The popular series "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" featuring updates on "some of the biggest newsmakers and most memorable 'Oprah' show guests of all time," returns with all-new episodes on Tuesday, March 19, 10-11 p.m. on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.
Described as "one of OWN's guiltiest pleasures, the second season of "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" offers a revealing, never-before-seen look into the private lives of Dennis Rodman, "Octomom" Nadya Suleman, Gennifer Flowers, Sinbad, Marion Jones, "Sex and the City" novelist Candace Bushnell, Omarosa Manigault from "The Apprentice," "Starsky and Hutch" actor Paul Michael Glaser, Mike Tyson, and Trista and Ryan Sutter from "The Bachelorette." Find out where they are now and how their lives have changed after sudden fame and notoriety turned their worlds upside.
Dennis Rodman, referred to as "one of the most notorious bad boys of all time," was indeed one of the most controversial and flamboyant superstars of the NBA. In the nineties, the notorious 6'8" forward was the number one rebounder on the court, but he was equally known for his dyed hair, piercings, tatoos and press-grabbing antics on and off the court. It's been 16 years since Rodman's appearance on the "Oprah" show, and now, he reveals what his life is like since his days of dominating the spotlight, including his most surprising recent project; writing a children's book. In a sneak peek of the season premiere of "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" he makes reference to a mysterious topic saying, "If I had to do it all over again, that part I'd do over."
In 1992, former Arkansas TV reporter Gennifer Flowers was one of the first women to come forward about a political sex scandal. It's been 21 years since and at her home near New Orleans, Flowers talks about what she thinks men in politics today can learn from her story. Also, a medical first in 2009 made news around the world when Nady Suleman, better known as Octomom, already a mom of six, gave birth to the world's longest surviving octuplets. Overnight, Suleman became the most controversial and scrutinized mom in America. Now the octuplets are four years old and Suleman reveals why she agreed to star in an adult movie and why she was forced to move into a new home.
Later episodes will feature Columbine survivors, Chandra Levy's parents, Terri Schiavo's family, Ryan White's mother, "On The Down Low" author J.L. King, Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss and rapper, now television host, Bow Wow.
Contact Entertainment Reporter Kimberly C. Roberts at (215) 893-5753 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
During a recent press conference held at the Kimmel Center, The Philly Pops introduced Michael Krajewski as the new music director and conductor of the organization.
"There probably hasn't been a press conference like this in 35 years. I'm very excited that you are here today to help us spread the news about the bright future of the Pops, and to meet the music director of the Pops," said president and CEO Frank Giordano, who also stated that Conductor Emeritus Peter Nero, who founded the Philly Pops 35 years ago, could not attend the press conference due to "a previous commitment," but sent his "deep regrets."
After a brief video presentation on the new maestro, Giordano then introduced Krzjewski, who takes the helm of the Philly Pops while serving as principal Pops conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Houston Symphony and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.
"He is known as the best progammer in the Pops world, and we're very happy to have him here," said Giordano.
"It is a great honor for me to be assuming this position from Peter Nero who has founded this organization and has led the Philly Pops for the past 35 years," said Krajewski, who used the activity taking place in Vatican City at the time to light-heartedly suggest that the media refer to him as "The Pope of Pops."
"I am very honored to have this opportunity to continue in his footsteps and certainly my goal is to try to continue to entertain and enlighten and bring enjoyment and fulfillment to Philadelaphians through the music of the Philly Pops in the years to come."
The Philly Pops' 2013-2914 concert season is as follows:
Oct. 11-13, 2013 - Viva Philadelphia!
Dec. 6-21, 2013 - Holiday Pops!
Feb. 7-9, 2014 - The Sounds of Simon and Garfunkel
March 14-16, 2014 - Marvin Hamlisch - A Musical Tribute
April 4-6, 2014 - The Magical Music of John Williams
May 16-18, 2014 - Sixties Hits featuring The Midtown Men
Contact entertainment reporter Kimberly C. Roberts at (215) 893-5753 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Hollywood actor Clifton Powell will host "Acting: Making It Your Business” marketing seminar on March 16 in Philadelphia. This is an "informative seminar advising aspiring and working artists on the fundamentals, challenges and rewards of the entertainment business." According to presenters, the event will focus on self-marketing, branding and the business side of the entertainment industry. The seminar is open to both union and non-union entertainers.
Topics in the four-hour seminar will include:
Managing Your Career as a Business
How to Get More Auditions and Bookings
Distinguishing and Branding Yourself
How to Obtain Agents and Managers
Headshot, Resume and Demo Reel Review
Market and Promote Yourself Effectively
Creating Superb Marketing Materials
Checklist Before Moving to Hollywood
Social Media Marketing
Learn the Secrets to Becoming a Successful Actor
The last 30 minutes of the class will be an open Q&A session. Organizers state that the class is for serious actors who want to learn more about the business of acting.
The seminar will be co-hosted by two native Philadelphians, actresses Tiffany E. Green and Crystal Lee Brown. Green has landed roles in several independent films, shorts and commercials. She offers 10 years of marketing experience and has a BA in business from Peirce College. Brown, a Los Angeles-based actor and producer, has been cast in several independent films, stage plays and commercials. She has a BFA in journalism and public relations from Temple University.
Clifton Powell, an NAACP Image Award-winning actor who was recently in Philadelphia playing Marvin Gaye's father in the touring production "My Brother Marvin," has an extensive list of film credits that includes "Next Friday" and "Friday After Next," in which he played the unforgettable "Pinky," as well as "Menace II Society," "Dead Presidents," "The Gospel," "Street Kings," "First Sunday" and "Ray." On television he has appeared in "Murder She Wrote" "NYPD Blue," "In the House," "Moesha," "Army Wives" and "She's Not Our Sister," among many others.
One of the most familiar faces on stage, screen and television, Powell has a wealth of knowledge to share with aspiring actors, as well as working actors who wish to enhance their careers and book more jobs. His passion for his craft is almost palpable.
"Once you get into theater and the magic of it, and the spectacle of it, it just takes you by storm," said Powell, who is also the director of "My Brother Marvin." "I do a lot of independent stuff. Some of them are good, some of them may not be that good, but I just wanted to be a working actor and just work. I'm like Sam Jackson. I just want to work! We all come out of the same school. We work. That's what we do. We're actors. We make movies, we do plays. We do whatever to keep our craft going."
Fore more information, contact Tiffany Green at (877) 935-3666 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Admission is $65 and the location of the seminar will be disclosed upon registration.
Contact Entertainment Reporter Kimberly C. Roberts at (215) 893-5753 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Michelle Williams, of the Grammy Award-winning girl group Destiny's Child, returns to Philadelphia in "Fela!" coming March 12 - 17 to the Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St. The Tony Award-winning musical is produced by Jay-Z , Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith.
This spectacular celebration of music and dance is the true story of Fela Anikulapo- Kuti, the charismatic and fearless Soul Rebel that created the musical genre known as Afrobeat, and used that music as a weapon against the “corrupt and oppressive military dictatorships that rule Nigeria and much of Africa.” The “book” (storyline) written by director/choreographer Bill T. Jones and Jim Lewis, is told through song, dance and narration. Jones also created the choreography, winning a Tony Award for his work.
Williams, who has appeared in major theatrical productions of "Aida," "The Color Purple" and "Chicago," last appeared at the Merriam in David E. Talbert's "What My Husband Doesn't Know," and continues to take her acting career "very seriously" as she crosses the country in the national tour of "Fela!"
"I had a phone call some months ago regarding it. I've always loved the show 'Fela!' Williams said during a recent interview. "I saw it twice –- once on Broadway and once in London, actually, and I was just like, 'Man! It sure would have been nice to be a part of this show! I had met Bill T. Jones earlier last year, in the summertime, for another project that he's doing, and I'm assuming that that kind of spearheaded the talks to have me be in 'Fela!'"
The sweet and soft-spoken singer plays the politically aware Sandra Izsadore in the production. "She was definitely about her people, about empowerment and knowledge. She was definitely the one talking about that 'knowledge is power,' and once you learn, no one can take that from you," said Williams, who took great care in preparing for the role.
"She's still alive, so we talked on the phone and emailed a few times. I can't wait for her to come see the show, and she is just an absolute firecracker. So you have to do a lot of research, especially when you're playing someone who's real, because then you know the show is not about you. This is really about somebody's legacy and their life, so I really put my all into it to make sure you do not see an ounce of me whatsoever on stage."
Williams, who has performed all over the world with Destiny's Child, explained why touring with "Fela!" is particularly rewarding, saying, "Going to fabulous cities and meeting an array of people – different people. 'Fela!' it unites everybody for two and a half hours. Everybody really gets together, and that's what I love about these shows."
While enchanted with the theater, Williams has no intention of abandoning her recording career, and will be releasing an album of new music this summer.
As "Fela!" a vibrant and profound production, wends it's way toward the City of Brotherly Love, Williams, a dedicated "advocate for arts and culture," stated, "I cannot wait to get to Philly. I keep hearing about this museum there that I've got to go to – the Barnes Museum. We're there for about a week, so I'm going to try to get there on our day off. Thank y'all for the love, and we'll see you when we get to Philly!" For tickets, call (215) 893-1999 or visit www.kimmelcenter.org.
Contact Entertainment Reporter Kimberly C. Roberts at (215) 893-5753 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
It's a third season of insanity when "Braxton Family Values" returns to We TV on March 14 at 9 p.m.
As we catch up with the sassy siblings, Toni contemplates a second career stating, "I'm exploring a career in acting and having a blast." Meanwhile, the self-effacing, insecure Traci proclaims "When I said I was bustin' out this season, I wasn't playing, y'all. I'm tired of being the wannabe." Trina, the "Party Girl" states, "My music career is moving forward, but my marriage — still a work in progress."
With her hit single "Love and War" cracking the Hot 100, making Top Five on the R&B chart and reaching #1 on I-Tunes, the exasperating Tamar is finally and legitimately worthy of the spotlight that she so openly craves.
In the season premiere titled "Ciao Braxtons," Toni decides to take her sisters on a trip to Italy, where they will celebrate Towanda's birthday, but as usual, Tamar, the baby of the family (in more ways than one) becomes a source of drama. She cannot make the trip because she will be in New York promoting "Love and War," and her absence casts a pall over the festivities. While Towanda, Traci and Trina gripe over Tamar's decision not to change her plans and join them, Toni tries her best to focus on the positive saying, "I've been avoiding the Tamar issue because I wanted this trip to be a drama-free thing and fun." However, big sister Toni is aware of the tension between the girls and confronts Tamar, causing tempers to erupt.
Contact Entertainment Reporter Kimberly C. Roberts at (215) 893-5753 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .