The Search Is On

Eddie Murphy has gone to Las Vegas to find a “light-skinned” and “drop dead gorgeous” black female performer to play opposite Murphy in his next feature, “Harlem Nights.” That’s according to Vegas talent agent Jaki Baskow, who’s been commissioned by Murphy’s L.A. production company to search for the actress to portray Dominique--who is of mixed, black-white ancestry--to Murphy’s cool Mr. Quick. The drama, co-starring Richard Pryor, is set in the Harlem nightclub scene, circa 1938.

Why go to the gambling and glitter city for film casting?

“For the same reasons that Don Simpson contacted me for ‘Flash Dance’ and Robert Evans called me on ‘Players,’ ” Baskow told us. “There are a lot of stunningly beautiful girls in Vegas, showgirls and otherwise, who aren’t known in Hollywood but who are perfect for certain kinds of roles.”

Baskow said the lucky performer must be at least 5-10, adding, “She also has to be able to act.”