Everything Las Vegas: Issue # 608
January 12th, 2007
There is still time to join the Everything Las Vegas Superbowl Square Pool. Just email me at mrvegas98@aol.com for all the details.
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http://www.everythinglv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3396
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LOOKING IN ON: ENTERTAINMENT
Forever Plaid’ producers creating new version
By Jerry Fink/Las Vegas Sun
“Forever Plaid,” which is on hiatus until Feb. 6, is closing permanently at the Gold Coast on April 1.
But how permanent is permanent? Will it be gone forever?
Don’t bet against the peppy little revue, which features four nerdy ghosts harmonizing songs from the ’50s and ’60s. “Plaid,” one of the best entertainment bargains in town, was at the Flamingo from 1994 to 2000, closed and then reopened in 2005 at the Gold Coast.
“We’re in the process of creating a new ‘Forever Plaid,’ ” producer Richard Martini said.
Stuart Ross, creator of the original “Plaid” and its Christmasy spin-off “Plaid Tidings,” is busy at work on the next phase of the production.
“He’s working as we speak,” Martini said. “I hope.”
The plans are to premiere the resurrected story of a resurrected quartet who died in a car-school bus crash in 1964 in either late fall or early winter at the Gold Coast.
“The Gold Coast is interested,” Martini said. “They like ‘Forever Plaid’ and we like the facility.”
The show isn’t closing because it isn’t doing well.
“We just thought it was time, after about 4,500 performances,” Martini said.
“I think we’ve run the circuit. The hotel didn’t force us at all. We discussed it and decided to call it quits while we’re ahead instead of dragging it through the mud.”
He says this summer or fall he will take the original version back to New York City, where it closed in 1994.
Martini says he has no idea what the new version of “Plaid” will be like.
“It will be a new concept,” he said. “I don’t know what Stuart has in mind, but I don’t think we can use ‘Plaid du Soleil.’ “
Las Vegas SUN: LOOKING IN ON: ENTERTAINMENT
John Katsilometes feels the power of the tower as the Stratosphere preps for a 26,000-square-foot club that spans four decades.
Abutting the sports book at the Stratosphere is a vast expanse hidden by a giant plywood sign plashed with violet paint. Its message: “Coming Soon, Poly Esthers. Pick A Decade And Bust A Move.” A couple of to-be-assembled booths sit at the foot of the sign, giving a glimpse of what’s to come.
Set to begin operation next month with a “soft” opening, Poly Esther’s is the Stratosphere’s ambitious project designed to keep pace with similarly thematic (and massive) resort nightclubs on and off the Strip. The club is to cover 26,000 square feet and encompass multiple themes, drawing from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and today. Expect lots of strobes, retro designs and period music set at high volume.
Initial reports had Bob Watman, a principal in the club’s chain, moving to Las Vegas to oversee the project and have it open by the end of 2006. The middle of February is more like it, but the club seems worth the wait.
Established in 1981, Poly Esthers today operates in such nightlife havens as Austin, Texas; Denver; New York, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Texas; and Washington, D.C. In 2005 its New York outpost was named one of the top 100 nightclubs in the country by the national trade publication Nightclub & Bar Magazine. But that designation is not necessarily a harbinger of success - included on the 2005 list were Ice Las Vegas and the Beach, popular local clubs that have since been shuttered.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/commentary/2007/jan/08/566633870.html
ELV metioned in Podcast
Tim Dressen of The Original Las Vegas Podcast mentions the Everything Las Vegas Newsletter and Forums in this weeks podcast # 101.
In this podcast he analizes the Trippie Awards in which Everything Las Vegas won the “Best Blog” category. It makes for some very entertaining listening. The website is here http://www.fivehundybymidnight.com/fhbm/ and just click on the PODCAST icon to hear it.
Tim once again makes it a point to call our Forums, “The Friendiest Forum On The Internet.” I have to agree with him.
Steve’s Las Vegas Quickies
Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose is putting the final vocals down on a new album that he has been working on at the Palms recording studios. The new album is due out in March.
Mirage headliner Danny Gans has two TV deals cooking: ABC has offered him the job as host of “The Imposter,” and filming for Gans’ first TV special, titled “This is Danny Gans,” should wrap in the next week.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM
Tickets for Celine Dion’s final run of shows from August through December go on sale March 1. The show won’t disappear without a permanent record. From Jan. 17-21, a film crew will shoot in high-definition for a TV special and DVD.
VH1’s “Fame Games” premiered at 9 p.m. last Sunday. Filmed in Las Vegas and hosted by Robin Leach, the “Surreal Life” takeoff features Verne Troyer, Brigitte Nielsen, Emmanuel Lewis, Chyna, Vanilla Ice, Traci Bingham, C.C. Deville and Ron Jeremy.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM
Film icon Tony Curtis was released from St. Rose Dominican Hospital on Friday after a two-week stay to battle pneumonia. “He’s coherent, and he’s doing great now,” said Curtis’ assistant, Julie McRay, “but say a prayer for him.” Too weak to walk, Curtis, 81, was checked into a physical rehabilitation facility.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM
Last Friday, Nathan Burton — who stars in “Comedy Magic” at the V Theater in the Aladdin’s Desert Passage — hosted “Magic With the Stars,” a pilot for cable’s E! channel.
The tide rolls into Las Vegas once more, as “Ocean’s Thirteen” schedules additional pick-up shots this weekend at Bellagio and Mandalay Bay, featuring Andy Garcia (as deposed casino chief Terry Benedict) and French actor Vincent Cassel (back as the fiendishly clever Night Fox, who made life miserable for the Ocean crew in 2004’s “Ocean’s Twelve”).
It’s the fifth Las Vegas location stint for the second sequel to 2001’s “Ocean’s Eleven,” which Warner Bros. is slated to release June 8.
reviewjournal.com — Living - SHOOTING STARS
The creator of TV’s “CSI” programs has made a $1 million pledge to help build a second crime lab in the valley.
Anthony Zuiker made the commitment recently to help build a crime lab in Henderson, said Rick Workman, the criminalistics administrator for Henderson, who is spearheading the drive to build the lab.
There’s good news regarding the Jan. 16 closure of Commander’s Palace at the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood. Look for an announcement soon that it will be opening at a new location.
A Las Vegas reunion of Supremes stars Diana Ross and Mary Wilson? I hear rumblings that it’s being discussed, with the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood as a possible venue. Wilson, who moved to Henderson about five years ago to be close to her grandchildren, is working on several projects, and a Las Vegas show makes sense. Wilson and Sheryl Lee Ralph, who played the original Dena Jones in Broadway’s “Dreamgirls,” recently had dinner in Las Vegas. Jones’ character was based on Ross.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM
Since we’ve noted the Nightclub & Bar list, the magazine has released its top 100 nightclubs for 2007 (to avoid actually having to rank these clubs, they are listed alphabetically). A total of 13 Las Vegas clubs - that’s 13 percent, by my math - made the list. Those from Vegas making the cut are Body English at the Hard Rock Hotel, Cherry at Red Rock Resort, Ghostbar at the Palms, Jet at the Mirage, Kahunaville and Tangerine at Treasure Island, the Playboy Club at the Palms, Pure at Caesars Palace, Rumjungle at Mandalay Bay, Studio 54 and Tabu at MGM Grand, Tao at the Venetian, and Tryst at Wynn Las Vegas. Representatives from all 100 clubs will be honored at a party (what else?) hosted by Nightclub & Bar Magazine during the Nightclub & Bar Convention & Trade Show (aka “The Show”), scheduled for March 4-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes
This month’s Miss America pageant will mark the first time the Aladdin will be formally titled Planet Hollywood. That will be the hotel name used by CMT during its Miss America coverage (the finals are Jan. 29). The resort continues to move forward with renovations to, in fact, become Planet Hollywood, but the formal change-over won’t take place until the spring. Recently the lobby and new buffet have been finished, the new casino floor is almost fully completed and Theatre for the Performing Arts’ renovations are in place (the venue will have a flexible capacity, from 4,000 to 7,000, and is sold out at 7,000 for the pageant prelims and finals)
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes
Veteran Elvis impressionist Dennis Wise filled the Railhead at Boulder Station on Saturday night for a freewheeling tribute to the King, who would have been 72 today (I misfired on his birthdate last week when I noted today would be his 71st and I apologize to all Elvis fans in the free world). Wise ended the show by passing out dozens of scarves to fans who swooned as if being in the presence of Presley himself.
Wise and his dance band, Deja Vu, begin an unlimited engagement Tuesday at Red Rock’s Rocks Lounge. The band will perform all sorts of classic rock ‘n’ roll (not just Elvis) hits on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes
The Excalibur has opened a new “high-energy” lounge named Octane in the property’s Castle Walk. Seemingly taking a page out of Centrifuge’s book (MGM Grand), the bartenders and servers “perform upbeat dance routines throughout the evening” while dressed in leather garb classified as “biker chic.” Insert your own Village People joke here.
theVegaseye.com
George Wallace is saying thanks by offering tickets to locals for only $10, from Jan. 15 thru Feb. 14. Seeing as tickets to his show run from $53 to $64, this is one helluva deal. There is one caveat, however, and that is that this offer is available for the first 100 reservations each night and must be made prior to showtime, so get over there or call and book those seats. It’s a great show. By the way, you also have to be 21 or older to get in.
reviewjournal.com — Lenny’s Las Vegas
After the first weekend of the pro football playoffs, all the wild card teams have been eliminated. This leaves us with the eight division winners. The next set of games continues this Saturday, January 13 as Indianapolis visits Baltimore at 1:30 p.m. and Philadelphia travels to New Orleans at 5:00 p.m.. On Sunday, January 14, Seattle battles the Bears in Chicago at 10:00 a.m., with the second game at 1:30 p.m. matching up New England at San Diego. Times are Pacific Standard Time. All the excitement can be seen at the Las Vegas Hilton SuperBook. On Sunday, January 14, fans can watch the playoff games in the Hilton Theater (with more than 1,000 seats) on a 15’ x 20’ HD screen. There are $1 hot dogs and beer, and exciting giveaways.
Rock ‘n roll superstar Rod Stewart will roll his 2007 North American tour into the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, March 17 at 8 p.m. The tour, which will celebrate Stewart’s return to his rock roots, will highlight songs from his No.1 chart-topping album Still The Same…Great Rock Classics of Our Time. The album features a number of classic hits from his more than three-decade career. For the first time in more than a decade, Stewart’s stage will be designed in-the-round giving fans an intimate 360-degree view of his energetic performance.
It’s just been announced that from January 31, for one week only, discounted preview tickets to the much-anticipated new production of The Producers, to be staged at Paris, will be available to Nevada locals. The tickets will sell for $60 each, as opposed to the $75.50-$143.50 price range that takes effect once the show officially opens. Tickets for both the preview shows and regular performances can be purchased by calling the Paris Box Office at 877/374-7469 or online at parislasvegas.com.
According to an article in today’s LV Review-Journal, a new state-sponsored survey indicates that $1.3 billion in comps were issued on the Las Vegas Strip during the past fiscal year. When Huntington Press released Max Rubin’s book Comp City in 1994, the back-cover teaser indicated that “more than half a million dollars” in comps were distributed daily on the Strip. This new figure puts the current daily dole-out closer to $3.5 million.
http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/
“Nevada Passage,” the reality-TV contest, is auditioning for a one man and woman team, selected from among the general public, to take part in the next competition, which will include adventure-sports challenges set in destinations including Valley of Fire, Amargosa Dunes, Rhyolite, and Mount Rose. The show will be filmed May 7-12, 2007 and if you think you’ve got what it takes, visit the Web site at http://www.nevadapassage.com/
to find out more details and download an application form.
http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com
It’s just been announced that from January 31, for one week only, discounted preview tickets to the much-anticipated new production of The Producers, to be staged at Paris, will be available to Nevada locals. The tickets will sell for $60 each, as opposed to the $75.50-$143.50 price range that takes effect once the show officially opens. Tickets for both the preview shows and regular performances can be purchased by calling the Paris Box Office at 877/374-7469 or online at parislasvegas.com.
Beacher’s Madhouse returns to the Hard Rock Hotel, with dethroned Miss Nevada USA Katie Rees as a co-host.
Jeff Beacher said his two-year deal with Morgans Hotel Group, the new owners of the Hard Rock, begins with a March 31 show.
There is a rumor that The Luxor will change it’s name to The Pyramid as early as Memorial Day.
It wasn’t a priceless moment after all: Steve Wynn is suing Lloyd’s of London for $54 million, claiming the insurance company failed to pay for reimbursement and restoration costs for Picasso’s “Le Reve” after Wynn plunged his elbow through the painting Sept. 30. The painting was reportedly worth $139 million before the accident and no more than $85 million afterward; the $54 million figure represents the lost value of the 1932 painting. Lloyd’s has agreed to pay $90,000 to restore the painting and a $21,000 consultant fee used for the restoration and increased security during that process, according to the Associated Press.
Las Vegas SUN: John Kastilometes
Celebrity Stupidity Vegas Style by Rick Garman
Celebrities and Vegas have been an inseparable combination for decades but over the last few weeks the headline grabbing stories mating the two (usually involving some sort of obnoxious behavior) have been coming fast and furious.
First came the news that everyone’s last choice in babysitters, Michael Jackson, has moved to town. Word has it that he is holed up in a massive mansion just west of The Strip near The Orleans and has been wreaking havoc at local malls like The Forum Shops by going on shopping sprees surrounded by a small army of bodyguards. And yes, everyone is wondering who is paying for all of this since there is much speculation in the media that Jacko is not exactly flush with cash.
According to the gossip mill, Jackson is in town to reinvent himself Celine Dion style with some sort of headliner gig at a Vegas hotel showroom. This has been rumored for years but Jackson’s arrival in town seems to suggest that he is actively pushing the idea now that there is some distance between him and that whole child molestation trial unpleasantness.
I wonder what hotel would have him. It would gain a lot of press and lots of people would come at least at first if for no other reason than the curiosity factor, but I don’t know that any of the major corporately run casino/hotels would want to be in business with the guy no matter the potential upside.
Moving on from Michael, we had Britney Spears who reportedly “fell asleep” shortly after hosting the New Year’s Eve festivities at Pure nightclub at Caesars Palace. “Fell asleep,” “passed out,” potato po-tah-to. Norm Clarke of the Las Vegas Review Journal reported in his column that he was mere feet from Spears and watched her downing at least one cocktail and then several glasses of champagne after midnight so judge for yourself.
http://www.vegas4visitors.com/
Review: Louie Anderson by Rick Garman
Louie Anderson is a stand-up comedy staple – part of the funny-people food chain that includes folks like Jerry Seinfeld, Roseanne, Ellen Degeneres, Paula Poundstone, and fellow Vegas performer Rita Rudner. His act always has been and still is traditional, observational humor with a nice-guy midwest ethos that makes you just want to sit there and be entertained. Now performing at the Excalibur, the showroom he shares with male strippers – although not at the same time, mind you – is nothing to get too excited about. A few booths surround the tightly packed narrow tables and banquet chairs that are apparently designed to make you uncomfortable within about three seconds of sitting down in them. Seriously, who still thinks this kind of layout is a good thing?
But that’s okay, you’re not here for the furniture, you’re here to laugh and Louie Anderson does not disappoint.
His stock and trade has always been humor about his weight and he still hits those beats with the kind of timing that only a true master of the craft can muster. On walking the maze of ropes in the airport security lines, with a low mumble “I hope there’s a piece of cheese at the end.” On his inability to move gracefully, “If I could spin (in a circle) the tickets would’ve cost you an additional $30.” Why doesn’t he play craps? “I’m too lazy. If they had a version where you could lay down to throw the dice, then okay.”
Vegas is a good target as well, with everything from the psychology of slot machines (“A woman once told me to cash out my winnings but keep laying because the machine will think I’ve left.”) to the hell he caught for splitting a pair of tens at a blackjack table once.
Getting older is a big part of the routine these days, detailing his battles to try to be healthier by doing things like quitting smoking despite the fact that the people who make those nicotine patches don’t make entire suits of the stuff.
It’s obvious throughout the show that Anderson likes to riff, like a jazz artist who goes in whatever direction he happens to find himself going in. He chats up people in the audience and takes his cues from them, turning “where are you from” and “what do you do for a living” into extended bits about everything from flying to guns and why the simple solution to the war in Iraq is to quite simply build a bunch of Krispy Kreme shops over there (“I know we were going to go blow something up, but the donuts are hot!”).
Anderson comes off as a truly nice guy and the humor is accessible for just about everyone, with nary a hot button topic or “adult” joke in sight. Add in a reasonable ticket price and you have a terrific option for an early evening Vegas show.
Vegas4Visitors Grade: B+
Louie Anderson
Excalibur
3850 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702-597-7600
Tickets
Showtimes:
Tues-Sun 7pm Tickets: $45
http://www.vegas4visitors.com
Delightful Dreams
Unleashing the sexy side of imagination
By Penny Levin/Las Vegas Magazine
Fantasy
Where: Luxor
When: 10:30 p.m. Sun.-Mon. Wed. & Fri.; 8 & 10:30 p.m. Tues.; 11 p.m. Sat.
Cost:$49.50-$60.50 plus tax
Info: (702) 492-3960 or (866) 80-SHOWS
One of the hottest shows in Las Vegas is the seductive and intriguing Fantasy female topless revue at the Luxor. Eight uniquely gorgeous women take you on a journey where some traditional and not-so-traditional fantasies come true.
Bare-chested cowgirls, tantalizing streetwalkers, a sizzling schoolteacher who literally lets her hair down, and even three attractive women sharing a bed scene together are here to entertain you and titillate your imagination.
Fantasy is a delightful show that is both couple-friendly and a big hit with male audiences. The quality of the show and the people connected with it contribute to the essence of the production.
Emmy Award-winner Anita Mann is the show’s producer and her philosophy when selecting dancers is to avoid the “cookie-cutter” approach where all the women look alike. “The ladies in the show are stunning and are also very talented dancers,” she said. There are ladies who are long-legged and tall, others who are shorter, some who are very well-endowed and others with smaller chests. Tall, short, blonde, brunette or redhead, they are all beautiful elements in the production.
Mann also selected famed Hollywood choreographers Cris Judd and Eddie Garcia to conceive new dance numbers, which have been receiving rave reviews. And, Mann’s brilliant sense of showmanship is evident with the addition of vocalist Stephanie Jordan, who belts out several songs in the show and directly interacts with the audience, as does Sean Cooper, a very funny guy who is a comic-impressionist. The buff Cooper brings the house down when he appears as Tina Turner in a spaghetti-strap, mini (very mini) shocking-pink sequined dress and starts shaking his booty.
The contrast to this and the vision of loveliness that is onstage when the dancers perform bring tears of laughter and appreciation to your eyes. The sexy production is a classy addition to the Las Vegas Strip and is done with impeccable taste. Energetic dancing to pulsating songs like “Here for the Party,” “Man, I Feel Like A Woman,” “Red Light,” “Let’s Get It Started,” and “Nasty Girl” keep things lively.
To make the Fantasy experience even more delightful, there is a meet and greet with cast members following the show. During this time, guests are welcome to take pictures with the cast members and spend a few minutes talking with them. For many, it is a fantasy come true!
http://www.lasvegasmagazine.com
Vegas Values Report for 1/7/07
The below information is supplied by Scot Krause, our roving reporter, who supplies us each week with information on the best Las Vegas promotions. It’s only available here on the americancasinoguide.com web site so be sure to come back each Monday morning to find out about the best values in Las Vegas.
http://www.americancasinoguide.com/Promotions/VEGAS-VALUES.shtml
NORM: Fireworks go on for Britney Spears
Fallout continues from Britney Spears‘ wobbly New Year’s Eve appearance at Pure nightclub.
In her first public comments since being carried out of the Caesars Palace hot spot, Spears didn’t directly address the incident.
However, she writes on her Web site, she understands the criticism, adding, “The media has criticized my every move and printed a skewed perception of who I really am as a human being.”
Noting that one of her biggest fan sites is shutting down, she said: “Trust me, I get it. I know I’ve been far from perfect.”
“I look forward to coming back this year bigger and better than ever,” Spears writes. Her plans include a tour and a new album, she said.
Spears’ hard-partying ways have been making headlines for about six weeks, starting with a visit to Las Vegas that included a night of club hopping with Paris Hilton.
At Tryst, the main nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas, Spears ditched her long pants and was seen dancing in fishnet stockings and a top before she put on some black shorts.
After that, her wild-child behavior was repeatedly in the news, from partying with Hilton to not wearing underwear.
It’s all catching up to her, says columnist Cindy Adams of the New York Post. Jive Records, Spears’ label, isn’t amused by the image issues or impressed with her recent recordings, Adams says.
“Talk inside the company is that either it’s redone, or they need to drop it — and her,” Adams writes this week.
Spears’ manager, Larry Rudolph, told Adams, “I don’t know where your information came from, but I can only tell you we’re in the middle of recording an album. And you can quote me on that.”
Spears has been working on her new album at the Palms recording studios, and with several leading producers.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM: Fireworks go on for Britney Spears
‘Producers’ lands its star as other shows exit.
Brad Oscar will reprise his Broadway role of Max Bialystock.
By Mike Weatherford/Las Vegas Review Journal
His name recognition won’t trump “Hasselhoff” on a marquee, but Brad Oscar will bring experience to the lead role of “The Producers” at Paris Las Vegas next month.
In other Strip entertainment news, producers of “Mamma Mia!” announced the Mandalay Bay production will close in “late summer” of 2008, and Celine Dion’s “A New Day” will end its run at Caesars Palace on Dec. 15.
Oscar, 42, will reprise his Broadway role of Max Bialystock, the conniving producer who pulls a young accountant into a scheme to stage a guaranteed flop, then pocket investors’ money.
More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2007/Jan-06-Sat-2007/news/11816573.html
Guardian Angels watching out for downtown crime.
By David Kihara/Las Vegas Review Journal
Wearing a signature red beret and jacket with the words “Guardian Angels” emblazoned on the back, Robert McClintick strutted down Fremont Street like a platoon sergeant.
Five more men, dressed like McClintick and toting handcuffs and flashlights, followed. They nodded at passers-by and stopped briefly to speak with a store owner near Sixth Street.
McClintick, western regional director for the Guardian Angels, said the organization plans to maintain a presence on Fremont Street, including the area east of Las Vegas Boulevard with a reputation as the city’s open-air drug and sex market.
More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2007/Jan-07-Sun-2007/news/11831466.html
NORM: Jackson dines with choreographer
Michael Jackson appears to be moving quickly with his comeback plans.
Jackson was spotted Friday dining with Emmy-Award winning director/choreographer Kenny Ortega, who choreographed Jackson’s last tour, almost a decade ago.
Jackson, who moved to Las Vegas two weeks ago after 16 months overseas, had dinner with Ortega in a private room at Wynn Las Vegas.
In another development, I learned Saturday that Jackson has reconciled with his parents, Las Vegas residents Joe and Katherine, after a long silence.
Joe Jackson confirmed by telephone on Saturday that “he made contact with me and his mother (Friday).” They had not communicated since Michael moved to Bahrain shortly after being acquitted of child molestation charges in California in May 2005.
The reconciliation is reported to have occurred after Joe and Katherine solicited Jack Wishna, a friend of the pop icon, to reopen the lines of communication.
Still under wraps is where Jackson wants to relaunch his career.
Both Jackson and Ortega have been associated with Steve Wynn, who transformed Siegfried & Roy into international stars with a major production show at The Mirage. Wynn’s friendship with Jackson dates back decades. Jackson was often a guest of Wynn’s at The Mirage, and there was talk Wynn was bringing Jackson to Las Vegas. Jackson listed Wynn as a character witness in his 2005 trial.
In his 2004 bio, Ortega said he was “overseeing the creation of a production” for Wynn.
Ortega’s choreography credits include Madonna’s “Material Girl” video, “Dirty Dancing,” the opening ceremonies of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and Atlanta Summer Olympics, and world tours with Barbra Streisand, the Pointer Sisters, Cher, Gloria Estefan, Kiss and Diana Ross.
Jackson’s comeback album is reported to be due out at the end of the year on the Bahrain-based label Two Seas Records.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM: Jackson dines with choreographer
The ultimate ‘what if’
Weather Channel show focuses on effects of a quake in the valley
By Launce Rake Las Vegas Sun
Imagine these scenes of Las Vegas, appearing on national television:
Strip resorts collapsing to the ground. Glass and concrete tumbling onto pedestrian-filled streets. Chandeliers crashing to the floor in crowded ballrooms. Highway overpasses pancaking cars. Black clouds of smoke smothering our valley.
These depictions of devastation will be brought to you the night of Jan. 14 on The Weather Channel.
The scenes - including the computer-generated sight of Caesars Palace as smoking ruins - are presented in a Weather Channel documentary on the impact of a hypothetical big earthquake. It’s part of a series titled, ominously, “It Could Happen Tomorrow.”
More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2007/jan/09/566628357.html
An extremely full plate
Rita Rudner ready to open at Harrah’s as she finishes another book.
By Jerry Fink Las Vegas Sun
Comedian Rita Rudner was home, about to sit down to a lunch of overcooked pasta.
She’s taking a break from the computer where she had been working on her next book - a collection of essays about growing old in America. No doubt the essays will be humorous.
Friday, she resumes her engagement at Harrah’s after a brief hiatus for the holidays. Rudner spent almost six years at New York-New York, but left in August when her contract ended.
More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2007/jan/09/566696373.html
Fox on the run
By Jerry Fink/Las Vegas Sun
Peripatetic performer T. Fox - just back from a long engagement in Atlantic City - is trading his lounge suit for a dinner jacket.
The dynamic lounge entertainer, who performed in the hallway lounge at the Tropicana for six years, will debut his dinner show Wednesday at Take One Night Club, 707 E. Fremont St.
Fox is noted for his mix of standards, jazz, soul, R&B, funk and rock ‘n’ roll.
Details: Doors open at 6 p.m.; show from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays; admission, which includes a five-course dinner and a glass of wine, is $34.95; 433-8253.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2007/jan/09/566615110.html
The Amazing Johnathan Show Extends Run at the Sahara Hotel & Casino for One More Year
The internationally renowned comic magician Amazing Johnathan has announced that The Amazing Johnathan Show has extended its run at the Sahara Hotel & Casino for one more year.
“We are extremely pleased that Johnathan has decided to spend another year in the Congo Room,” said John Morocco, Director of Operations of the Sahara. “We have a history that makes this partnership work really well. Every television special he does attracts hordes of new fans to the showroom and the Sahara. It’s a very eclectic demographic and audience members of all ages enjoy the show.”
Amazing Johnathan recently debuted the one-hour special “The Amazing Johnathan – Wrong on Every Level” on Comedy Central. The new material and special surprises he developed for the special have since been incorporated into his nightly act on the Las Vegas Strip. The special will be released on DVD by early summer 2007.
The Amazing Johnathan is an eccentric comic magician whose bizarre humor and unscripted antics have earned him widespread, international recognition as one of the most original and brave performers today. After touring across the globe for more than 25 years and gaining fans in the U.S., U.K., Europe, South America, Australia and more, Amazing Johnathan decided to let his fans come to him by settling on a permanent show room in Las Vegas. Since 2001, Johnathan has sold more than a half million tickets, making him one of the most successful Las Vegas headliners in history.
The Amazing Johnathan Show performs at 10 p.m. nightly, dark Thursdays, in the Congo Room at the Sahara Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Due to the show’s adult themes and language, guests under the age of 18 will not be admitted without a parent or legal guardian.
Tickets are priced at $44.95 plus taxes and fees for general admission, or $54.95 plus taxes and fees for VIP seating, and may be purchased by calling the Sahara Hotel & Casino box office at (702) 737-2515, or by visiting www.saharavegas.com .
Ten Of The Worst Casino Bets By Bill Burton
Some bets in the casino have a very high house edge. Slot machines are popular but they can have a house edge from 1-15 percent depending on the casino and/or location of the machines. Although some table games have a low house edge, there are some bets you should avoid. Here are some of the worst bets you can make.
http://casinogambling.about.com/od/oddsandends/tp/10worst.htm
From “The VegasEye.”
Beacher Bites Back
The suddenly slimming Jeffrey Beacher is firing back after a recent blog by caviar dreamer Robin Leach, who reported that the corpulent comic was “involved in a nasty incident” with rapper Lil Jon at Tao Nightclub last week. Leach reported that a bitter dispute over table real estate nearly erupted into a fistfight between the heavyweight comic, who has been fighting mightily to lose at least 100 pounds in 2007, and the chrome-grilled rapper’s security entourage. “The whole story is wrong,” Beacher told the Eye earlier today, “It’s absolutely nuts. We were all yelling with joy, no one was fighting at all.”
It seems to be a sentiment echoed by man-about-town Tommy Lipnick, who was contacted for confirmation: “Lil Jon is a great friend of mine and Beacher was going there to hook up with him. He and his team are the nicest people in the world, they never would have started a fight like that; they were both at TAO to meet each other. Whoever fed that information to the blog is cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs!” Beacher agreed with Lipnick’s stance before concluding, “How this whole thing got spun into a brawl is just really weird. I love Lil Jon, he’s amazing!”
Don’t Bother Knocking
What happens when you cross love-scorned rock stars, gossip-chasing journalism, deceptive PR reps (aren’t they always in this town, though) and a new table-gaming concept? We’re not sure we know the answer to that question, but it is sure helping reveal a little more behind last week’s Kid Rock/Hard Rock Hotel door-pounding incident. As the story goes, a couple was awoken at 6 a.m. by a pounding on their hotel suite door. On the other side (depending on who is telling the story) was either rocker Kid Rock or two of his security guards, who were allegedly on the hunt for Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee. Of course, Lee was once married to blonde bombshell and former LVFBM cover model Pamela Anderson, who recently filed for divorce after a four-month marriage to Kid Rock. Representatives from the Hard Rock Hotel stated that Kid Rock was actually present and “the gentleman that he is, signed an autograph for the apparent fan” and left.
As it turns out, the story fed to the local press wasn’t exactly accurate, at least not according to professional blackjack player Hollywood Dave Stann, who has now challenged the Detroit-born rocker to a $10,000 game of Elimination Blackjack, a new blackjack/poker hybrid that counts Stann among one of its players. “We received neither an apology nor an autograph from Kid Rock,” said Stann before continuing, “but I am way past the age of wanting autographs from passion-driven rock stars and think there is a better way to even the score.” He also noted that after seeing the size of the men standing in the hallway, his petrified girlfriend called security, and the two men admitted to being part of Kid Rock’s entourage. The challenge, which has the loser giving $10,000 to a charity of the winner’s choosing, is a standing offer, according to Stann. “He already owes the Hard Rock casino for the door; why not tack on an extra few dollars for a good cause? However, if Kid Rock has seen me and my exploits on the UBT, I am sure I will see my autographed glossy long before crossing paths with him at the blackjack felt.”No word out of Rock’s camp on whether he’ll accept the challenge.
What happens when you cross love-scorned rock stars, gossip-chasing journalism, deceptive PR reps (aren’t they always in this town, though) and a new table-gaming concept? We’re not sure we know the answer to that question, but it is sure helping reveal a little more behind last week’s door-pounding incident. As the story goes, a couple was awoken at 6 a.m. by a pounding on their hotel suite door. On the other side (depending on who is telling the story) was either rocker Kid Rock or two of his security guards, who were allegedly on the hunt for Motley Crue drummer . Of course, Lee was once married to blonde bombshell and former , who recently filed for divorce after a four-month marriage to Kid Rock. Representatives from the Hard Rock Hotel stated that Kid Rock was actually present and “the gentleman that he is, signed an autograph for the apparent fan” and left. As it turns out, the story fed to the local press wasn’t exactly accurate, at least not according to professional blackjack player , who has now challenged the Detroit-born rocker to a $10,000 game of , a new blackjack/poker hybrid that counts Stann among one of its players. “We received neither an apology nor an autograph from Kid Rock,” said Stann before continuing, “but I am way past the age of wanting autographs from passion-driven rock stars and think there is a better way to even the score.” He also noted that after seeing the size of the men standing in the hallway, his petrified girlfriend called security, and the two men admitted to being part of Kid Rock’s entourage. The challenge, which has the loser giving $10,000 to a charity of the winner’s choosing, is a standing offer, according to Stann. “He already owes the Hard Rock casino for the door; why not tack on an extra few dollars for a good cause? However, if Kid Rock has seen me and my exploits on the UBT, I am sure I will see my autographed glossy long before crossing paths with him at the blackjack felt.”No word out of Rock’s camp on whether he’ll accept the challenge.
Still On Top
The cult-hit reality television series “Top Chef” has announced that it will be returning for a third season of culinary competitions. The second season, which currently is airing, is down to only six contestants remaining, with two of the aspiring chefs sporting 702 area codes. So far, both Elia Aboumrad and the embattled Marcel Vigneron have survived the eliminations of nine fellow cast members, including two more Las Vegas representatives in Nob Hill (MGM Grand) staffer Emily Sprissler and Culinary Institute instructor Otto Borsich. “The second season of ‘Top Chef’ has outperformed even our highest expectations both in ratings and the quality of this non-fictional competitive drama,” said Bravo president Lauren Zalaznick. “We look forward to discovering another group of culinary talents with the same passion for food and cooking with commanding personalities that make ‘Top Chef’ a must see every Wednesday night.”
It’s that AVN Time of the Year!
With the legendary AVN award show and convention right around the corner, the small-screen’s biggest stars have set their sights on the Vegas and the city may never be the same again! This years installment of the AVN show (which celebrates adult entertainment and everything related to it), is set to be the largest yet as it is also the first year that the award show (yes, there is an actual award show) will be open to the public. With more fans to mix and mingle with, it seems as though the stars are coming out of the woodwork and, of course, they have signed on to host parties at many of Las Vegas’ top nightlife venues. Thursday, January 11th looks to be especially plush with parties making it possibly one of the sexiest nights in the history of Las Vegas nightlife! Read below for the Eye’s pick of top AVN parties.
Off-Strip Offering
If you want a break from the Strip, you might want to check out an off-strip place we found with amazing authentic food, excellent service and a beautiful ambience. Layalina Mediterranean Cuisine and Lounge opened three years ago and, thanks to the tireless efforts of owner Hassan Fakih, the business has been growing ever since. Offering both a relaxing hookah lounge and a dark, exotic setting in the dining room, Layalina can satisfy whatever your taste buds are craving. The mystical ambience in the dining room is the perfect setting to taste a variety of homemade specialties such as Baeaghanouj, Hummus, Fried Kebbe, Grape Leaves, Meat Pies, Yogurt and Cucumbers, Cheese Pies, Kafta in Pita, Tabeouleh and Fattoush. Layalina is open from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 6 p.m. until “the party ends” Friday through Sunday. With the energetic vibe in that place, you’ll be dancing all night long! Layalina Mediterranean Cuisine and Lounge is located at 6870 W. Spring Mountain Road. For more information, please call (702) 227-6776.
http://www.thevegaseye.com/
TOP 10 CASINO TIPS – January 2007 by Henry Tamburin
1. If you are a slot player, you really need to consider learning video poker. The reason is that the lowest paying video poker machines often pay more than the best playing slot machines. The new book Frugal Video Poker by Jean Scott and Viktor Nacht is an excellent primer on how to play & win at video poker.
2. Another excellent tool to learn video poker is the newly release software training program Video Poker for Winner by Bob Dancer. This program does it all with excellent graphics and sound. You will be playing like a pro by practicing with this software.
3. If you want to learn how to play elimination blackjack and possibly get a free ride to a televised UBT tournament, go to www.playubt.com. You’ll also find some excellent tutorials on how to play elimination blackjack on this site.
4. Avoid playing any blackjack game that only pays 6-5, or worse, even money for a blackjack.
5. Get a free 3-month subscription to the Blackjack Insider e-Newsletter, which includes full member’s privilege by going to www.bjinsider.com/free.
6. Never make the Big 6 or 8 bet in craps. You’ll get better payoff odds by making the similar place bets on 6 and 8.
7. To find out the current multiple point slot club promotions in Vegas, go to this site: http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/greatdeals-slotpromotions.cfm.
8. You can get loads of Las Vegas coupons prior to leaving for your trip by going to www.billhere.com. While there, you should also sign up for the free subscription to the Viva Las Vegas e-newsletter.
9. You can find out what the Vegas casinos are giving away if you sign up for their slot club card by going to this site http://www.advantageplayer.com/lasvegas/index.html.
10. If you want to chill out from all the hustle and bustle of the Strip, take a ride to Lake Las Vegas on Lake Mead Dr. Nice quaint shops and restaurants, excellent golf course and Casino Montelago which is an intimate and quiet casino that also offers excellent low stakes video poker games.
http://www.smartgaming.com/
The suddenly slimming Jeffrey Beacher is firing back after a recent blog by caviar dreamer who reported that the corpulent comic was “involved in a nasty incident” with rapper at last week. Leach reported that a bitter dispute over table real estate nearly erupted into a fistfight between the heavyweight comic, who has been fighting mightily to lose at least 100 pounds in 2007, and the chrome-grilled rapper’s security entourage. “The whole story is wrong,” Beacher told the Eye earlier today, “It’s absolutely nuts. We were all yelling with joy, no one was fighting at all.” It seems to be a sentiment echoed by man-about-town , who was contacted for confirmation: “Lil Jon is a great friend of mine and Beacher was going there to hook up with him. He and his team are the nicest people in the world, they never would have started a fight like that; they were both at TAO to meet each other. Whoever fed that information to the blog is cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs!” Beacher agreed with Lipnick’s stance before concluding, “How this whole thing got spun into a brawl is just really weird. I love Lil Jon, he’s amazing!”What happens when you cross love-scorned rock stars, gossip-chasing journalism, deceptive PR reps (aren’t they always in this town, though) and a new table-gaming concept? We’re not sure we know the answer to that question, but it is sure helping reveal a little more behind last week’s door-pounding incident. As the story goes, a couple was awoken at 6 a.m. by a pounding on their hotel suite door. On the other side (depending on who is telling the story) was either rocker Kid Rock or two of his security guards, who were allegedly on the hunt for Motley Crue drummer . Of course, Lee was once married to blonde bombshell and former , who recently filed for divorce after a four-month marriage to Kid Rock. Representatives from the Hard Rock Hotel stated that Kid Rock was actually present and “the gentleman that he is, signed an autograph for the apparent fan” and left. As it turns out, the story fed to the local press wasn’t exactly accurate, at least not according to professional blackjack player , who has now challenged the Detroit-born rocker to a $10,000 game of , a new blackjack/poker hybrid that counts Stann among one of its players. “We received neither an apology nor an autograph from Kid Rock,” said Stann before continuing, “but I am way past the age of wanting autographs from passion-driven rock stars and think there is a better way to even the score.” He also noted that after seeing the size of the men standing in the hallway, his petrified girlfriend called security, and the two men admitted to being part of Kid Rock’s entourage. The challenge, which has the loser giving $10,000 to a charity of the winner’s choosing, is a standing offer, according to Stann. “He already owes the Hard Rock casino for the door; why not tack on an extra few dollars for a good cause? However, if Kid Rock has seen me and my exploits on the UBT, I am sure I will see my autographed glossy long before crossing paths with him at the blackjack felt.”No word out of Rock’s camp on whether he’ll accept the challenge.
FAB FOREVER: A MUSICAL HISTORY TOUR
MEETS AND GREETS EVERYDAY!
Fab Forever: A Musical History Tour, featuring an all-star cast of the best Beatles performers on the planet, recently began an open-ended engagement at the Riviera Hotel and Casino. Award-winning producer, Jerry Peluso, brings this rousing production from obscurity to the stages of the Las Vegas Strip, guaranteeing a spectacular time for all that will suspend disbelief for all Beatles fans.
“I’ve been waiting for a show like this my whole life. It’s like the Beatles are invading America all over again.
“Fab Forever not only looks and sounds exactly like the original lads from Liverpool, but they truly capture the spirit of The Beatles in concert.”
Fab Forever’s incredible story brings the amazing Musical History of The Beatles to life on stage. Along with a visually stunning production that features a cast of colorful characters both real and animated, Fab Forever delivers diversity for Beatles fans young and old with different songs and costumes each night. “The Beatles had such a vast catalogue of incredible music,” producer Peluso promises, “fans will never see the same show twice.”
Fab Forever chronicles The Beatles’ brilliant career from the second the lads from Liverpool stepped off a Pan Am jet at New York City’s JFK Airport and into the living rooms of 17 million Americans via The Ed Sullivan Show, in 1964. Act two follows the mop tops from Shea Stadium through the psychedelic-influenced songs of ’60s, winding down to the group’s tender last moments of their heart wrenching break-up.
The talented tribute artists will be in the new Club Riviera stage area, located next to the Race and Sports Book, to mix and mingle with guests, each day, Saturday through Wednesday at 4 p.m. and 8:20 p.m. Bring your cameras!
Show times are 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., with a general admission of $39.95 plus tax and fee. VIP seating is available. For show reservations, call the Riviera Box Office at (702) 794-9424, or click on www.rivierahotel.com. Individualcast and bio information are on www.fabforever.net
Hannah¹s Euro-Asian Bistro Celebrates One-Year Anniversary
Hannah’s Euro-Asian bistro, located in Boca Park in Summerlin, is celebrating it one-year anniversary. Owned and operated by Hannah An of the legendary An family famous for Crustacean restaurant, Hannah’s has become known as a premier restaurant on the west side, garnering visitors from across the Valley since opening last year. The restaurant’s customer base has expanded to an eclectic group of regulars and continues to grow in popularity. Guests frequent Hannah’s to enjoy a variety of experiences – quick lunch breaks, five-course relaxing lunches with wine, dinner dates, brunch, special occasion celebrations and large events.
Over the past year, Hannah’s has introduced many new concepts and hosted a variety of events. Recently created Ladies Night is every Thursday when ladies enjoy $7 specialty martinis and half-priced sushi on the patio from 7 p.m. until close. Ladies who dine inside receive 50% off dinner, up to $50 off. The restaurant often has live bands or DJs entertain and attracts Vegas’ young, trendy crowd by hosting events such as Rock N Roll Wine.
In addition, Hannah’s recently debuted an Express Lunch Menu that is available Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Since opening, Hannah’s also created a Brunch Menu available on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both menus include a pre-fixe option. The restaurant has also introduced a full-service, off-premise catering and event planning division. Originally known for seafood fare, Hannah’s has added more poultry and meat dishes to the menu such as Hannah’s Signature Rib-Eye, Filet Mignon with goat cheese butter and candied walnuts, and Brick Oven-Roasted Chicken.
Designed in harmony with the laws of Feng Shui, Hannah’s features unique Euro-Asian cuisine, a concept described by owner Hannah An as a blend of Asian and European recipes and spices prepared with European cooking techniques. The light, flavorful and healthy menu consists of a mix of traditional Vietnamese dishes and American classics with an innovative twist. The cuisine of Vietnam is culturally a fusion of French, Chinese and Indochinese influence.
An is a third-generation member of a distinguished restaurant family that emigrated from Vietnam in the 1970s. She is the eldest of five daughters and has been involved in the family’s business from the beginning. After An’s grandmother and mother earned international acclaim for their restaurants, she decided to introduce the family’s first casual “no tablecloth” concept, and thus opened Hannah’s in August of 2005.
Hannah’s is located at 1050 S. Rampart Blvd., in the Boca Park Shopping Center. Lunch is served daily from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., a light menu is available from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., and dinner is served from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights. For reservation, please call (702) 932-9399.
Slot Reviews By Gayle Mitchell
1) African Riches/eMillions.
Atronic. 3 spins. 86-90%.
You receive two chances at the top prize of at least $1 million with this game. First, bet the max coins or get into the Jackpot Re-Spin zone, either of which may result in five ‘eMillions’ symbols and a big hit.
If three or four ‘eMillions’ are displayed on a line, the other reels will re-spin for the top prize.
This multiline game also offers free spins and multipliers to add to the excitement.
If a Free Game Coin lands on the first reel, there are two free games added.
Whereas, if a Multiplier Coin appears on the fifth reel during a free spin, the multiplier value is raised by one to 3X, 4X, etc.
The butterfly symbol is wild and 3 or more golden mask scattered symbols get you a free spin for free games that double jackpots.
This is more than an African adventure as there are extra hits and bonuses to explore.
2) The Beverly Hillbillies: Cash for Crude.
IGT. 2 spins. 85-88%.
The popular Cash for Crude—Beverly Hillbillies 25-line slot is here featuring the expected oil derrick wild symbol.
The familiar cast of the show is here to entertain while covering each line for at least 30 credits will put you in the running for the bonus round.
The Cash for Crude symbols on the three middle reels activate the bonus. While the 30 credits mentioned will allow you to play this round, the more credits played will offer higher rewards.
The next step with the bonus is to choose map areas to determine the number of times the oil derrick will pump for crude resulting in mounting credits. Should you exceed a certain amount of credits, a new bonus round is set into action.
Secondly, there are other wild symbols and scatter pays to raise your credits along with the big payoff reserved for five Cash for Crude symbols.
“Bubblin’ Crude” is the name of this game brought to you by the Clampetts.
3) Road Trip: Aristocrat.
2 spins. 88-95%.
Familiar destinations like the Golden Gate Bridge, Grand Canyon and Statue of Liberty are found as you travel this road.
There are free spins and a bonus round that begins with a US map whereupon you choose the destinations of New Orleans, Memphis, San Francisco, Grand Canyon or New York.
Your selections reveal free games and multipliers that continue to build credits on the road as long as you avoid a flat tire or a police car. Get to your selected destination and before you collect your reward, you qualify for a free spin round with the red convertible wild.
This game calls out for players ‘to take it on the road’.
There is always a welcome mat out to new subscribers.
I encourage you to invite your family and friends to join us.
TO SUBSCRIBE: Send a blank e-mail to: CPon@casinoplayersezine.com
A confirmation message will be sent and require your reply.
Top 7 Places for a Gastronomic Adventure through Las Vegas
By Zeke Quezeda
Las Vegas offers so many great choices when it comes to dining that the best way to cover all your bases is to try as many restaurants as you can in the smallest time possible. Try these restaurants for a drink, an appetizer or an entire meal. Don’t start counting calories either, live it up and have seven meals in a day. Can you possibly eat at seven restaurants in one day? Try it!
1) Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace Las Vegas
In Las Vegas you have to go to at least one celebrity chef owned restaurant so why not make it the Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace. If you fit it in at lunch time you will easily be able to squeeze in another restaurant by 3 in the afternoon. Bobby Flay does some mean Tamales, so have a couple and a drink before you move on to your next restaurant.
Read Review
2) Sushi Roku - Las Vegas
The perfect after meal snack is Sushi. Sushi Roku is the best place to go and sample just enough food to get you through to your before dinner afternoon meal. Since you are in the Forum shops take a little stroll around the mall and get yourself ready for an afternoon of eating.
Read Review
3) Ventuno at the Flamingo Hotel
Walk across the street from Caesars palace and sample some pizza at Ventuno. Just a slice is all you’ll need to give you an idea if you want to return on another visit.
Read Review
4) Isla Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar at Treasure Island
Sure four meals in a small amount of time can be excessive but in Las Vegas you create your own fun. Take a short walk from the Flamingo over to the TI and have one Margarita and a couple of tacos at Isla. Stay away from the chips and salsa because that could ruin your chances at 3 more menus before the day is over.
Read Review
5) Red 8 Asian Bistro in the Wynn Las Vegas
As the sun starts setting on your day, your epic battle to try as many restaurants in a day will deliver you to some Southeast Asian cuisine at Red 8 Asian Bistro. Eat family style and try just enough protein to get you going for a late night meal and then a desert. Try a little roast duck and roast pork and you should be ready for dinner.
Read Review
6) Nobu at the Hard Rock Hotel
This is the meal you have been waiting for all day. Sit back and relax and have the fine dining experience that everybody talks about in Las Vegas. Nobu will put your intestines in digestive euphoria. Six restaurants in one day and you have a good idea of what Las Vegas dining is really about.
Read Review
7) FIX at the Bellagio
Did someone say dessert? What better way to end the night than with an espresso shake and some decadent chocolate cake? Fix at the Bellagio is where your culinary tour will end and gastronomic pleasures will reach their peak.
Read Review
Source of article:
http://govegas.about.com/od/dining/tp/GastronomicLV.htm
Chuck Rounds’ Las Vegas Entertainment News
January 2007
2007!!! It’s the New Year!! A time of renewal…a time when we get to look back and see what we did right, and what we did wrong in our lives. It’s a time when we look ahead, and figure out how to make this year better than the previous one. We have to figure out the path that will make more things go the way we want them to. It is a time for resolutions…It’s time to get fit and healthy, a time to get thin, or rich, or married, or divorced; a time to stop smoking or drinking; a time to be a better, more committed person both personally and professionally. It is a time when we are forced to try and figure out how to do less of what is bad for us and more of what is good for us. The New Year always brings new hopes and new challenges to people. It’s time to fill ourselves up with resolutions and hope that the New Year will bring us into a better and more prosperous time of our life. With these hopes also comes the pressure to achieve…that personal commitment within us that is undoubtedly going to take a lot of time and energy. It’s a new beginning! You just have to find the energy to figure out and evaluate your personal life for both the entire year behind and the entire year ahead of you…and it sounds so simple.
It is different for the entertainment industry. Simple barometers of sales measure the success and failure of just about any production. Did it make money or not? Will it eventually make money? Is it worth the expense? It would be interesting if we could objectively apply simple gauges to our own lives.
2006 had some interesting occurrences…
The new Hooters casino opened.
Menopause: the musical opened at the Hilton…and is doing really well. The Price is Right opened at Bally’s. The Scinta’s moved to the Strip inside that Sahara showroom. Shag with a Twist opened at Krave, and then moved downtown to the Plaza. The Soprano’s Last Supper moved into Krave, and is now moving to the Empire Ballroom.
The big productions of the year that opened were Love and The Phantom of the Opera…almost at the same time.
Brief hits (with limited engagements) were Matsuri at the Riviera, and Burn the Floor at the Luxor. Liza Minelli thrilled the entertainment community when she added a late night show at the Luxor.
Hairspray opened…and then closed, and then Headlights and Tailpipes did the same thing. It’s a shame that Hairspray closed.
It was, in fact, a very tough year for the topless dance revue…in addition to Headlights and Tailpipes, also closing were Buck Wild, Erocktica, Skintight (followed by Bareback which also closed,) and Cover Girls. It’s a shame that Buck Wild closed.
Reba McEntire graced the stage at the Hilton for an extended time over the summer, and we wish that she would come back.
Nathan Burton got a boost for his afternoon show at the V theatre when he got quite far in the reality show, America’s Got Talent. Also moving into the V theatre was the Popovich Pet Theatre, which is a charming afternoon show.
Beacher’s Madhouse got the boot from the Joint at the Hard Rock and became Beacher’s Rockhouse at the Imperial Palace…and was never heard from again.
Gordie Brown was given his own theatre inside the Venetian.
The venerable Bottom’s Up made a come back when it reopened at Fitzgerald’s.
Toni Braxton opened at the Flamingo.
Clint Holmes (sadly for his fans) closed his show at Harrah’s, and was replaced by Rita Rudner when she vacated New York, New York.
Redneck Comedy Live…here and gone so fast we’re not even sure anyone noticed.
The legendary Stardust closed.
Prince opened at the Rio.
Steve Wynn poked a hole in his Picasso.
The Producers was set to open at Paris…it never did, but now they have signed David Hasselhoff…and we’re still wondering when it will open.
But that’s not even as bad as Steve Wyrick’s opening of his new theatre/nightclub and show. A year ago, it was stated that it would open soon…and just about every month since then, it was going to be opening really soon. Then there was the firm opening set in August…and then in Sept…and November, and now definitely in mid-Dec…no, late Dec…now it’s absolutely sometime in January…or maybe February.
It is always interesting to look back at an entire year…it is amazing to see the things that you forgot.
The New Year does bring some new changes…
Forever Plaid announced that it will be closing its production on April 1. It is a wonderful show, and it’s a shame that it is leaving…there is, of course, the hope that maybe a Forever Plaid Two could come take its place.
This month is a slower month in the city, but will bring of a lot of things:
The first week has, of course, the First Friday at the Art district downtown. The CES convention is a huge time in the city, which is piggybacked by the Adult Entertainment convention…always interesting to see…
The Rampart Casino presents the highly energetic live comedy game show, BONK in Addison’s Lounge, and admission is free. The show combines an innovative mix of stand up comedy delivered in a game show format, complete with hilarious prizes, props and a professional comedy host. Contestants are challenged to answer trivia questions, unscramble puzzles and perform funny dances. Using a large soft mallet, contestants “BONK” themselves in the head to qualify to answer humorous questions, ranging from simple to challenging.
I Go Shows ( www.Igoshows.com ) is, of course, the place to read the reviews of all of the shows that are in town so that you can be better informed as to what you should expect from a certain production. The reviews are updated as needed to give you the knowledge you need to spend your entertainment dollars better.
Resolve To Play Smarter by Bill Burton
Wow! Another year flies by and now we head into a new year. Each year many of us start by making resolutions to improve ourselves or change some undesired habit. You know the ones I’m talking about. We all have made and broken them year after year. They sound good on New Years Day but most resolutions go out the within a week or two. Some psychologists theorize that the reason this happens is because we don’t have the passion required to give it our full effort in order to make I work. The resolutions and goals that do get achieved are the ones that we enjoy doing and find pleasure in accomplishing. So this year why not just resolve to have more fun doing what you like to do. Since you logged on to this site one of your interests is obviously visiting the casinos and playing casino games.
More here:
http://casinogambling.about.com/od/casinoplayerinformation/a/resolve.htm
Slots: Best of the Show
The Global Gaming Expo offers some remarkable surprises for tomorrow’s slot floor.
by Frank Legato from Casino Player Magazine
The Global Gaming Expo, the casino industry’s major trade show, is always well-documented in our sister publication, Strictly Slots, and this year was no exception. In the November issue of that magazine, I offered a preview of what was being introduced by the major slot manufacturers in the way of new games, which will be rolled out within the next few months.
That was, as always, an objective report of what the slot manufacturers plan to launch on the nation’s casino floors in the coming year. The manufacturers were listed in alphabetical order, and, since it was prepared before the trade show, certain games the manufacturers were keeping secret until the show were not included.
More Here:
http://www.casinoplayer.com/archive/0701cp/slots_best_of_show.htm#Scene_1
CASINO CLUB SPOTLIGHT
Harrah’s Eliminates Joint Accounts
by Jeffrey Compton/Strictly Slots Magazine
As of January 1, Harrah’s will no longer allow couples to have a joint account—all players will have individual accounts and all tier levels and other benefits will be determined based on individual scores. According to Harrah’s management, couples who did attain either Platinum or Diamond level benefits via a joint account in 2006 will both be given the attained level card for 2007 and both can take advantage of that level’s benefits in 2007.
Who does this effect? If you (like many couples I know) have taken Jean Scott’s (and my) advice and already have two individual accounts, then this should not be a big deal. However, if you were frequently both playing on one card (or now plan to because of the change), then you could have a problem depending on how vigorously Harrah’s plans to enforce the “everyone plays on their own card” rule.
More Here:
http://www.strictlyslots.com/archive/0701ss/casino_club_spotlight.htm#Scene_1
Big Event, Big News
WMS Gaming launches a unique online promotion to educate players on its groundbreaking “Monopoly Big Event” video slots
by Frank Legato/Strictly Slots Magazine
When a slot-maker releases a groundbreaking game, thoughts immediately turn to how they are going to get the word out to players. This is particularly true when the game is radically different than just about anything that has been seen previously on the slot floor.
These days, WMS Gaming is creating a lot of these kinds of games. There was last year’s “Powerball,” with its matrix of nine progressive jackpots along with a giant wide-area prize—permitting players to win anywhere from one to all nine stand-alone progressives. This year, it’s “Monopoly Big Event,” which employs a central computer server to enable a common bonus round players on a bank all enter at the same time.
http://www.strictlyslots.com/archive/0701ss/big_event_big_news.htm#Scene_1
Ronn Lucas Performs At The Steve Wryick Entertainment Complex At Desert Passage In The Aladdin/Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Internationally recognized comedian-ventriloquist Ronn Lucas has been entertaining fans worldwide for more than 30 years with his ingenious and original talent. As a stage and TV performer, Lucas is an acclaimed comedian and an expert in the field of ventriloquism. Lucas has put in more than 50,000 hours perfecting his craft. He has been featured on recent national television shows including The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show and Nip-Tuck as well as his own past comedy special Who’s In Charge Here for the Disney Channel. He has been called “The World’s Best Ventriloquist” by The New York Post and the London Times; honored as “Entertainer of the Year,” by Atlantic City Magazine; and has been named the “Ventriloquist of the Year” by the American Society of Ventriloquists.
For more information or tickets call (702) 777-WYRICK
Tickets are: General Admission – Preview price $24.95 or VIP/orchestra – Preview Price $29.95. Taxes and drinks are not included with ticket price.
Show Time: 3 p.m. in the afternoon, dark Fridays
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“FOREVER PLAID” Returns Feb. 6 through April 1, 2007
The original play, “‘FOREVER PLAID’ -A Heavenly Musical Hit!” will return at the Gold Coast on Feb. 6, 2007. The show will close on April 1, 2007.
The story is about four unlikely heroes whose dreams of musical glory come true. It is the kind of off-beat quirky show that keeps people talking and coming back to see the bow-tied, harmonizing young men in plaid attire get a reprieve from death in a car crash for one last shot at the big time.
The harmonizing quartet sing a series of well-loved ‘50s-‘60s songs, and perform comedy antics which includes a Perry Como tribute, Calypso music and a hilarious re-enactment of The Ed Sullivan Show–jam-packed with plate twirlers, jugglers, impersonations and even Topo Gigio all in 3 minutes and 11 seconds.
Since opening at the Gold Coast in Jan. 2005, “Forever Plaid” has been a sensational hit, provoking laughter and tears (sometimes at the same time). Audiences of all ages have adored the ‘50s and’60s music, wholesome story, and never-ending comedic banter of ‘Plaid.’
Prior to opening at the Gold Coast, the Las Vegas production had a successful six-year run at the Flamingo Las Vegas from 1995 to 2001. The long-running off-Broadway revue has given over 4,000 performances in Las Vegas. It is the first “Forever Plaid” production to reach this many performances.
“Forever Plaid” first opened in New York on May 20, 1990, it received unanimous rave reviews and ran for over four years. It has gone on to spectacular worldwide successes. It was written directed and choreographed by Stuart Ross and vocal arrangements by James Raitt.
When it reopens on Feb. 6, 2007, audiences may come to see “Forever Plaid” perform their original show in the Gold Coast Showroom at 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays, with a 3 p.m. matinee on Sundays (dark on Mondays). The show will run through April 1, 2007.
For show information, contact the Gold Coast Showroom at (702) 251-3574, or visit www.goldcoastcasino.com.
Posted on January 12th, 2007 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter
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