June '09 Notes from Norm — Norm Clarke Column

Saturday 06-20-09

'Ocean's Eleven' script up for bids

A Las Vegas actor is ready to turn the page and sell his most prized possession -- a script for "Ocean's Eleven" -- in an upcoming auction.

Rusty Meyers, an extra in the 2001 blockbuster starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts, got most of the cast to sign the script during filming here.

Meyers' script is among the inventory for a summer sale by Julien's Auctions on June 26 and 27 at Planet Hollywood Resort. The script is valued between $800 and $1,200.

The event, one of the largest celebrity auctions held in Las Vegas, features prescription bottles issued to Elvis Presley the day before he died, hundreds of Marilyn Monroe photos (including her last sitting) and furniture from her home at the time of her death, and an intimate letter written by Michael Jackson, thanking a young man for a "magic moment in my life."

The auction items are on display all week on the mezzanine at Planet Hollywood Resort.

Meyers, who appeared in Wendy's hamburger commercials for a decade, played the security guard in "Ocean's Eleven" who allowed the money cart to enter the Bellagio vault with Chinese actor Shaobo Qin (Yen) hidden inside.

It took him about a year to get the main actors. "The last one was Bernie Mack. He was hosting an awards event at the MGM Grand and I was doing some stand-in work. I drove home to get the script," said Meyers. Mack died unexpectedly last year.

Some may recall that Meyers did all the voices for the original pirate battle at Treasure Island -- except for the British captain.

"Steve Wynn did that one," said Meyers.

The auction includes 200 Cher items, from her Bob Mackie-designed clothing to leopard-print furniture from her Malibu home.

The Elvis items come from the collection of his personal physician, Dr. George Nichopoulos, who is auctioning off dozens of mementos, including the infamous black bag that contained Elvis' drugs. The Julien family expects the bag to fetch between $4,000 and $6,000.

Other items on the block: Bob Hope's golf putters, studio promotional photographs signed by Ronald Reagan, personal checks signed by Clark Gable, Errol Flynn and Monroe and Bing Crosby's 1963 California driver's license.

Certain to pique interest from Michael Jackson collectors is the entertainer's handwritten note to a new friend.

"Greg thanks for the magic moment in my life. I hope it was the same for you, please come to visit Neverland. Let's hope this is the beginning of a long friendship and never lose your boyish spirit. It's imortal. (sic) Love always, M. Jackson."

The letter came from David Gest's collection.

The Scene And Heard

Former Las Vegas resident Julianne Hough has been offered a lead role in the remake of "Footloose," Paramount Studios told USMagazine.com Friday. If she accepts, the former "Dancing With the Stars" professional dancer would star opposite Chace Crawford, the "Gossip Girls" co-star who was named the winner of People magazine's "Hottest Bachelor" competition this week. Crawford was in Las Vegas this week, spotted at Palazzo eateries Lavo and First Food & Bar.

Sightings

NHL superstar Alex Ovechkin, at Tryst (Wynn) Thursday with Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk. Also at Tryst: singer John Mayer, UFC star Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, and poker pros David Williams and Nenad Medic. ... At the NHL Awards after-party Thursday at Rain and the Palms pool: Ovechkin, Datsyuk, Zdeno Chara and Timothy Thomas Jr. of the Boston Bruins; Bobby Ryan of the Anaheim Ducks; Michael Richards of the Philadelphia Flyers; Jeremy Roenick of the San Jose Sharks; Sergei Fedorov of the Washington Capitals; retired NHL star Mark Messier, and Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks, musician Robin Thicke, poker pro Daniel Negreanu, Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Kevin Connolly of "Entourage," and actors William Fichtner and Colin Ferguson.

Sunday 06-21-09

Actress giving CityCenter a kiss

Eva Longoria of "Desperate Housewives" and star chef Todd English are teaming up on a Latin-tinged steakhouse concept for CityCenter.

They are bringing a spinoff of Beso -- Spanish for kiss -- from Hollywood.

Longoria will be among the highest profile celebrity restaurant investors when CityCenter opens late this year. Jonas Lawrence, formerly of Miami hot spot Rokbar, is the managing partner, a source said.

English, whose Boston-based Olives restaurant empire includes an eatery at Bellagio, will feature his Latin take on flatbreads, along with tacos and chili-rubbed steak.

Longoria, who grew up in Texas, contributed the guacamole recipe and tortilla soup to Beso's original menu.

It won't be English's only venue at CityCenter. He also is doing a British pub.

It has been reported that Victoria Beckham, wife of British soccer star David Beckham, was joining Longoria as a partner in the Las Vegas venture, but that could not be substantiated.

The Scene And Heard

Negotiations between Steve Wynn and Garth Brooks appear to be moving along nicely. Brooks, the hottest thing in country in the 1990s before retiring in 2000, on Tuesday is doing another free invite-only show at the Encore Theatre. ...

Tip of the week: I'm hearing a big Fourth of July fireworks show is planned for mid-Strip in the Caesars Palace area. That means the primo views will be on the east side of the Strip, at restaurants with outdoor dining, such as Lavo's 3,000-square-foot terrace, Morels Steakhouse at The Palazzo and Trader Vic's patio outside Planet Hollywood Resort. Make your reservations for 9 p.m. ...

Actor Rusty Meyers was one of a half-dozen locals with speaking parts in the remake of "Ocean's Eleven." He is the founder and director of RAW, or RealActorsWorkshop.com, which he started 14 years ago. ...

Motown great Smokey Robinson tells me he has made Las Vegas his second home since 2004, first in Seven Hills before moving to Summerlin a couple years ago. Asked what brought him to our fair city, Robinson responded, "Uncle Sam," because Nevada doesn't add a state income tax on top of his federal tax bill. ...

Mitch Truswell, morning and noon anchor at KVBC-TV, Channel 3 since 2003, is among the latest casualities of cutbacks in the local TV community. "Nothing to do with his talents or performance, strictly based on tough economic times," KVBC general manager Lisa Howfield said.

Sightings

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, amid rumors that he and supermodel Gisele Bundchen are expecting, at Blush (Wynn) on Friday. He's in town for Warren Buffett's meeting of NetJets investors, which included Wayne Gretzky, Steve Martin and Ray Romano. ... Singer John Mayer, dining at Botero (Encore) on Friday before going to XS nightclub. ... Backstage after Larry King's evening of humor at the Encore Theatre on Friday: wife Shawn's son, Danny Southwick, who has been working out with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent quarterback. Also there: Steve Wynn and Andrea Hissom. ... Sally Kellerman, the original "Hot Lips" Houlihan in "M.A.S.H.," taking in the Friday night performance of "Voices" at the Hilton. ... Steve Martin and Teller of Penn & Teller, dining Friday at Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare (Wynn). ... Alton Fitzgerald White, who plays Mufasa in "The Lion King," in the audience Friday at "Phantom: The Las Vegas


Monday 06-22-09

Elaine Wynn hears Hawk's tale Elaine Wynn had the best seat in the house at Warren Buffett's Netjets gala on Saturday. Seated next to skateboarding legend Tony Hawk in an Encore ballroom, Wynn, the event's emcee, reportedly got a first-person account of Hawk's skateboard ride through the White House on Friday. Hawk posted pictures of his wild ride on Twitter, fueling debate over whether his escapade was appropriate. Before attending Buffett's star-studded event, Hawk defended himself against the backlash. "Wow, haters! My passion, the sport that made me who I am, has allowed me to live the American Dream, disrespects the White House? Not at all," he wrote. He had been invited to the White House by President Barack Obama for a Father's Day celebration. Hawk, 41, wrote: "Hi, I am inside the White House gates eating Frosted Flakes and about to do press. You heard it here first. Yes, I brought my skateboard." Later, he tweeted: "The Prez did apologise for not having any ramps to skate on the grounds." After receiving permission, he briefly skated in the Grand Foyer of the White House and took a ride over the checkered tiles in the nearby Old Executive Office Building. Hawk even had an exit strategy. "And here is my exit," he wrote, while linking to a picture of him skating. "Supposed to return at noon for the First Fathers event if they let me back in." The Scene And Heard Shawn King had some exciting news after Friday's appearance at Encore Theater, where she opened for her husband, CNN talk show host Larry King. She's heading for Broadway after being asked to play a villainess in the "Spider-Man" musical. She's in talks, she said, and was approached by producer David Garfinkle, who asked her to audition after Danny Gans died. She was to open for Gans the day he died. When I asked her about her meeting last week with the "Real Housewives of Los Angeles" talent scouts, she made a face. Not interested, she said. Holly Madison makes her "Peepshow" debut as Bo Peep tonight at Planet Hollywood Resort, which heralded her arrival by blocking out "wood" in the rooftop sign. A couple of things you may not have known about her (see HollyMadison123 at Twitter): She attends church with a friend named Angel (a galpal), she's taking French classes, and she didn't utter a peep -- Bo Tweeps? -- about getting caught trying to sneak an underage girlfriend into Body English in the Hard Rock Hotel on June 14. ... Veteran local publicist Frank Lieberman broke a hip in two places over the weekend. Wish him well at PRLieber@aol.com. Sightings Tennis ace Pete Sampras and his wife, Bridgette, at The Country Club at Wynn for dinner on Saturday. They were in town for Buffett's Netjets bash, as was Billy Crystal, who performed, Wayne and Janet Gretzsky, Dean Cain, and Rikki Lake.

Tuesday 06-23-09

Norm took the day off

Wednesday 06-24-09

'Peepshow' debut suits Madison fine

Holly Madison felt right at home during her "Peepshow" debut.

After five years at the Playboy Mansion, what's the big deal?

Madison had a "little bit" of the jitters Monday, she said, but it wasn't from going topless in her debut as a Las Vegas headliner in a burlesque show at Planet Hollywood Resort.

Did she blush?

"No, I was too busy thinking about my dance steps. I had a lot on my mind," said Hugh Hefner's former girlfriend and contestant on "Dancing With the Stars."

Whatever jitters she had, she covered up well.

Asked what grade she would give herself in her debut, she replied, "I thought I did well."

A stage lift failed for two scenes, her leap into the bathtub and her final entrance from under the stage, but only a handful of audience members knew otherwise.

Madison, 29, replaced co-star Kelly Monaco as Bo Peep in the 3-month-old show. Madison appeared topless at the end of the show.

Her role doesn't call for singing.

"Nobody would want to hear that," Madison said. "It would be like 'My Best Friend's Wedding,' where Cameron Diaz did karaoke."

It was her first theatrical appearance since her Oregon high school days, when she played Frenchie in "Grease."

She received a warm welcome from the "Peepshow" cast, who gave her gifts, including a custom-made Bratz doll, a robe and a necklace.

"Everybody has been awesome," she said.

THE BEST GIFT FOR DAD

It was a happy Father's Day for Dave Tuley, Las Vegas-based correspondent for the Daily Racing Form and blogger (www.ViewFrom Vegas.com). His 13-day-old son, Maddux Dirt Kolea Tuley, came home for the first time after battling an infection.

Maddux, named after baseball pitching great Greg Maddux of Las Vegas, is Dave and wife Wendy's latest family member with a name that honors a Chicago sports legend. He joins sisters Jordyn, 7, who is named after NBA superstar Michael Jordan, and 5-year-old Peyton, who got her name from Walter Payton, the Chicago Bears' late Hall of Fame running back.

So where did "Dirt" come from?

Tuley explained that it was the contribution of one of Maddux's big sisters, who suggested it "because boys like to play in the dirt."

Sightings

Garth Brooks, performing another free, invite-only show for Steve Wynn and friends at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas. He had a Pittsburgh Pirates cap on backward during the two-hour show. There was no announcement on where his deal with Wynn stands. ... Caesars Palace headliner Bette Midler, showing up at Gipsy, a local gay club, on Monday to watch her dancers perform. ... Prop comic legend Gallagher, at "Criss Angel Believe" (Luxor)

on Tuesday. ... Greg Maddux, dining with a friend at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab (Forum Shops at Caesars). ... Soap opera legend Susan Lucci, dining at Spago (Caesars) on Tuesday. Lucci later attended Midler's show. Also there: actor Robert Wuhl. ... Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, at The Minus 5 Experience at Mandalay Place for the unveiling of an ice portrait of hizzoner. Goodman toasted Ice Culture, the Canada-based design firm that created the portrait, which will be on display inside the minus 5-degree Celsius (23-degree Fahrenheit) lounge all summer.

Thursday 06-25-09

Remembering Ed McMahon

Ed McMahon told a Las Vegas radio station in an interview a few years ago that his tombstone might include the two things he wanted to be remembered for: "Being a great broadcaster and a great Marine."

McMahon, best known as Johnny Carson's big-voiced sidekick, died Tuesday at age 86.

Before his health took a turn for the worse over the past year, he had shared some of his favorite "Tonight Show" memories with the morning crew at KKLZ-FM, 96.3 (Mike O'Brian, Jim Tofte and Charly Kayle).

McMahon told them his top-three favorite replacement guest hosts for Carson were Don Rickles, Bob Newhart and Kermit the Frog.

The best practical joke Carson played on him?

As McMahon was leaving the NBC lot one night in his limo, security stopped him and asked to search the trunk.

It was crammed with electronics. A policeman ordered McMahon out of the car. The cop turned out to be Carson, who was filming a "TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes" segment, which was hosted by Dick Clark.

• • •

The only "Tonight Show" appearance by local magician Steve Dacri featured one of those practical joke segments.

Dacri devised a trick where an unsuspecting Mariette Hartley would be brought onstage as his helper and put into a box and then disappear. What she didn't know was when she crawled out of the secret trap door and down the hole, she would end up popping out of a cake at a stag party.

On the day of the 1977 shoot, while sitting in his dressing room as the crew built the set, Dacri heard McMahon's booming familiar voice say, "Where's the boy from Worcester?"

McMahon, who was raised in Lowell, Mass., just down the road, not only remembered his friend, but his hometown.

He loved one of Dacri's magic tricks so much he paid Dacri $100 to perform it for Clark. After having Clark sign a card, Dacri made it vanish and then handed Clark a Clark candy bar. Clark unwrapped the candy bar and, voila, there was the signed card.

McMahon "loved magic," said Dacri.

• • •

I had the pleasure of having dinner with McMahon at a celebration of his 80th birthday in March 2003 at Simon Kitchen & Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel.

During dinner, I asked him if he had any exciting plans in the works.

The Marine Corps had called, he said, with an offer to join them in Afghanistan in a month. He accepted. Even at age 80, McMahon was still answering the call when it came to his beloved Marines.

The man best known for his "Heeeere's Johnny" introduction was an American hero to fellow Marines. He was a World War II veteran, and he flew 85 combat missions over Korea in an artillery spotter plane during the Korean War. He eventually reached the rank of colonel.

The Scene And Heard

Luc Robitaille, a Hockey Hall of Fame selection this week, may soon have a famous son, but with a different goal in mind. Jessarae Robitaille, 14, is making a name in music. Last Friday at a charity event in a Palms sky villa, young Robitaille opened for Gavin Rossdale, the former lead singer and guitarist for the rock band Bush (and husband of Gwen Stefani). Robitaille sang six songs, including four he wrote. "He was something special," said Palms owner George Maloof. ... Garth Brooks, telling the crowd at Encore Theatre (Wynn) on Tuesday: "When I was a little boy I told my mother that when I grow up I want to be musican.' She replied, 'You can only do " ... Las Vegas' one.' Jimmy Kimmel and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte are among the 2010 Hollywood Walk of Fame recipients.

Sightings

Derek Fisher, known to Los Angeles Laker fans as "Mr. Big Shot" for his game-turning heroics, at Blush (Wynn) Tuesday. ... Miami Dolphins All-Pro Joey Porter and his party, turned away from entering Prive (Planet Hollywood Resort) the other night because one of them was wearing a Christian Audigier shirt. When I asked a Prive rep if it was because Audigier, the French designer, has a competing nightclub that bears his name at Treasure Island, the response was: "It's strictly the clothing. It's a type of clothing that is not allowed." ... Steve Wynn and lady friend Andrea Hissom, arriving at the Mt. Charleston Lodge on Sunday in a red Ferrari. Wynn was wearing a Ferrari cap.

Friday 06-26-09

Jackson 'loved' Cirque show idea

A Michael Jackson-Cirque du Soleil show was being discussed earlier this year, according to the Las Vegas agent who represented Jackson in a number of prospective deals.

Jack Wishna, who arranged Jackson's return from self-exile after 18 months in Dubai and Ireland, said the Cirque du Soleil show would have featured Jackson's music in the same way that Cirque created "Love" through a collaboration with The Beatles.

Jackson, who died Thursday at age 50, "loved the idea. He saw 'Love' (at The Mirage) and loved it," Wishna said.

Wishna said he met with Daniel Lemarre, CEO of Cirque du Soleil, and Cirque co-founder Gilles St. Croix in Las Vegas about six months ago.

"They were very interested in doing it as well," said Wishna, "but then Michael signed the 50-concert deal in London, and they wanted to see how that played out, see how he does."

Cirque officials were interested in launching the show outside Las Vegas, "maybe kick it off in Asia," Wishna said, because of concern that Las Vegas was nearing a saturation point with Cirque shows.

Wishna also revealed that Jackson's Christmas 2006 return from overseas was specifically to launch his comeback in Las Vegas.

They worked on a deal for six months, and "it was going to happen" at a Strip resort that Wishna wouldn't identify.

"It was going to be the largest deal in entertainment history, not just Las Vegas."

Jackson came up with a "brilliant" way to promote his show, Wishna said. He wanted to put a large moving statue of himself in front of the hotel whenever he was in residence. The statue, dressed in military regalia and moonboots, would move on a conveyer, duplicating Jackson's iconic moonwalk.

But Jackson couldn't pull the trigger.

"He mentally, physically and emotionally just couldn't do it. He flaked out. One side of his brain was genius; on the other side he was a 12-year-old. Creatively brilliant, but a child," said Wishna, who met Jackson before the pop star's child molestation trial in June 2005, which ended in exoneration.

The deal called for Jackson to perform only one weekend a month, Wishna said. The rest of the time it would be "Michael Jackson Presents," with a lineup including major R&B performers like Usher, Jay-Z, Jamie Foxx and others.

"All these guys who grew up idolizing him" would combine on an album with Jackson, Wishna said.

He said family friction surfaced early after Jackson arrived in Las Vegas.

At Jackson's Summerlin residence, his father, Joe, "would come to the gate, and Michael refused to see him more than once. Joe called me and said, 'Get Michael to call his mother (Katherine). It's Christmas.' Katherine tried an intervention. All the kids were here for it."

The legendary singer just recently started rehearsals for his mid-July comeback in London.

A source told me two weeks ago that AEG, the entertainment giant promoting his comeback, had serious concerns about his physical condition.

On June 14, I wrote here: "The ambitious comeback planned for Michael Jackson is on shaky legs. So many doubts have surfaced, I hear, about Jackson's health that you can expect to hear any day now that the 50-date London-based concert schedule will be scaled back to about 15."

The Scene And Heard

Prop comic Carrot Top has signed a six-year contract extension at Luxor. The deal was announced Wednesday after his show during a gathering at Cathouse. He has been at Luxor since 2005. ...

Magician Lance Burton, whose 13-year contract at the Monte Carlo expired, has scheduled a 3 p.m. news conference Tuesday at Brand restaurant, which suggests a new deal is done.

May I Recommend...

First impressions of newly opened First Food and Bar at the Palazzo? Chef Sam DeMarco's appetizers just might be the best finger food in town, ranging from barbecued pulled pork egg rolls, to meat and potato bruschetta and mini-burgers with carmelized onions. The barbecued flatiron steak with cheesy grits has been getting raves. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night.

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.