As previously reported, Robert Beltran ("Chakotay") is set to star in the Clifford Odets play "The Big Knife." The play opens November 8 at the Lillian Theatre in Hollywood and runs through December 14. In the play, Beltran plays Charlie Castle, an actor who emerges from the theatre to become a movie star. Beltran, Dan Harper and Farrell Hirsch are producing for Mustardseed Productions. Tonyo Melendez directs and the play also stars Rhonda Aldrich ("Madeline"). Performances are scheduled for Wednesdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m. (no shows Thanksgiving weekend). Tickets are $25 and student, senior and group admissions are available upon request. Call Tickets LA at (323) 655-TKTS for reservations and more information.

Park is "First Rate"

Want more Hoshi? Linda Park ("Hoshi Sato") currently appears in the one-act play "Fucshia," an Underground Asylum production running at Hudson Avenue Theater in Los Angeles. Park plays artist Fay, who appears as both a teenager and an adult in the play. Variety makes positive mention of Park's performance — Julio Martinez writes that Park exudes "dignified, understated intelligence and sensuality ..." The play, written by Mark Fengar Gail and directed by Hope Alexander, runs through November 16.

Billingsley Visits Angel

Angel watchers may have noticed a familiar Trek face last night: John Billingsley ("Phlox") showed up as an employee of supernatural law firm Wolfram & Hart. (Warning: SPOILERS for this episode coming up!) As Dr. Royce, Billingsley aided Angel and Co. by offering up useful information on werewolves — but it was soon discovered that he was working for the enemy. Billingsley also got the opportunity to sing for karaoke-loving demon Lorne (Andy Hallett), belting out a rendition of Rick Springfield's "Jesse's Girl."

Meyer Pens "Petal"

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Nicholas Meyer is set to pen the movie adaptation of Michael Farber's novel "The Crimson Petal and the White" for Columbia Pictures. Meyer, the writer/director who helmed "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" and "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country," recently adapted the Philip Roth novel "The Human Stain" for the big screen. "Crimson" will be directed by Curtis Hanson and stars Trek alum Kirsten Dunst ("Hedril"). The story focuses on an 1860s London prostitute named Sugar. "This book has some great originality," Meyer told THR. "And it's a rare movie these days that's not based on a comic book or an old television series — it's nice to see Hollywood doing some other things."

Shatner's "Celebrity"

William Shatner ("James T. Kirk") will act as a presenter at this year's Country Music Awards, according to his official Web site. Shatner is attending at the request of singer/songwriter Brad Paisley, who is nominated for four CMAs this year. One of these nominations is for the song "Celebrity" — Shatner appeared in the video for this song. The show will be broadcast from the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee on November 5, 8-11 p.m./ET.

The Rock's "Cool" New Movie

According to Variety, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson ("Champion") is being wooed for a role in MGM's follow-up to "Get Shorty." The sequel, entitled "Be Cool," will star John Travolta as Chili Palmer, the role he played in "Shorty." Johnson would play a bodyguard who develops an alliance with Palmer. The film is based on Elmore Leonard's novel and will be directed by F. Gary Graham.

Stewart and Neuss Split

Patrick Stewart ("Jean-Luc Picard") has filed for legal separation from his wife Wendy Neuss-Stewart, according to the Associated Press. Stewart cited irreconcilable differences in the court papers, filed earlier this week. Neuss-Stewart, a former Trek producer, also executive produced several projects with Stewart, including the recent TV movie "King of Texas." The couple married in August 2000.