You heard it here first! Two weeks ago, Big Apple Buzz reported there were rumors around the Talk Show industry that The Drew Barrymore Show might be converting into a half-hour format.
On April 1, Steve Lo Cascio, president of CBS Media Ventures, announced the show has been renewed through the 2022-2023 season — with a major format change. Next season, each installment of the show will be split into two half-hour episodes that can air back-to-back or separately.
“We love the idea of creating a seamless flow of exquisite storytelling from the final hour of ‘CBS Mornings’ to a new half-hour of local news on our CBS Stations as we lead into the distinctive approach to the topics of the day and breath of fresh air that Drew Barrymore provides,” Wendy McMahon, president and co-head of CBS News Stations, said in a statement………
Fifteen Percent Pledge
Iman, Nicole Ari Parker, Rosario Dawson and Aurora James were among the bevy of beauties that attended the inaugural Benefit Gala for Fifteen Percent Pledge on April 2 at the New York Public Library.
The evening was a celebration of the organization’s progress since its founding in June 2020 in order to boost Black fashion brands by holding retailers accountable as they commit 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned labels.
The group’s founder, James, told Footwear News, “We’ve spent so much emotional capital over the past two years having these tough conversations every single day, and partnering with major corporations and also working to hold them accountable that it’s nice to come together and celebrate the accomplishments and experience a sense of joy.”…………
Birthday toast from Benson to Stabler
Christopher Meloni, Mariska Hargitay and Ryan Buggle were spotted hanging out on the set of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” in Manhattan on April 1.
On April 3, Hargitay posted a tribute to Meloni’s 61st birthday on Instagram, in honor of the actor who portrays Detective Elliot Stabler on “Law & Order: Organized Crime.” His actual birthday was April 2.
“Happy 61 @Chris_Meloni. You’re aging like a fine wine. Cheers,” Hargitay captioned a photo of the two of them. She added the hashtag #Hestillgotit………
‘Housewives’ news
“Uncut Gems” actress Julia Fox has had no conversations with producers of “The Real Housewives of New York” despite rumors that Kanye West‘s ex-girlfriend may be joining the Bravo show, production sources told TMZ.
Housewives franchise creator Andy Cohen recently announced that the show is being rebooted and recast after 13 seasons. Cohen also reportedly said there will be an additional series — tentatively called “RHONY: Throwback” which will feature some of the former New York housewives. Fox is a native of the Big Apple and is close friends with Leah McSweeney, who is currently on the reality series………
A few Bravo Housewives, including Melissa Gorga, Margaret Josephs, Dorinda Medley and Jackie Goldschneider, attended the BILT Rewards X Wells Fargo launch party at Summit One Vanderbilt on March 28. Harlem’s A$AP Rocky performed at the event.
During the party, which was a promotional event for a Wells Fargo credit card, Mayor Eric Adams took to the microphone to urge people who left New York City during the pandemic to return to the Big Apple.
Bloomberg reported that the Wells Fargo credit card, which offers reward points when it is used to pay rent, is an attempt to move people away from paying rent with checks…….
We hear
Deadline is reporting there will be no Daniel Craig appearances in the latest Broadway production of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” for a while.
The Longacre Theater announced that the actor has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be out for a while. Ticket refunds are available at place of purchase, according to the show producers.
“We apologize for the inconvenience this causes ticket holders,” said a tweet announcing Craig’s illness. “But The safety of our audiences, the cast and crew remains our highest priority.”
Craig costars with Ruth Negga in the limited engagement, which was slated to run for 15 weeks……..
Speaking of Broadway, “And Just Like That” actress Cynthia Nixon and her family were spotted in the audience of “Take Me Out” at the Hayes Theatre on April 3.
Written by Richard Greenberg and directed by Scott Ellis, Big Apple Buzz gives Take Me Out a five star rating and feels it is the the hottest play on Broadway. Boasting a star-studded cast which includes former “Grey’s Anatomy” actor Jesse Williams as Darren Lemming, the star center fielder for the Empires, who comes out of the closet, causing clubhouse and off the field prejudices and and hostile reactions. A must see!……..
Marlon, Tito and Jackie Jackson of the Jackson 5, flew in and out of town on March 29 to see “MJ: The Musical” at the Neil Simon Theatre. A source told Big Apple Buzz: “They loved it!”……….
Sightings
Gigi Hadid filming a Maybelline commercial in Manhattan on March 30……
Katie Holmes, Rosario Dawson and Emma Roberts at the Kate Spade New York Fall 2022 collection presentation on March 31……
Bronx born rapper Cardi B picking up take-out at Ricardo’s Steak House in East Harlem on April 3……..
