Diaz and Rodriguez break up
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz and New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez have broken up after a year of dating, UsMagazine.com said.
Diaz, 39, is best known for her films "Bad Teacher," "Charlie's Angels," "Gangs of New York," "Vanilla Sky," "There's Something About Mary," "My Best Friend's Wedding" and "The Mask." She previously dated pop star Justin Timberlake and actor Matt Dillon.
Rodriguez, 36, dated singer Madonna and actress Kate Hudson before his relationship with Diaz.
"They broke up recently," a source close to Rodriguez told the celebrity news Web site.
"She's very busy with her career," the insider said. "And he's had injuries and wants to focus on his game. They're dedicated professionals. They're still very friendly and like each other."
Bobby Cannavale lands 'Funny Girl' role
NEW YORK, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Bobby Cannavale is to star as Nick Arnstein in the first Broadway revival of "Funny Girl" since the 1964 original production, the musical's producers said.
Cannavale, who was seen last season in the Broadway play "The Motherf**ker in the Hat," will act opposite Lauren Ambrose, who will play Fanny Brice in "Funny Girl."
The show features music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill and book by Isobel Lennart. To be directed by Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher, the musical will play at Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles from Jan. 15 through Feb. 26, prior to opening on Broadway next spring.
"It's always been my dream to star in a Broadway musical," Cannavale said in a statement. "This is a terrific role for my musical theater debut and an exciting challenge for me. I look forward to working with the brilliant Bartlett Sher and the amazingly talented Lauren Ambrose."
"I think it is fair to say Bobby is one of the finest artists working on an American stage today, and we are very fortunate to have him joining us on this adventure. Bobby has all of the qualities I feel you want in casting Nick Arnstein," Sher said. "Nicky Arnstein was a gangster and con man and elegant, charming bon vivant all rolled into one. Bobby is wonderful at playing charismatic streetwise characters, he's a magnetic stage actor, equally adept with comedy and drama, plus he'll be a dashing presence in Nick Arnstein's tuxes and ruffled shirts. More than anything, 'Funny Girl' is a love story and it needs a powerful couple at its center. I'm thrilled that he's joining Lauren Ambrose and I think they are going to be wonderful as Nicky and Fanny."
Cannavale has appeared on the TV shows "Will & Grace," "Nurse Jackie," "Cupid" and Ambrose's "Six Feet Under." His film credits include "The Station Agent," "Win Win," "The Other Guys," "Paul Blart: Mall Cop," "Brief Interviews with Hideous Men" and "Shall We Dance."
Tony Bennett to make Met debut
NEW YORK, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Singer Tony Bennett is set to perform at New York's Metropolitan Opera House for the first time, his record label said Tuesday.
Bennett, 85, is to take the stage Sunday during a sold-out show during which he will perform duets with Aretha Franklin, Elton John and Alejandro Sanz, said RPM Records/Columbia Records.
Franklin, John and Sanz all recorded with Bennett for his "Duets" CD projects -- John appeared on the first CD, "Duets" in 2006; and Franklin and Sanz recorded with Bennett for his "Duets II" CD set for release Tuesday.
"The evening at the Metropolitan Opera will also mark the official celebration of Tony's 85th birthday where he will be honored at a post-concert gala hosted by Alec Baldwin," Bennett's record label said in a news release. "The gala is a benefit for Exploring the Arts, the non-profit organization started by Bennett and his wife Susan, to support arts education in public schools."
Richard Gere, Bruce Willis, Katie Couric, Matthew Broderick, Martha Stewart, Joy and Regis Philbin, and Jane and Mitch Winehouse are expected to attend the concert and gala.
Cheadle, Lowe to be Emmys presenters
HOLLYWOOD, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Don Cheadle, Kaley Cuoco, Rob Lowe, Melissa McCarthy, Lea Michele and Ian Somerhalder are to be presenters at Sunday's Emmy Awards show in Los Angeles.
Their participation in the telecast at Nokia Theatre LA Live was announced Tuesday.
To be presided over by actress Jane Lynch, the awards show will honor the best in prime-time television for the 2010-11 season.
