The winner has been identified as 38-year-old Rachael Renee Romanick who was playing at Terrible’s Rail City casino when she hit the jackpot.

"I really owe it to my friend," Romanick said. "I wanted to stay home, but he wanted to gamble at Rail City and convinced me to join him. I said to myself, 'Why not? If you're gonna win big, you have to play big and take a chance.'"

Romanick, who has four daughters, had been playing for only about 10 minutes when she hit the jackpot and initially had no idea she won.

"I had to ask someone if this was for real," she said. "I kind of froze because this was so unexpected."

Reno-based gaming supply company International Game Technology is the maker of the Megabucks product line, which launched in 1986.

This is easily one of the best and most exciting Promotions in town. Simple to play and win. Every day you get 1 ticket just for being a member of the player’s club and you can get 1 additional ticket after 40 minutes of play on your favorite slot or table game and you must earn a minimum of $1 in Reward Dollars in the same day. Every Thursday night at 7:30 in the Space Quest Casino, we draw 5 winners who each have a chance to win between $1,000 and $5,000….and if you are lucky enough to land on one of the $1,000 bonus round spots on the wheel, you get to play a bonus game, Drop & Win, where you can win more cash and prizes! I invite you to come down and join us on Thursdays. I hope to see you there.

BLT BURGER
The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 792-7888

A inhospitable hostess notwithstanding, BLT Burger was a lot of fun and a lot of good food. The fried dill pickles were flavor-packed and so light as to be almost pickles tempura, and we also found the macaroni and cheese bites, regulation burger (with blue cheese added), a lamb tandoori burger and toffee milk shake all worthy of a fine American tradition and the reputation of the French chef — Laurent Tourondel — who's given his name to the place. (12/19/08)

Overall: A- $$

THE CRACKED EGG
7660 W. Cheyenne Ave. (also at 6435 S. Rainbow Blvd., 5570 Painted Mirage and 100 N. Green Valley Parkway); 395-7981

The Cracked Egg lived up to its reputation as a great little breakfast place, serving such creations as an amazing banana-topped and macadamia-and-coconut-crusted French toast and a truly well-crafted Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet, both of which were much more than the sum of their parts. And the homemade coffee cake is worth the trip alone. (3/30/09)

Overall: A $

HOUSE OF BLUES
Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 632-7605

Who knew that a themed chain restaurant in a casino would have such good Creole/Cajun food — and not least because it's the only game in town? Worthy Big Easy renditions at House of Blues included gumbo and Delta Red Beans and Rice with Andouille Sausage, and we also liked the waffle-cut Gorgonzola fries, baby-back ribs and Key lime pie. (6/6/08)

Overall: A- $$$

MARTINIS
1205 S. Fort Apache Road; 242-8464

All was not perfect at Martini's (mainly because of some minor service glitches), but when dinner starts out with an amuse-bouche, you know the place is not your average poker bar. A starter of prawns wrapped in bacon was pretty decent, and we loved the mixed-berry salad and lamb chops. And if you're so inclined, don't overlook the restaurant's list of signature offerings; while the definition of martini has broadened greatly, we couldn't argue with the pear martini or the Pisco Sour. (8/8/08)

Quick thoughts about "Peepshow," which has opened for previews at Planet Hollywood. I caught one such performance last night:

The adult-themed show uses the tease to great effect — most of the dance numbers use a now-you-see ’em, now-you-don’t approach to up-top nudity. The naughty parts are alternately concealed by hands, pompoms and paint, and flashed ever so briefly. The staging is ambitious — expect a giant pumpkin, a huge plastic case filled with what seems to be milk and what is certainly a trio of dancers pressing their bodies against the sides. Kelly Monaco and a male dancer (the show gives as much attention to heterosexual women and gay men as to straight males) cavort in, around and atop a bathtub, with the male dipping high above while wrapped in a long cord. Late in the show, one dancer performs in a giant metal sphere above the stage; you have to look closely to know there is actually a person inside that prop. The theater, formerly home to "Stomp Out Loud," has been fairly stripped bare of that show's artifacts, which made the venue seem like a very large garage sale (they should call this one "Hump Out Loud.") Three audience members are invited onstage to help poor Kelly find a suitable suitor; the lucky fella, whom we might call Peter Plant, winds up stripped to his boxers (at least, I expect they are his) and strapped to a bed as Monaco spills pink paint over his body (later, Monaco exposes her upper half, to show pink-painted handprints across her chest). Monaco and Mel “Scary Spice” Brown are both sizzling, Monaco usually clad in a light-blue negligee number and Brown in a black-and-red bustier. Brown is really digging this gig, you can tell. The music is live, and the humor sharp. At the end, Mel B demands, “Good night, everybody, thanks for coming, now go home and get laid!” Even after the show, Mel B is running the show. Fun stuff.
http://lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2009/apr/12/quick-peek-grown–fun-peep-show/

With its new, rapidly evolving concert venue, the Hard Rock Hotel is evoking memories of The Joint. Hotel officials have named the new place The Joint, for starters. Not “Joint II” or “The Next Joint” or “Son of Joint,” but simply The Joint. Same as the old place, which has a familiar title that is both apt and cool.

Considering a name change was a conversation that was “short,” Paul Davis said today during a tour of the new Joint. Davis, the vice president of entertainment at the Hard Rock Hotel, said stoking the Joint’s embers is important, even as the new space is markedly improved. “There is a lot of equity in that brand,” Davis said, and if you sub “money” for “equity,” it makes sense. Davis said he’s attempting to instill “the vibe, even the smell,” of the old Joint into the 2009 model, and how he expects to revive the fragrance of sweat mixed with Drakkar Noir with a splash of stale Corona is anyone’s guess.

“Freaks” is the little show that could.

Could make you watch most of it with your hands over your eyes.

Could force you to scream Uggggggh! Blecccccch! And, most often, NooooOOO!

Could make you throw up in your mouth a little.

The precisely titled, bite-sized sideshow revue, which just opened in the second-floor showroom at O’Sheas, is bringing a bit of Coney Island, Tijuana, and even Bangkok to the Las Vegas Strip.

More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/apr/06/carnie-show-strip-overdose-gross/

It’s set to be another monumental moment in rock history: At 4 p.m. this afternoon, guitar great and music legend Carlos Santana cuts the red ribbon of his new residency. He joins Mayor Oscar Goodman, Hard Rock Hotel President Randy Kwasniewski and AEG Live/Concerts West President John Meglen to officially open The Joint concert venue.

Click HERE for our story and tour from last Friday.

Tomorrow, hometown heroes The Killers move right in for two days of rehearsals before their premiere show Friday with special guest Wild Light. Then Avenged Sevenfold with guests Atreyu and Rev Theory perform Saturday, with Paul McCartney hitting the stage Sunday with a requested standing-room-only show for 4,000. It all ensures a triple-headliner lineup for the entire weekend with some of the music industry’s biggest acts.

Bon Jovi plays The Joint on April 24, followed by Kenney Chesney on April 25. The Antonio Tarver fight against Chad Dawson is set for May 9, and then Carlos kicks off his residency May 27 with Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits.

Vegas DeLuxe will have the photo report of today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony tomorrow.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/robin-leachs-las-vegas-celebrity-watch/2009/apr/14/carlos-santana-officially-opens-joint-hard-rock-to/

She is confident, authoritative, sexy and playful as she steps into the lead role of Peep Diva in Vegas' newest production, Peepshow at Planet Hollywood Resort. Yes, former Spice Girl Mel B knows a thing or two about female empowerment. She may have shed the Scary Spice image for her latest role, but the characteristics of her pop superstardom remain. "My part is great!" she said. "My character gets to be demanding and commanding and I get to have fun with the audience and cast members." As the mistress of ceremonies, Peep Diva guides the timid Bo Peep, played by General Hospital actress and Dancing With the Stars winner Kelly Monaco, through a world of fantasy and intrigue. "I think a lot of women can relate to Bo," Monaco said. "She's got all the right tools. It's all there; she just needs to know how to use them. She hasn't found love, she's kind of depressed, but if she looks inside a little bit, she can be a really fierce, great woman."

Peepshow is the brainchild of Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell, whose past enterprises include the Broadway version of Legally Blonde. The adults-only show takes audiences on a journey through familiar fairy tales, but these aren't grandma's innocent nursery rhymes; they're fairy tales on aphrodisiacs. Guided by Peep Diva, Bo Peep is taken into the world of Peepshow, where characters like Goldie, Lady Cross, Pumpkin Eater and Mother G show her how to master her sexuality and harness her inner power. Each step through this phantasmal world gets Bo Peep one step closer to love.

Peepshow features 25 titillating dancers and singers from the worlds of film, television and Broadway. Songs by Christina Aguilera, Aerosmith and Michael Bublé are performed live by a smoking-hot, all-female band. Even the theater plays a role in the show as famed designer David Rockwell creates a provocative and sexy cabaret-style environment. Tony Award-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes puts needle to thread to create some of the most original and sumptuously sexy outfits.

"This is a classy, premier night out on the town in Las Vegas," said Keltie Colleen, who plays Lil' P. And male vocalist Josh Strickland said, "Nobody has ever seen anything quite like this. This show is definitely going to surprise people in this town."

Combining Broadway-caliber dance numbers that exude sex appeal with phenomenal musical performances and wrapping it all up in a story line that promotes liberation, power and passion, Peepshow is a bold journey through fantasy and reality.

"I want people to be excited, turned on, to feel sexy about themselves and the girls dancing…," co-choreographer Nick Kenkel said. "(To) see beautiful women in beautiful moves and beautiful dancing but also leave with the story of a woman's journey."
http://lvshowbiz.com/

By: Nina King/Las Vegas Magazine

When he began playing piano, Wladziu "Walter" Valentino Liberace was just a small boy, but by the end of his life, he had earned not only millions and millions of dollars but also the adulation of millions of fans. Those fans had watched as Liberace went from a nightclub pianist in Wisconsin to headliner at many major Nevada resorts, building his reputation as Mr. Showmanship with concert stages studded with bling-covered cars, presided over by the bling-covered pianist.

With his riches, Liberace bought many homes, but the home that may have the most lasting impact is the Liberace Museum. Established in 1979, the museum houses many of Liberace's over-the-top stage costumes, a fabulous mirror-covered car and an array of gorgeous pianos, some used onstage and some from his private collection. Along with the museum, he began the Liberace Foundation, which helps support musical students with its grants to Liberace scholars. The program has awarded $5.2 million to 2,500 college students across the nation. Proceeds from museum admissions help continue Liberace's vision.

Of course, Liberace didn't confine his bling solely to Las Vegas. His '50s syndicated TV show, The Liberace Show, drew 30 million viewers a week. He branched out into movie appearances, owned retail outlets, had numerous commercial endorsements and even played for presidents and royalty. In fact, much of his costume jewelry was presented to him by celebrities, including an amethyst ring given by Queen Elizabeth II. And as he grew older his fans couldn't wait for signature events, such as his shows at Radio City Music Hall in 1984, 1985 and 1986, which broke sales and attendance records at the venue.

The Liberace Museum, itself, has had visits from tons of fans, both regular Joes and celebrities, from Liberace favorite Debbie Reynolds to Bette Midler, Nic Cage, Marg Helgenberger, Michael Jackson and Charo.

Yes, Liberace built an empire, but what he left behind when the notes faded from the air will likely resonate many more decades.

On April 15, the Liberace Museum holds its gala 30th anniversary celebration at the museum with a day chock-full of fun. Admission on the 15th is 30 cents from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., and performances by Liberace scholars occur throughout the day. Pianist Philip Fortenberry, currently with Jersey Boys, presents Liberace and Me at 1 p.m. A Special 30th Anniversary Exhibit, highlighting milestones of the past 30 years and of Liberace's career, opens and will remain on display through May 30. From 5-6 p.m., various celebrities arrive for Liberace Through the Years – The Friends and the Music, and the public is welcome to view the red-carpet event. Tickets for the Liberace Foundation benefit performance, which features Rhinestone Chairs Lorraine Hunt-Bono and Dennis Bono, Jersey Boys' Keith Thompson, Fortenberry, Erich Bergen and others from the entertainment scene, are available by calling 702.798.5595, ext. 14.
http://lvshowbiz.com/

By: Penny Levin/Las Vegas Magazine

Comic-hypnotist Anthony Cools' show might be the "coolest" experience on the Las Vegas Strip. The "uncensored hypnotist" pushes the envelope when volunteers from his audience participate in fun-filled mayhem while under his spell. It's all legit, and Cools notes he has ways of checking to make sure his subjects aren't faking being hypnotized.

The naughty entertainer devises risqué routines for his subjects to perform. Grinning, he explained, "There is no nudity, and everyone is always safe."

Cools playfully described the show as "Almost X – OK, heavy R – make that not for anyone under 18 years old."

While all the shows tend to be different, there are two bits that are signature ones for Cools. The "Do you want to be a porn star?" segment and his "orgasmic" handshakes at the end of the show are alone worth the price of the ticket.

Cools confirms he brings out the outrageous in himself and others as he cavorts onstage with willing volunteers.
http://lvshowbiz.com/feature4.html

On this dark day back in 1912, it took just 2 hours and 40 minutes for the Titanic to sink. The ship had been built and billed as “unsinkable” — until the unthinkable happened and it hit an iceberg. Some 1,500 passengers perished in the maritime tragedy that still fascinates 97 years later.

Is it just coincidence that April 15 also has become a day of sinking for taxpayers?

Today, to commemorate the anniversary, visitors to the Luxor and guests will lay flowers at the Memorial Wall. The names of all 2,200 passengers and crew are listed, and the laying of flowers will be in memory of them at the Titanic artifacts exhibition there.

I’ve walked the tour, and it’s an extraordinary, almost chilling feeling to stroll the decks, touch an iceberg and live out the life onboard that led to the experiences that unfolded. Click HERE for our Vegas DeLuxe story when the exhibit opened at Christmas.

There are 20 never-before-seen authentic artifacts on display, including gaming chips, passenger personal papers and re-creations of the cabins, staterooms and the grand staircase. I heartily recommend you see this unique and unusual exhibition.
http://www.vegasdeluxe.com/blogs/luxe-life/2009/apr/15/photo-gallery-luxor-commemorates-97th-anniversary-/

Every gambler has his or her superstitions: the lucky turtleneck, the lucky seat, the lucky card-keep. Many roulette players have certain rituals pertaining to when they place their final bet. Most craps players believe the outcome of each roll depends on how a croupier sets the dice. Slot players are no exception to this rule. Many of us have our favorite machines, our favorite chairs, even our favorite sections of each particular casino. Once we set up shop near our Number 1 slot, we have superstitions, too. Here are 10 of the most common.

More here:
http://casinoplayer.com/archive/March2009ss/behind-the-reels.htm

For years, I’ve heard stories about the Boulder Dam Hotel being haunted. Objects appearing and disappearing in thin air. Chilling noises echoing through the halls. No disembodied heads or redrum-inscribed walls (to my knowledge), but enough clues to make it a logical place to begin my quest.

According to the book “The Secret Life of the Boulder Dam Hotel,” by Dennis McBride, “There have been reports of spirit activity at the Boulder Dam Hotel for years.” Especially in the basement. So, when my wife makes our reservation (for Friday, March 13, of all dates), she casually mentions the ghost thing.

LOU'S DINER
415 S. Decatur Blvd.; 870-1876

Lou's is the kind of diner you seldom find anymore — which is to say a good one. It's clean and neat and the service is prompt and best of all the old-fashioned breakfast favorites are great. We liked the Country Combo, which was eggs, sausage and sausage gravy atop a split biscuit, eggy-edged sourdough French toast with a side of bacon, and a bacon cheeseburger. And a homemade cinnamon roll was nothing short of amazing. (8/18/08)
Overall: A $

RAO'S
Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (877) 346-4642

We had to reserve well in advance to dine at Rao's; in keeping with the New York original, this is a tough table. Was it worth it? For the most part, yes. Clams oregonata had been overbrowned, but we liked the Insalata Caprese, fettucine alla Bolognese, Uncle Vincent's Famous Lemon Chicken and ricotta cheesecake. (6/1/07)

Overall: B $$$

SETTEBELLO
140 S. Green Valley Parkway, Henderson; 222-3556

When your pizza earns the approval of the Italian government you have to be doing something right, and Settebello seems to be doing everything right. Highly recommended: the Insalata and Caprese salads, Quattro Stagioni and Capricciosa pizzas and some of the most reasonable (and nice) Italian wines in town. (1/11/08)

Overall: A $$

THE CAPITAL GRILLE
Fashion Show Mall, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 932-6631

The Capital Grille is the kind of steakhouse they're not building much of anymore, but contemporary touches help this old-school-style spot feel like anything but a throwback. Onion soup and a dry-aged steak au poivre with Coirvoisier cream were both excellent but on the salty side; also excellent (but not too salty) were the prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella, creamed spinach and roasted chicken. (12/12/08)

This truly is a weekend of fun and festivities that can hardly be believed — all astounding and incredible. Vegas DeLuxe has it all covered from the opening of The Joint with The Killers and Paul McCartney at the Hard Rock Hotel to the official premiere of Peepshow to the Miss USA 2009 Pageant to Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie, all at Planet Hollywood.

It’s also the weekend the pools open with Mandy Moore at Tao Beach in The Venetian, The Hills star Lauren Conrad at MGM’s Wet Republic and Snoop Dogg at Rehab in the Hard Rock.

More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/robin-leachs-las-vegas-celebrity-watch/2009/apr/17/las-vegas-hosts-galaxy-stars/

Located steps away from Mandalay Bay Beach, the Beachside Casino offers three-stories of superior indulgence in a climate-controlled environment.  On the first level, beach-goers may dine at the open-air Beach Bar & Grill.  The second floor features blackjack, roulette and craps with fabulous views of the brilliant blue water in a casual setting.  The third level contains five Villas Soleil with spectacular views of the entire Mandalay Bay Beach.  Ranging in size from 250 to 500 square feet, each contemporarily designed villa accommodates up to 16 guests with cabana service and access to a private, third-level pool.

Set amidst Mandalay Bay Beach is Moorea Beach Club, an upscale, European-style pool experience.  Catering to Mandalay Bay guests and non-hotel guests 21 years of age or older, this exclusive outdoor environment features dipping pools, cushioned chaise lounges, comfortable daybeds and a private pavilion.

Poolside spa treatments also are available, including cold stone massage and skin-soothing “body shots” of lotion.

The May through September Beach Concert Series spotlights some of the best names in music as guests are serenaded from a one-of-a-kind stage above the water of Mandalay Bay Beach.  Concert-goers are invited to bring their blankets and sit on the beach or wade in the surf as they listen to popular performers.  Featured artists have included Cheap Trick, Ringo Starr and the All Starr Band, Styx, REO Speedwagon, The Beach Boys and Hall & Oates.

Moorea Beach Club is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. You must be 21 or older to use the facility.

Pamper Yourself At Bare
Another adults-only pool can be found at The Mirage where its Bare pool offers the ultimate in poolside pampering. Bare is defined by two saltwater luxury dipping pools, distinctive ambiance and ultra VIP service.  When they say VIP they mean it. Last summer Bare pool hosted celebrity birthday parties for pop sensation Fergie and filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, live evening concerts by Slash and saw visits from stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Britney Spears.

Throughout the season locals are invited to come play every Thursday for Asset Thursdays, the weekly party for hospitality and nightlife industry members to unwind.  Every Sunday, Bare pool will host a backyard barbecue with complimentary grilled fare for locals.

Bare offers two saltwater luxury dipping pools, and DJ-spun music mix as guests enjoy European-style sun bathing secluded by towering palms. As well as private Daybeds and Cabanas on the main level, there is a raised VIP section overlooking the entire experience and is lined with umbrella-covered Daybeds and features a glass infinity-edged pool. European-style bottle service and exclusive pitcher service is offered with made-to-order cocktails such as Mojitos, Bloody Marys and any of the signature cocktails. Classic and specialty frozen drinks are available, including the “Sunsplash” a refreshing mix of Belvedere vodka, fresh mint leaves, strawberries and lime. Bare also serves a full lunch menu and gourmet snack options include light salads, newly added sushi rolls, paninis and personal pizzas.

Bare is available for private events seven nights a week for groups up to 550 people.  A newly installed glass pool cover instantly transforms Bare’s pool into a see-through dance floor.

Beginning May 1, Bare will be open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission charge Monday through Thursday: $10 for women, $20 for men.  Friday, Saturday and Sunday: $20 for women and $40 for men. Local ladies are always complimentary with valid ID; all other locals are complimentary Sunday through Thursday with valid ID.  You must be 21 or older.

Dive Into Daydream
There’s a new pool in town and it’s not taking a back seat to any of the “big boys”. Daydream, a pool club at M Resort is providing a way of leisure for locals, mixing rock star chic amenities with high-end resort elegance. No more heading all the way to The Strip or worrying about parking, with the ease of parking valet or in the west lot of M Resort, guests can park close and saunter straight through the Salon & Spa floor to find a secluded area that is home to Daydream. The more than 12,000-square-foot space features an adult’s playground including cabanas, daybeds, lounging areas, an ice-railed bar and of course, an infinity-edge pool so guests can float the day away.

The main pool deck showcases 10 VIP cabanas each stocked with water, soda and a celebratory bottle of champagne. Guests with cabana service also receive a fruit and cheese platter and enjoy amenities such as cold towels, an iPod docking station, a safe, television, free WI-FI access, ceiling fans and in-cabana massages (massages available at an additional cost).

Multiple daybeds can also be found on the main pool deck in the middle of all of the action and the north deck features a hot tub and DJ platform which can also serve as a stage for special performances. The south deck features a bar with more than 60 feet of ice-railed counters, a luxurious way to keep cool while grabbing a fresh fruit cocktail and a lounge area for guests looking to mingle.

All guests receive fresh fruit throughout the day, spa beverages such as cucumber and lemon infused waters and cool treats including frozen grapes. Pool attendants are stocked with sunglass shammies and repair kits, ensuring a messy application of sunscreen doesn’t hinder your sight of the beautiful, lush scenery surrounding Daydream. And for all of you who MUST have it wherever you go, WI-FI access is available throughout Daydream.

As for entertainment, headline concerts, themed pool parties, festivals and other special events will be offered at the Daydream Pool Club and Entertainment Piazza.

Daydream is open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Admission price varies depending on events. On Mondays and Thursdays Daydream hosts industry days with special events and other offerings for those working hard to serve the city.

So there you have it. For those of you who couldn’t care less about swimming pools, I imagine my last column and this one bored you to death. But for the thousands who do enjoy them, I hope it gave you a little more information than you had about some of our premier pools here.

Ooh La La
I don’t know how many of you have seen Crazy Horse Paris at the MGM Grand, but since its opening here in 2001, it has played to thousands of people, and if they were like me, gave the show two thumbs up. The original Crazy Horse in Paris debuted in 1951 and since then, this French cabaret show both there and here has never had an American in its cast. Until now.

The newest member is Las Vegan Kristal D’Arc (her stage name) whose sophistication and poise dancing in the show has caught the attention of a lot of people. I talked to Kristal the other day to find out a little more about this talented, attractive tall blonde.

She started off by telling me that her mom was a dancer with the famed Radio City Rockettes, so Kristal got involved in dance at a young age. “I learned all types of dance — from jazz to contemporary– and along the way I realized that I loved being onstage and performing. Since then it has been my dream and passion.”

It didn’t take long for Kristal to follow in her mom’s footsteps, becoming a Rockette herself. “I did that for several years as well as working cruise ships throughout Europe. It was while I was in Europe that our ship was drydocked for a week because of an engine problem, so a few of us went to Paris and saw the show, Crazy Horse Paris and I loved it.”

However, a year later, in 2003, Kristal tore her Achilles tendon and was sidelined for a year and a half. “I decided that would be a good time to go back to school to get a degree, so I moved to Las Vegas and attended UNLV because if its hotel program. I’m proud to say I got my degree in hotel administration and graduated in the top five percent of my class.”

Shortly after graduation Kristal began working for an event company where a friend told her that the Crazy Horse Paris show here was having auditions. “It blew my mind and I knew I had to go for it even though I hadn’t danced in four years. But I guess I still had what it takes as I auditioned with about 50 other girls and got the job. Six months later I was onstage with the show.”

In the three months she’s been part of the cast, Kristal says she loves the show “because it’s the only show to let its dancers have solos and I’ve already had one. It’s amazing being on stage performing by yourself and have every person in the audience watching just you.”

But Kristal is also very realistic. “A dancer’s career is usually a short one. We don’t have the body at 45 that we had at 25. I want to make the most of it while I can and after that either teach dance or go into the hotel field and see where that takes me. I need to have something to fall back on after my dance career ends, but for now, I’m enjoying and loving every minute of it.”

If you’re wondering exactly what kind of show Crazy Horse Paris is, it is described as follows: “Crazy Horse shows rely on raw body talent and beauty rather than technology and combine sensuous choreography with various luminary and projection effects to create a moving canvas of skin, where reflections and images meet in a kaleidoscope of colors and textured designs.” Need I say more?

Crazy Horse Paris performs nightly at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., dark Tuesdays.  You must be 18 or older to attend. Tickets are $50.50 (limited seating) and $60.50 including tax and fees and can be purchased at MGM Grand ticketing outlets, by phone at (702) 891-7777 or online at www.mgmgrand.com. The show will be dark Tuesday, June 9 through Tuesday, June 23 and is set to return on Wednesday, June 24.

Betting Gets Better At M Resort
M Resort Spa Casino became the first U.S. casino to offer ‘in-running’ betting – wagering on live sporting events before and throughout the event – at its state-of-the-art Race and Sports Book.

Anthony Marnell III, the resort‘s chairman and CEO, said, “You used to have to place your bets before the game started. Once the game got underway, all bets were off and you were sitting hoping your team pulled through for you, Now, with in-running betting, you can watch the game on TV, while sitting in our Race and Sports Book, and update your bets in direct response to what happens during the game – totally immersed in the action of the game. It’s fast-moving and continuously exciting.”

The M Resort will offer in-running bets for select games, including tonight’s college hoops final and continuing with MLB and football. Initially, in-running bets can be made on the total points of the game, the spread or the money line. As bettors begin to utilize and understand in-running, more options will be added so bets can also be made on proposition-type wagers such as the number of free-throws scored during the game, the next team to score a touchdown, or whether the next pitch will be a strike and more.

Bettors can make educated decisions about how the game is shaping up and actually hedge their bets based on the action. Imagine being able to take the over in the third quarter, or bet the total points with minutes left in the fourth quarter. Or betting whether the next batter will strike out or the next pass will be a touchdown.
You will need to have an account to utilize in-running bets and can sign up inside the M’s Race and Sports Book. The Race and Sports Book will also have extra betting tablets, roughly the size of a notebook, for guests to check out and carry with them anywhere in the sports book.

Marnell added:  “With in-running betting you are always in the game. You’re never out and never late coming to a game. Everything is done in real time and you can see the points, spread and money line fluctuate as the game goes on.”

Sounds good to me. Now all I have to do is pick some winners. Yeah, right.
http://www.lennyslasvegas.com

Peepshow is the brainchild of Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell, whose past enterprises include the Broadway version of Legally Blonde. The adults-only show takes audiences on a journey through familiar fairy tales, but these aren't grandma's innocent nursery rhymes; they're fairy tales on aphrodisiacs. Guided by Peep Diva, Bo Peep is taken into the world of Peepshow, where characters like Goldie, Lady Cross, Pumpkin Eater and Mother G show her how to master her sexuality and harness her inner power. Each step through this phantasmal world gets Bo Peep one step closer to love.

Peepshow features 25 titillating dancers and singers from the worlds of film, television and Broadway. Songs by Christina Aguilera, Aerosmith and Michael Bublé are performed live by a smoking-hot, all-female band. Even the theater plays a role in the show as famed designer David Rockwell creates a provocative and sexy cabaret-style environment. Tony Award-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes puts needle to thread to create some of the most original and sumptuously sexy outfits.

"This is a classy, premier night out on the town in Las Vegas," said Keltie Colleen, who plays Lil' P. And male vocalist Josh Strickland said, "Nobody has ever seen anything quite like this. This show is definitely going to surprise people in this town."

Combining Broadway-caliber dance numbers that exude sex appeal with phenomenal musical performances and wrapping it all up in a story line that promotes liberation, power and passion, Peepshow is a bold journey through fantasy and reality.

"I want people to be excited, turned on, to feel sexy about themselves and the girls dancing…," co-choreographer Nick Kenkel said. "(To) see beautiful women in beautiful moves and beautiful dancing but also leave with the story of a woman's journey."
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Emmy Award-winning writer and comedian John Padon is at the helm of "Sin City Comedy" after headlining around the world and anchoring numerous Las Vegas productions including "X" and "The History of Sex."

Burlesque has had a hand in comedy since its beginnings in the 1840s when scantily clad ladies regaled audiences with bawdy jokes. "Sin City Comedy" returns audiences to that era but with a contemporary twist with two burlesque girls who sing, dance and perform aerials over the audience.