Donnie and the cast of Blue Bloods did a Q&A a couple of weeks ago at PaleyFest and the video is now online!
Thursday, October 31, 2024
TV Insider talks to Donnie Blue Bloods on the cover of TV Guide
New Donnie interview from TV Insider about being on the cover of TV Guide and more!
Also, you can enter to win an autographed copy of the magazine by taking the Blue Bloods quiz here!
Joey's interview with "Get Out! Magazine
Joey was interviewed by "Get Out! Magazine" in which he talked about Drag the Musical, and he said his new album, "Freedom" will be released on January 24!
INTERVIEW
I saw your current cover boy on the magazine. I can’t get into that shape by tomorrow. We will photoshop you, LOL
Okay, can you use Nick Adams’ body and put my face on top of it?
I can, LOL.
We can just be honest about it. We don’t even have to lie.
I think you’ll do fine. Don’t worry. Hey, listen, anyone that can do a play called DRAG: The Musical belongs on the cover.
And I get to be the straight man. It’s like the best of both worlds. I don’t have to put on all the makeup.
Well then here’s my question. How much do you identify with Tom? Or do you even identify with Tom?
Well, it’s an interesting topic. First of all, the show is here for a good time and to entertain. The music is amazing. You really have some of the best drag queens in the world. People are surprised when they come and they find out that this isn’t just a drag show. It has a real story. And a real journey. I play this guy who they say has a stick up his ass, Tom. But he’s a dad to this kid. Here’s a boy who is 10 years old and he likes to play dress up. I think Tom doesn’t really know what to do with him. Which adds to the conflict. His ulterior motive is coming and helping his brother save this drag club. They have issues and they haven’t talked for a while, but what I love about Tom is, it’s gray. The world is not black and white. What is important to me is to reflect that on stage. You can’t water down these characters because that’s not what real life is. When we portray the truth and the honesty of this world, I think it brings out a lot of emotion. It brings out a lot of trauma for a great deal of the audience, but also for people, let’s say for instance heterosexual men who don’t live in this world…to come and see a character that they can identify with. And yes, certainly, Tom comes around, so to speak, but as I’ve said before, being uncomfortable doesn’t mean you’re homophobic. I think we all have that standard cliche that he has to be likable, but that’s no fun and that’s not why we’re here. We are here to portray real complicated characters. That’s why I’m here. Because the character does say some stuff that isn’t so attractive and palatable for this kind of an audience.
Preparing for this must have been kind of a lot of fun besides the hard work that goes into it. What was the most fun for you?
The fun for me being a theater kid and growing up in the theater…. it’s fun for me to originate roles. I’ve done that a couple of times. I was involved in another show that almost had a chance at Broadway and still might have it, but I’m getting to do that more and more. To originate this role is really the fun. It’s not always fun because you’re advocating for what you think is best for the role and you’re arguing often with the people who created the role. Which is kind of funny because you start to have ownership of this role and you’re arguing with the person who created it who could easily say, “Hey, I created it”. Luckily, that’s not the case because the people we are working with are really fun people. The juice you get from creating something is real. So that’s the fun part.
Which brings me to the next question. You are debuting a song, “Straight Man”, which I heard and I love, by the way. How did that happen? Did you write it?
No, I didn’t write it. I did, kind of, I think. I could say humbly that I do bring a lot to the table as far as I have a lot of experience. It wasn’t so much the song and the singing as it was they were trying different things. There was a song that used to have from me and this other character, sort of like a romance thing happening. They had that song and tried it during one run in L.A. and they liked it, but they wanted to try something different. They had another song that I frankly told him was the least best song in the show and I’m a huge fan of the show, so I can speak openly.
I think artists and creators appreciate when someone gives an honest answer. So I was like, “Why don’t you give this guy a fish out of water song?” And they freaking nailed it. They wrote “Straight Man” and it really kills. It kind of comes out of nowhere. Yes, it is the LGBTQ community really lifting us off. Already, the audiences are incredible. When this song comes up, it just floors them. They get such a kick out of it. It’s a real win.
Love this song. I absolutely love it. It does sound like Green Day. So far, what was the most challenging endeavor you ever did in your career?
It’s not the project. It’s where we are. It’s where we meet the project. And where I am in my journey in life, and I think if you tapped into the universe or a higher power or whatever that spiritual thing is. You are met with those challenges that you’re almost ready for but not totally. Because that’s life. So many times, for instance, I created a show for Pop TV. I did eight episodes and here I am writing and creating a show and working with the production company. Of course, I thought everybody’s opinion was wrong and I had to bite my tongue and stand up for myself and all that. That was challenging. Again, a project like this where I’m 3,000 miles away from my three kids and my wife and I’m living my dreams and I have to balance that on a personal level. I have to show up three times a week. Mind my own business. Speak up when you think it’s right. But not for too much. You have to do your job. You have to worry about what the audience thinks, but also not care at the same time. I have also been a member of a boy band–I mean, we took 15 years off, but I’ve known these guys for 40 years and I love them to death and it’s also very challenging. We have five big personalities. And one set of hopes and dreams and navigating through that and keeping my autonomy has been one of the biggest challenges. So far, I’ve managed to balance it. Sometimes it’s not so easy.
I bet. I don’t know how you balance everything that you do. So, can you recall a moment that changed the trajectory of your entire life?
You know, they say “that sliding door moment”. Auditioning for New Kids on the Block was the biggest shift. I was 12 years old. And for three years, nothing happened. So it wasn’t like, instantly, you’re famous and all that stuff. But that definitely shifted things. I will say, though, and I’m giving you a scoop here: I’ve been clean and sober for seven months now. It is something I always wanted to give a shot. I was surprised at what it has given me, as far as bandwidth and options. It’s been quite a change, frankly. It doesn’t make it easy. Anything that’s worthwhile is not easy. That has been a big change.
Well, it’s probably a healthier change. I need to ask you one New Kids question. I see that you’re in Vegas, sold out, from 2024 all the way to 2026. Is there a difference going on stage now from when you were that little kid?
Well, yes and no. In some ways, not much, in a sense that we were blessed with a camaraderie and a sense of gratitude for being able to do what we love and the excitement of continuing to get a shot to run out on a stage and connect with the greatest fans in the world. We just did a summer tour and it was hot as hell. It was 95° outside. We haven’t done outside shows in a long time. Hot as hell. Killed us. But it was amazing and yet again, another successful tour, so on a scale of just looking at it, the energy is not much different.
If you could have me ask you any question on the planet, what would it be?
Actually, I think I would say I have an album coming out in January. A solo album. I’m really excited about it. Honestly, I’m kidding, but I’m not kidding. The gay community is going to love this album.
Tell me whatever you want to about the album.
It’s called Freedom. And it’s coming out January 24th. We’re going to start rolling that out, so we’re excited about it.
Joey on Good Morning America
Joey was on Good Morning America this morning to judge some Halloween costumes. Here are some videos:
GMA Posted this photo and video clip on their Instagram:
Donnie on Jenny's Live, plus a little news about a VSP spin off
Donnie was on Jenny’s live last night and spilled a little news about a Very Scary People spin-off. 🤫
Check out the full replay here!
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Trailer for Joey's movie "Jingle Bell Love" plus Joey talks about the movie and his upcoming solo album
The trailer for Joey's new movie "Jingle Bell Love" has been released!
Deadline posted a new Q&A with Joey! One highlight is he says his new solo album will be out in January and the first single will be out on November 15! That's in addition to the Christmas single for the movie, which will be released on November 8! Here's the article:
Joey McIntyre Talks New Music & Leading The Roku Channel’s ‘Jingle Bell Love’—Watch The Trailer
EXCLUSIVE: As nearly every local store has shown you recently, the holiday season is in full swing. With that comes a healthy amount of themed programming like The Roku Channel‘s Jingle Bell Love, starring Joey McIntyre, premiering November 18.
McIntyre stars in the romantic comedy as Jack Cooper, who viewers will meet when he visits his late wife’s hometown for Christmas. He gets more than he bargained for when his determined daughter hooks him up with a charming local shop owner (Michelle Morgan), even though he is already dating someone else that nobody really likes. Things get complicated when past-due business dealings bubble to the surface. Jack is full of creative ideas that could help smooth things out just in time for Christmas, but will it all work out?
McIntyre, who has been a member of one of the biggest boy bands of all time, New Kids on the Block, since the mid-80s, has a special gift for viewers. The Roku Original will feature a new original song he will perform titled, “A Brand New Christmas.”
The Boston native is no stranger to holiday-themed music. NKOTB released Merry, Merry Christmas in 1989, and McIntyre dropped Come Home For Christmas in 2011, could a new one be on the way? More on that and Jingle Bell Love in our Q&A with McIntyre below.
DEADLINE: With such a busy schedule, what attracted you to Jingle Bell Love and playing Jack Cooper?
JOEY MCINTYRE: It started with one of the writers, a good friend of mine, Stephanie Black. She’s from LA, and we’ve done some theater work together. She’s part of the [IAMA] theater group there and I’ve mostly helped with parties to raise funds for their great theater community. She reached out with this idea [and asked] if I’d be interested. I liked it but was unsure of what my schedule would be like [when production begins]. I loved the script. Sure enough, they found great producers and a great channel, and it all worked out. Suddenly it’s March and we’re in Montreal, shooting this really special story. It’s a little outside the box of your average Christmas story, there is a little drama.
DEADLINE: To be clear, it’s not drama like what the Housewives bring to their respective shows. [Laughs] Right?
MCINTYRE: No, It’s not. [Laughs] It’s fun for the whole family. But of course, there’s a little bit of friction here and there. There’s a story there that we ride through together.
In the movie, my wife passed away, and my daughter is without her mom which brings up a lot of feelings. As a parent, you want to navigate and pick and choose, what to dive into and what to leave alone. That’s an extreme situation, but as a parent, you’re always picking and choosing your moments because your kids can roll their eyes at you at any minute. You have to be tactical at times. It’s not a perfect world, parenting, and a lot of that plays out in the movie.
DEADLINE: The layers of the overall story make it unique. And, viewers will be treated to a new musical track from you, yes?
MCINTYRE: Going into this we wanted to have a little more respect for the audience and we had a lot of fun making it. And yes, we got to write a Christmas song, me and my writing partner, Sean Thomas. It was very cool to write a song for this. Technically, this song could be nominated for an Oscar because we wrote it for the movie. Who knows, stranger things have happened? We were kind of kidding about it, but it’s nice to have a piece of work; to have been a part of that process, and to figure out what song would work. The idea we pitched we felt strongly about; the producers loved it and Roku signed off on it. So part of this movie is also about releasing the single.
DEADLINE: Your character in Jingle Bell Love is a musician like you. Was that always the case or was that something they changed when you were cast?
MCINTYRE: Yes, he was, there was always the music shop. I think originally he played guitar, but I said, I play more piano than I do guitar. So we made him a piano player. The cool thing is this character kind of backed away from music because he had to raise a daughter and pay the bills, as so many musicians have to do. But you know, there’s that storyline of how his love interest, played by Michelle Morgan, reignites a lot inside of him and she pushes him to finish the song and he does.
DEADLINE: We don’t want to give away too much but there’s this adorably meta moment when Jack’s daughter is helping someone find a date on a Tinder-like app. When they show you one of the guys, you say, “No musicians, trust me.” Was that ad-libbed?
MCINTYRE: Well, he is playing a musician and it is kind of a cliche, I guess, a little bit of fun cliche. But, you know what? Honestly, I think I never really, in that moment, didn’t play the meta of it but it was fun to experience. But yeah, that makes a lot of sense, actually. Yeah.
DEADLINE: Is that advice you’d give your children?
MCINTYRE: No, I think, listen, musicians are people who mostly wear their hearts on their sleeves and aren’t very good liars. They are passionate and do it because they love it. So, I’m not so sure I push back on that.
DEADLINE: Any chance this new single could inspire a Joey McIntyre solo holiday album?
MCINTYRE: Well, it’s been a while. It could be a bonus on… I did a Christmas album, like, geez, it was 10 years ago, or more. On another note, I have a complete solo album coming out in January which I’m thrilled about. I’m excited about this movie. I do have a lot going on. I have a new single off [the solo album] coming out on November 15, with the pre-sale for the album starting that day. The Christmas single is coming out on November 8th and the movie on November 18. I don’t know if it’s been signed off on yet, but other things are happening, too. It’s a very exciting, fun time.
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Jordan and Jon on Entertainment Tonight and other updates from "Rock the Block"
Jordan talked to Entertainment Tonight about the 25th anniversary of “Give it to You”. Looks like this could be part of a longer interview that will be released later with both Jon and Jordan about “Rock the Block”.
This isn't the only Jon and Jordan sighting! "Rock the Block" host Ty Pennington posted this cute clip (warning: minor language if you're at work or around kids).
Monday, October 28, 2024
Paramount Plus show about boybands to feature interviews with Donnie
Donnie will be taking part in a new show coming to Paramount Plus on November 12 called "Larger Than Life: Reign of the Boybands". Here is the trailer!
Friday, October 25, 2024
Joey extends his run with "Drag: The Musical" and more!
Joey has extended his run with "Drag: The Musical" through December 9! When Drag the Musical made the announcement on social media, they included a longer clip of Joey singing "Straight Man":
Here are a couple of videos from the curtain call:
Since the show officially opened earlier this week, more reviews have been published:
The official opening was earlier this week, and iHeartRadio Broadway interviewed Joey. Here is a clip:
And here are some more photos from that night!
Photo from Cameron Mitchell Bell on Instagram.
Photo from Ryan Bernard Tymensky on Instagram.
Photo from Gabby Gabriel on Instagram.
Photo from Kodiak Thompson on Instagram.
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Donnie and Marisa's interview with QC Life
Donnie and Marisa did an interview with QC Life (WBTV News - Charlotte) last week when they were promoting Blue Bloods. Here is the clip:
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Donnie's interview with TV Insider
Donnie was interviewed by TV Insider about Blue Bloods! Check out the interview below:
Joey McIntyre Jokes About Being the 'Stereotypical Straight Guy' in Off-Broadway's Drag: The Musical
People Magazine posted a new article about Joey and Drag the Musical! Check it out here!
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