I am amazed and saddened by the closing of some of Las Vegas’ long-time quality shows. FOLIES BERGERE, LA CAGE AUX FAUX (closed without a word of warning to the cast), MENOPAUSE – The Musical, THE SCINTAS (closing March 14) and I am sure, many more to come. But, Surprise! Surprise!  Although MENOPAUSE –The Musical at the LAS VEGAS HILTON will be closing April 5, Queen Emily, one of the top five finalists in “America’s Got Talent,” has just joined the cast. Queen Emily got her start singing as a little girl in church. Although her talent was apparent to everyone who heard her sing, life got in the way of her dreams. Raising her daughters as a single mother meant Emily's musical aspirations had to be put on hold.

 

 

When she turned 40, Emily experienced an epiphany and realized that it was time to stop dreaming and start acting, which led her to the "America's Got Talent" auditions. She became a top five finalist in the popular show (out of the more than 200,000 people who auditioned), dazzling the nation with her story and her voice.

 

Just this week, MENOPAUSE - The Musical celebrated their 1500th performance in Las Vegas.  Be sure to see it before it ends on April 5.

 

Another show that bit the dust is "Hitzville — The Show," at the HARMON THEATRE in Krave at PLANET HOLLYWOOD. “Hitzville” has closed its seven-month engagement and says they closed to perform a previously contracted tour and will return to Las Vegas at a location to be announced on May 1. We’ll see!  It really is a fun and talented show featuring Jin-Jin Reeves and a cast of 10 talented performers who take you on a journey through time with the music of Tina Turner, The Drifters, Gladys Knight, The Supremes, The Four Tops and more.

 

THE HARMON THEATRE recently announced that "Magic's a Drag" will replace "Lucky Cheng's Dinner Cabaret," which has closed. "Magic's a Drag" performs at 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. "Amazing Jonathan" and "Hypnosis Unleashed" are in their second year at the HARMON THEATRE. 

 

I was shocked that the long-time OSCAR AWARDS event benefiting the Arthritis Foundation that has been held in Las Vegas for many years had been cancelled.  Yes, the economy is to blame, but also the prices that greedy Las Vegas was charging helped to burst the bubble. When I arrived in Las Vegas in 1982, Las Vegas’ economy was in a slump, however, the Casinos did their all to bring in locals, including many freebees. Then, when things got better and the economy flourished, locals were treated as orphans, catering more to tourists, with no specials or discounts for locals. Some specials for locals have now come about, but it is too little and too late, as now people haven’t the extra funds for non-essentials such as entertainment and eating out.  I am trying not to be pessimistic, but I sure hope it doesn’t get worse before it gets better. Oh Well! 

 

With the U.S. dollar being so low, many foreign tourists have been coming to our fair city.  Here are some interesting activities that are happening.

 

The Strip’s only Irish-themed casino, O’Sheas, is throwing an all-day Block Party on St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday, March 17. Open to the public 21 and older, O’Sheas will host a full day of open-air drink specials, entertainment, contests and fun from noon to midnight. REDHEAD LADIES DRINK FREE GREEN BEER all day!

 

Although some older shows are closing, some great new ones are opening. Terry Fator takes permanent residence at THE MIRAGE with his new show Terry Fator & His Cast of Thousands.  Winner of NBC’s 2007 season of “America’s Got Talent,” the celebrity impressionist, singer, comedian and ventriloquist has been perfecting his craft for 32 years, all to achieve his dream of becoming a Las Vegas Strip headliner.  Fator has been doing preview performances in the TERRY FATOR THEATRE, and regularly scheduled performances begin March 17.  Tickets are priced at $59, $79, $99 and $129, plus tax and service fees.  The $129 ticket includes preferred seating, a photo souvenir and front-line access to a meet-and-greet with Fator after the show.  Meet-and-greet takes place nightly inside the Terry Fator Retail Store.  Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. 

 

New impressions, new celebrity voices, new puppets and more laughs than ever – Terry Fator & His Cast of Thousands fills the stage with celebrity singing impressions and unparalleled ventriloquism, backed by a sizzling live band.  Joining Terry Fator fan favorites Winston, the Impersonating Turtle, and the loveable Emma Taylor are two new puppet co-stars, Vikki, the hot-blooded “cougar,” and The Beatle.  Fator brings his puppet co-stars to life through comic banter and their hilarious takes on musical superstars.  Throughout the show, Fator and his co-stars effortlessly perform the singing styles of an eclectic group of stars including Tony Bennett, Amy Winehouse, Elvis, Maroon 5, Justin Timberlake, Garth Brooks, Nat King and Natalie Cole, Etta James, Gnarls Barkley, The Beatles, James Blunt, Brooks & Dunn, Pussycat Dolls, Louis Armstrong, Fergie and even Kermit The Frog.

 

In addition to his win on “America’s Got Talent,” Fator has performed to rave reviews on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “The Late Show with David Letterman.”  In December 2008, Terry released his first book Who’s the Dummy Now? a candid autobiography chronicling his life from teenage ventriloquist to Las Vegas Strip headliner.

     

Platinum Masters’ Monster Circus takes over Sin City beginning Thursday, March 19 inside the LAS VEGAS HILTON Theater.  Monster Circus combines a live rock concert with sexy dancers, human circus acts, aerialists, freaks and a tour bus full of certified rock stars. A ringmaster along with Sicko The Clown, Monster Circus’ mascot, leads the audience along a 75-minute journey through the powerhouse rock and metal rousing popular songs of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.  The Monster Circus band features artists Rudy Sarzo (DIO and formerly of Whitesnake, Quiet Riot and Ozzy Osbourne), John Corabi (formerly of Mötley Crüe and Ratt), Fred Coury (Cinderella), Bruce Kulick (formerly of KISS) and Tony Montana (formerly of Great White). Various guest artists will “join the circus” and perform the hits they personally rock out to. The circus is in town six nights a month on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with an 11 p.m. show time. March dates are: 19-21 and 26-28. A nightly after-show party will keep the circus going.

 

Monster Circus brings one of the most distinctive voices in rock to Las Vegas to perform in the inaugural Monster Circus shows. Twisted Sister front man Dee Snider will hold court for the month of March. While best known as the lead singer of the acclaimed rock band, Twisted Sister, Dee Snider is more than a musician…Dee is a radio personality, television host, author, voice over artist, screenplay writer and actor. Tickets for Platinum Masters’ Monster Circus are $39-$66. A rock star VIP package is available for $86 and includes a meet-and-party pass, seating on the stage, photos and an opportunity to hang with the band after the show.  Call: 702-732-5755 or 1-800-222-5361. 

 

Hot Vegas popular duo ZOWIE BOWIE has a new home at The PALMS performing every Friday and Saturday night at 10:00 p.m. and 12 midnight.

 

Zowie Bowie has been bringing a unique blend of today’s hottest dance, hip-hop, Top 40 and classic Las Vegas music to audiences for the past three years as headliners at RED ROCK CASINO RESORT. The show will be located in “The Lounge” which is being renovated to accommodate the new show.

 

Returning to The Colosseum at CAESARS PALACE with her record-breaking hits, one-of-a-kind Bob Mackie costumes and several new musical numbers, CHER proves that her over-the-top show is even hotter in 2009. Locals who haven't seen the spectacle can now take advantage of a special upgrade offer, with a savings of up to $45, for select shows in March. Fans who purchase tickets in the second mezzanine level will receive a complimentary upgrade to first mezzanine seating, and those who purchase tickets in the first mezzanine will receive a complimentary upgrade to rear orchestra seating. The locals offer is only valid during performances on Wednesday evenings in March (4, 11 and 18). Ticket prices start at $95 and the offer is based on availability. To redeem this special offer visit www.ticketmaster.com, keyword "CHER" and type in password LVCHER in the "LOCALS SPECIAL OFFER" box, or visit The Colosseum at CAESARS PALACE Box Office with valid photo I.D.

 

My good buddy, entertainer extravaganza, who calls Vegas his home, is Skip Martin, formerly of Kool & the Gang.  Skip will groove the South Padre inside TEXAS STATION every Sunday.  The band will be playing jazz compilations from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and dance music from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

 

 

Skip Martin joined Kool & the Gang in 1987 as its lead vocalist. The band is best known for the songs “Celebration,” “Cherish,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Summer Madness” and “Open Sesame,” among others. In 2007, the band released the album Still Kool with the single Steppin’ Into Love, which became its first entry on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart since 1989. 

 

Las Vegas was filled with beauty when the 2009 Miss America Pageant was recently held at PLANET HOLLYWOOD. The bevy of 52 gorgeous contestant beauties were all over town during the week they were here.  I had a chance to meet and greet them at Buco De Peppo where they learned “How to Cook” with executive chefs from Buca di Beppo. The stunning contestants donned aprons and their state sashes, to learn how to prepare Buca’s new healthy alternatives menu items, while not sacrificing taste.

 

 

 

The Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower featured a full line up of NASCAR® weekend activities including raffle drawings, show cars, race simulators, drink specials and a special autograph session with Kasey Kahne and a Meet the NASCAR®  Drivers Hermie Sadler, Scott Wimmer, Todd Bodine, Kenny Hendrick, Reagan Smith, Jeff Green, David Green, Terry Cook, Eric McClure, Dexter Bean, Scott Riggs, Dave Blaney, Casey Atwood and Kirk Shelmerdine. 

 

 

This may seem a little early to buy your ticket, but you better get them now as this is a sure-fire ticket that will go fast. Grammy winning, platinum recording artist ROBIN THICKE and Grammy and Academy Award winner JENNIFER HUSDSON co-headline a five-week U.S. tour including a stop in Las Vegas at The Pearl Concert Theater inside the PALMS on Friday, May 1 at 8p.m...The tour brings together a powerhouse of two of the most distinctive and enduring voices in the current world of R&B music. World-renowned for her astonishing live vocals, this marks the first official tour for JENNIFER HUDSON, who recently won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for her self-titled debut album. Tickets are $55, $75 and $85, plus any additional service fees.  The Pearl Box Office is open from noon – 7 p.m. daily. 

 

Grand opening weekend of the New Joint at the HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO will have two of the biggest names in show business performing. Tickets are now on sale for Paul McCartney on Sunday, April 19. and BON JOVI who will rock the New Joint Friday, April 24.  

 

Las Vegas husband and wife team, Matt and Angela Stabile, are the clever creators of the titillating topless revue ‘X burlesque” that has just celebrated two years of seducing audiences at the FLAMINGO.  “X” Burlesque combines high-energy performance with the use of outrageous props such as bathtubs, guitars, lollipops and feather boas to fulfill the audience’s every fantasy. Mid-show comics like Nancy Ryan entertain with adult humor “X” Burlesque performs nightly in Bugsy’s Cabaret at 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $44.95 General Admission and $55.95 VIP (plus tax and fees)

 

PLANET HOLLYWOOD now invites you to celebrate Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding with the addition of surprise celebrity “Wedding Crashers.” Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding is an entertaining interactive show that satires an Italian-American wedding. Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding is now in it’s 7th year in Las Vegas. Tony and Tina have walked down the aisle more than 2000 times in front of more than 325,500 guests and still continue to make every wedding a one of a kind event filled with great music, laughter, food and love.  For the PLANET HOLLYWOOD production of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding the show’s original New York director, Larry Pellegrini, has returned to direct and supervise the casting, rehearsal and production process of the show.  The all-inclusive dinner show features a full Italian buffet dinner, from the executive chefs of the award-winning Spice Market Buffet, wedding cake, a celebratory champagne toast, live band, dancing and plenty of laughs. Performances are in “The Loft” at PLANET HOLLYWOOD, located on the Mezzanine level. Ticket prices to Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding start at $89.99, with VIP packages from $140.80 to $164.10 plus tax. Performances are Monday through Saturday at 7 pm and dark on Sundays.

 

MGM Grand's Crazy Horse Paris now has Kristal D’Arc, the first American dancer to join the illustrious French cabaret. Kristal earned her position within the esteemed dance troupe by winning the American auditions held in Las Vegas in March 2008 along with celebrity guest judge Dita Von Teese. D’Arc was selected to join Crazy Horse Paris after an arduous process where the auditioning women performed various forms of dance in front of the judges. Once D’Arc was offered the opportunity to join the legendary ensemble, she flew to Paris and trained with the dance company for three months. She learned all of the intricate and sophisticated movements and styles associated with the Crazy Horse Paris show. Prior to joining Crazy Horse Paris, D’Arc held various positions in dance, including performing as a Rockette and entertaining on cruise ships sailing around the world. She decided to leave the entertainment industry to obtain a hotel management degree and was well on her way to graduate when she discovered Crazy Horse Paris. This was the first dance audition for which she tried out in more than three years. D’Arc’s induction into the Crazy Horse family marks the first time an American dancer has become part of the internationally renowned Parisian dance troupe. To become a member of the legendary cabaret is to become part of its history. Since its inception in 1951 in Paris, Crazy Horse has been a cultural phenomenon offering unique shows that engage the eye as much as the imagination. Crazy Horse shows rely on raw body talent and beauty and combines 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. MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris performs nightly at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

 

 

The LIBERACE FOUNDATION & MUSEUM presents its Cabaret Series every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday at 1p.m in the 75-seat Cabaret Showroom. "Liberace and Me," an intimate cabaret-style musical concert features Composer & Pianist Philip Fortenberry from the cast of “Jersey Boys” in a live, 45-minute piano performance. Fortenberry's engaging performance opens with Liberace’s popular arrangement of “Chopsticks,” while seated at Mr. Showmanship’s nine-foot mirrored Concert Grand Baldwin piano. He weaves the music around his own life story and personal journey as a pianist from rural Mississippi to Broadway, from recitals and talent shows, to command performances for royals and dignitaries. One of the many highlights of his performance is his offering of an original “Portrait in Music,” an improvisational gift to the audience created in the moment.  Fortenberry's performances are scheduled through June 27. Tickets are $17.50. A special gift - the 2nd Sunday of each month the LIBERACE FOUNDATION & MUSEUM is open with free museum admission to Nevada residents and their guests. 

 

The Miracle Mile Shops inside PLANET HOLLYWOOD has a new multi-million dollar water fountain feature that transforms from a tranquil piece of art into an entertainment centerpiece. As the center’s latest free attraction, the fountain entertains and inspires onlookers with lighted water effects and eruptions 50 feet high, color changing fog, bursts of light and dramatic, original soundtracks that broadcast via a state-of-the-art surround sound system. You can enjoy this new attraction directly in front of V Theatre at the top of every hour from 10a.m.-11 p.m.

 

The HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO celebrated another milestone in their $750 million expansion with a topping off ceremony in honor of their second tower, the all- suite South Tower. The new hotel tower is slated for completion in December 2009. The 15-story building will feature 374 suites and eight luxurious “spa villas” on the main level offering direct access via walkway to the HARD ROCK’s world famous Beach Club swimming pool. Crowning the tower are seven decadent penthouses all tailored with a different theme.