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Loaded Gun
MARY POPPINS? The rumor mill is buzzing again about Broadway star and Gulf Breeze native, Ashley Brown, who's currently winning over critics as Belle in Disney's production of "Beauty and the Beast."
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious? Perhaps.
While executives at Disney Theatricals in Manhattan remain tight-lipped about who'll play the world's most famous nanny in their upcoming production of "Mary Poppins," Loaded Gun's sources say the 23-year-old raven-haired beauty has her carpet bag packed and umbrella unfurled.
"We can't deny or confirm the rumor," reports the show's publicist. "We'll be able to confirm in the next couple of weeks."
For those not in the know, "Mary Poppins" is currently a smash hit in London and Disney plans to unleash "a spoonful of sugar" to American audiences at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre on October 14—with an official opening date slotted for November 16.
Brown, a recent graduate from University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, first made a splash with the touring production of "On The Record" and caught the eye of the folks at Disney who cast her as the 15th Belle of the show's New York run.
Many locals aren't surprised at Brown's musical success. For 10 years, she performed with the renowned Pensacola Children's Chorus. In high school, she starred in several Gulf Breeze High musicals. From an early age, Brown seemed destined for stardom.
But will she be the next Mary Poppins? Loaded Gun will keep you posted.
PAP ATTACK Local attorney and syndicated Air America radio host, Mike Papantonio, appears in the documentary "Jesus Camp" by acclaimed filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady ("The Boys of Baraka") and was featured at the film's world premiere at the Tribeca Film Fest last week.
The flick follows several Evangelical Christian children who attend the "Kids on Fire" summer gathering in Devil's Lake, North Dakota. The camp is designed to deepen their spiritual commitment to a particular brand of fundamentalist Christianity.
Papantonio, who co-hosts "Ring of Fire" with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., fires off one of his "Pap Attacks" in the documentary questioning the efficacy of the movement's position on the environment, creationism and other fundamental tenants.
"There was 200 people waiting in line to get in," explains Papantonio after the initial "Jesus Camp" screening. "It's been sold out every night."
Of course, the legal warrior plays devil's advocate in the film.
"People in the blue states don't realize that there's a political movement that really runs the risk of destroying both religion and democracy," he remarks.
On Saturday, April 29, Papantonio was asked to participate in the "Jesus Camp" Q&A session with the directors at Tribeca.
"I have to tell you, it was a very startling movie," he explains. "I live here in the South and I understand what a political evangelist is, but until you see how spooky it can become you really don't have the appreciation."
After winning over critics at Tribeca, the syndicated radio host says "Jesus Camp" would be a good fit for the upcoming Pensacola Bay International Film Festival.
"Yeah, absolutely," he says when asked if it should play at the local film fest. "I would be surprised if it didn't."
Check out www.lokifilms.com for updates.
STAIND STAINS Speaking of political evangelists, what was up with the legions of zombie children handing out Bible tracts at the Staind concert last Friday, April 28?
Loaded Gun was checking out vocalist A.J. Fratto—who snagged a slot on the outdoor stage positioned in front of the Pensacola Civic Center—before the main show and, for some reason, was surrounded by a handful of those prepubescent Bible-thumping crazies asking me, "Do you want something to read?"
Um, no.
"Sir, please read this."
No, thanks.
The last thing my fragile psyche needs is to be told that I'm going to burn in hell by a crew of kids who resemble a pack of Nazi youth.
Truth is, I have no problem smarting off at those Bible-thumping adults—but what hurts me is how they brainwash their children into harassing people looking for a carefree evening of rock 'n' roll.
Get a freakin' life.
