Thursday, October 16, 2008

Sounds like a laugh riot...

Elton John writing AIDS musical for Ben Stiller
Elton John writing AIDS musical for Ben Stiller
15/10/2008 8:16:00 PM. | BANG Showbiz

Elton John | AAP
 
Sir Elton John is writing a “film musical” about a man who has AIDS.

The ‘Candle in the Wind’ singer is penning the show with Ben Stiller in mind for the lead role, and despite its seemingly bleak subject matter Elton insists it will be a comedy.

He said: “I’ve got to try and write a film musical for Ben Stiller. It’s about a guy on Broadway who is gay, has HIV and AIDS and has to go back and face his wife and his kids that he left. It’s very funny.

“The premise doesn’t sound funny, but it is.”

However, Elton – who has written the music for shows including ‘Billy Elliot’ and ‘Aida’ – says he generally isn’t a fan of musical theatre.

He is quoted by website MSNBC as saying: “I like some of the classic ones.

“‘West Side Story,’ for me, is the greatest musical ever written.

“But I don’t like forced fun. I’m more drawn to tragedy than, ‘Let’s all have a great time.’ And I’m not keen on the music in musicals sometimes.

“I’m quite fussy about it. I don’t really like them unless I’m involved in them, for some reason.”

Meanwhile, the 61-year-old performer has been enjoying time with friends in the South of France.

Elton reportedly invited 10 of his closest pals for a free two-week break in the exclusive region, before setting up a tab at designer clothing store Dolce and Gabbana where his guests spent a staggering 140,000 Euros.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Elton's Smash Hits benefit money to go to South

Elton John: Money from tennis fund-raiser will target AIDS in South | Peach Buzz
Elton John: Money from tennis fund-raiser will target AIDS in South

By RICHARD L. ELDREDGE | Sunday, October 12, 2008, 05:45 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

For Sir Elton John, hosting his 16th annual Advanta World Team Tennis Smash Hits event back in his U.S. hometown meant a great deal more to him than just the luxury of not having to board a plane to attend the “tennis chic” affair.

“All of the money raised here today will stay here in the Atlanta market and in Georgia,” John told the AJC Sunday morning before picking up his racket at the fund-raiser at Kennesaw State University Sunday morning. “Forty six percent of AIDS cases are now being reported in the South. We are distinctly aware of the problems here and the South will continue to be a priority for the foundation.”

John was joined by his co-host and old friend Billie Jean King and pro tennis pals Anna Kournikova, Andy Roddick and Martina Navratilova, along with rising players and Smash Hits first-timers Jesse Levine and local gal Melanie Oudin.