Envision this: Stephen Sondheim's beloved Blackwing 602 pencils, a mere 32 of them, fetching a staggering $6,400 at auction—each stroke of the bidding paddle turning lead into literal gold. And amidst the frenzy, Tunde Adebimpe stealing the spotlight in 'Twisters,' a performance so captivating, it left audiences breathless.
Now, let's delve into the unlikely tale of Pascual Di Tella, a 28-year-old WME assistant who, with the grace of a rapier, is jabbing his way to Olympic glory in Paris. What separates this Hollywood insider from an Olympic fencer? A mere handshake and a nod of respect, for the fencer's sport is littered with backstabs, yet their shared arsenal—unwavering nerve, a predator's instinct, and an unyielding thirst for success—is strikingly parallel.
Di Tella, a scion of Olympic bloodlines, where both parents and a grandmother graced the Games, embodies this duality with poise. His fencing journey began at 14, honed amidst the halls of Duke University, while simultaneously navigating the cutthroat world of talent representation at WME. His dual roles are not mere hobbies; they're a testament to his indomitable spirit. "In fencing, you're your own driving force," he muses to the Rambling Reporter. "The same goes for agenting; you build your empire brick by brick, accountable only to yourself."
His WME family, recognizing his unique blend of talents, threw him a croissant-themed celebration upon his Olympic qualification, a sweet nod to his Parisian dreams. Post-Paris, medals glistening around his neck, Di Tella will embark on WME's prestigious agent trainee program, a testament to the limitless possibilities when passion meets perseverance.
Turning to Sondheim's legendary pencils, the auction wasn't just about owning an object; it was a chance to hold a piece of the maestro's creative soul. Each Blackwing 602, once clutched by the hands that crafted masterpieces like 'West Side Story,' sold for a premium, with one anonymous bidder shelling out $6,400 for the complete set. These cult writing instruments, once a mere $6 a dozen, have transformed into relics sought after by collectors willing to pay top dollar.
At Doyle's auction, a frenzy of Sondheim enthusiasts vied for everything from his jigsaw puzzles to fireplace tools, with one bidder dropping an astonishing $52,000 on a humble dictionary and thesaurus set. As for the pencils, Doyle's Peter Costanzo hopes they'll be cherished as keepsakes, but whispers of their new owners hoping for a touch of Sondheim's genius to flow through the graphite linger in the air.
In the end, these stories are more than just tales of auctions and Olympic dreams; they're a testament to the enduring power of passion, creativity, and the indomitable human spirit.
The reboot of Lee Isaac Chung's 'Twisters' is a cinematic treat brimming with delights. Glen Powell's electric smile illuminates the screen, while the tornadoes unleash terrifying destruction, their fury underscored by a soundtrack rich with outlaw country melodies, featuring Charley Crockett's haunting rendition of "Ghost Riders in the Sky." Yet, amidst this whirlwind of thrills, one scene stands out as a crowd-pleaser, stealing hearts and laughs alike. Enter Tunde Adebimpe, the charismatic frontman of TV on the Radio, who embodies the role of Dexter, a tornado-chasing "weather weenie" with a twist.
Confronted by a shape-shifting, terrifying tornado that should have had him quaking in fear, Adebimpe's Dexter erupts into a maniacal, gleeful display that defies all expectations. To truly appreciate the moment, you must witness it for yourself—it's a spectacle not to be missed.
Overwhelmed by the positive reception at the premiere, Adebimpe, who is poised to star alongside Jude Law in the upcoming Jon Watts-directed 'Star Wars: Skeleton Crew,' and having recently wrapped a solo exhibition of his paintings at L.A.'s Gross Gallery, shared his exhilaration with Rambling Reporter. "You rehearse the line countless times, knowing the trajectory it takes—but then, that moment of realization hits: 'Ah, this is hilarious!'"
The 49-year-old musician also revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that his debut solo album is complete, and that TV on the Radio, who haven't graced live stages since March 2019, may soon announce a return to the concert scene. Keep your ears peeled for news that will surely shake up the music world once again. — JORDAN HOFFMAN
