This year has been full of notable tales that questioned the convention and generated debates in the performing arts, visual arts, and entertainment industries. It has been a rollercoaster of remarkable happenings, ranging from the debate over Broadway's tribute practices to pioneering achievements in the music business.
Let's take a look back at the major news that shaped the landscape in 2024 as Classicalite closes off the year.
Gavin Creel Dimming Controversy
The Broadway tradition of dimming theater marquee lights to honor those lost has sparked controversy. In 2024, following Gavin Creel's passing, the Broadway League initially announced a partial dimming with just 12 out of 41 theaters participating.
Fans and experts who believed Creel should have received a complete homage criticized this choice. 21,000+ people signed a petition asking the League to change its mind.
After reviewing the backlash, the League reversed its stance and agreed to honor Creel with a full dimming. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about fairness and inclusivity in Broadway's tribute practices.
Wicked Actresses Salaries Dispute
A debate over salary disparities erupted around the Wicked film after rumors suggested Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, was paid significantly less than Ariana Grande's Glinda role. Although the exact amounts are yet unknown, Universal Pictures swiftly refuted the reported $1 million against $15 million disparity.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's Broadway Appearance
As the first justice to appear on stage, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson made waves when she appeared in the Broadway production of & Juliet. Given the current transgender rights issues, her involvement in a program that emphasizes LGBTQ+ representation and female empowerment sparked questions about the impartiality of the legal system.
While proponents point to judges like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who have pursued similar goals, detractors contend Jackson's involvement might compromise her apparent neutrality. Discussions about the anticipated behavior of Supreme Court judges and the possible effect on public trust have been rekindled by this presence.
Tourist Arrested for Carving in Pompeii
A British visitor was detained in August 2024 for inking his initials on a 2,000-year-old fresco in Pompeii. After being apprehended by security, the visitor is now being charged under Italy's stringent cultural heritage regulations.
Millions of tourists visit Pompeii every year as a UNESCO World Heritage site, but events like this show how difficult it is to preserve such priceless artifacts. In addition to erasing a piece of history, the destruction highlights the continuous difficulties in preserving the integrity of valuable historic sites in the face of rising tourism.
2-Year-Old Sets Guinness World Record with Album Release
The Guinness World Record for the youngest solo artist to release an album was set by Lynn Takei.
The two-year-old Japanese created a unique "space language" for "Nonsense makes Sense," her debut album. Georgia grew up in a musically inclined family, and her creativity has garnered recognition on a global scale.
Experts have praised the CD as a singular example of early childhood creative development.
