Taylor Hicks knows how to make an entrance.

The "American Idol" crooner-turned-Teen Angel descends from heaven in a giant ice cream cone for "Beauty School Dropout," his big number in the Broadway tour of "Grease" (through Jan. 18 at the Auditorium Theatre).

Hicks is fine with heights. Ah, but the hair issue is a different story. It's a second job, taming his signature gray mop -- Hicks started graying at 14 -- into a 1950s pompadour. The process takes "as long as it takes from 1950 to 2008," the 32-year-old singer jokes. "I don't think it would work in this day and age. I might not have won 'American Idol' with a pompadour."

Simon would second that.

Like many ex-Idols, the Alabama-born soulman's once-hot career is cooling. Arista dropped Hicks from its roster last year and J Records followed suit. Though Hicks boasts an ardent fan base (aka The Soul Patrol), his love of blues and R&B have translated into low record sales. His debut major-label album "Taylor Hicks" yielded his lone No. 1 hit, "Do I Make You Proud."

But Hicks isn't having a meltdown. He made his Broadway debut in "Grease," is enjoying the six-month tour, and is sneaking in side gigs to promote a new album on his own label, Modern Whomp Records. "The Distance" was recorded in Nashville and will be released in March.

He wouldn't change a thing, said Hicks, testing out new songs next weekend at a Lincoln Park club.

"To each his own, "he said. "Everybody has their own particular path they create for themselves. For me, I'm creating my own niche and my own career path."

Now that he's got his feet wet in acting, that path includes music and Hollywood. His ideal film project: a serious, classy role opposite a serious, classy leading lady. Two Oscar winners top his leading-lady wish list. "From the past, Katharine Hepburn," he said. "The present, Sissy Spacek."

Hicks will give one show at 10 p.m. Jan. 17 at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are $40.

One-minute review

A funny thing happened on the way to "Grease." We found several parking lots offering recession rates ($6 to $8) close to the Auditorium Theatre. Translation: We could afford to grab a bite to eat! We popped into Cafecito at 26 E. Congress Parkway and were soon swooning over 1) made-to-order, gourmet Cuban pressed sandwiches, 2) the speedy service and 3)muyreasonable prices for a sit-down Loop restaurant (sandwiches are $4.49 to $5.49). I fell for the jerk chicken, TIMES colleague Shepella Wyatt loved the Cubano (roast pork), and we both ordered pavosandwiches (turkey breast-bacon-tomato--lettuce-avocado mayo) to go for our next-day lunches. Que fantastico!

Freebie of the week

The Shedd Aquarium is offering free admisson to the original galleries Saturday through Jan. 16 and the Museum of Science and Industry is offering free general admission through Jan. 31.