NBC's '30 Rock' lures Oprah Winfrey for Nov. 6 guest-star role
Oprah Winfrey will guest-star on the Nov. 6 episode of NBC's 30 Rock. People magazine reported the network's plans yesterday on its Web site.
Winfrey, 54, filmed her role Saturday at the Silvercup Studios in Queens, N.Y.; it is being billed as a one-shot appearance. Though she didn't say whether or not the talk-show host plays herself or some other part, 30 Rock's creator, executive and star, Tina Fey, did add: "Oprah is very funny in the episode, and we are beyond grateful to have her. Also, I would like to announce that we are officially best friends."
One-stop shopping
Buying tickets for a Broadway or off-Broadway show just got easier with the opening of a concierge and information center in Times Square.
The Broadway League made the announcement yesterday with appearances by actors Bebe Neuwirth and Tom Wopat.
It's billed as "the only place in New York where you can get tickets to just about every Broadway and many off-Broadway shows - all under one roof."
Information is available in six languages. The concierge service can help with same-day and advance purchases for regular- and premium-price tickets; restaurant, hotel and car service reservations; parking information; and free neighborhood maps.
The center is open seven days a week.
Music, in Mozart's hand
A French museum has found a previously unknown piece of music handwritten by Mozart, a researcher said yesterday. The 18th-century melody sketch is missing the harmony and instrumentation but was described as an important find.
Ulrich Leisinger, head of research at the International Mozarteum Foundation in Salzburg, Austria, said there is no doubt that the single sheet was written by the composer.
"This is absolutely new," Leisinger said.
"His handwriting is absolutely clearly identifiable," he added. "There's no doubt that this is an original piece handwritten by Mozart."
The work, described as the preliminary draft of a musical composition, was found by a library in Nantes in western France as staff were going through its archives. Leisinger says the library contacted his foundation for help authenticating the work.
A country legend
Hank Williams Jr. will be honored at this year's BMI awards.
The honor puts Williams in elite company. Past honorees include Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, James Brown, the Bee Gees, Isaac Hayes and Steve Winwood.
Williams, 59, is known for a long string of hit songs; six of his albums went platinum, and 20 were certified gold.
But he reached an even wider audience with the Monday Night Football theme, which he wrote and performed.
Broadcast Music Inc., a performing rights organization, will hold its annual country awards Nov. 11 in Nashville, Tenn.
BIRTHDAYS
Actor Adam West, 78.
Actor David McCallum, 75.
Singer Paul Williams, 68.
Actor Jeremy Irons, 60.
Country singer Trisha Yearwood, 44.
News anchor Soledad O'Brien, 42.