Beacham Scheming Again

Stephanie Beacham, the British beauty who was best known to American TV audiences as the wicked schemer of “The Colbys” some years back, is stepping into Broadway’s delectable Oscar Wilde hit “An Ideal Husband,” at the Ethel Barrymore Theater on Oct. 21. She’ll play Wilde’s wicked schemer, Mrs. Cheveley. Also joining the “Ideal” cast will be Kim Hunter, who made theater history in 1947 playing Blanche DuBois’ earthy sister, Stella, in “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

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Vince Patterson has choreographed videos for Michael Jackson, Madonna and other stars. He also put La Ciccone through her tango paces in “Evita.” Now Patterson has been tapped to work with Broadway composer Steve Fox on “Heaven.” This is Fox’s labor of love, his completion of Duke Ellington’s final works. “Heaven” is slated to open on Broadway next spring.

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Elizabeth Taylor was miraculously prompt in Dallas on Monday night for AmFAR’s “Rock of Ages” benefit, which was also a 70th birthday bash for Chuck Berry. People at the Myerson Symphony Hall were unprepared when E.T. swept in, all done up in purple velvet. (And naturally, Miz Liz acted surprised that anybody was surprised.) The AIDS crusader received a screaming standing ovation, gave a vigorous speech and did her girlish flirty bit with Berry. Elizabeth is determined to put behind her all the crushing problems of the last three years: multiple surgeries, the end of her marriage, the deaths of her mother and her devoted friend Chen Sam. She will move ahead.