#Middlebury
Q: Is Sean Murray, who plays Tim McGee on “NCIS,” leaving the show as others have recently? The reason I’m asking is, in the Jan. 7 episode, he mentioned to Kasie that he was being approached by a “headhunter,” and he seemed to be thrilled by it. – Richard W.
Sean Murray (Kevin Lynch/CBS photo)
A: Murray, who has been with the cast of “NCIS” since its first season in 2003, has not announced any official departure plans, but with so many cast changes on the hit show in recent years, it wouldn’t be a shock if he did. Murray did, however, sign a two-year contract extension in 2016, so perhaps the headhunter mention was put there by the writers just in case Murray or CBS decides not to renew his contract.
Q: When is the live version of “West Side Story” going to be on TV, and which network will air it? I’ve loved all the Broadway shows they’ve redone, especially “Sound of Music” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” – G.P.
A: The remake of “West Side Story” isn’t going to be a live TV musical. Instead it will be a feature film, much like how “Chicago“ and “Les Miserables” were reimagined for the big screen.
One reason why the new “West Side Story” is highly anticipated is because Academy Award-winning director Steven Spielberg will direct and produce the film. He and screenwriter Tony Kushner have taken a lot of time to ensure the musical does justice to the original 1961 film, and that it also earns the approval of the Puerto Rican community. According to “Deadline,” Spielberg and his team have been meeting with Hispanic heritage and advocacy groups, and also met with students and professors from the University of Puerto Rico.
They’ve also found their Maria. After auditioning more than 30,000 applicants, 17-year-old high school student Rachel Zegler from New Jersey will play the lead. Her world is about to change as she joins Ansel Elgort (“Baby Driver”) as Tony, and Broadway actors David Alvarez, Ariana DeBose and Josh Andre Rivera as Bernardo, Anita and Chino, respectively. Filming is set to begin this year.
Q: I saw that the show “Temptation Island” is coming back on TV. Wasn’t that canceled a long time ago? – C.J.
A: It’s hard to believe but it’s been 16 years since FOX’s reality show “Temptation Island” has been on the air. It was a big hit at first but was canceled after three seasons due to declining ratings.
Now the USA Network has revived it, likely due to the success of ABC’s “Bachelor in Paradise” and anticipation over the upcoming American version of the British hit “Love Island.”
“Temptation Island” puts four couples on an island surrounded by men and women who look good in swim trunks and bikinis. The couples are then put to the test to see whether they are meant to be together. Like any reality show, take it with a grain of salt – or turn the channel. It’s up to you.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com!
(c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
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