Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
Unlike most of the local theater scene, Derek Hasenstab had no clue “The Lion King” was casting in Chicago when he got a call to audition for the extravaganza. Actually, he didn’t know what the musical was about, much less the plot of the animated Disney film that inspired the production.
Did she or didn’t she? Sleep with Michael Jackson, that is. Lisa Marie Presley reveals all in the current edition of Rolling Stone magazine and says that, yes, she had sex with Wacko Jacko. “That was part of it, for a while,” she told Rolling Stone. “And then it became the Def Con 2. It just got really ugly at the end.”
After being roundly slammed by linguists, is it possible that Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst is just misunderstood? In a heartfelt moment at last month’s Grammy Awards–rivaled only by his Web site postings in praise of Britney Spears–Durst expressed his antiwar sentiments: “I just really hope we’re all in agreeance that this war should go away as soon as possible.”
“Without a question, Bruce Lee was the uncontested idol for a lot of little black boys growing up in the ’70s. We absolutely accepted him as Soul Brother No. 1.”
What’s new, Pussycat? The Dolls, baby–as in the Pussycat Dolls. The eight-year-old revolving troupe of sexy dancers and singers is the brainchild of Robin Antin, but it’s famous for Carmen Electra, who has become the troupe’s marquee star.
If you’re lucky enough to have tickets for the Rolling Stones concerts Tuesday and Wednesday at the United Center, chances are you’re going to be too busy gawking at Mick Jagger and Keith Richards to notice the fella walking around the arena with his handheld computer.
Step aside, divas. Mariah Carey is back. Big time. The figures are still being tallied, but it’s a strong bet that her new disc, “Charmbracelet,” will be the top debut on the next Billboard album chart. Estimates of first-week sales range from 200,000 to 270,000–about double what Carey managed with last year’s much-maligned soundtrack to her movie flop “Glitter.”
Maybe it was jet lag that made him do it, but Tim McGraw actually said something Tuesday in Chicago that drew boos from diehard fans. During a break from his nine-song set at a private listening party at Isaac Hayes’ downtown club, McGraw friskily said, “I’m a Packers fan.”
After their United Center concert Tuesday night, the Stones had a craving for something their gourmet caterer hadn’t provided: sushi. Tsunami on Dearborn was more than happy to accommodate Mick Jagger and company when they rolled in around 1 a.m. to feast on maki, nigiri and other delicacies.
