NBC Rescinds Invitation to Glee Cast: Producers of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade had almost finalized their costume and choreography plans for the cast of Glee to perform at this year’s parade, when they received instructions from NBC executives to cancel the invite. Inside sources say NBC, which airs the parade, didn’t want to promote Fox’s new hit show. Producers were reportedly humiliated when they had to break the news to Glee creators and noted past parade appearances by contestants of American Idol and High School Musical stars who do not fall under the peacock’s umbrella. [EW]
Disney Stores Plan to Rebrand With More Entertainment Experiences: Disney Stores Worldwide announced plans to reinvent its 340 domestic and international retail spots with the aid of Apple C.E.O. and Disney board member Steve Jobs. With a goal to keep kids in the store longer and hopefully increase sales as a result, the company plans to make the stores an entertainment destination rather than just a purchase point. Interactive technology stations are in the works, including discussions with Disney stars via satellite. The renovation will cost an estimated $1 million per store, plus the addition of a new Times Square flagship. [NYT]
The Last Days of Robert Isabell: New York magazine takes a look at the life and death of the late Robert Isabell, without much new insight for the people who worked with the event designer during his 30-year career. When he died in July, Isabell was facing an August 1 deadline to repay a $48 million loan—at 20 percent interest—or lose all of his property, including 837 Washington St., the run-down building in the meatpacking district he bought for $45 million last year. [NYMag]
New York’s Halloween Parade Minimized by Lack of Sponsorship: New York’s famed Greenwich Village Halloween Parade will see an even smaller incarnation this year than last, due to a dramatic decline in sponsors. The parade, which last year was down to 11 floats from the usual 20, will have to go on with only three this year. The parade, which has been celebrated for 36 years, typically attracts 70,000 marchers and more than a million viewers. [NYP]
