Bandstand, Broadway’s first 6 Certified production about the veteran experience, has been a labor of love over the past few years for everyone involved. For the actors cast as members of The Donny Nova Band, that required dedication and practice beyond the traditional song and dance rehearsals; they had to become instrumental musicians, too. One of those band member-actors is Joe Carroll, who was previously seen stealing hearts on Broadway as Prince Topher in Cinderella. In Bandstand, he plays Johnny Simpson, a WWII veteran who deals with its aftermath by using
Meet James Freedson-Jackson, Hollywood’s newest breakout star, and proof that talent knows no age. In 2015, he made his theatrical debut as Travis in Jon Watts’ acclaimed thriller, Cop Car. And critics and audiences agreed, James Freedson-Jackson is a commanding presence. If that wasn’t impressive enough, the fifteen-year-old recently won “Best Breakthrough Performance” at this year’s SXSW Film Awards for his portrayal as Sam in the eerie, coming-of-age story, The Strange Ones. In the film, he stars alongside Alex Pettyfer as two brothers who flee their home following an incident
I am not even going to leave you in suspense: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is a timely must-read in today’s increasingly divided world. For those of you who don’t follow YA book news as avidly as I do–The Hate U Give centers on Starr Carter, a sixteen-year-old black girl who spends her days playing two roles: the Starr Carter of Garden Heights, the predominantly black neighborhood she grew up in, and the Starr Carter of Williamson Prep, where she cautions herself about not appearing “too ghetto.” Her
Michael Nardelli is a man of countless talents. From actor to writer to producer, his artistry knows no bounds. You’ll recognize him for his role in The Collection, Circle, Grassroots, American Crime Story: The People Vs. OJ Simpson, Revenge, and Nashville. And next, he’ll put on his many hats, writing, producing, and starring in his own digital web series, Dark/Web. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Michael about the show, what fans can expect, and why it was the biggest challenge of his life. PC: What is it