In the News: Bruno Stunt Invades Times Square Screening, Production Rumors Buzzing for 2009 VMAs

Bruno Stunt Brings Film's Star to Screening: In-theater stunts are becoming more and more common. On the heels of Michael Moore's poorly received faux-charity plea during a screening of his latest film trailer, Sacha Baron Cohen visited a Times Square showing of his latest film, Bruno, in character. He entertained guests for a few minutes before the movie started, and though the whole event is being referred to as a "surprise" appearance, the abundance of news media present made it look anything but. [NYP]

VMAs Might Have a Broadway Theme: Rumors that this year's MTV Video Music Awards would take place at Madison Square Garden did not pan out, but the move back to New York and the return of host Russell Brand were both right on the money. There's just one bit that's yet to be explained: MTV, remaining tight-lipped about further details of the show, has yet to comment on the speculation that the staging will take on a West Side Story theme. [Idolator]

HSBC Sponsors Soapbox Stunt: Later this week, HSBC's latest effort surrounding its "world's local bank" advertising campaign comes to New York in the form of an experiential event at Madison Square Park. There, the bank will invite consumers to climb on a literal soapbox to speak their minds. HSBC head of brand advertising Johanna Breman Tzur says the recession-friendly stunt is all about opening a dialogue with consumers and illustrating that the bank listens. But how well will they listen to the inevitable queue of crazy people that go hand-in-hand with a New York public park? [BrandWeek]

Primetime Emmys Tap Neil Patrick Harris: Fresh off of a successful hosting gig at the Tony Awards, How I Met Your Mother actor Neil Patrick Harris has been recruited as M.C. of the September 20 Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. The two-time nominee will also serve as a producer of the broadcast, possibly recruiting some of the Mother writing staff to work with him. [Variety]

Underage Reality Stars Barred From Open-Bar Party: Despite the demand for young cast members of reality shows and other less-than-A-list celebrities at private parties—and their eagerness to R.S.V.P.—the issue of potential underage drinking hasn't gotten much press. Younger actors from Gossip Girl, for example, are frequently seen at New York parties, glasses of unknown contents in hand. But apparently not everyone has turned a blind eye. Two teenage cast members of Bravo's NYC Prep were denied entry to Three O Vodka's latest launch in New York this week. The team at the door wasn't as inhospitable, however, to the not-yet-21 Real Housewives of New York daughter Ally Zarin. She got in just fine. [NYMag]