Johnny Depp, filming "Public Enemies" this week at a Northern Wisconsin resort, will return to Chicago next month, insiders say. The thrice-nominated Oscar nominee will resume shooting May 9 downtown.
The John Dillinger-come-lately wraps the Depression-era saga here June 15.
Director Michael Mann, one for historical accuracy, is currently re-creating the shootout at the Little Bohemia Lodge in Manitowish Waters, where the FBI cornered the outlaw after he escaped from Lake County Jail. Dillinger eluded capture again, prompting the local joke, "Dillinger only left because he had to."
A scoop: Billy Crudup ("Almost Famous") has been cast as J. Edgar Hoover.
Close shaves
Talk about your edgy shows. Broadway actor David Hess wields a real razor in "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (the touring Sondheim musical runs through May 4 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre). Yes, he actually shaves his castmates before "dispatching" them to be baked into pies. He was intimidated at first "because you're concerned about the person you're shaving," the trouper said. "The thing is to develop a discipline and the physical mechanics so it feels safe." Translation: Practice makes perfect. To make sure life doesn't imitate art, the star cutthroat -- who dramatically hones a blade in one scene -- sets that razor-sharp razor aside and employs a dull one.
Tidbit
Strange but true fact in honor of "Harold & Kumar 2," bowing today: White Castle restaurants owe a debt to Chicago. The fast-food eateries' medieval-style architecture was inspired by the old Water Tower on North Michigan Avenue.
Look for ...
Cheap Trick to rock Hard Rock Cafe Chicago on May 7.
Hockey heroes uncorked
Blackhawks legends Bobby Hull and Tony Esposito are among a dozen NHL greats skating onto wine labels. The Golden Jet's likeness graces bottles of Chardonnay (about $15), Tony O's, the Cabaret Sauvignon (ditto) in Ironstone Vineyard's NHL Alumni Signature series. Proceeds from sales benefit the players' favorite charities. Hull (who doesn't drink) and Esposito ink bottles of their namesake vintages tonight at Binny's Beverage Depot in the South Loop. Hours are 6 to 8 p.m. at 1132 S. Jefferson St.
Grapevine
Spotted: Dutchie Caray noshing with Hall of Famer Ernie Banks and restaurant chief Grant DePorter at Harry Caray's. Steve Stone stopped by to say hello. Long jumper-Olympic hopeful Brianna Glenn was there, too, posing for a photo at Harry's statue ... The Merchandise Mart kicks off Artropolis tonight. The city's 16th, four-day art fair showcases the works of 2,000 artists worldwide and more than 180 galleries ... "Dancing with the Stars" fave Mario Lopez inks copies of his new fitness book May 21 at Borders on State Street. The Buff One appears shirtless on the cover of "Mario Lopez's Knockout Fitness" ... Actor Joe Mantegna "graduates" June 13 with the Class of 2008 of the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. The South Side native, father of an autistic daughter, will receive an honorary doctorate for his tireless efforts for autism research.
