April '09 Notes from Norm — Norm Clarke Column

Saturday 03-28-09

'Folies Bergere' ends run tonight

Lark Williams was a 20-year-old showgirl with a touring "Folies Bergere" troupe when she heard the most dreaded words in show business.

The cast was waiting in the wings, ready for the "Can-Can" finale. It was 1979 and they were in Mexico City on an eight-month tour through South America.

Onstage was the speciality act of Mario and Ulysses, doing their big finish, the knife tip to knife tip number. They were performing a handstand, one above the other, balancing only on knives point-to-point in their mouths.

"We were waiting for the applause and our cue," said Williams.

Instead, all they heard was ka-klump coming from the stage and a collective gasp from the audience.

"The next thing we heard in Spanish was 'is there a doctor in the house?'"

The director said "go," Williams recalled. "It was all about getting the 'Can-Can' number in. They were dragging Uly off stage. We thought his neck was broken. How do you top that? Boobs didn't matter at that point."

Uly survived, she said, "but they never worked again."

Williams, who later became one of the city's best-known radio personalities, will be at a VIP table tonight when the final curtain comes down in the "Folies Bergere" after 49 years at the Tropicana.

BEARD CONTENDERS

Wynn Las Vegas chef Paul Bartolotta has a shot at a rare double achievement in the culinary industry.

He could grab a second James Beard Award for best chef, in a second region of the country.

In 1994, as executive chef at Chicago's Spiaggia, he won a James Beard Award for best chef in the Midwest. It was the first time an Italian chef won the award.

Earlier this week Bartolotta was nominated for best chef in the Southwest, four years after opening Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare at the Wynn.

Instead of adopting the traditional Italian menu, Bartolotta sold Wynn on the bold step of featuring coastal Italian cooking -- "something no one else had ever done." Wynn agreed, "after some cajoling," Bartolotta said with a chuckle.

Bartolotta became the buyer and importer of the best Mediterranean seafood he could find.

The other Nevada semifinal nominees are: best chef, Claude Le Tohic, Joël Robuchon at the Mansion at MGM Grand; best new restaurant, Raku; rising star chef of the year, Vannessa Garcia, Restaurant Charlie, at Palazzo; rising star chef of the year, Sarah Kosikowski, Michael Mina at Bellagio; and best chef, Saipin Chutima, Lotus of Siam.

The winners will be announced the first week of May in New York City.

The Scene And Heard

The Review-Journal's annual "Best of Las Vegas" show is a no-show this year, because of the recession, but KVBC-TV, Channel 3 entertainment reporter Alicia Jacobs will be dropping names of many of the winners during tonight's newscast at 11. ... Inadvertently omitted from Friday's item about the Salad Show-Down at Whole Foods Market in Town Square was how to enter. Forms are available at the customer service desk at the Town Square location through April 4. Bette Midler's Caesar Salad Girls will choose the winner on April 4. ... Film legend Tony Curtis and his wife, Jill, will be honored at the 4th annual Autism's Angels Gala on April 4 at the Stirling Club at Turnberry Place. ... Looks as if actor David Arquette will serve as master of ceremonies for the inaugural Three Square benefit Friday at the Springs Preserve. Clint Holmes, Susan Anton and Josh "Chop" Towbin are co-emcees for the star chef event, with proceeds going to the valley's main food bank.

Sightings

Rapper MC Hammer, filming his upcoming A&E reality show Thursday inside Moon Nightclub and ghostbar at the Palms. ... Also at Moon, Dieter Schmitz from MTV's "Laguna Beach." ... Music legend Neil Sedaka, dining at Aureole (Mandalay Bay) on Thursday night. ...

Sunday 03-29-09

Jailed singer's mother worried

Celebrity impersonator Trina Johnson-Finn, jailed in Suriname, is suffering from dehydration and anemia, but told her mother, "Don't worry about me."

Wanda Madlock had her first contact on Thursday with her daughter, who was jailed March 1 in Paramaribo, Suriname's capital.

During their 10-minute conversation, the Las Vegas entertainer said she was in a cell with six other women and had hopes she would be transferred to a nearby prison where conditions were said to be an improvement.

"She's anemic. She had surgery recently," Madlock said from her home in Kansas City, where Trina grew up.

A U.S. embassy official told Madlock, " 'You have a strong daughter.' And I said to myself, 'I know.' "

Johnson-Finn, 40, is being held on charges that she was in cahoots with a promoter who billed her as Toni Braxton. Two songs into the concert, the crowd of about 1,500 got ugly, and she was taken to safety by her husband, Raymond Finn, who was jailed for two weeks.

Madlock said efforts are under way to get Oprah Winfrey involved to bring more attention to the "unjust treatment" of her daughter.

Johnson-Finn was on "Oprah" about 20 years ago as a backup singer for rapper MC Hammer. She also was a backup singer for Barbra Streisand's "Timeless" tour about five years ago, when she and her husband moved to Las Vegas so she could pursue her entertainment career.

The Scene And Heard

Steve Wynn and girlfriend Andrea Hissom were spotted in the Los Angeles area last weekend, reportedly on a house-hunting mission. They were seen dining at Café 14 in Agoura Hills with Sylvester Stallone and director Brett Ratner, who produced Wynn's on-the-ledge commercial for his Encore hotel. ...

Many responses came in about the Leonard Bernstein photo mentioned Friday. R-J reader Milt Irvin wanted to know why the legendary director of the New York Philharmonic orchestra was greeted by the Las Vegas High School Rhythmettes in 1960. Several readers said he was here for a convention center concert. One said the photo was taken as he came off a TWA flight. Rhythmettes in the photo from page 192 in "Leonard Bernstein: American Original" included: Sandy Craig, Cheryl Henry, Sheila Skoglund, Joan Fisher and Nancy Atkinson.

Sightings

"Sopranos" star Michael Imperioli and wife Victoria at Tao (Venetian) on Friday, celebrating his 43rd birthday. ... Adam Sandler, Kevin James and Ray Romano, partying at Revolution Lounge (Mirage) on Friday after Romano's show at The Mirage. Earlier, they dined at Stack. ... Hilton headliner Barry Manilow, with friends at Tryst nightclub (Wynn) Friday. ... At Rain nightclub (Palms) on Friday: actress Jaime Pressly, wearing a 1970s-style afro wig at a bachelorette party. ... At "Tony 'N Tina's Wedding" on Friday: Coley Laffoon, Anne Heche's ex, and Raymond Cruz of "The Closer" and "Breaking Bad." ... Dwight "Doc" Gooden, having lunch at the Palms pool with N9NE Steakhouse chef Barry Dakake. Gooden was in town for a memorabilia signing Saturday at Field of Dreams (Forum Shops at Caesars). ... On the red carpet Thursday at Monster Circus' opening at the Las Vegas Hilton: featured performer Dee Snyder of Twisted Sister, Tony Montana, Fred Coury, Bruce Kulick, Rudy Sarzo, John Corabi, Jennifer Elise Cox (Jan Brady in the "Brady Bunch" movies), "La Cage" headliner Frank Marino, and L.D. Miller (formerly of "Buck Wild" and the first season of "America's Got Talent").


Monday 03-30-09

Resident talent coming at Joint The Hard Rock Hotel and entertainment powerhouse Anschutz Entertainment Group are planning an announcement any day now on the rock 'n' roll talent they've signed to a residency deal for the new Joint. John Meglen, co-CEO and president of AEG Live/Concerts West, told reporters last week that the announcement would come by the end of March. The act would spend two to three weeks at the Hard Rock several times a year, similar to AEG's deals with entertainers at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The Hard Rock and AEG hope to sign two more star acts for 2010. With the exploding popularity of The Killers here and abroad, one would think the opportunity to stay home for a battery-charging residency gig might sound like an appealing alternative to touring. 'JUST FELT WRONG' There was grumbling in the ranks at Shadow Creek Golf Club on Friday when a number of top MGM Mirage executives got together for some golf on a day when the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. Seeing them on the golf course "just felt wrong," a spy said. Among the group: Bobby Baldwin, president and chief executive officer of the embattled CityCenter project, and Chris Nordling, MGM Mirage executive vice president and chief financial officer. MGM Mirage made a $200 million debt payment on Friday that averted a bankruptcy filing and a potential shutdown of the $8.7 billion CityCenter development. Baldwin, reached by e-mail, confirmed he was at Shadow Creek on Friday afternoon. "We worked day and night to arrange for the funding for CityCenter," he wrote. Shadow Creek is under Baldwin's direct corporate duties, and MGM Mirage hosts "service our guests at Shadow Creek seven days a week," he said. "As you might imagine we are very busy." MGM Mirage spokesman Alan Feldman said Baldwin is regularly involved with clients, especially during a weekend when so many of them are in town for the NCAA basketball action. "I'm sure that Bobby, with the hours he's been working, would have much preferred to have gotten some sleep," Feldman said. The Scene And Heard Unbeaten welterweight Floyd Mayweather Jr., who lives in Las Vegas, is this close to announcing that he's coming out of retirement and fighting in July. That's what he is saying privately, as recently as last week. ... "Dancing With the Stars" contestant Holly Madison spent her teens in St. Helens, Ore., near Mount St. Helens, Wash., site of one of the most spectacular U.S. volcanic eruptions in modern history. She's not the only Playboy beauty from that area. Two years ago Sara Underwood was selected Playboy Playmate of the Year. She's from Scappoose, Ore., a 10-minute drive from St. Helens. But Madison and Underwood didn't meet until they got to the Playboy Mansion and have since become close friends. Sightings Missouri quarterback sensation Chase Daniels, with friends at Tao Beach (Venetian) on Sunday. ... Kato Kaelin, at Whole Foods at Town Square on Saturday, purchasing fresh kale, spinach and ginger for his juicer, which he brought with him to Las Vegas for his two weeks in "Tony 'N Tina's Wedding" at Planet Hollywood Resort. ... At "Tony 'N Tina's Wedding" on Friday: Coley Laffoon, Anne Heche's ex, and Raymond Cruz of "The Closer" and "Breaking Bad." ... Playboy's Underwood, Playmate of the Year 2007, celebrating her 25th birthday Saturday at Tabú Ultra Lounge in MGM Grand.

Tuesday 03-31-09

Norm took the day off

Wednesday 04-01-09

Norm took the day off

Thursday 04-02-09

Norm took the day off

Friday 04-03-09

Jackson may be pursuing magic

Is Michael Jackson back in Las Vegas on a magic-scouting mission?

When word leaked Thursday that Jackson was planning to attend Criss Angel's "Believe" show at the Luxor on Saturday, I tracked down Majestik Magnificent, a friend of Jackson's since they met through magic in 1981.

Muhammad Ali introduced them at Lena Horne's show at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles.

"I was sitting right next to Michael and didn't know it," said Magnificent, who has lived in Las Vegas since the mid 1990s.

As Ali and Jackson bantered back and forth, with Magnificent in the middle, he was out of the loop until Ali said the magic words.

"When Ali told him I did magic, it was like a light bulb went off. 'He (Jackson) said, 'Come backstage after the show and show me some magic.' "

They hit it off, and Jackson handed over his home phone number. In a flash, Magnificent was invited over "and I showed him magic for three days."

Magnificent was not only Ali's personal magician, traveling around the world in his entourage, but Jackson adopted him as well.

"He's always been fascinated with magic. I think it goes back to the Disney movies," said Magnificent, who lived with Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine for more than a decade at their homes in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

"We're family today," said Magnificent, who works here as a magician and a personal manager.

When I mentioned the rumor that Jackson might be checking out Angel's collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, he said he wasn't big on rumors.

"Could be he's just taking his kids out for the night," he said. "He always hires a magician for his kids' parties."

But, he added, he wouldn't be surprised if the King of Pop was interested in adding some Vegas magic to his comeback concerts in London.

"He had magic in his 'Bad' Tour," noting that Jackson floated in the air at point in his shows, and at another, he appeared to be singing on one side of the stage and a box would come down and he would suddenly reappear on the other side."

Magnificent said he wouldn't be surprised if Jackson enlisted the help of Siegfried & Roy or Angel. "They've got the huge illusions.

"He's very close friends with Siegfried and Roy. He loves magic so much, he wrote a theme song for them."

May I Recommend

Hugh Hefner will be all over the Palms this weekend for his 83rd birthday. There's a Palms Place pool party from 2-4 p.m. Saturday and appearances at the Playboy Club & Moon Nightclub. The poolside catfight quotient could be high: Holly Madison, Hef's ex, is reportedly joining her "Girls Next Door" gal pals, Kendra and Bridget, while Hef will be squiring their replacements: Crystal Harris and 19-year-old twins Karissa and Kristina Shannon. The public is invited.

The Scene And Heard

Twenty-six Miss USA contestants will be attending the Sunday pajama brunch at Simon at Palms Place -- in their jammies -- from noon to 2 p.m. On Saturday night, they are gathering at Buca di Beppo for dinner and cooking lessons from Buca di Beppo's corporate chef Michael Miyahara. ...

Comedy legend Shecky Greene is returning to Las Vegas for the first time in years, and it should be worth the wait. He's booked at the Suncoast showroom for three performances May 15, 16 and 17, with 7:30 p.m. starts. Tickets: $19.95, plus tax. Call 702-636-7075 or visit www.suncoast casino.com.

Sightings


	British actress Sienna Miller, trying her luck at gambling Wednesday with friends at Planet Hollywood Resort. She's in town to promote her upcoming film "GI Joe." ... At the Hard Rock Hotel on Wednesday: actor Dennis Quaid and wife Kimberly. Spotted nearby in the Helles Belles Pit, Fisher Stevens.... Vanna White, filming

promos of "Wheel of Fortune" on Wednesday and Thursday at The Venetian and The Palazzo properties for shows airing July 17-21.... Former UFC champ Tito Ortiz, new father of twin sons with Jenna Jameson, partying until 5:30 a.m. Thursday at CatHouse (Luxor). He arrived at 3:30 a.m., with a group of 12. ... At Revolution (Mirage) on Wednesday: Jared Allen of the Minnesota Vikings, MMA champ Alex Karalexis and actor Eddie Griffin. ... Top funny car driver Ron Capps, dining at Simon at Palms Place on Thursday.

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