction as me, but I’ll take it. but being in Meryl Streep‘s presence at her Premiere for THE LAUNDROMAT was an uplifting experience. We’ve waited so long for her to come to TIFF after having cancelled her last appearance in 2013 for AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY and it finally happened. What a goddess!

DANNY DEVITO
So humbled we got a bit of face time with screen veteran Danny Devito back in March in support of Disney’s DUMBO. I’ve never had a more giving, gracious interviewee. He was personable, gave us rich and thoughtful responses. So happy our Dave Baldwin and I could share that together!

RON HOWARD
Totally dating myself, but I spent a lot of my school breaks being entertained on TV by Ron Howard, whether it be The Andy Griffith Show or Happy Days reruns. Okay, sure he’s directed Masterpieces like A BEAUTIFUL MIND, CINDERELLA MAN, SPLASH, APOLLO 13 and FROST/NIXON but in my heart he’ll always be Richie Cunningham and Opie!

RAMI MALEK
Okay, enough time has passed where I can admit that I just didn’t love BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY. For one, it irks me how key things in Freddie Mercury‘s life like his sexuality were muted, when that was actually a big part of his life and persona. That being said, none can be detracted from Rami‘s flawless Oscar-winning performance. This Snap was taken at Chateau Marmont just one night before he took the gold. Don’t let others fool you, it gets cold in L.A. at night!

KRISTEN STEWART
OMG. I almost died when she said “yes” to the Selfie. I have been obsessed with K-Stew forever. Let me make it clear, I never fully got TWILIGHT, but it is her body of work including PERSONAL SHOPPER, CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA, PANIC ROOM, ON THE ROAD, THE RUNAWAYS and even more recently CHARLIE’S ANGELS, that I love. I’m sure many have wanted her to disappear but she’s not going nowhere, babe! She just keeps churning-out some outstanding work.

GLENN CLOSE
I could’ve swore it was Glenn‘s year at the Oscars. So lovely meeting this brilliant Thespian receiving her final award of last Awards Season for THE WIFE and the Independent Spirit Awards. Her adorable Havanese baby Pip was with her to receive the honour!

PAUL RUDD
I have loved Paul Rudd for years now and knowing he never comes to Toronto, New York Comic Con was that rare chance finally to see him! Love that he’s looking like himself and he’s every bit as friendly as you’d think! But then again, this was a paid Photo Op…

VICTORIA BECKHAM
I am one of those people who freaks out every time there is a Spice Girls reunion rumour circulating on Twitter and then go frowny-faced when I realize it’s only “the four of them”. Victoria was in Toronto doing good for Camp Oochigeas and giving her beauty line a plug. It was beyond cold, but so goddamn worth it. Is that a smile I see? 😊 That’s the magic of Mr. Will!

EDDIE MURPHY
Umm. So I won’t repeat what Victoria thinks about Eddie Murphy (Google it), but this does not erase how I feel about him as an Entertainer. Thrilled to see Eddie make his resurgence with DOLEMITE IS MY NAME and a triumphant return to the stage on Saturday Night Live this Holiday season.  He delivered me many age-inappropriate thrills in my younger days with BEVERLY HILLS COP, COMING TO AMERICA and BOOMERANG. But it was DREAMGIRLS that made me truly appreciate his artistry.

TIFFANY x DEBBIE GIBSON
Seriously, ten-year-old me is still freaking-out.  Former Teen Pop Idol rivals Tiffany and Debbie Gibson rocked my world as a kid. To see them join forces in this Photo Op as part of NKOTB‘s Mixtape Tour, was epic!  Who’d ever have known just a few months later I’d get invited to introduced Tiffany on-stage at her show at Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts? I’m so busy running through life sometimes that I forget to appreciate things like this.

BOWEN YANG
This Funnyman came out of nowhere to steal the show. Bowen is the best thing to happen to Saturday Night Live in quite some time! Better yet, he has the distinction of being the first American-Asian Cast member in the star-making Program! Cheers to diversity!

BRENDON URIE
Our airwaves continue to be dominated by PANIC! AT THE DISCO and we are so stoked we got this Snap with the Band’s Frontman Brendon Urie in New York this October! It was a complete surprise! It wasn’t easy but he posed and made sure I got it. If you haven’t heard their contribution to the FROZEN 2 Soundtrack, INTO THE UNKNOWN, you must. Mind-blowingly-powerful vocals from Urie!

KRISTEN BELL
And while we’re on the topic of FROZEN 2, we were so delighted Toronto got its own Fan Event for the Film in November! We deserved it! On Cloud Nine we got to chat with star Kristen Bell, nabbing a signature Team Mr. Will Selfie with Anna herself!

JA RULE
It’s okay, Ja! We know Fyre Festival wasn’t your fault. You’re forgiven. The things we’ve all done for a bit of cash 🙄… doo-doo-doo… Don’t look at me like you’ve never “taken one for the team”! That’s right, move along now!

STING
So yeah, it’s super-awkward when you’re at the office pouring some water into your bottle and someone’s like “Oh! I saw on BlogTO you met Sting!“. Well, thank you Toronto for thinking my Selfies are culturally-relevant. You’re welcome!

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
2019 was low-key The Boss‘ year. He had his Western Stars album and Documentary arrive and also BLINDED BY THE LIGHT was a love letter to his amazingness. Although I loved him as a kid, this was a year I was reminded once again to appreciate his amazing catalog of Music. Born to Run, Born in the USA, Dancing in the Dark, Lonely Hearts, Glory Days. Timeless. Seeing him at TIFF ’19 was great and he was so amazing going down the line, leaning-in for pictures and waves. So happy I had the video rolling and caught this!

Mr. Will x Billy Forever

We weren’t planning to visit New York City for a bit but temptation got to us. We really should be resting after a draining TIFF and what seemed like an endless series of weddings. Rest can always wait as NYC was the place to be this weekend with New York Comic Con, Paley Fest, New York Film Fest, Taylor Swift on Saturday Night Live and more going on in tandem. We don’t know how New Yorkers even function with all that excitement going on!

We came with no real agenda but came out exceedingly-pleased about our weekend!  It was beyond amazing. We keep doting on it, but 2019 will go down as our best year yet.

Wait till you see our sightings!

We, like the rest of Toronto, cannot wait for the arrival of EATALY, an upscale Italian grocer/eatery and all-around Foodie Heaven. New Yorkers are blessed with two locations and it was a joy having our morning coffee and pastries there.

This was our first visit ever to New York Comic Con, held at Jacob Javits Center, which was endless energy…  it was  amazing seeing how precise some of the Cosplay was! We are overjoyed finally to meet Marvel Cinematic Universe stars and acting veterans, Paul Rudd and Benedict Wong! They were beyond nice and we love seeing Rudd back with his signature hair again.

This year marks the 57th edition of the New York Film Festival and while many of the films screening there had done the rounds at TIFF ’19, it was so cool see New Yorkers get excited about them too. Films like Marriage Story and Parasite came out with raves just like in Toronto and they were lucky to see some Cast we didn’t get to see last month. Our highlight was getting to see ScarJo and having her throw you guys a wave! 👋 So cool Greta Gerwig came too to support Baumbach! We have a feeling this power couple will have competing Oscar contenders this Award season, she with Little Women. Just a reminder, these embedded albums can be scrolled-through by hovering right them and tapping on the arrow.

We adore Mary-Louise Parker and she is getting lots of acclaim for her work on Broadway in The Sound Inside. Loved getting to meet her finally!

Paley Fest celebrates Television, giving fans a chance to attend some intimate panels. We were lucky enough to catch the stars of AMC‘s The Walking Dead attending their panel.

It isn’t a New York visit without Saturday Night Live and this weekend’s taping was extra special with a star-studded list of guests seeing Fleabag star Phoebe Waller-Bridge host with musical guest, Taylor Swift! You won’t believe who came out to watch!

We couldn’t resist a visit to scenic Belmont Park! We are so happy to have found a gap in our day to see their star-studded card of racing including the Grade I Joe Hirsch Turf Classic and Champagne Stakes too!

We love always trying new things and BIBBLE AND SIP stamped itself a new favourite and we cannot wait to go back for their Hong Kong-inspired pastries and superb coffee.

…and Shake Shack, you need to come to Canada, already!

By Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong

To celebrate TIFF’s forthcoming retrospective on the cinema of Spielberg, a group of Cinephiles were invited to an evening of trivia and celluloid magic. Despite being familiar with the works of Steven Spielberg, being quizzed on his accomplishments was no easy feat. Luckily, sitting back to enjoy an original 35MM print of Jurassic Park was.

And for anyone in Toronto from December 21st – January 10th, TIFF will be screening 28 films from the incomparable director’s catalog. From Jaws to Amistad there is a bevy of beautiful films being exhumed from the archives and showcased on the silver screen. So be sure to stop by the TIFF Bell Lightbox Theatre for a holiday dosage of nostalgia ultra. After all, nothing says Christmas like the movies.

More on TIFF‘s Close Encounters: The Cinema of Steven Spielberg Retrospective here.

Already having worked with some of the greatest Directors of our day including Jeff Nichols, Terrence Malick, Bryan Singer and now Steven Spielberg, 21-year-old Tye Sheridan is bound for great things.  The X-Men Franchise star is front and center in Spielberg‘s latest effort READY PLAYER ONE and he was in Toronto to promote the new Film, opening in theatres end of March.

While he didn’t get much sleep last night due to flight delays , Sheridan still made the most of his day having to cancel a few interviews, but doing Press including a taping of Global‘s The Morning Show.

See our Snap with him and a young fan and her mom. He was a true gentleman, shaking hands and introducing himself to everyone individually!

See the Trailer for Ready Player One:

Huge things are expected of this. Will you be seeing READY PLAYER ONE?

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release READY PLAYER ONE on Friday, March 29, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada/Mr. Will Wong)

Spielberg + Streep + Hanks together at last! 20th Century Fox release the new Trailer for THE POST. We’re unsure how we lived this long without seeing these three legends together!

SYNOPSIS:
Steven Spielberg directs Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks in The Post, a thrilling drama about the unlikely partnership between The Washington Post‘s Katharine Graham (Streep), the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, and editor Ben Bradlee (Hanks), as they race to catch up with The New York Times to expose a massive cover-up of government secrets that spanned three decades and four U.S. Presidents. The two must overcome their differences as they risk their careers – and their very freedom – to help bring long-buried truths to light.

Cast: Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Alison Brie, Carrie Coon, David Cross, Bruce Greenwood, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, Jesse Plemons, Matthew Rhys, Michael Stuhlbarg, Bradley Whitford, Zach Woods

See the Trailer:

Poster:

20th Century Fox release THE POST in select cities Friday, December 22, 2017 and wide Friday, January 12, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox)