Even Through Loss, Newsboys Want Listeners to Know God Is Still Alive and He’s Still Good

Last updated on: September 30, 2021 at 10:15 pm By DeWayne Hamby

After a year of worldwide disappointment and loss, Platinum-selling Christian rock group has returned to the stage with “Stand,” a collection of hope-fueled tunes reminding listeners of the goodness of God. Having been sidelined by the Covid pandemic, band members Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips, Jody Davis, and Jeff Frankenstein turned to music and faith to deliver a bold declaration of trust. “We thought coming out of COVID, coming out of this long period, we wanted something special, something fresh, something... Read more

The Gospel Roots of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and ‘Greatest Showman’ Songwriter Justin Paul

Last updated on: September 25, 2021 at 1:58 pm By DeWayne Hamby

As “Dear Evan Hansen” opens in theaters, the songs of award-winning songwriter duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul will once again hit a wide stage. The team, responsible for the soundtracks of big-screen hits “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman,” penned dynamic songs such as “You Will Be Found” and “Waving Through a Window” for its 2015 Broadway debut, giving a voice to the story of adolescent trauma, grief, and friendship. The two are uniquely qualified to craft a... Read more

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Director Stephen Chbosky Talks Releasing “Hope, Comfort, Inspiration” to the World

Last updated on: September 23, 2021 at 9:52 pm By DeWayne Hamby

As the long-awaited big-screen adaptation of the Broadway musical “Dear Evan Hansen” releases, audiences will be treated to a rousing and emotional hurricane of adolescence, hope, and grief starring the original Evan Hansen (Ben Platt), and directed by Stephen Chbosky. Chbosky, who first gained prominence with his novel and film “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” seems uniquely qualified to helm the adaptation, having written screenplays for the live-action “Beauty and the Beast” and the musical “Rent.” “Dear Evan Hansen,”... Read more

Ringo Starr Still Still Spreading Peace and Love with “Change the World” EP, New Beatles Documentary

Last updated on: September 22, 2021 at 11:01 pm By DeWayne Hamby

Nearly sixty years after making history as a member of the legendary rock group The Beatles, acclaimed songwriter and artist Sir Ringo Starr is still dedicated to his mission to spread “peace and love.” His newest EP, “Let’s Change the World,” releasing Friday, fits that purpose, with four songs aimed to stir the hearts of its listeners and make a difference for the next generation. During a media junket supporting the EP, Starr explained what he hopes will resonate with... Read more

First Look: Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand Headline Joel Cohen’s ‘Macbeth’ Adaptation

Last updated on: September 21, 2021 at 10:00 am By DeWayne Hamby

A first look trailer has dropped for A21 and Apple TV+’s forthcoming release, “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” written and directed by Academy Award®-winning director Joel Cohen and starring Academy Award® winners Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand. The adaptation of the classic play by William Shakespeare will also include Bertie Carvel, Alex Hassell, Corey Hawkins, Kathryn Hunter, Harry Melling, and Brendan Gleeson. In a recent Instagram interview reported on Indiewire, McDormand made an important distinction about what will set the adaption... Read more

for King & Country, Casting Crowns, Matthew West Headline Universal’s Returned ‘Rock the Universe’

Last updated on: September 14, 2021 at 12:26 pm By DeWayne Hamby

After pausing the 2021 event due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Universal Orlando is once again revving up its premiere Christian music festival, Rock the Universe, on January 28-30, 2022. The lineup includes GRAMMY-winning Christian artists and bands such as for KING & COUNTRY, Casting Crowns, Matthew West, Zach Williams, and more. The weekend kicks off Friday night with feature performances by GRAMMY award-winning Christian pop duo, for KING & COUNTRY, Dove award-winning contemporary Christian artist, Matthew West, and more. Saturday... Read more

Listen: Chris Tomlin Releases “Emmanuel God with Us” from Upcoming Christmas Project

Last updated on: September 11, 2021 at 1:48 pm By DeWayne Hamby

GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter Chris Tomlin (“How Great is Our God,” “Our God”) has released a first listen of “Emmanuel God with Us,” the first single from “Emmanuel: Christmas Songs of Worship,” releasing Sept. 24. The song, blending Tomlin’s acoustic-led worship style with a seasonal theme, can be purchased digitally or previewed below. The 12-song project was produced by Ed Cash. Chris recently told People magazine that he chose to focus on the worship aspect of this new Christmas music, something... Read more

The Faith, Hope and Love Behind AppleTV+’s 9/11-Themed Musical ‘Come From Away’

Last updated on: September 10, 2021 at 11:18 pm By DeWayne Hamby

The 9/11-themed Broadway musical “Come from Away” gets the high definition “Hamilton” treatment on AppleTV+, just in time for the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein and directed by Christopher Ashley, the well-crafted and engaging musical tells the story of 7,000 passengers stranded on the small island of Newfoundland and Labrador, off the Atlantic coast of Canada, who were befriended and welcomed by a group of compassionate and mobilized locals. The bonds the... Read more

Exclusive Q&A: Michael Emerson Talks ‘Evil,’ the Supernatural, and the Future of ‘LOST’

Last updated on: September 10, 2021 at 3:18 pm By DeWayne Hamby

Supernatural and scientific forces engage in warfare, and iconic character Michael Emerson is comfortably in the mix as the Paramount+ show “Evil” ends its second season this week. The actor, a fixture of highly popular television staples “LOST” and “Person of Interest,” portrays Dr. Leland Townsend, a thorn in the side of series protagonists Dr. Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers), David Acosta (Mike Colter), and Ben Shakir (Aasif Mandvi). The series recently picked up for a third season, is the brainchild... Read more

Christian Filmmaker Alex Kendrick: ‘The Lord has Put the Church on Our Heart’

Last updated on: September 10, 2021 at 10:42 am By DeWayne Hamby

In the documentary “Show Me the Father,” releasing this weekend from Executive Producers Stephen and Alex Kendrick (“Overcomer,” “Fireproof,” “War Room”) and Director Rick Altizer, the varied stories of five families are profiled, drawing parallels to the father heart of God. It’s a return to form for the Kendricks, who continue to stress the importance of godly fatherhood in many of their faith-based releases. At the same time, the two brothers are readying a new version of their 2011 drama... Read more