Redgrave, Jones reuniting at Old Vic
Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones are reuniting onstage to play sparring lovers Beatrice and Benedick in Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” London’s Old Vic Theatre announced Monday.
The actors, who starred together in “Driving Miss Daisy” in the West End and on Broadway, will be directed by Mark Rylance in a production of the comedy slated to open in September.
It will offer a distinctive take on the couple, usually presented as young-ish lovers – Redgrave is 75 and Jones 81.
Old Vic artistic director Kevin Spacey – the Oscar-winning actor – said the casting of “two of the greatest legends ever to grace the stage” would show Shakespeare’s comedy in a new light.
Williams held after Seattle dust-up
Stand-up comedian and actor Katt Williams has been released from jail after being arrested following a dispute at a Seattle bar.
Police say he argued Sunday with another patron at the World Sports Grille, menaced the manager with a pool cue and refused to leave. He’s also accused of flicking a cigarette into a woman’s face through a car window and throwing a rock at the vehicle.
Police say Williams struggled with officers who arrested him and jailed him for investigation of assault, harassment and obstruction. He was released from King County Jail early Monday.
Costumes worn by Michael Jackson commanded hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction, and Lady Gaga was among the collectors.
Gaga tweeted Sunday that she bought 55 pieces in the sale administered by Julien’s Auctions and said she plans to keep the items “archived and expertly cared for in the spirit and love of Michael Jackson, his bravery and fans worldwide.”
Auctioneer Darren Julien said the jacket Jackson wore during his “Bad” tour fetched $240,000. Two of Jackson’s crystal-encrusted gloves sold for more than $100,000 each, as did other jackets and performance costumes.
The auction featuring the collection of Jackson’s longtime costume designers Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush raised more than $5 million.
The birthday bunch
Actress-singer Deanna Durbin is 91. Game-show host Wink Martindale is 79. Singer Freddy Cannon is 76. Actor Jeff Bridges is 63. Actress Patricia Wettig is 61. Actor Tony Todd is 58. Actress Chelsea Noble (“Growing Pains”) is 48. Actress Marisa Tomei is 48. Comedian Fred Armisen is 46. Rapper Jay-Z is 43. Actor Kevin Sussman (“Ugly Betty”) is 42. Model Tyra Banks is 39.