March '09 Notes from Norm — Norm Clarke Column

Saturday 03-21-09

Madison keeping Vegas in her future

Holly Madison's next project involves returning to Las Vegas as a reality show producer. The concept would be a combination of "Girls Next Door" and "The Hills" and don't be surprised, she said, if the "Crazy Horse Paris" topless revue is involved.

Madison, who moved to Las Vegas late last year after breaking up with Playboy icon Hugh Hefner, is back in town tonight for a celebrity hosting gig at Privé nightclub at Planet Hollywood Resort.

To keep up with her "Dancing With the Stars" commitment, she's been rehearsing six hours a day at Delgado Dance Studio in Summerlin with her dance partner Dimitry Chaplin.

She became a last-minute addition when singer-songwriter Jewel dropped out because of an injury.

For having no dance background and only five days of rehearsals, the former high school cheerleader from Oregon survived round one.

Her leg conditioning came quickly, "but my feet hurt so bad every day that I could cry."

The biggest surprise, she said, is "how awesome everybody is, so supportive. It feels like cheerleading camp every day."

One of the three co-stars of the hit reality show "The Girls Next Door," Madison said she wants to stay in the reality show business but move into "the production side of things."

During her four-month live-in relationship with Luxor headliner Criss Angel, she "talked" about performing with "Crazy Horse Paris" at the MGM Grand and a discussed a couple of other possibilities, but she never had a deal anywhere, contrary to reports.

Her relationship with Angel was off-limits for the interview and she alluded to the magician just once.

She has no interest, she said, in getting back into another relationship anytime soon. "I came out of a seven-year relationship with Hef and was really happy in the last relationship."

She moved on because "I want to establish my own brand and my own career and not be mooching off something else."

Asked if she had any regrets about her breakup with Hefner, she said, "absolutely not. Everything went down the right way and I'm 100 percent happy with how things turned out."

Hefner sent "well wishes" when she joined "Dancing," but, said, "We're not like buddies where we talk. No hard feelings."

As for those reports a year ago that Madison, now 29, and Hefner were seen at a fertility clinic, she said, "we played around with the media, joking about getting married and having kids. But Hef never wanted kids. He has four.

"The whole relationship wasn't a traditional relationship for a long time and I was fine with that. But eventually I want to find the right person and have a family."

Sightings

"American Idol" finalist Ace Young, making a guest appearance during the Terry Fator show (Mirage) on Thursday. He sang "Father Figure" and "Dream On" and joined Fator afterward at a meet-and-greet session with audience members...

Former Flamingo headliner Toni Braxton, back in town Friday to celebrate her sister Tamar's birthday...

MEDIA UPDATE

ESPN basketball analyst Bobby Knight owes that painful-looking sunburn to a day on the golf course Monday at Wynn Las Vegas. He's in town teaming up with Billy Packer on the "Survive and Advance" March Madness show at the Wynn's sports and race book. Packer is a former longtime CBS college basketball analyst...

Dan Patrick's syndicated sports talk show, a recent addition to Fox Sports KBAD-AM 920, expands from one hour to three hours (6-9 a.m.) starting May 4. Patrick was on KSFN-radio, 1140 AM until earlier month when the station switched to KYDZ Radio, a kids music format. Patrick was previously on ESPN for eight years...

Syndicated talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres put in a call that made Carol Cimini's day on Thursday. DeGeneres informed Cimini, who had written a letter about her family's tough times, that she had won a new Ford Fusion hybrid and it was waiting for her outside. While an overjoyed Cimini was celebrating her lucky break, DeGeneres instructed her to look in the glove box, where she found $1,000 in cash. It was part of DeGeneres' giveaway feature titled "Ellen's Big Stimulus Package." Her show airs on KLAS-TV, Channel 8 at 3 p.m.

Sunday 03-22-09

Ventriloquist careful in kitchen

Not long after winning "America's Got Talent" and its $1 million prize, ventriloquist Terry Fator moved to protect his good-as-gold assets.

"I insured myself for not being able to use my voice or my hands," said Fator, who went on to land a five-year deal worth $100 million with The Mirage, where he opened last month.

He doesn't recall the value of the insurance coverage, only that "it's in the millions."

As a kid, Fator recalled the story that pianist extraordinaire Liberace had insured his hands for millions.

"When I was 15, I sliced my finger to the bone, and my doctor said I was a millimeter from slicing the tendon and completely losing use of my right hand," which operates the facial expressions of Fator's characters.

"I probably would have learned how to do it with my left hand. I'm a very tenacious person," he said.

But the biggest scare came a week after Fator won "America's Got Talent."

"I won it on August 19th (2007), a Tuesday, and one week later I was put in the hospital with an infection in my left hand. It was life threatening," Fator said.

"You just don't know what life is going to throw at you. Look at Natasha Richardson. Here she's on a bunny slope and dies from a fall."

Fator still helps his wife in the kitchen, "but I'm always extra careful when I'm working with the knife. I don't try any Emeril Lagasse 40-mile-an-hour chops. I'm easy to insure. I'm not a risk taker. I try to live as safe and as healthy as possible.

"I want to be George Burns and live to be 100 and perform on the day I pass away," Fator said, noting that famed ventriloquist Edgar Bergen performed in Las Vegas, "and that night he passed away. That would be the dream life."

The Scene And Heard

Ticket sales to Disney's "The Lion King" are roaring. I hear sales for the musical surpassed $1 million in the last week. Previews begin May 5, with opening night May 15. A coup for the Mandalay Bay cast is Kissy Simmons, who earned raves for her performance as "Nala" on Broadway. ...

Altovise Davis had plans to relocate to Las Vegas and was exploring a book project about her late husband, Sammy Davis Jr., according to a friend who asked that he not be identified. The book would have separated fact from fiction. One title under consideration was "Yes He Did," a takeoff of the entertainment legend's 1965 best-seller, "Yes I Can." His widow died last weekend in Los Angeles after a stroke. She was 65.

Sightings

Kristin Wiig of "Saturday Night Live," having beers and platters of food Friday with a friend at Dos Caminos (Palazzo). ... Flavor Flav, celebrating his 50th birthday at Jet Nightclub in The Mirage on Friday. He was presented with an oversized Jet Nightclub timepiece set to 5 o'clock for his birthday and a cake in the shape of the Viking helmet he wore on his hit TV show, "Flavor of Love." ... At XS (Encore) on Friday: Grammy winner Toni Braxton, with friends and family celebrating sister Tamar's birthday. Former NBA standout Kenny Smith joined Braxton's table. Earlier, her party attended George Wallace's show at the Flamingo. Wallace had Braxton and several members of her party join him on stage. ... Also at XS: Former NFL running backs Marcus Allen, Marshall Faulk and Eric Dickerson. ... Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil, joining Zowie Bowie on stage Friday. Neil was presented with a birthday cake, and the crowd sang "Happy Birthday." His 48th birthday was Feb. 8. ... Holly Madison, taking in Carrot Top on Friday at the Luxor. ... At Thursday's opening night of Monster Circus at the Las Vegas Hilton: Barry Manilow, Steve Harwell of Smashmouth, Patti Russo of Cher's show, Paul Crook of Meatloaf and Fator.


Monday 03-23-09

Efforts continue to free performer A Las Vegas-based celebrity impersonator remains in jail in South America on fraud charges stemming from a live concert that was promoted as the real Toni Braxton. Trina Johnson-Finn and her husband, Raymond Finn, were taken into custody Feb. 27 by Suriname authorities after concertgoers booed, threw bottles and stormed the stage during the second song, according to Rob Garrett, owner of Las Vegas-based RNRH Entertainment, the booking agent. Her husband was released after 15 days in a jail in Paramaribo, the capital of the Dutch-speaking republic. Garrett said he booked Johnson-Finn through a Suriname promoter who told Garrett he was having a private birthday party. The promoter disappeared when the trouble erupted, Garrett said. "Obviously it was a con job from the start," said Garrett. Looking back on his conversations with the promoter, Garrett said "he was overly interested in someone who looked and sounded like Toni Braxton" after initially asking for Mariah Carey or Madonna impersonators. Garrett said he has a signed contract stating that Johnson-Finn was not to be promoted as the real Toni Braxton. Tickets to the event, which was held in a small sports arena, went for $20, $25 and $55. Meanwhile, efforts are continuing to gain Johnson-Finn's release, Garrett said. She could face a three-year jail term, according to reports. RUTH BROWN TRIBUTE A tribute to rhythm and blues legend Ruth Brown will be held April 9 at the Bootlegger Bistro, where she won new fans and entertained longtime admirers during her 70s. The Tony Award-winning Brown, who also won a Grammy, died at age 78 on Nov. 17, 2006 in Henderson. Her original Bootlegger band and son Ronnie McPhatter will be among a number of musicians performing at the event, which will include a photo dedication and a celebration of her life and music. Other performers: local personality Dennis Bono, entertainer Regi Brown, R&B singer-saxophonist Jimmy Castor, Sonny Charles of The Checkmates, Wendy Edmead of The Pointer Sisters, lounge star Earl Turner and Sonny Turner of The Platters. A $5 donation will be charged. All proceeds will go to The Society of Singers. VEGAS VISIT The woman who believes DNA tests prove she is the daughter of comedy legend Jerry Lewis is coming to Las Vegas next month. Suzan Minoret, 56, who goes by Suzan Lewis, will appear at the Earth Day Indoor Environment Celebration on April 25 at JW Marriott's in Summerlin, organizers of the nonprofit said in a press release. The event benefits children's indoor health environment education programs in Nevada. It would be her first visit to Las Vegas, Jerry Lewis' home for decades. Lewis' son, musician Gary Lewis, recently submitted to DNA tests on the Philadelphia woman's behalf. The DNA results indicated an 88.7 percent probability that the woman is related to Gary Lewis. The Scene And Heard O.J. Simpson guest house tenant Kato Kaelin joins "Tony and Tina's Wedding" (Planet Hollywood Resort) for a two-week guest role, starting Friday. His character will be offering a toast to the bride and groom, whom he's known for 20 years. Kaelin has been touring with "The Weenie Manologues," a spinoff of "The Vagina Monologues." He has no plans to chat with Simpson, who was sent to the High Desert State Prison near Las Vegas. "He's not on my Top 5 friend list," Kaelin said. Sightings At Cher's show (Caesars Palace) Saturday: Bette Midler, fashion designer Michael Kors and actress Vivica Fox, who met with Cher afterward, and David Katzenberg and Nikki Hilton.

Tuesday 03-24-09

Norm took the day off

Wednesday 03-25-09

Jailed performer's husband speaks

Eleven prisoners were wedged into a cell 8 feet by 10 feet in an open-air jail with no heat and no lights.

Breakfast was a cup of hot tea and a small piece of bread. A combined lunch and dinner consisted of a cup of boiled rice and maybe 2 ounces of protein, either fish, chicken or "mystery meat." Later at night, a cup of flavored water.

That was Raymond Finn's existence for two weeks in Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname.

The Las Vegas Realtor lost 30 pounds.

A bad situation got worse when he was released from jail nine days ago. His attorney advised him to return to Las Vegas immediately, even though it meant leaving behind his jailed wife, celebrity impersonator Trina Johnson-Finn.

Without political help, she's facing a three-year prison sentence because authorities in the Latin American republic have accused her of fraud for impersonating singer Toni Braxton.

Finn could do more good back in the United States, his attorney told him.

The ordeal began Feb. 27 when Johnson-Finn took the stage in a small sports arena jammed with 1,500 fans expecting to see Braxton. Johnson-Finn, who had never performed as Braxton before, was booed during the second song and pelted with bottles before she fled the stage.

Her contract with the Las Vegas booking agent RNRH Entertainment had stipulated that she not be promoted as Braxton. The event promoter, who gave RNRH a Virgin Island address, disappeared within minutes.

Finn is convinced that "it was a setup from the beginning."

The news from his two attorneys in Paramaribo is not good.

Prosecutors in Suriname are allowed to detain the accused up to 67 days, and there's no such thing as bail.

Johnson-Finn's trial might not start until the first week of May.

Meantime, Finn, a Las Vegas resident since late 2003, has enlisted political support. He has provided the contract and e-mails from his attorney to Sen. Harry Reid's Las Vegas office.

Letters have been sent to former President Bill Clinton and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, who are attending a banking summit in South America this week. Finn said he's hopeful Clinton and Geithner will inquire about his wife's status.

MAYOR GETS WAXED

Las Vegas' headline-generating, gin-loving Mayor Oscar Goodman will join Madame Tussauds' collection of wax celebrities today.

The former mob attorney, who has served as mayor for a decade, will be inducted into the permanent collection.

Goodman's likeness will be part of the launch of the "Viva Vegas" celebrities who have elevated the city's fame.

Madame Tussauds said "Viva Vegas" represents one of the most ambitious and interactive presentations in the attraction's 10-year history in town.

Sightings

Eminem, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent, filming a music video scene at Caesars Palace on Sunday afternoon. It appeared they were replicating the Dustin Hoffman-Tom Cruise escalator scene from the movie "Rain Man." ... The band Maroon 5, dining on the patio at Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro (Palazzo) on Saturday. ... 50 Cent and singer Ciara, taking in "Zumanity" (New York-New York) on Saturday and "O" (Bellagio) on Sunday. 50 Cent wore an afro wig, baseball cap and sunglasses, while Ciara sported a huge pair of trendy shades and a big parka. The two arrived just as the show began and entered through the back of the theater with the help of their bodyguard. ... Michael Lohan, father of Lindsay Lohan, with a friend at The Bank Nightclub at Bellagio on Sunday.

Thursday 03-26-09

Welcome mat out for Dion, Jackson

The return of Celine Dion and the revival of Michael Jackson's career were hot topics on Wednesday at a Caesars Palace event.

This much was clear when questions stopped flying: the door is wide open for both at Caesars Palace, which appears to have the inside track based on their relationships with Dion, her husband/manager Rene Angelil and Jackson.

But Caesars Palace president Gary Selesner and John Meglen, co-CEO and president of AEG Live/Concerts West, were choosing their words carefully after inviting the media to an event marking the six-year anniversary of the Colosseum.

Selesner said there is no question that Dion misses Las Vegas.

He said he met with Dion during her world tour stop in Shanghai and "she told me she misses life and performing in Las Vegas as compared to life on a long world tour. She told me someday she looks forward to returning to the life of living and performing in Las Vegas."

He added, "The door is always open for her return at Caesars Palace."

"I believe Celine and Rene would love to see it happen," Meglen said.

Concerts West, a touring arm of AEG Live oversees programming at the 4,100-seat venue where Dion had over 700 sellouts during her 41/2-year run.

Meglen suggested it was premature to discuss the possibility of Jackson committing to a headliner gig in Las Vegas.

AEG has been the catalyst behind Jackson's comeback in London, where he is planning 50 concerts over the next 11 months.

"We want him to see this as an option," said Meglen. "But let him get his legs underneath him and moonwalk a bit."

On another subject, Meglen said AEG remains committed to partnering with Harrah's Entertainment, the parent of Caesars Palace, on a major arena that would be built behind Bally's.

But, because of the current financial issues, "It's setting on the back burner on low."

The Scene And Heard

AEG'S Meglen was stunned Monday when he saw a photo in the Los Angeles Times of the single-engine plane crash in Butte, Mont., that killed all 14 people aboard. He was raised near the cemetery where the Pilatus PC-12 crashed just short of the airport. The more he studied the photo, he told me, the more he was convinced the crash scene was near his family's grave sites. ...

A six-month exhibit from the Basketball Hall of Fame based in Springfield, Mass., will be unveiled at Planet Hollywood Resort on April 3, in time for the crush of March Madness visitors in town for the Final Four. The exhibit is currently being assembled on the mezzanine at Planet Hollywood. The Final Four semifinals take place April 4 in Detroit's Ford Field, with the finals on Monday, April 6. Among the items on display will be the basketball Wilt Chamberlain used in the game in which he scored his 20,881 point to break Bob Pettit's NBA career scoring record in 1966. A LeBron James jersey will be among the loaned items as well. ...

"Sex and the City" heartthrob Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke are the updated pick to win "Dancing With the Stars," according to John Avello, director of the race and sports book at Wynn Las Vegas. They opened at 18-1 but are now listed at 3-1, slight choices over late-addition Melissa Rycroft and her partner Tony Dovolani, who jumped to 7-2 after opening at 14-1. Olympics gymnastic star Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas are the third selection, at 5-1, which was their opening number. David Allen Grier and Kym Johnson, the opening favorites at 4-1, have fallen to 22-1. Avello's odds are for entertainment purposes only, not for wagering.

Sightings

Comedian Andrew "Dice" Clay, standing in line with an iced coffee at Terrible's at Sahara and Decatur on Wednesday afternoon. ... Mickey Thomas and Stephanie Calvert from the band Starship, performing a short medley of their hit songs during Terry Fator's show (Mirage) Tuesday. Thomas and Calvert will be joining Fator's shows through Saturday. ... MTV's "Nitro Circus" star Travis Pastrana racing with friends at Pole Position Raceway on Tuesday night. Pastrana is in town for this weekend's Monster Jam at Sam Boyd Stadium. He's a team owner.

Friday 03-27-09

Hockey fans look for Cirque rescue

A Toronto newspaper is reporting that fans of the NHL Montreal Canadiens would welcome the idea of having Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte take over the storied franchise.

With U.S. businessman George Gillett apparently ready to sell the club, the Toronto Globe and Mail said Thursday that "Quebeckers are praying for Mr. Laliberté to rescue the Canadiens."

But, the report added, "the province's second-richest man might be otherwise occupied."

The global recession would "put that to the test," the report said, because Laliberte's Montreal-based company, which has five shows in Las Vegas and a sixth in the works, is now facing "it's biggest gamble."

With the cash-strapped MGM Mirage "on its knees," Cirque will need "all of its trademark dexterity to avoid getting hit by the crossfire between MGM Mirage and its CityCenter partner," according to the report.

The Globe and Mail said Cirque is not anticipating any fallout from the CityCenter dispute and anticipates a Dec. 16 launch of its Elvis show at CityCenter.

"Our partner MGM Mirage has not given us any indication to the contrary," Cirque spokesman Renée-Claude Ménard told the newspaper.

It's not Cirque's first recession-related crisis. The company was forced to move one of its two planned Macau shows to a new location when gaming giant Las Vegas Sands halted a casino project in the Chinese gambling capital.

Cirque moved the show to New York's Radio City Music Hall, with a 2010 opening. Dubai was to be the home of another permanent Cirque show, but that may fall apart if "development freezes there," the newspaper said.

MYSTERY OF THE RHYTHMETTES

Las Vegas resident Milt Irvin hopes someone can solve this mystery.

While reading "Leonard Bernstein: American Original," he ran across a photo on page 192 of the legendary conductor of the New York Philharmonic.

The photo caption read:

"Yee-ha! Bernstein lets loose with the most American of cowboy salutations to the great delight of his Las Vegas welcoming committee, which included the Las Vegas High School Rhythmettes, 1960."

In the photo with Bernstein, who died in 1990 at age 72, are a number of the Rhythmettes, who are dressed as cowgirls.

If any of you readers have seen the photo and can identify any of the Rhythmettes, send me the information, along with why Bernstein was in Las Vegas.

The Scene And Heard

Bette Midler's Caesar Salad Girls aren't just window dressing. They will be co-hosting a salad competition with Whole Foods Market on April 4 at Town Square. To enter, submit a recipe by April 3. Wearing their showgirl garb, the Caesar Salad Girls will put their pretty heads together today and decide the winner of the event, which runs from noon to 1:30 p.m. The winner goes home with a pair of tickets to Midler's "The Showgirl Must Go On" and gets to attend a meet-and-greet with the entertainer.

May I Recommend

Two new Chinese restaurants are getting raves for their authentic cuisine. On the Strip: Beijing Noodle No. 9 at Caesars Palace recruited executive chef Li Yu from a top noodle shop in his homeland. Off the Strip: China MaMa at 3420 South Jones Blvd. takes dumplings to another level.

Order Vegas Confidential: Sinsational Celebrity Tales

Norm Clarke's newest book, Vegas Confidential: Sinsational Celebrity Tales ($12.95, Stephens Press, February 2008), dishes up a feast from Sin City's Ace Insider on celeb's club hopping, spending sprees, outrageous behavior, feuds and meltdowns, and the best (and worst) tippers.