The new few being wooed by 'View'
Execs say Star replacement seach will start Sept. 5
Brandy and Susan Lucci have already stopped by, and Shannen Doherty is scheduled to visit twice, on July 31 and Aug. 1, with "General Hospital's" Kelly Monaco visiting this week. There are still 15 dates open, ensuring that talent agencies are keeping "The View" exec producer Bill Geddes' phone number on speed dial.
But ABC execs insist this is no tryout period and that the search for Jones Reynolds' replacement won't start until the show's 10th season begins Sept. 5.
Why? ABC is about to put some major promotional energy behind Rosie O'Donnell's debut, and they don't want the drama over Jones Reynolds' chair to complicate that.
"It's about getting Rosie in place and making her comfortable," an insider says.
As for the remaining days, the show is considering a wide range of talent including "American Idol" runner-up Katharine McPhee.
Other stalwart subs, known as "friends of 'The View,'" include Lorraine Bracco, Whoopi Goldberg and Vanessa Williams.
