Monster Mash: Prince Charles foundation under investigation; remembering Patrick Swayze; Bolshoi Theatre funds scrutinized

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--Undue influence? An architectural foundation sponsored by Prince Charles is under investigation by British authorities to determine if it interfered in planning disputes or influenced the choice of architects on certain projects.

--In memoriam: Patrick Swayze, the classically trained dancer who became a movie star, died yesterday at age 57.

--Paying tribute: A London production of the musical ‘Dirty Dancing’ will hold a minute of silence today in honor of Swayze.

--Funny accounting? Russian officials are investigating the alleged mishandling of funds for renovation at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre.

--Money problems: The Charlotte Symphony in North Carolina faces budgetary uncertainty.

--Struggling to survive: Artists in Pakistan are finding ways to persevere in the face of possible attacks.

--On tour: Alan Cumming will bring his one-man stage show to the Geffen Playhouse this season.--Bold choice: Philadelphia has selected Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel ‘The Complete Persepolis’ for its 2010 One Book, One Philadelphia program.

--Health scare: Chinese artist and political activist Ai Weiwei writes that he underwent cranial surgery in Germany.

--Cluck, cluck: PETA is looking to convert a Virginia prison slated for closure into a ‘chicken empathy’ museum.

--Strategic alliance: Two U.K. auction houses -- Bloomsbury Auctions and Dreweatts -- are joining forces.

--Big-name show: Artists John Currin, Julian Schnabel and Francesco Vezzoli have created original works for a new exhibition at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House.

-- David Ng