STEVE BUSCEMI A HIT ON SATURDAY NIGHT

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THE WEB GOSSIP
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Jason Segel

SEGAL ON SNL -- Last week’s SNL with Jason Segel from TV’s How I Met Your Mother was simply outstanding; musical guest Florence + The Machine were spot on terrific too. She performed two numbers from her-just out Ceremonials albums (“Shake It Out” and “No Light No Light”) and was sensational. She is without a doubt (along with Adele) the taste of the moment. Regal, creative and just out-and-out interestingly, she was definitely electric. Segel’s quite the comic too; perfect timing and his sketch where he played Andre The Giant was splendid. For Segel-followers, this is an imitation he’s done for years and has perfected it to perfection. The last sketch was about a band, called the Bluejean Committee playing some dive somewhere called The Empty Glass singing a song called “Massachusetts Afternoon” and, was a major highlight of the show; the sketch didn't have any major message to it, but rather a slice-of-life moment from some dusty bar we've all been too. It was, in this writer’s opinion, one of the best bits sketches I’ve seen on SNL in years. Guest-star Paul Rudd as well as Florence Welch herself f blended into the make believe bar, grooving to the almost-John Sebastian inspired song. With Fred Armisen on vocals and Segel on keyboards, it was downright charming. Even The Muppets, who were occasional guests (as Segel wrote their current chart-topping movie and stars in it as well) sauntered into the bar grooving along. It was hilarious and rather poignant. Last nights guest-host Steve Buscemi and The Black Keys were terrific as well. All in all, SNL’s had a spectacular season so far this year. Truth be told, they’re saving the network!


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Liev Schreiber

LIEV RETURNS -- When Liev Schreiber had a multi-show run in CSI several years back; it gave the show a gravitas it really hasn’t had yet. There was Schreiber delivering some incredible performances ... and, on TV no less! After that run, he was approached by seemingly everyone in the TV business to front his own series … and, he passed on them all. Last week came news that the actor has signed on as the lead in the forthcoming show Ray Donovan on Showtime. Now, Showtime is our new fave cablenet as we've been consistently dazzled by their Homeland hit, with Damien Lewis, Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin. We'll discuss this show in depth next time, but let’s just say that this new Schreiber show looks absolutely delicious. Created by Southland creator Ann Biderman, it centers on a professional fixer for the rich and famous in contemporary Los Angeles. As The go-to guy in Hollywood, Schreiber’s title character deftly solves the highly confidential problems for the city’s most complex personalities, yet he can’t escape the turmoil in his own life. Personally, I'd watch Schreiber read the phone book; but this new premise sounds most promising. Production will start early next year; so, next fall is a definite possibility.


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Tony Danza

A BROADWAY HONEYMOON -- Look for Grey’s Anatomy star T.R. Knight; Broadway-fave Mary Faber; and, Tony Danza, to top line a forthcoming production of the 1992 film Honeymoon In Vegas. That film starred Nicholas Cage, Sarah Jessica Parker and James Caan. The show was quietly work shopped in Gotham throughout October and is eyeing its debut sometime next spring. Vegas-writer-director Andrew Bergman adapted his original screenplay, while the music and lyrics were written by Jason Robert Brown (Parade). We loved the original movie and look forward to year; we're big Danza-fans here!


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Micky Dolenz With Barbara Feldon

MICKY & MORROW AT PBS -- Last night, we were at the PBS studios at Lincoln Center to witness Monkees-icon Micky Dolenz appear on a fund-raising stint hosted by none other than Cousin Brucie (aka Bruce Morrow). Billed as PBS’ Rock, Pop & Soul package, PBS, which is mostly funded by its fervent listeners and supporters, had a series of performances taped earlier this year by the likes of, Jefferson Starship; Peter Noone; Percy Sledge; Mitch Ryder; Paul Revere and the Raiders; and, Chad and Jeremy.


Dolenz, who was in a most affable mood said he’s working on a new album project which could be released as early as this February. “It’s a musical memoir of my life; there’s a bunch of surprise songs ... like a version of ‘Sugar Sugar,’ which was actually supposed to be a Monkees-single. My version is going to surprise everyone! It’s something I’ve been working on for quite a while and now all the pieces are coming together. Percussionist Alex Acuna is on it, as well as Bob Birch from Elton’s band. The project might be called Remember.” Also, at the PBS session was actress Barbara Feldon (Agent 99 from TV’s Get Smart) and Gene Cornish from The Rascals. As we walked out of the studio, Dolenz who was en route to the airport for a series of appearances in Montreal this week, we heard that so far, it was one of the station’s most successful events this year. Thanks to Micky’s PR-man David Salidor for inviting us down.


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David Thewlis

WARHORSE DEBUTS -- When we caught Warhorse at Lincoln Center earlier this year, we were amazed to learn that a film was coming for the holidays, directed by Steven Spielberg no less. We've seen the trailers (featuring the cast, Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, Tom Hiddleston and David Thewlis) and must admit it looks positively captivating. Face it: if there’s anyone who knows how to shoot a family-driven drama … it’s Spielberg (for the record, my favorite Steven movie is 1987's Empire of the Sun). Tonight’s the world premiere at Avery Fisher (followed by a late-night supper) and we're very much looking forward to it. We'll have a full write-up on Wednesday.


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Katy Perry

STONE STILL SENSATIONAL -- He might have the poshest, most exclusive club in the world - The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but Jann Wenner's Rolling Stone of late has gotten back to its core - music! Fascinating cover stories on Adele; Katy Perry; George Clooney; Red Hot Chilli Peppers; Eddie Murphy; Keith Richards; Lady Gaga ... have been just terrific. I remember about 5 or 6 years ago, when I mentioned at a party that I still subscribed to it ... everyone stopped talking! Guess everyone deserves another shot ... or, two.


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Paul Shaffer

SHAFFER THE BEST -- You've got to hand it to Paul Shaffer for his non-stop musical excellence; on a David Letterman Show last week, the three tracks that he and his wonderful band (including bassist Will Lee) played in and out of the segments were, "I Don't Need No Doctor," Expressway To Your Heart" and "Strawberry Letter 23." Three bona-fide classics for sure. We love you Paul - we're listening!



Photos By: Sara De Boer/RD/Dziekan/Kirkland/Leon/Orchon/Retna