The UK Independent reports a charming encounter between Johnny Depp and British classical recording artists All Angels. The choirgirl quartet–Melanie Nakhla, 17; Charlotte Ritchie, 17; Laura Wright, 16; and Daisy Chute, 17–ran into Johnny in London’s Dorchester Hotel recently. “When he came over and said ‘Hi’ I nearly lost it!” Charlotte Ritchie told the Independent; the paper adds that “despite meeting Daniel Radcliffe when she played a Hogwarts pupil in HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE,” the young singer “‘nearly fainted'” in front of Depp.”

“He’s not at all like the rock’n’roll image you hear about–more bookish, with his glasses,” adds Ritchie. “He had a cup of tea, and said he loved our singing.” As well he might–All Angels are nominated for Best Album at the Classical Brits next month. Presently in the midst of filming the leading role in the musical SWEENEY TODD, Johnny engaged in a bit of shoptalk with the girls. “He said that having once been a rocker he thought he could hold a tune,”says Ritchie, “but singing musical theatre made him wish he’d gone to choir classes like us.” Many thanks to RumLover for sharing the story . . . you can read the full article in the Pit. –Part-Time Poet

You have your choice of Sweeneys–smiling or solemn–in this week’s U.S. entertainment magazines, which include photographs of Johnny Depp taken a week ago on the set of SWEENEY TODD. PEOPLE Magazine offers a lovely, nearly half-page shot of smiling Johnny on page 15 of the April 16, 2007 issue (Valerie Bertinelli cover). Their caption: “Johnny Depp continues his elaborate costume streak, donning 19th century garb to play the vengeful barber in SWEENEY TODD.” Meanwhile, US Magazine opts for a smaller photo of the solemn Sweeney shown at left; the photo appears on page 28 of the April 16 issue (Tori Spelling on cover). Their caption: “Johnny Depp wore a killer costume for a role as a murderous barber in the film version of SWEENEY TODD in London March 27.” IN TOUCH Magazine offers a slightly larger version of the same picture, but ruins it with intrusive captions–PEOPLE and US are definitely better buys for a Depp collector. –Part-Time Poet

Making the media rounds in support of her newly released film THE NAMESAKE, which has garnered brilliant reviews, the always candid and charming Mira Nair spoke freely to reporters about her next project, SHANTARAM. A collection of interviews with Mrs. Nair appears on the Zone’s News & Views forum–many thanks to emma for collecting these for us. Here are a few choice comments from her interview with Arthur J. Pais:

Pais: Johnny Depp is going to play the lead in SHANTARAM. He is also one of its producers. What was your first impression of him?

Mira Nair: People who have known him for long will tell you that he is a humble soul with great curiosity about the world. And those were my impressions, too. He loves taking risks, and that is why you see him in big films such as the PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN series, and smaller films like THE LIBERTINE. You never get the feeling that you are dealing with a movie star when you work with him. He is down-to-earth and very humane.

Pais: If you were to describe SHANTARAM in one sentence . . .

Mira Nair: I would say it is a spiritual action film.

Pais: In an interview a few years ago, you had told us that you are fascinated by how people survive in alien societies. To some extent, this is the theme of THE NAMESAKE. And now, in SHANTARAM . . . .

Mira Nair: It, too, asks the questions the characters in THE NAMESAKE ask. Like what is one’s home? What is one’s country? How much can an outsider become part of the country he or she has adopted? I am curious to know how much of an integration can take place. [. . . ]

Pais: How much of the casting has been done for SHANTARAM?

Mira Nair: We have two lead parts filled, and we have two great actors doing them. Of course, you know that Johnny Depp will play the title role, and Amitabh Bachchan will play Kader Khan, the slum lord. Both are eager to work with each other.

Pais: You have worked with a number of excellent artists.

Mira Nair: I have been lucky. [. . .] But working with Johnny Depp and Amitabh Bachchan in one film! –Part-Time Poet

We are delighted to announce an addition to the Johnny Depp Zone’s photo galleries. Our newest gallery features pictures from the ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO press conference in New York City. Johnny was finishing work on SECRET WINDOW at the time (September 2003), so he has Mort’s blond hair. These pictures provided an interesting visual contrast to the image of Johnny we had from his two top ten movies then playing–he certainly didn’t resemble Agent Sands or Captain Jack Sparrow.

To see the new gallery, click on the PHOTO GALLERIES button above, select THE DEPPARTMENT, and scroll down to “Johnny’s Public Appearances.” Many thanks to Sleepy, Theresa, Bonnie, AnaMaria, and Savvy for their assistance. –Part-Time Poet

Oprah Noodlemantra’s Book Club begins a spirited discussion of Peter Hedges’ novel WHAT’S EATING GILBERT GRAPE today! Follow along with the discussion on the ONBC forum as Liz and DeppintheHeartofTexas delve into the complexities of small-town life and the depth of Hedges’ creation. Inevitably, comparisons between the novel and the movie arise during the discussion, with one form illuminating the other. Even if you haven’t read the book (yet), reading the Noodlemantras’ thoughtful evaluations will deepen your understanding of the film and Johnny’s portrayal of Gilbert. One warning, though–like Johnny Depp movies, ONBC is highly addictive. –Part-Time Poet

Congratulations to the cast and crew of PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN’S CHEST, which won the Kid’s Choice Award for Favorite Movie of 2007. The awards ceremony was held at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion on Saturday night, March 31st and was broadcast on the Nickelodeon channel; viewers saw Orlando Bloom accept the award and graciously thank the voters. Although Johnny Depp was nominated as Favorite Movie Actor for DEAD MAN’S CHEST (and co-star Keira Knightley was nominated as Favorite Movie Actress), the younger set chose to spread the trophies around, honoring Adam Sandler (for CLICK) and Dakota Fanning (for CHARLOTTE’S WEB). Thanks to DeepinDepp for posting the Saturday night play-by-play on the News & Views forum. –Part-Time Poet