The four stars of the original cast of "Jersey Boys' will perform at Symphony Hall on Friday.

The Midtown Men

Oh, what a night it promises to be on Friday when The Midtown Men bring their critically-lauded evening of musical nostalgia to Springfield’s Symphony Hall.

The Midtown Men are the four stars from the original cast of “Jersey Boys” – Tony Award-winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony Award-nominee J. Robert Spencer – whose concert tour reunites the four stars from the original cast of Broadway’s “Jersey Boys” as they celebrate the music that defined the 1960s.

“It’s going to be a fun, random, crazy night featuring our favorite songs from the sixties and from ‘Jersey Boys,’ along with stories about our days with the Broadway play,” said Michael Longoria, who played the role of Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys.”

During their time as part of the hit musical “Jersey Boys,” the four talented artists shared the stage for over a thousand performances and have appeared on the Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve, among many others. They also performed at Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, Yankee Stadium and “Broadway on Broadway” in Times Square and are featured on the show’s Grammy Award-winning album.

Now, the four Broadway performers are taking their unique sound and chemistry they developed while on stage during “Jersey Boys” on the road, singing the hits of the Beatles, Beach Boys, Jackson Five, Mamas and the Papas, and, of course, the Four Seasons featuring Frankie Valli.

“During the three years we spent together singing the music of the Four Seasons on Broadway, we couldn’t help but get inspired by other artists from the same time period,” said Longoria.

“We all had dressing rooms where we would do anything to help get us into the mood of the sixties before going on stage. A lot of times we would put music on our iPods….and listening to wonderful groups from that time period that got you into the mood,” he added.

Longoria noted his favorite sounds from the sixties include anything Motown, “especially Smokey Robinson,” while he said Reichard “loves” the Mamas and the Papas, Spencer is partial to Motown’s Marvin Gaye, and Hoff enjoys the Turtles. He also said they will be putting their own spin into the hits they will be singing including the “Broadway tight harmony” style they learned while starring in “Jersey Boys.”

“We find that we are singing to the same audience generation-wise who grew up with these songs. Not a show goes by where someone doesn’t tell us that we brought back so many memories for them, whether sitting in the backseat of the car with their girlfriend or when they heard ‘Sherry’ for the first time. And, that is what music does, it gives identity to a time period in everyone’s life. For example, the song ‘California Dreaming’ by the Mamas and the Papas evokes a certain memory in your mind, but not all songs have the power to do that, and that is what is so special about our repertoire on Friday night,” said Longoria.

Hollywood born but Broadway bound, Longoria trained at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts before making his way east to attend NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he earned a BFA in Drama. He made his Broadway debut in the hit musical “Hairspray,” later creating the role of Joey in the original Broadway cast of “Jersey Boys,” which won a Tony in 2006 for Best Musical. Longoria has also appeared on television in “Broadway Under The Stars: A Tribute To Harold Prince,” and “America’s Got Talent” season nine finale with Susan Boyle and Shakira.

“I’ve always been in the arts and the first year after getting out of school I got into ‘Hairspray’ where I was in the ensemble playing one of the kids who danced on the television show. I did that for almost two years. It’s ironic that ‘Hairspray’ was right across from the theater where ‘Jersey Boys’ opened, so I only had to move my belongings from one dressing room across to another,” said Longoria.

As for the future, Longoria said the Midtown Men are going strong right now and he is committed to touring with them.

“I’m having a great time…..we’re all having a great time….on the road singing all these wonderful songs. I know that at some point I will return to Broadway, it’s just a matter of when the right project comes along,” said Longoria.

A published photograph of her body art offended some Muslims.

Erykah Badu

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Soul singer Erykah Badu says she holds no grudge against Malaysia's government for barring her from performing after a photograph of her body art offended some Muslims.

More than 1,500 people had bought tickets to watch Badu sing at a Kuala Lumpur auditorium this week.

But Malaysia's information minister announced on the eve of the concert that it could not proceed because a promotional photo of Badu with the Arabic word for Allah painted on her bare shoulders was "an insult to Islam."

Badu told a news conference Wednesday that she was "totally understanding" about the minister's stance.

She nevertheless added that "art is often misunderstood in the realm of religion."

The photograph attracted attention after a newspaper published it to publicize the show.

Daily roundup of entertainment and celebrity news.

APCeline Dion

Celine Dion cancels Las Vegas shows until June; cites doctor's order to rest voice. (washingtonpost.com)

Marilyn Monroe chosen for Cannes Film Festival poster. (cbsnews.com)

Bill O'Reilly calls Angelina Jolie 'emaciated.' (ew.com)

Behind-the-scenes footage leaks of new 'Star Trek' film. (darkhorizons.com)

New 'Avengers' movie poster unveiled. (aintitcool.com)

NOTE: Users of modern browsers can open each link in a new tab by holding 'control' ('command' on a Mac) and clicking each link.

Two jazz performances are set for Sunday at the South Hadley campus.

The Jazz Ensembles of Mount Holyoke College will travel back in time to the for the seventh annual and all-new presentation of “The Big Broadcast!”

Performances are set for Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m. in Chapin Auditorium at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley.

“The Big Broadcast!” is live radio show intended to recreate the concept of what it was like to be a part of a 1940s variety show during the height of the radio era.

“It was a different time- the world was at war, and big band swing ruled the airwaves. The radio took our cares away and helped us to get through the tough times,” said Mark Gionfriddo, director of jazz ensembles at the college.

Gionfriddo created The Big Broadcast! for a small cabaret group. He directed and incorporated it into the concert season at Mount Holyoke College. The show has gone on to become a new tradition at the college.

“It’s so different from anything else that happens on campus or in the area, it’s unique to Mount Holyoke, the students produce and write everything being performed, it really like setting up a Broadway musical,” said Dana Rubin, a senior at Mount Holyoke.

This year, the show will include a couple of arrangements by Glen Gray’s Casa Loma Orchestra and the Benny Goodman Band. A new musical number has been produced in this year’s second act western play.

The audience is expected to participate when the “On the Air” and “Applause’ signs come on, and become willing partners of the show.

“Afterward, it isn’t uncommon for the older attendees that have a deep nostalgia for the period to say things like, ‘Oh, I remember hearing that soda commercial! That brings me back!’ or ‘My wife and I danced our first dance to that ballad you did in the second act!’,” Gionfriddo said.

Director Abel Ferrara looks at what would happen if everyone knew the world was ending in less than a day.

With a limited release in March, "4:44 Last Day on Earth" director Abel Ferrara looks at what would happen if everyone knew the world was ending in less than a day.

Northampton's indie Spirithouse label is sponsoring the "Northampton Comes to Austin" showcase at the Texas festival.

It is considered one of the biggest annual music and arts festivals in the country and the local music scene will be well-represented.

Northampton’s indie Spirithouse label is sponsoring the “Northampton Comes to Austin” showcase later this month at the Texas city’s famed South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival.

The showcase will be held at Maria Maria on Colorado Street on March 17 from 2 to 8 p.m.

The lineup will feature some of the very best Valley talent with bands like Winterpills (coming off last week’s sold out CD release show at the Iron Horse), The Sun Parade, Jamie Kent & The Options, Joshua Meltzer, Billy Keane, and Matt Hebert’s band Haunt.

SXSW began in Austin in 1987 with the goal of shining a light on that city’s music and arts scene. In 1994 the festival added a film component and since then has become a signature industry event.

The six-day festival includes symposiums, artist’s panels, and guest speakers on all facets of the music industry. There are also showcase music events with groups like Counting Crows, Built to Spill, and BoDeans. The Cult will use the festival to kick off their concert tour on March 17.

According to Jamie Kent the timing of this Northampton-based initiative couldn’t be better.

“We’ve got such a killer thing happening here in the Valley that it seemed like a perfect thing to put together for this year,” said Kent. “In my past experiences at SXSW, the best showcases I’ve seen were almost always regionally based.”

Danny Bernini, who operates Spirithouse with Paul McNamara agrees.

“Pretty much the whole music industry will be in Austin during SXSW, including The Sun Parade and Jamie Kent, both of whom just completed records at SpiritHouse Studios,” he said. “So when Jamie came to us with the idea it was a no-brainer for us to co- sponsor the event showcasing some of Northampton’s finest.”

Bernini said the event already has over 100 industry insiders confirmed and thinks it could be a great showcase for the Valley scene.

“Going to SXSW isn’t like going on The Voice, where a panel decides that your going to be stars overnight,” he cautioned. “It’s a steady uphill battle to break through all the noise in the music business and SXSW is the place to show all the players what you have on the table this year.”

There are also practical considerations whenever planning a major event like a showcase at SXSW.

“Today right after the Sun Parade’s rehearsal, we need to go buy a van that promises not to break down in Georgia somewhere and that gets awesome gas mileage,” Bernini said.

The 25-year-old so-called "gentle giant" of Pine Hill, N.J., was given a last-minute spot among the male semifinalists Tuesday.

FILE - In this file image released by Fox, judges from left, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson listen to contestants on the singing competition series "American Idol." (AP Photo/Fox, Michael Becker, File)

DERRIK J. LANG
AP Entertainment Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jermaine Jones has a second shot at becoming an "American Idol."

The 25-year-old so-called "gentle giant" of Pine Hill, N.J., was given a last-minute spot among the male semifinalists Tuesday after the Fox singing contest's judges had dismissed him in Las Vegas. Jones was lauded for his bass-fueled take on Luther Vandross' "Dance with My Father" during Tuesday's performances from the 13 male semifinalists.

"Thank you so much for proving why we asked you to come back," said Steven Tyler.

Many of the guys were praised by the panel after crooning a song of their choice, including 27-year-old new father Adam Brock of Washington, Pa., with Aretha Franklin's "Think," 20-year-old musician Colton Dixon of Murfreesboro, Tenn., with Paramore's "Decode," and 28-year-old street performer Creighton Fraker of New York, with Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors."

"I don't want you to go home," Jennifer Lopez told Fraker. "I want you to stay."

Several singers soared with vocal acrobatics, including 19-year-old receptionist Jeremy Rosado of Valrico, Fla., with Sara Bareilles' "Gravity," 19-year-old crawfish lover Joshua Ledet of Westlake, La., with Jennifer Hudson's "You Pulled Me Through," and 17-year-old student Deandre Brackensick of San Jose, Calif., with Earth Wind and Fire's "Reasons."

"Your voice is so perfect to me," Lopez beamed to Brackensick.

Reed Grimm kicked off the show with a jazzy rendition of Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger" that included a drum solo from the 26-year-old nanny of Ellsworth, Wis., and some bleeping from the show's censors when Grimm stuck to the lyrics and later when Tyler enthusiastically alerted him that "there's gonna be a whole new generation watching your (expletive)."

The curvy new "Idol" stage seemed to swallow a couple of contestants. Only 22-year-old vocalist Heejun Han of New York and 15-year-old Eben Franckewitz of Loveland, Ohio, received criticism from the judges. They disapproved of Han's song choice of Robbie Williams' "Angels" and chastised Franckewitz for a rocky start on Adele's "Set Fire to the Rain."

"It wasn't all perfect, but at the end, you really brought it home," Jackson told the youngster.

Somewhere in the middle of the pack were 27-year-old performer Aaron Marcellus of Atlanta with the Jackson Five's "Never Can Say Goodbye," 21-year-old country crooner Chase Likens of Point Pleasant, W.Va., with Hunter Hayes' "Storm Warning" and 21-year-old pawn shop worker Phillip Phillips of Leesburg, Ga., with Phil Collins' "In The Air Tonight."

"It's not easy having a voice like yours and fitting it into other people's songs," Tyler told a growly Phillips.

The top 12 female singers will perform Wednesday, and then all the top 25 semifinalists will learn Thursday if they received enough votes to be among the viewer-selected top 10 or one of the three "wild card" finalists to be determined by the show's judges.

The 19-city North American tour includes stops in New York and Boston.

In this Feb. 28, 2012 photo, actress Kristin Chenoweth poses for a portrait while promoting her ABC show "GCB," in New York. (AP Photo/Carlo Allegri)

NEW YORK (AP) – Kristin Chenoweth is taking the long way home.

The Tony Award-winning singer and actress announced Wednesday that she’ll kick off her first ever concert tour on May 9 in Seattle and it will end June 24 in Broken Arrow, Okla., the town she grew up in.

“I’ve sung all over the place but I’ve never committed to a tour because of my schedule,” said the petite beauty with the powerful pipes. “So now I’m finally doing it.”

Chenoweth’s 19-city North America tour will hit Los Angeles, Denver, Detroit, Philadelphia, Boston, Dallas, Toronto, New York, Nashville and Atlanta, among other cities. In her hometown, the main 1,500-seat stage at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center will be renamed in her honor.

“For me, it will be very emotional,” she said.

Mark Frie, the arts center’s executive director, said Broken Arrow has been looking for a way to honor Chenoweth since the facility opened its doors three years ago. “We’re excited to welcome her home,” he said.

On tour, Chenoweth said she’ll perform songs from her latest country-inspired album “Some Lessons Learned,” as well tunes from the TV show “Glee” and ones from her Broadway shows like “Popular” from “Wicked.”

“If I don’t do ‘Popular,’ I will go out on a stretcher. I know that,” she said, laughing. “I’ve accepted it, and you know what? I’m thankful for it. I’m glad that I have songs that I’m known for.”

While she wants to keep the list fluid, other tunes likely to make the cut include “Glitter and Be Gay,” “The Girl in 14G” and “Taylor the Latte Boy.” But Chenoweth will also sing opera and offer audiences a few surprises, too.

“I’ll do a little of everything that I’m known for and also stuff I’m not,” she said.

Chenoweth will have backup singers, dancers and choreography. The tour is being directed by Richard Jay-Alexander, who has staged concerts by Bernadette Peters, Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler. Tickets go on sale March 9.

“It’s not just me and a piano, baby,” she said.

Chenoweth, 43, won a Tony Award in 1999 for her performance in “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” and an Emmy Award for the TV show “Pushing Daisies.” She was nominated in 2004 for originating the role of Glinda in “Wicked” and was last on Broadway in 2010 in “Promises, Promises.”

Her film credits include “Bewitched,” “The Pink Panther,” “Running With Scissors,” Stranger Than Fiction,” and the upcoming films “Ed Zwick’s Family Weekend” and “Outrun.” The actress will also soon be seen in the new ABC series “GCB.”

When Chenoweth gets to Broken Arrow, it will mark the first time she’s been back since her parents moved away when she was 19. Chenoweth is already thinking of the things she wants to do when she arrives.

“I’m sure I’m going to want to drive by my high school. I’m sure I’ll go by the house I grew up in,” she said. “Hopefully I’ll get to see some people that were dear to me in high school. And maybe some who weren’t so dear. That could be interesting.”

The jam band will perform at the DCU Center on June 7-8.

The RepublicanPhish

Phish will kick off its 2012 summer tour with a two-night stand at DCU Center in Worcester on June 7 and 8.

An online ticket request period for the tour is currently underway at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, March 16.

For details, visit http://phish.com.Additional summer dates will be announced later this spring.

Ticket prices for each specific date on the tour will include a free MP3 download of the evening’s entire show (a fully mixed soundboard recording) that can be redeemed at www.LivePhish.com shortly after the band steps off stage.

On April 21, Phish will release Junta, its first full-length studio album, as a Limited Edition Deluxe 3-LP vinyl set. Junta, which marks the band’s second release in conjunction with Record Store Day, will be available exclusively at participating independently owned record stores.

Phish - 2012 Summer Tour

Date City/State Venue
June 7 Worcester, MA DCU Center
June 8 Worcester, MA DCU Center
June 7-10 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
June 15 Atlantic City, NJ Bader Field
June 16 Atlantic City, NJ Bader Field
June 17 Atlantic City, NJ Bader Field
June 19 Portsmouth, VA nTelos Pavilion at Harbor Center
June 20 Portsmouth, VA nTelos Pavilion at Harbor Center
June 22 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
June 23 Pittsburgh, PA First Niagara Pavilion
June 24 Cleveland, OH Blossom Music Center
June 28 Noblesville, IN Klipsch Music Center
June 29 Noblesville, IN Klipsch Music Center
June 30 East Troy, WI Alpine Valley Music Center
July 1 East Troy, WI Alpine Valley Music Center
July 3 Wantagh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre
July 4 Wantagh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre
July 6 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center
July 7 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center
July 8 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center

The former teen idol died in Florida from an apparent heart attack.

Davy Jones

The Monkees singer Davy Jones has died from a heart attack, TMZ reported

The 66-year-old singer is survived by his wife Jessica, 34, and four daughters from previous marriages. The website confirmed Jones' death with the medical examiner's office for Martin County, Florida.

In an interview with The Republican last month, Jones talked about his time with the pop group and his recent live shows.

"I’m just enjoying getting on stage, singing Monkees’ songs, some original songs and some swing music, along with a little country, and improvising and telling stories,” said Jones prior a show at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1966, The Monkees debuted on television along with a No. 1 single, “Last Train To Clarksville.” The show – featuring Jones along with Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Mike Nesmith – won two Emmy Awards and the band scored a dozen Billboard Top 40 hits, outselling both The Beatles and Rolling Stones in 1967. The Monkees are the only artists ever to have four No. 1 albums in the same year. They had Top 10 hits in more than 25 countries and had top-grossing tours in 1967 and their 1986 reunion tour.

Jones most recently appeared with The Monkees last summer when the band reunited – minus the usually absent Nesmith – for their 45th Anniversary Tour, their first live appearance together in a decade.

“When Peter and Micky are around, there’s nothing like it. There’s a rapport that we have together that is magical. But, I don’t think it was one of our best performances ... it was strained ... because of what was going on at the time,” Jones told The Republican. “Basically, we just slapped the tour together using the same backing band that I use when I’m on the road. And, for me, it really worked and I put all of my energy into it.”

The tour ended because of discord among the three Monkees. Business reasons were cited by some as a reason for the latest abrupt cancellation of dates.

Lady Gaga was at the school to launch her Born This Way Foundation with Oprah Winfrey and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

The'Lady Gaga poses with fans prior to an event at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. Wednesday Feb. 29, 2012. Gaga launched her "Born this Way" foundation at Harvard.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Lady Gaga caused quite a sensation Wednesday on Harvard University's campus.

The singer was at the school to launch her Born This Way Foundation with Oprah Winfrey and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

She told The Associated Press in an interview that the foundation's goal is to empower youth and inspire bravery. The foundation shares a name with her album, and she said its message will be for students to create a more loving environment at their schools and in the world.

"It's not about needing help. It's about wanting to help," she said. "How do we work together to make the world a more kind and loving place?"

She said the foundation will encourage young people to do simple things to be kind to one another and encourage others to do the same. That could be as simple as telling someone you like his or her shirt or thanking someone for letting you borrow a pen.

About 100 students mobbed the singer as she arrived on campus in a sleek black dress, tall hat and platform shoes. She signed autographs and posed for photos.

"It was amazing to see her. I love her," said Casimira Karunaratne, a 19-year-old freshman from Colombo, Sri Lanka, who asked Lady Gaga to sign her hand.

Buckingham Palace said the monarch will open both the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics this summer, signaling that both events will be celebrated as great state occasions.

FILE - A police car passes Horseguards Parade, the London 2012 Olympic venue for the beach volleyball events, in this file photo dated Friday, Aug. 6, 2010. The beach volleyball arena takes center stage this summer in the historic center of London, at Horse Guards Parade near to many London landmarks like the London Eye wheel, behind left, Big Ben, the houses of parliament and Buckingham Palace, but the British men's beach volleyball team announced Friday Feb. 24, 2012, that they are desperate for sponsorship to help them achieve their dream of being the first British men's team to compete in the Olympics, in their home city. (AP Photo/Sang Tan, file)

DANICA KIRKA
Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II's busy summer calendar just got a bit more crowded.

Buckingham Palace said the monarch will open both the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics this summer, signaling that both events will be celebrated as great state occasions — something the British are famous for.

It is the first time the queen has opened the Paralympic Games, though she has often honored Paralympians for their achievements in the past.

Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, will perform the ceremonial role at the 80,000-seat Olympic Stadium when the Olympic games begin on July 27, and for the Paralympic Games on Aug. 29.

"I think that this is great news for the games," said Tanni Grey Thompson, one of Britain's most successful Paralympic athletes, in an email. "I'm sure that it will make it very special for the athletes. It really raises it to another level."

The queen follows in the footsteps of her father, the late King George VI, who opened the 1948 London Olympics, and her great grandfather, King Edward VII, who opened the 1908 London Olympics. Elizabeth also opened the 1976 Games in Canada, where she is the head of state, while Philip did so on her behalf at Melbourne, Australia, in 1956.

The decision to open both ceremonies caps a very busy year for the queen, whose Diamond Jubilee this year marks her 60 years on the throne.

The monarch, 85, and Philip, 90, are planning an extensive tour of the United Kingdom during the celebrations, including visits to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Philip is planning to stick to the schedule despite his December heart scare, which required the insertion of a stent to keep his coronary arteries open.

At home, the celebrations will include a flotilla on the River Thames, a gala concert in front of Buckingham Palace (with headliners including Paul McCartney and Elton John) and a carriage procession through the streets of London following a service of thanksgiving.

Unlike earlier jubilee celebrations, the queen will send her children and grandchildren on official visits to many Commonwealth countries rather than undertake the strenuous voyages herself.

She will be busy at the palace, though. Elizabeth will open Buckingham Palace to visitors from June 30-July 8 to accommodate Olympic activities. The palace then will close for a few weeks — until July 31 — before opening to the public as is the monarch's usual summer practice.

Though it was long assumed that the queen, as head of state, would open the Olympics, her involvement in opening the Paralympics was not widely anticipated, as she normally takes her holiday at this time of year. Historian Hugo Vickers said that the decision reflects her interest in honoring the accomplishments of the athletes.

"They are going to be taken very seriously," he said of the games. "I think it's going to be great."

Some 4,200 athletes will take part in the Paralympics Games from Aug. 29 to Sept 9. The event marks the return of the games to their roots.

The Paralympics started in London in 1948 when injured veterans held the first disabled sport competition in archery.

Check out the Windows 8 preview for yourself.

Corporate Vice President of Windows Program Management, Julie Larson-Green attends the Windows 8 Consumer Preview presentation during a press conference at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012. A test, or beta, version of the revamped operating system has been unveiled Wednesday in Barcelona, nudging it a step closer to its anticipated release next fall. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Microsoft on Wednesday let consumers start trying out its upcoming touch-based Windows 8 operating system, which aims to power a new wave of computer tablets and traditional PCs designed to counter Apple's big gains in the market through its Macs and iPads.

The test "beta" version of the revamped system was introduced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the planet's largest cell phone trade show, and borrows some of the look of Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 software for Windows 8.

Windows 8 doesn't have the traditional "Start" menu, and applications are spread across a mosaic of tiles in a design Microsoft calls "Metro" — seen as an attempt by the company as a scramble to preserve its market share. And executives said it powers up on PCs in eight seconds, much faster than the previous version.

The tiles, which resemble road signs, can be navigated with a finger swipe on the screen or with a keyboard and mouse. But those testing out the new operating system won't be able to try out the finger swiping unless they already have systems enabled for touch use, and the system isn't expected to make its official debut until September or October.

Microsoft executives in Barcelona showed off how users can use their fingertips to swipe in and out of applications, and tilt upright computer screens to a flat position so they can be used as two-person gaming boards or big drawing tablets. A slim laptop had a hinge allowing it to be turned inside out so it could be used as a tablet instead.

"It's beautiful, it's modern, it's fast, it's fluid," said Steven Sinofsky, president of Microsoft's Windows division. "Windows 8 is a generational change in the windows operating system."

Microsoft is also opening an Internet "Windows Store" where users can download applications for the operating system. Applications are free for those testing out the beta version, but would include both free and paid versions after the operating system is released.

The test version was downloaded by people from more than 70 countries as Microsoft gave its presentation about Windows 8, but the company didn't immediately disclose the number of downloads. The software can be downloaded at windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/consumer-preview.

Helen Kensick, who lives in South Hadley, has known Jones for more than 50 years.

SOUTH HADLEY – Davy Jones' longtime publicist remembered The Monkees' lead singer Wednesday as a kind-hearted, joyful person, and was surprised to learn of his death.

“It was a shock,” said Helen L. Kensick, who lives in South Hadley and has known Jones for more than 50 years. When she first met Jones he was on Broadway performing in the “Artful Dodger.”

Jones died of a heart attack on Wednesday at the age of 66.

She has been his publicist on and off for 50 years as well, she said. As far as she knew he was very healthy.

She spoke to him a few days ago and he was excited about heading back to Broadway. “That made me very happy,” she said.

Of the outpouring in response to his passing, she said, “He struck a happy chord in people’s hearts. He gave a lot of joy.”

He also he took “very good care of the people in his life closest to him,” she said.

The New Jersey rocker's son attends the same college as the missing 21-year-old.

Bruce Springsteen performs with the E Street Band, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2003, at Fenway Park in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

BOSTON (AP) - Singer Bruce Springsteen has taken to Facebook and Twitter to help find a missing Boston College student.

On Wednesday, Springsteen posted a missing person poster of 21-year-old Franco Garcia of Newton, who's been missing since he left a bar popular with BC students early on Feb. 22. He also tweeted a request for anyone with information about on the case to call the Newton Police Department.

Springsteen's son attends Boston College.

Meanwhile, state police divers on Wednesday continued the search for Garcia at the nearby Chestnut Hill reservoir, but turned up nothing. They plan to return Friday, after expected snow on Thursday.

The also searched Garcia's home for clues on where he might be. Garcia was studying chemistry at BC and plays clarinet in the symphony band.

Located in the Westfield Shoppingtown, it's an Italian eatery that offers an Old World meal experience.

Figaro Ristorante in Enfield

In this stressed-out, time-challenged era, finding a place for a leisurely-paced lunch "out" has become quite a challenge.

That's not the case, we discovered, at Figaro Ristorante in Enfield. Located in the Westfield Shoppingtown on Elm Street, it's an Italian eatery that offers an Old World midday meal experience.

The ambiance at Figaro is traditional Italian, with plenty of decorative frills and furbelows. As for the menu, it's a comprehensive affair, favoring substantial entree options over the handheld or hasty.

An extensive array of starter choices is listed, with options including Bruschetta ($5.95), Escarole and Beans ($7.95), and Clams Casino ($8.50).

Spaghetti with Meatballs ($10.95) and Gnocchi with a choice of sauces ($11.95) are served, as are Italian entrees such as Chicken Parmigiana ($11.95), Mussels over Linguine ($12.95), and Veal Marsala ($15.95).

Seafood fanciers should take special note; at lunch Figaro serves the likes of Sole Almandine ($13.95), Fried Sea Scallops ($15.95), and Baked Stuffed Shrimp ($17.95).
Starter choices at Figaro, we noted with pleasure, transcend the trite selections offered elsewhere and instead include refreshingly creative choices like the Mozzarella with Tomato ($9.50) we enjoyed.

Handsomely composed to include thin-sliced prosciutto, cubes of Romano cheese, and roasted peppers as well as sliced fresh mozzarella, the presentation offered a spectrum of flavor experiences ideally suited to preface a meal.

True, the out-of-season sliced tomatoes included didn't add a lot to the proceedings, but we definitely enjoyed sharing the rest.

Lasagna ($10.95), an iconic Italian specialty, is done up right at Figaro Ristorante. Served topped with a measure of the restaurant's house marinara, the lasagna deliciously oozes rich, stringy cheese; a decidedly meaty presence complements that cheese goodness.
The portion was generous to a fault, with most of it going home with us in a carryout container.
Chicken Francese, another Italian restaurant standby, is a dish we've encountered in forms from delectable to downright disgusting.

We're happy to report that at Figaro, the Chicken Francese ($12.95) is entirely the former.

The two cutlets of chicken breast featured a golden-brown, egg-enriched crust, while the pan sauce was light-bodied and pleasingly infused with lemon flavor.

Lunch entrees at Figaro Ristorante come with bread and a cup of soup; salad can be added for a small upcharge.

The Manhattan seafood chowder being served the day we visited had a pleasing seafood flavor underscored by a discernable jolt of heat.

Tortellini en Brodo ($4.25) is a favorite of ours, but we're often disappointed with what we're served when we order it.

Not so at Figaro. The broth was bright golden and full of mellow chicken goodness. Not a hint of excessive saltiness or "off" vegetable flavors present.

Plump, freshly cooked pasta pockets floated in the soup along with a hint of minced parsley and some chopped pancetta, both judicious contributors to the overall flavor profile.

A side dish of spaghetti with sauce is also included with entrees in which pasta is not a component.

Though we're not inclined to drink at lunch, Figaro Ristorante is fully licensed and offers a more-than-adequate list of wine and beverage selections.

When it comes to dessert, the restaurant is prepared to tempt with the likes of carrot cake, red velvet cake, and cheesecake with strawberries.

We sampled a Tiramisu Layer Cake ($5.95), a creation that elaborated on the tiramisu "idea". Thin cake layers were brushed with coffee essence before being assembled and decorated with a light-textured, not-overly-sweet icing.

The Cassata Cake ($5.95) paired yellow cake layers with a thick filling of sweetened ricotta, candied cherries, and chocolate morsels. Iced with more ricotta and a ring of marzipan, the cake was a great ending to our meal.

At dinner, Figaro Ristorante offers a similar menu with larger portions (and appropriately higher prices) in force. The kitchen is also happy to prepare gluten free selections when feasible.

The full dinner menu is on-line at www.figaroenfield.com

Name: Figaro Ristorante
Address: 90 Elm Street, Enfield, CT
Phone: (860) 745-2414
Hours: Open daily 11:30 a.m to 10 p.m. Sunday noon to 9 p.m..
Entree Prices: Luncheon entrees priced $10.95 to $18.95
Credit Cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Handicapped Access: Accessible, restrooms equipped for wheelchair use
Reservations: Accepted for parties of five or more only

Daily roundup of entertainment and celebrity news.

Associated PressBristol Palin

Bristol Palin to star in Lifetime series. (nydailynews.com)

Lindsay Lohan to play Elizabeth Taylor in TV movie. (realitytvworld.com)

'Indiana Jones' saga coming to Blu-ray in the fall. (aintitcool.com)

Steven Spielberg reveals Harrison Ford turned down 'Jurassic Park.' (latimes.com)

Reese Witherspoon talks about domestic abuse. (eonline.com)

'My Week with Marilyn' headed to home video. (videoeta.com)

NOTE: Users of modern browsers can open each link in a new tab by holding 'control' ('command' on a Mac) and clicking each link.

The 79-year-old earned Tony awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and "The Rink" and has appeared in "Nine," "Chicago" and "Bye Bye Birdie."

AP Stage great Chita Rivera will soon be back on Broadway.

NEW YORK (AP) — The timeless Chita Rivera is returning to Broadway in a murder whodunit musical that's perfect for this new age: It's interactive.

Roundabout Theatre Company said Thursday that Rivera will star in a revival of "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" this fall at its Studio 54 theater under the direction of Scott Ellis.

The Tony-winning play with music and lyrics by Rupert Holmes is loosely based on the book of the same name that Charles Dickens was working on when he died in 1870. The audience decides who the murderer is.

Now 79, Rivera earned Tonys for "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and "The Rink" and has appeared in "Nine," "Chicago" and "Bye Bye Birdie." It's the first time back on Broadway for Rivera since 2005 when she brought her retrospective "Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life."

Todd Haimes, the Roundabout's artistic director, in a statement called the musical, which was last on Broadway from 1985-87, "a wonderfully offbeat show that gets the whole audience involved. And to be welcoming back our dear friend Chita Rivera is just the icing on the cake for this delightfully odd musical."

The Roundabout also announced two other productions: The Pulitzer Prize-winning "Picnic" by William Inge next winter at its American Airlines Theatre under the direction of Sam Gold, and the world premiere of "The Unavoidable Disappearance of Tom Durnin" by Steven Levenson next season at Roundabout's off-Broadway space.

Levenson's play, about a white-collar criminal trying to reconnect with his family, was commissioned by Roundabout after it produced his play "The Language of Trees" in 2008, marking his New York debut.

Greater Westfield businesses and nonprofits have contributed merchandise and services valued at more than $52,000.

Westfield Kiwanis Club members George Delisle, left, and Brad Cassin prepare merchandise for sale in the Kiwanis Club's 43rd annual TV Auction. The auction will air Sunday, noon to 8 p.m., and will feature items including vacation trips, Red Sox tickets, and dozens of restaurant gift certificates. The program can be viewed on Comcast Channel 15 in Westfield and Southwick and on-line at www.westfield.ma.edu/kiwanis

A country club couple’s membership, a vacation trip to Aruba, a Vermont ski package, and a Red Sox vs. Yankees package are just some of the hundreds of items that will be up for grabs in the Westfield Kiwanis Club’s 43rd annual TV Auction March 4.

Kiwanis Club President Adam Wright said that Greater Westfield businesses and nonprofits have contributed merchandise and services valued at more than $52,000 to help make the annual auction a success once again this year.

The annual auction will be aired from the Westfield State University television studios from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Wright said. The program will be carried live in Westfield and Southwick on Comcast's community access channel 15, and will be available elsewhere streamed live on the Internet at westfield.ma.edu/Kiwanis

Wright said this year's auction features a "Super Block" of high-value items, including Springfield Falcons season tickets, tickets to a Boston Bruins game with seating in the exclusive “Heineken Boardroom”, a seven-day trip to Aruba, a couples membership to Shaker Farms Country Club, and a "Treasure Chest" filled with merchandise and gift cards, including Red Sox tickets, worth more than $1,000.

Wright said the auction's familiar "big blocks" will offer items of only slightly less value, including Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics and New England Patriots game tickets.

The annual Kiwanis auction began on local AM radio in Westfield in 1969. It moved to a televised format more than 20 years ago, when the Westfield cable community access channel became available. Students and faculty from Westfield State University's communications department provide technical and studio support.

This year’s auction will be dedicated to the memory of Dr. Edwin Abar, the long-time chairman of the communications department at Westfield State and a Kiwanian for many years until his death last fall. Abar was instrumental in moving the annual auction to television, Wright said, and personally directed many of the early TV auction programs.

Many of the Kiwanis Club's 79 members and a host of volunteers will work in the studio and answer phones on auction day. Members of the Kiwanis-sponsored Circle K Club from Westfield State University and the Key Clubs from Westfield Vocational and St. Mary High Schools will be among the volunteers.

TV auction bids are recorded in a computer database designed and built for the Kiwanis Club by students from the Westfield State Computer Science department as a class project. The computer system allows recording of bids in real time, eliminating the potential for errors that existed in the paper forms-based system formerly used by the club.

Guest auctioneers are expected to include Mayor Daniel Knapik, state Sen. Michael Knapik, state Rep. Don Humason and representatives of many of the community service agencies which benefit from the funds raised.

On Tuesday, volunteers will also staff the club's redemption center at the St. Joseph's National Catholic Church hall, where winning bidders will pay and pick up their winnings from 5 to 8 p.m. Bidders should be aware that credit cards cannot be accepted. Cash and personal checks can be accepted.

The auction supports many community projects and organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield, which founded in 1969 by the Westfield Kiwanis Club; Westfield’s Little League baseball and softball program, also founded by Westfield Kiwanis; and youth hockey and soccer programs. The Westfield Chapter of the Red Cross, the Westfield Athenaeum Boys and Girls Library, and Kiwanis "Good Citizen" awards to high school students in Westfield and Southwick also benefit from the auction.

Potential bidders can apply in advance for an auction speed bid number by e-mailing auction@westfieldkiwanis.org and including the bidder's full name, address and telephone number.

Post your thoughts about the death of the 1960s pop star.

The Monkees singer Davy Jones died at the age of 66 in Florida of a heart attack.

Readers shared their feelings on the loss of the one-time teen idol.

rotarytelephone says:
I can't believe it . He could knock the socks off all the pop stars today.

vinnb says;
i saw this guy about ten years ago at Misquamicut Beach..I had no idea he was playing for free..The guy was pretty good and he was funny as hell..not to put irony on this but his funniest line was, "When i was with The Monkees I used to be a heart throb, now I'm just a coronary"..that line had me laughing all the way home

jordan829422 says:
Every girls dream guy back then (although, mine was Mickey Dolenz).
So young. Had many more years to live. R.I.P.

Read the original report on Jones death and post your comments there.