Beyonce Is Comin' To Town

By Jacy Wojcik in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 21, 2008 10:05PM

Get excited, Chicago: entertainment mogul and the woman responsible for hits such as “Bug a Boo,” “Nasty Girl” and “Bootylicious” is coming! Beyonce will be spending time in Chicago doing research for her upcoming film Cadillac Records where she will not only take on the role of executive producer but will also star as legendary singer Etta James. No word yet on when she will actually arrive, but we’re certain well know as soon as her private jet lands, as Beyonce buzz travels fast. The film will mainly be shot in New Jersey and Mississippi, but may shoot in Chicago for a few exteriors.

Cadillac, set in the 1950s, is about legendary label Chess Records, originally located at 2120 S. Michigan Ave for you trivia buffs. Adrien Brody (who will also hopefully be doing research in Chicago, ahem) is set to play founder Leonard Chess, and Jeffrey Wright is on board as Muddy Waters.

According to Bill Zwecker, Ms. Knowles is "taking her producing duties on the film very seriously -- with plans to spend a bit of time in Chicago to do research on James, Chess Records and the singer's relationship with the label."

Other things we hope Beyonce will research while in Chicago: local reactions to her high energy Comcast spots, particulars for possible future wedding reception at Navy Pier, real estate for a potential House of Dereon flagship store… [Billboard, S-T]