The Hollywood Reporter today follows the continued career ascension of none other than Paris Hilton. Paris has just been added to the cast of a planned remake of the 1953 horror classic House of Wax which starred Vincent Price as a mad professor who uses real bodies covered in wax to make his wax museum more lifelike. (Mad? Maybe just eccentric, no?) One has to wonder if Hilton’s casting was for purely economic reasons. I’m sure they’ll save plenty of money on not having to actually cover this oh-so-lifelike mannequin with any sort of makeup or special effect. I still marvel at how life-like she already seems.
More from the trades …
- Christina Applegate will debut on Broadway in April 2005 in the lead of Sweet Charity. This production has been in the works for some time, and she replaces Jane Krakowski who replaced Marisa Tomei who I think replaced Jenna Elfman. With the exception of Krakowski (a true musical theatre talent), I can’t say I’d prefer to see Tomei (can she sing?) or Elfman (I don’t even want to know if she can sing) than Applegate, but that’s really not saying anything. Gwen Verdon originated the role on Broadway, and Shirley MacLaine played Charity in the Bob Fosse directed film. In fact, your better bet may simple be to rent the movie, and your best bet would be to forget the musical and just watch Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria, on which the musical was based, starring the incomparable Giulietta Masina. (via Variety — subscription required for full story)
- Sarah Jessica Parker is considering one of the leads in a remake of The Man Who Came to Dinner. Apparently, she’s waiting to see who the male lead would be. Steve Martin recently passed on the role. I’m waiting to see which brilliant 40s screen-actress she thinks she can replace: Bette Davis or Ann Sheridan. (via Hollywood Reporter — subscription required for full story)
Out of Focus 