THE ARTS’Sunset’ Settlement: Actress Faye Dunaway and...

THE ARTS

‘Sunset’ Settlement: Actress Faye Dunaway and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber have reached an out of court settlement in their dispute over her firing from the L.A. production of “Sunset Boulevard” last year. In a statement issued by Lloyd Webber’s spokesman, Dunaway said she was “pleased that we are able to patch up what has been a very painful public rift . . . without an extensive courtroom battle.” Dunaway went on to praise Lloyd Webber, saying, “He has created memorable musical theater, and I have great respect for his achievements.” Lloyd Webber responded in kind: “Faye Dunaway is an extraordinary talent. I hope our paths cross one day in happier circumstances, where my regard for her abilities can be shown more fruitfully.” Although neither side would comment on the amount of the settlement, one source said it was “a tiny percentage of what (Dunaway) demanded,” which was $6 million plus punitive damages.

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Leaving LACE: Gwen Darien has resigned as executive director of Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions, the Hollywood showcase for performing and visual arts, effective April 15. In announcing her resignation, Darien, who took the position in 1991 and oversaw the institution’s move from downtown to the new Hollywood location, cited differences with LACE’s board over the organization’s goals. She also expressed a desire to pursue other career options in New York and to take a rest after dealing with an illness. A search committee will select Darien’s successor.

TELEVISION

Showtime Slate: Robert Redford is expected to announce a new business venture with cable’s Showtime Networks today in New York. Industry sources say that the venture is likely to be a new cable network involving the Sundance Institute, the Utah-based center for independent filmmaking founded by Redford. . . . Meanwhile, Showtime executives announced on Monday a slate of upcoming programming at a gathering of TV critics in Pasadena, including several original movies. Louis Gossett Jr. and Charles Dutton will star in “Zooman,” a drama by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Charles Fuller (“A Soldier’s Story”) about a Brooklyn man’s search for justice after his daughter is murdered in a gang-related shooting. “Zooman” is scheduled to air in March. Also planned for this year are two biblical movies based on Old Testament stories, “Solomon & Sheba,” starring Halle Berry and Jimmy Smits; and “Slave of Dreams,” about Joseph’s years as a slave in Egypt, with stars including Edward James Olmos and Sherilynn Fenn.

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Changes for Prager: “The Dennis Prager Show” is getting a new look today, when the talk-show host’s audience members move onstage in an interactive setting where they will be able to directly challenge Prager. In addition, the syndicated talk show, seen locally on KTTV/Fox 11, will also become more of a solo vehicle for Prager, who will feature fewer guests and offer more of his topical opinions, much like on his popular radio show.

POP/ROCK

Guns Guitarist Gone: Guitarist Gilby Clarke has announced his departure from rock band Guns N’ Roses, citing creative differences with singer Axl Rose. “Axl has a different vision for the next GNR record, and it is not the kind of music I’m comfortable playing,” said Clarke, who joined the group three years ago, replacing guitarist Izzy Stradlin. Clarke, whose departure from the band has been expected for some time, said he will continue to pursue a solo recording career with Virgin Records. He released his first solo album, “Pawnshop Guitars,” in July.

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Money Matters: Paisley Park Enterprises, which oversees business interests for the artist formerly known as Prince, has been delinquent in paying many bills and hasn’t paid some creditors at all, according to a report in the St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press. The paper, which interviewed dozens of Prince’s former employees and business associates, also reported that the musician spends lavishly without regard for budgets and spending advice. “He’ll say, ‘We do this, this . . . ‘ and pretty soon . . . Jurassic Park!” said Jennifer Carr, former chief financial officer of Paisley Park Enterprises. The paper put the former Prince’s earnings at between $10 million and $20 million a year from record advances, royalties and production fees. His one-line comment on the report: “There were management changes in 1994 and we look forward to a happy and prosperous 1995.”

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More Zeppelin Kudos: New Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Led Zeppelin will receive the International Artist Award, an honor recognizing performers whose “popularity and impact cross national boundaries,” on Jan. 30 as part of the 22nd annual American Music Awards. The award has only been presented twice before, to pop stars Michael Jackson and Rod Stewart.