No lies: That might be Christian Slater

The next North by Northwest film shoot begins this week – which explains why you might see Christian Slater hanging around town.

Slater is the star of this action thriller, originally called “White Lies,” but retitled “Alicia’s Book.”

The director is Tibor Takacs, who has directed several movies, including something called “Mansquito,” and many TV shows, including “Sabrina, The Teenage Witch,” “The Crow: Stairway to Heaven” and “Outer Limits.”

“It’s a fun little action movie with a lot of comedic elements,” said Rich Cowan of North by Northwest, the Spokane-based production company.

The movie’s about a New York book editor who becomes obsessed with the author of a violent novel. She soon learns secrets about his past.

Slater, who starred in “Heathers,” “Untamed Heart” and “True Romance,” will play the male lead.

You might also recognize Ving Rhames (“Pulp Fiction”) around town. He will co-star. Rhames is scheduled to return for a second film later this year, “A River Sorrow.”

Several local actors have also been hired, including two names you might recognize: Ellen Travolta and Jack Bannon, who have cameo roles.

‘Love Letters’

Speaking of Ellen Travolta and Jack Bannon, tickets are still available for their performance of A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters,” March 29, 7:30 p.m., at the Schuler Auditorium at North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene.

This is a fundraiser for the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre. Call (800) 4-CDATIX to reserve tickets.

Debra Wilde update

Debra Wilde, a TV news fixture in Spokane for 27 years, has landed a new job as the development coordinator for the Community Health Association of Spokane.

This nonprofit medical organization has five clinics in the Spokane area, serving thousands of low-income Spokane residents and others who need care.

Wilde called it a dream job, raising awareness of an organization that is doing so much good for the community.

“People need to know what’s going on in those clinics,” she said.

Wilde was fired from KXLY in June after a long career as an anchor with both that station and KHQ.

Dawn Picken’s new job

Dawn Picken, former morning anchor and “Two On Your Side” consumer reporter at KREM-2, is busy at a new job as well.

She’s the director of marketing and communications for Greater Spokane Incorporated, the organization which resulted from the merger of the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Spokane Area Economic Development Council.

Picken said she was ready for a change after working 14 years in TV, the last eight at KREM. She left the station around Thanksgiving and started her new job in January.

“There’s nothing glamorous about getting up at 2:30 a.m. every morning to anchor the news,” said Picken, the mother of two young children.

She said she would have left TV sooner if she knew how much she would enjoy her new job.

Lily at the Fox?

Comedian Lily Tomlin is tentatively scheduled to come to the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox on June 5 for a benefit show.

We’ll let you know the details when this is confirmed.

‘Nate the Great’

Early warning: The Spokane Children’s Theatre presents “The Adventures of Nate the Great!” from Saturday through March 22 at Spokane Community College’s Lair Auditorium, 1810 N. Greene St.

This show is based on the popular kids’ books about a clever young neighborhood detective.

Tickets are on sale through TicketsWest outlets (509-325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com).

Video artist lectures

Kota Ezawa, a Bay Area video artist, will be the second speaker in the “Real, Surreal & Cartoons” Visiting Artist Lecture Series.

Ezawa, whose work has been shown in the Whitney Biennial and the Museum of Modern Art, will speak at Spokane Falls Community College’s Student Union Building, lounges A and B, on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.; at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture on Tuesday at 7 p.m.; and Eastern Washington University’s Art Auditorium, Wednesday at noon.

All lectures are free and open to the public.

Armitage award

Tom Armitage, longtime theater director at North Central High School, will receive the Ruben Van Kempen Arts Educator Award from the Intiman Theatre in Seattle.

The award is to honor teachers who have “made the community a better place.”

Armitage is well-known in Spokane for developing a love for the performing arts in his students. He’ll get the award on March 17.