HAVE YOU BEEN downtown to the FREEMONT STREET EXPERIENCE of late? There is now even more free entertainment options with the addition of the Real Action Stunt Stage. Located at the 1st Street intersection near the GOLDEN NUGGET and BINION's, live action performances nightly include the Russian Bar, cube balancing and the Flying Silk act.
The Russian Bar is a gymnastic act that combines the elements of balance, aerial and acrobatic techniques. A thin, flexible bar, suspended between the shoulders of two sturdy holders, is used to propel a flyer high into the air. Executing a series of flips, twists and somersaults, the flyer then lands in perfect balance—back on the bar.
The Flying Silk act is where the aerialist is actually suspended from the 90-foot Viva Vision canopy. Soaring in graceful circles, high above the heads of the crowd, the aerialist and the silk blend together in a series of beautiful twists and turns.
Real Action Stunt Performances go on nightly at 8:15 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. The great motorcyclists in the globe, Riders of the Thunderdome perform Thursday through Saturday at 9:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. Live bands perform from the 3rd Street stage seven nights a week (times vary). Nightly shows on the Viva Vision screen appear at 8:30 p.m., 9 p.m., 10 p.m., 11 p.m., and 12 midnight until Aug. 18. Beginning August 19, the first show of the evening will be at 8 p.m. All shows and performances at the FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE are free and open to the public. Ample parking is available at the FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE parking garage located on the corner of Carson and 4th Streets or at any of the casinos that line Fremont Street.
Bill Maher will be performing only one show Saturday August 11th at HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO. Bill Maher is one of the most politically astute comedians in America today. His unflinching honesty and commitment to never pulling a punch have garnered him the respect and admiration of millions of fans. He is most recently known for his show, Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO, a network that's a perfect fit for his irreverent style. Maher also created the show, Politically Incorrect on Comedy Central, bringing together some of the most interesting politicians, entertainers and journalists to participate in some of the most controversial, topical and comical discussions. Maher is an award winner, television star and author as well as one of the biggest names in comedy.
ARIZONA CHARLIE'S (Decatur) welcomes The Lon Bronson Band- Revenge of the Horns for a limited engagement from Aug.10 through Aug.12 in the Naughty Ladies Saloon from 10 p.m.–2 a.m. Lon Bronson and his All-Star ensemble has garnered widespread critical acclaim and a history of headliners and performers who have sat in to perform when passing through town. Performers like Skunk Baxter, The Righteous Brothers, Huey Lewis, Tower of Power, Blood Sweat & Tears, The Temptations, Taylor Dane, David Cassidy, The Bare Naked Ladies, Tom Jones, Joe Walsh and the cast of the HBO Drama, The Sopranos have come by in just the past few years.
There is no one better doing Neil Diamond than Jay White at the RIVIERA. I recently saw Jay's show again and it is a most enjoyable and believable tribute to Neil Diamond. In fact, Neil Diamond wrote on a picture of them both, "Jay, keep singin' so I can stay home and relax." Jay White is now celebrating 25 years performing as Neil Diamond and since 1989 he has been a permanent fixture on the Las Vegas Strip. Beginning with Legends in Concert with a nine-year run at the IMPERIAL PALACE to the RIVERA where he now has headlined over 1200 shows as Vegas' longest running "solo tribute act."
Seeing MAMMA MIA! at MANDALAY BAY again was so enjoyable and fresh. It is the longest-running and most successful Broadway musical to hit The Las Vegas Strip. Now MAMA MIA has added four new, talented principals from film, television and the stage to the cast.
Libby Winters in the lead role of Sophie Sheridan, the bride-to-be has experience in film, television and stage including The Like Girl, Champs and the New York musical White Noise.
Directly from the Broadway company of Beauty and the Beast, Rob Sutton joins the cast as Sam Carmichael, the American architect. Sutton's recent credits include Off-Broadway's The Ark and regional performances in Camelot and Oklahoma!
Ron McClary as Bill Austin, the Australian traveller, comes to Las Vegas from New York City where he starred in Summer '69: The Musical and The Lightning Field. McClary's regional credits include Romeo and Juliet and The Tempest along with television appearances on Law and Order and Ed.
T. Scott Cunningham is now Harry Bright, the British banker. His credits include Broadway's Love! Valour! Compassion!, Design for Living and Tartuffe as well as television appearances on Law and Order. He played the role of Ryan in the major motion picture Serendipity.
Recently celebrating its fourth anniversary in Las Vegas and still receiving rave reviews,
MAMMA MIA! is fun, and energetic. Better see it soon as MAMA MIA will be leaving Las Vegas in 2008.
Written, performed and directed by Renee Taylor (mother on The Nanny) and Joe Bologna, "If You Ever Leave Me…I'm Going With You," will be at THE SUNCOAST September 7–9. I saw this hilarious and thought provoking play when Renee and Joe brought their production to Las Vegas before and I loved it. This play is a husband and wife retrospective, drawing on material from the movies and stage productions and the very life that Renee and Joe have created over the 40 years they have been married. It is a semi-autobiographical humorous discussion between a loving couple, or as Joe says in the opening segment, "I was discussing, she was screaming." When Joe begins to oblige wife Renee's request to pack his things and get out, Renee surprises him by starting to pack her things as well. To which Joe questions, in puzzled amazement, "Where the heck are you going?" Renee quickly replies, "If you ever leave me, I'm going with you."
Linda Eder will perform AN EVENING WITH LINDA EDER Aug. 17–19 at the SUNCOAST. A disciple of Barbra Streisand early on, she possesses one of the greatest contemporary solo voices of our time. Linda has gradually branched out from show tunes to include pop standards, light swing and adult contemporary balladry in her repertoire. Born in Brainerd, Minnesota, her immigrant parents exposed her to many different types of music, including pop and classical. But three singers influenced her more than any others: Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, and classical/jazz soprano Eileen Farrell. Linda caught her first big break in 1987 when she successfully auditioned for the TV talent show Star Search. She won a spot on the first episodes of that season.
SHA NA NA—THE CLOWN PRINCES OF ROCK 'N' ROLL perform Aug. 24–20 at THE SUNCOAST. Their Grease soundtrack album was a major hit; Grammy nominated and certified eight times. While hosting the Sha Na Na TV series for four years, they still performed more than 100 concerts a year. Hit songs include, At The Hop, Pony Time, Let's Dance, Save The Last Dance For Me, The Twist, Party Doll, Mashed Potato Time and Land of a Thousand Dances.
Comedian CHRIS BLISS Aug 31–Sept. 2 at the SUNCOAST. a Tonight Show favorite, Jay Leno has called Chris "one of the brightest comedians around." He's toured with major artists from Eric Clapton to Kenny Loggins and Julio Iglesias and was the exclusive opening act for Michael Jackson's record-breaking Victory Tour.
Actress and New York Times best-selling author Jenny McCarthy will become the first-ever celebrity Bunny Dealer at the new PLAYBOY CLUB atop the PALMS resort's famed FANTASY TOWER. After completing a rigorous training process that includes custom costume fittings, dealing school, shuffling eight decks of cards and pitching from a shoe, McCarthy will hit the blackjack tables. She will be in the Bunny Dealers' vintage black costume complete with collar, cuffs and cottontail and will deal live blackjack from one of the Club's 10 gaming tables. McCarthy first appeared in Playboy Magazine in October 1993 and was named Playmate of the Year in June 1994. Today McCarthy is regarded as one of Playboy's most recognizable Playmates.
The uniquely popular Macy Gray will be at GREEN VALLEY RANCH's Whiskey Beach Aug. 24. Macy hit the music scene like a bolt of lightning, receiving a GRAMMY award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her single I Try and receiving nominations for Song of the Year and Record of the Year. The single which debuted on the album On How Life Is went on to sell more than 7 million albums worldwide. She has since released more major albums and kicked off a global tour with stops including Israel, Australia, Holland, Spain and Italy. Her career then went on to include soundtracks for and roles in feature films including music for Rush Hour 2 and 8 Mile and roles in Spiderman, Domino and a major role in Outkast's Idlewild. Most recently, Macy Gray released the album Big on will.i.am music group/Geffen records, exemplifying her unique voice in a variety of music styles. This album is also a first for Gray in that she collaborated with other artists including Natalie Cole and Fergie on background vocals
Jesus Christ Superstar is the third of four musicals at SPRING MOUNTAIN RANCH OUTDOOR THEATRE during the summer season. Performances are scheduled every Wednesday–Saturday through Aug 25. Gates open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Throw down a blanket or bring/rent a chair, have a picnic dinner or indulge in something from the concession stand and enjoy the outdoors before settling in under the stars for an outstanding performance of Super Summer Theatre. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 at the UNLV Box Office, Prestige Travel at Lake Mead and Rampart or online at unlvtickets.com. A limited number of tickets are available at the gate on the night of the show for $15. Additional performances this summer include JAZZ Festival and Johnny Guitar in September. Tickets for the rest of the season are on sale at this time.
I haven't seen it as yet, but a new, sexy topless female revue Ooh La La is now open at PARIS. Taking the form of a topless variety show, Ooh La La features comedy, magic, acrobatics, singing, artwork, photography and more, pointing out the intelligence and beauty of the woman. Guests will enjoy the view, as the women are up-close-and-personal in the Anthony Cools intimate showroom where provocative images adorn the walls. Ooh La La features not only an all-female cast, but also an all-female crew. The women of the show each have unique characteristics from hair color to body type, so as to be appealing to every man, woman and couple.
Even if you have previously seen The Second City at the FLAMINGO it is always different and now even more so as they have an all-new revue. Under the direction of Jim Carlson, the Las Vegas edition of The Second City features a variety of scenes, songs and improvisation, including bad hypnotists, maniacal helicopter pilots and a rap inspired by the fall of Don Imus. In its six years at The FLAMINGO, The Second City has launched the careers of some of the comedy worlds best and brightest. Alumni of The Second City—Las Vegas including current Saturday Night Live cast member Jason Sudeikis, MAD TV's Frank Caeti, Dan Bakkedahl of The Daily Show and Kay Cannon, writer for the NBC sitcom 30 Rock. The cast of The Second City—Las Vegas includes Ryan Archibald, Shelly Gossman, Paul Mattingly, Katie Neff and Craig Uhlir. The Musical Director is Mike Watkins and the Stage Manager is David Novich. Supervising Producer of The Second City—Las Vegas is Brooke Schoening.
This is a new one for the STRIP. International psychic, spiritual teacher and best-selling author Sylvia C. Browne brings her one-woman show, "An Evening with Sylvia Browne," to EXCALIBUR August 9–27 at 7:30 p.m. Browne will discuss many captivating topics during her show and also will use her insights into "the beyond" to give live readings on stage to selected members of the audience.
AQUARIUS CASINO in LAUGHLIN, has legendary Kris Kristofferson performing on August 11 and the legendary Kenny Rogers on Saturday, September 22.
Toni Braxton: Revealed, the successful live show at THE FLAMINGO has been extended through February 16, 2008. Six-time Grammy Award-winning artist and international headlining performer Toni Braxton opened her spectacular production in August 2006 and has been dazzling audiences ever since. Toni Braxton: Revealed is a sexy, entertaining full-scale musical production that draws upon Toni Braxton's experience as an accomplished musician, singer and Broadway performer, complete with her incredible band, amazing costumes and talented dancers.
Especially for those in the restaurant and nightclub industries, INFLUENCE at Studio 54 inside MGM Grand, is a high-energy midweek rendezvous every Tuesday. Guest DJs and celebrity hosts August line-up includes: Aug. 7 Maxim Model, Ashley Hunter hosting a sexy fashion show by Custo Barcelona; Aug. 14 Eric Forbes' extravagant birthday bash; Aug. 21 a special Frankie B Fashion Show hosted by former OC star Amanda Righetti and Aug. 28 DJ Leo Teo to show his skills on the turntables. Aug. 25 Studio 54 welcomes Ultimate Fighting Champion, Chuck Liddell to host. Liddell, recently on the hit-show Entourage, will steam up the club for an action-packed evening with an 'entourage' of his closest friends. Doors open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 p.m. til late.
Since opening at the TROPICANA in June 2006, BODIES…The Exhibition and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition has seen an overwhelming public response, leading to a second extension in Las Vegas through Monday, September 3.
Rock singer/electric violinist phenomenon Antonio Pontarelli has been added as the opening act for the rock extravaganza line-up with Vince Neil, Slaughter and Quiet Riot on Saturday, September 1 at 7 p.m. at the HENDERSON PAVILION located at 200 S. Green Valley Parkway.
Long-time Las Vegas public relations guru, Bruce Merrin is proud to announce that his son, Adam Merrin, is a band member of The 88. The 88 have confirmed the inclusion of their song Coming Home in retail giant Sears' upcoming television campaign. The track hails from The 88's latest release, Over and Over.
And, another Las Vegas entertainer Nelson Sardelli is bursting at the seams with pride over the excellent reviews his daughter Giovanna Sardelli is receiving as director of the play, Two Thirds Home in New York.
Brenden Theatre Corporation is joining the growing list of impressive sponsors for the "International Fine Art Awards ARTV created by founder Audrey Roberts. "This is a marvelous event for the City of Las Vegas as well as the worldwide art industry," said Johnny Brenden. "Other cities are trying to lure ARTV away from Las Vegas. I want to keep it here and I am pleased that Brenden Theatres can offer sponsorship to such a worthwhile endeavor as awarding fine artists for their work." The International Fine Art Awards (ARTV) will be held in the Pearl Concert Theatre on September 28th and 29th The Premiere ARTV Awards hosted by Cheech Marin in 2005 honored recipients with the beautiful "MUSE" award. The show aired on Bravo. The 2007 ARTV Production will present fine artists from the USA, Europe, Japan and South America at the event.
The Pearl at THE PALMS is Las Vegas' premier concert theater boasting accommodations for up to 2,500 ticket holders. Featuring a stage just four feet from the floor and the farthest seating area being a mere 120 feet from the stage, The Pearl is a marvel of modern technology using only top quality sound and video equipment throughout.
The biggest music headliners are slated for this fabulous venue. Hilary Duff will be appearing August 18 at 8 p.m. She performs her mix of pop, rock and dance from her latest studio album. And, the infamous Kid Rock Friday, August 31 at 8:00 p.m. Detroit rap-rocker, Kid Rock immersed himself in rap music, learned how to break dance and began performing in talent shows in the Detroit area. He exploded into superstardom with his fourth album, Devil Without A Cause in 1998, a year after shopping a demo. When rap-metal became popular he perfected his excessive white-trash persona to what it is today.
The great Barry Manilow continues to astound audiences at the LAS VEGAS HILTON'S SHOWROOM with his music and passion. However he is now only performing on these selected dates: Aug. 7–11, Sep. 25–29 and Oct. 3–6, 16–20, and 24–27. So, buy your tickets that are on sale now. While he is away Ana Gabriel Aug 17–18, Earth Wind and Fire Aug 23–25, Rock Show Aug. 31, Heart Sept. 1–2 and my favorites…
LAS VEGAS TENORS Sept 7–8. The ever-popular MENOPAUSE, The Musical continues in the Shimmer Cabaret. Guys, you'll love it too!
It may be too late to get tickets for the following, but you can always try.
Superstar and cultural icon Beyoncé is set to bring her 2007 world tour to the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, Aug. 25.
Due to overwhelming demand, Justin Timberlake is bringing his 2007 FutureSex/LoveShow world tour back to Las Vegas for two Labor Day Weekend performances. The tour will stop at the MANDALAY BAY Events Center Saturday, Sep. 1 and Sunday, Sep. 2 at 8 p.m.
For the first time at The MIRAGE, Sarah Silverman will perform her notorious comedy routine inside the Danny Gans Theatre Saturday, September 1 at 10:30 p.m. and Sunday, September 2 at 9 p.m. Known for her quick-witted humor, Silverman brings her controversial opinions on everything from religion to celebrities to her stand-up comedy routine.
GOOD LUCK!
