‘Wicked’ Star Brittney Johnson: ‘Black History Is Happening Right Now. I Am Living Proof’

WNBA superstar Brittney Griner has been arrested and detained in Russia on drug charges.

Jamie Lynn Spears better hold on tight, because her sister Britney Spears has finally found her voice, and she’s planning to use it!

NEW YORK -- While many people spent Valentine's Day with the traditional flowers and chocolates, Brittney Johnson was making theater history.The young Broadway veteran was gently lowered onto the Gershwin Theatre stage to become the first Black actor to assume the role of Glinda full-time in “Wicked,” shattering a racial barrier on the day of love.“One of the most rewarding parts of this is that it’s not just for me. I think it’s the least amount about me,” she says.

Here’s hoping we’re never unlucky enough to have to dance battle Britney Spears! In a new video shared to her Instagram, the singer, 40, danced her heart out, popping, locking and twirling in an elaborate routine that would have any amateur exhausted. Britney reminded her followers her talent can’t be put in a box, sharing in the video she “let go for the first time in a very long time” and that it felt good to “push” herself and “improve.”

Joe Wright’s Cyrano twirls onto 797 screens, the highest-profile specialty release in weeks (as the market awaits Focus Features The Outfit with Mark Rylance and Sony Pictures Classics Mothering Sunday). But the well reviewed period musical romance from UAR starring Peter Dinklage is landing in a tough place. Industry estimates anticipate a low single digit opening given the inconsistent reception for movie musicals and the fact that its key older demos, especially women, have been the slowest to return to theaters.

Bloc Party have released a new single called ‘Sex Magik’ – you can listen to it below.Following on from last month’s ‘The Girls Are Fighting’ and 2021’s ‘Traps’, the latest song from Kele Okereke and co. combines hypnotic verses with a euphoric, soaring chorus.

Gordon Cox Theater EditorBrittney Johnson is currently making history as the first Black actor to play Glinda in “Wicked,” but she’s also had a lot of Broadway experience in jobs that are in many ways even more challenging than a starring role: filling the save-the-day shoes of an understudy, a swing or a standby.Listen to this week’s “Stagecraft” podcast below:“I’m so grateful that my first Broadway show was as a swing,” Johnson said on the new episode of Stagecraft, Variety‘s theater podcast. The actor made her debut in 2014 in “Motown,” in which she had to be prepared, at a moment’s notice, to play one of nine roles, including Diana Ross.

Kerry Washington pays tribute to Rosa Parks for Black History Month in a unique way. The actress transformed herself into some trailblazing figures in history, including Rosa Parks, Olympian Wilma Rudolph, and supermodel Beverly Johnson.“Back with some more #BlackHERstory! This time celebrating THE Rosa Parks,” the star wrote, alongside a picture of her dressed as Parks. “A lot of people think that Rosa’s activism started with her refusing to give up her seat on the bus.

Ryan Michelle Bathé Black History Month, pioneered by Dr. Carter G.

Ariana Grande is going to be playing Glinda in the movie version of Wicked and she took the time to see the musical again on Broadway this weekend!

In the 1980s and 1990s, writer Shane Black became one of Hollywood’s most highly paid screenwriters when he reinvented the action genre by revitalizing buddy cop tropes. Films like “Lethal Weapon” and “The Last Boy Scout” turned him into the rare famous screenwriting name, but eventually, he would turn towards his own directing career.

Black History Month, a crucial time to learn about different Black lives and stories that have left a significant mark on our society.MORE: 10 inspiring Black History Month books that kids will loveAs the month progresses, various stars such as Kerry Washington and Tracee Ellis Ross are taking to Instagram to share all the different ways in which they commemorate the significance of the month. From photo recreations to special music videos and more, here are how different celebrities are honoring Black history.WATCH: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle commemorate Black History MonthRihanna kicked it off with news that sent fans wild. Just two days after the singer announced her pregnancy alongside A$ap Rocky with stunning photos in the streets of New York, she shared with her followers an intimate photo of her growing baby bump.The star shared a picture from her bathroom where she was lifting an orange sports jersey to show her belly.

There’s another Star Trek on the way!

Wicked, Brittney Johnson will float in a giant bubble, 30 feet above the stage. She will wear a dress that weighs 16 pounds, made of 68,200 sequins of 25 varieties. And on Valentine’s Day, Johnson became the 18th actor to star as Glinda on Broadway.

The family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins has finally taken legal action against the Rust producers, including Alec Baldwin, nearly 4 months after her tragic on-set death. Lawyer Brian Panish filed a wrongful death lawsuit Tuesday (Feb. 15) in New Mexico on behalf of Halyna’s husband Matthew and their 9-year-old son Angelo, according to multiple reports. The lawsuit specifically called out Alec, 63, and the film’s producers for their “reckless behavior” on the film’s set the day Halyna died (Oct. 21). For those that forget, Alec accidentally discharged a prop gun that killed Halyna and injured director Joel Souza during filming.