Life & Culture - Portland Press Herald

New York City’s COVID surge overtakes Broadway shows

by Elaine Chen and Norah Mulinda Bloomberg December 27, 2021

With the industry just starting to claw its way back to life before the holiday season, omicron hit.

Omicron spreads global gloom over New Year’s celebrations

by RAF CASERT Associated Press December 27, 2021

New York City’s sweeping mandate requires nearly all businesses to bar unvaccinated employees from the workplace.

Arts & Entertainment, Nation & World

Amber Heard names dog after Australian official

by Ainslie Chandler Bloomberg December 27, 2021

‘Meet the newest member of the Heard family, Barnaby Joyce!’ she tweeted.

Arts & Entertainment, Maine

Virus concerns cause cancellation of some New Year’s Eve events

by Dennis Hoey and Gillian Graham December 27, 2021December 28, 2021

While New Year Gorham is switching to a virtual format, the State Theatre in Portland and the Portland House of Music are canceling their shows.

Arts & Entertainment, Business, Nation & World

News outlets hurt by dwindling public interest in 2021

by DAVID BAUDER Associated Press December 27, 2021December 27, 2021

The metrics are ugly for many television, digital and print news organizations: After record-setting engagement numbers in 2020, many people are cutting back on news consumption.

Arts & Entertainment, Do This, Review

‘Sing 2’ may be an utterly unnecessary sequel, but who can resist singing animals?

by Kristen Page-Kirby Special to The Washington Post December 27, 2021

Anyone up for an animated movie about talking animals? Make that singing animals (if autotune can be called singing.) Make that another movie about singing animals. Yes, “Sing 2” is here. No? Is everything OK? Seriously though: Matthew McConaughey? Reese Witherspoon? Seth MacFarlane? Scarlett Johansson? Nick Kroll? John C. Reilly? Taron Egerton? Tori Kelly? Did […]

Arts & Entertainment, Do This, Review

‘Licorice Pizza’ is as aimless as a dream, but with its own offbeat logic

by Ann Hornaday The Washington Post December 27, 2021December 27, 2021

Paul Thomas Anderson has made it his business – and our pleasure – to return to the San Fernando Valley, where he came of age in the 1970s and which has served as his creative muse for most of his career. Like Fellini’s Italy or Scorsese’s New York, Anderson’s Los Angeles is rarefied yet strangely […]