"Nine" The Musical

The musical "Nine" is coming to the big screen this November. My friend, Roberto, just brought this to my attention by writing about it in his blog. The movie, directed by Rob Marshall (director of "Chicago"), features an all-star cast with actors such as Sophia Loren, Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman (who I thought had quite acting?), Fergie and Kate Hudson. Read more about it by clicking the link above and watching this trailer. 

Another Show to Look Forward to This Week: FOX's "Glee"

I've been waiting for a musical TV series and it has finally arrived. No more waiting for the musical episodes of Scrubs to come on. This series has singing and dance in every episode. The new FOX show "Glee" follows the story of a high school glee club and brings some of Broadway's best actors to TV. The show stars the fabulous Leah Michele from Spring Awakening and features guest artists like Kristin Chenoweth from Wicked.  And, I recently discovered one of the creators of the show graduated from James Madison University's School of Media Arts and Design, just like me. So a big shout out to a fellow SMADie, Chad. 

Following American Idol on Tuesday night, FOX will show a preview episode of "Glee", which officially will begin in the fall. If you want to learn more about the story line check out the extended trailer below. Or watch this video to hear from the producers/creators. If you still aren't convinced, just wait until they start singing "Don't Stop Believin'". What is it about that song? I always smile when I hear it. I'm hoping I will have the same reaction to each episode of "Glee".

The Final 3 Celebrities on Dancing With The Stars

We're five days away from announcing the winner of Dancing With The Stars season 8. In my first analysis of this season, I predicted Shawn and Mark would win the competition. But since that first night my top two have shifted to Melissa and Gilles, with Gilles winning the competition.

Don't get me wrong, I think Shawn is a lovely dancer, but she doesn't have the great performance quality found in Melissa and Gilles. She also is less graceful in her movement, which is understandable considering her gymnastics training. 

So why Melissa? Despite the fact that Tony dilutes his choreography with the same front leg extension in every piece, he mostly creates fine pieces that work well to Melissa's strength. He showcases her fearlessness when it comes to tricks, her fluidity, flexibility and strong turns. She also was taught, presumably in her Dallas Cowboys cheerleader training, how to maintain an engaging face throughout a performance, which helps makes the pieces exciting to watch. 

So why will Gilles beat Melissa? Well, because he has had no previous dance training, unlike Melissa, and yet he can do everything that she can do. He also has Cheryl as a partner and their chemistry is a step above any other couple in the competition. The fact that he's gorgeous, French and a family man might also help boost his voting base. 

But we'll all have to stay tuned to ABC on Monday and Tuesday to see if my guesses are correct. So, enjoy next week. I'll be with you flipping between DWTS and American Idol on Tuesday night. 

(photo from AP Photos/Getty Images, found at ABCNews)

Ty's Saved From Elimination on Dancing With The Stars

I guess Ty's solo impressed more than just Jewel on Monday night because 'Lil Kim was the next celebrity to be eliminated from Dancing With The Stars. 

According to the judges, Ty should have been the next celebrity to leave the show, after he received a score 6 points fewer than 'Lil. Ty and partner Chelsie were surprised when the results were announced, along with the audience who booed the outcome. 

But, unless the group who votes for the worst celebrity has a larger following this year, we should see Ty go home next week. As much as I love his positive attitude, sweet personality and determination, those things can only get you so far in a dancing competition. We have to judge technique and performance quality (the thing he needs to work on most) at some point and it better be in the semi-finals. 

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

Written and produced during the 2007 WGA writer's strike, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog is a 45 minute musical that has circulated the Web since July 2008. I finally had the chance to watch it yesterday after many requests from my sister who has been telling me to view it for about 6 months. I should have listened to her sooner. 

During a time when money is tight and audiences are looking for cheap ways to escape, this Web musical is just what we need. The fact that it's well written, sung, acted and produced is simply a bonus. And did I mention it is hysterical? Absolutely, laugh-out-loud fun. 

According to writer, Joss Whedon (best known for TV shows such as Dollhouse and Buffy), the musical is about a “low-rent super-villain, the hero who keeps beating him up, and the cute girl from the laundromat he’s too shy to talk to.” It stars Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion and Felicia Day. 

The musical gained so much attention that a Web sequel, or even feature film, is being considered.

You can watch Dr. Horrible for free at Hulu.com. Trust me, you'll love it .