All stories by Brooks Barnes on BroadwayStars

Monday, July 12, 2021

'Black Widow' a Hit in Theaters and Streaming on Disney+ by Brooks Barnes

The long-delayed Marvel-Disney movie generated $80 million at the domestic box office and another $60 million on the Disney+ streaming platform.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 08:31PM
Monday, April 26, 2021

Oscars Ratings Plummet, With Fewer Than 10 Million Tuning In by Brooks Barnes and John Koblin

Sunday night’s pandemic-restricted telecast saw a 58 percent plunge in viewers from last year’s record low.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 06:55PM

Tyler Perry Speaks Against Hate in Moving Oscars Speech by Brooks Barnes

The creator of the popular “Madea” films was recognized for his “cultural influence.”

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 06:19AM
Sunday, April 25, 2021

Oscars 2021: What to Watch For by Brooks Barnes and Nicole Sperling

It has been a surreal time in Hollywood, but Sunday night’s Academy Awards, which begin at 8 p.m. Eastern, could go down in movie industry history for several reasons.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 07:27AM
Sunday, April 4, 2021

‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ Roars at the Box Office With $48.5 Million by Brooks Barnes

Even though it was streaming at the same time, moviegoers flocked to theaters. But with caps on seating capacity, analysts said, the take was about half of what was normal.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 03:04PM
Saturday, January 23, 2021

Can a Brash Executive in Kansas Save Movie Theaters? by Brooks Barnes

For Adam Aron, who runs AMC Entertainment, the world’s largest movie theater chain, the past year has been filled with twists and turns. And no one knows the ending.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 01:10AM
Monday, May 4, 2020

For Disney, a Stricken Empire by Brooks Barnes

The entertainment conglomerate’s vastness, once its strength, has posed a challenge during the pandemic.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 05:32AM
Sunday, May 19, 2019

As ‘Rocketman’ Prepares to Take Off, Hollywood Holds Its Breath by Brooks Barnes

Depending on ticket sales, the R-rated musical fantasia about Elton John could have ripple effects for its star, its studio and the wider film industry.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 10:20PM
Thursday, May 2, 2019

Disney and Universal Shore Up Their Benches by Brooks Barnes

Alan Bergman was promoted to co-chairman of Walt Disney Studios, and Alan Horn, chairman, extended his contract. In a separate move, the producer Amy Pascal will leave Sony for Universal.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 08:10AM
Thursday, April 11, 2019

Disney Prepares to Unveil Its Streaming Service by Brooks Barnes and John Koblin

In a lavish presentation, the company is expected to offer long-awaited details about its counter to the tech giants that have moved into entertainment.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 03:43PM
Sunday, December 2, 2018

‘The Favourite’ Shines on a Quiet Box-Office Weekend by Brooks Barnes

Showing in just 34 theaters, “The Favourite” had early results in line with two of last year’s Oscar-season hits, “Lady Bird” and “The Shape of Water.”

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 01:58PM
Wednesday, October 31, 2018

In Oscar Bid, Netflix Will Release 3 Movies in Theaters First by Brooks Barnes

A limited number of cinemas will receive an exclusive period of one to three weeks to play the films — a departure from Netflix’s streaming model.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 09:05PM
Sunday, October 14, 2018

‘First Man’ Is No Match for ‘Venom’ and ‘A Star Is Born’ by Gabe Cohn and Brooks Barnes

Damien Chazelle’s first movie since “La La Land” was mostly loved by critics. Audiences were less impressed.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 02:28PM
Sunday, October 7, 2018

Venom and Lady Gaga Push Movie-Ticket Sales to an October Record by Brooks Barnes

Huge turnout for “Venom” and “A Star Is Born” gave Hollywood its best October weekend ever. “Venom” came in first place, but both films exceeded expectations.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 03:01PM
Monday, July 2, 2018

Already at Movie Theaters Near You: Ticket Subscriptions by Brooks Barnes

From MoviePass to Alamo Drafthouse, more companies are getting into the ticket subscription business. Here’s a survey of some of the most prominent.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 10:20AM
Tuesday, June 19, 2018

‘Frozen’ and ‘Inside Out’ Directors to Succeed Lasseter at Disney and Pixar by Brooks Barnes

Jennifer Lee and Pete Docter will take over as the chief creative officers at Disney Animation and Pixar following the resignation of John Lasseter.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 07:09PM
Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Purge of Kevin Spacey Gives ‘All the Money in the World’ a Pay Problem by Brooks Barnes

Mark Wahlberg received $1.5 million for reshoots of the kidnapping drama after it cut out the disgraced Spacey. Michelle Williams got just a small per diem.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 08:19PM
Wednesday, December 27, 2017

MoviePass Adds a Million Subscribers, Even if Theaters Aren’t Sold on It by Brooks Barnes

Users can go to the movies once a day for $9.95 a month. While multiplexes doubt that’s sustainable, the chief executive, who slashed the price, says, “We seem to have hit a nerve in Ame…

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 08:03PM
Friday, December 15, 2017

For Disney’s Iger, a Bold Move That Will Define His Legacy by Brooks Barnes

Disney has achieved great success under the leadership of Robert A. Iger. But he is likely to be judged on the success of his 21st Century Fox deal.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 09:33PM
Wednesday, December 13, 2017

The Race to Erase Kevin Spacey by Brooks Barnes

“I took action,” the director Ridley Scott said of his whirlwind reshoot of “All the Money in the World,” which featured Christopher Plummer in a role originally filmed by Mr. Spacey.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 05:00AM
Sunday, November 5, 2017

‘Thor: Ragnarok’ Hits Theaters With a Thunderclap by Brooks Barnes

Disney scored big with Marvel’s ‘Thor: Ragnarok,” which took in more than $400 million globally over the weekend.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 01:59PM
Saturday, October 14, 2017

Harvey Weinstein May Get Kicked Out of the Oscar Club by Brooks Barnes

The academy has long insisted that professional achievement is what counts, but now it stands at a precipice, and Harvey Weinstein could change everything.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 02:18AM
Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Disney, Hillary Clinton and the Obamas Condemn Weinstein by Brooks Barnes

Disney once owned Miramax, which Harvey Weinstein co-founded. Mr. Weinstein is also a longtime Democratic donor with ties to the Clintons and the Obamas.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 07:38PM
Sunday, October 8, 2017

Disney’s Big Bet on Streaming Relies on Little-Known Tech Company by Brooks Barnes and John Koblin

BamTech has had success with its services for Major League Baseball, HBO and others. Disney is hoping the company can do the same for it.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 11:59AM
Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Coming Soon to AMC Theaters: Virtual Reality Experiences by Brooks Barnes

The theater chain has invested $20 million in the start-up Dreamscape Immersive and will open six locations offering V.R. experiences in the next 18 months.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 09:00AM
Thursday, August 24, 2017

To Get People in Stores, Disney Offers ‘Star Wars’ Treasure Hunt by Brooks Barnes

The promotion for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” will involve an augmented reality event spread across some 20,000 stores in 30 countries.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 03:00AM
Wednesday, August 9, 2017

With Disney’s Move to Streaming, a New Era Begins by Brooks Barnes

Plans announced by the world’s largest media company to start two Netflix-style services instantly reverberated through the entertainment industry.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 09:00PM
Thursday, May 11, 2017

Walt Disney’s Hand-Drawn Map of Disneyland Is Headed to Auction by Brooks Barnes

The map will be sold on June 25 at Van Eaton Galleries in Sherman Oaks, Calif., and could fetch between $750,000 and $1 million.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 10:22AM
Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Disney Parks and Movies Soar, but ESPN Is a Concern by Brooks Barnes

The Walt Disney Company reported better-than-expected earnings, but analysts peppered Robert A. Iger with questions about the health of ESPN.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 08:19PM
Friday, March 10, 2017

Kids Are Getting Older Quicker. And Disney Tries to Adapt. by Brooks Barnes

With “Andi Mack,” a comedic drama that’s bitter and sweet, Disney Channel stretches its brand. It’s part of an effort to lift sinking ratings.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 01:09PM
Wednesday, March 8, 2017

‘Beauty and the Beast’: Disney’s $300 Million Gamble by Brooks Barnes

In adapting its 1991 animated hit with live action and digital flourishes, the studio treads a minefield that comes with tweaking a revered classic.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 08:43AM

All that Chat

2023-2024 BROADWAY SEASON
May 30, 2023: Grey House - Lyceum Theatre
Jun 26, 2023: Just For Us - Hudson Theatre
Jul 24, 2023: The Cottage - Hayes Theater
Nov 16, 2023: Spamalot - St. James Theatre
Dec 18, 2023: Appropriate - Hayes Theater
Mar 07, 2024: Doubt - Todd Haimes Theatre
Apr 14, 2024: Lempicka - Longacre Theatre
Apr 17, 2024: The Wiz - Marquis Theatre
Apr 18, 2024: Suffs - Music Box Theatre
Apr 25, 2024: Mother Play - Hayes Theater
Jun 10, 2024: The Drama Desk Awards