‘Supernanny’ plans auditions at NorthTown
Let the tantrums begin.
The ABC show “Supernanny” is coming to Spokane’s NorthTown Mall on Dec. 13 for an open casting call.
They’re looking for families with what the producers call “unique interests” and “extraordinary circumstances.”
Who are they kidding?
I’ve seen this show. They’re looking for families who are screaming, caterwauling, out of control train wrecks.
Actually, the producers do acknowledge they are seeking families with “mean girls or bullying boys,” as well as “blended families where both sides are seeking help.”
In other words, they’re looking for families that desperately need Jo Frost to swoop in and straighten things out.
The auditions will be at the mall’s Discovery Park Food Court, Dec. 13 from noon to 4 p.m. All you need to do is show up. They’ll give you an application to fill out when you get there.
Just a wild guess, but I’m betting the volume level will be high at the food court that afternoon.
‘Oy Vey’ stars
Filming will continue in downtown Spokane this week on the feature film “Oy Vey! My Son is Gay!”
So keep your eyes peeled. You might see Lainie Kazan, Vincent Pastore, Saul Rubinek and Carmen Electra around town.
Meanwhile, two more name actors have been cast as the gay couple at the heart of this comedy:
• Jai Rodriguez, best known as one of the stars of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.” He has also appeared in the movie version of “The Producers,” the TV show “Nip/Tuck” and various soap operas.
• John Lloyd Young, a Broadway star who won the 2006 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical, for his role in “Jersey Boys.” He has done some TV work (“Law & Order,” “The Ring”), but this will be his first feature film.
Director/writer/producer Evgeny Afineevsky said Spokane has been supportive of the project from the beginning, especially the gay community.
Local big ‘Wheels’
Two local people will be contestants on upcoming “Wheel of Fortune” episodes.
First up will be Bill Turnquist, a retired college professor from Spokane. He’ll be on the Dec. 2 episode.
Next up will be Jessica Dueck from Deer Park, who will appear during “Pet Lovers Week” on Dec. 12. She’s a mom who started a pet rescue group.
“Wheel of Fortune” airs weekdays at 7:30 p.m. on KHQ-6.
As the worm turns
Pam and Dennis Ponsness, the Boundary County maggot farmers who were visited this summer by TV’s “Dirty Jobs,” are about to get their 15 minutes of filthy fame.
Their episode of the reality show debuts Tuesday at 9 p.m. on the Discovery Channel (cable channel 9 in Spokane, 28 in Coeur d’Alene), and repeats at 11 p.m. and several times after that.
Sandpoint Fest passes
Here’s a great idea for a Christmas present: Buy someone an Early Bird season pass for the Festival at Sandpoint.
Early Bird passes, which go on sale Monday, are good for all eight evenings of shows at the festival, which will be held Aug. 6-16 at Memorial Field in Sandpoint.
The price is $169, plus taxes and fees. This should turn out to be almost a 50 percent discount compared to buying individual tickets.
The only catch: You must buy the passes on faith. The lineup has not been announced and won’t be until May.
Go to www.festivalatsandpoint.com or call (888) 265-4554 or (208) 265-4554 starting Monday.
Bing film festival
The Third Annual Bing Crosby Film Festival runs Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague.
Here’s the movie lineup:
•“Going My Way,” the film that won Bing his Best Actor Oscar, 10 a.m.
•“White Christmas,” which contains Bing’s most famous song, 1 p.m.
•“Road to Utopia,” a classic Hope-Crosby comedy, 4 p.m.
•“White Christmas” again, preceded by a musical performance from Gonzaga University’s singing group, The Big Bing Theory, 7 p.m.
The festival will also include displays of memorabilia and a brief multimedia presentation by Stephanie Plowman, Gonzaga’s Bing expert.
Just drop in whenever you want. It’s all free, although a $1 donation is requested to support the Advocates for the Bing Crosby Theater.
Super Max in the Big Apple
Max Kumangai, who stole the show as the Cat in the Hat in the Spokane Civic Theatre’s 2004 “Seussical,” has landed a plum New York role.
He is appearing in one of off-Broadway’s biggest hits, the musical spoof “What’s That Smell: The Music of Jacob Sterling,” at the New World Stages in the heart of Manhattan’s theater district.
It’s a critically praised comedy about a fictional songwriter of questionable gifts, who does an evening of his “hits” with help from a trio of backup performers. Kumangai is one of the backup performers.
The North Central High School and University of Michigan graduate also appeared in the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre’s “Pippin.”
McHale in CdA
Alexandra McHale, a comedian who has appeared on “The Tonight Show,” VH1 and Comedy Central, will give a free show on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the North Idaho College Activities Center in the Edminster Student Union Building in Coeur d’Alene.
Yes, that’s right: Free and open to the public. You can’t beat that price.
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