December 6, 1995
Web posted at: 8:00 a.m. EST
From Entertainment Correspondent Dennis Michael
Big bucks for John Travolta: The actor's comeback has hit $20 million territory. The Hollywood Reporter indicates the actor could get $16 million in advance, and another $4 million in bonuses, for starring in "The Double" for Mandalay Entertainment. Roman Polanski is set to direct the thriller.
"Beauty and the Beast" led the way for Disney's foray into live theater -- and now "The Lion King" may be following into that domain. Daily Variety reports Walt Disney Theatricals has hired a director to bring the animated film to the stage. Disney will have its New Amsterdam Theatre in New York ready in 1997, and is looking for a play to open the theater.
Casting news: Faye Dunaway has formally agreed to star in "Catherine," a biography of Russian empress Catherine the Great. The Hollywood Reporter notes the film, to be produced by Bob Guccione, will be released in two versions: an "R" and an unrated version. Shooting begins in February in Budapest and St. Petersberg.
Jane Seymour has had her twins. The star of "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" gave birth to Kristopher Steven and John Stacy Keach on Thursday. Both twins weighed in at 5 pounds.
Sharon Stone has taken the job of chief fund-raiser for the American Foundation for AIDS Research, replacing Elizabeth Taylor. Reuters reports Stone has been given the target of $76 million in four years.
No party for Mr. Bond in Paris. The newspaper "Le Monde" reports French defense officials have dropped out of plans to participate in the premiere of "Goldeneye" in France after learning that lead actor Pierce Brosnan is an outspoken opponent of French nuclear testing. The French navy worked with the film, lending a warship and a new attack helicopter for action sequences.
Hootie and the Blowfish are selling more than a million copies of "Cracked Rear View" a month. The Recording Industry Association of America notes the album has now reached sales of 11 million copies, and it's currently the fifth best-selling debut album of all time.
It was stars behind the counter over the weekend at six record stores in Los Angeles for "Counter Aid." Stars like Tracy Lords, Jody Watley, and members of Alice in Chains and Guns n Roses manned cash registers and urged record buyers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, to contribute to AIDS research.
Tracy Chapman has recovered from a wrist injury and is back on tour. The singer is traveling to nine cities around the United States promoting her album "New Beginnings." The disc is her first output in three years.
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