From today’s b, the paper

It’s starting to feel like Tina Fey is running for vice president.

Fey again returned to “Saturday Night Live” to play Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin as the show continued to pull out all the stops in its election year season. Queen Latifah portrayed debate moderator Gwen Ifill, and cast member Jason Sudeikis stepped into the role of Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden.

Saturday night’s opening sketch of the VP debate appeared likely to garner buzz thanks to Fey’s popular Palin impression. Winking and giving answers not always directly related to questions, Fey’s Palin said her decisions would be guided by considering “what would a maverick do?”

At the end of the segment, she asked with flute in hand, “Are we not doing the talent portion?” Palin was runner-up in the 1984 Miss Alaska contest.

The “SNL” take on the week’s political events has become a dependable part of the news cycle this fall. The show — particularly the opening sketches — have resonated with higher ratings for the NBC program and increased traffic on its Web site.

And according to the Los Angeles Times, even Palin’s family likes the portrayal. “Dead On,” said Palin’s sister Heather Bruce. “Tina does a great job. Maybe [she] goes a little overboard with the sarcastic expressions, but I know that’s Hollywood.”

And though Fey is being praised for her impersonation, funmo.com is offering ringtones featuring Palin’s real voice. Among the six offerings on the ringtone site: a rap-esque take on Palin’s “lipstick” joke about the hockey mom and pitbull difference, and one titled “Blizzard of Words,” a portion of her interview with ABC News’ Charles Gibson. {AP and Jordan Bartel, b}

‘hairspray’ to end b’way run
John Waters’ Baltimore-set “Hairspray” could stop its beat on Broadway in January, Variety reports. However, original Edna Turnblad, Harvey Fierstein, is expected to step back into the role in November, which could push back the estimated Jan. 18 closing curtain. The multiple Tony winner opened on Broadway in 2002.

maybe he should think harder
Harrison Ford said that George Lucas is in “think mode right now” for a potential fifth installment in the “Indiana Jones” franchise, the Los Angeles Times reports.

eau de (halle) berry
Halle Berry’s signature perfume, a mix of fig and mimosa, will be released in March, according to Women’s Wear Daily.

country singer bentley a daddy
County star Dierks Bentley and wife Cassidy welcomed their first child, daughter Evalyn Day, just before midnight on Saturday, People reports.
{compiled by Jordan Bartel, b}

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