The ARTS, Briefly
Compiled by Edmund W. Hiller

Follow the Leader
Prime ministers are not usually seen dancing in their offices, but it was different yesterday (3-30-2005) in Tokyo, The Associated Press reported. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan said to his visitor, "Shall we dance?" And the visitor accepted the invitation but insisted on leading. The visitor was Richard Gere, in town to publicize his film "SHALL WE DANCE?," (seeing it and enjoyed it immensely) last year's remake of a 1996 Japanese hit, "I'll be the man," Mr. Gere told Mr. Koizumi, who has been said to resemble him. Then the two twirled for a few seconds. Later they exchanged compliments. "Charming," Mr. Gere said of Mr. Koizumi. "Wonderful person," Mr. Koizumi said of Mr. Gere.

A Jackie Robinson Biopic
The baseball great Jackie Robinson, will be the subject of a film biography to be developed by Baldwin Entertainment Group, producer of last year's Ray Charles story, "RAY." The film, to be co-produced by Robert Redford 's production company, Wildwood Enterprises,will feature Mr. Redford as Branch Rickey, the Brooklyn Dodgers general manager who signed Mr. Robinson, making him the first African-American player in modern major league baseball. No other actors have been cast, and a script has yet to be written. As for the title role, the producer Howard Baldwin said: "Whoever does this part has to have the same passion for Jackie Robinson as Jamie Foxx had for Ray. And if that's Jamie Foxx, we'd be thrilled." Mr. Baldwin said that ideally the project would be in preproduction by January 1st.

Italian Guest in Allendale, Michigan
Tony Danza 's resume includes stints as a boxer, actor and talk show host. Now he can add visual aid to the list. Danza surprised a student of Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich., dropping in on her ItalianII class to watch her presentation about . . . him.
Beth Murawsky chose to talk about Danza for an oral presentation on the Italian-American whom she most admires. Murawsky, 22, contacted producers from his television talk show seeking photographs and background information. What she didn't know was that producers then contacted visiting professor Gisella Gisolo to arrange the surprise visit, which was videotaped and will air May 4th,2005 on Danza's syndicated program.
Danza, 54, sporting a gray Grand Valley State sweat shirt, watched as Murawsky nervously gave her presentation in Italian, which Tony speaks. Tony spoke briefly about his Italian heritage and stressed the importance of learning each others'  ethnic cultures and passing along the information to future generations.