The pressure’s on, guys: Jen Schefft showed up at a “Bachelorette” casting call Thursday night at Rockit Bar and Grill, where she met potential recruits for the show.
This season Schefft is helping ABC producers cast potential suitors, something that has never been done before on the show. “I love the fact I get to meet all these guys,” Schefft said. “But it’s also intimidating because all eyes are on you.”
Some of the would-be bachelors made a point of introducing themselves to Schefft while others were too shy. Josh Shapiro, who drove to Chicago all the way from St. Louis, impressed Schefft by giving her a wrapped box containing silver Tiffany earrings. The gift earned him a hug. Another guy grabbed Schefft’s chin and proclaimed “you really are beautiful.” Apparently Schefft wasn’t impressed–he didn’t get a hug.
A few local bachelors told me why they applied for “The Bachelorette”:
– Tom McCarthy, a 27-year-old investment consultant, showed up for the casting call in a suit with a pink tie that matched Schefft’s top. (Maybe it’s a sign.) “I think she’s a fascinating person. I’d love to get to know better,” he said.
– Eric Johnson, 29, who works in ad sales, said Schefft seems sweet. “I live in Chicago and never have run into her, so I figure if I have to go on TV to meet her, that’s what I’m going to do,” he said.
– Neal Wolf, 22, said a co-worker in sales told him about the casting call. “I don’t know Jen, but I think we can build something strong,” Wolf said.
– Chris Bocci, a 26-year-old chiropractor, said there’s one reason he’s interviewing for the show: “I have a crush on Jen, and I have since the Firestone show [‘The Bachelor’].”
The verdict: Schefft told me she thought there were a lot of “really cute” guys at Rockit on Thursday night, but none that particularly stood out.
They weren’t the only ones trying to woo Schefft last week. She went to a Cubs game and was wooed by none other than Ronnie Woo Woo himself. Said Schefft: “Maybe the casting producers would be interested in recruiting Ronnie for the show.” Tune in January for the show’s debut.
BAT SIGNAL: The Batmobile was spotted in Wauconda close to the Wisconsin border last week. More car chase scenes involving the Batmobile and Gotham City Police cars were filmed at night on the lovely country roads up north. None of the movie’s stars was spotted–only the stunt doubles–but that didn’t stop fans from making the trip to the set.
In other movie news, Chicago is being considered for the filming of “Derailed,” which will star Jennifer Aniston. If the Windy City gets picked, the flick would begin shooting here in the fall. Meanwhile, “Roll Bounce,” the roller derby comedy starring Nick Cannon and Bow Wow, and “Batman Begins” are scheduled to wrap up production in the next couple of weeks.
SIGHTINGS: Katie Holmes and Chris Klein had a romantic dinner at the Four Seasons restaurant last week. … Bow Wow, in town filming the aforementioned “Roll Bounce,” got his java from the Starbucks on Rush Street. (In case you were wondering from a column ago, that was the movie Nick Cannon was in town filming as well.) … Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne stayed at the Peninsula Hotel last weekend. … Michael Jordan hung out at Green Room on Thursday night, causing the line to snake down the block.
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