66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards

The 66th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, hosted by Seth Meyers, took place Monday night.  NBC made the decision to switch to a Monday this year to avoid conflict with the MTV Video Music Awards (which Seth Meyers touched upon in his opening monologue).  The awards were presented during a live NBC telecast at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

Seth Meyers made more industry targeted jokes as host, and given his comedic writing and hosting experience he was well equipped to take on the job.  Some of the best moments of the night included Billy Crystal paying tribute to his friend, the late Robin Williams, Sara Bareilles singing Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" during the In Memoriam segment, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Bryan Cranston's "Seinfield Reunion".



Breaking Bad was the night's biggest winner taking home five trophies: Outstanding  Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Bryan Cranston, Outstanding Supporting Actress and Actor in a Drama Series for Anna Gunn and Aaron Paul, and Best Writing for a Drama Series for "Ozymandias" to Moira Walley-Beckett who beat out show runner Vince Gilligan to win the category.

Modern Family was named Outstanding Comedy Series the fifth year in a row, tying Fraiser for most consecutive wins in the category.  The show also took home awards for Ty Burrell for Lead Actor and Outstanding Direction of a Comedy Series for Gail Mancuso.

Sherlock: His Last Vow won three awards including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Mini Series for Benedict Cumberbatch.  Julianna Margulies winning Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series was a major upset, beating out Lizzy Caplan for Masters of Sex, Robin Wright for House of Cards, and Kerry Washington for Scandal.  Netflix Series House of Cards and Orange is the New Black were all but shut outs. Orange garnered 12 nominations and only took home three awards, all at the previously held Creative Arts ceremony.

Full Winners List

FASHION 

Lizzy Caplan looked gorgeous in a Donna Karan Atelier gown with a sheer organza panel paired with Brian Atwood heels.











Anna Gunn looked flawless in a one-shouldered gown with a white beaded bodice and a blue skirt by Jenny Packman.  Paired with an Edie Parker clutch.

Claire Danes looked ravishing in a red custom made Givenchy Haute Couture dress.











Orange is the New Black star Taylor Schilling dazzled in a Zuhair Murad gown with hand-embroidered beadwork and a draped back.  Jewelry by Forevermark.

Fellow OITNB star, Uzo Aduba graced the red carpet in a Christian Siriano strapless gown featuring a dramatic train.











Kate Walsh lit up the carpet in a yellow Stephanie Rollan peplum waisted gown and Stuart Weitzman heels.











Debra Messing looked stunning in a sleeveless gown by Angel Sanchez.  The dress featured sheer slivers throughout and was paired with a Judith Leiber clutch.










Images by Getty Images.

Theater People: Jerry Mitchell

Patrick brings us another amazing episode this week starring Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell! The man who choreographed Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can, directed and choreographed Legally Blonde and Kinky Boots, and started Broadway Bares which has raised over $12 million dollars for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids (BCEFA).  Is there anything he can't do? (The answer is no.)

Jerry Mitchell tells the fantastic story of how Kinky Boots came be exist in its current form.  Harvey Fierstein writing the book, Cyndi Lauper writing the music, the casting, and of course Jerry directing and choreographing.  What does he look for when casting? He looks, first and foremost, to look at the person who's right for the part.  He does also tend to draw in people who look at the glass as half full and theatre is all about collaboration so that's an important aspect of casting as well. He goes on to discuss the technical process of the show in both Chicago and Broadway, the biggest changes that the show underwent from Chicago to Broadway and his Tony win.

Taking it back to the beginning, Jerry discusses touring with A Chorus Line, being an ensemble member in Brigadoon, getting a part in Woman of the Year with Lauren Bacall, doing the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas movie, being in Barnum and On Your Toes, and the incredible and dynamic story of becoming the assistant to the choreographer for Jerome Robbins' Broadway.  He discusses in detail how he got into choreography and dance in general.

The mentor-ship of Micheal Bennett, Jerome Robbins, and Jack O'Brien is a great story, and particularly interesting throughout the story is how they shaped him as a director and choreographer.

Patrick leads a comparison of Hairspray and Catch Me If You Can and specifically the process that went into choreographing them. And everyone wants a finale like "You Can't Stop the Beat" which can be paired with amazing choreography, but only if someone writes it.  Legally Blonde was a different journey and his directorial debut. It was his first time out as a director, but he was supported by the four lead producers who helped him prosper as a director and make his own directorial choices.  He also discusses the importance of the show in terms of what it teaches young girls.

He tells the story of how Broadway Bares, a great show for an even better cause, came to be. Creating the event also served as calling card for his career.  He encourages other choreographers who want to get involved in the community to do something from their heart because who knows how it could pay off for them.

For anyone who loves theater, this episode is a must listen!

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