ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

People

‘Great role models’ Harry, Meghan mulled New Zealand – Reddy

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Aug 4, (AP): The queen’s representative in New Zealand said Prince Harry and Meghan discussed moving to the South Pacifi c country during their 2018 visit, more than a year before the couple stepped back from royal duties and moved to the United States. Governor-General Patsy Reddy also told The As- sociated Press in an interview she believes the Brit- ish monarch should remain New Zealand’s head of state and described the hand-typed letters she sends to Queen Elizabeth II. Reddy, 67, will leave her largely ceremonial role representing the queen in New Zealand in October af- ter a 5-year term. A lawyer who was given the honor- ifi c Dame for her services to arts and business, Reddy offi cially signs bills into law, presides over many public cer- emonies and tours the country, meeting with various groups including Indigenous Maori. Harry and Meghan visited New Zealand at the end of a hectic 16-day royal tour of the South Pacifi c, and Reddy re- called the couple as being tired. “I remember they’d just been down to the Abel Tasman Harry National Park when we sat down and had a drink, and they said that they could imagine living in a place like this and wondered whether we thought it would be theo- retically possible. Even possible for them to have a In this March 4, 2020, fi le photo, country star Garth Brooks performs on stage during the 2020 Gershwin Prize Honoree’s Tribute Concert at the DAR Constitution place in New Zealand. Hall in Washington. Brooks said he will be reassessing whether to continue his stadium tour because of the rising number of COVID-19 cases. In a statement issued “Of course, we said ‘Sure. It would be fi ne. There on Tuesday, Aug 3, Brooks said he is still scheduled to play the next two shows scheduled in Kansas City and Lincoln, Nebraska, but will not put tickets on sale for are lots of opportunities to live in New Zealand, but the next planned stop, Seattle in September. (AP) that would be something that they’d have to explore,’” Reddy said. “They were looking at how they might raise their family. And, obviously, they’ve made some decisions since.” Reddy said she didn’t view it as a formal request for Music assistance but more of an informal discussion about the couple’s hopes for the future. She said the pair seemed impressed with the access to the outdoors and their interactions with New Zealanders. Brooks reassessing stadium tour as COVID surges Still, the discussion shows that the couple were considering options outside of Britain less than six months after they married and well before their even- tual move to the US. Jackson’s legacy on the upswing again Communication During a widely watched interview with Oprah BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Aug 4, sical,” will follow quickly on its heels, important piece of documentary jour- Winfrey near the couple’s California home earlier this (AP): ’s musical leg- the fi rst of several planned projects. nalism. year, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sus- acy never left, but a kind of comeback Branca said the delay of well over a Ironically, the victory handed to the sex, mentioned they’d offered to the royal family to is coming. year, as happened for all of Broadway, estate in its tax case came in part be- take a step back from royal life in a Commonwealth With a series of court victories that was “frustrating” but he has renewed cause the judge believed the value of country such as South Africa or New Zealand. bring the end to serious legal crises, excitement about “MJ: The Musical” Jackson’s image and likeness had been Reddy said she watched the interview but didn’t with a Broadway show beginning and and shared new details. severely diminished by such allega- want to comment on internal royal family business. a show returning af- “It’s not a chronological depiction tions at the time of his death, despite “I thought they were a lovely couple and I hope ter a long pandemic pause, the Jackson of Michael’s life,” he said. “It’s more his acquittal at his 2005 trial for child they’ve got a great future where they are,” Reddy said. business is on the upswing 12 years impressionistic, inspired by Michael’s molestation. It was one aspect of an She said she regularly expresses her confi dential after the pop superstar’s death. life and his music. It takes place as Mi- all-around victory for the estate that’s views of what’s happening in New Zealand to the Ashley Greene, a cast member in Very recently, things looked grim. chael is preparing for a tour and MTV bringing a far smaller bill that’s being queen, such as the nation’s response to the pandemic. ‘Aftermath,’ poses at the premiere of The 2019 HBO documentary “Leaving wants to get an interview. Michael’s calculated now. She said the communication “is quite touchingly old- the horror fi lm, Tuesday, Aug 3, at the Neverland ” raised child molestation very press shy, and slowly but surely But Branca says the way Jackson’s fashioned, by letter.” Landmark Westwood in . allegations anew. The once-dead law- as they develop a relationship begins musical legacy echoes through mod- “She has told me on the times that I’ve seen her that (AP) suits brought by the two men featured to talk about different parts of his life ern artists may be his most impressive she fi nds it interesting to have a personal perspective in it had been revived by changes in that then get enacted in the show.” legacy. on what’s happening,” Reddy said. “As she says, ‘I the law. And a decision in the estate’s “Kanye West, Drake, Beyoncé, like to know what’s happening between the lines.’” appeal of a $700 million tax bill was Diversity Usher, , Justin Bie- Many people in New Zealand believe the country taking years to arrive. Two-time Pulitzer Prize win- ber, Ariana Grande — they all point should become an independent republic but Reddy “I was always optimistic,” John ner Lynn Nottage wrote the show’s back to Michael,” Branca said. “His said she believed the queen should remain the head Branca, the entertainment attorney book. Tony Award-winner Christo- infl uence is really enormous.” of state because the arrangement works and has strong who worked with Jackson through pher Wheeldon is directing and cho- historical links. many of his biggest triumphs and now reographing. Broadway newcomer Also: She said New Zealand has a special connection serves as co-executor of his estate, told Myles Frost will star as Jackson, after NASHVILLE, Tenn.: Country star to the monarchy because its founding document, the The in an interview Ephraim Sykes dropped out to shoot a Garth Brooks said he will be reas- Treaty of Waitangi, was signed by Maori and the rep- at his Beverly Hills home. “Michael movie. Rehearsals resume in Septem- sessing whether to continue his stadi- resentative of Queen Victoria. inspired the planet and his music still ber, and previews begin in December. um tour because of the rising number Asked about a future scenario in which a monarch does. There was never any doubt about Branca said he’s proud of the diver- of COVID-19 cases. might turn out to be dictatorial or autocratic, Reddy Kelly Ing that.” sity the show will bring to the stage. In a statement issued on Tuesday, said the same scenario with an elected president would The optimism was warranted. A “The cast is obviously largely Brooks said he is still scheduled to likely be worse. succession of court decisions came. Black,” Branca said, “In an era where play the next two shows scheduled in “We’ve seen how that doesn’t work in other coun- One accusers’ lawsuit was dismissed that’s sorely wanted on Broadway.” Kansas City and Lincoln, Nebraska, tries in the world,” she said. “But actually, because Variety in October. The other was tossed out Successes aside, Branca feels lin- but will not put tickets on sale for the the monarch is much more of a theoretical construct, in April. In May, a ruling in the tax gering bitterness about director Dan next planned stop, Seattle in Septem- a fi gurehead rather than an actual ruler, I think it gives case slashed the bill dramatically. The Reed’s “” and what ber. us a measure of safety, constitutional safety.” NEW YORK: Actor and singer Alvin Ing, estate suddenly stands nearly clear of he felt were American media outlets Brooks was already scheduled to Reddy said she agreed with Prime Minister Jacinda known for roles on Broadway and on tour a dozen years of disputes. That means that “don’t have the time or the where- take a three-week break after the Aug. Ardern’s assessment that there was currently little appe- in “Pacifi c Overtures” and “Flower Drum Branca expects that in the next 18 withal to do the research to fi gure out 14 show in Nebraska and will take that tite among New Zealanders for a constitutional change, Song” as well as in fi lms such as “The months it can fi nally be taken out of what’s true and what’s not true.” time to assess what to do about the re- and that people were concerned about more pressing is- Gambler,” has died. He was 89. probate court and turned into a trust Hence, the estate’s last lingering mainder of the dates in 2021. He is also sues like climate change, inequality and the pandemic. Ing died Saturday at Providence St. Jo- for Jackson’s three children, who are lawsuit, now in private arbitration, is scheduled to play Cincinnati; Char- seph Medical Center, in Burbank, Califor- She said she thought the royal family had been great all now adults. one that it brought itself, and one Bran- lotte, North Carolina; Baltimore and role models during the pandemic, using the internet nia, of COVID-19 complications, according to his representatives at Mosaic PR. And the focus of the estate can now ca very much wanted fi led, against Boston. and social media to great effect and abiding fastidi- shift back to presenting Jackson to the HBO over the documentary. “It breaks my heart to see city after ously to the rules imposed by the British government. “His voice was glorious and fi lled the room with its fl awless sound, but beyond world. “I was very angry at HBO and Dan city go on sale and then have to ask Historical that, his sound was steeped in joy. Alvin The fi rst priority is the revival of the Reed and I still am because here’s the those sweet people and the venues to was a joyful presence to be around at every Cirque du Soleil show, “Michael Jack- thing: You can say anything you want reschedule,” Brooks said in a state- “So we saw tragically the funeral of Prince Philip, rehearsal and performance,” said Lea Sa- son: One” at the Mandalay Bay Resort about somebody who’s dead. They’re ment. “We have a three week window where they could only have 30 mourners,” Reddy longa who starred in “Flower Drum Song.” and Casino in Las Vegas. It is slated to not here to protect themselves,” Bran- coming up where we, as a group, will said. “But there was no question that there’d be any Ing is believed to have performed in reopen Aug. 19 after a coronavirus clo- ca said. assess the remainder of the stadium kind of dispensation, even from the requirements for more productions of “Flower Drum Song” sure of nearly a year and a half, in time The two men featured in the docu- tour this year. It’s humbling to see isolation, when, for example, Prince Harry came back in the role of Wang Ta than any other actor. for a major celebration there planned mentary are appealing the dismissals people put this much faith in you as an to that funeral.” He also portrayed the Shogun’s mother for Jackson’s Aug. 29 birthday. of their lawsuits. HBO has defended artist, and it kills me to think I am let- Reddy said she’d watched the Netfl ix series “The in the original Broadway production of The Broadway show, “MJ: The Mu- “Leaving Neverland” as a valid and ting them down.” Crown.” “Pacifi c Overtures” in 1976, and reprised “I’ve enjoyed it as a historical drama,” she said. “Its the role 28 years later in the 2004 revival. production values and some great characterizations, I “Pacifi c Overtures” playwright John Wei- next week, his lawyers said Tuesday at a made a series of rulings to narrow down similar to other parts of the case aimed at think. But, you know, it’s not real life is it?” dman hailed Ing’s “wit, his kindness, his showing Kelly engaged in racketeering in She pushed back at the negative portrayal of Prince gentleness, and most of all his extraordi- court hearing. what evidence can be shown to jurors. She The revelations came as US District mostly ruled for prosecutors but said some pursuit of women and girls he could abuse. Charles, saying she thought he would be a good mon- nary generosity of spirit.” The Grammy-winning, multiplatinum- His fi lm credits included “The Final Cut- Judge Ann M. Donnelly in New York evidence will be excluded because it is too arch. selling R&B singer is accused of leading down,” “Stir Crazy,” “Troop Beverly Hills” “I’ve been enormously impressed with the breadth an enterprise of managers, bodyguards and and “Smilla’s Sens of Snow.” On TV, he of his knowledge, the depth of his well-considered other employees who helped him recruit perceptions on a range of subjects,” she said. “From had recurring roles on the soap operas “The Doctors” and “Falcon Crest” and guest women and girls sometimes at concerts and urban planning to the environment, to the impact of other venues. He has pleaded not guilty to religions on the world.” spots on “Benson,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Quincy, M.E.,” “Fantasy Island,” “Law & racketeering, bribery, coercion, enticement Children’s advocate Cindy Kiro has been named by and sex traffi cking. Ardern to succeed Reddy. Kiro, who is also a Dame, Order: Criminal Intent,” “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and “Hawaii Five-0.” Devereaux Cannick, one of his lawyers, is the fi rst Indigenous woman appointed to the role. Ing was a Honolulu native and a US told the judge that Kelly, born Robert Meanwhile, last last month Prince Harry revealed Army veteran who was an advocate for the Sylvester Kelly, needs to be measured for that he is writing what his publisher is calling an “inti- Asian American Pacifi c Islander community new clothing because he’s gained so much mate and heartfelt memoir.” in the entertainment industry, including be- weight in jail. Random House expects to release the book, cur- ing an active member of the American Asian And he asked that court transcripts be rently untitled, late in 2022. Performing Arts Theatre. He had a master’s provided at no cost because Kelly has been “I’m writing this not as the prince I was born but as degree in music education from Columbia. unable to work for two years. the man I have become,” the Duke of Sussex, 36, said Broadway star Telly Leung, who per- “His funds are depleted,” Cannick said in a statement Monday. “I’ve worn many hats over formed alongside Ing, said in a tweet that of a client who left the courtroom after the the years, both literally and fi guratively, and my hope “a generation of Asian performers would hearing with his hands cuffed. is that in telling my story — the highs and lows, the not be where are today without his leader- “It’s going to be a long trial,” Donnelly mistakes, the lessons learned — I can help show that ship and courage.” said after prosecutors outlined their plans to no matter where we come from, we have more in com- Actor’s Equity Association tweeted call numerous witnesses, including women mon than we think. I’m deeply grateful for the oppor- in his honor: “Not only was Alvin Ing a who say they were sexually abused, physi- tunity to share what I’ve learned over the course of my trailblazer, but he was also an inspiration cally abused and coerced to do things for to a generation of performers. He will be Kelly’s pleasure. life so far and excited for people to read a fi rsthand ac- The judge said the witnesses who allege count of my life that’s accurate and wholly truthful.” missed.” (AP) ❑ ❑ ❑ Michael Jackson performs ‘Dangerous’ during the taping of the American Band- abuse can testify with only their fi rst name Financial terms were not disclosed. Prince Harry stand’s 50th anniversary show on April 20, 2002, in Pasadena, Calif. With a series given to jurors, who will sit in the gallery will donate proceeds to charity, according to Random NEW YORK: R&B star R. Kelly gained of court victories and shows beginning or returning after a long pandemic pause, rather than the jury box because of a House. weight and lost money while he awaits a Jackson’s estate eyes revival. Estate co-executor John Branca said in an inter- reconfi gured courtroom tied to coronavirus sex-traffi cking trial that starts in earnest view with The Associated Press that his optimism never fl agged as crises hit. (AP) restrictions. (AP)