Meanwhile, things are not so hunky-dory for a comparatively young lady.  Tyne Daly was scheduled to return to Broadway in a high-profile revival of Doubt (co-starring Liev Schreiber).  Previews were scheduled to begin on February 3^rd, but tragedy struck.  “Ms. Daly was unexpected hospitalized on Friday and unfortunately needs to withdraw from the production while she receives medical care; she is thankfully expected to make a full recovery,” said the Roundabout Theatre’s vague press release.  Previews ended up beginning on February 4^th helmed by Tyne’s understudy, Isabel Keating.  Then it was announced that Amy Ryan will take over the role on my birthday, February 13^th.  Since this is a short run (it closes on April 14^th), Daly rejoining the cast is in…well, doubt.

This week, 90% of the news coverage was about two elder statesmen (emphasis on the elder part).  But what caught my eye was when I heard that Danny Masterson was denied bail while awaiting his appeal.  The wording of Judge Charlaine Olmedo’s decision was…well, curious.  “If defendant’s conviction and sentence are upheld on appeal, he will likely remain in custody for decades and perhaps the rest of his life.  In light of the fact that defendant has no wife to go home to, defendant now has every incentive to flee and little reason to return to state prison to serve out the remainder of his lengthy sentence should his appeal be unsuccessful.”  I hear that Scientology’s diminutive head honcho, David Miscavige, has not returned any of his calls.  And I’m sure the same goes for Shelly Miscavige.  But on the positive side, I hear Danny’s mighty popular in his cell block!

Speaking of people with legal troubles, there’s some surprising news about Kevin Spacey.  We hear that he’ll be appearing at the Mad Monster convention in Concord, North Carolina on February 16-18.  And he’ll be in good company.  Hottie John Schneider, who called for Joe Biden to be publicly hung, will also be in attendance.  Maybe that’s why Spacey is going – all he heard was “John Schneider” and “hung”!  I dunno how much you have to pay to get a photo with Kevin, but whatever it is, it’s a bargain!  Plus, he needs the money.  While he was originally ordered to pay the producers of House of Cards more than $31 million, he got them down to $1 million – which can be paid in installments.  I’m told the reduction was due to medical documentation that Spacey was in no condition to film due to mental illness, so now the insurance company is kicking in.  Still, I see many more cons in his future – in one way or another.