Movies
Judd Apatow's next movie Funny People began shooting in Los Angeles
Sept. 29, but not before three of its leading actors, Seth Rogen, Adam
Sandler, and Jonah Hill, squeezed in last-minute rehearsals — in front of
a live audience — on Sept. 19 and 27. Seems the yuksters made two
appearances at the L.A. outpost of Upright Citizens Brigade (capacity:
92) along with The King of Queens star Kevin James and newcomer Aubrey
Plaza, all so they could hone their stand-up skills. Apatow played MC
for what was billed as his own ''Evening of Comedy,'' and even lobbed a
couple of bits of his own. He explained how his wife (and Funny People ensemble member) Leslie Mann couldn't be less interested in seeing his
shtick in action, and entertained on-the-spot movie pitches from
audience members. Rogen's and Hill's sets were predictably
heavy on masturbation jokes but light on pop culture references, while
Sandler's ran longest and came with a disclaimer: Jokes about being
single were based on his character — and not his real life. (It's unclear
whether later rants about fame, the paparazzi, and living large also
fell under that umbrella). So how did they do? Despite the actors'
visible nervousness, the crowd responded enthusiastically — most
especially for ringleader Apatow. Still, it's pretty safe to assume that
they won't be hitting the comedy-club circuit on a regular basis anytime
soon. Rogen, for one, had this to say on the way out: ''I'm so glad
that's over.'' — Shirley Halperin, with additional reporting by Nicole Sperling
TV
Swingtown is jumping into bed with a new partner: Bravo. As first
reported on EW.com, the network just acquired the exclusive cable rights
to CBS' spouse-sharing, '70s-set drama, and plans to re-air it
sometime this fall. (The edgy, ratings-challenged show, which finished
its 13-episode run on Sept. 5, has a slim chance for renewal on CBS.)
Although the move would seem to open the door for Tom, Trina, and the
rest of the bell-bottomed gang to make another summer of love — and on
cable, where many felt that the series belonged in the first place — Bravo
says that it has no plans to order additional seasons of Swingtown.
Might some supergroovy ratings change anyone's mind? Fans can only hope. — Dan Snierson
Music
On Nov. 3, Alicia Keys will reissue her 2007 disc, As I Am, as
an updated CD/DVD set. The CD will boast three new bonus tracks: ''Doncha
Know (Sky Is Blue),'' ''Saviour,'' and ''Another Way to Die,'' the theme song
for the new James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, out the following week.
The tune was written and produced by
Jack White and features Stax's
legendary Memphis Horns. ''I've always wanted to work with Jack because I
love the White Stripes,'' Keys recently told EW. ''I thought it would be a
supercool way to open up another [creative] door.'' The DVD, filmed on
July 10, 2008, at the Coronet Theatre in London, will feature live
renditions of six hits culled from all three of her studio albums,
including ''Fallin''' from 2001's Songs in A Minor and ''You Don't Know My
Name'' from 2003's The Diary of Alicia Keys. — Margeaux Watson
NOW! Get more Hollywood Insider scoop on EW.COM
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You Might Also Like
- Television Commentary Does 'Swingtown' sizzle or fizz | Henry Goldblatt, Ken Tucker
- Pop Style 'Swingtown': A '70s fashion affair | Lindsay Soll
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- News Summary Julia and Benicio win SAG awards (Nov 10, 2000) | Sandra P. Angulo
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