The Front Page

The Music Of The Night To End At Venetian.
From: www.vegaschatter.com



Phantom of the Opera announced the end to the music of the night at Venetian. The curtain will drop for the last time on September 2 "after more than six years and 2,700 performances."

That's on top of the recent loss of the Jersey Boys (technically, from next door at Palazzo) to the Paris. And, the quickly approaching move of the Blue Man Group to Monte Carlo. (Check out the cool new video suits they're working on for their MC debut.)

So, Jersey Boys -- gone. Blue Man Group -- perhaps done at Venetian by the end of September as you can't buy tickets beyond that. And, now, Phantom -- out on September 2.

What are two mega resorts to do? Especially with such a customized theater as the one for Phantom?

http://www.vegaschatter.com/story/20...nd_At_Venetian

Sahara to reopen ‘sooner than later,’ Sam Nazarian says.
BY: Robin Leach/Las Vegas Sun.

Hotel mogul Sam Nazarian has revealed that he will make over the shuttered Sahara hotel casino he bought on the Strip and will reopen it “sooner than later.”

At a preview of his new Hyde Bellagio last week, Sam said that the Sahara will get a complete redo and be rebranded as SLS Vegas -- tied in with his sprawling hospitality and entertainment empire SBE of real estate, restaurants, clubs and hotels stretching from L.A. headquarters to Miami.

Sam told me that the revamped Sahara will become far more of a luxurious boutique property to match the other hotels in his group. He also said that he just pulled his original permits to look further into when he would start the remodel and give me an official start date.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012...ter-nazarian-/

‘Crazy Girls’ at Riviera marks 25 years — butt with new look.
BY: Robin Leach/Las Vegas Sun.



The iconic and now-legendary “butt” bronze sculpture of the gorgeous “Crazy Girls” outside the Riviera will remain, but to celebrate the show’s 25th year, new ”butt”-posed photographs of the eight topless temptresses will be used in the 2012 marketing campaign on posters and promotions.

Since the butt bronze has been on the Strip, tourists and locals have rubbed the sculpture for good luck before playing in the casino hotel. Photographs of the butt image have gone around the world, and it has become as famous as the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.

“We’ve got a much bigger ‘wow’ factor in place for our 25th anniversary year,” company manager Jennifer told me. “New dancers, new numbers, new routines and new outfits. Our song ”Girls Run the World” sums it up well. Today the dancers are more technical, so they are able to do more extension and point work. That adds to the sexcitement with the show.”

More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012...ears----butt-/

Steve's Las vegas Quickies:

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 8721 W. Charleston Blvd., is offering a three-course, $29.95 prime-rib dinner on Sundays through Super Bowl Sunday. It includes 12 ounces of prime rib, choice of salad, one side dish and dessert. ...

The Carmel Room at the Rampart Casino, 221 N. Rampart Blvd., now opens at 4:30 p.m. It's offering a four-course dinner with an entree choice of tenderloin medallions, sauteed shrimp or a combination of both, for $44.99.

And the casino's Promenade Cafe is offering $3.99 Early Riser Specials from 5 to 9 a.m. daily, and a $9.99 prime-rib dinner from 3 to 11 p.m. daily.

The Hooters hotel-casino in Las Vegas will be sold next month under plans disclosed this week in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Unable to meet its debt payments, the 696-room Tropicana Avenue property filed for bankruptcy last year and thenagreed with its main creditor that it will be sold to the highest bidder. ...

Cirque du Soleil’s big shows exert big influence on the Strip.
BY: John Katsliomentes/Las Vegas Sun.



The piece of scenery looms largely over “Immortal.” It is a tree, specifically an enormous oak with muscular branches spanning wide enough to hug the stage.

What of this tree, you ask, as performers in “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour” play music and dance and bound about.

“Immortal” arena tour Director Jamie King knows the tree, and its history. He’s seen the real thing, and he tells its story.

More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/kat...luence-st/?hpk

Cirque tribute show embraces Jackson's oddity.
BY: Mike WeatherfordLas Vegas Review Journal.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but Michael Jackson was weird.

This is hard to argue, whether you feel he was an eccentric, misunderstood genius, or if you thought he was genuinely disturbed and mentally ill (and there's room to land somewhere in the middle).

But either way, it goes to follow that "The Immortal," Cirque du Soleil's tribute to the king of pop, is one strange show as well. When you're taking on Michael Jackson you go big or go home, and Cirque has never been a company to shy away from artistic eccentricity itself.

More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/review-cirq...135013353.html

Bellagio hosts World Poker Tour’s Five Diamond Classic.
BY: Robin Leach/Las Vegas Sun.

The World Poker Tour is the event that started the poker craze 10 years ago, and Doyle Brunson’s Five Diamond Classic is back at the Bellagio today where it all began. In 2001, a then-unknown and hyper-aggressive player, Gus Hansen, captured the first WPT title, and now it’s become one of the most prestigious poker events. Last year, the tournament had its strongest Final Table when Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari claimed his second WPT title on his 32nd birthday.

More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011...poker-tours-f/

Las Vegas reality TV stars dominate the small screen.
BY: Robin Leach/Las Vegas Sun.

It’s not just our beloved “Pawn Stars” who are getting the reality TV spotlight. Tonight starts the two-night live event from the Hard Rock Hotel on the Discovery Channel when Jesse James battles the father-and-son bike-building team of Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul Teutul Jr. on “American Chopper Live.” The motorcycle mania is open to fans who will vote on who builds the best chopper. Stand clear because, with these three fiery combatants, it really will be a war of words.

There were rave reviews last night for the premiere of the culinary drama “Chef Roble & Co.” on Bravo, which features self-confessed loudmouth Chef Che Gravy, who was at the Bellagio before he was fired for being outspoken. Bravo executives said reaction to the hotshot chefs was so great that they’re already predicting another long-running hit on their hands.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011...stars-dominat/

Garth Brooks talks Wynn residency, empty nest and touring.
BY: Robin Leach/Las Vegas Sun.

Tonight starts an incredible month for king of country Garth Brooks. First, congratulations as wife Trisha Yearwood and he celebrate six years of marriage on Dec. 10. Then this weekend’s four solo concerts at Encore Theater in the Wynn mark the start of his third year of residency shows. It is the original contract’s halfway mark ending the second year, but Garth says emphatically that he wants to stay on for as long as the owner, hotel tycoon Steve Wynn, will have him there.

Garth, who turns 50 in February, rarely gives interviews since his “retirement” from touring on Oct. 26, 2000, to give him more time with his bride and three daughters. He said that he’d give up recording and performing until his youngest daughter Allie turned 18. As you will read below, May 2014 becomes a significant date for Garth and Trisha as they become empty nesters, and he reveals for the first time how that will probably put him back on the road.

More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011...idency-empty-/

Marc Savard Comedy Hypnosis Signs 3 Year Deal with V Theater – Planet Hollywood.

V Theater owner, David Saxe, is proud to announce a 3 year contract extension with comedic hypnotist, Marc Savard. The new deal extends the performance agreement for Marc Savard Comedy Hypnosis through 2014, which would mark 8 years at the theater inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood ...

‘Eating Las Vegas’ 2012: Who’s in, out in the local culinary world?
BY: Robin Leach/Las Vegas Sun.



They are the three food writers feared yet feted, respected but reviled, loved and loathed simultaneously. Tonight, John Curtas, Max Jacobson and Al Mancini are unveiling their second edition of “Eating Las Vegas: The 50 Essential Restaurants,” their ranking -- anticipated by some, dreaded by others -- of our Las Vegas eating establishments.

The trio’s ranking this year may unsettle chefs, restaurant owners and foodies on and off the Strip, with 15 neighborhood entries displacing some longtime Strip favorites.

Vegas DeLuxe has learned that the new Top 10 are (in alphabetical order) Bar Masa (Aria), Cut (Palazzo), Estiatorio Milos (Cosmopolitan), Joel Robuchon (MGM Grand), Guy Savoy (Caesars Palace), L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon (MGM Grand), Le Cirque (Bellagio), Michael Mina (Bellagio), Picasso (Bellagio) and Twist (Mandarin Oriental).

More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011...culinary-worl/

L.V. hotels, restaurants, spas make Forbes Travel Guide list.
BY: Robin Leach/Las Vegas Sun.

Forbes Travel Guide unveiled its 54th annual list of five- and four-star award-winning hotels, restaurants and spas today, along with a new Web site Startle.com. The interactive site gives readers an inside look into the world of the Travel Guide’s team of inspectors as it scours the globe looking for the ultimate in luxury travel at top-rated spots.

The star ratings system has been the gold standard in the global travel industry since 1958. This year’s list included four new five-star restaurants highlighted by Twist by Pierre Gagnaire at Mandarin Oriental on the Strip. Las Vegas winners of five-star hotel awards were Mandarin Oriental, Skylofts at MGM Grand and the Tower Suites at Steve Wynn’s hotels the Wynn and Encore. Four-star hotels named were Aria, Aria Sky Suites, Bellagio, Four Seasons at Mandalay Bay, Encore, Palazzo, Signature, Venetian, Vdara, Wynn and M Resort.

Five-star restaurants were Joel Robuchon (MGM Grand) and Twist. Four-star restaurants were Aureole, Bartolotta, Sinatra and Country Club (Wynn); L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon (MGM Grand); Le Cirque, Picasso and Michael Mina (Bellagio); Restaurant Guy Savoy (Caesars Palace); and Sage and Shaboo (Aria). Five-star spas: Four Seasons, Encore, Wynn and Mandarin Oriental. Four-star spas: Canyon Ranch, Bellagio, Aria, Trump and M Resort.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011...-spas-make-fo/

Station Casinos Room Giveaway.

Station Casinos is giving away 100 2-night stays at ten properties. The November promotion, called “Giving Thanks,” is a way for Station Casinos to thank its guests for their loyalty. In order to win, fans should go to their favorite Station Casinos or Fiesta property Facebook fan page. On the fan page, there is a link to the giveaway on the left side. After clicking on the link and “liking” the giveaway page, a registration form will appear. A fan may enter one time per property and must be at least 21 years of age. Winners will be notified in December after the conclusion of the promotion and will be responsible for taxes and fees.

Steve's Las Vegas Quickies:

Luxor is adding the newest location in a string of Public Houses next year, Excalibur is debuting a Buca Di Beppo, Flamingo is bringing in Carlos'n Charlie's and I ♥ Burgers just opened a new location in Town Square (that's the shopping center south of Mandalay Bay).

Meantime at TI, construction started at the beginning of the month (according to Facebook, anyway) on another north of the border locale for Senor Frog's.

Our Vegas mascot, Oscar Goodman, announced Monday that he'll be filming a TV pilot for "Vegas Night Court with Oscar Goodman," starting Friday.

The show is being produced by the people behind "Judge Judy" and "Pawn Stars."
Oscar will preside over "real" cases, supposedly, on a court onstage at the Las Vegas Hilton in the Elvis Presley Showroom.

The Original Pancake House has closed restaurants at Green Valley Ranch Resort and Aliante Station, a Station Casinos LLC spokeswoman confirmed Tuesday.

Station spokeswoman Lori Nelson said the leases had expired and the company wanted to go in a different direction. She said the gaming company would open a Grand Café at Green Valley Ranch Resort by the middle of December. She said there was a need for a restaurant that was open all the time.

No new restaurant is planned for Aliante Station. Nelson said the resort already had several Station-owned and operated restaurant concepts, including several breakfast options.

Rockers Guns N' Roses hit The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel on Dec. 31. Tickets start at $95 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at The Joint box office, 4455 Paradise Road, and Ticketmaster outlets.

The Palm at The Forum Shops at Caesars, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. South, is celebrating its 85th anniversary with two specials -- surf and turf for two for $85, or a three-course dinner for $49.85 per person. They're available through the end of the month.

LBS Burger Joint at Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd., has introduced a number of seasonal treats, such as the Billy Burger (turkey, stuffing and cranberry-orange relish) and pumpkin-pie, candy-cane and gingerbread milk shakes.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 8721 W. Charleston Blvd., is offering a small-plates menu of such dishes as sliced filet mignon with shiitake risotto, and lobster tempura.

Marbella Tapas Bar & Music of Spain has opened at 4561 W. Flamingo Road, serving paella, ceviche, personal-sized pizzas, steaks and seafood and more. Call 778-0200.

DiVine Events has opened DiVine Cafe at 6380 S. Valley View Blvd. Hours are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays; the menu includes such dishes as a spicy club melt panini and grilled-chicken and poached-pear arugula salad. Call 253-1400.

Pumpkins weighing up to 1,000 pounds and horse sculptures made from 31,000 plants are part of the fall theme at Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, on display until Nov. 27. The winter scene will be unveiled Dec. 2.

The 41-year-old Western Casino in downtown Las Vegas is closing.

“Due to decreased demand at this location, Tamares Real Estate will be closing the Western Casino, effective Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, for an indefinite period of time and will review redevelopment plans,” Jonathan Jossel, Tamares’ director of Las Vegas properties, said Tuesday in a statement. “While obviously fully engaged ...