Scandal News Today — September 24, 2026
‘The Visit’ at Pasadena Playhouse Review: The ’50s Absurdist Comedy Is Too Smug in Its Peak-Bleak View of Venal Humanity, but Jefferson Mays and Melinda Page Hamilton Are Worth the Visit and more — today's scandal signal.
The entertainment industry is abuzz with a mix of nostalgia, innovation, and star power. On stage, the Pasadena Playhouse is hosting a revival of the 1950s absurdist comedy "The Visit," which, despite being overly self-satisfied, boasts standout performances from Jefferson Mays and Melinda Page Hamilton. Meanwhile, the industry is mourning the loss of a legendary figure, Dick Guttman, a renowned Hollywood publicist who worked with A-listers like Barbra Streisand, Jay Leno, and Clint Eastwood, and passed away at 93.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, big players are weighing in on the role of technology in shaping the future of Hollywood. Jeffrey Katzenberg, a major force in the industry, is advocating for the acceptance of AI as a tool, declaring that it's here to stay. On the other hand, creatives are pushing the boundaries of storytelling with new projects. Kerry Washington is expanding her "Street You Grew Up On" interview series into a weekly podcast, while Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson are set to star in a sci-fi murder mystery called "Ray Gunn," directed by the filmmaker behind "The Incredibles." These updates offer a glimpse into the dynamic and rapidly changing world of entertainment.
Today's signal:
• ‘The Visit’ at Pasadena Playhouse Review: The ’50s Absurdist Comedy Is Too Smug in Its Peak-Bleak View of Venal Humanity, but Jefferson Mays and Melinda Page Hamilton Are Worth the Visit (variety.com)
• Dick Guttman, Renowned Hollywood Publicist to Stars Including Barbra Streisand, Jay Leno and Clint Eastwood, Dies at 93 (variety.com)
• Jeffrey Katzenberg Says Hollywood Must Accept AI as a Tool: It ‘Is Not Going Away’ (variety.com)
• Kerry Washington Expands ‘Street You Grew Up On’ Interview Series Into Weekly Ongoing Podcast From Her Simpson Street Production Company and Daylight (variety.com)
• ‘Ray Gunn’ Trailer: Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson Star in Netflix’s Sci-Fi Murder Mystery From ‘Incredibles’ Director (variety.com)