Justin trying to come up with the 'Rent'
(5/26/04) Stephen Schaefer Boston Herald (thanks Eva!)

Justin Timberlake is desperate to star in the film version of Broadway's long-running hit musical, "Rent." But can the former 'NSYNCer-turned-superstar cut it?

That's for Chris Columbus to decide. The writer-director-producer who helmed the first two "Harry Potter" movies opted not to direct the third in order to leave London and return to his family in San Francisco where, he told us, he could get back to his first love - writing.

Columbus has gotten a green light to film "Rent," which he's scripting for the big screen. Calling it "the best musical I've ever seen,'' Columbus will keep "Rent'' a period piece, set in 1989 among youthful East Village artists, drag queens and rockers.
Casting is wide open but only for anyone who can sing.

"The days of a Natalie Wood are past,'' he said referring to the Hollywood star whose "West Side Story'' vocals were dubbed. "If 'Moulin Rouge' and 'Chicago' taught us anything, it's you need actors who can sing. They also need to be able to act.''

Timberlake's finished his first film, the thriller "Edison'' with Kevin Spacey. But advance buzz isn't good. Still, Columbus is playing a wait-and-see with casting for the romantic lead.

"Justin's dying to do it,'' he said, "but I'm making everybody take screen tests.''

'Little Shop' ticket discounts
(5/26/04)

#1 (thanks sherry!) $25 off tickets

TAKE A BITE OUT OF THIS! Joey Fatone, member of the internationally renowned pop group *NSYNC, joins the cast of Broadway's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS on June 24 and you can be among the first to see him and save.

With this offer, you can save $25 and see our new star in the show
Entertainment Weekly calls "enormously entertaining!" Welcome Joey to this
musical comedy spectacular, and get $25 off his first two weeks of
performances, June 24-July 4 only.

The movie of LITTLE SHOP rocked, but it's even better LIVE! Joey plays the
nerd who becomes a superstar and gets the girl too, all with the help of a
giant, R&B-singing, man-eating plant! Time Out New York calls LITTLE SHOP a
"lean, green laugh machine."

Three ways to save $25 on your tickets:

1) Online: Visit BroadwayOffers.com and use code LSJOE67.
2) Phone: Call Telecharge.com at (212) 947-8844 and mention code
LSJOE67.
3) In Person: Bring a printout of this email to the Virginia Theatre
Box Office.

Performances are Tuesday at 7, Wednesday-Friday at 8, Saturday at 2 & 8, and
Sunday at 2 & 7. On Broadway at the Virginia Theatre, 245 West 52nd Street,
NYC.

Valid for performances June 24-July 4 only; not valid 6/26 or 6/27. Offer
subject to availability and prior sale. Not valid on previously purchased
tickets and may not be combined with any other offers. All sales final; no
refunds or exchanges. Telephone/internet orders subject to standard
Telecharge.com service fees. Blackout dates apply. Limit: 8 tickets per
order. Offer may be revoked at any time. Expires 7/4/04.

#2 $60/$65 tickets

Order by June 27. Valid for performances through June 27. Call (212) 239-6200 or visit broadwayoffers.com and use code "LS53EMX" or print out the offer at littleshopofhorrors.com and bring to the box office.

$60 tickets Tue at 7, Wed-Fri at 8, $65 tickets Saturday at 2 and 8, Sunday at 2 and 7. Subject to availability and prior sale. Not valid on previous purchases and may not be combined with any other offers. Telephone/internet orders subject to telecharge.com service fees. Limit 8 tickets per order. All sales final; no refunds or exchanges. Blackout dates apply. Offer may be revoked at any time.

Summer of 'love that look'
(5/26/04) USATODAY

...Remember Lacoste's crocodile and Le Tigre's tiger logos? Both '80s classic polo shirt icons are back, along with Ralph Lauren's pony. "Le Tigre used to be the poor man's Lacoste, but now it's one of the most important brands to make a comeback," says Williams. Le Tigre CEO Ryan O'Sullivan says the brand — resurrected last month — emulates old styles with updated quality and bright colors. Justin Timberlake, Ben Harper, Gwen Stefani, Mandy Moore and Christina Ricci have all gotten their paws on Le Tigre...

Nets calm in Knick of time
(5/26/04) Spencer Morgan and Ben Widdicombe New York Daily News

Forget the Sharks vs. the Jets. You'd better worry about the Knicks vs. the Nets.

There was a tense moment on the West Side when feuding rivals Richard Jefferson and Stephon Marbury were seated next to each other at Suede's second anniversary party on Friday.

Says a snitch, "Finally, ['That '70s Show' star] Wilmer Valderrama, a Knicks fan, went over and struck up a conversation with Marbury, dissipating the tension."

Also in the house were Valderrama's date, the ubiquitous Lindsay Lohan, Jamie-Lynn DiScala, Joey Fatone, "The Apprentice's" Bill Rancic, "Bachelor" Bob Guiney and fiancée Rebecca Budig, "Rich Girls' " Jamie Gleicher, Dallas Cowboys QB Drew Hansen and the Giants' Tiki Barber.