As unlikely as that last story was, we have a topper.  Lisa Rinna is actively campaigning to join the Broadway cast of Oh, Mary!…as Mary!  She even released a video explaining her reasoning.  “I would like to play Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary!  We’re pushing for it but I don’t think they think I can do it.  So I want you to know that it’s something I would like to do and we’re trying to manifest it and make it happen.  But I don’t think they think – they, meaning the casting directors – I don’t think they think I can actually do it.  But I can.”  Rinna previously appeared on Broadway in 2007 as one of the numerous gals who played Roxie Hart in Chicago.

In a slightly more expected bit of casting, Leah Remini is joining the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.  Remini, no stranger to reality TV, previously had a TLC show about her family back in 2014.  More recently, she had a fantastic show about people who escaped the clutches of Scientologists.  Now, if they could finally track down Shelly Miscavige to join the cast, Bravo would have a show I’d actually watch!

Sometimes life imitates art.  Sometimes art imitates life.  And sometimes art imitates life imitating art.  That sure happened last week when Patti LuPone appeared during a special Fan Night performance of Titanique on Broadway (and she looked smashing).  Twice during the show, Jim Parsons in his role as Rose’s Mother addressed a life-sized cutout of Patti LuPone – a notable Mama Rose herself.  After his performance of “Rose’s Turn”, the real LuPone walked onstage to applaud him.  “The show is fabulous, it’s so funny, you’re wonderful!”  She then continued, “But your daughter?  Oh, she’s a handful!  And I would keep her away from that Jack Dawson.  The tight pants?  And I think he’s a bottom!”  You can see it on BillyMasters.com. 

Back in October of 2016, the revival of Falsettos opened with a cast that included Christian Borle, Andrew Rannells, Stephanie J. Block, Tracie Thoms, Brandon Uranowitz, and Betsy Wolfe.  The company is reuniting for a one-night-only benefit performance which will take place on October 18^th at Carnegie Hall – so you can bet your ass they’ll be practicing!  The event will benefit The BroadwayEveryDay Foundation and Family Equality.

This next item is in the column for two reasons: 1) Because I don’t think we’ve had nearly enough hot guys in this column and B) Because I’m a sucker for a segue.  Last week, Tuc Watkins turned 60.  Of course, Andrew Rannells took to the web because…well, when you’re dating someone as hot as Tuc, you don’t need any other reason.  Come to think of it, I bet he’s a sucker, too!  Happy birthday, Tuc.