It was a big decision. Pretty much the biggest since senior prom.

Who was I going to ask to go with me to the Cher show at the Colosseum?

I had known for weeks that I was going to review Cher, but I was stalling about picking the perfect date.

The day drew near. I had to make a decision. Boss? Colleague? Hot clerk at Whole Foods?

Suddenly it struck me — I would take Cher to see Cher.

More here:
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/may/21/cher-and-cher-alike/

A 7 o’clock shadow colored his strong jaw. Powerful legs and hairy, muscular arms pumped rhythmically as he pushed his way through the masses.

Everything from his buzz cut to rhino-leather skin screamed boxer, bricklayer or Teamster, everything but the calf-length, black chiffon.

Someone who had just stepped off the street and seen this Rocky Graziano clone in an evening gown might have thought:

“Cher must be in town.”

And so is a small army of gays, lesbians and cross-dressers, and an even larger army of straight fans, turning out in droves to see the long-awaited over-the-top and underrehearsed show at the Colosseum.

UFBC contestants flip, spin, throw, balance and catch bottles, drinks, and various bar staples as they compete in one of four divisions: professional, semi-professional, tandem and women’s. The bartenders must qualify in a series of preliminary events during the first two days of the competition to vie for a spot in the finals on the third day. The grand prize winner will be awarded $25,000 cash, a professional flair bar, and a guaranteed seat in the Roadhouse Flair Finals, another world-class, international flair competition in Europe.  Last year’s pro division champ, Christian Delpech, and women’s division champ, Ati Grinspun will be back this year to defend their titles.

In addition to the most technical and precise flair moves, crowd-pleasing performances from previous years’ competition included acrobatics, pyrotechnics, costuming, high-energy music and elaborate choreography.

“UFBC has earned the reputation as the most fiercely competitive flair contest in the world,” said Jim Laughlin, Director of Food and Beverage at Harrah’s Las Vegas. “Each year the performances are more intricate, over-the-top and impressive; it’s an honor to have so much talent at Carnaval Court at one time.”

The event, sponsored by Pepsi, Smirnoff, Corona Light, Southern Comfort and Red Bull,  is the nation's highest paying flair bartending competition and continues to gain popularity among elite flair bartenders.  Their performances are judged on skill and creativity rather than just technical proficiency, allowing each bartender to showcase their talent. A panel of five judges, all seasoned flair bartenders, come from around the globe to crown the UFBC champs.

Including a one-night stay in a luxurious room, two VIP tickets in preferred seating to The Showgirl Must Go On, and two complimentary drinks at the performance, this package is fit for anyone looking to spend the night as though they are in the spotlight.

It’s quarter to three, there’s no one in the place

Except you and me

So set ’em up Joe,

I’ve got a little story I think you should know…

After the losing dice were tossed, a high roller sitting ringside and sipping a drink on the house could empathize with Frank Sinatra's song floating through the darkness of the Copa Room.

The Man, the Chairman of the Board, and his music made magic, helping people forget their troubles.

Those pangs of loss (lost cash or lost love) evaporated in an era when Frank, Dean, Sammy, Peter and Joey came to the Sands, "A Place in the Sun,” on the Las Vegas Strip.

As improbable as this elegant quintet’s launch in the desert seems, the Rat Pack attracted an avalanche of followers around the world in the early 1960s.

More here:
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/may/15/rat-pack-makes-home-las-vegas-strip/

Today’s visitors heading south on the Las Vegas Strip are splashed with glittering enticements that beckon them to see world-class performances and masterful sets, featuring A-list celebrities.

But go back six decades, sweep away the jumbo video boards and electric neon.

Before central air conditioning and eye-catching neon lights, the Las Vegas Strip entertainment scene started in the western-themed El Rancho Vegas, a motor lodge located on Highway 91.

When the El Rancho opened during World War II, it featured a gas station, $5-a-night rooms, a casino, and a swimming pool just 50 feet off the highway. California celebrities flocked to the desert oasis marked by a neon-lit windmill.

More here:
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/may/15/evolution-worlds-entertainment-capital/

When the Osmond clan invades Europe this month, it’s going to look like D-Day.

“There aren’t that many of us,” Jimmy Osmond, 45, says.

Only 70 or so. A small army, to be sure.

The two-month tour of Europe and Asia — which opens Sunday in Belfast, Northern Ireland — is a celebration of 50 years in the limelight for the Osmonds. Most of the family is going — by plane, not by ship.

Donny and Marie (who perform individually and as the sibling duo) will lead the troupe, which includes brothers Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay and Jimmy (who perform as The Osmond Brothers — not to be confused with their children, who perform as The Osmonds Second Generation).

“Getting all of us together is a mess,” Jimmy Osmond says. “Our families have grown since we started 50 years ago.”

More here:
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/may/12/osmonds-osmonds-everywhere/

Flamingo Las Vegas presents special limited dates of legendary Minneapolis funk band, The Time, June 24 - July 5 and July 29 - Aug. 2.  These exclusive performances mark the first time the original band members have performed together in 18 years, following their acclaimed appearance at this year’s Grammy Awards.

The master of cool, Morris Day, will reunite with his original band mates, valet Jerome Benton, drummer Jellybean Johnson, bass player Terry Lewis, guitarist Jesse Johnson and keyboard artists Jimmy Jam and Monte Moir to perform all of their classic hits including, "Jungle Love," "Get it Up," “777-9311,” "The Bird," “Cool” and “The Walk”.

The Time has carved out a unique niche in musical history since their beginnings in Minneapolis with the legendary artist, Prince. The band quickly developed a loyal fan base in the early 1980’s as a result of their distinct sound, energetic vocals, witty lyrics, infectious dance moves and sizzling live shows. In 1984, The Time appeared as Prince’s rivals in the widely popular movie “Purple Rain,” catapulting the group to worldwide fame. From 1981 to 1984, The Time recorded three groundbreaking albums, “The Time”, “What Time Is It?” and “Ice Cream Castle”. These albums forever changed the face of music and put the fun into funk like never before.

                                                                       
In 1990, after several years on hiatus as a group, the original members of the band felt that the timing was right to begin recording again. The result was the album “Pandemonium” which sold over a million copies and contained the #1 hit “Jerk Out”. The reunion; however, was short lived and the group once again went their separate ways. The 18 year hiatus from recording and performing ended when the band was invited to perform on “Music’s Biggest Night”, the 50th annual Grammy Awards telecast.

“In order for us to perform again it had to be all of the original members,” said Jimmy Jam, “Once that was set, it wasn’t a hard decision because it doesn’t get any bigger or better than the Grammys”. 

The spectacular performance, viewed by over 40 million people around the world, included an appearance by Rihanna and featured the classic song, “Jungle Love”.  The show-stopping moment had fans around the world wondering what the band would do next.

“After the Grammys the fan response was so overwhelming we knew we had to do it again” said Jesse Johnson. Jerome Benton added, “But we had to wait for just the right moment and place to perform together again.”

Terry Lewis agrees, “The timing needed to be perfect, the energy needed to be right and the venue needed to be in the center of it all.” And the man himself, Morris Day, sums it up stating, “I figured when Elvis made his long awaited return to the stage he did it in Vegas, so if it was good enough for the king, it’s cool with me!”

Tickets for The Time are on sale now. Showtime is 7:30 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. Ticket prices are $150, $125, $75, and $65 (plus tax and fees).  To purchase tickets, visit the Flamingo Box Office, call (702) 733-3333, (800) 221-7299 or go online to www.flamingolasvegas.com.

Fan Yang's "Gazillion Bubble Show" has wrapped up its afternoon run in magician Steve Wyrick's theater at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. The show's Web site says the last bubble popped on May 11, with wording that suggests finality.

However, theater manager Robyn Spencer says the show is dark for "an indefinite period" and might make it back by year's end, after spending the summer touring overseas.
http://www.lvrj.com/living/19169154.html

Here are the dates and performers for the jazz series: May 28, The Release All Stars; June 4, The Brothers Ali; June 11, Michael Ward; June 18, Gipsy Knights; June 25, national artist Lao Tizer. And if you're not familiar with Calvin Brooks, this jazz guitarist and singer hails from Detroit but has been a Las Vegan since 1999, and has worked with Aretha Franklin and Lou Rawls. All of these jazz musicians are great, so if you get a chance when you're in town, drop by and listen. While you're there, you might even win some money (yeah, right!).

Some big changes taking place downtown at the Four Queens. In a bid to attract gamblers, the casino is offering some new games, like Progressive Fortune Pai Gow Poker. Here's how it works. Players make a standard Pai Gow wager and have the option to bet on the Fortune Bonus wager. Players making at least a $5 Fortune wager qualify for Envy Bonus payouts, which wins whenever someone else at the table receives a four-of-a-kind or higher. The Four Queens is the only downtown casino and one of only two casinos in Las Vegas to offer the progressive version of the game, in which a $1 wager on the Progressive makes the player eligible to win 100 percent of the Progressive Jackpot, which starts at $10,000. Not too shabby.

Other games offered are California Draw Poker where players are dealt four cards with one card dealt face up. The dealer receives five cards but must use the face-up card to solve his/her hand. Players are allowed to discard and draw one new card in order to make the best four-card poker hand. Any four-of-a-kind pays 300 to 1 plus an ante bonus. The Four Queens is the only casino in Las Vegas to offer the game.

If you decide to play World Championship Three Card Poker you could win an entry into a satellite event for a chance at a seat in the $1.2 million World Championship Tournament in December.

And speaking of games, the Rio has launched a new card game called Asia Poker. Based on an ancient Chinese game called "13," Asia Poker combines the elements of the increasingly popular Pai Gow Poker and the speed and excitement of the American game of Heads Up Poker.

To play Asia Poker, each player at the table is dealt seven cards, which the player arranges to make three hands: a one-card hand, a two-card hand and a four-card hand. Each player sets their hands in a ranking order, arranging the cards into a high hand, medium hand and low hand. When setting the three hands, the four-card high hand must be equal to or higher in rank than the two-card medium hand, and the two-card medium hand must be equal to or higher in rank than the one-card low hand.

A player wins if any two of the player's three hands (high, medium or low hand) are higher in rank than any of the dealer's corresponding three hands (high, medium or low hand). If any one of the player's three hands is identical in rank to the corresponding hand of the dealer this is a tie. Ties are also called "copy hands," and the dealer wins all copy hands.

Talk about turning a win on a TV show into a life-changing gig. Terry Fator, winner of NBC's "America's Got Talent," has signed a five-year deal, with an option for an additional five years, to perform at The Mirage. The deal is said to be worth $100 million for this puppeteer with the celebrity impressions. He will replace Danny Gans when Gans moves to Wynn Las Vegas. In fact, the Danny Gans Theatre will be changed to the Terry Fator Theatre. Fator will perform five shows a week beginning in February 2009. Tickets go on sale later this year. In the understatement of the year, Fator said, "This is an unbelievable dream come true."

If your wife/girlfriend is having a birthday soon and you want to impress her, you might want to book a suite at the Bellagio, which has just spent $60 million on a suite redesign. Located in the Bellagio Tower, the dramatic new look of seven suite types — Salone, Bellagio, Cypress, Tower, Penthouse, Lakeview and Grand Lakeview — combines high styling with high-tech amenities. I'm talking beauty, elegance and luxury. Of course, at rates ranging from $450 to $8,000 a night, would you expect anything less? You can reserve one by calling (888) 987-6667 or by going online to www.bellagio.com.

Don't know how 2008 will be, but last year was another good one for Nevada casinos as they reported their highest net income ever — $2.3 billion. And guess where all that money came from? On the down side, the big resorts reported $123 million in bad-debt expenses. They also paid out $2.1 billion in comps to high-rollers.

In the comic video, Adkins is a rhinestone cowboy decked out in his Armani suit, "my custom-made (cowboy) hat, my alligator boots" and tons of bling.

Adkins sings a different tune today for the Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden arena. He wasn't actually nominated for any award.

Neither was the MGM Grand Garden. Or the Mandalay Bay Events Center, honored in the past as the Academy's Casino of the Year.

Larry Ruvo hinted at a Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Rio on Thursday that exploratory talks have been scheduled with a national cable network.

Siegfried & Roy announced in February that they will come out of retirement for one night to help fund the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, which is being built downtown. When completed, it will be a national center for the prevention, early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, ALS and memory disorders.

Lou Ruvo was the longtime owner of the Venetian, a popular now-closed Italian restaurant on Sahara that introduced pizza to Las Vegas, according to Larry Ruvo, Lou's son.

“We are excited to welcome such a rare and endangered predator as the Komodo Dragon to Shark Reef Aquarium,” said Brian Robison, the facility’s Executive Director.  “Guests will have the thrilling experience of being within arm’s length to observe the powerful nature of this fascinating creature.”           

The Komodo Dragon will join an impressive group of animals at Shark Reef Aquarium, a 90,560-square-foot, predator-based aquarium – the only one of its kind in North America.           

Having no known predators in the world, the Komodo Dragon is the most deadly of all lizards.  With just one bite, virulent saliva containing about 50 kinds of bacteria reacts with the prey’s blood. Special enzymes in the saliva prevent blood from clotting, causing the infection to spread and ultimately leading to the death of the prey.             

Komodo Dragons are immune to the saliva properties of other Komodo Dragons.  After particularly brutal battles, scientists have observed Komodo Dragons do not display any ill effect from the saliva-filled bites nor do they demonstrate life-threatening injuries from the deep claw marks.  Because of the unique properties, their blood and saliva are being studied for use in anti-coagulation and antibacterial medications.                 

A relative of the Water Monitor, the Komodo Dragon can reach up to 10 feet in length and can weigh up to 200 pounds.  With a world population of less than 5,000, the largest and heaviest lizard species lives on the Southeast islands of Indonesia, including their primary habitat, Komodo Island.  As part of the conservation effort, 75 Komodo Dragons are in human care at zoos and aquariums throughout North America.             

These facilities, including Shark Reef Aquarium, work to ensure the survival of the species through education, awareness and breeding.  Since its debut in 2000, Shark Reef Aquarium has become a must-see Las Vegas attraction and educational facility, where adults and children alike can enjoy and learn about the more than 2,000 divinely dangerous animals including sharks, crocodiles, sawfish and piranhas. 

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is open daily, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.  

Ticket prices are $15.95 for adults and $10.95 for children; children four and under are free. 

Spring is a very good time to visit Las Vegas because the weather is very comfortable, the pools are open and in the past the casinos have been able to get top dollar for the room rates. This year however the casinos are not filling the rooms due to people cutting back on their recreational spending so they're starting to offer the discounts.

More here:
http://casinogambling.about.com/b/2008/04/18/las-vegas-casinos-offering-deals.htm

When it comes to the most “hilarious” show on the Las Vegas Strip one might think it’s a comedy club. Truth be known it’s “An Evening at La Cage” where the top celebrity female impersonators extraordinaire make light of the superstars.

The majority of the audience is Middle America. The show is PG-13. In a sea of new restaurants, Tommy Bahama – Tropical Café stands out at the new Town Square. The elegant and relaxing atmosphere was designed to pair the shopping and dining experience together. This restaurant is international – from Dubai to Canada they have sprung up throughout the world. The singular island-inspired dishes with tropical libations will draw you in like an oasis during your shopping day for lunch or dinner.  

The new Town Square is what Las Vegas needed to complete the shopping and dining experience and will attract locals and visitors in a well thought-out location
on LV Blvd. S.

The Blue Martini on the 2nd floor at Town Square is another hit drinking establishment although they do serve food. This retro cocktail lounge for the singles crowd or after-work partiers will certainly need taxicabs to shuttle them home after a few too many of about 100 different types of martinis. You can be over 35 and not feel out-of-place in this upscale bar/club. With most martinis priced upwards of $12, you pay for the privilege of mingling with eligible singles in the bar’s sexy surrounds.
It’s busy every night and the “Happy Hour” is from 4-7 p.m. half-price. 

The eateries on South Eastern Avenue are springing up right and left and to think it used to be a long stretch of desert in the ‘70s. The newest is Le Golosita Italian Trattoria (Pizzera-Bakery-Gelato Bar). They even have a take-out menu at 9500 S. Eastern. Besides excellent food and a menu to die for they have partnered with the I’m A Kid Foundation which supports helping children with medically related hair loss. The bakery is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Le Golosita features a pizzeria, bakery and gelateria offering baked-daily and homemade Italian specialties.

Sorry, to hear about the plight of Woldmarim Keba a taxicab driver while waiting in the Bellagio tunnel for a pickup one of five thugs hit him over the head with a beer bottle and he has been out of work since Oct. 18, 2007. Much more security is needed.

Scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2008, striking new decor will offer an
environment that is not only to be seen, but experienced through dynamic designs that will offer guests a home away from home.

From luxury amenities to modern furnishings, the resort’s 2,765 Deluxe and
Tower Deluxe accommodations will reflect an ambiance of contemporary upscale living.

A multi-sensory design will feature a neutral color palette accented with vibrant pops of color, cool metals and warm woods. Fabrics will emphasize texture more than pattern.

Crisp linens will be joined with smooth suedes, silky microfibers and soft cottons.
Custom-made draperies and carpeting will echo the sophisticated decor.
Each Deluxe and Tower Deluxe room will showcase one of four color schemes.
Accommodations with king-sized beds will offer palettes featuring eye-catching accents of deep ruby or citrus-inspired orange while rooms with two queen beds will highlight shades of spicy saffron and bright mulberry.

Attention to detail will be apparent throughout with a special focus on comfort
and ergonomic design. Each room will feature a pillow-top mattress, down comforter,
feather pillows, 42-inch LCD television, iPod/MP3-compatible clock-radio, cordless
phone and office chairs designed to provide maximum support and flexibility. Tucked
away will be cotton robes, an iron, ironing board, hair dryer and private, in-room safe for added convenience.

Upon entering The Mirage’s Deluxe King accommodations, a cool marble foyer
will lead guests to a sleeping area bathed in creamy whites and warm browns. An
inviting bed, draped in soft linens and accented with a crisp top sheet, soft throw and
colorful, furry bolster, will look just as beautiful made up as it will turned down. A
brightly patterned chair-and-a-half also will provide comfortable seating.

Nearby, a curving-wood console will feature dresser drawers and a fully stocked
minibar on one end and a desk equipped with a lamp, dual phone lines and high-speed Internet access on the other. Above, a flat-screen, wall-mounted television will offer easy viewing from any angle. Business travelers will enjoy a dedicated media hub that will allow computers, video iPod/MP3 players and game systems to be displayed on each room’s television.

Deluxe Queen accommodations will continue the theme of contemporary
elegance, but through a richer color palette of cool tans and dark chocolates. Framed by tall, cushioned headboards, each queen bed will be dressed in crisp, white bedding and topped with fluffy comforters, patterned bed scarves and colorful bolsters. Just steps away, a comfy bench under the room’s picture window will provide the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the city sights. Guests who reserve this room also will find a console offering storage drawers, a business desk and minibar.

Tower Deluxe King and Tower Deluxe Queen accommodations will feature the
same amenities as their counterparts along with additional armoire storage in the sleeping area and dual sinks, a well-lit vanity, relaxing spa tub and separate walk-in shower in the bathroom.

The resort’s indulgent suites – Petite, Hospitality, Tower and Penthouse – also
will reflect a modern residential feel with clean lines, vivid color palettes and upgraded
amenities ranging from his and her baths and wet bars to separate living and dining areas.

The Mirage, a AAA Four Diamond Polynesian paradise, opened in November
1989, setting a new standard of hotel excellence for Las Vegas and sparking a
transformation that made Las Vegas one of the world's most popular resort destinations.

Upon entering The Mirage’s Deluxe King accommodations, a cool marble foyer
will lead guests to a sleeping area bathed in creamy whites and warm browns. An
inviting bed, draped in soft linens and accented with a crisp top sheet, soft throw and
colorful, furry bolster, will look just as beautiful made up as it will turned down. A
brightly patterned chair-and-a-half also will provide comfortable seating.

Nearby, a curving-wood console will feature dresser drawers and a fully stocked
minibar on one end and a desk equipped with a lamp, dual phone lines and high-speed Internet access on the other. Above, a flat-screen, wall-mounted television will offer easy viewing from any angle. Business travelers will enjoy a dedicated media hub that will allow computers, video iPod/MP3 players and game systems to be displayed on each room’s television.

Deluxe Queen accommodations will continue the theme of contemporary
elegance, but through a richer color palette of cool tans and dark chocolates. Framed by tall, cushioned headboards, each queen bed will be dressed in crisp, white bedding and topped with fluffy comforters, patterned bed scarves and colorful bolsters. Just steps away, a comfy bench under the room’s picture window will provide the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the city sights. Guests who reserve this room also will find a console offering storage drawers, a business desk and minibar.

Tower Deluxe King and Tower Deluxe Queen accommodations will feature the
same amenities as their counterparts along with additional armoire storage in the sleeping area and dual sinks, a well-lit vanity, relaxing spa tub and separate walk-in shower in the bathroom.

The resort’s indulgent suites – Petite, Hospitality, Tower and Penthouse – also
will reflect a modern residential feel with clean lines, vivid color palettes and upgraded
amenities ranging from his and her baths and wet bars to separate living and dining areas.

The Mirage, a AAA Four Diamond Polynesian paradise, opened in November
1989, setting a new standard of hotel excellence for Las Vegas and sparking a
transformation that made Las Vegas one of the world's most popular resort destinations.

VIDEO AND PHOT GALLERY:
http://www.mirage.com/offers/2008/05_room_remodel/flash.html

The Silverton Casino Lodge has launced a weekly, ladies-only poker tournament Fridays at 9 p.m. Every Friday, a $37 buy-in gets each participant $2,000 in chips and one of 30 seats in the tournament.  Players also have the option to purchase an additional $1,000 in tournament chips for $3 at registration.  Entry is limited to female Discovery Club members only.  Those interested in playing are encouraged to visit Silverton Casino Lodge’s poker room for complete rules and prize structure breakdown.

Silverton Casino Lodge’s Discovery Card membership is free. Members must be at least 21 years of age or older and provide a valid form of ID. For more information, please call (702) 263-7777 or visit www.silvertoncasino.com.

Additionally, the main bonus event occurs when 3 Game of Life icons line up and your attention is turned to the top screen. You then start the spinning dial that selects from 20 options that include free multipliers, free spins or takes you to an extra bonus game.

Further, the game spaces of Take a Break or Choose Your Job will reward you with free games or multipliers while the game space of Business Trip will reward with bonus credits. Some versions provide a random Mystery Magic progressive jackpot. The Game of Life continues and slots player await the next version ‘on board’.
 
2) Hexbreaker 2: IGT. 88-98%.
1-2 spins. If you believe in lucky black cats, then you should test your luck for the big payoff, this slot offers. This game’s reel configuration allowing for 720 ways to win per spin is called MultiWay Xtra with 3 symbols on the outer reels, four symbols on reels 2 and 4 and five symbols on the middle reel. Betting can be as high as 500 credits/spin and your credits will mount when matching three symbols on adjacent reels, left to right. The base game wild symbol appears on all of the three middle reels while 3 or more black cats start 10 free spins that can be re-started during the initial round. There are many ways to ‘break the hex’ and bring on the lucky cats.
 
3) Lightning Sevens: Bally. 87-95%. 1-2 spins.
Bally’s does 7’s better than anyone else and this version is proof. Based on the popular Blazing 7’s, the pay table of blue and mixed 7 combinations will be familiar. At max bet, the blue 7’s pay 2000 coins while 7 mixed combos pay 1000 coins. The difference is the gold 7’s marked with a 7 and 3rd, 2nd or 1st on the third reel that award a progressive jackpot. The wins are as follows: 3rd=$20, 2nd=$100 and 1st=$1000. The simplicity of this game makes for fast play at ‘lightning speed’.

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

“Toxic Audio,” what the heck is that?

It’s one of best small shows in Vegas; and at half the price its just as much fun as The Blue Man Group, moves with just as much energy as Gans or Newton, and delivers just as many laughs as a night out with the Second City comedy troupe.

So, what is it? It’s Voice, and all voice. Not a sound comes from the stage that isn’t produced by someone’s voice. Drums, guitars, sax, bass, and some mysterious musical modulations come out of the mouths and noses of these performers with such amazing clarity you can then understand why the promotional icon is a guy with a microphone for a head.

It’s five singers with no back up band or recorded tracks pumping out “Autumn Leaves” in English, French, German, Korean, Scat, and Pig Latin. Its Paul Sperrazza, a “human beat box,” tearing up the audience like a mix of Jim Carey, Jerry Lewis, and that guy who almost won American Idol last year. It’s also Rene Ruiz, the founder of the group, whose credits include “Forever Plaid,” delivering a unforgettable show to a cheering audience.

Oh and there are 4 other performers making it happen for the audience too; Christine Vienna, Tim Jones, and Heather Friedman, and the “sound guy. The sound guy gets his own song during the show and definitely deserves his own sentence in this review, his name is Shannon Brady. There is no band to coordinate but he’s does a heck of job keeping five very good singers in perfect balance.

You have to like a team of singers who can improv a beat box song about Pat and Debbie Boone and who will play “Jaws” with its audience. As a matter of fact the audience is almost the 6th player in the troop. Four or Five audience members are brought on stage at different times in the 70 minute show, and singers perform in the isles just a frequently.

Toxic Audio is family friendly too, mixing it up with TV themes from “Route 66? and “I Dream of Jeannie,” a better than The Muppets version of “Menomena,” and an eerie but beautiful surround-sound version of “Stand by Me.” They even “put the lime in the coconut” and make hacking and coughing sound lyrical. Some fresh beat box crash brings the kids back in and rounds out a great show built for everyone.

Some of these vocals are tracked on the Toxic Audio “Chemstry” CD along with other fun songs you didn’t hear in the show like “Easter Island Head” and “Paperback Writer,” the old Beatles fave, done the Toxic Audio way. Of course the CD is available after the show to those of us who didn’t get a free one for taking part in the performance.

It’s hard not to give a standing ovation to a show that already has you on your feet clapping and cheering. “Toxic?” No, I would much rather rate it “addictive.” I’m going back to see it again.
http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com/toxic-audio-explained-its-voice-and-all-voice/2008/04/26/

MAMMA MIA! sets the precedent for musicals in Las Vegas, as no other full-length Broadway show has ever enjoyed such enduring success on The Strip.  Based on the songs of ABBA, this smash hit musical continues to be adored by locals and tourists alike.

Since the show premiered in February 2003…

MAMMA MIA! has used 600 yards of spandex and more than 150,000 sequins to create costumes for The Dynamos

3,170 light bulbs have been replaced in the uniquely raked stage since production first began – more than likely due to damage caused by the disco-era platforms of The Dynamos

The show’s signature song, “Mamma Mia,” has been sung more than 4,600 times over the lifetime of the show

Seen by over 30 million people worldwide, and with three companies currently playing in North America, MAMMA MIA! has more productions playing around the world than any other current Broadway musical. The phenomenon that Liz Smith calls “The most popular musical in the world!,” has surpassed a gross of $2 Billion in worldwide box office sales.

2. Steak Dinner - Ellis Island - 24 hours - $6.95
The complete steak dinner at Ellis Island is the best-value meal deal in a city full of good-value meal deals. It’s a 10-ounce filet-cut sirloin, which comes with salad, garlic green beans, choice of potato, and fresh microbrewed beer, all for $6.95. You can’t beat that with a stick.

3. Breakfast Special - 4 Locations - Midnight-11 am - $1.49
This $1.49 breakfast special is served from midnight to 11 am at the newly designated “Wild” Station casinos (Wild Wild West, Wildfire, Gold Rush, and Magic Star). At $1.49 for two eggs, two bacon or sausage, hash browns, and toast, it’s the best breakfast we’ve seen hereabouts in a long time.

4. Sign-Up Promotion - Hooters - Daily - Free
The Hooters promotion for signing up for the players club includes $100 in “free play”; this is a long shot, but worth the attempt. The big draws of the sign-up package, however, are a $25 matchplay and a free ticket to Bobby Slayton, for some raunchy but very funny comedy.

5. Hot Dog - Suncoast - 24 hours - 75¢
One of two great 75¢ dogs (the other is at South Point) served from a cart in the sports book. Add onions and kraut for no additional charge. The cart operates daily throughout the afternoon.

6. Magic Show - Greek Isles - Nightly - Free-$19.95
The World’s Greatest Magic Show at the Greek Isles is conducting a grand experiment, reducing the ticket price from $56 to $19.95. And that’s not the half of it: Each day the first 100 tickets are “free” (except for a $2 handling charge) and you don’t even have to go to the box office or put up a credit card over the phone to get them. If the first 100 haven’t been grabbed up when you call, you get the $3 tickets (up to four). Also, kids under 12 are free.

7. Buffet - Mirage - Daily - $13.95-$24.95
The Mirage Cravings buffet is convenient at center Strip, has better hours than most (opening for dinner at 3 pm), and features an expansive choice of gourmet offerings. Tour the large selection first to take in the variety: a half-dozen soups; dim sum, sushi, Chinese appetizers, and salads at the Asian station; antipasto bar; barbecue station; bagel fixin’s; made-to-order salads, extensive desserts; and more. The Mirage is the best-value gourmet superbuffet, with the highest quality and lowest prices, among Las Vegas’ best spreads.

8. The Comedy Stop - Tropicana - Daily - $19.95
The Comedy Stop has been at the Tropicana since 1990. The classic 300-seat showroom has a cool old-time feel to it, all the way down to the surviving maitre ‘d seating system, so $5 a head will probably get you up close (if you want to be in a comedian’s sights). Be forewarned: The comedy tends to be blue, if not just plain raunchy. Don’t go if you’re offended by language or non-politically correct subject matter. The three-comedian show and a drink cost $19.95, with no add-ons. And if you use the coupon that’s easy to find in many of the freebie mags, it’s only $14.95. Beers are $4.50.

9. Fontana Bar - Bellagio - Daily - $6
The Fontana Lounge at Bellagio is, perhaps, the greatest bargain-entertainment play at center Strip, if not along the entire Great Neon Way. It’s in the middle of one of the swankiest joints in town. The lounge surroundings are plush. The views (of the fountains) are spectacular. The entertainment is always top notch. And—get this—it’s a one-drink minimum to sit there for the evening, with the least expensive drinks in the $6 range. What a deal!

10. Prime Rib Special - Hard Rock - 4 pm-4 am - $9.99
The Hard Rock’s $9.99 all-you-can-eat prime rib special in Mr. Lucky’s coffee shop begins with a 13-ounce slice of prime rib cooked to order, plus a choice of soup or salad, baked potato, and veggies. If you’re still hungry, you can order additional slices served in six-ounce portions for as long as you can finish ‘em.
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