‘Charity’ case closed

Boston — It looks like it’s curtains for Christina Applegate’s Broadway career, reports E!Online.

After the former “Married … with Children” star broke her foot during a Chicago preview performance of Broadway-bound revival “Sweet Charity,” she was replaced by her understudy, Charlotte d’Amboise, while she recuperated. She was expected to be back in shape to open in New York April 18.

However, poor ticket sales led the show’s producers to shut it down Sunday after its 10-day run at Boston’s Colonial Theater, killing Applegate’s Big Apple dreams.

A camp that really rocks

New York — This isn’t your usual summer camp.

Roger Daltrey, Dickey Betts and Bret Michaels are some of the “camp counselors” who dish out advice on VH1 Classic’s “Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp,” which lets adults act out their rock star dreams for a week by learning the basics of rock ‘n’ roll performing from some of the music industry’s masters.

The two-hour presentation, which premieres Saturday, also will include sage advice from Nils Lofgren, Jane Wiedlin, Jon Anderson, Simon Kirke, Jack Blades, Elliot Easton, Colin Hay and Bruce Kulick.

Daltrey, Betts and Michaels will be among those who answer questions submitted by viewers and asked at the camp by VH1 Classic host Lynn Hoffman.

Fancy footwork

Tokyo — Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi had only one request when Richard Gere visited his office: “Shall we dance?”

Gere, who is in Japan to promote his latest film, the Hollywood remake of the Japanese box-office hit “Shall We Dance,” accepted Koizumi’s invitation, but insisted that he would lead.

“I’ll be the man,” Gere said Tuesday before they twirled for a few seconds in Koizumi’s office.

Koizumi, who has been called “the Japanese Richard Gere” because of his resemblance to the actor, discussed his love of movies in a brief meeting with Gere. They also talked about their mutual affection for the ancient Japanese capital of Kyoto.

Gere, 55, told reporters the prime minister was “charming” and “spontaneous.”

Country stars lined up

Nashville, Tenn. — Tim McGraw, Big & Rich and Sara Evans have joined the list of performers for the 40th annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

CBS will broadcast the awards show live from Las Vegas on May 17.

McGraw leads this year’s nominees with six, while Big & Rich are up for three awards and Evans for two.

Besides entertainer of the year, McGraw is nominated for top male vocalist, single of the year, song of the year, album of the year and video of the year. He also gets producer credits in two of those categories.

Most of his nominations stem from his hit single “Live Like You Were Dying,” a song about living life to its fullest that McGraw says has special meaning because his father, former Mets and Phillies relief pitcher Tug McGraw, died of cancer last year.

Big & Rich, first-time nominees, are nominated for top new artist, top vocal duo and video of the year. Evans’ nominations are for top female vocalist and album of the year.

McGraw, Big & Rich and Evans join previously announced performers Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts and George Strait, the ACM announced Monday.

An even fresher prince

New York — Will Smith’s 12-year-old son, Trey, will be a special correspondent for “Access Hollywood” at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.

The awards will air live Saturday on the Nickelodeon cable channel from UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion. The show will be hosted by Ben Stiller.

Trey’s coverage, which will include interviewing celebrities on the red carpet and getting reactions from this year’s winners, will air Monday on “Access Hollywood,” the syndicated entertainment show said.

“Access Hollywood” said Trey also will reveal a “special surprise” for his rapper-actor father at the awards ceremony.

Rapper’s assets frozen

New York — Jailed rapper Shyne, who signed a $3 million record deal in prison, won’t see any money until a lawsuit against him is resolved.

Justice Michael Garson of Brooklyn has frozen the funds, citing the “Son of Sam” law barring convicts from profiting from their crimes.

The money — including a $500,000 advance — will be held in escrow pending the outcome of the civil lawsuit brought by two bystanders wounded in a 1999 shooting at a Manhattan nightclub.

The ruling, issued March 16, found that the funds should “be preserved for payment of any judgment received by the plaintiffs.”

Shyne, a former protege of Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, has been behind bars since 2001 for the shooting that involved his former mentor and Combs’ then-girlfriend, Jennifer Lopez.

Combs was also charged in the case but was acquitted. Three bystanders were wounded.

Shyne, whose real name is Jamal Barrow, signed the contract with Island Def Jam Records in April 2004, and he even recorded raps for the album over the phone.