Mann overboard

Thesp adds 'Summer,' 'Sun' and 'Josie'

By CHARLES LYONS

Gabriel Mann is a man on a roll: He has committed to lead parts in "Summer Catch," "Things Behind the Sun" and "Josie and the Pussycats."

Mann will soon be seen in USA Films' "Cherry Falls," Disney's "Newport South" and the indie feature "Sleep Easy Hutch Rhimes."

In Warner Bros.' "Summer Catch," Mann plays the friend and teammate of a young baseball player who struggles to prove himself on the field and off. Michael Tollin will direct as well as produce along with Sam Weisman. Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jessica Biel also star.

In Alison Anders' "Things Behind the Sun," Mann stars a writer who, having committed a crime, looks to purge his conscience by seeking out his victim. Pic will be produced by Anders' producing partner Dan Hassid. Kim Dickens and Eric Stoltz co-star.

In Universal's "Josie and the Pussycats," based on the cartoon, Mann plays Josie's boyfriend. Directors are Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont. Producers are Marc Platt and Babyface. Pic also stars Rachael Leigh Cook, Tara Reid and Parker Posey.

Mann has appeared in such films as "High Art" and "Outside Providence." He is repped by UTA, Michael McConnell Management, attorney Jeff Frankel and Rocky Parker.