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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Maybe Tina Fey in drag?

Franken (The Spokesman-Review)
From Wire Reports

Now that he’s finally won his U.S. Senate race, Al Franken can turn his attention to who he’d like to see turn the parody tables on him.

The former “Saturday Night Live” cast member could be a prime spoof target for his former show.

Asked who’d be best for the role, Franken first said it may be Fred Armisen, who portrays President Barack Obama in “SNL” skits. He then said occasional guest Alec Baldwin might be a better fit.

Franken himself parodied a U.S. senator at least once on the show, playing a Democrat at confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas.

‘Order’ is restored

“Law & Order: SVU” fans can rest easy: Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni have signed contracts for another season.

There was widespread speculation that the actors might be replaced after their two-year contracts expired.

NBC renewed the drama, its most popular scripted series, without knowing for sure whether they would be return.

A spokeswoman for producer Dick Wolf said the two stars will be back at work next week, when filming begins for next season.

In another development, Christine Lahti will join the cast for the first four episodes.

Hey la-a-ady, I’m on Broa-a-adway!

Finally, some news from the Great White Way:

Jude Law will star in “Hamlet” this fall in his first appearance on Broadway since “Indiscretions” in 1995.

And Jerry Lewis will direct a stage version of “The Nutty Professor,” the 1963 film which he co-wrote and starred in.

The birthday bunch

Actress Gloria Stuart is 99. Conductor Mitch Miller is 98. Advice columnist Abigail Van Buren is 91. Actress Eva Marie Saint is 85. Actress Gina Lollobrigida is 82. Playwright Neil Simon is 82. Singer Bill Withers is 71. TV host Geraldo Rivera is 66. Actress Becki Newton (“Ugly Betty”) is 31.