Patrick Stewart has been inked for a guest-starring role on “Frasier” in a farcical storyline that only Kelsey Grammer, David Hyde Pierce and company could pull off with panache.
In the episode, which airs Sept. 30, Frasier and Niles are spotted in a gay bar, spying on Roz’s (Peri Gilpin) new boyfriend, when they’re recognized by some of Frasier’s listerners and are “outed” on his radio show the next day.
Enter Alistar Braithwaite (Stewart), the head of the Seattle Opera Guild who was similarly “outed” in the same way – and commiserates with Frasier at Café Nervosa. Frasier, of course, isn’t gay – but Alistair develops a crush on him, and Frasier’s family insists he clear the air with Alistair before things get out of control . . . which they do, of course, with it all culminating at a big society party.
You’ll have to watch the episode to see what happens next.
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With Halloween just around the corner, some big-time TV names are among the hot “gets” this year for those in the mask-wearing arena.
Paul Blum, owner of Abracadabra Superstore (West 21st). says that Jay Leno, David Letterman and Howard Stern are expected to be big sellers this year – with the store also offering Halloween likenesses of Regis Philbin, Larry King and Oprah Winfrey. “In some cases, Leno, Letterman, Stern and company are bigger [sellers] than movie stars,” Blum says. “They’re real heroes in the public’s mind.”
Last, but not least:
* Tonight: Ninety of California’s recall gubernatorial candidates will guest with Jay Leno on the “Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m./ Ch. 4).
* The 3rd Annual NBC All Star Charity Auction runs through Friday at shopnbc.com. Proceeds benefit The Children’s Inn at NIH.
* “King of Queens” star Kevin James will attend batting practice and throw out the first pitch at Wednesday’s Mets-Pirates game at Shea.
* “Jim Breuer: Heavy Metal Comedy” is airing on PPV through Oct. 5.
* Author J.A. Jance (“Exit Wounds”) won’t be buying the Montecito, Calif. estate once owned by the Winchester Family – but she and husband Bill Schilb will keep the places in Seattle and Tucson. German TV is shooting a documentary on Jance.