PEOPLE

Ricky Martin to exit ‘Evita’ for 2 television shows, book

Ricky Martin performs with the cast of 'Evita' at the 66th Annual Tony Awards on June 10 in New York. The Latin superstar will be leaving the show in January.

NEW YORK — Ricky Martin is saying goodbye to Broadway’s Evita. But don’t cry for him.

The Latin superstar has a slew of new projects in the works, including two television series and a children’s book.

“It’s about growing,” Martin said. “It’s a moment in my life where I just need to absorb and be surrounded by amazing actors and musicians and grow as an entertainer. I think this is going to be an amazing year for that.”

Martin takes his final bow in the Andrew Lloyd Webber revival on Jan. 26. Then he heads down under to join the second season of the Australian edition of The Voice. But the Grammy winner says not to expect any biting, Simon Cowellesque critiques.

“I don’t believe in tough love. I believe in love, and I believe in being nurturing to new talented men and women,” he said at an M.A.C. Viva Glam event for Saturday’s World AIDS Day. Martin partnered with the cosmetics brand to raise awareness and funding for HIV/AIDS programs worldwide.

The “Livin’ la Vida Loca” singer is developing a new series for NBC, expected in 2013. He’s producing, writing, and will star in the currently untitled dramedy, where he hopes to tackle social issues with humor.

He’s also writing his second book and admitted he didn’t have to look far for inspiration.

“I think it’s time to write about things that I’ve been through with my kids that I’m sure many daddies out there will understand,” said the father of 4-year-old twins Matteo and Valentino.

The family-friendly story about self-esteem is slated for release next summer.

Tear gas and milkshakes

MANAMA, Bahrain — Just hours after reality TV star Kim Kardashian gushed about her impressions of Bahrain, riot police fired tear gas to disperse more than 50 hardline Islamic protesters denouncing her presence in the Gulf kingdom.

The clashes took place just before Kardashian opened the Bahrain branch of her Millions of Milkshakes shop.

An Associated Press journalist saw protesters chanting “God is Great” near the shopping complex in Riffa, some 12 miles south of the capital Manama.

The demonstrators were cleared before Kardashian appeared late Saturday.

Detroit documentary

DETROIT — A documentary film about a Detroit fire company will screen this month at two Detroit-area theaters.

Burn is scheduled to be shown in Livonia and Sterling Heights from Friday through Dec. 13.

The movie follows the crew of Engine Company 50 as it fights fires on Detroit’s blighted east side.

Burn is executive-produced by actor Denis Leary, who portrayed a firefighter on the acclaimed TV series Rescue Me.

A portion of the proceeds from Burn will go to the Leary Firefighters Foundation to buy gear for Detroit firefighters.