sure helps to have a dad in the movie business.

The Hollywood Reporter says Universal and Imagine have picked up "The Originals," a drama written by Bryce Dallas Howard and (her soon-to-be brother-in-law) Dane Charbeneau.

The "Big Chill"-like script, about a group of twentysomethings who reunite after learning that a favored teacher from childhood has fallen into coma, may become a directing vehicle for Bryce's father, Ron Howard.

* According to a Nevada coro-

ner, Las Vegas superstar Danny Gans died accidentally last month because of a toxic reaction to a pain killer.

Coroner Mike Murphy said Gans had toxic levels of hydromorphone, an opiate used to treat chronic pain. He had a toxic reaction to the drug because of an existing heart condition.

* No Tonys, no point staying

open.

Producer Howard Panter said yesterday that the Broadway revival of "Guys and Dolls" will fold Sunday after a run of 113 performances.

The production of the totally awesome Frank Loesser musical based on a Damon Runyon short story features Oliver Platt as gambler Nathan Detroit and Lauren Graham as his long-suffering girlfriend, Miss Adelaide.

A national tour is planned for the 2010-2011 season.

Producers of Neil LaBute's "reasons to be pretty" said Monday that play would also close at the end of the week.

* David Letterman is going to

continue working an hour a day.

The Hollywood Reporter says CBS is about to re-sign the Emmy-winning "Late Show" host to continue through the 2011-12 season. The agreement would mark a two-year extension of his contract, set to expire in 2010.

Given the recession, CBS will pay Letterman's company, Worldwide Pants, less money for the show. It is unclear whether Worldwide Pants will pay Letterman less money to do the show or whether the cost-cutting will come from other areas.

* John Travolta is thanking his

colleagues from "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" for promoting the film while he continues to mourn the death of his 16-year-old son, Jett, who died after a seizure in January.

Travolta posted a note on his personal Web site Monday thanking "Pelham" director Tony Scott and co-stars Denzel Washington, John Turturro, Luis Guzman and James Gandolfini for "their unselfish efforts" publicizing the picture, which allowed his family the additional time to reconcile their loss.

* Efrem Zimbalist Jr., who