Tuesday, November 25
Education Through Music-Los Angeles is set to honor songwriter Diane Warren.
It will host the 20th Year Benefit Gala at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on Jan. 27.
In addition to Warren, ETM-LA will present Shining Star Awards to Sonic Fuel Studios, and music educator Ryan Gonzales from James Monroe High School.
“There is no better way of reaching young hearts and minds than music. What ETM-LA is doing is making that happen for so many who might never get the chance to experience the beauty and power of music,” said Warren.
Sonic Fuel Studios Co-Founder and composer Christopher Lennertz shared, “The mission of ensuring every child has access to quality music education at an early age is so vitally important.”
Honorary chair members for the event include John Debney, Randy Jackson, Mike Knobloch, Rickey Minor, Lionel Richie, Randy Spendlove, Nia Vardalos, Paul Williams, and Renée Zellweger.
Title and Release Date Revealed for Adam Shankman’s RuPaul-Starring Film
Bleecker Street, Universal Pictures Content Group and World of Wonder have revealed the title and release date for Adam Shankman’s next film, starring RuPaul Charles. The film will be titled “Stop! That! Train!” and Bleecker Street will release it in theaters on May 29, 2026.
The campy action comedy follows two train stewardesses who upgrade their shifts from the Stank Rail to the luxurious Glamazonian Express. When a “Stormaganza” threatens to derail the train, the duo must team up with the snooty first-class attendants to save the passengers aboard the wild ride.
In addition to RuPaul playing President Gagwell, the film is filled with familiar faces from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Series favorites Ginger Minj and Jujubee play the main duo and are joined by Brooke Lynn Hytes, Latrice Royale, Marcia Marcia Marcia, Monét X Change and Symone in supporting roles.
“Stop! That! Train!” was written by Connor Wright and Christina Friel and produced by Shankman and RuPaul alongside Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato and Tom Campbell.
Monday, November 24
Studiocanal Launches New Label ‘Studiocanal on Stage’
Following the West End opening of “The Producers” and with “Paddington the Musical” in previews, Studiocanal has announced the launch of “Studiocanal on Stage.” The new label is focused on the development, production and distribution of stage productions of the company’s film catalogue, as well as translating projects from stage to screen.
“Studiocanal on Stage strengthens our strategy to develop and extend our IP across multiple formats,” said Anna Marsh, CEO of Studiocanal and Chief Content Officer of Canal+, in a statement. “Alongside Studiocanal Stories and Sixth Dimension, this new label gives us a clear framework to grow our catalogue and bring our stories to new audiences.”
“The Producers” was adapted from the Studiocanal library film and is a revival of Mel Brooks’ musical, which won 12 Tony Awards, including best musical. The show runs through Sept. 2026. “Paddington” is adapted from Michael Bond’s beloved book series and the award-winning Studiocanal films, which have earned more than $700 million at the global box office. The musical production opens on Nov. 30 and is booked through May 2026.
Previous Studiocanal library films that have been adapted for the stage include “The Graduate,” “Evil Dead,” “The Ladykillers,” “Billy Elliot” and “The Third Man” (co-licensed with the estate of Graham Greene).
Other productions set to debut this year include “Restless Natives,” “Summer Holiday” and “A Boy Called Christmas.” In development is “Kind Hearts and Coronets,” which inspired the upcoming film “How to Make a Killing.” Glen Powell and Margaret Qualley star in the movie, which opens in theaters next year via A24 in the U.S. Other titles include “The Belles of St. Trinians” and “The Proud Valley.”
Alternatively, Studiocanal is also focused on bringing adaptations from stage to screen; the company is currently shooting the Danny Boyle-directed adaptation of James Graham’s “Ink” and is in post-production on “Pressure,” directed by Anthony Maras and based on David Haig’s critically acclaimed play.