Associated Press files
David Alan Grier is shown in a scene from "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess" in New York.
David Alan Grier has a gentle message for anyone who is getting all hot and bothered thinking that he's helping ruin an American masterpiece.
"Relax. Let it go," he says. "We're not killing it. We're just doing our version."
The actor and comedian is currently starring as Sporting Life in a reworked version of the Gershwins' "Porgy and Bess" on Broadway following a controversial out-of-town tryout this fall near Boston.
The creative team, with the blessing of the creators' estates, condensed the four-hour opera into a 21/2 -hour musical, eliminated a lot of the repetitiveness and tried to deepen the characters. Their effort generated headlines when purists including Stephen Sondheim complained that a musical treasure was being corrupted.
"We just want people to be propelled by the story and the music," says Grier, best known for his work on the groundbreaking TV sketch comedy show "In Living Color." "It's not like we made a deal with the estate to destroy all previous versions and burn down all the opera houses. They will continue to do it and it will continue to live and be interpreted. That's what keeps classical works like this alive."
Nelson sings for Kucinich
Country music icon Willie Nelson came to Ohio to sing out in support of an old friend, U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich.
Nelson performed a sold-out benefit for the congressman on Sunday. The star previously campaigned for Kucinich during his long-shot bids for president.
Redistricting has thrown Kucinich into a congressional primary battle with another veteran Democrat, Marcy Kaptur.
MacLaine joining 'Downton' cast
Oscar-winning actress Shirley MacLaine is joining Britain's popular television series "Downton Abbey."
MacLaine, 77, will play the mother of Lady Grantham, portrayed by Elizabeth McGovern, in the third season of the hit period drama, which took Golden Globe and Emmy prizes for best miniseries or TV movie.
The show's producers said MacLaine's character will be a "wonderful combatant" for Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess.
White to put out solo album
Jack White is releasing his first solo album, Blunderbuss, on April 24.
White released a single, "Love Interruption," from the record Monday. The album is the former White Stripes frontman's first record since he announced the breakup of that pioneering rock and roll duo last year.
-- From Our Press Services
Today's birthdays
Actor Gene Hackman, 82; actress Vanessa Redgrave, 75; singer Marty Balin of Jefferson Airplane/ Jefferson Starship, 70; musician Phil Collins, 61; actor Charles S. Dutton ("Roc"), 61; comedian Brett Butler ("Grace Under Fire"), 54; singer Jody Watley, 53; actor Christian Bale, 38; singer Josh Kelley, 32.
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