Columnist Kate Maddox: Probation won’t halt Poundstone

Kate Maddox

Friday, Jan. 25, 2002 | 4:31 a.m.

After months of legal issues, rehab and probational restrictions, comedian Paula Poundstone has been put back on the Vegas roster. On March 15 Poundstone returns to the stage at Club Madrid inside Sunset Station.

Poundstone's previously scheduled Sunset appearance, on July 28 of last year, was canceled following her arrest on child endangerment charges.

Famous for her fashion-challenged, jacket-and-tie ensembles, Poundstone is eager to get back on the comedy circuit. In September she pleaded no contest to felony endangerment charges and as a result was sentenced to five years' probation. Poundstone must also remain drug- and alcohol-free during that period. To perform in Vegas in March, Poundstone has to clear her travel plans with her probation officer.

A spokeswoman for Station Casinos says the hotel had no qualms about issuing Poundstone another invitation. "We look forward to having her back at our property," the rep said.

C2K is reportedly still dealing with fallout from America's favorite pop tart.

In August Britney Spears wanted to cut loose with her boyfriend, 'N Sync'er Justin Timberlake, following 'N Sync's charity basketball weekend/ concert in Las Vegas. As usual, most clubs in town refused to let the then-19-year-old Spears and the 20-year-old Timberlake party behind their velvet ropes.

But C2K said it was OK -- as long as the couple and their underage cronies were restricted to a private VIP area and agreed not to consume alcohol.

Now comes word from a British newspaper that the Clark County Business Licensing Department cited C2K's proprietor, H & H of Nevada, for serving alcohol to Spears. The Sunday Mercury reports that witnesses of the popster's behavior that evening said, "The vodka was flowing," and "Britney was mixing juice with booze at first, but later it was as though she got tired of the juice."

C2K management sticks by their story that Spears and Co. were confined to a separate area and that they didn't partake in more adult libations. A source at H & H, who wished to remain anonymous, said only, "(The situation) has already been addressed. It wasn't an issue -- we had a private party and that was all it was."

Light, the nightclub at Bellagio that makes you pay big bucks unless you fancy seats in Siberia, had an opening party on Saturday night.

Co-owners Keith and Chris Barish and their partner, Andrew Sasson, invited lots of bold-facers to the event and, of course, anticipated a red carpet lined with paparazzi. Celebs who were scheduled to attend included: Charlie Sheen and new fiancee Denise Richards, David Spade, David Blaine, frequent Vegas party fixture Tara Reid, Luke and Owen Wilson, Stephen Dorff, Colin Hanks, Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn of the New York Giants.

Reports out of Hollywood indicate Leonardo DiCaprio will indeed play Howard Hughes in a new biopic, even though Jim Carrey was recently rumored to have nabbed the part.

DiCaprio, who hasn't had a hit in years, is telling insiders that he's putting everything he's got into this new project. Last week DiCaprio nailed down Martin Scorsese for directing duties. The two recently teamed on the yet-to-be-released "Gangs of New York." The Hughes flick, which DiCaprio is also producing, will chronicle the rise and fall of the billionaire businessman-turned-reclusive Desert Inn shut-in.

Avoid it if they'd like, but it is true that MGM Grand has made room for Bruce Willis and his band, The Accelerators. Initially, hotel execs weren't talking as to whether they had booked the actor, but weeks back one insider said the news was "sad, but true." Seems aging, moonlighting action stars are just right for Studio 54. Willis takes the stage there Friday. Forty bucks gets you in.