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McCready hospitalized after suicide try

NASHVILLE, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Troubled country singer Mindy McCready has been hospitalized in Tennessee with injuries to her wrists after an apparent suicide attempt, police say.

McCready, whose career has been eclipsed in recent years by her battle with substance abuse and stints in jail, was hospitalized Wednesday morning, People magazine said on its Web site.

"We responded to a '10-63,' that's a suicidal person call. Mindy McCready was at the house," Nashville Police Department spokeswoman Kris Mumford told the New York Daily News. "Apparently she called the mother of her roommate and said some things that caused the mother concern."

Mumford said police and paramedics arrived at the place where the 33-year-old recording artist had been staying and took her to a Nashville-area hospital where she was treated for her injuries.

Inaugural entertainment announced

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The musical talent for Barack Obama's presidential inauguration in Washington will range from Aretha Franklin's soul to Itzhak Perlman's classical strains.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., chairwoman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, revealed Wednesday, the Queen of Soul and the virtuoso violinist will both be among the performers at the Jan. 20 inauguration at the U.S. Capitol, The Detroit News reported.

Perlman will perform with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, pianist Gabriela Montero and clarinetist Anthony McGill. Composer-arranger John Williams will direct them, the newspaper said.

Also to perform are the U.S. Marine Corps Band, the U.S. Navy Band, the San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus.

Besides Feinstein, the speakers will include Dr. Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif.

Elizabeth Alexander will read a poem and the Rev. Joseph E. Lowery will deliver the benediction.

The president-elect is to be sworn in by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Vice President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in by Supreme Court Associate Justice John Paul Stevens.

Report: Eddie Murphy cast as the Riddler

LONDON, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Eddie Murphy has signed on to play the Riddler and U.K. actress Rachel Weisz Catwoman in the next Batman movie, Britain's Telegraph reported.

Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie had previously been rumored to be playing the roles in Christopher Nolan's anticipated sequel to the blockbuster "The Dark Knight," the newspaper said.

Murphy is best known for his work in the films "Dreamgirls," "Boomerang," "Beverly Hills Cop" and "The Nutty Professor." The former "Saturday Night Live" player also lent his voice to the character of Donkey in three animated "Shrek" movies.

Weisz, who starred in the first two movies in the recent "Mummy" franchise, won an Oscar for her performance in "The Constant Gardener."

The Telegraph added that "Transformers" and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" star Shia LaBeouf also has been asked to play Robin in the film, despite the fact Nolan has said in the past he didn't want the youthful sidekick in any of his movies.

No official announcement regarding the film's casting -- or even whether Nolan will return to direct a third installment in the franchise -- has been made, however, the newspaper said the new movie with the working title "Gotham" is being developed and set for a 2010 release.

"Chris wasn't sure if he wanted to do another movie, but as soon as he decided to, he got the wheels in motion," a source told The Sun newspaper. "Eddie's a fantastic addition. Everyone's excited to see what he does as the Riddler."

Ailing Piven drops out of 'Plow'

NEW YORK, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Television actor Jeremy Piven has quit the Broadway production of David Mamet's play "Speed the Plow" due to an undisclosed illness.

Sources told the New York Post the "Entourage" star and reputed party animal has complained of exhaustion in recent weeks. He has been starring in the show since October and was scheduled to continue doing eight performances a week until Feb. 22.

The newspaper reported that Piven called in sick for Tuesday's evening performance and Wednesday's matinee and night-time shows, then flew home to Los Angeles Wednesday night.

An estimated $20,000 in refunds has already been given out due to the fact Piven missed performances this week, the Post said.

Daily Variety quoted Piven as saying he is suffering from a sickness related to his "high level of mercury."

The entertainment industry trade newspaper said the complaint prompted playwright Mamet to quip, "My understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career as a thermometer."

The Post said representatives for the 43-year-old actor did not offer details about his health.