Columbia College held a reception and advance screening for “Barbershop 2: Back in Business” on Tuesday night at Loews Cineplex Piper’s Alley to benefit the Open Doors Scholarship Fund. “Barbershop 2” producers and Columbia alums Bob Teitel and George Tillman Jr.–or as I like to call them, the Ben Affleck and Matt Damon of Chicago–attended. Given their strong ties to the city, Teitel and Tillman told me it’s important for them to produce movies here. Teitel said they had a blast making the film last summer and partied in the Gold Coast almost every night with cast members Eve, Ice Cube, Queen Latifah and Cedric the Entertainer. Teital said they are producing another movie in Chicago this summer about roller skating.
The cast has not been determined, but Teital did say he wants to work with Cedric again.
HOOK-UPS: Starlight Children’s Foundation threw its annual Dream Date Auction on Friday night with an A-list lineup of smoking-hot bachelors and bachelorettes. Carrie Gabrys presented her dream date package with hottie Paul Tacorian (jeweler to the stars), who donated a diamond necklace from Tacori.
I caught up with Tacorian at the party, and he told me that Tacori will now provide the rings for “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” instead of Harry Winston–Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter exchanged Tacori rings at their wedding–and that the Oscar gift bags will contain Tacori jewelry.
Bill Rancic from “The Apprentice” was also at the event. The host suggested to the crowd that Rancic should bid like Donald Trump. Rancic may not have bid like The Donald, but he was sure to tip the bartender Trump-style, at 25 percent. My favorite bachelor at the event? The hunky Jim Wills.
HER KIND OF TOWN: Entertainment reporter Nancy O’Dell was in town last week to shoot segments for “Access Hollywood” before flying back to Los Angeles to cover the Grammys. O’Dell told me that after covering celebrities for years, “It doesn’t seem that they are celebrities anymore.” O’Dell said Richard Gere is one of her favorite actors to interview, and he never fails to make her blush. And although she had low expectations for her interview with Madonna, O’Dell said it turned out to be one of her best. O’Dell would like to do more producing and will be doing just that for the second season of “Nashville Star.” She’ll also serve as host of the USA Network show. Before jetting out of town, O’Dell stopped by the Chicago Auto Show and dined at Keefer’s.
FAIR-WEATHER FANS: For all you thespians out there, I got the scoop–as promised–on casting information for Nicolas Cage’s new flick “The Weather Man.” To apply, send a photo with contact information and vitals to: Thomas Gustafson, 559 W. Diversey Pkwy., No. 328, Chicago, IL 60614. Casting agents are looking for all types and ages for a few scenes, including a Navy Pier festival, a funeral, group therapy sessions and rush hour in downtown. For more information, go to weathermancasting.com. P.S.: Owning a car and/or a dog is a plus!
BOBBING FOR INFO: I touched base with our favorite “Bachelor” Bob Guiney last week to find out about Oprah’s hot birthday bash in California. At the party, Guiney got a chance to meet Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Dr. Phil, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Stevie Wonder, Maria Shriver and The Governator. And Guiney was relieved and grateful when I informed him that Kelly Jo (whom Guiney passed up on the show) had nothing but nice things to say about him on The DreX Morning Show last week.
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