March 2010
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as Vegas entertainment icon, Frank Marino is now performing in his new dazzling drag spectacular “Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas” at the IMPERIAL PALACE. Marino also received a second star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars on the night of the opening of his new show. The self-proclaimed “Peoples’ Diva,” is the first entertainer to earn two stars on the Las Vegas Strip—one outside the RIVIERA and one outside the IMPERIAL PALACE.
Marino stars in the show, performing a Joan Rivers-inspired comedic monologue and narrates the production throughout. He does a total of 17 costume changes, each time donning a different gown designed by the legendary Bob Mackie. They are not only gorgeous, but he looks fabulous in them. Marino is supported by a cast of seven other unbelievably talented queens, depicting 13 different divas. In addition, six steamy male dancers heat up each act with dramatic choreography and chiseled bodies. Pop culture-inspired tribute acts include Lady GaGa, Beyonce and Britney and classic divas of the decades such as Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Dolly Parton, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, Liza Minelli and Cher perform as if you are seeing the real thing. You won’t believe your eyes that the performers are in drag. A powerful part of the show is a dramatic performance of Charles Aznavour’s, “What Makes A Man A Man.”
Frank Marino has entertained Las Vegas audiences for more than 25 years. Prior to opening “Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas” at the IMPERIAL PALACE, Frank starred in “An Evening at La Cage” at the RIVIERA. Marino is an accomplished author, columnist, spokesperson and starred in Miss Congeniality 2 alongside Sandra Bullock. As a long-time Las Vegan, Frank Marino has a Las Vegas street named after him (which he jokes “also goes both ways”).
Where is George Costanza” And where is Jason Alexander? They never showed up at Planet Hollywood showroom. Only Donny Clay,” the world’s fourth-best motivational speaker was there. Yes, renowned comic Jason Alexander, of the hit comedy sitcom “Seinfeld,” becomes Donny Clay as he performs his uproarious show “The Donny Clay Experience” at Planet Hollywood. “Donny Clay’s” world famous seminars are hilarious evenings full of comedy, music, self-help and partial nudity.
The show is an interactive, partially improvised comedy romp where the audience is part of the show. Jason Alexander, a Tony Award-winner for Best Actor in a Musical, surprises audiences with his very fine singing voice. The show has video and comical moments, theater and some unintentionally life-enhancing thinking,
Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow is now making music and magic at PARIS Las Vegas with a new reimagined resident show. He will perform 78 shows each year for two years.
Directed by renowned stage and film choreographer and director Jeffrey Hornaday (Flashdance, A Chorus Line, High School Musical), this new show casts Manilow’s hits in a new light in the intimate and elegant 1,500 seat PARIS Théâtre. The show includes new video elements and all the songs that have made him a pop culture icon over the past 35 years. Tickets are available on-line at Ticketmaster.com, in person at the Paris Théâtre box office, or by calling 1.800.745.3000. Ticket prices are $250, $175, $125, and $95.
Las Vegas middle school and high school music programs will benefit from Manilow’s new contract with PARIS by sharing in the proceeds of the special, weekly Platinum Experience Tickets. Platinum Experience Tickets which include a front row seat, pre-show champagne reception, meet & greet and photo with Barry Manilow, and an autographed show program are available now at www.ManilowParis.com or at 310.957.5788. Proceeds from Platinum Experience Tickets go directly to the Manilow Music Project. The Manilow Music Project is part of Manilow’s non-profit, The Manilow Fund for Health and Hope and will put instruments into the hands of Middle school and High School students in the Las Vegas Unified School District.
Well, if you miss him on television, Conan O’Brien will headline a live comedy/music review that begins a two-month, 30-city tour on April 12, including a stop at The Pearl Concert Theater at THE PALMS on Saturday, May 1. [JUST IN: A second show has been added—Sunday, May 2.] The aptly titled “Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television” tour kicks off in Eugene, Oregon, and will take Conan and a cast that will include longtime sidekick Andy Richter and the former Tonight Show band to theaters in at least 20 states and two Canadian provinces.
While it may seem early, tickets are now on sale for Conan and the New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) who continue the ride of their highly publicized reunion with a stop at The Pearl Concert Theater inside the PALMS on Saturday, May 8.
Pop sensations NKOTB sold more than 80 million albums worldwide. The group shattered concert box office records playing an estimated 200 concerts a year, in sold out stadiums throughout the world. which gives fans a true glimpse at what it took to achieve one of the most successful and momentous musical reunions in history. After storming onto the Pop Culture scene again in 2008, the group has continued to entertain and excite, and promises more huge announcements to come.
Also at the Pearl Concert Theatre, if you are lucky, you may still be able to get tickets for Martin Lawrence—March 19 & 20 and Jay-Z March 27. The Pearl Box Office is open from noon–7:00 p.m. daily.
Comedian George Wallace is known for giving away prizes at his show, but he is now going above and beyond by giving away a Smart Car. The Smart Car will be awarded to one lucky winner chosen at random on April 1, 2010 at 11:15 p.m. during Wallace’s “I Be Thinkin’” show. Fans can participate in the Smart Car giveaway by filling out an entry form at the FLAMINGO Showroom directly after seeing George Wallace’s show. The winner does not have to be present at the drawing in order to claim the car. Only one entry per guest and entrants must be 18 years or older.
George Wallace is in his sixth year as a headliner at the FLAMINGO and has packed the showroom every night with thousands of laughing fans. Known best for his “Yo Mama” jokes and his infamous “I Be Thinkin’” lines, Wallace creates a one-on-one atmosphere with his audiences, including them in the show and giving away a multitude of prizes during each performance.
Seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter/guitar player/producer John Mayer performs at the MANDALAY BAY Events Center Saturday, March 27. The concert will feature Mayer along with special guest Michael Franti & Spearhead. In November 2009, Mayer released his fourth studio album, Battle Studies, a confessional, relaxed and liberated album which incorporates the warmth, melodies and simplicity of ’70s and ’80s California rock and pop. The album was recorded in a private home in California where Mayer lived and worked over the course of six months. The guitarist, vocalist and songwriter has not only earned seven GRAMMYs, but also has sold nearly 12.5 million albums worldwide.
If you loved Elvis you’ll love this musical celebration of his life. “Viva Elvis” Cirque Du Soleil’s World Premiere night opened with a mishap that brought the curtain down and closed the show after its opening act. I don’t know what happened, but some smoky haze seemed to appear for awhile. After about five or six 
minutes (or so), and a guest in the showroom trying to bring hilarity to the waiting audience, a voice came on to say, “The show will now begin.” The original act was revived and the show continued with no other calamities.
I had been to GRACELAND Elvis’s beautiful home in Memphis this past summer and I had seen most of the visuals that were shown on the screen during the show. I was surprised they were not remastered to update the quality as some appeared aged, but I guess the backers of the show wanted them to appear as the originals that they are.
I had not been to ARIA before this opening night. It is huge and beautiful. Crowds lined the “Viva Elvis” red carpet, excited to see Regis and Joy Philbin, Priscilla Presley, with her son Navarone Garibaldi, Ryan Seacrest, Sammy Shore (wearing the same suit he wore the night he opened for Elvis’ debut at The International, now the HILTON), celebrity Perez Hilton, Wynonna Judd, Chris Noth, Gene Simmons and Andrew Dice Clay.
“Viva Elvis Cirque Du Soleil” is a high-quality show, especially for those who have not seen other Cirque shows. As one expects miraculous Cirque circus-type performances, this show has more dancing and singing than gymnastics and special effects. There were special effects and acrobatics in segments such as a Blue Suede Shoe, a great Wedding Cake and the “One Night” segment that is more like Cirque, and I liked that best. Two acrobats on a giant guitar in the air are accompanied by a small piano with a singer below. Colonel Tom Parker was played by an actor who narrates Elvis’ life in a musical journey. Large screens brought Elvis to life in footage and song as if he were there singing and doing his thing. This was done in different phases of his life story. However, when Elvis makes his sensational comeback, there was not really much about the fact why he needed to make a comeback. Until the end of the show, we really didn’t see any Elvis shaking or any Elvis’ tribute performers, except for female Elvis’ But the performers at the end of the show made up for that. “Viva Elvis” is quite an enjoyable spectacular, with great dancing and many surprises.
An after-party at HAZE, the Nite Club was fun as many of the cast were there and performed their dancing skills. Good food, music, dancing and camaraderie was experienced by VIP invited guest who wore Elvis white scarves as the admission to the party.
Broadway’s triple threat Rick Faugno (pronounced Fawn-Yo) will reprise his critically acclaimed one-man song and dance show, “Songs My Idols Sang (And Danced!),” due to popular demand on Sunday, March 21, at 3 p.m. at the SOUTH POINT CASINO SHOWROOM.
One of the Strip’s popular Broadway imports and the original Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys” at the PALAZZO, Faugno premiered his solo show last August at the SOUTH POINT—all with standing ovations. Faugno presents an 80-minute showcase of musical standards and he’s backed by what he refers to as his “baddest cats”—a seven-piece band with some of the best musicians from the Strip. He shares the significance of the many idols he admires of song and dance, including Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis, Jr.
He created the show in 2009 with his long-time love Joyce Chittick, a fellow Broadway performer-choreographer, and his musical director Keith Thompson, the conductor of “Jersey Boys.” The show is based on Faugno’s life story on Broadway, and how he got to where he is today with the love and support of his family and many others while growing up in New Jersey, on to Broadway and to the Las Vegas Strip. Faugno was honored this past holiday season in New York with his own caricature at Sardi’s, a famous Broadway theatre district eatery.
A New Jersey native, he first appeared on Broadway at age 12 in “The Will Rogers Follies.” For tickets: Call 797-8055 or buy tickets online at www.southpointcasino.com, and at the South Point Box Office.
By the way, Rick Faugno has been honored to perform along with Philip Fortenberry, concert pianist and improvisational composer at the Jefferson/Jackson dinner at the RIO on March 27 where former Vice President Al Gore will be the featured speaker.
NEVADA BALLET THEATRE presents Brave New World, featuring three world premiere works: Song of the Nightingale, a story ballet based on the original Hans Christian Andersen tale, The Nightingale, choreographed by local artist Gail Gilbert; a fascinating new work by Wideman/Davis Dance Company Artistic Director Thaddeus Davis; and Cyclical Night, a tango-inspired piece by Nevada Ballet Theatre’s own Artistic Director James Canfield. This eclectic program will be presented on Saturday, March 27 at 8 pmp.m. and Sunday, March 28 at 2 p.m. at UNLV’s ARTEMUS W. HAM CONCERT HALL. Ticket prices range from $10 to $75 and can be purchased by calling the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office at (702) 895-ARTS (2787) or ordering online at www.nevadaballet.com.
NEVADA BALLET THEATRE will be a resident company in the new world-class Smith Center for the Performing Arts upon its completion.
Eva Longoria Parker celebrated “Eva Longoria Parker Day” with family and friends, and was presented with a prestigious award to acknowledge her outstanding entrepreneurial success at the LATIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 35th Installation Celebration at EVE, her CityCenter nightclub in Las Vegas. Chairman of the Clark County Commission Rory Reid and Las Vegas Councilman Ricky Barlow each presented her with a proclamation on the red carpet to declare the day in honor of Eva Longoria Parker, who was recognized as the sole woman restaurant and nightclub owner on the Las Vegas Strip. At the event she was presented the prestigious “Premio de Oro—Distinguished Business Leadership” award, to honor her commitment to expand opportunities for women- and minority-owned businesses
If you like something a little different, there is a great outlet for you to experience. The LAS VEGAS HAUNTED TOUR AND SÉANCE SHOW, produced by Robert Allen has been around for about 5 years, but 8 months ago the SÉANCE SHOW was added. And what a supernatural phenomenon this SÉANCE SHOW is! When I was there, the SEANCE by guest medium, Victoria was spectacular as she summoned forth the spirit world. There are many elements that grip you. There are touching moments, fear, unbelievable knowledge by the Medium Victoria and many surprises that amaze. I can’t say enough about Medium Victoria, ask if she is the Medium when you go. The Séance is included with The HAUNTED TOUR. Tickets: 866 218 4935.
Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub in front of the IMPERIAL PALACE will celebrate its “First Annual Anniversary of the Late Grand Opening Party.” On Thursday, March 25, the ultra dive bar will show its love to locals with an anniversary bash.
Throw on your tux (jeans are okay too), and join the sinfully sexy girls of Rockhouse as they celebrate the Rockhouse way—with bar dancing, tire swinging, and 80 ounces of fun served in a signature souvenir guitar. Rockhouse revelers will enjoy 55-cent Budweiser SELECT 55 bottled beers and ladies will enjoy complimentary Kettle One cocktails and shots from 10 p.m. until midnight And for those that really want to rock out, partygoers can strap on a signature 80-ounce souvenir guitar cup filled with a choice of beer or frozen daiquiri for true rockstar appeal. With beautiful bartenders pouring drinks from the bar tops, playing in the giant bird cage and dangling from tire swings suspended from the ceiling, Rockhouse is the spot where the party never stops.
In celebration of it 30th year anniversary, LIBERACE MUSEUM patrons receive discounted admission through April 15, 2010. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 65+ and students with a valid ID. Children age 12 and under are free. Admission includes a complimentary one-hour guided tour 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday if desired.
RHUMBAR, the stylish cocktail lounge at THE MIRAGE, has paired two of its signature specialties—hand-muddled libations and fine cigars—and made them available in one enticing offer. Throughout the month of March, cocktail lovers and cigar aficionados will enjoy RHUMBAR’s signature mojito paired with a premium Montecristo cigar, available for just $20.
The STRATOSPHERE TOWER, one of the most identifiable structures on the Las Vegas strip dimmed its lights for three minutes on February 18 at 6:00 p.m. in honor of Dale’s legendary car number 3. This was a tribute to the racing legend and seven-time NASCAR® champion Dale Earnhardt. The Dale Earnhardt Foundation logo was the only light displayed on the Tower legs and during this time the hotel marquee also stopped all advertising.
The Las Vegas casinos have dimmed their lights before in rare tributes to Sammy Davis Jr, Frank Sinatra, President Reagan and President Kennedy. Dale Earnhardt died on February 18, 2001, in the last lap of the Daytona 500.
Las Vegas was named a showcase city for the WORLD WILDLIFE FUND’s (WWF) 2010 EARTH HOUR—a global call to action on climate change. For the second year in a row all hotel casinos on the world famous Las Vegas Strip, along with several off-Strip properties, will turn off marquees and non-essential exterior lighting for the event. The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign will also go dark for the hour.
EARTH HOUR takes place Saturday, March 27th at 8:30 p.m. and is an event in which millions of Americans will turn out their lights for one hour in support of action on climate change and toward creating a cleaner, safer and more secure future. A record 20 states, 65 cities and 11 counties in the U.S. will dim their lights for Earth Hour 2010.
2010 marks the third year of the EARTH HOUR, which attracted more than 80 million participants in the U.S. last year, and nearly a billion people around the world. Outside the U.S., WWF said they expect more than 800 cities in 80 countries to take part in EARTH HOUR 2010.
