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Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
 Las Vegas - May 23, 2008
 David Cook  Gerry McCambridge  Placido Domingo And the new American Idol is...David Cook! David Cook? If Cousin Claire were a betting woman (and she sometimes is), she would have put a few bucks on the OTHER David...17-year-old David Archuleta. Maybe the runner-up is really the winner, as in the case of Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken. Runner-up Aiken seems to have the better career, with a couple of albums and a role in the New York production of Monty Python's Spamalot. Maybe they have a little more freedom when it comes to what they record and what they do with their career AI (After Idol). At any rate, if you are an Idol fan and in the Las Vegas area, you can see the finalists (and winner) on July 5th, when the gang comes to the Thomas & Mack to perform. For ticket information, call (702) 739-FANS (3267). And speaking of Spamalot, the Las Vegas production, starring John O'Hurley, will end its run on July 13th. If you want to see it here, call Wynn at (702) 770-WYNN (9966). And here's a little secret...two-for-one tickets are available, if you mention the word "Laughter." * * * * * * Next month, on June 11th, Gerry McCambridge will celebrate his one year anniversary as a performer at Hooters. On the 7th, he celebrates his 500th performance in Las Vegas. We intend to celebrate the occasions right along with the man they rightfully call The Mentalist. Magic has never been one of our favorite forms of entertainment (sorry Dirk, Lance, Steve, David and the rest of you talented folk), and we don't know if McCambridge considers himself to be a magician. What we do know is that we are never bored and always entertained when we see The Mentalist at work (or play). All of those who we have recommended this show to, have become fans. Even the people who think they can figure everything out, are puzzled and admit they don't have a clue how McCambridge does what he does. Whatever it is, magic or otherwise, it works. NBC agrees. Gerry has had his own TV special and, last year, was featured on the reality show, Phenomenon. If you haven't seen his show, and would like to experience something different, and fascinating, we suggest a trip to Hooters (or wherever McCambridge may be appearing). Tell him Cousin Claire sent you. * * * * * * We understand that world-renowned operatic tenor Placido Domingo will perform at Planet Hollywood's Theater for the Performing Arts (the six-month home of Dutch magician Hans Klok and his poor excuse of an assistant, Pamela Anderson). The scheduled date for the one night only show is September 15th. In addition to his versatile and strong voice, Domingo is also admired for his acting ability, his musicality and musical intellect, and the number and variety of opera roles that he has mastered. He has also taken on conducting opera and concert performances, and also serves as the General Director of the Washington National Opera in our nation's capitol, and the Los Angeles Opera in California. His contracts in both Los Angels and Washington, D.C. have been extended through the 2010–2011 season. Although we were told about this booking a week or so ago, no one at the property knows anything about it. Have we been given the wrong information, or, as frequently happens, is it a case of one hand not knowing what the other one is doing? Hmmm. * * * * * * We made our fourth trip to see Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular last week, this time taking folks who had not seen this or any other version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber Tony-winning musical. Cousin Claire saw Phantom of the Opera in Los Angeles a number of years ago. That production starred Michael Crawford as the Phantom (Crawford later headlined in EFX at the MGM Grand) and featured longtime Las Vegan, Gary Marshal in multiple roles (Marshal appeared locally in Donn Arden and Maynard Sloate productions, as well as in the 1967 film, Camelot). Brent Barrett, who plays the lead in The Venetian production, is as good as Crawford ever was. Besides, out of the mask and makeup, Barrett is much cuter (that's our opinion, so deal with it). Brent ends his run in the Las Vegas show on June 6th. If you haven't seen him as the tortured resident of the Paris Opera House, we urge you to do so. Call (702) 414-7469 for reservations. 
Brent Barrett 
Kristen Hertzenberg 
Wes Winters * * * * * * It's that time of month again! (No, not THAT time of month.) Thursday (yes, Thursday) the 29th, is the May episode of the Composers Showcase. Now into its third year, and entering the second year in the performance space in the Liberace Museum, these monthly events are a constant surprise. Until a few days before, one never knows whose original music will be featured and who will perform the material (the composer doesn't usually do their own tunes). You also never know if you are going to hear a beautiful instrumental, a storytelling ballad, a piece from an anticipated Broadway-type musical, gospel, or a comedy tune. The upcoming showcase will present the music of local composers and songwriters, Vita Corimbi, Rylan Leo Helmuth, Kyle Norris, Richard Oberacker and Rob Taylor, Jon Peterson, Keith Thompson (Jersey Boys), Mark Wherry and Ashton Zyer, performed by Mary Catania, Ben Hale, Kristen Hertzenberg (Phantom), Kristi Holden (Phantom), Greg Kata, Savannah Smith-Thomas, Tina Walsh (Phantom), Scott Watanabe, and other special guests, plus the amazing instrumental chops of pianist Philip Fortenberry (Jersey Boys). All of this creativity will begin at 10:30 p.m. (after theater). The Liberace Museum, for those of you that don't know, is located at 1775 East Tropicana @ Spencer, adjacent to Carluccio's Tivoli Gardens Restaurant (Carluccio's serves until 10, so plan to have dinner there before the show). The showcase offers a cash bar (no credit cards, please) and, if you missed dinner at Carluccio's, a $5 hors d' oeuvres buffet provided by Keg and Cork Catering. The mission of the Liberace Foundation is to help talented students pursue careers in the performing and creative arts through scholarship assistance, so donations are always gladly accepted. And speaking of the Liberace Museum, Wes Winters, who has been a mainstay in the approximately 80-seat performance space in the museum for more than four years, will depart the East Tropicana facility and the showroom named in his honor, to take his act to the Steve Wyrick Theater. In a case of musical chairs (or piano benches), the afternoon time slot that Winters will fill, had, until very recently, been occupied by Fan Yang and his Mega Bubbles Show. Winters will end his museum run on June 11th, and open his A Musical Tribute to Liberace at the 422-seat Planet Hollywood venue on Monday, June 30th. The award-winning Winters is neither an impersonator nor look-alike but a talented tribute artist who has captured the spirit, enthusiasm and legendary showmanship that made Liberace a beloved icon to millions of people throughout his 40-year career. During Winters' one-hour show, he performs many of Liberace's signature songs, including Sabre Dance, Tiger Rag, Beer Barrel Polka and I'll be Seeing You. He also performs a Gershwin medley, Bumble Boogie, Love is a Many Splendored Thing, Time to Say Goodbye and Mame, among other famous musical pieces. Winters will incorporate some new theatrical elements that take advantage of the Wyrick Theatre's state-of-the-art lighting and technical capabilities. He also will introduce a new nine-foot black and silver concert grand piano that he is personalizing with mirrors and other embellishments. Worthy of Liberace's own dazzling rhinestone pianos, Winters calls the new piano his Tuxedo Piano, "because," as he says, "it's being dressed up for a formal night out." Winters is excited about the move. "Performing in the Steve Wyrick Theatre is a great opportunity for me," he said. "I get to do what I love plus add a few new things in the larger venue." He added his show will offer something for everyone. "It will introduce a whole new generation to the magic and music of Liberace, provide an exciting show for a great value, and add some new features for those who have seen the tribute before. I've enjoyed a great run at the Liberace Museum and am grateful to the Liberace Foundation Board and Staff for the extraordinary opportunity they have given me in sharing Liberace with so many wonderfully receptive people," said Winters of his successful four-and-a-half-year engagement at the museum. With an extensive background in musical theater including a one-man cabaret show, Winters has been entertaining professionally for more than 20 years. He has fans around the world, six solo recordings and his own company, 88 Key Productions. A Kansas native, Winters moved to Las Vegas in 2003. He won the Liberace Play-Alike Competition the same year. Following the competition, the judges told him they knew within the first few minutes of his performance that they had their winner because of his showmanship and skill. Winters was just 5 years old when he was inspired by Liberace. He saw the famed pianist on a CBS Sunday night television special that was filmed in Las Vegas. "I had never seen anyone like Liberace before whose fingers could move so fast," recalls Winters, who comes from an extremely musical immediate and extended family. "I was mesmerized by his skill. After seeing the show, I sat down at the family piano, listened to a Liberace record and started playing. I began practicing four to seven hours a day for the next seven years." The self -taught pianist hasn't stopped. Winters' talent continues to develop just playing by ear. He has never had a music lesson and doesn't read music. A Musical Tribute to Liberace starring Wes Winters will fill the matinee spot at the Wyrick Theatre, performing at 1 p.m., five to six days a week. Tickets are $24.95 per person, and available at the theatre box office and www.stevewyricktheatre.com or by calling (702) 777-9974. * * * * * * Frank Marino may or may not have won the title of EXTRA's New Face of Las Vegas (maybe because his is such a familiar face around these parts), but he certainly comes out a winner. The entertainment TV news magazine will be using Marino as an ongoing correspondent for the popular show. Yesterday (Thursday), Marino had some fun with The Hoff, otherwise known as David Hasselhoff. We are sure there will be much more to come. When he isn't doing celebrity interviews for EXTRA, Marino can be seen as the star of the Riviera's long running An Evening at La Cage. * * * * * * Battling the Country Music Awards, that was going on at the same time, pianist extraordinaire Philip Fortenberry (Jersey Boys) and cellist Lee Richey (Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular) entertained and impressed a small but enthusiastic audience during their concert at the Clark County Flamingo Library last Sunday. Presented by the Performing Arts Society of Nevada, the gentlemen performed works by Bach, Francoeur, Grieg, Hindemith and Shostakovich. Among those spotted enjoying the program were Brent Barrett (our Phavorite Phantom), Bill Nolte (late of The Producers), musical theater/cabaret/recording artist Phillip Officer (a recent New York transplant), Joey Singer (Debbie Reynolds' musical director/ accompanist), cellist Moonlight Tran and Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular's Tina Walsh. And speaking of Bill Nolte, who brilliantly portrayed Franz Liebkind in the Paris Las Vegas production of Mel Brooks' The Producers, is in New York to audition for Brooks' latest Broadway show, Young Frankenstein. 
Bill Nolte 
More & Gendel 
Stanley Jordan * * * * * * By some standards, music makers Llynda More and Mark Gendel might be considered Las Vegas newcomers. Transplants from Nashville, in the four short years they have been here, More & Gendel have had very little time off. The duo spent a few years performing at Mandalay Bay immediately after arriving in Southern Nevada. Two months ago, while running, Llynda had an encounter with an automobile. You might say the vehicle won...sort of. But you can't keep a good woman down. Llynda has spent the past few weeks recovering from her injuries. She and Mark will return to the stage when they play Barley's Casino and Brewing Company's Outdoor Concert series tomorrow night (Saturday, May 24th). Showtime at the Green Valley establishment is from 6 to 10 p.m. The talented duo, who perform all genres of music, are hoping to pack the place to make a statement that live musical entertainment in Henderson is definitely alive and well! If they attract a big crowd, the way they have done so many times in the past, perhaps Barley's will consider bringing back regular weekend entertainment. Gather your pals together and head to Barley's, at 4500 Sunset Road, just east of Green Valley Parkway, and join More & Gendel for a festive-filled spring night under the stars...dancing, singing, meeting new friends, and having a great time! Barley's has lots of food and fine brew, so if you choose to, you can order dinner from one of the restaurants and dine on the patio while being serenaded by More & Gendel. For additional information, call Barley's at (702) 458-BREW (2739). The musical twosome just received word that, on Sunday, the 25th, from 3 to 6 p.m., they will also be performing at the Grand Opening celebration of an amazing new restaurant, Sonrisa Grill, in Lake Las Vegas' Montelago Village. The restaurant overlooks the lake and has an open-air bar that's wonderful to sit in and enjoy fresh breezes along with a cool drink. If you can't make the show on Saturday night, check out the new Sonrisa Grill on Sunday afternoon. Call (702) 568-6870 for more information. To learn more about More & Gendel, check their Web site at www.MoreGendel.com. * * * * * * We made our first trip to the Cannery in North Las Vegas last weekend. The good news was that we enjoyed the performances by Al Jarreau and the Stanley Jordan Trio. Jarreau (We're In This Love Together, Mornin', After All, the theme from TV's Moonlighting) has always been one of our favorites (and is obviously a favorite of perfomer Clint Holmes as well). Al is not only a fine entertainer, he is very generous with his fans. He came out to greet those who waited to meet him, signed autographs and posed for pictures, taking his time with everyone. The bad news, for us anyway, involved problems with valet parking (they are possibly out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) and one of the worst Vegas coffee shop experiences we have had in our 32 years in Southern Nevada. We will tell more about the valet situation after we get a copy of the ADA rules outlining the obligations of public places such as the Cannery. As for the coffee shop, we probably should have had a clue of what was to come, just by the fact that we waited five minutes for a hostess to even acknowledge our presence at the entrance to the, relatively empty, restaurant. There was an efficient and friendly bus-lady who brought us a beverage very quickly. Everything else, moved at a snail's pace. It took too long for a server to come to our table. She seemed unclear and puzzled regarding a simple request (regular, not Canadian, bacon, on the side, of an Eggs Benedict order), but we thought she finally "got it." Thirty minutes later, we still had not received our order. When we "reminded" her that we were waiting, she remembered us and said she would check on the order. Another 10 minutes passed before she showed up with the plate - containing bacon buried under poached eggs and drenched in Hollandaise sauce. This is exactly what we DIDN'T want. When we pointed out that the order was wrong, this genius at hospitality responded, "We told them to put the bacon on the side." We have never done this before, but we refused the order and stated we were leaving. Before we did that, however, we stated that we wanted to talk to the restaurant manager. The dingy waitress disappeared for a few minutes and then returned to let us know "it was okay." What was okay?" we asked. "You don't have to pay," she stated. We already knew that. What we wanted was the opportunity to let someone in charge know about the fiasco we had just experienced. Again the young lady appeared puzzled. We found our way to the cashier, and asked to see someone in authority. A nice lady named Karen appeared. She was concerned and wanted to make amends. We just wanted to get to a Jack-in-the-Box and get some food. When she asked us if we would fill out a comment card, we said we would be happy to do so. Just as we completed the two-sided questionnaire, Karen showed up with a bag, telling us it was the Eggs Benedict, prepared the way we had requested it...with regular bacon on the side. That procedure took less than five minutes! When we asked why the 40-minute mess-up earlier, Karen had no explanation, just apologies. We shudder to think what kind of impression this type of treatment would have had on a first-time tourist. In our opinion, the Cannery needs some tending to. * * * * * * Tonight is the David Foster & Friends Concert at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. We don't know if any tickets are still available, but if they are, expect to pay $295.75 (the lower priced tickets are gone) to see Foster and his musical friends - Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Peter Cetera, Josh Groban, Brian McKnight and Katharine McPhee (other entertainer friends are likely to show up for this one). Although Foster has written many songs (among them, the score for St. Elmo's Fire, and the Whitney Houston hit, I Have Nothing, co-written with his former wife, Linda Thompson), Foster is probably better known as a producer for stars such as Peter Allen, Bocelli, Buble, Mariah Carey, Cetera, Chicago, Natalie Cole, Destiny's Child, Celine Dion, Groban, Faith Hill, Julio Iglesias, Al Jarreau, Gordon Lightfoot, Kenny Loggins, Madonna, Richard Marx, McPhee, Anne Murray, Olivia Newton-John, Renee Olstead, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer, among others. The winner of 14 Grammy Awards, Foster is also a regular participant in the Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children fundraiser, held here at the MGM Grand every year. For additional information on tonight's 8 p.m. show, contact (702) 632-7580. Incidentally, if you are an East Coast resident or visitor, and/or a fan of cabaret music, the name McPhee might be familiar...Peisha McPhee, that is. Peisha is the mother of last year's American Idol finalist, Katharine McPhee mentioned above. 
Katharine McPhee 
Sharon McNight 
Debby Boone * * * * * * Tomorrow night (Saturday, May 24th), it's another East Coast favorite, Sharon McNight, at the Starbright Theatre in Sun City Summerlin. McNight is Tony Award-nominee (for Starmites) and a recipient of numerous cabaret awards. Her show tomorrow, brought to the Starbright by ChapQuist Entertainment, is a tribute to Sophie Tucker called Red Hot Mama! The Life and Loves of Sophie Tucker. Sophie Tucker was a powerful presence in American entertainment for nearly 60 years. The performance will take place at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18 for Sun City residents and $20 for the rest of us, and are on sale at Desert Vista, Mountain Shadows and Pinnacle community centers in Sun City Summerlin. And speaking of the Starbright Theater, next Saturday, May 31st, at 7 p.m., Encore Follies will present Broadway Our Way III in the hilltop facility. This brand new production features showgirls and dancers, singers, comedy, exciting costumes, and more. This energetic group of 20 entertainers includes former New York and Las Vegas performers, among them Carmine Mandia from the Shades of Sinatra and the Bobby Darin tribute show; Ann McCormack, Frank Sinatra's onetime opening act; 77-year-young Bobby Rogers, currently starring in Tony n' Tina's Wedding at the Rio; and Terry Lynn Pershing of the Suncoast's weekly Hit Parade Show. Tickets are $8 for Sun City Summerlin residents and $10 for non-residents. They are on sale at Desert Vista, Mountain Shadows and Pinnacle community centers. For additional information on either show, call (702) 240-1301. * * * * * * Next Friday (May 30th), Blackbook702, in conjunction with Escada, Jimmy Choo, The Cupcakery and Las Vegas Vodka, hosts an evening of friendship, frosting and fashion with a private showing of the highly-anticipated movie, Sex and the City on the night of its U.S. premiere. The evening will benefit The Public Education Foundation and tickets are tax-deductible. "So many women and men have been awaiting the return of Sex and the City and the adventures of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda – we wanted to create an environment that fosters the very essence of the movie, friendship and fashion," said Glynda Rhodes, CEO of Blackbook702 and board member of The Public Education Foundation. The evening will take place at Brenden Theatres inside the Palms Casino Resort. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. There will be a special valet set up at the west casino entrance so guests can have an effortless experience coming and going. Upon entering, guests will be escorted to the theatre where they will be given a Las Vegas Vodka Cosmo to kick off their evening. Each ticket includes a hosted bar featuring our local Las Vegas Vodka Cosmopolitans made possible by SpyOnVegas.com. Guests will also be treated to retro and decadent cupcakes from the The Cupcakery, not unlike those the fabulous foursome enjoy on screen. The Cupcakery's signature cupcake, the Southern Belle, made of red velvet with cream cheese frosting is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Additionally, models from Blackbook702 will surround the guests as the latest in couture from Escada and Jimmy Choo are shown. Dazzling items from Escada in the Forum, Michael E Minden Diamond Jewelers in the Fashion Show and other shops will be raffled off. Tickets for this exclusive event are only $55 per person or $500 for groups of 10. They are available for purchase at Escada in the Forum Shops at Caesars; The Cupcakery in Henderson, located at 9680 S. Eastern Avenue at Silverado Ranch Boulevard; at Blackbook702 at 5564 S. Fort Apache Road and Russell Road off the 215-Beltway; by calling (702) 736-5042, or online at www.blackbook702.com. Established in 1991, The Public Education Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving public education in Southern Nevada. For more information about the Foundation's programs and initiatives, go to www.thepef.org. * * * * * * It's Debby Boone at the Suncoast, May 30th through June 1st. Debby, the daughter of Pat Boone and Shirley Lee Foley Boone (Shirley is the daughter of the late Red Foley) can light up your life with her tribute to her late mother-in-law, Rosemary Clooney in Reflections of Rosemary. Boone, who received a Grammy Award as Best New Artist in 1977, has been married to Gabriel Ferrer, son of singer Rosemary and actor Jose Ferrer, for 29 years. They are the parents of four children. Debby Boone has spent much of her career performing in musical theater. Among the productions she has been featured in are Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Camelot, South Pacific, Grease, The King and I, and The Sound of Music. Shows start at 7:30 p.m., with tickets from $19.95 plus tax. Call (702) 636-7075 for reservations. * * * * * * A memorial service for the late Fay McKay, who died on April 4th following a lengthy illness, will be held at the 44-year-old Spiritual Life Center (formerly called the Las Vegas Church of Religious Sciences) at 2 p.m. next Saturday, June 7th. A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, the singer/comedian was born Fay Gelinas in August of 1930. She gained national recognition in 1951 after she won the Ted Mack Amateur Hour. She toured extensively with the Ted Mack troupe, performing in nightclubs across the country. After moving to Las Vegas, McKay appeared at the top of the Landmark Hotel where she met Liberace. She later traveled around the world with him, appearing as his co-star. Fay also appeared in such shows as Bloopers at the Marina (now the site of the MGM Grand), Casino de Paris at the Dunes, and performed with the Mickey Finn band. Fay is survived by many cousins, nephews and nieces, mostly on the East Coast, and one cousin in Las Vegas. She will be fondly remembered as that incredibly funny "drunk" lady who made the 12 Daze of Christmas a popular holiday favorite. The public is invited to attend the memorial service. The Spiritual Life Center is located at 1420 E. Harmon, one block east of Maryland Parkway and UNLV. 
Fay McKay 
Toxic Audio * * * * * * Toxic Audio, the off-Broadway hit vocal comedy show at the V Theater inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, is hosting a special charity show for St. Jude's Ranch and Big Brothers Big Sisters on May 25th at 5:30 p.m. Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships. Founded in 1973, the organization matches children with adult and older teen role models. Big Brothers Big Sisters produces successful children who are confident, competent and caring, which in turn contributes to a stronger community for all. St. Jude's Ranch for Children is a non-profit, non-sectarian home for abused, abandoned and neglected children of all races and faiths. St. Jude's Ranch, located in Boulder City, Nevada, provides healing and nurturing in a safe home-like environment where children can learn life skills to start new lives with new chances, new choices and new hope. This special show is open to the public. Tickets start at $49.00 plus taxes and fees. For ticket reservations, guests can call the V Theater Box Office at (702) 932-1818 or purchase online at www.varietytheater.com. Toxic Audio performs Friday through Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in the V Theater. In addition to Toxic Audio, the V Theater is home to entertainment for the entire family, including V - The Ultimate Variety Show, Gordie Brown, and Gregory Popovich's Comedy Pet Theater. For additional information, please contact Derek Short, Director of PR & Advertising for David Saxe Productions and the V Theater Group, at (702) 318-6465 or e-mail to dshort@davidsaxe.com.
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Tags: David Cook Gerry McCambridge Placido Domingo Brent Barrett Kristen Hertzenb
Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - May 9, 2008 
Dave Swan 
Al Jarreau 
Roslyn Kind The king is dead. Long live the king. Veteran Las Vegas entertainer Dave Swan, who had been battling cancer for quite some time, passed away in his sleep on Tuesday night (May 6th). Before his failing health forced him to retire last summer, Dave Swan played King Arthur in Peter and Patrick Jackson's Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur Hotel/Casino. He also performed the same role in the Jackson's earlier medieval-themed show, King Arthur's Tournament. Producer Dick Feeney (Swan performed in Feeney's Viva Las Vegas revue) reports that Swan had been admitted to the Odyssey Health Care hospice facility on Sunday. During his more than 50 years in show business (almost 30 of those years spent here), Swan worked with headliners such as Tony Bennett, Charo, Roy Orbison and Billy Eckstine before becoming a featured performer in numerous. Last November, a poorly attended benefit (thanks to the poor reputation of some of the people behind it) was held in the Imperial Palace Theater, a venue where Swan had also entertained as part of both Bravo Vegas and Legends in Concert. Shamefully, only $2000 was handed over to the Swans. Dave Swan, who turned 69 on St. Patrick's Day, is survived by Jan, his wife of 47 years. "He was in no pain and on no medications," says Feeney about Swan. "He was up joking and walking around the day before, but the cancer finally got him. God gave him a merciful end and a new beginning." A memorial service for Dave Swan will be held at Christ Church, 2000 Maryland Parkway, on Tuesday at noon. And speaking of the Imperial Palace and Legends in Concert, the show recently celebrated its Silver Anniversary. On May 5th, 1983, tribute artists Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, Marilyn Monroe, Bobby Darin and Elvis performed on the stage at the hotel/casino and Legends in Concert was born. More than 15,000 performances later, 74 celebrities have been impersonated on the Imperial Theatre stage, with the most impersonated act being the man once nicknamed "Elvis the Pelvis." In the 25 years since the show debuted, 17 different performers have paid tribute to the legendary "King of Rock 'n' Roll." To date, 5,416,521 show goers have enjoyed the celebrity tribute spectacular in Las Vegas. Because of Legends ever-changing lineup, many come back to see multiple performances, including one devoted fan from Detroit who has seen the live musical production 2,066 times since July 1983. Produced by On Stage Entertainment, Legends remains the longest-running independently owned production show on the Las Vegas Strip. During the past 25 years, Legends in Concert has grown from one production in Vegas to year-round presentations in Branson, MO; Myrtle Beach, SC; and Atlantic City, NJ. For Legends in Concert reservations, call (702) 794-3261. * * * * * * Tomorrow, Saturday, May 10th, Dangerous Curves will be singing the National Anthem to kick off the 2nd Annual Las Vegas Walk with Us to Cure Lupus Walkathon. The musical trio - Lisa Smith, Karen Merstick and Kai Solsaa - will also be walking as a team to help raise money, and they need all the help they can get. The purpose of this Walk is simple: to create community awareness of the disease and of the Alliance for Lupus Research, to raise money in support of the ALR's mission to prevent, treat and cure lupus, and to celebrate and commemorate lives touched by lupus. Here are some facts about the disease. Nine out of ten people with Lupus are women. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person's immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissue. Lupus can cause life-threatening damage to major organs such as the kidneys, lungs, heart and central nervous system. Lupus is the leading cause of death among women with autoimmune diseases who are in their childbearing years (ages 15-45). Women are five times more likely to die from lupus than men are, and African Americans are three times more likely to die from lupus than Caucasians. Between 1979 and 1998, there was an approximate 70% increase in lupus deaths among middle-aged African American women. Unfortunately, lupus research has been sorely under-funded and the disease itself is often misunderstood. If you are not busy on Saturday, why not join the ladies? Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with the walk starting at 9 a.m. from Wayne Bunker Park at 7351 West Alexander Rd. For additional information, call (702) 845-6181. * * * * * * The Cannery Casino Hotel may be trying to capture some of the Suncoast crowd with clever bookings such as tomorrow night's A Romantic Evening of Popera, featuring Romina Arena, Alessandro Safina, Marc Schreiner and Chris Riggins, and Al Jarreau and Stanley Jordan‘s Trio, coming in on May 17th. We have known The Cannery's Special Events Manager, Kathie Spehar, for decades, and think she is doing a great job. Speaking of The Cannery and their interesting bookings, we may have a scoop for our readers. We like scoops and giving you a heads up early enough to plan for the future. In this case, the future is six months away, but we know how quickly time flies...especially when you are having fun in Las Vegas. On November 14th and 15th, singer/actress Roslyn Kind comes into The Club at the northwest Las Vegas property. It has been more than 30 years since Kind has performed here. Believe it or not, in the early ‘70s, Rozzie, as her friends call her, shared the Las Vegas Hilton stage with Elvis Presley. In 1973, she performed at the Flamingo Hilton. Roslyn may best be known as Barbra Streisand's kid sister, but this lady doesn't have to stand in anyone's shadow, even Streisand‘s. In a Las Vegas connection, Rozzie made her theatrical debut in a Los Angeles production of Ferguson the Tailor, directed by acting coach/producer, Gerald Gordon. Gordon, a Southern California transplant, has been a Las Vegan for about the past 10 years. * * * * * * 
Roseanne Barr 
Frankie Valli 
Jimmy Hopper Emmy-winner Roseanne Barr, currently headlining at the Sahara, has been all over TV in the past week...sort of. On a segment of the Today show, a pitch for Mother's Day showed Roseanne getting a facial (probably a clip from her hit TV series). There was also a verbal reference to her in a Boston Legal episode, and the Domestic Goddess was mentioned by her former Roseanne co-star, John Goodman, on a late night talk show visit to plug his new movie, Speed Racer. During one of her recent performances at the Sahara, Barr effectively and humorously handled a couple of audience members who had consumed a little more than they could handle. Let that be a warning...In a verbal sparring contest, Roseanne Barr comes prepared for combat. An amateur should never take on a champion. For reservations, call (702) 737-2515. * * * * * * This seasons' winner of American Idol was in Las Vegas this last week, checking out the city and Cirque du Soleil's Love at The Mirage. Okay, so we didn't say exactly WHO the Idol is, but since the four (now down to three with the departure on Wednesday of Jason Castro) finalists were here, one of them is definitely going to be named the American Idol on the season finale, Wednesday, May 21st. Will it be Syesha Mercado, or one of the two Davids (David Cook or David Archuleta)? * * * * * * Last Friday night, we attended the media night performance of Jersey Boys. We think the Palazzo might have a hit on their hands. Jersey Boys should attract the same kind of Broadway musical show goer as Mamma Mia! Maybe what it takes to be successful in Las Vegas is a production with familiar music, as in Mamma Mia!, featuring the music of ABBA, and Jersey Boys, with the familiar songs of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The story line is interesting, telling the tale of the early years of Valli, Tommy DeVito, Bob Gaudio, and Nick Massi; the show moves quickly and presents some very talented men singing classic ‘60s tunes like Sherry, Walk Like a Man, Big Girls Don't Cry, Rag Doll, My Eyes Adored You and Bye, Bye, Baby (Baby Goodbye). Did Valli himself ever sing the hits as well as actor Rick Faugno, who portrays the Seasons' lead singer in this production? The night after the media had a chance to see the show, the REALLY important VIPs filled up the new theater. Among those in the audience was the real Jersey Boy himself, Frankie Valli, who was celebrating his 74th birthday...with hundreds of his nearest and dearest friends (the Jersey Boys theater seats more than 1,700 people). For reservations, call (702) 414-9000. * * * * * * We are sorry to report that Jimmy Hopper has ended his all too short run in the Lava Room at Trader Vic's. With no warning, Hopper pulled the plug on his four nights a week show, this shortly after numerous promotional billboards went up around the city. If minds were changed about having the Lava Room become Hopper's "permanent" Las Vegas home, we have to wonder why the public wasn't alerted...especially, his strong local fan base. We think it would have been wise to get the word out that the public only had another week or two to catch Hopper's show here, as the talented entertainer was heading out on tour...or some other explanation. This location was never going to be an easy sell for Hopper. Music lovers needed to know he was back in Vegas (after a number of years away) and they needed to be directed to the new Trader Vic's inside Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile Shops. With days and times of performances changing, not to mention the cost to see his show (the $20 cover charge was dropped after a few weeks), this became confusing to the public. We hope this aborted effort doesn't discourage Hopper from finding a more appropriate venue here. The last time that he sang the beautiful Time to Say Goodbye in the Lava Room, apparently Jimmy Hopper really meant it. We look forward to his return. * * * * * * One could only hope that last November's benefit for ailing Dave Swan (as mentioned above, Dave passed away on Tuesday) would have taught people a valuable lesson. Some folks are just very slow learners. An organization, created five years ago to assist members of the entertainment community with special needs, is now being run under a new name by a delusional, power-hungry egomaniac. It is no longer a viable charity. Instead, it is now a sad joke. Sad, because what started out as a wonderful idea, has turned into a showcase for wannabes and those who never were and never will be. A joke, because of the people who have come on board to promote their own agendas and bolster their own images, thereby sacrificing fundraising for those in need. At least one Las Vegas Review-Journal media-type gets it. From entertainment writer Mike Weatherford's May 1st column comes his thoughts regarding last Sunday's luncheon... Clint Holmes will find out the true nature of his friends on Sunday, when he receives the Louis Prima Award from the Showbiz Society in a lunch at the Suncoast. Entertainer Tony Sacca says Holmes' show business pals are toying with the idea of a roast format like the old Dean Martin specials. Regardless, it's bound to be fun with a guest list that includes Frank Scinta, Gordie Brown, Jimmy Hopper and Earl Turner. Lena Prima, daughter of the late lounge legend Louis Prima, will present the award at the noon lunch Sunday. Tickets are $50 for Society members and $75 for nonmembers. Call 877-2278 for more information. The Showbiz Society spun off a previous entity known as The Cast, Inc. in a controversial January change that generated resignations and lingering ill will. Sacca says the new group's mission is still to help entertainers in need. It's hard to say if Holmes' participation will help restore credibility to the group, and still early for the new entity to have earned that trust. A group of former Cast members moved very efficiently on their own recently, raising more than $17,000 in a benefit for lounge pioneer Norman Kaye. But if you forget how much Holmes does on the charity circuit by himself, he is double-booked for two benefits on May 17. He plans to open the Make A Wish Foundation ball at Planet Hollywood, then skip over to The Venetian to host the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Hope Gala. We feel that if a credible group had been behind this gathering to honor Clint Holmes, there would have been many hundreds in attendance instead of the handful (about 100) of people that did turn out. The talented Mr. Holmes, who has a large fan base and about a 10-year ongoing history in Las Vegas, deserved a better shot. 
Clint Holmes 
David Saxe 
Wally Eastwood * * * * * * Through the end of May, all shows produced by David Saxe Productions will offer a very special rate to locals, with a portion of each sale going to Las Vegas' Opportunity Village. Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities by providing them with vocational training, employment and social recreation services that make their lives more productive and meaningful. Show goers can present a valid Las Vegas ID at the V Theater and Sahara Box Offices to receive a special $25 ticket price for all shows produced by David Saxe Productions including V - The Ultimate Variety Show, Gordie Brown, Toxic Audio, and Gregory Popovich - Comedy Pet Theater at the V Theater inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood; and Trent Carlini: The Dream King, and Fab Four Mania at The Sahara Hotel & Casino. On June 18th, during the KTNV Channel 13 Telethon, David Saxe will present a check to Opportunity Village for the amount raised during the month of May. "What better way to give back to the community than to help people with intellectual disabilities who are trying to make their lives better?," asked Saxe. "We couldn't be happier than to partner with Opportunity Village throughout May." And speaking of David Saxe, world famous comedy juggler, Wally Eastwood, who hosts Saxe's V - The Ultimate Variety Show, has successfully made it through to the second round of America's Got Talent.
Wally has starred in the entertainment business in Las Vegas for the past 20 years and has been featured in five major production shows on the Strip. For more information about David Saxe Productions, call (702) 243-9820 or visit www.davidsaxe.com. * * * * * * And for you folks in and around New York, from now through May 17th, Feinstein's at Loews Regency is celebrating 50 Years of Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe-winning lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman, featuring Alan Bergman and special "surprise" guests each night! Feinstein's continues the Spring 2008 season with Michael Feinstein himself performing Bergman classics such as The Windmills of Your Mind, How Do You Keep The Music Playing and Where Do You Start?, in addition to rarely heard songs from their catalog. The show will feature Alan Bergman as special guest vocalist, in addition to nightly guest stars. Musical director John Oddo leads an all-star quintet. Shows are at 8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at 8 and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. There will be a special added 8:30 show on Sunday, Mother's Day. All shows have a $100 cover with $125 premium seats and a $40 minimum. Jackets are suggested but not required. Feinstein's at Loews Regency is located at 540 Park Avenue at 61st Street in NYC. Call (212) 339-4095 for reservations and additional information. 
Michael Feinstein 
Darin Hollingsworth * * * * * * People are losing their homes to foreclosure. They are losing their jobs because of poor economy-related downsizing. With the constant changing (upward) fuel prices, filling stations need a fulltime employee just to keep the pricing signs in front of their establishments current. Groceries - not filet mignon and lobster, but bread, milk and eggs - are increasing at an alarming rate. Beginning next week, postage stamps are going up again (buy a bunch of one centers). Water. Electricity. Everywhere you turn, someone is demanding a bigger slice of your small pie. In spite of all of this, the powers that be (we would like to find these folks) have come up with another way to gouge the public. If we all don't have new TVs, come February 17th, we will either have to purchase some kind of adapter or miss Judge Judy, American Idol and Dr. Phil. Your night light and home noisemakers will go dark and silent. Unless you come up with the money, no TV for you. Who lies awake at night dreaming these things up? It's like financial blackmail! And if all of this isn't scary enough, now comes word that another of life's necessities will take a big jump in price. Yes folks, it's true. A decades old Vegas tradition, the downtown Golden Gate Casino‘s 99 cent shrimp cocktail, is now history. Buckling under the financial pressure, the little casino has raised the price of their world famous bargain to $1.99. The good news is that if you are a member of the Golden Gate's Players Club, you can still gobble up a generous serving of shrimp for the 99-cent price...cocktail sauce and plenty of saltines included. The shrimp cocktail special has been a staple of the Golden Gate since 1959, when it was just 50 cents. By 1991, the price went up to the outrageous 99 cents. In spite of that, the casino claims it has sold more than 30-million of the seafood treats. Bon appetite! * * * * * * If you are in Las Vegas, there are many ways to spend Mother's Day. Here are just a few of them...Take the mother (or mothers) in your circle, to the Liberace Museum on Sunday, May 11th. There you will able to (1) have a fun outing with mom, and (2) honor Mr. Showmanship on what would have been his 89th birthday (Wladziu Valentino Liberace was actually born on May 16th, 1919). Admission to the museum will be free on Mother's Day, so visitors will be able to experience the glamour and glitter that was Liberace. You can even take some sparkle home with you, thanks to the great gift store inside the museum. (Sorry, those items are not free.) In addition, visitors will be able to enjoy the Liberace Scholars Quartet as part of the 2008 Music in the Museum Series. Students from The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, will perform Mozart's String Quartet in D Major, K. 575. Written in 1789, just two years before the composer's premature death, this piece represents Mozart at the height of his craft. Performance times are at 1:30 and 3 p.m. The Liberace Museum/Foundation happily and graciously accepts donations for performances such as these. All contributions go to the Liberace Scholarship Fund to help talented students pursue careers in the performing and creative arts. Liberace founded the Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts in 1976. Since that time, more than $5.5 million in scholarship grants have been awarded to over 2,200 students at more than 110 colleges and universities. This is part of Liberace's legacy. He considered The Foundation to be one of his greatest achievements. The museum is located at 1775 E. Tropicana at Spencer. Hours of operation are Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. They are closed on Mondays. And congratulations go out to Darin Hollingsworth. The Liberace Foundation and Museum Board of Directors have announced his promotion to President. Darin's responsibilities include the operational vision for all Foundation areas including the Liberace Museum, fundraising, scholarship program, grant-making, financial management, information technology, marketing, public relations and community outreach. He joined the non-profit organization in February 2006 as its Executive Director, and has since implemented several strategic and brand-building initiatives, including the museum's monthly 2nd Sundays event for Nevadans, the annual Liberace Piano Competition, the Adopt-A-Collection Fund, Rhinestone Society, the Liberace social-networking League, a new Web site, e-newsletter, and the Music In the Museum Series, to name a few. Since his arrival in Las Vegas in 2000, Hollingsworth has been honored by In Business Las Vegas as a recipient of the 2007 "Top 40 Under 40" Award. He previously was employed at Merrill Lynch and the UNLV College of Business Director of Development. 
Norm Johnson bronze 
Paige O'Hara painting Another way to spend Mother's Day (and the day before) is at the Annual ArtFest in the city of Henderson. Among the more than 200 artists exhibiting their wares at the Henderson Events Plaza in the Water Street District, are sculptor Norm Johnson and painter Paige O'Hara. As a performer, Ms. O'Hara is probably best known for her singing role as Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast film. Paige has some dandy solo CDs to her credit, Paige O'Hara Sings Jerry Herman: Loving You and Dream with Me, as well as cast recordings including Show Boat, Sitting Pretty, South Pacific and Cousin Claire's personal favorite, the 1988 London Concert version of Jerry Herman's Mack and Mabel, on which she participates. Paige is currently one of the performers in Menopause the Musical at the Las Vegas Hilton. As for Mr. Johnson, much of his "other life" has been spent racing cars and writing. He has a couple of books to his credit, including Magellans of the Sky and, over his years in Las Vegas, Johnson has worked as a publicist for numerous entertainers, including Freddie Bell, Charlie Daniels, Wally Eastwood, Lola Falana, Robert Goulet, Sonny King, Willie Nelson, Johnny Paycheck and The Supreme Mary Wilson. Johnson and O'Hara will be sharing a booth to display their artwork. They invite you to come by, say hello, see their creations and, perhaps, even make a purchase. Weekend festival hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. And speaking of Mary Wilson, on a recent episode of NBC's Dateline, an ongoing series called What Would You Do? was aired. The public's reaction to controversial situations is observed in these programs. One segment involved a child in distress, with a couple of seven-year-old actors pretending to be lost on a busy New York street. In a sign of the times we live in, sadly, only 40 out of approximately 1,700 people who passed by the crying child stopped to offer help. Another segment featured a couple of very bad singers (ala American Idol's very early tryouts) asking the public for their honest opinions (most of the "critics" tried hard to be kind). One of those asked to judge the poor singers was Ms. Wilson. It turns out that the Las Vegas residents' part in this portion of Dateline was not by accident. It was a cute piece of business. Cousin Claire knows how Siameze Floyd, son of Eric Floyd and Wanda Dee, will be spending part of his Mother's Day. In addition to honoring his mother, the talented young singer/mover and shaker will be at Planet Hollywood, auditioning for the upcoming season of America's Got Talent. The public will be admitted to the 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday tapings, held inside the Theatre for the Performing Arts (the former home of magician Hans Klok). If you plan to go, wear TV-appropriate clothing. In other words, the producers want a classy looking audience, as in no tank or tube tops. 
Siameze 
Terry Fator 
Cher And speaking of America's Got Talent, when Terry Fator became a contestant on the reality show, one of his goals was to get work in Las Vegas. Last August, not only did the multi-talented celebrity impressionist/ ventriloquist/singer/comedian win the votes of millions to take home the title of "Winner," Fator has also become a monthly Las Vegas Hilton headliner. Upcoming dates include May 16-18, June 8-10, July 4-6, August 15-17, September 15-17, October 13-15, November 16-18 and December 21 and 22. For reservations, call (702) 732-5755 or (800) 222-5361. There is another local TV completion going on. This one involves Las Vegas' own Frank Marino. The star of the Riviera's An Evening at La Cage is hoping to become Extra's New Face of Vegas. The finalists to become a member of Extra's interview team now number four. Tune in Tuesday and vote for your favorite (female impersonator). Check your TV listings for show times and stations. * * * * * * Jazz at The Orleans will take place poolside, every Friday night through June 13th. Concerts, from 7 to 10 p.m., will feature a variety of talented jazz artists and will be hosted by "The Oasis" Smooth Jazz 105.7. Admission is free. Scheduled to perform tonight is Gipsy Knights, with Jim Spoto next Friday, the 16th. Additional performers will be announced. Who says there are no entertainment bargains in Las Vegas? The Orleans is located at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave. The property includes more than a dozen restaurants, an 18-screen movie theater, 70-lane bowling center, 850-seat showroom and the 9,500-seat Orleans Arena. There is also a 135,000-square foot casino with 68 table games, including Blackjack-21, Roulette, Baccarat, Craps and Pai Gow. Visitors will also find more than 1,800 slot and video poker machines, a bingo parlor, keno lounge and race and sports book. More information on The Orleans Hotel and Casino can be found at www.orleanscasino.com. * * * * * * Cher, there's only one, is now a regular part of the Las Vegas entertainment lineup. The 61year-old diva will perform in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, where she will alternate with Bette Midler, Elton John and, occasionally, with Jerry Seinfeld. In case you didn't know, or have forgotten (how quickly that happens), it was the Celine Dion, aka Queen Celine, who opened the new Colosseum on March 25th, 2003. When her reign ended on December 15th of last year, three million people had seen A New Day, generating upwards of $400 million. Will Cher, who supposedly retired a few years ago only to make numerous "comebacks," generate the same kind of interest from the public? Will Bette Midler? Unlike Celine, who is primarily noted for her vocal skills rather than as a live performer, both Bette and Cher minor in singing, and major in visual entertainment. * * * * * * Le Théâtre des Arts showroom at Paris Las Vegas (until early February, the home of Mel Brooks' Tony-winning musical, The Producers), will be the site of this year's Golden Rainbow 22nd Annual Ribbon of Life Fundraiser. The all-original, all-singing, all-dancing spectacular production features a cast of 300 performers from all the shows in Las Vegas. Performances are at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, June 14th and 15th. All proceeds benefit Golden Rainbow's mission to provide housing and direct financial assistance to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. Golden Rainbow is also dedicated to supporting HIV/AIDS related education. Tickets are $35, $50, $100 and $200, and are available by calling (702) 384-2899. We will have more information on this event as it gets closer to the date. * * * * * * Here are some Taurus folks who have already celebrated, or will soon be celebrating, their 2008 birthdays (no bull!)...Jerry Fink, Brenda Leonard Cowart, Babe Pier, Lucy Shropshire, Howard Jochsberger, Aurora Miller, Nancy Archer, Wes Davis, Darcus, Harvey Goldson, Grant Philipo, Michael Paskevich, Peter Gordon, and "Mr. Warmth" Don Rickles, who turned 82 yesterday (Rickles returns to The Orleans, July 31st through August 3rd). Also, a happy 13th anniversary to Marianne and Whitney Phoenix.
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Claire Voyant’s portrait by Charlie Frye
Tags: Dave Swan Al Jarreau Roslyn Kind Roseanne Barr Frankie Valli Jimmy Hopper A
Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - April 25, 2008  NORM-a-THON Curtain Call It could be an episode of Mission Impossible. Here is the plot. There is an 86-year-old Las Vegas pioneer who is going through a health crisis. Much of his insurance coverage has been exhausted, yet he needs months more of physical therapy and professional care. What to do to help...quickly? It made it a little easier that the ailing gentleman has been a member of the entertainment community since the 1950s. Entertainers almost always come to the aid of one of their own. With so little time to plan everything, and the earliest date we could get a showroom falling on the Jewish holiday of Passover, what were the chances this would work? Could a group of, mostly novice, people pull this off? Thus, in only three weeks, a variety show, performed in an 850-seat theater at a well-known locals hotel/casino, culminated on Sunday, April 20th, when the Enormous NORM-a-THON, honoring Norman Kaye, took place in the theater at The Orleans.  Mary Kaye Trio  Norman Kaye at NORM-a-THON  Nelson Sardelli Norman Kaye photo by Kid Cary Mary Kaye Trio photo by Maurice Seymour There are so many people who deserve credit for creating what turned out to be a very successful event. We are going to take the time and space to acknowledge them (deal with it). The NORM-a-THOM committee members (in alphabetical order, or disorder)...Robert Allen, Peter Anthony, Ben Ardito (owner of Take 1 Nightclub, who generously made his place available for the planning meetings), Jeanne Brei, Paul Campanella, Robert S. Ensler, Linda Glynn, Andrea Gross, Norm Johnson, Don Lance, Rolando Larraz, Jim Marsh, Nik Mastrangelo, Nelson Sardelli, Lou Toomin and Rick Vittallo (Good guy Lou Toomin covered the costs of all the printed fliers, posters and programs, as well as treated the committee members to lunch the Monday after the show. Look for his name on an upcoming ballot.) Boyd Gaming Corporation/The Orleans crew...Terry Jenkins, Mary Marshall, Candi Cazau, Stacey Medall, Amanda Anderson, Anthony Orseno and the backstage workers, both the Boyd employees and the volunteers...Gary Alan, Ada Brei, Paul Campanella, Natalie Fleming and Pietra Sardelli among them. An extra tip of the hat to Shannon O‘Day who handled the lighting for the show. Atmosphere people, who kept the folks waiting in the long lines amused and entertained... Robert Allen and Adam Flowers doing close-up magic, look-alikes Linda Angeline as Marilyn Monroe, Frank Grata as Rodney Dangerfield, and Roy Hammock as Willie Nelson, providing plenty of photo ops, and Felix Silla (Cousin Itt in TV‘s The Addams Family) handing out programs and visiting with the crowd. Entertainers (in approximate order of appearance)...Nelson Sardelli (host/MC), Paul Campanella (Let the Good Times Roll), comic Pete Barbutti, Michaelina Bellamy (It's Almost Like Being In Love), The Mentalist - Gerry McCambridge, Roy Hammock as Willie Nelson (Whiskey River/To All the Girls I've Loved Before/Crazy/You Were Always On My Mind), Artie Schroeck and Linda November (We Love a Piano), Nik Mastrangelo (That Old Black Magic), Chef Chas La Forte (You Don't Know Me), Jimmy Hopper (The Prayer), Bill Nolte (On the Road Again/I've Been Everywhere with special added lyrics by Mark Waldrop), Sammy Shore, Genevieve (One Moment In Time), Earl Turner (Treat Her Like a Lady), Kathleen Dunbar, Dennis Bono and Lorraine Hunt-Bono (Goody Goody, Our Love Is Here To Stay), comic/impressionist Bill Acosta, Rich Little, The Las Vegas Tenors (You Raise Me Up, Nessun Dorma), Linda Angeline as Marilyn Monroe (My Heart Belongs To Daddy), Charlie Callas, Ronnie Rose (That's Life), Steve Rossi, Loretta St. John (This Will Be My Shining Hour, S'Wonderful), Jerry Lopez with Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns (Ain't That Peculiar), and Clint Holmes (I Sing, written by Holmes and his musical director Bill Fayne). What was most impressive and somewhat surprising...a three-plus hour show, without an intermission, and very few people left before the very end. And a big round of applause to the 22 talented musicians. With no rehearsals, these pros, combined or individually, were able to make the singers sound like they had all been performing together for years. The "core group" was made up of The Gary Olds Trio - with musical director Gary Olds (he's the one wearing the Clear Com headset) on drums, Danny DeMorales ( Dionne Warwick) on bass, and Jeff Johnson (Sheena Easton) on piano and synthesizer - plus four, Vincent Falcone (Frank Sinatra, Diahann Carroll, Vic Damone) and Tommy Deering (Joe Williams, Pearl Bailey, Bobbie Gentry) sharing piano duties, Dr. George Ritter and Don Hill (Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and 55 years with The Treniers) on saxophone, and Artie Schroeck (Frankie Valli, Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, Liza Minnelli, Laura Nyro, Kenny Rankin) on vibes. As if this list of players weren't impressive enough, there was Jerry Lopez, Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns, (currently backing Bette Midler in her production at Caesars Palace). The 14-piece band is made up of Lopez on guitar and vocals; Michael Grimm, Tony Davich and Abe LaMarca, all on vocals; Bill Zappia, keyboards; Rochon Westmoreland, bass; Pepe Jimenez, drums; Gabriel Falcon, percussion; Danny Falcone (son of Vincent Falcone), trumpet; Glenn Colby, trumpet; Nathan Tanouye, trombone; Eric Tewalt, baritone sax; Miguel Rodriguez, alto sax, and Rob Mader, tenor sax. Almost unheard of today, when it comes to fundraisers, every cent that was raised through ticket sales (a total of 673), collected in jars and/or received in mailed in donations, was turned over to the Kayes for Norman's care. Bottled water, paper clips and rubber bands, long distance phone calls...NOTHING was taken out of the proceeds as "expenses" to put this "labor of love" together. There were no fancy, ego-driven paid-for newspaper ads. Instead, the group counted on the local media to use their voices and ink to help promote the NORM-a-THON. People, including Jerry Fink (Las Vegas Sun), Norm Johnson (Las Vegas Leisure Guide), Rolando Larraz (Las Vegas Tribune), Duke Morgan (KJUL 104.7 radio), John L. Smith (Las Vegas Review-Journal and KVBC Channel 3), and Mike Weatherford (Review-Journal), all came through for the cause. No money was taken out of the donations to pay musicians or anyone else. A group of approximately 22 musicians stepped up to the plate to do their part in making the afternoon a big success. Robert Allen and Adam Flowers, snappily dressed in pinstripe suits and fedora hats, who, not only entertained people waiting in line for the showroom doors to open (the line was so long that the doors were opened almost a half-hour earlier than scheduled), they also escorted the acts onto the stage and "encouraged them" (is "strong-armed" too harsh of a word?) to drop some money into the jugs provided for such purposes. It might be noted that it was all "folding money" and not a "clink" was heard. The NORM-a-THON might be called a "pay to play" benefit. To top off an already wonderful afternoon, there were a couple of proclamations presented to Norman. From Mayor Oscar B. Goodman, came the news that April 20th, 2008, was declared Norman Kaye Day in Las Vegas. And from the Office of the First Lady State of Nevada, a Certificate of Special Recognition was presented to Norman Kaye by Robert S. Ensler (who did his Donald Trump impression earlier in the afternoon), "In honor of Norman's lifetime achievements in many fields including: entertainer, humanitarian, philanthropist, educator and entrepreneur, and as Poet Laureate (now Emeritus) of the State of Nevada since 1967." The certificate is signed Dawn Gibbons, First Lady of Nevada. A big plus was that Norman Kaye was present to see this outpouring of kindness for himself. Although he looked quite frail sitting in his wheelchair in the front row, Norman was smiling throughout the afternoon. Against all odds, what might have been a bust, turned out to be possibly the best benefit of this kind in decades...maybe EVER! Mission Impossible? Thanks to those acknowledged above, and anyone we may have inadvertently omitted...Mission Accomplished! Almost 700 people attended (including Paul and Sue Lowden), and more than $20,000 was raised. This is the kind of caring community that Las Vegas can be. This is the kind of caring community that Las Vegas SHOULD be. This is the kind of caring community that Las Vegas WAS in The Orleans Showroom, from noon to 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 20th, 2008. And speaking of Gary Olds, he is currently playing at the South Point with John Jones and "Lucky" Lee Hendler in the Piano Rockits Show. Featuring dueling pianos plus Gary on drums, the trio performs in the Del Mar Lounge, Thursdays through Saturdays, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. 
Gary Olds 
Babe Pier 
Neil Diamond A special thank you to Ronnie Rose who sold copies of his Ronnie Rose Sings Unforgettable Hits and donated the $400 collected to Norman. Mr. Rose informs Cousin Claire that tonight (April 25th), from 7 to 11 p.m., the Slick Willie Orchestra (with Rose in front), will be performing at the Louis Fish Camp Restaurant in the new Town Square Mall, 6599 Las Vegas Blvd. South (The restaurant is located on the second floor, behind the Rave Movie Theater.) One of this city's talented entertainers was noticeably missing from the Sunday afternoon show. Comic/impressionist Babe Pier, who is always more than happy to help out a fellow performer like Norman Kaye, is working in the Palm Springs Follies and could not be here to participate. Babe has spent the past six months, since October 30th, as part of the Follies' current Tin Pan Alley production. Headliners for the Follies 17th season were Kaye Ballard, The Four Aces and Melba Moore. Anna Maria Alberghetti is the show's current star and, with Babe, will close out the season on May 17th. A few weeks ago, while an audience member at the famed McCallum Theater, Pier was invited on stage to join the cast of That's Italian! - Pete Barbutti, Dick Contino, Julius LaRosa and Frankie Randall. As usual, he had the crowd in stitches. Babe Pier celebrated his natal day, yesterday (April 24th). Happy birthday! * * * * * * Neil Diamond fans, listen up. From Mr. Diamond's fan club (check www.neildiamond.com) comes this news. On Tuesday, April 29th, Mr. Song Sung Blue will be mentoring the five American Idol finalists. The next night, he will perform on the top-rated reality show. (You can check your local FOX affiliate for times in your area.) Also, on Tuesday, Neil will be playing on the Jimmy Kimmel Show in Los Angeles. It will be an outdoor, five-song free "mini-concert," and up to 400 fans can attend (it will be first come-first serve). Check your local listings for times. Normally the concert would air the same day, but that has not yet been determined. Neil's portion of the show might be broadcast at a later date. Next Friday morning, Jay White's favorite entertainer will be on NBC's Today as part of the show's Toyota Concert Series. Neil will be performing on the Plaza in New York City. All of this is leading up to the release of his new album, Home Before Dark, and the launch of his upcoming United States and Canada tour. The legendary 67-year-old singer, songwriter and performer will return to the concert stages on July 19th. St. Paul, MN will be the beginning of a 37-city North American tour. No word yet on if Las Vegas will be one of those 37 cities.
Thanks to Jean Scigliano, Iris Gerhardt and Eydie Ruth, administrators of www.iaisnd.com (if you didn't already figure it out, the letters stand for I Am I Said Neil Diamond) for this information. As we have mentioned before, Neil's longtime percussion player, King Errisson, makes his home in Las Vegas. When he is not working with Mr. Diamond, he can frequently be seen sitting in with Neil's favorite tribute artist, Jay White, who performs in the Le Bistro Theater at the Riviera Hotel in The Entertainment Capital of the World. * * * * * * And, if you are a Bobby Darin fan, next weekend, at the Alexis Park Resort in Las Vegas, there will be three days of Darin-related activities taking place, including a Friday night (starting at 7:30 p.m.) auction of Bobby Darin memorabilia. The auction will be hosted by The Darin Lifetime Group. Some of the donated items will be coming from Dodd Darin, the son of Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee. We will have more details about the weekend in next Friday‘s column. For more information, please visit www.DarinLifetimeEvents.org. * * * * * * 
Christa Helm 
Sal Mineo 
Gale Baker Milwaukee reader/friend Darlene Thoresen sends this information... "Mark your calendars and watch me on CBS TV's 48 Hours Mystery, Saturday, April 26th. This is a show about my friend Sandy from Milwaukee who was murdered in Los Angeles 30 years ago. Sandy moved to New York and then to L.A., and changed her name to Christa Helm. She was thought to have kept a "love diary" with names of people that she was involved with (including many well-known personalities such as Joe Namath, Desi Arnaz Jr., Johnny Rivers, Roman Polanski, the Shah of Iran, Mexico's president and others). It was thought that perhaps she had been murdered (brutally stabbed to death) because of her involvement with these individuals or perhaps mafia ties. It was also thought that her murder had something to do with actor Sal Mineo's death because they happened at basically the same place and time, but I believe that has since been ruled out. I could go on and on about this. If you want more info, there is a Web site about her if you care to read it and learn the whole story. It makes for a VERY interesting story, I might add!" By the way, Darlene is the sister of the late Jerry Grasse. Jerry was one of Cousin Claire's first Las Vegas show business friends. She met him in 1977, when he was a principal performer in Donn Arden's Hallelujah Hollywood at the MGM Grand (now Bally's). He was a very talented singer, dancer, impressionist and more. He was also very funny. (You can learn more about Jerry in Neon Queens - Fifty Years of Las Vegas' Finest Feathered Femmes, written by former Las Vegan, and Jerry's close friend and Hallelujah Hollywood cast mate, Gale Baker.) Jerry moved away from Vegas at the end of his Hallelujah Hollywood contract. He left this world much too soon, dying in 1992 at the age of 49. As show business was his life and love, Jerry had planned and staged his own funeral when he knew he was not long for this world. Darlene tells us, "We (her family) were in Puerto Vallarta for my niece's wedding last month. Jerry was her godfather and she loved him so! I took a video tape from my 1983 wedding where Jerry sand They Were You, from the Fantasticks. I had it edited and copied to a CD which was played at my niece's wedding. It was SO beautiful. You would have sworn Jerry was there!! It was awesome!!! I told my niece - Uncle Jerry singing at your wedding = PRICELESS! She also had a lit candle with flowers around it with Jerry's name in a pool of water. Wow! It was truly beautiful!" We are sure it was, Darlene. Jerry, ever the performer, must have been smiling down from his little star-covered cloud. And speaking of Gale Baker, who, in addition to being a Hallelujah Hollywood performer, was also a member of the Frankie Carr and The Novelites music/comedy revue. After leaving Vegas, Gale headed for Hollywood. She spent a number of years there and, in 2004, Gale moved to Chesterfield, South Carolina. She became a journalist for the Cheraw Chronicle and Chesterfield Advertiser in Cheraw, where she won two South Carolina Press Association (SCPA) awards and Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2005. She is still doing musical theater and writing music and plays. An international recording artist and performer, Gale's first album, Way out with Gale, spent 13 weeks on the FM pick hit list. From Nashville, she grew up immersed in country music but defected to tour internationally as a solo jazz artist with some of the genres top artists, before hitting Las Vegas showrooms as opening act for such names as Rodney Dangerfield and Don Rickles. Then Hollywood called. Film and television roles in Space, Favorite Son, The Millionaire, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, General Hospital, Fast Forward, True Confessions, The Tortellis and others, a film and theater writing career emerged. Gale has created numerous plays, films and television shows, including Waterin' Hole, Punching Judy, Showboy, Pin Curls, DooWop Daze and Showgirl Showdown among others. Gale is currently a staff writer for the Now at SC 4th Circuit Solicitor's Office, a member of the Chesterfield Arts Commission and is teaching musical theater and acting. She also presents arts training for at risk juveniles. For more information, check www.solicitor4.com. * * * * * * If you are a fan of theater music, and you weren't at last Friday night's Too Darn Hot! The Golden Age of Broadway, too bad for you. You missed out on one of the best events of this type that we have been to in three decades. If there were any empty seats in the 1922-seat Cashman Theater, they were few and far between. Cousin Claire knew we were in for a real treat a few notes into the familiar overture from Gypsy, played by the outstanding 27-piece orchestra. There wasn't a weak moment in the program. Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular's handsome Brent Barrett (who, with Wendy Randall, also served as producer), his cast mate Tina Walsh, and Spamalot's Reva Rice, were all topnotch. Enhanced by the Red Mountain Choir, with Jeffrey Skouson as Artistic Director and his brother David Skouson as Musical Director, the production also featured Brandon Albright and Steve Huntsman in supporting singing roles. Bernie Blanks directed and choreographed Too Darn Hot! An actor/singer/dancer himself, Bernie was a principal in the German production of Starlight Express. Proceeds from the Too Darn Hot! ticket sales go to the Red Mountain Music Company in Boulder City. This is the largest, most successful fundraiser for the 10-year-old organization. No surprise to us. Among those spotted in the Friday night audience were Mike and Joan Weatherford and daughter Jillian, John Katsilometes, Kelly Albright, Nancy Lee Parker Andrews, Tulara Gilbert, Ray Jarvis, Jerry Ritholz, Darin Hollingsworth, Fernando Quevedo, Michael Caprio, Randy Slovacek and Jeanne Brei. And speaking of Phantom, on Tuesday, American Idol contestants sang the music of the Tony-winning composer, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, who, as most people know, wrote the music for Phantom, as well as Cats, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita, Starlight Express and Jesus Christ Superstar. The, then, six Idol competitors spent some time in Las Vegas where they took to the stage of The Venetian's beautiful opera house/theater where Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular is currently playing. Lloyd Webber guided the contestants through their song choices and rehearsals. On Wednesday‘s results show, the audience was shocked to learn that Carly Smithson, who sang Superstar the night before, was out of the finals. Next week, as mentioned above, the five remaining singers will perform Neil Diamond songs.
Bernie Blanks 
Van Morrison 
Billy Stritch * * * * * * This romantic little tale would have been perfect for our Valentine's week column. At the time, we didn't know the story. The lady was only 17 when she became a showgirl in a Strip production. A lover of animals and singer Van Morrison, 17 years ago, she married a well-known Las Vegas professional who shared her passion for cats and Morrison. In spite of the fact her bridegroom was 17 years older, the couple had a loving, fulfilling marriage. Sadly, he died of cancer almost two years ago, leaving a grieving 45-year-young widow with just her memories. Health issues have somewhat limited her activities but, in December, when she learned Van Morrison would be performing in San Francisco, she decided to make the trip. As fate would have it, at the concert she met a San Francisco businessman who, obviously, is also a Van Fan. Over the past four months, the friendship has blossomed into love. It's a long-distance romance, with him making frequent trips to Vegas and she racking up frequent flyer miles between here and the City By the Bay. Everyone is smiling. We wish the happy couple a long and lovely Moondance into the future. * * * * * * Happy anniversary to the Composers Showcase! The monthly "reality show" celebrated two years of life and the end of its first year in the Wes Winters Showroom at the Liberace Museum. The showcase was the brainchild of Keith Thompson and Michael Brennan, and was launched in April of 2006. It took its baby steps at Suede, a local nightclub located in the "Fruit Loop" on Paradise Road between Harmon and Tropicana. It didn't take long for word to get around, and by the end of its first year, the music writers and performers (most associated with major Strip productions such as Mamma Mia!, Spamalot, Ka, Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular, The Producers, Jersey Boys and others) had outgrown the small club space and the even smaller parking lot. The April edition of the Composers Showcase took place on Wednesday night, beginning at 10:30 (after theater). Songs written by local composers and songwriters, Jason Andino, Michael Brennan, Thom Culcasi, Jean Francois Cyr, Wayne Green, Kristi Holden, David Milnes, Richard Oberacker, Rob Taylor and Keith Thompson were presented. Vocalists included Natalie Gauvin, Elena Gutierrez, Ben Hale, Greg Kata, Nicole Pryor, Lisa Richard, Joan Soble, Vicki Van Tassel, Danielle White and Renatta Wilson. The amazingly talented Kasey Carmody on guitar, Philip Fortenberry on piano, Rebecca Ramsey on violin, and cellist Moonlight Tran also performed. We spotted some new-to-the-showcase faces in the audience on Wednesday, among them Ray Jarvis, Mark O'Toole and New York-transplant, Phillip Officer. * * * * * * A reminder...Tomorrow night, it's Tony Award-winner Christine Ebersole (42nd Street and Grey Gardens) at UNLV as part of their New York Stage & Beyond series. Although it hasn't been announced, there is a good possibility that Ms. Ebersole will be accompanied by Billy Stritch at the piano. Stritch has produced, arranged for and performed onstage with world-renowned icons including Liza Minnelli, Christine Ebersole, Marilyn Maye and Charles Aznavour, and was a guest conductor for The Rosie O'Donnell Show. As a composer, Stritch co-penned the 1994 Grammy Award-winning song, Does He Love You?, recorded by Reba McEntire and Linda Davis, which has sold more than four million copies and was named one of the Top Ten Country Songs of that year. In Manhattan, Billy has headlined at Rainbow and Stars, The Algonquin Hotel's Oak Room, The Russian Tea Room, The Blue Note and Birdland, as well as performed at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. In 2001, he landed the role of piano-playing crooner "Oscar" in the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of 42nd Street, opposite Ebersole which led to a long-standing and hugely celebrated professional partnership, across dozens of stages and television shows. Stritch is also the winner of the Nashville Music City News Award, a BMI Song of the Year Award and four awards from the Manhattan Association of Clubs and Cabarets. Recently, Billy has been touring in a show called Billy Stritch Sings Mel Torme. On a Las Vegas note (a B flat, perhaps?), Billy Stritch appeared in the lounge at the Desert Inn (now Wynn Las Vegas), and appeared with Liza You-Know-Who in a Golden Rainbow Ribbon of Life show a number of years ago. If Billy DOESN'T show up for this engagement, you now know a bit about him for when he does make an appearance. Tickets for Christine Ebersole, with or without Billy Stritch, range from $40 to $85. Show starts at 8 p.m. Call (702) 895-2787 for reservations. See you there.
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Tags: Mary Kaye Trio Norman Kaye Nelson Sardelli Neil Diamond Babe Pier Gary Olds
Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - April 11, 2008  Norman Kaye  Robert Goulet  Steven Brinberg as Barbra Build it and they will come. Hopefully, that will be the case with the eNORMous NORM-a-THON, a benefit for ailing Norman Kaye, being put together by a group of hard-working and stressed friends. Norman, a founding member of the pioneer Las Vegas lounge group, The Mary Kaye Trio, suffered his second stroke a couple of months ago. He is currently in a rehabilitation facility and is anticipated to be there for some time. Unfortunately, his full Medicare benefits ran out after 20 days and, now, the co-pay costs are $128 a day (almost $900 a week). Kaye, 86, was always available to help someone in need. Now, he is the one. The response has been almost TOO good! Entertainers and musicians are heeding the call and coming forward to offer their services. In order to accommodate all of the talented people who would like to participate in this venture, it would have to be an all-day affair. We all know that can't happen. Among those scheduled to perform are Bill Acosta, Peter Anthony, Pete Barbutti, Charlie Callas, Kathleen Dunbar, Vincent Falcone, Clint Holmes, Jimmy Hopper, The Las Vegas Tenors, Jerry Lopez and The Fat City Horns, Gerry McCambridge, Bill Nolte, Sammy Shore and The Great Tomsoni & Co. The NORM-a-THON will take place on Sunday, April 20th in The Orleans showroom, beginning at 12 noon. Hopes are to sell out the 850 seat theater. Tickets are a ridiculously low $20 and may be purchased at The Orleans box office. For more details and updates, check the Web site, www.EnormousNorm-A-Thon.com. We will have more on this event next Friday. On the same afternoon (April 20th) at 2 p.m., John Meren and Tom Gallagher, through their Performing Arts Society of Nevada Brown Bag Concert Series, will present Bert Anderson, Elly Brown, Laurie Caseres and Randy Hendrickson performing the music of Oscar Hammerstein, and Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe. Joey Singer will accompany at the piano. Songs from Brigadoon, My Fair Lady, Gigi, Camelot, Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, Cinderella, Flower Drum Song and the Sound of Music will be featured. The concert will take place at the Clark County Library Theater at 1401 E. Flamingo. Tickets are $15, and can be ordered by calling (702) 658-6741 or purchased at library box office beginning at 1 p.m. the day of show. * * * * * * Nobody asked us our opinion (that never stopped us from giving it before), but, based on the latest Las Vegas Tenors show at the Las Vegas Hilton last Sunday, we think that their second CD should be Broadway In Song! We always enjoy the Tenors, no matter what they sing, but Bill Fayne, Bobby Black, Teddy Davey and Mark Giovi's visit to Broadway could be expanded into a wonderful album. During their latest Hilton show, and in a nice touch, the fellows paid tribute to the late Robert Goulet by singing The Impossible Dream. Bill Fayne recalled that when Goulet and his wife, Vera, came backstage after their Hilton concert last September, Robert suggested that perhaps the quartet needed a fifth tenor to join the group. Ever the comic, it's hard to believe that only weeks later he would be gone. * * * * * * Cousin Claire has many friends who are impersonators. We know people who pay homage to Neil Diamond, Liberace, Elton John, Judy Garland, Cher, Frank Sinatra, Bette Midler, Dean Martin, Madonna, Michael Jackson and a host of other celebrities. These entertainers come in all sizes and both sexes. Most of them are very talented and have made much of their living as tribute artists. Possibly the most unique of those we have seen is Barbra Streisand, in the guise of Steven Brinberg, an East Coast resident who gave his first Las Vegas performance last Saturday night at the Starbright Theatre in Sun City Summerlin. This fellow was very impressive. We especially enjoyed his duet with himself, playing both Streisand and Neil Diamond for You Don't Bring Me Flowers and his I'm Still Here number, featuring Brinberg doing the voices of Eartha Kitt, Ethel Merman, Lena Horne, Cher, Julie Andrews, Bea Arthur, Billie Holiday, Bette Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Katharine Hepburn, Carol Channing and Fran Drescher. Steven was accompanied by Dave Richardson at the piano. Not only was this Brinberg's first performance here, it was also his very first visit to Las Vegas. We spotted a couple of longtime friends, The Edwards Twins, Anthony and Eddie, at the Brinberg show. It's fun to watch a group of impersonators get together. In case you are not familiar with the Edwards Twins, who own homes in Vegas but work almost everywhere else, they have a very unique act. The identical bothers impersonate a range of celebrities, with Anthony Edwards taking on Neil Diamond, Elton John, Sonny Bono, Billy Joel and others, while his brother, Eddie Edwards, does takeoffs on Bette Midler, Cher, and, surprise, Barbra. We would like to recommend Brinberg's CD, Simply Barbra - The Duets Album. In his best Streisand voice, Brinberg is joined in song by some impressive entertainers, including Kaye Ballard, Claiborne Cary, Debbie Gravitte, Mimi Hines, Betsy Joslyn, Alix Korey, Heather MacRae, Karen Mason, Hugh Panaro, Mark Sendroff and KT Sullivan. * * * * * * 
Lucy Shropshire 
Brett Daniels 
Too Darn Hot! Former Las Vegan Lucy Shropshire makes her second appearance at Manhattan's Metropolitan Room on Sunday, April 20th. The cabaret is located at 34 W. 22nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. Lucy, who was the principal singer in the Stardust's Enter the Night production and is currently touring with former Supreme, Mary Wilson, will be accompanied by David Shenton on piano and Mark Wade on drums, when she presents All Sides of Love. Shenton, who in addition to being a pianist is also a violinist and conductor, embraces every nuance that is breathed from the songstress. Under the direction of Jim Semmelman, a performer, writer and also a onetime Las Vegas resident, the 9:30 p.m. show promises excitement and surprises. Reservations can be made by calling (212) 200-0440. Discover Lucy Shropshire. Lucy's photo by Richard Drew * * * * * * Brett Daniels might be the best magician on the planet (we don't know, as we haven't seen him yet), but we feel the title of his new show at the Sahara is self defeating. How many people would buy tickets to see Whoscigam? What is that, anyway? The counterpart to the popular Japanese muscle show, Matsuri (a great production that had a very short run at the Sahara)? Okay, here's the explanation. Whoscigam is magicshoW spelled backwards. WHOever thought this one up should be locked in a room and forced to listen to recent Wayne Newton recordings (maybe that is too cruel of a punishment, even for this crime). Rethink this one, Brett. * * * * * * Here we go again. Get out a coin, toss it in the air and see how it lands. Heads up? Heads down. Once again, it's decision time. On the same night, and practically at the same time, there are these choices to deal with...I Love a Piano, an off-Broadway musical featuring the songs of Irving Berlin, at the Henderson Pavilion, 200 S. Green Valley Parkway (just southeast of Green Valley Ranch) beginning at 8 p.m. next Friday, April 18th, and Too Darn Hot! The Golden Age of Broadway, featuring our Phavorite Phantom, Brent Barrett, Tina Walsh (also in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular), and Spamalot's Reva Rice, starting at 7 p.m. at the Cashman Theater, just north of downtown Las Vegas. The off-Broadway musical, I Love A Piano, honoring America's most prolific songwriter, Irving Berlin, makes its southern Nevada debut at the Henderson Pavilion, located at 200 S. Green Valley Parkway, on Friday, April 18th at 8 p.m. I Love A Piano spans seven decades of musical history, using 64 of Berlin's ever-lasting favorites. This quirky musical centers on the life of a piano with one sour key and the generations of singers and dancers who performed with it. Russian-born Berlin immigrated to New York with his family at five years old. A self-taught musician, he began his career as a singing waiter in Chinatown and eventually became a lyricist. He wrote the scores to more than a dozen Broadway musicals, including Annie Get Your Gun, and provided songs for dozens of Hollywood movie musicals. With a collection of more than 1,200 songs, Berlin defines the music of our country. Creators Ray Roderick and Michael Berkley capture the spirit of America in I Love A Piano. The musical celebrates the influences from the various eras through specially choreographed dance, memorable songs and decade-appropriate costumes. Tickets, ranging from $20 to $40, can be purchased online at www.HendersonLive.com or by calling the Henderson Pavilion Box Office at (702) 267-4TIX (4849). Boulder City's Red Mountain Music Company is presenting Too Darn Hot: The Golden Age of Broadway, for one night only, April 18th at 7 p.m. at Cashman Theatre (850 Las Vegas Blvd., N.). This sizzling production features the Red Mountain Choir, along with Broadway and Las Vegas Strip sensations Barrett, Rice and Walsh, as well as a 30-piece orchestra. Under the direction of Artistic Director Jeffrey Skouson and Musical Director David Skouson, the cast and orchestra will perform favorites from Gypsy, South Pacific, Oklahoma!, Kiss Me Kate, The Music Man and West Side Story, to name a few. Tickets are $15, $25 and $35 and can be purchased online at www.redmountainmusic.org, on the phone at (702) 294-0043, at the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce (465 Nevada Way). They're selling like hot cakes, so get yours today! * * * * * * Again, we are faced with a conflict of musical interests. As a reminder, this Sunday (April 13th), it's Phantom's Nicole Pryor with two shows (1:30 and 3 p.m.) in the Wes Winters Showroom at the Liberace Museum, 1775 E. Tropicana. A $10 donation to the Liberace Foundation is requested…well worth it, for both the performance by a pro AND to support Liberace's continuing efforts in encouraging and assisting the fine arts and its artists. At the same time (2 p.m.), it's Michael Kessler, Melinda Jackson and their M&M American Dance Theatre cast performing Dancin' Feet at the Starbright Theatre in Sun City Summerlin. Tickets are $25 and are on sale at the Starbright box office. Call (702) 363-1341 for additional information. If that's not enough, at 3 p.m., it's C.J. Harding paying tribute to Patsy Cline at the Charleston Heights Arts Center. Tickets are $10 or $12, depending when you purchase them. The theater is located at 800 S. Brush Street (near Charleston and Decatur). Call (702) 229-6383 for additional information and reservations. * * * * * * 
David Loeb 
Ben Vereen 
Vita Corimbi Current Las Vegan David Loeb's impressive credits include orchestrations for George Benson, Doc Severinsen and Miriam Makeba in her performance with The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. The musical arranger/conductor has composed music for the Disney Channel's Cycling through China along with And Thou Shalt Honor on PBS and has written for Dolly Parton on Columbia Records. Loeb has been the principal pianist with The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and accompanied many artists, including Garth Brooks, Peabo Bryson, Bonnie Raitt, Nell Carter, Barry Manilow, Jennifer Holiday, Curtis Mayfield, Jewell, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Freddie Hubbard and Anita O' Day. David conducted The Philadelphia Orchestra with jazz vocalist, and now Las Vegas resident, Dee Dee Bridgewater for the Marian Anderson Award Gala honoring actor Danny Glover. Mr. Loeb has performed for the Emmy award-winning 2002 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, Comic Relief on HBO, and The Emmy Awards. He has served as the assistant professor of music at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is head of UNLV's Jazz department. While The Producers musical director, Keith Thompson, was preparing for his job with Jersey Boys (now up and running at Palazzo), Loeb took over for Thompson. This weekend, David Loeb will serve as musical director for Ben Vereen in Vereen's weekend appearance at the South Point Hotel/Casino. As for Ben Vereen, he is a true triple-threat performer - singer, dancer, actor. On Broadway, he has appeared in Wicked, Fosse, the critically acclaimed, I'm Not Rappaport, Sweet Charity, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pippin, Grind, Jelly's Last Jam, A Christmas Carol, and Chicago (Ben played Billy Flynn in the Mandalay Bay version of Chicago as well). His role in Pippin earned Vereen both the prestigious Tony and the Drama Desk Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Clive Barnes of the New York Post stated "Ben Vereen, unquestionably one of the finest performances seen on Broadway." During the past 25 years, Ben's ever-changing cabaret-style show has won him many accolades, including that of Entertainer of the Year, Rising Star and the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) Song and Dance Star, making him the first simultaneous winner of those three awards. He has also earned a coveted spot in Las Vegas' Casino Legends Hall of Fame. Vereen is currently touring with his one man show, Vereen Sings a Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. As an actor, Ben is probably best remembered for his role as the unforgettable Chicken George in Alex Haley's groundbreaking television mini-series, Roots. Vereen's film appearances include All That Jazz, Funny Lady (Golden Globe nomination), Why Do Fools Fall in Love, the animated movie Once Upon a Forest, and The Painting which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last year. He also played the lead character in Louis Armstrong - Chicago Style, and had roles in Anne Rice's Feast of All Saints, Intruders They are Among Us (Emmy nomination), The Jesse Owens Story, Ellis Island (Golden Globe Nomination), Lost in London, Salute to Liberty Special, Christmas in Washington and Faerie Tale Theatre's Puss N' Boots with Gregory Hines. His own network specials include Ben Vereen: His Roots (Seven Emmy Awards), Tenspeed and Brownshoe, You Write the Songs and Zoobilee Zoo. Vereen's television guest appearances include OZ, Touched By An Angel, Second Noah, New York Undercover, The Nanny, Star Trek - The Next Generation, The Jamie Foxx Show, Promised Land, and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as well as recurring roles on Silk Stockings, Webster, J.J. Starbuck and Booker. This past spring Ben co-stared opposite Vanessa Williams in the film, And Then Came Love and opposite Ciara and Patti LaBelle in Mama I Want to Sing (the story of the late Doris Troy, a longtime Las Vegan). In June, he celebrated Eartha Kitt's 80th birthday in concert at Carnegie Hall to multiple standing ovations. This September, he honored Martin Luther King Jr. in The Dream Concert at Radio City Music Hall and presented Outstanding Mini-series for the 2007 Emmy Awards. For Nickelodeon, Ben provided voice-overs on the show, Wonder Pets! Recently Ben guest starred on ABC's hit primetime drama Grey's Anatomy and soon after appeared on The View. Watch for Ben to guest star on an upcoming episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. In the meantime, catch Ben Vereen and David Loeb at Michael Gaughan's South Point Hotel, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Shows are at 7:30 p.m., tonight through this Sunday. Tickets are range from $35 to $55, plus applicable taxes and fees. Call (702) 797-8055 for reservations. * * * * * * For those who have been asking when the next Composers Showcase will take place, the answer is Wednesday, April 23rd (that's WEDNESDAY, not the usual Tuesday). We will have more details next Friday. And for those who have been asking when Vita Corimbi would be back to perform in the showcase, the answer is not in April. Ms. Talented Talented is also Ms. Busy Busy. Vita is a cast member of Menopause the Musical at the Las Vegas Hilton, one of Killian's Angels, an accompanist for the above mentioned Las Vegas Tenors and a much sought after voiceover actress. If that weren't enough to keep her occupied, she is also a wife, mother, and daughter, caring for her own mother who is recovering from hip surgery. One would think this gal could find a few minutes a month to come and display yet another side of her talent, that of a songwriter. Instead of showing up at the Liberace Museum to entertain her adoring fans, Ms. Corimbi is going out on a short tour of Menopause. We will happily announce her next Composers Showcase performance as soon as we find out when it will occur. And speaking of the Composers Showcase, we received an e-mail from a reader inquiring about the talented Joan Sobel, a frequent participant in the monthly showcase. The e-mail came from C.O. in Charlotte, North Carolina. He says, "I went to North Carolina School of the Arts with Joan Sobel (Eubank) and was a huge fan of her voice. Any suggestions on how I could get in touch with her? I will be in Las Vegas in the next couple of months and would love to hear her sing again." Well, Mr. O, we have good news for you. The lady with the beautiful soprano voice is a cast member in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular cast member, where she plays Madame Firmin and understudies Carlotta in the incredible opera house/theater at The Venetian. If you happen to be in Las Vegas on April 23rd, Joan Sobel will sing a song written by Richard Oberacker, the musical director for Cirque du Soleil's Ka at the MGM Grand, at the Composers Showcase.
Joan Sobel 
Bon Jovi Tribute 
Randy Carlson and Cork Proctor * * * * * * Can't catch Bon Jovi at the MGM Grand Garden arena tomorrow night, or can't come up with the big bucks to do so? We have a suggestion for you. You can see Have a Nice Day - The Tribute to Jon Bon Jovi, featuring Larry Atello as Jon Bon Jovi, with Seth Yudof on guitar/vocals, Derek VanDervort-MacElwain on bass, Jazz Dimazana on keyboards/vocals, and Jim Norris on drums instead (or in addition to). Atello and company will perform two shows on Tuesday, April 15th, starting at 10 p.m., in Roxy's Lounge at Sam's Town. In addition to his position in Have a Nice Day, Larry Atello is also a cast member of the interactive Tony 'n Tina's Wedding, now in its sixth year at the Rio. Jazz Diamaza, mentioned above, also is the keyboardist for a separate band called The One Hit Wonders, that performs the music of, surprise, "one hit wonders" from the past three decades. If the venue has a video screen, the group has fun with the audience on one hit wonder trivia. This band is unique in the fact that it inspires everyone in the room to think about other one hit wonders and the bands that created them. "No matter where we perform," says Jazz, "we can look out into the audience and they are all having the same conversation. They are all thinking about songs and bands that may be one hit wonders. They also are talking about the bands that have secondary hits and what qualifies as a one hit wonder." Since we haven't had the opportunity to see One Hit Wonders in action, we don't know who they include in their tribute and who they omit. We hope that our friend, the late Doris Troy who lived in Las Vegas for many years, is remembered for her big hit, Just One Look. Harry Elston, the lead singer of the Friends of Distinction, also has a residence here. Maybe the Friends hit, Grazing In the Grass, is part of the One Hit Wonders repertoire. When we have a chance to check out the act, we will let you know. See them, also appearing at Sam's Town on Tuesday the 15th, beginning at 8 p.m.
* * * * * * A belated happy birthday to Shecky Greene who turned 82 on Tuesday. * * * * * * We made our first trip out to the South Point (it should be called the WAY South Point) on Sunday to attend For the Love of Joe, the 19th Annual Joe Williams Music Scholarship Fund Concert. Comic Cork Proctor served as Master of Ceremonies, introducing performers including The Cunninghams, Pete Barbutti, Artie Butler, Marlena Shaw, and headliner Bob Anderson, in from Branson, MO, to participate in the show. Vince Falcone was Anderson's musical director. The College of Southern Nevada's 17-piece All-Star Big Band was featured, as were the CSN Jazz Singers. Randy Carlson presented a large framed reproduction of a 1999 Las Vegas Life magazine Christmas cover, featuring Joe Williams as Santa Claus, a gift to Joe's widow, Jillean Williams, from the Greenspun Media Group. It appeared that the South Point showroom was just about full, with the Four Freshmen's original lead singer/musician Bob Flanigan and his wife, Mary; Bill Acosta and wife Jeanne Bavaro; Nelson Sardelli, Susan Abbott, Peggy (Mrs. Sonny) King, Clint Holmes, Carolyn Hamilton Proctor, Martha (Mrs. Will) Jordan, and Mary Ann Barbutti among those in attendance. A tip of the hat goes to producer Ed Foster for a job well done. What do singers Louis Armstrong, Joe Cocker, Neil Diamond, Janis Ian, Gladys Knight, Maria Muldaur, Barry Manilow, Helen Reddy, Neal Sedaka and Dionne Warwick all have in common? Artie Butler. What is an Artie Butler, you may ask? NOT a man servant in a painters smock. Artie Butler is the brilliant arranger, producer of a slew of hit songs, including What a Wonderful World, Copacabana, Midnight At the Oasis, Neither One of Us Wants To Be the First To Say Goodbye, Laughter In the Rain, Solitary Man, I Know I'll Never Love This Way Again, Even Now, Midnight Train To Georgia, You and Me Against the World and Society's Child, to name some. He can be heard playing piano on a number of albums, including the legendary opening on Joe Cocker's Feeling Alright. There are very few albums released under his own name, so Classic Broadway, issued in 1995, is a special treat. The selections are all well-known standards, mostly instrumentals superbly executed by the Hollywood Rainbow Pops and arranged and conducted by Mr. Butler. Guest vocalists on the album include Michael Dees (Try to Remember and If I Loved You), and Julie Budd (All I Ask of You). It was Artie Butler, along with Phyllis Molinary, who wrote Here's To Life, recorded by both Joe Williams and Shirley Horn. A newer Butler song, the touching I Don't Remember Ever Growing Up, has been recorded by both Nancy Wilson and 80-year-old Andy Williams. Based on just these two songs, we would love to see Artie Butler put pen to paper more often.
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Tags: Norman Kaye Steven Brinberg Lucy Shropshire Brett Daniels David Loeb Ben Ve
Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - April 4, 2008  Billy Eckstine  The Four Freshmen  Nicole Pryor There are so many talented individuals living within our community. There are also many benefits that take advantage of that fact (most in a good and positive way) and use these talented folks to attract a paying audience. The generous people in our community can’t be everywhere and they can't support everything, especially when many of those things take place on the same day and, often, at the same time. We urge you to check into where your money is going and how much of it will actually reach the person or charity in need. You might be shocked to learn exactly how much comes out of every dollar donated "to cover expenses" (publicity, paying musicians, paying a producer, etc.). As for our part in this, we try to promote only those things we are sure of. If there are any "red flags," we want to warn readers of that as well. Here is one we are sure of. The hotel/casino is donating the theater, the staff, ticket printing and all that is required to put this show together. The professional musicians are donating their time and talent, as are the entertainers. This is our suggestion...If you plan to be in the Las Vegas area on the afternoon of April 20th, start saving your dollars (you will only need 20 of them) for an upcoming benefit. Norman Kaye, a pioneer of the Las Vegas lounge scene, is ailing. Expenses for his care are mounting and the onetime member of the legendary Mary Kaye Trio needs help. A variety NORM-a-THON hopes to raise the funds needed to cover Norman's stay in a rehabilitation facility as he recovers from a stroke. It is amazing to see the response from the entertainment community as this event comes together, especially when they know that ALL of the proceeds will go to the people who need them. Among the performers who have said YES to the NORM-a-THON, and will appear in the show, are musicians the Gary Olds Trio, Vince Falcone, Dr. George Ritter, Tommy Deering, Rick Vittallo Jr., Gus Mancuso and Jerry Lopez and the Fat City Horns (currently performing with Bette Midler at Caesars Palace). Also donating their time and talent are Charlie Callas, Sammy Shore, Pete Barbutti, Jimmy Hopper, Artie Schroeck, Linda November, Bill Nolte (The Producers), Peter Anthony, Genevieve, Nik Mastrangelo, Paul Xavier Campanella, Jeanne Brei, Robert S. Ensler, Teddy Kaye, Ronnie Rose, Frank Grata, Linda Angeline, Michaelina Bellamy, Genevieve; the fabulous Las Vegas Tenors (Bill Fayne, Bobby Black, Teddy Davey and Mark Giovi); and Gerry McCambridge, The Mentalist. Nelson Sardelli will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon. As mentioned above, tickets are only $20 per person and may be purchased at The Orleans box office starting next week. Where else can you see so much talent for so little money, while helping someone in need at the same time? The answer is, NOWHERE! For additional information about Norman Kaye AND the benefit, check out this site, http://www.enormousnorm-a-thon.com/, created and lovingly put together in only a couple of days by Robert Ensler. There will be updates in next week's column. * * * * * * Readers might not believe this, unless they consider the source of the duplicity. He's at it again but, this time, with a slightly different MO. Freddie What's-His-Name now has a new strategy. Instead of calling himself Freddie Eckstine, and claiming to be the son of the late, great Billy Eckstine, Freddie House is now calling himself "Mr. B," because, to quote this phony, "he doesn't want to ride on the coattails of his father." From Eckstine's daughter, Gina Eckstine, comes her report on the latest developments in this saga. "I guess you know Freddie is on the prowl again. He has a new manager, and is now saying that I have done some sort of scam with the DNA!!! He is saying I wasn't there or something. I don't know. He must have forgotten I took his picture. I have them if you want. I'll send two. I have more. Remember I told you he ran out of the room when I got my camera out? The clinic also took his picture, for verification purposes. I continued to take some good ones of he and that wife of his. This guy is really sick." We have to agree with Gina. Wonder if they have a shot or medication to cure whatever ails Mr. House.
* * * * * *
Singer/actress Lorna Luft, Judy Garland's OTHER daughter, comes into the Suncoast from June 20th through the 22nd. It was Garland herself who stated that Lorna was the one with the voice (sorry Liza). Luft (Lorna's father was Judy's third husband, Sid Luft) is a favorite of composer Jerry Herman. Herman has practically given Lorna his beautiful song, Time Heals Everything, from Mack and Mabel. If you have never seen Lorna's one woman show, Songs My Mother Taught Me, if you were/are a fan of Garland's, or just like music, do yourselves a favor and get yourself reservations for this presentation. We have to give Terry Jenkins, Corporate Director of Entertainment for Boyd Gaming, credit for bringing this type of entertainment to the very dry cabaret desert. * * * * * * 
Michael Kessler & Melinda Jackson 
C.J. Harding 
Marlena Shaw September 20th, will mark the 60th anniversary of the Four Freshmen's founding. One of the most influential vocal groups of the 1950s, The Freshmen pioneered a new style of close-harmony vocals that set the stage for bands like the Beach Boys, Spanky & Our Gang, the Hi-Los, Manhattan Transfer and numerous others. In 1948, Hal Kratzsch and brothers Ross and Don Barbour formed a barbershop quartet called Hal's Harmonizers at Butler University's Arthur Jordan Conservatory. The band also featured Marvin Pruitt. Later that year, the group switched to a more jazz-oriented repertoire and the quartet was renamed the Toppers. Soon thereafter, Pruitt left the group and was replaced with Ross and Don's cousin, Bob Flanigan. Over the years, the Freshmen had a string of hits, including It's a Blue World, Graduation Day, In This Whole Wide World and Love Turns Winter to Spring. Still recording and still performing (with the second generation of musicians), the pioneer group placed No. 1 in the Best Vocal Group category for the 2007 Jazz Times Readers poll. On May 10th, the two surviving members of the original quartet, Bob Flanigan and Ross Barbour, will receive honorary doctorate degrees from Indiana's Butler University at Indianapolis. The widows of Don Barbour (who died in 1961) and Hal Kratzsch (who passed away in 1970) will accept the honor on behalf of their late husbands. Flanigan, who turns 82 on August 22nd, has been a Las Vegas resident since the 1970s. * * * * * * We hate when this happens...multiple things we, and others, would like to see, all happening on the same day and, pretty much, at the same time. For example...on Sunday, April 13th, there are three terrific events competing for an audience. Not fair. We would like to see all three shows! Here's the schedule. Beginning at 1:30 p.m. (with a second show following at 3), Nicole Pryor, currently a cast member in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian, will perform in the Wes Winters Showroom at the Liberace Museum. Nicole appears as part of the Second Sunday (of each month) Cabaret Series. Call the Liberace Museum, (702) 798-5595, for additional details. Starting at 2 (on the same Sunday afternoon), are the talented, recent Vegas transplants, dancers Michael Kessler and Melinda Jackson. The partners, on stage and at home, will perform with an 11 member cast in Dancin' Feet, A Musical Fairy Tale, at the Starbright Theater in Sun City Summerlin. The Las Vegas Sun called M&M and their American Dance Theatre, "Showstoppers." Tickets are $25. For reservations and more information, call (702) 363-1341 or (702) 240-1301 or (702) 966-1410. THEN (whew), at 3 p.m., it's C.J. Harding in her Tribute to Patsy Cline at the Charleston Heights Arts Center. With quotes like these - "The crowd is stunned. This is incredible. C.J. Harding looks and sounds just like Patsy Cline," The Tampa Tribune, Florida, and "C.J. Harding's faithful re-creation of Patsy Cline kept everyone spellbound," Silver Springs Theme Park, Florida - a trip to Charleston Heights seems like no risk at all. Go. Enjoy a nice afternoon. For reservations, call (702) 229-6383. You can also buy tickets at the door the day of the show...if there are any left. * * * * * * Some reminders...Tomorrow night, it's New York cabaret star, Steven Brinberg in his role as Barbra Streisand. Brinberg not only looks like the diva, he sounds like her as well (no lip-synching for Steven). You can see (and hear) Brinberg in his first Las Vegas performance when he takes to the stage at the Starbright Theater in Summerlin, beginning at 7. Later that night, Domenick Allen and his wife Leigh Zimmerman are in the spotlight for a gala fundraiser (see details below). This Sunday, the 6th, also offers a couple of interesting entertainment options. Thanks to the set times, music lovers can do both (a round of Musical Chairs, if you will). 
Domenick Allen & Leigh Zimmerman 
Fay McKay 
Kathie Lee Gifford At 2 p.m., it's For the Love of Joe, The Joe Williams Scholarship Fund Concert in the showroom at the South Point. Among those scheduled to perform, singing/impressionist, Bob Anderson, in from Branson; Marlena Shaw; The Cunninghams; composer/arranger Artie Butler (Here's To Life); Pete Barbutti and others. Comic Cork Proctor will emcee. Legendary jazz and blues singer Joe Williams was a Las Vegas resident for many years. He died in 1999. Tickets are $40 and may be purchased by calling (702) 797-8055. At 6 p.m., head for the Las Vegas Hilton and the Fabulous Las Vegas Tenors. The Tenors - Bill Fayne, Bobby Black, Teddy Davey and Mark Giovi - will present Broadway in Song! The program will contain many of the Tenor's audiences favorites, plus a selection of hits from the musical theater. Tickets are from $29.95 to $39.95 (plus tax & service charge). There are also some special priced, two for $20, Balcony tickets. To take advantage of this great offer, use code LVT when calling the Las Vegas Hilton Box Office at (702) 732-5755. * * * * * * Here is one of those worthy causes we mentioned earlier. The Valencia Ballroom at the J.W. Marriott Hotel, located on Rampart in the northwest part of our expanding city, will be the site of a grand fundraiser to benefit the Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain. The Fourth Annual Reach for the Stars Gala will start with 6:30 cocktails followed by dinner, a live and silent auction, and entertainment. The entertainment portion of the evening begins at 9:30 with Leigh Zimmerman (Ulla in The Producers at Paris Las Vegas) serving as Mistress of Ceremonies for the event, and her husband, multi-talented singer/actor/musician, Domenick Allen, performing. Tickets are $175 per person. Get out your party clothes (no tank tops and flip-flops, please) for this one. * * * * * * We have just gotten word that singer/comedian Fay McKay passed away early this morning. She suffered a stroke about a month ago and had been hospitalized ever since. McKay, who was 77, had been an entertainment staple in Las Vegas for many years, first in a revue at the Top of the Landmark (now a parking lot across from the Convention Center) called Tower Suites, and then as a featured act in the production show, Casino de Paris, at the Dunes (now the site of Bellagio). In the mid-1980s, McKay was the star of a revue called Bloopers. That one played at the Marina (located on the corner of Tropicana and the Strip, where the MGM Grand now sits). Best known for her version of The Twelve Daze of Christmas (a clever musical number involving a little too much imbibing of alcoholic beverages), Faye was a frequent guest on TV variety shows such as those hosted by Merv Griffin and Mike Douglas. It was while appearing on Griffin's show that McKay was spotted by Liberace. He was so taken with the entertainer, he sought her out in Las Vegas and invited her to join his traveling show as a special guest. She toured around the world with Mr. Showmanship, performing in places such as the London Palladium. A memorial service for Fay McKay will be announced at a later date. Coincidentally, like Fay McKay, Domenick Allen also got a career boost from Mr. Showmanship. Allen toured with Liberace, sharing the same stage with him for about three years. For those that don‘t know, Liberace had a great eye (and ear) for talent, introducing many "new" people, like Barbra Streisand, Denise Clemente, puppeteer Barclay Shaw and many others, to an international audience. Even after his death in 1987, Liberace continues to present opportunities for hopeful entertainers through his foundation, supported primarily through the Las Vegas museum, located at East Tropicana and Spencer. * * * * * * Look for Roseanne Barr, currently performing at the Sahara (show times at 9:30 p.m., Saturdays through Wednesdays) to guest on this Wednesday night's Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Craig Ferguson airs on CBS, following David Letterman. * * * * * * Sheeeee's baaack! After eight years off the airwaves as a regular personality, Kathie Me Gifford (sorry David Pomeranz) returns to TV as the new face on NBC's Today. Recently expanded from three hours to four, the popular morning show will use Ms. Gifford during the final hour. Hopefully, the former Live with Regis and (fill in the blank) co-host has learned something from her past and will not make the same mistakes this time around. If she does, the cast and crew of the show may be entitled to hazard pay. The public does not want to hear about every breath and move that, now grown son, Cody makes. Puleeez! * * * * * * The Gold Coast Hotel and Casino will host a Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend from Thursday, April 10th, through Sunday the 13th. The four-day event will feature a classic car show, a tradeshow selling a variety of vintage jewelry, clothing and memorabilia; artwork and a Burlesque competition. Now in its eleventh year at the Gold Coast, the event is expected to draw nearly 18,000 people. The Viva Las Vegas Shifters Car Show (located in the northeast parking lot) is on Saturday, April 12th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tradeshow will be held in the Gold Coast's California Ballroom. Both events are open to the public. Come dressed in Vintage and Rockabilly-style attire. * * * * * * 
Wanda Dee 
Sandy & Lisa Miller Hackett 
Buddy & Lezlie Anders Greco Birthday greetings (late or early) to Aries celebrants, Havanna Gallagher (daughter of actor and onetime Las Vegan Michael Bravo), musician Corky D'Fini, songwriter Ervin Drake (Good Morning Heartache, I Believe, It Was a Very Good Year), Tony Orlando, Wayne Newton, PR lady Jackie Brett, composer Jack Lawrence (Tenderly, Beyond the Sea, All Or Nothing At All), singer/songwriter Janis Ian (At Seventeen, Society's Child), Handy Lady Barbara Ciarlantini, Lisa Dawn Miller, former vocalist for The KLF Wanda Dee (short for Deeva), Michael Cohen, Arthur Shafman (who represents, among others, Mark Nadler, KT Sullivan, Christine Andreas, Julie Budd, Heather McRae, Barbara Brussell, Andrea Marcovicci and C.J. Harding, mentioned above), April Goldson, John Kaye and Las Vegas Sun writer Jerry Fink. Celebrating anniversaries during the same period are Sandy Hackett and Lisa Dawn Miller Hackett (their third) and Buddy Greco and Lezlie Anders Greco (number 13 for the musical twosome). * * * * * * This one should be a sell out. On Friday, May 23rd, Mandalay Bay will present David Foster & Friends. We should all have friends like those of songwriter/producer David Foster. Performing in this one-night-only concert, held at the Events Center, are Babyface, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Peter Cetera, Josh Groban and American Idol's Katharine McPhee. Tickets go on sale tomorrow. Call (702) 632-7580 or (702) 474-4000 for more information. 
Michael Buble * * * * * * While many were celebrating with corned beef and cabbage, followed by green beer, our friend Lee Roy Reams (Roger DeBris in the Paris Las Vegas presentation of Mel Brooks' The Producers) and cabaret artist Karen Mason spent St. Patrick's Day in New York, performing the music of Jerry Herman as part of the American Musicals Project. The AMP is a fantastic program that brings American Musicals to 7th and 8th graders in an interesting and informative way. Lee Roy hosted, directed and performed in the concert titled Hello Jerry! - The Works of Jerry Herman. The evening featured funny, sad and romantic songs from a number of Herman musicals, including Hello, Dolly!, Mame and La Cage aux Folles.
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Tags: Billy Eckstine The Four Freshmen Nicole Pryor Michael Kessler Melinda Jacks
Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - March 28, 2008
 Lani Misalucha  Martin Nievera  Steven Brinberg We have to wonder what the folks at the Flamingo are thinking...or if they are thinking at all. On Tuesday, we attended the Society of Seven show, featuring the lovely Lani Misalucha and one of our favorite entertainers, Martin Nievera. In case you hadn't heard, this Flamingo engagement will end on April 13th. The big question is WHY? The room was full for the 3 p.m. show and, talking to security guards and people who work in the theater, we were told this is typical. In the approximately five years that SOS has been working in Las Vegas, they have played in as many venues - the Las Vegas Hilton, Golden Nugget, Aladdin, Bally's and, for the next couple of weeks, the Flamingo. The group is obviously doing something right. Tony Ruivivar and Bert Sagum have been with SOS since its inception, more than 40 years ago (the two men were embryos when the group started), with Roy Guerzo, Mike Laygo, Hoku Low, Vince Mendoza and Wayne Wakai coming on board in ensuing years. (In April of 2006, Gary Bautista, longtime lead vocalist, died following a stroke.) SOS is a true variety show, featuring many styles of music, comedy sketches and celebrity impersonations. Among the personalities who get the SOS treatment are Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Beyonce, Dionne Warwick and Britney Spears, all done by Lani. Martin and the rest of the fellows take shots at Sammy Davis Jr., Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Little Richard, Josh Groban and others. A Broadway segment includes tributes to Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Chicago, Man of La Mancha, Jekyll & Hyde and The Lion King, complete with animal puppets to rival those created by Tony-winning Costume Designer/Director Julie Taymor. One of the funniest moments in the revue is a takeoff on The Supremes (we hope Las Vegas resident Mary Wilson has seen this number). Lani Misalucha's version of Puccini's Nessum Dorma is a showstopper. We urge those who seek real talent, performing the type of show that resulted in Las Vegas earning the title of Entertainment Capital of the World, to see the Society of Seven with Lani Misalucha and Martin Nievera before April 13th (although we anticipate that some smart hotel bigwig will snag the group and bring them back to Vegas in the fall). Matinees for SOS are at 3 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. Call (800) 221-7299 for reservations. Hurry, hurry. (There are discount coupons for locals in the Friday Review-Journal's Neon section.) Will magician Nathan Burton, who takes over the theater after the departure of SOS, do as well at the Flamingo as the Hawaiian/Filipino group has done? We doubt it. No disrespect to Mr. Burton, but an afternoon magic show is not unique to Las Vegas. In fact, you can see one right down the street at the Tropicana, where Dirk Arthur and his livestock perform at 2 and 4 p.m., Saturdays through Thursdays. A little time should tell if we are right on this one. * * * * * * Michael Chapman and ChapQuist Entertainment present the Las Vegas debut of Simply Barbra! starring Steven Brinberg. Well-known in other parts of the country, the New York-based Brinberg will make his first Las Vegas appearance on Saturday, April 5th, at the Starbright Theatre in Sun City Summerlin. Steven's amazing talent takes impression to the highest level, as he not only creates the look and persona of Barbra Streisand, he uses his own voice to deliver amazing vocals! This unique musical-comedy event has toured worldwide to sold-out crowds and rave reviews. Barbra's lifelong friend, conductor and composer Marvin Hamlisch, has paid Brinberg the greatest compliment, appearing with him and prestigious orchestras, including the National Symphony (at the Kennedy Center). Steven has performed at Carnegie Hall, Stephen Sondheim's birthday concert at the Library of Congress, and on Broadway in the concert version of Funny Girl with Whoopi Goldberg. Simply Barbra! is simply a show not to be missed! Showtime is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18 for Sun City residents, and $20 for non-residents. Call (702) 240-1301 or (702) 869-2064 for additional information. Please visit www.CHAPQUIST.com for more information. * * * * * * Here's a handful of friendly reminders... Tonight and tomorrow (March 28th and 29th), it's Carmine Mandia & Friends at Piero's (355 Convention Center Drive) from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Mandia is a part of the Shades of Sinatra show and also performs a tribute to the late, great Bobby Darin. Call Piero‘s at (702) 369-2305 for additional information. 
Carmine Mandia 
Jimmy Hopper 
Las Vegas Tenors The unique and talented Jimmy Hopper performs his Journey of the Heart concert in the Suncoast showroom tonight (March 28th), Saturday and Sunday. Show times are at 7:30 p.m., with tickets ranging in price from $22 to $55. Call (702) 636-7075 or (877) 636-7111 for reservations. You can catch the fabulous Las Vegas Tenors at the Hilton next weekend, on April 6th. The talented quartet - Bill Fayne, Bobby Black, Teddy Davey and Mark Giovi - will perform Broadway music as well as fan favorites for their fifth appearance in the Las Vegas Hilton‘s 1600-seat theater. Show time is at 6 p.m. Call (702) 732-5755 or (800) 222-5361 for reservations. For the Love of Joe, a concert benefiting the Joe Williams Music Scholarship Fund, takes place on Sunday, April 6th at the South Point. Among those appearing on the bill are Bob Anderson, Marlena Shaw, Pete Barbutti, Artie Butler, Vince Falcone, Tom Ferguson and Cork Proctor. Joe Williams established this event about 20 years ago. The College of Southern Nevada music program reaps the rewards of this annual event. Tickets are $40 for the 2 p.m. show. Call (702) 797-8055 for reservations. Song and dance men, Gary Oakes and Lou Garcia, perform their All New Revue at the Clark County Library on East Flamingo, Sunday (March 30th) at 2 p.m. Tickets for the show - featuring music from Broadway and popular standards - are $15. Call the Performing Arts Society of Nevada at (702) 658-6741 for tickets. They are also available the day of the show, beginning at 1 p.m., at the library box office. * * * * * * From good guy Jerry Fink's recent Las Vegas Sun column comes this item...Checked in with Mary Schwartz - cousin of the late Larry Fine, the curly haired member of the Three Stooges - and found she and Barbara Ciarlantini will re-release a children's book they created, The Handy Girls Can Fix It! More than 30 years ago, she and Ciarlantini owned a painting and paperhanging company called Handy Girls and wrote a weekly column for local papers that answered how-to questions. Out of their experiences came the book, which is aimed at building self-esteem in girls by teaching them how to fix things. Look for it at handygirls.com and other online stores. 
Jerry Fink 
Gerry McCambridge 
Gordie Brown * * * * * * Congratulations to Gerry McCambridge, voted No. 2 as the Best Magician in the Las Vegas Review-Journal's 27th Annual Best of Las Vegas Readers Poll. Calling himself "The Mentalist," McCambridge beat out David Copperfield, Penn & Teller and many others with names more familiar to the general public. Cousin Claire knows it can be a risky thing to tout an act to someone. We have no concerns, though, when it comes to recommending The Mentalist. No one who has gone to see Gerry's unique act has ever come away disappointed. Instead they come away amazed and thoroughly entertained. We received this e-mail from a friend who went to see Gerry McCambridge at our suggestion. I would like to thank you for suggesting we see "THE MENTALIST," aka Gerry McCambridge, the other evening. As my guest, I took an old friend from college, Fern Mackour, on her last night in Vegas. The full house at Hooters went wild as each new and amazing feat was unveiled. This was my second trip to see this performer and that he is. Having seen him before, I thought that maybe this time, with added insight, I would be able to figure out some of the remarkable feats he would do. We both came away totally entertained and totally mystified by all he did, as was the rest of the audience who loved him. Fern's comment to me was that he doesn't do enough as we could have stayed another hour watching him absolutely thrill and bewilder his audience. If it's all tricks, and I guess it probably is, he has the finest "show" on the Strip. If it isn't all "tricks" and he really is a mentalist (whatever that means), the United States Government should get a hold of him as he could be our most effective way of getting peace and security in the world. Simply, we loved the show and again, I want to thank you for making it possible for us to be privileged to see him. I want to go back again! Gerald Gordon
Oh yes, it was magician Lance Burton who came in first in the Reader's Poll. * * * * * * Another one of our favorites, the talented comic/singer/impressionist Gordie Brown, opens at the V Theater in Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile Shops on Monday, March 31st. Gordie, who recently closed out a one year plus gig at The Venetian, will do10 p.m. shows at the V Theater, every night but Sunday. It was in 1987 that Gordie made his first plane trip, flying to Las Vegas to pursue his dream...and his idol, Paul Anka. Brown was determined to meet Anka. It took some time but it finally happened, resulting in a friendship and Brown becoming Anka's opening act during a Canadian tour. It was during that '87 trip to Las Vegas that Brown gave a videotape of his act to Bonnie Saxe, mother of Melinda Saxe, then known as The First Lady of Magic. Seven months later, Bonnie called Gordie to join fellow impressionist Babe Pier and juggler Anthony Gatto as one of the specialty acts in Melinda‘s new production. In the years since, Gordie has opened for Louie Anderson at Bally's, toured with Barry Manilow during 1995, and worked with Jay Leno, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, The Righteous Brothers and Jerry Seinfeld. He also performed in Dick Foster's productions of Spellbound, at both the Landmark and Harrah's in Las Vegas. He spent a few years in Los Angeles doing stand-up comedy. He made his national television debut on A&E's Evening at the Improv. That was followed by a job co-hosting NBC's Friday Night Videos, a starring role on PAX TV's Twice in a Lifetime, and several appearances on Hollywood Squares. Gordie also wrote and recorded the theme song for the Emmy Award-winning animated TV series, Life With Louie, created by Louie Anderson. Gordie is a much sought after act for corporate events, having performed for Ford, General Motors, Pepsi, Porsche and Toyota among others. During the two years of his One-man, Many-voices show at Harrah's in Reno, Gordie earned numerous awards including the Reno Gazette Journal's Best Casino Show for both 2002 and 2003, Nevada Magazine's Best New Show/Best Entertainer for 2002 and Best Entertainer/Best Comedian for 2003. The Sacramento Bee named Gordie Entertainer of the Year in 2002. During the past few years, the clever entertainer has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman as part of Impressionist Week, Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and EXTRA! What audiences get when they see Gordie Brown is a very entertaining, high-energy show by a warm and gracious talented performer anxious to please. Gordie takes on approximately 60 personalities per show. In the acting and comic category, he covers a wide variety of entertainers including All in the Family's "Archie and Edith Bunker," Jim Carrey, Johnny Carson, Tom Cruise, Billy Crystal, Robert DeNiro, Clint Eastwood, Henry Fonda, Michael J. Fox, Katharine Hepburn, Dustin Hoffman, Jay Leno, Christopher Lloyd, Jack Nicholson, Garry Shandling, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Jimmy Stewart, Christopher Walken and John Wayne. From the world of music, there are Gordie's original parodies of songs made famous by Louis Armstrong, Garth Brooks, James Brown, Johnny Cash, Tracy Chapman, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sammy Davis Jr., Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, M.C. Hammer, Julio Iglesias, Chris Isaak, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, Billy Joel, Elton John, Tom Jones (with an assist from Fantasy Island's "Tattoo"), Annie Lennox, Gordon Lightfoot, Meat Loaf, Dean Martin, Alanis Morissette, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Ozzy Osbourne, Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers, Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra, Randy Travis (whose lips don't move when he sings), Vanilla Ice, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, and even American Idol reject, William "She Bangs" Hung. There are also takes on the contemporary musical groups Barenaked Ladies, Green Day, Matchbox 20, 4 Non Blondes and award-winning Santana. Even Ted Koppel and Mike Tyson turn up in appropriate, and not so appropriate, spots. If he is up to it, you might even hear Gordie's impressions of Joe Cocker and Jerry Seinfeld, voices he considers the most difficult for him to duplicate. With Gordie's expressive, malleable face, and a few simple props, not only do you get the sound of the performers, you also get an uncanny physical resemblance with many of his characterizations. What audience members WON'T get is the "typical" impersonators portrayal of familiar stars doing all too familiar lines. You can expect the unexpected when you see Gordie Brown. Since he considers himself first and foremost a comic, and he writes all of his own material, prepare yourself for something a bit different and definitely off the wall. Although he steers clear of heavy political topics, he does keep up on the latest news, incorporating it into his act. It also isn't unusual for him to throw in some surprise material. Brown has been successfully earning his living as an impressionist since he was old enough to work. Before becoming a vocal impressionist, the Montreal, Canada-native created another kind of impression. As a political cartoonist with the Ottawa Sunday Herald, Brown's impressions were done on paper with pen and ink. It was during those days that he entertained his co-workers with jokes done in the voices of well-known celebrities. His fellow workers thought he was good enough to compete so they entered him in a local talent competition. They were right. Gordie Brown took first place in the contest. In a strange twist of events, as the result of Brown's working with Bonnie Saxe more than 20 years ago, he became very close friends with Bonnie's son, David Saxe. In fact, David was best man at Brown's wedding. David is the producer at the V Theater so, once again, two decades later, Gordie will be working with a member of the Saxe family. "We are very excited to have Gordie Brown at the V Theater," says David Saxe. "He is by far the most entertaining and electrifying one man show on the Las Vegas Strip." In addition to the Gordie Brown Show, the V Theater is currently home to V-The Ultimate Variety Show, Toxic Audio, Gregory Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, and Stripper 101. The venue recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation, including state-of-the-art seating and a brand new stage. Tickets start at $59.00 plus taxes and fees for adults. For reservations, call the V Theater Box Office at (702) 932-1818 or purchase tickets online at www.varietytheater.com. * * * * * * One of Vegas's biggest openings in recent months (no, not Bette Midler or Jersey Boys opening on April 4th) takes place on March 31st. That would be Donald Trump's latest venture and his first foray into the local scene. The 64-story Trump International Hotel & Tower, located a stones throw from rival Steve Wynn's place (hopefully, there will be no stone throwing), will not have a casino but will offer both non-residential and residential condominiums. We hear that, due to the overwhelming sellers response to Trump's first tower, stated to be the tallest residential building in the city, plans are already underway for a second identical tower right next to the first one. 
Donald Trump 
Jimmy Kimmel 
Panic at the Disco * * * * * * Jimmy Kimmel's Tuesday night show was almost 100% Vegas. Guests included Roseanne Barr (currently at the Sahara, Saturdays through Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m.); magician Penn Jillette (who performs with his silent partner, Teller, in their own showroom at the Rio), straight from being booted off Dancing With the Stars earlier in the evening ); and the musical group Panic At the Disco (formed right here in Vegas by Summerlin teens during their junior high school days). It might be noted that talk show host/comic Jimmy Kimmel was also raised in Las Vegas. As for Panic At the Disco, its current band members are Brendon Urie (vocals, guitar and keyboards), Ryan Ross (guitar, keyboards and vocals), Jon Walker (bass guitar, vocals) and Spencer Smith (drums and percussion). Bass player Brent Wilson was with the group during 2005 and 2006. Their debut album, A Fever You Can't Sweat Out, reached No. 13 on the charts, and has sold more than 2.2 million copies since its September 2005 release. The band's second album, Pretty Odd, was released on Tuesday. And speaking of Roseanne, watch for her appearance on Craig Ferguson's CBS show, next Friday (April 4th). * * * * * * Tomorrow night, it's the Lamont Patterson Big Band Memorial Dance, featuring the Gene White Orchestra. For more than 15 years, Lamont Patterson was a Las Vegas-based jazz and entertainment columnist. In addition to his love for jazz, Patterson was a big band fan, as well as a fan and friend of Frank Sinatra. Before his death in 1997, Lamont established a trust fund to be used for a music scholarship at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He also made financial provisions for an annual free big band dance. The idea was to keep musicians working and the public listening and dancing. For many years, the event took place in a ballroom at the Stardust. The hotel/casino is gone, but the melody lingers on. The 2008 edition of the popular concert/dance will occur at the East Las Vegas Senior Center, located at 250 N. Eastern Avenue (north of Charleston, on the corner of Stewart). Admission is free, but space is limited (adults only, please). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with live music provided from 7 to 10. For additional information, call (702) 229-1515. * * * * * * Are you a musician who likes to travel? Have a passport and no plans from early September through early December? We are posting this information that was passed on to us by entertainer Laurence T. I need musicians ASAP! I need a jazz pianist, bass and sax. I have a three month gig starting September 5th in Beijing, China. Please help me. I need to move on this quickly because of airline tickets, and the Olympics! Please send this across Musicland. Signed, Loni Clark at LoniClark2002@yahoo.com
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Boyd Gaming's Jim Seagrave, Vice President of Advertising for Coast Casinos, is a very proud poppa. His daughter, Jillian Seagrave (called "Jill" by her family and friends), who works in finance by day, has not given up her love for music. Jill graduated from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, where she appeared as "Ado Annie" in Oklahoma!, "Sandy" in Grease, "Shprintze" in Fiddler On The Roof, and "Helena" in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Her Gorman classmates voted Jill "Most Likely To Become Famous." She attended Saint Mary's College in Moraga, California, where she performed the lead in Cinderella, played "Constance Neville" in She Stoops To Conquer, and was "The Narrator" in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Since graduating from St. Mary's, Jill has performed in San Francisco Bay Area theatrical productions of Guys and Dolls, South Pacific, Bye Bye Birdie, Hair and Beauty and the Beast. Ms. Seagrave's most recent role was as "Polly" in The Cocoanuts at the Contra Costa Civic Theatre in El Cerrito.  Jill Seagrave  Ronn Lucas  Nancy LaMott When you think of hit Broadway musicals, it's easy to forget something like The Cocoanuts, which played New York's Lyric Theatre for eight months in 1925 and '26. That's because, more than an Irving Berlin musical with a book by George S. Kaufman (not too shabby, as pedigrees go), it was first and foremost a Marx Brothers vehicle, the one that became their first feature film. So for a community theater to stage it as they might any other musical takes some chutzpah, but the folks at El Cerrito's Contra Costa Civic Theatre had so much fun doing Animal Crackers in 2006, they decided to reunite their own Marx Brothers. One report stated, "The young lovers are more interesting than usual in a comedy like this, mainly because Jillian Seagrave has such a sunny voice and demeanor and such grace while dancing as the ingenue, ‘Polly.' Benjamin Scott has some upright charm as true love "Bob," and Nan Ayers does the flustered Margaret Dumont shtick proud as stuffy ‘Mrs. Potter.' The ballroom-style dances between ‘Bob' and ‘Polly' are also delightful, as is the Groucho character's exaggerated tango with ‘Mrs. Potter.'" Ken Bullock, of The Berkeley Planet, wrote "The cast - about 20 in all - brings their own various talents into the mix, with particularly good performances by R. Martin Newton as desk clerk ‘Jamisen‘ and Nan Ayers in the Margaret Dumont role of ‘Mrs. Potter,' as well as first rate romantic ingenues (Benjamin Scott and especially Jillian Seagrave, who do Berlin's big hit, Always..." As a side note, many musicologists consider Always to be Irving Berlin's best song. Jill is Jim and Jan Seagrave's younger daughter. Their older daughter, and Jill's sister, Elizabeth, is also musical. In fact, a few years ago, the Seagrave Sisters recorded a CD. * * * * * * Our favorite ventriloquist, Ronn Lucas, has made a lateral move from the Atrium showroom at the Luxor to the Thunder From Down Under Showroom at its next door neighbor property, the Excalibur. Since Ronn's show is appealing to youngsters as well as adults (most kids will not appreciate the technical requirements of a skilled ventriloquist), the family-friendly Castle on the Corner is probably a better fit for "The Man Who Can Make Anything Talk." Show times for Ronn Lucas are 3 p.m., Saturdays through Mondays. Call (702) 597-7600 for reservations. * * * * * * For fans of the late Nancy LaMott, we have this information...In today's music industry, where many artists go from fresh to forgotten in a matter of months, LaMott is a true phenomenon. On March 11th, her latest release, Ask Me Again, entered the Billboard Jazz Chart at No. 12. This accomplishment is made even more remarkable by the fact that this marks LaMott's chart debut, and comes more than 12 years after her untimely death from Uterine Cancer in 1995. Having worked her way up from the cabarets and piano bars of New York City, San Francisco, and Atlantic City, to Tavern on the Green, the Algonquin, Good Morning America, and LIVE! with Regis and Kathie Lee, Nancy was poised for stardom as her life drew to a premature close. Sadly, she was never able to experience the fruition of her years of work. However, she is one of those rare artists whose captivating presence never fades, and never has this been seen more clearly than right now. Motivated by a promise made to Nancy shortly before she passed away that the whole world would hear her sing, Producer/Songwriter David Friedman has worked tirelessly to give Nancy's music the attention it deserves. The now-charting Ask Me Again is the most recent product of this promise. The two CD set includes 21 previously unreleased songs, in simple, no-frills arrangements showcasing Nancy's unmatched vocal performances, accompanied by her longtime accompanist/arranger Christopher Marlowe. Also new for LaMott lovers is I'll Be Here With You, the first-ever DVD of Nancy's live performances. During her all to brief career, as well as in the years since her death, Nancy LaMott captured the attention of celebrities, fellow artists, and fans across around the world. Championed, then and now, by Kathie Lee Gifford, Lucie Arnaz, Michael Feinstein, David Zippel, Michel LeGrand, David Friedman and many others, it is not too surprising that Nancy LaMott would land on the Billboard Jazz Chart more than a decade after her passing. * * * * * * Happy belated birthday wishes to former Las Vegan, Steve Schiffman. During the years he lived in this city, Schiffman served as a PR man for a number of hotels, including the Golden Nugget, Bally's, Desert Inn and the Debbie Reynolds Hotel (now the Greek Isles). He was terrific at his job. If he wasn't able to take the call from a media-type, or didn't immediately have the answer to a question, he would always get back to the inquiring mind, and in a timely manner. There weren't (aren't) many in this community like our longtime friend, Mr. Schiffman. He currently makes his home in Arizona where, we hear, he might be working on a book about his life in the fast lane. He should have plenty of interesting tales to tell. We look forward to owning an autographed copy. * * * * * * In case you aren't keeping track, this week's column mentions a number of our "favorites" (Gordie Brown, Ronn Lucas, Gerry McCambridge, Martin Nievera, Jim Seagrave, Steve Schiffman and Jerry Fink ). See, we can be NICE when the situation presents itself...or perhaps it's just a case of Spring Fever. As for the rest of you (and you know who you are), Cousin Claire is watching and listening. Have a question about Las Vegas? Want to make a comment (be nice, now)?
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Displaying keen perception and great insight. She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice. She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em. She’s... Claire Voyant Las Vegas - March 21, 2008  Bryan Lefeber  Joe Williams by Merryl Jaye  Cork Proctor The most recent edition of the Composers Showcase offered quite a unique night. Thanks to Las Vegas Sun newcomer, Joe Brown, and his extensive coverage of the February showcase, the Wes Winters Showroom at the Liberace Museum was filled to overflowing on Tuesday. This month's show got started a little later than the usual 10:30 (after theater) launch. Why? Because a brief south-Strip blackout (affecting Mandalay Bay, the Luxor and Excalibur) resulted in Mandalay Bay's Mamma Mia! starting a bit late. Since a number of the cast members were scheduled to perform, the showcase didn't begin until almost 11. No one complained. The night's offerings were quite varied, thanks to the amazing talent pool of songwriters and vocalists that call this city home (at least for now). For Cousin Claire, the real highlights of the late night/early morning presentations were three Keith Thompson contributions - a song used in the first Las Vegas Easter Bonnet Competition (this is an annual AIDS fundraiser in New York), and two tunes from God Lives In Glass - City of Walls, sung by Joan Sobel and Bruce Ewing (both from Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular), with violinist Rebecca Ramsey (Spamalot), cellist Moonlight Tran (Las Vegas Philharmonic, late of The Producers) and pianist Philip Fortenberry (Jersey Boys), and Heaven, Hell or Puberty, sung by Bryan Lefeber, from Spamalot. The other incredible presentation was an instrumental called Under a New Sun, written by Rebecca Ramsey. This beautiful piece of music featured Ramsey on violin, Fortenberry on piano and Tran on cello. The audience gave this one a well-earned standing ovation. Incidentally, Ms. Ramsey has a CD called The Stone Sanctuary, Silhouettes of Zion available. It can be purchased online through CD Baby. As for Joe Brown, the journalist relocated to Vegas at the end of December after departing the San Francisco Chronicle, where he was the Sunday Entertainment Editor. Prior to his stint in the City by the Bay, Brown was with the Washington Post. We plan to keep an eye on this fellow. * * * * * * For the first time, in almost 20 years, the Joe Williams Music Scholarship Fundraiser was unable to find a hosting hotel where they could hold their 2007 event. Fear not, the event has found a new home at the South Point Hotel Casino Spa. The event was created in 1989 and named after the legendary baritone, Joe Williams, who died in 1999 at the age of 81. This year's For the Love of Joe concert will take place on Sunday, April 6th at 2 p.m. The (usually) annual gala is designed to raise money to assist music students at the College of Southern Nevada in reaching their educational goals. Featured on this year's concert will be Bob Anderson, one of the world's most accomplished singing impressionists. Anderson currently lives and performs in Branson, Missouri. Legendary blues singer Marlena Shaw will also share the stage, along with composer Artie Butler (who, with Phyllis Molinary, wrote the beautiful Here's To Life, a song recoded by Joe Williams), jazz duo The Cunninghams, singer Freddie House, and Pete Barbutti will bring his brilliant comedic gifts to the stage in a special starring appearance. The CSN Vocal Jazz Ensemble will represent the College, with many scholarship recipients performing. Accompanying this amazing group of talented singers and comedians is the 17-piece CSN All-Star Jazz Band, conducted by Tom Ferguson and Vincent Falcone. The entire event will be hosted by Master of Ceremonies and long-time Las Vegas comedian Cork Proctor. Among the entertainers from Las Vegas and around the world who have donated time, talent, and money by performing in previous Fundraiser Concerts, The Four Freshmen, Robert Goulet, Jack Jones, Clint Holmes, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Carl Fontana, Ruth Brown, Bill Acosta, Frankie Randall, Buddy Greco, Jimmy Wilkins, Gary Marshal and Roz Ryan. Joe continued to be an advocate for music education, and performed in many Fundraiser Concerts, until his untimely death in 1999. We miss Joe terribly, but his legacy and the Fundraiser Concerts live on. Since the Fund's inception, over $135,000 has been raised, and the Fund has assisted over 400 CSN students by providing tuition waivers for music classes. Tickets are $40, and may be reserved by contacting the South Point Hotel, Casino, and Spa box office at (702) 797-8055. * * * * * * Gerald Gordon, and his students, has done it once again. Gordon, in case you have never read this column before (perish the thought), is a much sought after drama/acting coach. Quite the taskmaster (he probably won't like that word), not only does he eliminate many more applicants than he accepts for his classes, he works the ones who pass his stringent tests until they bleed - well, maybe not BLEED, but he requires more of them than they require of themselves. The results? Another outstanding Actors Showcase last Sunday, the signing of a number of the talented thespians, and a group of people feeling very proud of their accomplishments...and deservedly so. Participating in the latest showcase, were beginner and returning students, Daniel Beraducci, Elly Brown, Josh Costell, Anthony Drissi, Ja Elam, Nathan Ferrier, "Blu" Griffith, Kenny Harlow, James Lake, Ni-Ko Prasad, Forest Rall, Ciarra Siller, J.D. Smith, Brad Stein, Danny Vigil and Fhretscya Youmans. Since we don't want to show any favoritism (and don't want to be criticized by anyone for not saying enough about them), we will be politically correct and say that everyone did an excellent job...including the hardworking Mr. Gordon, who counts Academy Award-winner Adrien Brody among his former students, is a transplanted Los Angeles resident. He has made his home in Las Vegas for the past 10 years. Maybe someday, like Brody, one or more of Gordon's local hopefuls will stand on a stage somewhere and give an Oscar, Emmy or Tony acceptance speech. Break a leg, folks! 
Elly Brown 
Mike Cardella Jr. 
Mary Kaye Trio And speaking of Mr. Gordon, one of his former students, Mike Cardella Jr., was in the audience last Sunday. When it was his turn to be part of Gordon's showcase some months ago, Cardella blew the audience away with a very dramatic scene. We were sitting next to Mike's mother, the late comic Pudgy!, who was mesmerized by her son's outstanding acting ability. She, like others who saw his performance, was in tears. This young man wants to follow in the path of his incredibly talented and funny mother. In that vein, Mike just graduated from Second City in February, going through all five levels during this past year. He also drives from Vegas to Southern California every week to take classes at Improv Olympics in Los Angeles. In addition, almost every Monday night, Mike performs with different improv troupes at the Onyx Theater (located inside The Rack at the Commercial Center on East Sahara). Cardella says that he is trying to get as much stage time as possible, in hopes to "one day finally make a buck doing it." With his genetic comedy/improv roots, we think that is in the cards.
* * * * * * About 15 concerned and caring individuals got together last Tuesday to start the wheels in motion for an event to raise money to assist veteran Las Vegas lounge entertainer Norman Kaye. Norman, who with his late sister Mary Kaye and Frankie Ross, made up the internationally known Mary Kaye Trio, is in a rehabilitation facility trying to recover from a stroke. Beginning on Sunday, when Medicare stops paying the total cost for Norman's stay in rehab, his wife, Barbara, will have to come up with $128 a day to keep him in the facility. Kaye needs a lot of physical therapy and will need to spend a lot more time away from home. A decorated military veteran, Kaye should be eligible for care in a veterans hospital. Unfortunately, the Boulder City, Nevada, hospital has no beds available, so, for now, the family is buying time. Thanks to the generosity of some kind citizens, in just a short time, Nelson Sardelli and Rick Vittallo have collected about $4000. So far, the local organization that is supposed to be there for ailing entertainers in the community has not come forward to offer help. The plan by the volunteers is to have a variety show featuring a number of headliners, along with an auction of celebrity memorabilia, artwork, show tickets, and other interesting items. The need is for a theater or theater space to hold the fundraiser, with an aimed for date of April 27th. A second planning meeting will take place on Monday. We would welcome any and all assistance. Contact Nsardelli@aol.com. We have just been told that another show business veteran, Fay McKay, is also ailing. A singer and comic, McKay is probably best remembered for her boozy Twelve Daze of Christmas parody. Like, Norman Kaye, Fay is also hospitalized as the result of a stroke. We will provide more details when we get them. * * * * * * A mention of that forever-young redhead in an earlier column prompted this question from a reader in San Francisco... I understand Tempest Storm will be on stage in Las Vegas in June. My boyfriend has loved her since he was a kid (he's turning 61 in June). I'd like to take him to the show for his birthday. Do you have information on when, where, etc.? Thanks so much! We went right to the source for this answer. Ms. Storm, who celebrated her 80th birthday
on February 29th (she is an honest-to-goodness Leap Year baby), will appear as part of the Exotic World events to be held at the Palms, June 12th, 13th and 14th. We will have more details on this as we get closer to the dates. In the meantime, lovely reader, start making your travel plans. Another young-at-heart senior is comic/impressionist Babe Pier. Babe is that rare breed of comedian who inspires as much praise from his peers as he does from fans. No less an "expert" than Rich Little has called him the "Father of Impressions," and no wonder: Pier was the first impressionist to play Las Vegas and helped make celebrity impersonation a staple form of entertainment on the Strip. Beginning his career as a semi-pro baseball player, Pier's infield clowning soon led to a spot on TV's The Arthur Godfrey Show. He went on to countless appearances with Ed Sullivan, Mike Douglas and Merv Griffin, among others, and was a three-time guest on HBO's Rich Little and the Pretenders. He has toured live venues throughout the country and overseas, appearing with stars such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Foster Brooks, Dick Contino and Tony Bennett. In Las Vegas, Babe is a favorite opening act for Frankie Avalon. Today, Pier is the show's specialty act in the 17th Season of The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies. This is Babe's second booking in the popular revue. This year's show is called Tin Pan Alley!, "Celebrating the Golden Age of Popular American Music." All of the talent - the line of Long-Legged Lovelies, the Follies Gentlemen and the specialty acts - are 55 and older. "Mr. Pier has been called the 'Man of a Thousand Faces,'" notes Follies impresario and master of ceremonies, Riff Markowitz, "but that may be an understatement. He was a big hit on our stage in Follies season 11, and we've been planning an encore visit ever since." Babe is shares the Follies stage with Melba Moore, through tomorrow. Moore will be followed by guest star Anna Maria Alberghetti, who opens on Wednesday and will close out the season... along with Babe Pier. 
Babe Pier 
Melba Moore 
Roseanne Barr * * * * * * Although we haven't gotten over to the Sahara to see her yet, we are told that Roseanne Barr is funnier and more irreverent than ever. If you go (and we hope you will), don't expect to see Roseanne Connor (her character's name in the Emmy-winning TV show). Audience members can expect some salty language, and even a few F-bombs. Roseanne says that she made a deal with her 12 year-old son, Buck, agreeing to pay him $5 every time she used a swear word. The first week he made $3600!
* * * * * * Last night (Thursday, March 20th), we attended the media event to welcome Jimmy Hopper back to Las Vegas. Hopper's new home is the Lava Room in Trader Vic's at Planet Hollywood. Once again, Hopper is entertaining in a room with a view. His first local engagement was in the Voo Doo Lounge on top of the Rio. After building a following there, Hopper moved into the Fontana Room at Bellagio, where he attracted audiences (both locals and tourists alike) for more than four years. For the last three years, Jimmy has been touring and working on a Broadway-bound musical. His "regular gig" was at The Islands in Newport Beach, California, where just like here, Jimmy built a loyal following. With many changes taking place in Las Vegas since his departure, Jimmy was wooed back by an offer from the new Trader Vic's. Since opening there last month, the entertainer has made some changes in his performance schedule. To accommodate Strip performers as well as others seeking later show times, and because Sundays proved to be a quiet night, Wednesdays have been added and Sundays, for now, eliminated. (Speaking of other performers, Domenick Allen, Clint Holmes and Frankie Scinta all turned out to see Hopper last night. Scinta did a fine job singing Just the Way You Look Tonight, while Holmes did Charlie Chaplin's Smile. We wonder why the talented Allen didn't display his vocal chops?) The current show times for Jimmy are Wednesdays through Saturdays, beginning at 10 p.m. The Lava Room offers an intimate, almost living room-type feel, with comfortable overstuffed chairs where, in addition to the music, visitors can enjoy the fabulous Strip view from its second floor location. Hopper fans know what to expect from the entertainer...the unexpected. If you haven't experienced this versatile entertainer, prepare for an eclectic surprise. We don't know many singers who can do the music of the Beatles, Elton John, Al Jarreau, Sting, Freddie Mercury and Queen, Michael Buble, Daniel Powter, Rod Stewart, Snow Patrol, Five for Fighting, Moody Blues, Mika, Gino Vannelli and Andrea Bocelli equally well. Jimmy Hopper is a performer who can. He even included a beautiful version of Cole Porter's Night and Day, as well as Jimmy Webb's MacArthur Park and Glenn Miller's signature theme, Moonlight Serenade. Hopper, who plays both piano and guitar in his show, is joined by two very talented musicians - pretty Mira Khomik on violin, and Gary Bruno on a multitude of guitars and backup vocals. In the audience were Hopper's bride of a year, Sheri; his mother-in-law, Charlotte; and his able assistant, G.G. Conklin. Also, see Jimmy Hopper, WITH orchestra, in the 500-seat theater at the Suncoast on March 28th, 29th and 30th. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Call (702) 636-7075 or (877) 636-7111 for reservations. If you are one of Hopper's many fans, we suggest seeing BOTH shows for the different things that each offers. 
Jimmy Hopper 
Clint Holmes & Domenick Allen 
Al Jarreau And speaking of Al Jarreau, he will be making a return visit to The Cannery on May 17th. Tickets for Jarreau, who will be joined by the Stanley Jordan Trio, go on sale today. A seven-time Grammy-winner and crossover legend, Jarreau will perform at The Club inside the Cannery Casino & Hotel. His innovative musical expressions have made him one of the most exciting performers of our time. Some of his most memorable hits include Mornin', the theme song to the popular television series, Moonlighting, After All and We're In This Love Together. Whether singing classical jazz and standards, pop hits or R&B ballads, Jarreau's incredible voice will give the audience a show they will never forget. Stanley Jordan came to prominence with the release of his 1985 debut album, Magic Touch, a revolutionary project that placed him among the most distinctive and refreshing new voices of the electric guitar. The key to Jordan's fast-track acclaim was his mastery of a special "tapping" technique on the guitar's fret board instead of conventional strumming and picking. Some of Jordan's best-known work includes singular versions of The Lady In My Life, Eleanor Rigby, Georgia On My Mind and Jordan's original Plato's Blues. Tickets start at $24.95 plus tax and fees and can be purchased at the Cannery Casino & Hotel's ticket sales counter located at the front desk. Tickets are also available by calling (702) 617-5585 or (866) 287-4643 (toll free), or by visiting www.cannerycasinos.com.
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On Sunday, March 30th, singer/dancers, Gary Oakes and Lou Garcia, will be the featured entertainers as part of the Performing Arts Society of Nevada's Brown Bag Concerts series. Both gentlemen have impressive resumes. Individually, after receiving his MA degree from Columbia University, Gary went on to perform lead roles on Broadway in a number of shows, including Boys From Syracuse, 1776, Little Mary Sunshine, Shoemaker's Holiday and On the Town. Lou graduated from the University of Montana before serving in the US Navy. Upon completion of his military service, Lou headed for the Great White Way. He appeared in Zorba, Illya Darling, Gypsy, West Side Story, The King and I and Mame. The twosome has been singing together since their days (and nights) on Broadway. They have headlined on cruise ships, in showrooms in Reno and Las Vegas (including in Donn Arden's Hallelujah Hollywood), national Broadway tours and summer stock. Sunday's All New Revue, featuring music from Broadway and pop favorites, will mark Gary and Lou's 13th year as part of the Performing Arts Society of Nevada. Tickets for the 2 p.m. show are $15. Call the Performing Arts Society of Nevada at (702) 658-6741 for reservations. Tickets will also be available at the library theater box office beginning at 1 p.m. the day of the show. 
Gary Oakes & Lou Garcia 
Sammy Davis Jr. by Merryl Jaye * * * * * * Jerry Schafer is puzzled, and so are we. Schafer, a longtime Las Vegan, has contracted with Imagine Omni Media to act as supervising producer and director for the Mark Barnett (Survivor, The Apprentice, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?) reality series entitled Contender Muay Thai Asia. The first fourteen episodes, shot in Thailand and Singapore in conjunction with Schafer's Silver Moon Pictures LLC, were completed in September. The final episode of the Contender Series, to include the championship fight as a Live Event, was to take place here. Surprisingly, although this type of martial arts (known as the Art of Eight Limbs) is a major attraction for many people throughout the world, Schafer has been unable to find a local hotel willing to host the show. The money is in place. The property would be paid for the use of their arena. And ticket buyers would beat a path to the hotel or sports facility. So? If Schafer cannot locate a space very soon, the final episode and ensuing seasons will probably have to be done out of the country. As for Schafer, his career in the entertainment industry began in 1957 when he wrote The Legend of Billy the Kid, a television pilot he produced at Republic Studios in North Hollywood, California and on locations in Nevada, at the Valley of Fire. In the past 50 years since, Jerry has written, produced and directed a number of major motion pictures and television shows, including an award-winning documentary Get Madd for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. His live production shows in The Entertainment Capital of the World won acclaim and included such hits as 1963's Speaking of Girls, the first afternoon show ever presented on the famous Las Vegas Strip. Schafer was Entertainment Director of the Thunderbird Hotel in Las Vegas from 1963 to 1970. During that period, he produced such stars as Judy Garland, Jack Benny, Polly Bergen, Steve Allen and Jayne Meadows, Robert Goulet, Debbie Reynolds, Sammy Davis Jr., and many others. In 1967, he wrote an original musical comedy and 33 original songs for That Certain Girl, starring Walter Slezak, Dennis O'Keefe, Virginia Mayo, Gunilla Hutton and Bobby Rydell. That Certain Girl was the first original Broadway-style musical comedy to premier in Las Vegas. He directed the first annual Rhythm & Blues Award show in 1987, produced and directed Belle Starr, an original musical comedy, and the film, Fists of Steel. Schafer has won numerous awards for his productions of Police Training Films, and in 1999, he oversaw the construction of a Las Vegas-style showroom called Jerry Schafer's Legal Speakeasy, for which he wrote, produced and directed a musical variety show, The Roaring Twenties. As an author, Jerry wrote Angel in My Pocket, published by Beginning to End Publishing Co., The Youngest Producer in Hollywood and The Movie Maker. Perhaps, some hotel honcho will read this and make Jerry Schafer an offer he can't refuse. We will keep you posted on this one. Have a question about Las Vegas? Want to make a comment (be nice, now)?
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Tags: Bryan Lefeber Joe Williams Merryl Jayne Cork Proctor Keith Thompson Joan So
Displaying keen perception and great insight. She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice. She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em. She’s... Claire Voyant Las Vegas - March 14, 2008  Norman Kaye & Governor Jim Gibbons Lounge legend Norman Kaye is in dire need of help...NOW! From Rick Vittallo (also known as Rick Verde) comes this urgent message... In 1951, when I was 23 years old, I had the opportunity to play in Las Vegas with my trio. The biggest act in town was The Mary Kaye Trio, true pioneers of the lounge entertainment venue. I met the multitalented Norman Kaye at that time. I traveled the world as guitarist with The Three Suns. No matter where I played, I would meet someone who had seen Norman and his sister, Mary Kaye, perform. I retired to Las Vegas in 2003 and found myself living a scant 500 yards from Norman and his wife Barbara. Norman has suffered a stroke and is currently in a rehab center in Summerlin, Nevada. He is about to be removed from the facility because Medicare will only pay for 20 days of care. Norman served with distinction in the U.S. Air Corps and was awarded The Bronze Star for Bravery. He wrote more than 100 songs and a songbook praising Nevada along with countless Works of Poetry, earning him the Honorable Title, "Poet Laureate Emeritus of Nevada." His song, Throw a Dime My Way, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. In addition, he wrote the song, Have a Heart, Lend a Hand, that helped raise more monies for corporate charities. As I write this, I am wondering, "Where are all those who showered him with praise, profited from his celebrity and enjoyed hearing his beautiful voice?" Through the years, he has helped many musicians and has mentored many others. Is this the reward this Entertainment Giant deserves? I don't think so. The SMART ONES have relieved Norman of most of the profit from his works and he is living on a modest social security benefit. NORMAN NEEDS HELP NOW. WHO WILL STAND UP FOR NORMAN IN HIS TIME OF NEED? I will. Will you? Its time to "HAVE A HEART AND LEND A HAND" to Norman and Barbara. Any offerings of aid should be directed to only Barbara Meriwether Kaye or Norman Kaye at P.O. Box 36432, Las Vegas, NV 89133. Signed, Rick Vittallo Lifetime Member Local 10/2O8 3683 McMurty Court Las Vegas, NV 89129 (702) 804-9266 Vittallo@aol.com. And from Nelson Sardelli comes this e-mail... Dear fellow Entertainers, Press Folks and Civilians, Norman Kaye is in DIRE NEED OF HELP. Unless some money is raised, he will be "ousted" from the rehabilitation facility this Sunday. Please take just a few moments to read and then send this information to all the good people you know who would be willing to help someone they may very well also know. We do not have time to put on a show, to have an auction, or the other ideas I have been getting so far from some of you nice folks out there. We need coordination, an immediate plan and most of all, ACTION! To do all of the above-mentioned things, it will take some time or it will be another flop, as was the one recently put on for another entertainer by some other group. I am suggesting the following...Anyone who is financially "balanced," and can afford it, please send ASAP a check or Money Order to: Barbara Meriwether Kaye or Norman Kaye P.O. Box 36432 Las Vegas, NV. 89133 From Sunday, March 16th, onwards, it will cost $120.00 a day to keep Norman at the facility where he is now. If we can raise some money IMMEDIATELY, it will give us time to "prepare" some event, which could generate some serious amount, thusly giving some extra time for Barbara to seek assistance from the proper agencies. I have raised some money at the non-club club, F.I.O.R.E. F.I.O.R.E. is not a charitable organization, but some of the guys came through with flying colors. Let me hear from you. I am going to call an emergency meeting in the next day or so and I need to know how many of you can attend...It will be a brainstorm meeting so we can come up with some good plan and direction. I, Nelson Sardelli, can be reached at (702) 646-1813 and/or at (702) 499-6919. There are many of you out there with some good intentions, so please let us make this collective effort and generate good financial results, which can be verified by anyone at the drop of a hat. As soon as I can secure a place, I will inform you. At present, I am having my home remodeled and cannot offer it as a place for the intended meeting. Please, again, let me hear from you. Signed, Nelson Sardelli FYI...Norman Kaye wrote Throw a Dime My Way, the National March of Dimes song selected from a field of more than 39,000 entries. He also composed Have A Heart, Lend A Hand, the World theme song for Variety Club International. He was Chairman of the Las Vegas Golden Circle, a group of affluent citizens that funded the Las Vegas Community Theatre, and Chairman of the Multiple Charities of Nevada Art Fund. Norman was awarded eight National ASCAP Awards for musical compositions. Perhaps one of the most famous of his compositions is the Hawaiian Island standard, A Miele Lie for Your Hair. In April of last year, Governor Jim Gibbons honored Norman Kaye for his 40 years of volunteer service to Nevada by appointing Kaye Poet Laureate Emeritus. Gibbons personally presented Kaye a certificate of appointment and commission at the governor's office in Las Vegas (see accompanying photo by Rich Johnston). Kaye was appointed Poet Laureate by Governor Grant Sawyer in 1967. He was reappointed by Governor Robert List in 1979, and again by Governor Richard Bryan in 1983. Nevada's poet laureate position has been largely inactive for two decades. "Norman Kaye has played a large role in music as both a performer and songwriter," said Governor Gibbons. "As a member of the Mary Kaye Trio in the 1950s and '60s, he helped create what we know as the 'lounge act.' As a singer/songwriter, he has written for Johnny Mathis, Perry Como, Tennessee Ernie Ford and Vikki Carr. But he also played a significant role in our state's history by serving as poet laureate for 40 years. I want Nevadans to continue to benefit from Mr. Kaye's service in this new emeritus position." Norman, who is 85-years-old, went into real estate after retiring from show business, has always been a giving man. Now he is the one who needs help. We can't let him down. Here is an opportunity to see just what kind of an organization the Show Biz Society really is. Will they come forward and donate the $1000 offered to get Freddie Bell a star on the local Walk of Stars (turned down for a number of reasons, primarily because Freddie didn't want one and because it would have taken another $14,000 for the "honor") to help Norman Kaye? In just a few days, caring individuals, using the jungle drum method, have collected a couple of thousand dollars to, hopefully, keep Norman in the rehab facility while other forms of assistance are sought. And, yes, we will be more than happy to accept checks or Money Orders made out directly to Barbara Kaye or Norman Kaye. Unlike some other local "charity" that claims to help in need entertainers, no "costs" will be deducted from any donations received. Just received this news from Mr. Sardelli...At the crack of noon, on Tuesday, March 18th, there will be a planning meeting at Ben Ardito's Take 1 Restaurant (located on the southeast corner of 7th and Fremont in downtown Las Vegas). This will be where interested parties can voice opinions on how to raise funds to help Norman Kaye. His wife, Barbara, will be there to let folks know how Norman is doing and what his needs are at this time. If you can attend, please contact Nelson by phone at (702) 646-1813 or (702) 499-6919, or e-mail him at Nsardelli@aol.com. We thank you for your help. * * * * * * 
Jimmy Hopper 
Gerry McCambridge 
Lance Burton New show times have been announced for Jimmy Hopper at Trader Vic's beautiful upstairs Lava Room. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the show will begin at 9 p.m., while on Fridays and Saturdays, the show will start at 9:30 p.m. A Wednesday show has been added and, for now, there are no performances on Sundays. If you have never seen Jimmy entertain, we urge you to do so. He is one unique performer. Trader Vic's is located right inside the Strip entrance of Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile Shops. * * * * * * The press release states, The Mentalist Predicts His Own Future - Gerry McCambridge predicts Lance Burton will take the "Best Magician" award from the R-J. It goes on to say, that McCambridge has received official word that he was one of two finalists in the Las Vegas Review Journal's readers poll for "The Best of Las Vegas" award. Gerry McCambridge was one of the two finalists in the "Best Magician" category, alongside Lance Burton. "I am honored the readers of the R-J took time to vote for me," McCambridge says. "To be considered one of the two best magicians in all of Las Vegas, a town known as being the home of many great magic shows, such as David Copperfield and Penn and Teller, is a tremendous honor," he exclaims, "but there is no doubt in my mind the award should go to Lance. When I came out to visit Las Vegas, it was the Lance Burton Show and the Danny Gans show that caused me to set my sites on being a regular Las Vegas headliner, a dream I had since 1993. Lance actually took time to sit with me and give me words of encouragement," Gerry explains. "Lance told me to watch what I wish for, because it just may come true. Just to be nominated in the same category as Lance is an honor beyond explanation," continues McCambridge. "Performing every night in Las Vegas and spending the days with my wife and six children as a soccer dad is what I wished for, so Lance was right, I did get exactly what I wanted" says McCambridge. "Everything else, like this prestigious nomination, is a bonus I am very thankful for." As terrific and amazing as we think Gerry McCambridge is, we hope he is wrong in this prediction. We are Lance Burton fans as well, but we think it would be great if Gerry took this award. As a relatively new Las Vegan, this would be a real feather in The Mentalist's cap as well as one that he deserves. At the very least, perhaps the R-J should initiate an additional category in their Best Of... competition. If there was something called "Most Unique Magic Act in Las Vegas," Gerry McCambridge should win that one, hands down. There are no disappearing tigers in his act, no helicopters on the stage, no levitations and, thank goodness, no Pamela Anderson. What there is, is simply astounding, "how did he do that?" entertainment. If you haven't seen The Mentalist at work, take the opportunity to do so. Show times at Hooters are Wednesdays through Sundays at 7 p.m. Call toll free (866) 584-6687. * * * * * * OOOPS! Even Cousin Claire makes a mistake every now and then. In last week's column, we accidentally put the wrong MONTH for Lisa Dawn Miller's upcoming dates at the Metropolitan Room in New York City. Lisa makes her return engagement to the popular cabaret on MARCH 25th and 26th, NOT in April (although, who knows, she may be back there in April). Yesterday (Thursday, March 13th), Lisa was back at the Suncoast Showroom as part of the Ed Mathews' Hit Parade series. Lisa paid tribute to her late father, songwriter Ron Miller, performing many of his well-known tunes. Poet Ron Miller was known primarily for writing hits for Motown artists, i.e. For Once In My Life, Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday, Place In the Sun, Heaven Help Us All and Place In the Sun for Stevie Wonder, and Touch Me In the Morning for Diana Ross. He also wrote I've Never Been to Me and If I Could, among hundreds of others. In her show, I Want To Come Back As a Song: Ron Miller, A Knight of Lyrics, Lisa showcases some of her father's lesser-known songs. A new addition to her latest offering included a touching video showing photos of Ron Miller, as well as clips from an appearance on the Merv Griffin Show of Miller singing some of his own songs, along with a beautiful letter written to his newborn granddaughter. Now a healthy teen, the youngster was born with multiple health issues. We suggest that, when Lisa gets ready to record her second CD (her first is called Fly Away), she should definitely include the gems, The Things I Should Have Said, Whenever You Find Yourself and Wasn't I a Good Time among them. Ron Miller has definitely earned his place in the Songwriters' Hall of Fame (is anybody listening?). This week's Suncoast show, once again, featured Lisa's son, 7-year-old Oliver Liam Richman. Singing two songs, Defying Gravity from the Tony-winning musical, Wicked, and his grandfather's, For Once In My Life, two of the proudest people in the full showroom were Oliver's maternal grandmother, Aurora Miller (a talented songwriter in her own right) and equally talented and creative Auntie Debbie Hoover. The mostly senior-age audience loves this talented youngster. Including him in his mother's show was a smart move on the part of producer Mathews. If you are in the New York area, Lisa will also be making return appearances at the Metropolitan Room on March25th and 26th. If you are in the neighborhood, try to see her in this intimate cabaret setting. * * * * * * 
Ron Miller & Lisa Dawn Miller 
Billy Eckstine 
Chick Hughes & Freddie House We love our readers...and writers. Hi Claire, I met you at the Christmas Party for the F.I.O.R.E Club, of which I am a member. The reason I am writing is because I thought you would be interested in this short story about Freddie House. I met Freddie a couple of years ago, at a CAST luncheon at the Greek Isles Casino. We sat together and talked for an hour about his alleged father "Billy Eckstine," who I had met once in Atlantic City, N.J. many years ago. I was a big fan of Billy's singing. Freddie told me all these stories about growing up with Billy Eckstine and what a great father and husband he was. A few months later, Freddie was performing at the Sahara Casino as the son of Billy Eckstine and I took a very rare record of his alleged father, that I had in my collection, and I gave it to Freddie as a gift because, in my heart, I thought he would appreciate it, being the son of such a great legend. Freddie was overjoyed to receive the record and had his wife take this picture of him holding the record. Needless to say, I am very disappointed in the Fraud of a person like Freddie, living and lying about such a great and wonderful legend like Billy Eckstine. Sincerely Chick Hughes And, from one of Billy Eckstine's REAL offspring, Gina Eckstine, comes this letter, sent after she saw the accompanying photo and heard Chick's the story... I have that same album, except mine is on CD. I would love to have that album!!!! I collect my Dad's old records. It makes the pleasure of having one of his records more treasured, when added to my collection by one of his beloved fans. I know how special he was to so many people, and for them to give me one of his records from their own collection has always touched my heart. Freddie House should really be ashamed of himself. He is despicable! It hurts my heart and brings a tear to my eye when I think of how he has stolen from my fathers' beloved fans. You see, all my life I have stood and listened to the thousands of Mr. B fans (a name we siblings affectionately call them) each share their special story of my father and how much his music affected them and their lives. I never grow tired or bored. I listen, and am moved by the way he touched them, because we share something SPECIAL... we all loved him. Now to know that even one fan (most likely more) has been deceived and robbed of a special moment in their lives has me livid!!! They probably have told others of that special moment they shared with "Billy Eckstine's Son," never knowing that they gave away their treasured keepsake that they have had for over 40 years, to a lying, low life con man. How does Freddie look at himself in the mirror? I almost feel sorry for him because he must be mentally ill. But he needs to stop now. The charade is over. His covers have been pulled, and he needs to assume his own identity and leave the Eckstine family, and all of my father's fans, out of his sick twisted, pathetic, psychopathic game, and seek professional help. I'd like to personally apologize to Mr. Hughes for Freddie's scam. I am so angry that he has stolen from you. I am truly sorry.
And to you Mr. Freddie House...I demand that you send all gifts that you have received from my fathers devoted fans, either back to them, or to their intended recipients; me or my siblings!!!!! Do the right thing Freddie, clean up your wreckage! As my father use to say, "God does not like ugly"' And you, my want to-be-brother, are UGLY!!! Come on Freddie, the DNA does not lie. You are not an Eckstine. Of course, you and I have known that from the start.
If Mr. House has ANY conscience at all, we suggest that he gather up all of the Eckstine memorabilia he has accepted under false pretenses, and either returns them to the kind people who gave him the treasures, OR give them to Billy's REAL family members. Incidentally, Gina Eckstine inherited her father's musical talent. Before devoting most of her time to raising her child, she was a regular performer (both with her father and on her own), entertaining around the country...including in Las Vegas. * * * * * * Also, to Tim from Texas who wrote with this question in December... Singer Michael Lee used to perform lounge act at Fitzgeralds, where is he now? Mr. Lee, himself, contacted us with this news... Michael Lee, known as "The Singer of Memories," and his band, Heat of the Night, will perform at Fitzgeralds (where he had a steady gig for three years) on March 14th from 9 to 11 p.m. This time around, instead of being in the open lounge on the casino level, Michael and the band will entertain in the downtown hotel's upstairs showroom. It will cost you $10 for the opportunity to see the group in a quieter, less distracting, intimate setting. Sounds like $10 well spent. * * * * * * Las Vegas will have its first, of what may become an annual fundraiser, the Easter Bonnet Competition & Show to benefit the St. Therese Center HIV Outreach program. This very special event is modeled after New York's Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Easter Bonnet production that has been a success for more than 20 years. The show will feature Easter Bonnet submissions from the major production shows on the Las Vegas Strip as well as hats submitted by local and national corporations. The public's interest and involvement in this wonderful event is welcome. The Easter Bonnet Competition & Show will take place in the Chippendales Theatre at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, this Sunday March 16th, beginning at 2 p.m. Rachel Smith, from KVVU-TV, FOX 5, and Brian Cheatham from Chippendales, will host. Judges include our Phavorite Phantom, Brent Barrett; KVBC Channel 3's Alicia Jacobs; Chris Saldana, from KLAS Channel 8; and Tina Walsh, currently portraying Madame Giry in Phantom -The Las Vegas Spectacular. The celebrities will be judging bonnets submitted by, among others, Chippendales (Rio), Menopause The Musical (Las Vegas Hilton), Mamma Mia! (Mandalay Bay), Phantom -The Las Vegas Spectacular (The Venetian), Spamalot (Wynn Las Vegas), The Star Trek Experience (Las Vegas Hilton), and, not too surprisingly, Hats! (Harrah's). Saint Therese Center HIV Outreach, under the guidance of Executive Director Father Joseph O'Brien O.P., serves Southern Nevada, reaching out to all those who are infected or affected by HIV and AIDS. Emphasizing wellness, the Saint Therese Center provides physical, emotional and spiritual support, as well as education with compassion and loving care. Their services and programs include Dry Food Pantries, Food Pantry Certificates, Transportation Assistance, Daily Sandwich Program, Support Groups for Women/Children/Family/Friends and Caregivers, Bereavement Groups, HIV/AA Group, Referrals to other HIV Agencies for Medical care, plus so much more. Saint Therese Center HIV Outreach, a tax-exempt organization, is run primarily by volunteers. Because Las Vegas/Henderson is one of the fastest growing areas in the US, the need for the services that Saint Therese provides continues to increase. Contributions from caring individuals, businesses and religious organizations are gratefully accepted. All gifts are tax deductible. Tickets for the Easter Bonnet Competition & Show are $20, $25 and $75 for VIP seating, and available at the door or by calling (702) 564-4224. For those who would like more information, wish to participate, make a donation, or sponsor the event, please contact the center at (702) 564-4224, or check their Web site at www.sainttheresecenter.org.
* * * * * * A correction (did Cousin Claire make yet ANOTHER mistake?)...In our shameless plug for Tony Arias, Lloyd Ziel (also known as the musical comedy team of Tony & Lloyd) and Tim Searcy, and their upcoming Victorious in Concert, we used the wrong Web site address (one added letter can make a great big difference). To try to make it up to the fellows, we are giving them some added ink. This Sunday, March 16th, the concert, described as "A New Dawn of Christian Contemporary Music," takes place at 7 p.m. at the Metropolitan Community Church, 1140 Almond Tree Lane (off East Sahara near Maryland Parkway). Arias tells us that "Victorious takes the audience on a journey of emotions, from elation to gratitude, that will change their lives." Tony, Lloyd and Tim have been singing together at their church for years. They promise to inspire the audience with amazing and uplifting music." Tickets for the first Las Vegas appearance of Victorious are $10 each. Seating is limited. Call (702) 585-6342 or e-mail to info@WeAreVictorious.net to reserve your spot. That's WeAreVictorious.net. * * * * * * We couldn't make it to see Paul Campanella's Let the Good Times Roll at Independence Hall in Sun City Anthem last Sunday, so we asked chick singer Diane Ellis to represent us and give a report. "Thanks so much for the ticket to Paul's show at Anthem. Paul was terrific. In addition to singing, Campanella also plays keyboards, guitar, drums and harmonica in his show. He's got the moves and a very comfortable and likable patter between songs and a nice rapport with the audience. The band _ Jeff Johnson on keyboards, Steven Raimundez on bass, Rob Mader on sax and Jeff Krashin on drums - sounded great and the girl singer, Elisa Dease (she has worked with the "Purple One," aka Prince), was very good. Among the wide variety of material performed by Campanella and company, Let the Good Times Roll, a "Battle of the Sexes" (with Paul doing a BB King take and Elisa singing Aretha Franklin's Think/Respect), My Funny Valentine, a Motown medley (My Girl, Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher) and an audience-involved version of Mustang Sally (with three "volunteers" acting as the backup "Paulettes"). After the show, Paul greeted the audience in the lobby. "I gave him my e-mail address so he could keep me informed when he'll be performing at Lucille's restaurant at The District at Green Valley Ranch," added Diane. If you missed seeing Campanella this time out, watch for his name to appear here the next time he does his own show (Paul is also a cast member of Tony n' Tina's Wedding at the Rio), and catch him in action. 
Diane Ellis 
Darin Hollingsworth As for Diane Ellis (mentioned above), longtime Las Vegans, or Vegas visitors, will remember talented Diane as a member of the vocal groups, Chazz and D'Cal, that played around these parts for sometime. Ms. Ellis, who has a great flair for comedy (she does a knockout Lucille Ball character), was also featured in the Vegas version (at the Sands) of the San Francisco three-decades old hit, Beach Blanket Babylon, as well as Bill Moore and George Arnold's Broadway Varieties at the Flamingo in Laughlin. She has appeared with the Don Rickles, the Four Freshmen, Marty Allen and Steve Rossi, Freddie Cole (Nat's brother), and Freda Payne. For a number of years, Diane was a member of The Royal Court Singers at the Excalibur. Today, she is one of the most sought after voiceover artists in the community. To learn more about Diane Ellis, check out http://www.helloworld.com/lvvoice. * * * * * * Get out your green (cash and clothes)...St. Patrick's Day is on Monday. There are many fun things to do in Las Vegas (too many to mention) when it comes to this holiday. Here are just a couple. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day with exciting holiday specials and live music to entice the inner Irish in all. To keep in the spirit of the holiday, McCormick and Schmick's will offer Irish drink specials featuring Green Beer, Guinness, Bushmills and Baileys. The celebration includes Irish dishes corned beef and cabbage and Irish stew in addition to their famous $1.95 bar menu. The restaurant will honor the city's cab drivers with their 4th annual 'Happy St. Cabby's Day.' A visiting leprechaun will be passing out Lucky Charms cereal to the drivers, and serving a complimentary hot breakfast, featuring green eggs and ham between 8 am and 9 a.m. In addition, if the cabbies stop by anytime before 5 p.m., they can pick up a special gift certificate while supplies last. McCormick & Schmick's is located at 335 Hughes Center Drive, off Flamingo at Paradise Road. Killian's Angels will play tonight and tomorrow at Brendan's Pub at the Orleans from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., as well as on St. Paddy's day, Monday the 17th, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. If the girls - Ginger Bruner, Vita Corimbi, Dolly Coulter, Nan Fortier, Beth Mullaney and Lisa Viscuglia - can't get you in a holiday mood, you're just not trying. May the luck of the Irish be with you. * * * * * * One of our favorite musical offerings, the Composers Showcase, takes place this month on Tuesday, the 18th, beginning at 10:30 p.m. (after theater) at the popular Liberace's Museum. The March edition will feature the songs of local composers and songwriters, Jason Andino, Michael Brennan, Vita Corimbi, Thom Culcasi, Ben Hale, Rylan Leo Helmuth, Kyle Norris, Rebecca Ramsey, Keith Thompson and Mark Wherry, sung by Moriah Angeline, Dustin Dubreuil, Bruce Ewing, Jacquelyn Holland, Jeff Knaggs, Katie O'Toole and Joan Sobel, plus members of the cast of Mamma Mia! and other special guests! Some of the city's top musicians will also be featured, including Philip Fortenberry, Mike Hines and Moonlight Tran. The Liberace Museum is located at the corner of Tropicana and Spencer, next to Carluccio's Tivoli Gardens. Come early for dinner at Carluccio's, serving until 10 p.m., and then attend the showcase. There is a Cash bar (no credit cards, please), and for $5, an hors d'oeuvres buffet is provided by Keg and Cork Catering. Even if you don't take advantage of the $5 buffet (or if you do), a donation to the hosts (the Liberace Museum) is graciously accepted. In case you didn't know it, the museum closes at 5 p.m. during the week. Darin Hollingsworth (shown in Liberace's modest Volks Royce) and the kind folks who spend their days with Liberace memorabilia and gifts galore come back at night to reopen the museum just for the showcase. Now, if that doesn't make you cough up a few bucks for the Liberace Foundation (and the employees' troubles), we don't know what will! The mission of the Liberace Foundation is to help talented students pursue careers in the performing and creative arts through scholarship assistance. Incidentally, if you have never toured the Liberace Museum, you haven't seen Las Vegas. Hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays. Free shuttle service is available from the Strip. For additional information, call (702) 798-5595. Have a question about Las Vegas? Want to make a comment (be nice, now)?
If so, drop an e-mail and ask. Click Here
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Tags: Rick Vittallo Rick Verde Mary Kaye Trio Three Suns Johnny Mathis Perry Como
Displaying keen perception and great insight. She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice. She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em. She’s... Claire Voyant Las Vegas - March 7, 2008  Gina Eckstine  Rebecca Spencer  Vita Corimbi He's at it again. Apparently, singer Freddie House doesn't have enough faith that his talent alone can get him work as an entertainer. So, in spite of the fact that a DNA test proved without any doubt that House ISN'T related to the late Billy Eckstine, this fraud continues to use the name Freddie Eckstine to try to capitalize on the well-earned legacy left by Mr. B. Instead of keeping his promise to STOP using the famous name and publicly fess up for the attempted scam, if the DNA did not show him to be related to Eckstine, Mr. House goes on as if the test was never done. From Gina Eckstine, a REAL child of Billy Eckstine, comes this information... "Well, good ol' Freddie ran into the parents of my brother Ed's friend. Freddie was doing some kind of show/appearance on a Los Angeles public TV station (KCET). These people only spoke to Freddie because they thought he was my brother Ed (Eckstine). Freddie just went along with it when they told him that their son said hello. When Guy Eckstine (Gina and Ed's REAL brother) heard about it, he called Freddie, and The Fredster actually had the nerve to tell Guy that he still believed his mothers "deathbed†story and didn't care what the DNA said. Guy immediately fired off a very caustic letter to Freddie's attorney. So there ya' go...he's like a cockroach, ya just can't get rid of him!" If Mr. House really had any respect for the man he claims is his father, he would stop the nonsense, sing a chorus of I Apologize (a big hit for Billy Eckstine) and get on with his OWN life. We might also mention that, (1) Mr. House's mother is still alive and, (2) insect spray or exterminators will usually get rid of cockroaches. Entertainment buyers and media folks BEWARE. There is a con man in our midst. He has managed to fool too many people. Don't let him fool you. There is plenty of documented evidence to confirm the House of Lies that this Freddie the Fraud has tried to build. This House is built on sand and has no solid foundation. You have been warned.
* * * * * * As usual, the most recent Composer's Showcase was a hit, playing to an SRO crowd at the Liberace Museum. There were many highlights and no lowlights. We do have to admit, however, it will take a while to get used to the absence of Rebecca Spencer. The talented singer/actress has returned to New York after portraying Madame Giry in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian for more than a year-and-a-half. Becky, as her friends call her, became very involved in the Las Vegas community during her stay here. She performed in numerous fundraising projects - God Lives In Glass, A Phantom Family Holiday Show - was a regular participant in the Composers Showcase, entertained as part of the Performing Arts Society of Nevada's series, and attended and supported concerts put on by her cast mates and other local performers. If you miss the sounds of Becky's beautiful voice, you can hear them on her solo CDs, 2003's Wide Awake and Dreaming and 2006's Fair Warning (accompanied on both by Las Vegans, pianist Philip Fortenberry, and on Fair Warning joined by cellist Moonlight Tran and composer/pianist/musical director Keith Thompson, who produced the CD and wrote some of the songs). Also missing from the past two showcases, the very, very busy and very, very talented Vita Corimbi. A Las Vegas-native (yes, there are such things), Vita is a gifted and award-winning (three Emmys) performer, recording artist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and legend in her own mind. She is currently performing in Menopause The Musical as the Earth Mother. In addition, Vita is the pianist and musical director for the Las Vegas Tenors. As if that were not enough, she is the newest member of Killian's Angels, the popular Celtic all girl band! As St. Patrick's Day approaches, the Angels - group founder Beth Mullaney (on guitar/ mandolin/lead vocals), Dolly Coulter (vocals/guitar/keyboard player), Ginger Bruner (tuba/bass player), Lisa Viscuglia (vocals/violin), Nan Fortier (drums) and Vita - are at their busiest time of the year. Here is a sample of their schedule for the next 10 days: tonight, March 7th from 7 to 9 p.m., Killian's Angels performs at the Boulder City Renaissance Fair; March 8th, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Reed Whipple Cultural Center; March 8th, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., McMullan's Irish Pub; March 13th at 2 p.m. the Dennis Bono Show at Sam's Town; March 14th, from 5 to 8 p.m. at McMullan's; March 14th, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Brendan's; March 15th, from 5 to 8 p.m., McMullan's; March 15th, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Brendan's; March 16th, from 5 to 8 p.m., McMullan's; March 17th, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., McMullan's; and also on the 17th, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Brendan's. The event at Reed Whipple, beginning at 3 p.m. tomorrow, will also include Sharon Lynn's Celtic Storm Dancers. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 the day of performance (that would be tomorrow). You can call (702) 229-6211. As a side note, Vita's husband, Brian Grasmick, is also an award-winning musician (he plays the trumpet), as well as a jingle and voiceover producer. To quote his proud wife, "Brian has played behind everyone and their mother." And speaking of the Las Vegas Tenors, Bill Fayne, Bobby Black, Teddy Davey and Mark Giovi, return to the Hilton on Sunday, March 9th, for their fourth appearance in the main showroom. It wasn't long ago that the Tenors were performing primarily at local places such as the Bootlegger and Turnberry's Stirling Club. So, how did the fellows make it to the big showroom that has seen the likes of Elvis Presley perform on its stage? Hard work and talent. For their March show, it will be all Tenors, no guests. We guarantee that you will be entertained. Showtime is at 6 p.m. For reservations, call (702) 732-5755. * * * * * *  Las Vegas Tenors  Mary Wilson  Tony Arias & Lloyd Ziel Belated birthday wishes to Mary Wilson who celebrated yesterday, March 6th. The Supreme Ms. Wilson just finished an engagement at the Riverside in Laughlin. Her performances in places like Scottsdale, Washington DC, Miami, Boston, Nashville, San Diego and Venice, Italy, keep the singer/author busy. An engagement at the South Point in September is Mary's next Las Vegas gig. To learn more about Ms. Wilson, her book Dreamgirl - My Life As a Supreme, should provide insight into Wilson's rise to fame. You might also check out her CDs, I Am Changing and Up Close - Live from San Francisco. * * * * * * Those two wild and crazy guys, Tony Arias and Lloyd Ziel, actually settle down every now and then. Best known for their musical/comedy act, the duo will get serious on Sunday, March 16th, when they will be joined by the equally talented Tim Searcy (the ORIGINAL Splash at the Riviera, Abracadabra at the Aladdin) for Victorious in Concert. Described as "A New Dawn of Christian Contemporary Music," the 7 p.m. production will take place at the Metropolitan Community Church at 1140 Almond Tree Lane (off East Sahara near Maryland Parkway). Victorious, presenting music for all ages, takes the audience on a journey of emotions, from elation to gratitude, that will change their lives. Arias states, "In July of last year, we were invited to sing at our fellowship's conference. That moment changed our lives and we haven't been the same since. We've been called to sing for God's people and we love it!" He goes on to say, "I am so excited to share with you this blessed new group I'm in, Victorious!" Tony goes on to say, "Victorious consists of my longtime dear friend Tim Searcy, and of course my brother-in-comedy Lloyd Ziel. The three of us have been singing together at our church for years. Tim is an international recording artist and longtime Las Vegas entertainer who continues to thrive, and Lloyd and I will never stop doing what we do best, being silly and laughing all the way to the buffet. The later part of last year, we had a wonderful time touring in South California and Northern California. In the next few months, we'll be back on the road. Victorious is our ministry with amazing uplifting music." Tickets for the first Las Vegas appearance of Victorious are $10 each. Seating is limited, so if you want to attend, call (702) 585-6342 or e-mail to info@WeCareVictorious.net to reserve your spot. * * * * * *  Tim Searcy  Lisa Dawn Miller  Mark Nadler On Thursday, March 13th, Lisa Dawn Miller returns to the Suncoast Showroom as part of the Ed Mathews' Hit Parade series. Lisa will pay tribute to her late father, songwriter Ron Miller, in I Want To Come Back As a Song: Ron Miller, A Knight of Lyrics. As her special guest, Lisa will feature her son, Oliver. Now, let's talk about (write about?) Oliver Liam Richman. This seven-year-old is an exceptional talent. Vocally, while still maintaining the sound and the innocence of a child, Oliver is mature beyond his years. In addition, the kid has acting chops. He recently auditioned for and got his first film role. The movie, Man Overboard, directed by Oliver Robins, is scheduled for release in September. Lisa and Oliver's Thursday show time at the Suncoast is 2 p.m. For reservations, call (702) 636-7075 or (877) 636-7111. If you are in the New York area, Lisa will also be making return appearances at the Metropolitan Room on April 25th and 26th. See her in the east or west...or in both places. * * * * * * Last Sunday, Mark Nadler and KT Sullivan made a return visit to the Charleston Heights Arts Center where they, once again, charmed the audience with their cabaret performance. Previously, the twosome has paid tribute to George Gershwin and Irving Berlin. Nadler made a solo appearance with his very clever Mark Nadler In a Nutshell revue (this fellow does it all - plays piano, sings, dances, is funny, and has an incredible memory to boot). This time, the show was called Time After Time and paid homage to many of the great composers. We had been hoping to get Mr. Nadler into one of the hotel showrooms within the next few months. Not surprisingly, he has just signed on for a two-month gig at Chicago's Royal George Theater, where he will win new fans performing Russian On the Side, from April 22nd through June 29th. From there, look for the uber-talented Mr. Nadler to take his show to the Great White Way. You know that old saying, "You snooze, you lose"? Someone in Vegas was snoozing. Too bad. * * * * * * In response to half of Robert B's inquiry comes this answer from Greg Smith of the musical Smith Brothers band. Reader Robert's question...Whatever happened to The Reycards?
Answer: The Reycards -- Philippine-born singer/comedians Rey Ramirez and Ricardo "Ricky" Castro -- played Honolulu several times in the late 1970s and early '80s. Strong singers with a knack for comedy, the Reycards' ability to combine the two quickly earned the self-styled "Kings of Comedy" a loyal local following.
Ramirez died in August 1997. Castro, known to many in the Philippines as Carding, died in November 2003.
"They were very dedicated (entertainers)," producer Frances Kirk said. The Reycards' most memorable engagements in Waikiki were at the On Stage Showroom in the Outrigger East Hotel in 1978 and 1979. The duo's 1979 album, Besame Mucho, produced by Kirk and Ernie Freeman for release on Silvercloud Records, captured the breadth of their repertoire. Angelitos Negroes, Sometimes When We Touch and the title song showed what they could do as serious vocalists. Papa Oom Mow Mow, a longtime personal favorite, and Ah So, Disco! an original by Kirk Freeman written for the album, offered glimpses of their comic capabilities. The partnership began in 1953 when Ramirez and Castro won a singing contest in Manila. They coined the name the following year, entertained in the Philippines through the '50s, moved to Las Vegas in the '60s and toured extensively for the next two decades. "They would come down one hour beforehand and prepare all their props and everything," Kirk said. "Very few acts do that and then go out and greet the customers. They were really a special pair."
Thank you, Greg (we love our readers). Now, anyone know what happened to Lee Meza (the second half of Robert B's question)?
* * * * * * Michelle Rohl-Justice passes on this information...Just wanted to drop a line and let you know Jahna Steele's Tribute went great last Friday (February 29th). We opened with a set of (me) singing the blues. Then Lon Bronson took the stage and we re-created the days of yore when our hair was as high as an elephant's eye (and so were we). Special guest and special (transsexual) soul sister, roommate and close friend of Jahna's, Tara, recreated "Dr. Longjohn," with hilarious perfection. Rick Friedman performed an original song for Jahna, penned just a few hours before the show, titled "I Must've Seen an Angel," inspired from the images he saw on the video footage played at Jahna's funeral. Ex Crazy Girls, Joelle Rigetti, Michele Sandoval and Jilan Ricci, recreated Jahna's production number, "Cuz I'm a Blonde," to dingy perfection! Joelle also sang Jahna's version of "Vehicle." I sang Jessica Rabbit's Do Right (Jahna's Strip number) and Piece of My Heart, dedicated from Robyn (Lewis) St. Romain who couldn't be present (she's on the road with Wayne Newton). She was missed. Tony Davich closed the set with "A Little Help From My Friends." The turnout was great, the band was awesome and it was so cool to see everyone from the "olden days." Thanks for the update, Michelle. Wish we could have been there.
* * * * * *
The very talented Kristen Hertzenberg (she portrays Christine in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular) and her husband, Dana Satterwhite, have launched a new Web site promoting the culture and arts that tie Las Vegas and Broadway together. Dana is a freelance writer/creative director in the advertising industry and a "hobby photographer" (he takes many of the photos used on their site), although he's hung his work in galleries and has been selling more and more lately. Check out what these two are up to in their "spare" time, by going to BroadwayVegas.BlogSpot.com. * * * * * * The ageless Tempest Storm celebrated her Leap Year birthday with an "intimate" party at Carluccio's on Wednesday, February 27th. Jerry Ritholz and Ray Jarvis hosted Storm, Tulara Gilbert (who had an acrobatic/comedy act under the name of Virginia Lee) and 93-year-old Edna Miner, as Tempest prepared to turn 80. The saucy redheaded former Burlesque Queen proudly states, "I'm old enough for Medicare, but young enough for men to care." With a figure many women would kill for, Tempest still manages to turn plenty of heads. The five celebrants enjoyed the music of Wes Winters, who performs to a full house at Carluccio's on Wednesday nights. You can also see Mr. Winters at work, doing his Liberace tribute show, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays at 1 p.m., in the museum's Wes Winters Showroom. * * * * * *  Tempest Storm  Wes Winters  Randy Slovacek Broadway veteran Lee Roy Reams is the Director for Houston's Theatre Under The Stars production of Hello, Dolly! starring Leslie Uggams, while Las Vegan Randy Slovacek serves as the show's Choreographer. Hello, Dolly!, with lyrics and music by Jerry Herman (Mame, La Cage Aux Folles), runs through March 9th at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Most recently, Reams starred in The Producers on Broadway and in Las Vegas. In addition to performing in the 1978 Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly!, Reams both directed and choreographed the 1995 Broadway revival. His accolades include receiving the 1981 Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nominations for his performance as Billy Lawlor in the original production of 42nd Street. His numerous Broadway credits also include Sweet Charity; Applause; Lorelei; Hello, Dolly!; La Cage aux Folles; Beauty and the Beast; and An Evening with Jerry Herman. Slovacek has appeared on Broadway in Hello, Dolly! starring Carol Channing. His choreography credits include the National touring company of Hello, Dolly! (which he also supervised), the off-Broadway, world premiere of Plane Crazy, companies of A Chorus Line, and regional productions of They're Playing Our Song, Promises Promises, and Chicago among others. Also starring in TUTS' production of Hello, Dolly! are Lewis J. Stadlen (Horace Vandergelder), who was previously seen in Broadway's The Producers; Glory Crampton (Irene Molloy), who returns to TUTS, having starred in My Fair Lady and the World Premiere of Phantom; Kevin Earley (Cornelius), who was previously seen in the Broadway and National Tour of Les Miserables and joined Leslie Uggams on Broadway in Thoroughly Modern Millie; Michael McGurk (Barnaby Tucker), who was seen in Broadway's The Wedding Singer and The Music Man; Ron Kellum (Ambrose), who returns to TUTS, having recently appeared in Dreamgirls; Katharine Randolph (Ermengarde Vandergelder), who was recently seen in Main Street's The Secret Garden; Jessica Sheridan (Ernestina Simple), who appeared in the National Tour and the 2005 film, The Producers; and Erick R. Walck (Rudolph), who was previously seen in The Producers in Las Vegas understudying Lee Roy Reams and David Hasselhoff. The ensemble cast includes Melanie Allen, Brian Barry, Alan Bennett, Jennifer Blakeney Young, Nathaniel Braga, Dominic Di Felice, Craig Foster, Adam Gibbs, Kevin Hill, Traci Hines, Darrell T. Joe, Tony Johnson, Laura Kaldis, Richard M. Keck, Dominique Kelley, Chris Klink, David La Duca, Alissa Ann LaVergne, Reid Lee, Sarah Moore, Christina Stroup, Mary Jo Todaro, Gia Valenti, and Paige Wheat. The famous story of Hello, Dolly! was taken from Thornton Wilder's 1938 play, The Merchant of Yonkers, which was revised and retitled as The Matchmaker in 1955. The original Broadway production of Hello, Dolly!, directed and choreographed by Gower Champion, opened on January 16, 1964, at the St. James Theatre, where it ran for 2,844 performances. The stellar cast included Carol Channing, David Burns, Charles Nelson Reilly, Eileen Brennan and Alice Playten. Although facing stiff competition from Funny Girl with Barbra Streisand, Hello, Dolly! swept the Tony Awards in 1964, winning in 10 categories (out of 11 nominations), a record that remained unbroken for 37 years until, ironically, The Producers won 12 Tonys in 2001. * * * * * * Regarding our interest in the Las Vegas Walk of Stars, an honorarium only if you have the $15,000 to buy one, comes this e-mail from John Kaye, a member of the famed Mary Kaye Trio family... I was talking about the Walk of Stars and was wondering why that walk is in existence? I thought the concept was for a person to be famous in order to get a Star. Not someone who is famous in their own mind, but people who are truly well known for their contributions to the Las Vegas scene. How is this sanctioned by the city of Las Vegas? Why is it run by one person from out of state? Can I buy a star for $15,000.00 for my dearly departed dog, Shadow? What the hell is the Walk of Stars all about and whose pockets are being lined because of it? We wonder the same thing, John. That's why we are checking into exactly how this operates. * * * * * * A friend told us about this fundraiser. We have not seen it mentioned anywhere else (yet) and have been unable to confirm all (or any) of the information, so please check into it before getting too involved. If it's true, we are happy to help out for a worthy cause. If not, well... Robin Sherwood, a long time Vegas performer, has experienced kidney failure and is in need of a kidney transplant. In November, Jeff Beacher, Beacher's Madhouse creator, donated proceeds from one of his shows at the Hard Rock Hotel for one of his little-people performers. Sherwood is a member of Beacher's Oompa Loompas troupe, the Tiny Kiss band, and a wrestling team that spoofs the UFC, and has been in and out of the hospital. Beacher said he was forming the Robin Sherwood Oompa Loompa Foundation. Here is what we have been told. On Sunday, March 9th, there will be a Robin Sherwood Walk-a-Thon to raise money to help with Sherwood‘s mounting medical expenses. Signups begin at 9 a.m., with the Walk-a-Thom starting from Town Square at 10 a.m. In case you are not familiar with it, Town Square is the south Strip's new 1.5 million-square-foot open-air shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Donations are also being accepted for Robin at The Robin Sherwood Foundation, 5275 S. Arville St., Suite 348, Las Vegas, NV 89118.
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Tags: Gossip Gina Eckstine Rebecca Spenceer Vita Corimbi Tony Sacca Las Vegas Ten
Displaying keen perception and great insight. She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice. She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em. She’s... Claire Voyant Las Vegas - February 29, 2008  Bill Nolte  Liberace Kicks Bill Nolte may not have shown ALL of himself at his concert last Sunday, but the audience who saw his tour de force show at the Clark County Flamingo Library saw enough of him to know there is much more to this man than Franz Liebkind. Nolte's performance as the wacky Nazi playwright in The Producers gives only a hint of this entertainers' versatility. Presented by the Performing Arts Society of Nevada, All of Me, directed by Mark Waldrop, with Pam Drews Phillips as Musical Director, put sunshine in a kind of gray Las Vegas afternoon. Nolte, who has had leading roles in Broadway and national touring companies of CATS, Me and My Girl, Evita, Man of LaMancha, Oliver!, and Marriage of Figaro, charmed the audience with songs such as Something's Gotta Give, What Kind of Fool Am I, Sway (with a Dancing with the Stars reject for a partner), and Michael Buble's Home. A very clever "travel" medley proved to be a real crowd pleaser. Pretty Pam accompanied Nolte on piano and added some vocal assists. Among those spotted in the library theater were the Liberace Museum's Darin Hollingsworth; Las Vegas Review-Journal's theater critic, Anthony Del Valle; singer/comics, Tony (Arias) and Lloyd (Ziel); Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular principals, Kristen Hertzenberg and Tina Walsh; entertainer Lou Garcia (Lou and partner Gary Oakes will be featured at the library on March 30th; Jersey Boys music mavens, Keith Thompson and Philip Fortenberry; and singer/dancer Jeanne Brei. Nolte, who has purchased a home here and intends to make Vegas his permanent residence, will be available for vocal coaching after he returns from New York in a few weeks. Those that have heard the Ohio-native sing know that he is more than qualified to handle the job. For more information, contact Bill at (917) 445-9003. And speaking of the Liberace Museum, you can find some of this season's hottest fashion accessories in the form of jazzy sneakers inspired by Mr. Showmanship. During the recent MAGIC (Major Apparel and Garment trade Show) Convention, Liberace's legendary Volks Royce was moved from the Museum to the convention center, to be used as the centerpiece for a booth highlighting the brand new but already outrageously popular Liberace Kicks sneakers. These fabulous shoes were created by designer Alan Kashi as an addition to his already hugely successful line of BLING kicks! Darin Hollingsworth, mentioned above, is probably the shoe company's best advertisement, as he owns (three pairs) and wears the flashy footwear on a regular basis. A portion of the sale of every pair of the $99 sneakers benefits the Liberace Foundation and the entertainer's legacy of supporting the arts. Check them out!
* * * * * * The Dynamic Duo, Mark Nadler and KT Sullivan, return to the Charleston Heights Arts Center at 3 p.m. on Sunday (March 2nd) for the fourth time in as many years (actually, it's KT's third time and Mark's fourth). In previous performances, the twosome has done tribute shows to both George Gershwin and Irving Berlin. On his own, Nadler did his brilliant Mark Nadler in a Nutshell revue. (Songwriter Ervin Drake - Good Morning Heartache, I Believe, It Was a Very Good Year - describes Mark as "the most talented man on the planet." Who are we to argue?) Both KT and Mark, individually and/or together (in their salutes to composers), perform all around the world. Las Vegas is fortunate that they find the time to get here once a year. This time around, the afternoon show is called Time After Time, and is described as "A breezy, sophisticated mélange of the best of the best. " If you have seen them before, you don't have to be convinced to see their shows. If you have never seen them, do yourself a favor. Tickets in advance are only $10. At the door, they are $15 (chances are the show will be sold out before Sunday). Call (702) 229-6383. * * * * * * 
Mark Nadler & KT Sullivan 
James Lee Reeves as Milo Tremley 
Tina Walsh, Brent Barrett & Reva Rice
Happy birthday to the following Pisces celebrants...Harry Goldson, James Lee Reeves (aka comic Milo Tremley), Brent Barrett, Jed Allen, Cherry Wainer, Betty Mitchell (Mrs. Guy Mitchell), Cinnamon Steen, Lance Burton, Marlon Jackson, Al Jarreau, Margaret Kurtz, Toni Andrews, Teresa Gilmore and Jaymi Marshal. Also, happy anniversary to Robert Allen and Deborah Danielson. * * * * * * And speaking of Brent Barrett...Get out your calendar and circle the date April 18th. If you are a music lover, you won't want to miss this event. Mr. Barrett, who plays the lead in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular, will star (he also co-produces) with Reve Rice and Tina Walsh in Too Darn Hot! The Golden Age of Broadway. The years from the early 1940s through the mid-1960s were considered" The Golden Age of Broadway." Songs from Oklahoma! ('43), Carousel ('45), Annie Get Your Gun ('46), Kiss Me, Kate ('48), South Pacific ('49), Guys and Dolls ('50), Wonderful Town (53), The Pajama Game (54), West Side Story and The Music Man (both '57), Gypsy ('59), Carnival (‘61), Oliver! (‘63), Fiddler on the Roof ('64) and Sweet Charity ('66) will be among those performed. The production, with a 25-pice orchestra and the 90-member Red Mountain Music Choir, will do a One Night Only show at the Cashman Theatre on Friday, April 18th, at 7 p.m. Jeffrey Skouson serves as Artistic Director and David Skouson is Musical Director. Barrett, who is a member of Actors Equity, was seen on Broadway reprising his role as Billy Flynn in the Tony Award-winning hit, Chicago - The Musical, for which he received a Los Angeles drama Critics Award. He received an Olivier Award nomination for his starring role in the London premiere of the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of Kiss Me, Kate (available on DVD), starred in the City Center Encores! production of The Pajama Game, and played King Arthur in the Paper Mill Playhouse production of Camelot. Some of Barrett's film performances include The Producers, Hercules and Longtime Companion. On television, he has appeared on the daytime soaps, All My Children, Another World and Guiding Light. Our Phavorite Phantom's CDs, The Alan Jay Lerner Album and The Kander & Ebb Album, "ain't so bad either" (from All I Care About in Brent's Kander & Ebb Album) Reva Rice, was a featured performer in Starlight Express during its run at the Las Vegas Hilton and was in the Clint Holmes bio-musical, JAM, Just Another Man. She is currently standby for The Lady of the Lake in Spamalot at Wynn Las Vegas. Tina Walsh, who currently plays the role of Madame Giry in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular, starred as Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia! at Mandalay Bay, performed in EFX at the MGM Grand, and was featured in Just Another Man. David Skouson is a Broadway pianist and conductor who has collaborated with the likes of Stephen Schwartz, Patti LaBelle, Wayne Brady, Anne Reinking, Walter Bobbie and Rob Fisher. Vocal instructor Jeffrey Skouson‘s international clientele includes a wide array of pop, country and Broadway stars, including lead performers in Mamma Mia!, Les Miserables, and Hairspray. The Boulder City-based, nonprofit valley-wide musical performing arts organization, Red Mountain Music Company (RMMC), was founded in 1998. RMMC encompasses five musical organizations, including Red Mountain Choir, Red Mountain Youth Choir, Red Mountain Music Theatre, Red Mountain Second Saturday Concert Series and Red Mountain Music Camp. The organization is one of the most active and largest community-based choir groups in Southern Nevada. Tickets for Too Darn Hot! are $35, $25, and $15. Cashman Theatre is located at 850 Las Vegas Blvd. North. There is plenty of parking available. To order tickets, or for more information on Red Mountain Music Company or any of its groups, call (702) 294-0043 and leave a message, or visit redmountainmusic.org. You can also e-mail to info@redmountainmusic.org today! We will remind you about this again, closer to the actual performance date. * * * * * * We have mentioned Take 1 on more than one occasion, usually when telling readers about the F.I.O.R.E. (Fun Italians Organizing Ridiculous Events) bunch (the non-club club where everyone is a president). Most F.I.O.R.E. gatherings are held at the downtown club/restaurant, but there are other things going on at Ben Ardito's place. For example, on Sunday night, you can have a five-course dinner, drinks and a show for $34.95 plus tax (and, hopefully, a tip for your server). Doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner. At 7 p.m., A Night with the Voice, featuring "Frank the Voice" (real name C.J. Decker), pays tribute to Sinatra's early years. Frank the Voice has been performing the music of Frank Sinatra for some time (including a stint in The Rat Pack Is Back). On occasion, some other tribute artists join the show, including the talented Denise Rose as Judy Garland. Reservations are required for the Sunday night shows. To make them, call Take 1 at (702) 433-TAKE (8253), or (702) 523-4398. You can also e-mail frank_the voice@yahoo.com. * * * * * * 
Frank the Voice 
Martin Nievera 
Roseanne Barr
Michelle Rohl-Justice sends this reminder...If you haven't already heard the sad news, our friend and fellow entertainer, the beautiful, glamorous and amazingly gifted Jahna Steele passed away on January 24th. In honor of her great spirit, a Memorial/Jam Tribute to her life will be held tonight (Friday, February 29th) at 9 p.m. at The E String Grill & Poker Bar, located at 2031 W Sunset Rd (at Mountain Vista), in Henderson, Nevada. "The Grill has great food," says Michelle, "so come early, get a seat and have a nice dinner." Michelle and the Lon Bronson Band will be performing, along with Catte Adams, puppeteer Jerry Halliday, Joelle Rigetti, Tara, Rick Friedman, Tony Davich, Robyn St. Romain and others will be sitting in. This will be a night of celebration with Jahna's favorite music and musicians, memories, laughs and stories. Please attend, participate, and bring your photos, DVDs, stories and love for a great friend who is gone too soon.
Please feel free to contact Michelle with questions at celebratingjahna@cox.net or call the E-String at (702) 437-8764.
If the name Catte Adams is familiar, it may be because you remember the talented lady from the forerunner to TV's American Idol, Star Search. In 1985, after competing for nine weeks, Catte Adams was named Grand Champion in the Female Vocalist category, winning $100,000 in the process. In the years since, Catte has toured and recorded with artists such as Natalie Cole, Bill Medley and Neil Young. She also appears on Yanni's live concert video, Tribute. * * * * * * One of our favorites, Martin Nievera, joins the Society of Seven and Lani Misalucha for a very limited run. Comprised of Hawaii's finest performers with an eclectic mix of talents, Society of Seven has earned a reputation as one of the most entertaining and energetic shows on the Las Vegas Strip. Tony Ruivivar contributes to vocals and guitar. Bert Sagum is the comedic leader of the group. Huku Low plays the bass and horns. Vince Mendoza is the group's drummer, with impressive vocals. Roy Guerzo is the keyboardist, and Wayne Wakai rounds out the group with an impressive vocal range. Lani, born in the Philippines, has been dubbed "Asia's Nightingale." She performs pop, rock, jazz, soul, rhythm and blues, and operatic arias, and is frequently compared to popular American divas such as Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston and Celine Dion. Lani also possesses a comedic flair and can effectively impersonate the above-named divas as well as Gladys Knight, Toni Braxton, Gloria Gaynor, Donna Summer, Tina Turner, Beyonce Knowles and Britney Spears. As for Nievera, in the Philippines (where he, too, is from), he is known as "The Concert King"...and with good reason. Nievera could, and should, be a star anywhere he performs...if he gets the opportunity to play the right venues. A change of owners at the Golden Nugget, where he performed when he first came to Vegas, resulted in a change of policy (we hate when that happens). Martin's more recent stint, at the Wyrick Theatre in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, was pretty much doomed before it started. The Wyrick venue has many obstacles to deal with and, so far, no entertainer or show, no matter how good, has been able to overcome them. SOS shows are at 3 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays, in the Flamingo Showroom. Their run will end on April 13th, when magician Nathan Burton moves from the V-Theater at Planet Hollywood to take over the SOS time slot at the Flamingo. Friends who saw the Society of Seven with Lani and Martin on Thursday, raved about the show. Our suggestion is, that if you love good music, sung by top vocalists, with some comedy thrown into the mix (like the Vegas revues of old), get yourself over to the Flamingo before the 13th of April. Tickets are $49.95, plus the usual tax and fees. You won't be sorry. For reservations, call (702) 733-3333, or (800) 221-7299. * * * * * * Emmy Award-winner Roseanne Barr returns to Las Vegas for an indefinite run at the Sahara, beginning tomorrow night. The comic/actress/author is ranked No. 9 on Comedy Central's list of 100 the Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time. The Utah-born entertainer moved to Los Angeles in 1983 to pursue stand-up comedy. Her 1985 appearance on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson (Cousin Claire remembers that night very well) set her course. Barr's groundbreaking, award-winning TV show, Roseanne, followed. The series ran for nine seasons, earning four Emmys and two Golden Globes, and made her a household name. As fate would have it, the Sahara's Congo Room is where Roseanne's mentor, the late Johnny Carson, headlined when performing in Las Vegas. Show times for Roseanne Barr at the Sahara are 9:30 p.m., Saturdays through Wednesdays (dark Thursdays and Fridays). For reservations, call (702) 737-2515. * * * * * * Are we through with our issues involving the organization once known as The CAST? Hell no. Since the interest seems to be building (along with questions about that questionable joke known as the Las Vegas Walk of Stars), we will keep writing about what is left of the group, now known as The Show Biz Society. On their Web site, it indicates, "Only the name is changed. " That couldn't be further from the truth. (It has been suggested to us by a very astute reader, "The name has been changed to protect the guilty.") The "board" changes on a weekly basis, and early CAST members are abandoning what appears to be a rapidly sinking ship. (Those wishing to become totally unassociated with the "Society," have been told they must submit their resignations in writing (see example below). Reading through those resignations must be keeping someone very busy.) In the meantime, some concerned Las Vegans have formed a grassroots operation to check into some of the goings on within both the Walk of Stars and the former CAST organization. Here is one letter of resignation, addressed to new Society board member, and longtime CAST Webmaster, Denny Jones... Dear Denny, I did not renew my membership for the Cast Inc. Therefore, I don't know anything about this new organization other than the e-mails I have received from many former CAST members. Is this a non-profit? What are the dues? Who can join? How are the board members and officers placed? Is the accounting announced to the membership? Are meetings held at other places than the head masters friends business? As a matter of fact, this would be a good time to ask you to remove my name picture and any reference to me and this sub club (theshowbizsociety) farce. It is as unprofessional as the person in charge to assume that myself and others involved with the CAST could have their names and likeness used as a tool to attract others to join without our permission. Furthermore I don't believe even those that have passed would want to have been involved in such a transaction changing the name without a general membership vote. If the person in charge could not keep The CAST intent, integrity and membership intact, maybe he should have stepped down and let someone with a real heart step in. Thanks but NO THANKS! I formally request that this will be my only need to remove my name from the roster. Any further action will be unpleasant and costly. Respectfully, Larry Taylor And speaking of Larry Taylor, also known as First DJ Larry, he announces that his latest gig at the Railroad Pass Casino is already expanding its schedule. What started on Valentine's Day as a once a week dance night, has now turned into a two times a week event. On Tuesdays, from 6 to 10 p.m., dance classes begin at 6, followed by open dancing starting at 7 and running until 10. For only $10 a person, future Dancing with the Stars competitors (you never know) get four hours of fun and exercise. The price includes a beverage and the chance to win drawing prizes valued up to $150 (including $100 for dinner in the Railroad Pass' Conductors Room steak house). Beginning on March 15th, the Railroad Pass will add Saturday night dances to their lineup. Ticket prices and times for Saturdays will be the same as on Tuesdays. This is the first time, in his more than 20 years of doing these Ballroom Dance specials in the Las Vegas Valley, that Taylor has had a regular Saturday night party. Larry Taylor spent almost two decades hosting dance nights at the Gold Coast in Las Vegas. For additional information, call the Railroad Pass hotel/casino at (702) 294-5000 or (800) 654-0877, or the Hot Line at (702) 225-5324 (you can leave a message). E-mail to firstdjlarry@att.net. * * * * * * Reader Robert B. wonders what became of entertainers The Reycards and Lee Meza. Cousin Claire has not been able to locate these people (she doesn‘t know EVERYTHING). Anyone out there know where these folks might be today? * * * * * * They're back! A group that we saw and enjoyed multiple times during their run at the Luxor in 2005, has returned to Las Vegas for, hopefully, a longer stay. This time around, Toxic Audio is performing at the V Theater in the Miracle Miles Shops adjacent to Planet Hollywood. The Toxins, as they are called by their fans, is a five-member theatrical mixed vocal band who combine popular and original songs, musical improvisation, and comedic sound effects in their high energy performances. No musical instruments are used. The group creates their unique sound by combining tight a cappella harmonies with vocal percussion and voice effects processors. Styles include contemporary pop, rock ‘n‘ roll, jazz, hip-hop, comedy, and improvisational songs. They have toured across the country, performing concert shows and opening for the likes of Tony Bennett, Ziggy Marley, The Rippingtons, and The Bobs. In 2003, Toxic Audio's album, Chemistry, was named Album of the Year by the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America. The group has appeared on national TV with Ed McMahon and Wayne Brady. In 2004, the Toxins won the 2004 Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience in their off-Broadway show at New York's John Houseman Theatre. To date, five Toxic Audio albums have been released on CD. Show times for Toxic Audio are Fridays through Wednesdays at 6 p.m. For reservations, call (702) 932-1818. * * * * * * 
Toxic Audio 
Paul Xavier Campanella 
Ronnie Rose
On Sunday, March 9th at 3 p.m., Paul Xavier Campanella, one of the stars of Tony 'N Tina's Wedding at the Rio, will Let The Good Times Roll! when he performs at the Independence Hall Theater in Sun City Anthem. Backed by some of this city's top musicians - Jeff Johnson on keyboards and vocals (Lon Bronson All Stars); Jeff Krashin on drums (Tony 'N Tina's Wedding); Rob Mader on sax (Fat City Horns with Bette Midler); Elisa Dease on vocals (solo performer Kelly Clinton's Sunday Showcase at The Bootlegger); and Steven Raimundez on bass (Sheena Easton, Expose', Mamma Mia!) - Campanella presents a dynamic mix of blues, soul, R&B, comedy and audience participation. There will also be giveaways ($100.00 in cash and other prizes). Tickets are $12 if purchased by March 2nd, and $15 from the 3rd up to show time. Here's the rub...only Member Residents can "buy" tickets. If you are not a Sun City Anthem Resident Member, and want to catch the show, contact Campanella via email at desertvoicemusic@hotmail.com for guest tickets. The show starts at 3 sharp. There will be no one at the door for Will Call once the show starts, so don‘t be late.
* * * * * * Among the productions scheduled for the San Diego REPertory Theatre's 2008-2009 season is the world premiere musical, The Princess and the Black-Eyed Pea. The REP's artistic director, Sam Woodhouse, announced that the company will stage The Threepenny Opera; the Pulitzer Prize winner Doubt: A Parable; and "an exotic twist" on a classic Han Christian Andersen fairy tale, The Princess and the Black Eyed Pea. The remainder of the theatre's new season, as well as production dates, will be announced in the coming weeks. Woodhouse will direct Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht's The Threepenny Opera, the groundbreaking musical that features "a cunning and glorious story of love, greed, deception and capitalism run wild." John Patrick Shanley's award-winning Doubt, the drama about certainty set in a Catholic boys school, will be directed by REP associate artistic director Todd Salovey. Hans Christian Andersen's The Princess and the Pea will be transformed into "a soulful musical comedy set in two exotic African kingdoms," The Princess and the Black-Eyed Pea. The musical won the Richard Rodgers Award for Most Promising New Musical. The show, by Karole Foreman and Andrew Chukerman, had workshop and concert presentations around the country, and at the Musical of the Year International Musical Competition in Europe. "With a charming sense of fun and play, [the authors] spin a compelling tug of war between destiny and the destiny-changing power of the individual spirit," according to REP notes. "Rousing gospel, funky rhythm and blues, tropical African world beat and soaring pop ballads, this musical poses the question, 'Does fate or free will lead us to true love?'" In it, "Colorful characters rule the African kingdoms of Kheba and Torel - one is the tyrannical Queen Mother Zauba, the other, a befuddled King Nat whose teenage daughter, Princess Quelie, has never been outside the sheltering palace walls. When the most feared warrior in the land, Vinzulu, vows he will force her to be his queen, the defiant Princess climbs the walls, braves a wild storm and heads into the dangerous forest to seek her freedom. Meanwhile, back in Torel, the sad Prince Gallant has not yet found the princess of his dreams. To assist, the Queen Mother plans an elaborate ball, during which her son accidentally stumbles upon a ragged and starving Quelie. Its love at first sight, but will fate let these love birds stay together? There's only one way to find out - the sacred and legendary test of The Black-Eyed Pea! Andersen's Princess and the Pea was also the inspiration for the Broadway musical, Once Upon a Mattress. The REP presents their productions at the Lyceum Theatre in Horton Plaza in San Diego. For more information, visit www.sandiegorep.com. * * * * * * Catch song stylist Ronnie Rose, tonight (Leap Year Friday, February 29th) at Just Jazz. Rose will perform with Cocho Arbe (piano), Tim Hauff (bass) and Ryan Rose, from 9:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. Just Jazz is located at 1000 E. Sahara Ave. Call (702) 650-0432. Have a question about Las Vegas? Want to make a comment (be nice, now)?
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Tags: Entertainment Gossip
Displaying keen perception and great insight. She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice. She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em. She’s... Claire Voyant Las Vegas - February 22, 2008  Freddie Bell  Don & Gloria Hill  Frankie Laine They may be calling that remnants of The CAST Inc. organization The Show Biz Society (or anything else they choose), but on Sunday, the REAL show biz society was NOT at some ridiculous event "honoring" the group's current leader. Instead, they chose to attend the funeral services and a loving gathering for a legitimate "star" in our community...Freddie Bell. The Palm Mortuary on Eastern had a Standing Room Only crowd to pay their respects to Bell, and there were approximately 300 people that showed up at the Italian American to celebrate his life with stories and songs. Among those saying goodbye to the longtime Las Vegas lounge legend - Peter Anthony, Carme Pitrello, Nelson Sardelli, Ned Mills, Larry Taylor, Artie Schroeck, Linda November, Ivor Price, Diane Ellis, Denny Denman, Carmine Mandia, Arleen Gibson, Kid Cary, Dennis Bono and former Lt. Governor Lorraine Hunt-Bono, Joe LaVigna, Ada Brei, Richard "Mac" and Frances MacDonald, Lenny Martin, Judy Coco, Norm Johnson, Nancy Barr, Gary Olds, Phil Leo, Marvin Lashever, Linda Glynn, Judy Tannen, Z.Z. Zorn, Pete Allman, John Kaye, Chick Hughes, Jeanne Brei, Don and Gloria Hill, Robert Allen, Adam Flowers, Kathleen Dunbar, Mike Christ, Maggie Albasani, Paul Stubblefield, Frank Grata, Fred Doumani, Lou Toomin, Izzy Marion, Angelo and Nancy Cassaro, Edward Portello, Jim Marsh, Bob Sachs, Joe Cassaro, Tony Tegano (brother Joey Tegano, who is hospitalized, was missed), Mark Alden and Sasha Semenoff. There were many friends and plenty of music and stories. Freddie would have loved his sendoff. Freddie Bell photo by Mike Christ Don Hill, the former saxophone player with the famed Treniers, considered Freddie Bell to be almost like a brother. The history of the two men goes back to Wildwood, New Jersey's Beachcomber, where The Treniers and The Freddie Bell Show played opposite each other. In 1954, when Resorts International opened in Atlantic City, the two acts once again alternated in the same room. As fate would have it, the entertainers wound up living and working in Las Vegas. In addition to show business, Bell and Hill shared another common passion...golf. Don Hill says of his friend of more than 54 years, "We considered each other family. I am going to miss my brother like crazy, but I know we will be playing golf together again in heaven. I love you, man." According to some very reliable sources, the control freak who heads up that group (you know the one we mean) suggested that Freddie Bell's funeral and gathering afterward were deliberately scheduled to conflict with a celebration for the jerk. Would we, could we, make this crap up? Freddie Bell never wanted a star with his name on a Las Vegas sidewalk. He expressed his feelings on the subject some time ago. Although the entertainment pioneer seems an obvious choice for immortalization, his thinking was clear and logical and now makes perfect sense to us. What should have been developed as an honor for those that truly deserve it, is, instead a private business. The facts are that just about anyone who can scrounge up the $15,000 can get a star on the sidewalks of Las Vegas Blvd. The most recent recipient proves that point. It's a joke...an embarrassing, unfunny joke. It is our suggestion that those who feel this makes a mockery out of what should be an earned and deserved reward, let their feelings be known via letters to local elected politicos. It is shameful that The Entertainment Capital of the World has no permanent LEGITIMATE way of paying tribute to the REAL pioneer entertainers - the ones that actually made their living (as in getting paid for their work) performing in this city beginning in the 1940s. We feel that our Mayor, Oscar Goodman, forget about turning the old downtown post office into a Mob Museum and, instead turn it into a museum dedicated to the entertainers that made Las Vegas what it is today. If the Mob Museum is something the mayor (a former defense attorney who counted mobsters among his clients) can't let go of, how about paying tribute to Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel, Tony "The Ant" Spilotro and the rest of the boys in a small section of the building. The majority of the space should be reserved for the likes of Frankie Laine, Elvis Presley, Johnny Carson, the Mary Kaye Trio, Ann-Margret, Louis Prima and Keely Smith, Frank Sinatra, Don Rickles, The Treniers, Dean Martin, Anthony Newley, Robert Goulet, Debbie Reynolds, Marie Wilson and the many, many talented performers who attracted tourists to the city. A group of angry citizens has taken up the cause and is planning a meeting to discuss what is and isn't going on regarding the neglect of proper and formal acknowledgement of entertainers in our city. A grassroots movement is taking place for the cause they are calling Las Vegas Star Wars. The first gathering will occur this Sunday, February 24th, at 2 p.m., with some politicians and attorneys invited to attend. If you are interested, RSVP and get the meeting location and directions by e-mailing to Halazon1954@aol.com.  Louis Prima & Keely Smith  Ann-Margret  Jimmy Hopper * * * * * * The award-winning Las Vegas Academy's production of CATS definitely put a local spin on Andrew Lloyd Webber's. We got a real kick out of seeing "cats" that looked like Liza Minnelli, Michael Jackson, Sammy Davis Jr., Carrot Top and a number of Vegas icons, scamper, dance and sing through the Neon Bone Yard. There was even a trio of Blue Men. There are two days left to see CATS Las Vegas. Call (800) 585-3737 to purchase tickets. * * * * * * We were in the audience last night (Thursday, February 21st) when Jimmy Hopper made his debut in his new Las Vegas Strip home - the Lava Room in Trader Vic's at Planet Hollywood. Once again, Hopper is entertaining in a room with a view. His first local engagement was in the Voo Doo Lounge on top of the Rio. After a couple of years in the clouds, Hopper moved into the Fontana Room at Bellagio, where he attracted crowds for more than four years. For the past three years, he has been touring, working on a new (hopefully) Broadway-bound musical, and playing a regular gig at The Islands in Newport Beach, California. Apparently, he missed Las Vegas...and Las Vegas definitely missed him. Hopper's schedule at Trader Vic's offers shows on Thursdays and Sundays at 9 and 11 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 and 11:30 p.m. In spite of what you may have read in today's Las Vegas Review-Journal, Mr. Hopper has an open ended contract at Trader Vic's (as opposed to a "weekend engagement" as written), there is no show that starts at 10 p.m., and there is a $20 cover charge (it's not "free" as indicated in Vegas Confidential). The Lava Room has an intimate, up-close, almost living room-type feel, with comfortable overstuffed chairs from which to enjoy the Strip view...and Jimmy. If you have never seen Mr. Hopper before, you are in for an eclectic surprise. There aren't too many singers who can do the music of the Beatles, Elton John, Al Jarreau, Sting, Freddie Mercury and Queen, Daniel Powter, Snow Patrol, Five for Fighting, Moody Blues, Mika, Gino Vannelli and Andrea Bocelli - and do all of them equally well. Jimmy Hopper can. Playing piano and guitar, Hopper is joined by pretty Mira Khomik on violin, and Gary Bruno on a multitude of guitars (including a very interesting looking electric Yamaha). As mentioned in earlier columns, Jimmy Hopper, with orchestra, will perform in the showroom at the Suncoast on March 28th, 29th and 30th. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Call (702) 636-7075 or (877) 636-7111 for reservations. By the way, for those that have been around Las Vegas since the 1980s, Jimmy's guitar player is NOT the same Gray Bruno that used to do standup comedy around these parts. Jimmy Hopper photo by Michael Munson * * * * * * Have we mentioned Bill Nolte's upcoming solo show at the Clark County Library on East Flamingo this Sunday? Okay, well we're mentioning it again. In our previous descriptions of All of Me, the title of this project, we described it as a "one man show." We have since been told that there will be a special guest. It seems that Mr. Nolte is a big fan of reality television shows...most specifically, Dancing With the Stars. In a tribute to that TV favorite, Bill and a dancing partner will pay homage to the genre. We expect this to be a fun, entertaining and music-filled afternoon. Tickets are $15. For reservations, call the Performing Arts Society of Nevada at (702) 658-6741. See you there. 
Bill Nolte 
Penn Jillette 
Handy Girls Book Cover And speaking of Dancing with the Stars, the ABC TV show begins its sixth season on Monday, March 17th. The current lineup for stars are comic Adam Carolla, Shannon Elizabeth, Ugly Betty's Christian de la Fuente, actor Steve Guttenberg, actress Marlee Matlin, R& B singer Mario, Priscilla Presley, tennis ace Monica Seles, Miami Dolphins player Jason Taylor, Hairspray's Marissa Janet Winokur, and ice skater Kristi Yamaguchi. And representing Las Vegas will be Penn Jillette, the talkative half of the magic team known as Penn & Teller. * * * * * * Comic/impressionist Rich Little was hospitalized at Summerlin Hospital on Saturday, as the result of a moving blood clot. As we go to press, Rich's personal assistant, Charlotte Morgante, tells us that things are under control and 69-year-old Little is much improved. Nonetheless, his current gig at the Golden Nugget, scheduled to run through April 6th, has now been cancelled so the veteran entertainer can concentrate on healing. For those who would like to send get-well wishes, please mail your notes and cards to Rich Little at 9030 West Sahara #445, Las Vegas, Nevada 89117. * * * * * * Well, it's that time of month again...for the Composer's Showcase, that is. Usually held on a Tuesday, the February offering will take place on WEDNESDAY instead. Mark your calendar for the 27th (the time is still the same, 10:30 p.m., as in after theater). And the place, where it has been held since last April, remains the same - the Wes Winters Showroom in the Liberace Museum. We might mention, again, this is the portion of the museum located adjacent to Carluccio's restaurant at the back of the Liberace Plaza, not the freestanding building close to Tropicana. This month's lineup of talent will feature the songs of local composers and songwriters Michael Brennan (La Reve, MD), Thom Culcasi (Venetian Gondolier), Wayne Green (Spamalot MD), Rylan Leo Helmuth (Phantom Tech Crew), Richard Oberacker (KA, MD) and Keith Thompson (Jersey Boys MD), performed by Bruce Ewing (Phantom), Kristen Hertzenberg (Phantom), Jacquelyn Holland (Mamma Mia!), Sarah Anne Lewis (Phantom), Mark Leydorf (Michael Brennan's writing partner from L.A.) , Jimmy Lockett (Starlight Express, God Lives In Glass, Just Another Man), Elizabeth Share (Mamma Mia!), Joan Sobel (Phantom), Janien Valentine (Notre Dame de Paris), Danielle White (Phantom), plus other special guests. Also featuring the amazing instrumental chops of Philip Fortenberry (Mamma Mia!, Jersey Boys assistant conductor), Johnathan Gorst (Phantom assistant conductor), Abe Gumroyan (The Producers violinist, Liberace scholar), Mark Pardy (Spamalot drummer), Fred Watstein (The Producers bass player) and Drew Zingg (Spamalot guitar player). For the few who don't already know, the Liberace Museum is located at the corner of Tropicana and Spencer, next to Carluccio's Tivoli Gardens (come early for dinner at Carluccio's, serving until 10 p.m.) The Wes Winters Showroom is in the round building next to Carluccio's (off Spencer, not Tropicana). Cash bar (no credit cards, please). Hors d'oeuvres buffet provided by Keg and Cork Catering, $5 per person. The mission of the Liberace Foundation is to help talented students pursue careers in the performing and creative arts through scholarship assistance. Your generous donation to the foundation will keep this wonderful program at the museum. After all, it shouldn't cost them money to host the Composers Showcase. * * * * * * Local ladies (at least for the past few decades) Barbara Ciarlantini and Mary Schwartz are over the moon these days. Due to popular demand, their award-winning children's book of a few years ago is being reprinted. In a real coup, Barbara and Mary have been invited to read The Handy Girls Can Fix It to students in conjunction with the upcoming Nevada Reading Week. On February 25th, they will be at the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas. On the 27th it will be Fay Galloway Elementary School in Henderson, and the 28th, the students at Harriet Treem Elementary School, also in Henderson, will learn what it's like to be a Handy Girl. If you would like to know more about the co-creators of Handy Girls and the book itself, check out the Web site at www.handygirls.com. The Handy Girls Can Fix It is available through numerous sources, including Amazon. * * * * * * If you have any interest in entertainment or entertainers, you probably know this already, but in case you don't...Cher has confirmed a rumor that has been circulating for a number of months. The answer is "Yes," she will headline in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace Colosseum, beginning May 6th. The performance agreement, in partnership with AEG Live, includes approximately 200 shows over a three-year period. Cher at The Colosseum, an impressive spectacle designed exclusively for the 4,300-seat venue, will feature countless chart-topping hits from the artist's unparalleled career. The show will be complemented by extraordinary choreography from Doriana Sanchez, state-of-the-art lighting and special effects and breathtaking costumes designed by the world-renowned fashion icon, Bob Mackie. "I started in Vegas at Caesars, so I've come full circle," Cher said. "I'm back and I plan to give my fans the best experience yet. I think everybody knows I only do things in a big way." A world famous superstar for more than 40 years, the Oscar and Emmy-winning performer has conquered every endeavor – concerts, recordings, Broadway, TV, movies, film directing and books. Cher has released more than 25 albums and sold over 100 million records worldwide in her Grammy-winning solo recording career. "Cher's name in one word encapsulates icon, award-winning legend, and captivating performer. There is only one home for someone of that legendary status – the most recognized casino brand in the world, Caesars Palace," said Caesars Palace President, Gary Selesner. "Caesars is pleased to welcome Cher back to Las Vegas' most prestigious entertainment address, The Colosseum, joining Bette Midler and Elton John." The 90-minute show will be presented at 7:30 p.m. four nights a week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday (dark Monday, Thursday and Friday). Tickets for performances from May 6th through August 31st are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (866) 510-CHER (2437) or online at ticketmaster.com, keyword "Cher". Tickets may also be purchased in person at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Box Office, open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For groups of 20 or more, call 702-731-7208. Prices are $95, $140, $175 and $250. 
Cher 
Gordie Brown 
Fan Yang
* * * * * * Bad news/good news...First, the bad news. We were very surprised to learn that the amazingly creative and talented Gordie Brown's engagement at The Venetian ended on February 13th. Although we were unable to get an explanation directly from the horse's mouth, you know we will stay on top of this story until we do. Whatever the reason, they can't keep a good man down, or a talented man off a showroom stage for long. The good news is that Gordie's talented group of musicians won't be idle for long. We have it on good authority that all five gentlemen - Jeff Neiman, Keith Nelson, Adam Shendal, Steve Swinford and Rocco Barbato - will provide the music for Trent Carlini's show at the Sahara. Trent is the Elvis Presley tribute artist who won TV's Next Best Thing reality show last year. * * * * * * Float away to an iridescent world of fantasy and fun at Fan Yang's "unbubblelievable" Mega Bubble Show, now playing in Las Vegas at the Steve Wyrick Theatre, located in Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile Shops . This unique show combines innovative lighting effects and lasers with the fantastical aesthetics of bubbles to create a beautiful and mystifying masterpiece. The show has been featured on TV's Late Night with David Letterman, Live with Regis and Kelly, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Fox & Friends, The View, and CBS's Sunday Morning. Fan Yang is a world-renowned bubble scientist, international artist and performer, whose show has been featured in museums and science centers around the world. Yang has spent the past two decades studying the mysterious world of bubbles. The greatest bubble artist in the world, Fan Yang, wows audiences with an array of bubble effects you have to see to believe. He holds 14 Guinness World Records including "The Biggest Bubble Ever Blown" and "The Most Bubbles within a Bubble." During his show, Fan creates striking bubble carousels and labyrinths. A laser light show of epic proportions, and the show's spellbinding grand finale, floods the theatre with wave after wave of light-catching bubbles. The Mega Bubble Show is appropriate for all ages. Show times are at 1 and 3 p.m. Tickets range from $39.75 to $80.45 and can be ordered by calling (702) 777-9974. Have a question about Las Vegas? Want to make a comment (be nice, now)?
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Tags: Gossip Vegas
Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant Las Vegas - February 15, 2008  Freddie Bell  Fred Astaire & Cyd Charisse  Jahna Steele In less than three months, another bright light has gone out on the Las Vegas entertainment scene. On November 27th, dancer/entertainer Clem Zeleski died unexpectedly at the age of 45. On December 15th, Marvin "Sweet Louie" Smith of The Checkmates died at 68. Nine days after the loss of Sweet Louie, on Christmas Eve, comedienne Beverly Wines Cardella, better known as Pudgy! (with the well-earned exclamation mark) was gone. Exactly one month later, the talented Jahna Steele was dead at 49. Then on Sunday, lounge legend Freddie Bell (real name Ferdinando Dominico Bello) died, following a valiant battle with lung cancer. When he attended the F.I.O.R.E. holiday luncheon in early December, Bell was in his element - surrounded by friends, singing, joking and having a good time. He seemed indestructible. About the Philadelphia native, the Associated Press had this to say... Freddie Bell, a forerunner in the 1950s rock 'n' roll era whose toe-tapping versions of "Giddy Up A Ding Dong" and "Hound Dog" inspired Elvis Presley to cover the songs, has died. He was 76. Bell died late Sunday in a Las Vegas hospital of complications from cancer, said his publicist Norm Johnson. Bell was performing at the Sands casino-hotel on the Las Vegas Strip in the mid-1950s when Presley was just an opening act across the street at the New Frontier. Bell's upbeat covers, and perhaps his knee-wiggling dance moves, inspired Presley, Johnson said. "He loved Freddie's version," Johnson said. "He added new words and a better beat." Bell went to Las Vegas in 1953 from his hometown of Philadelphia and was considered one of the great lounge acts of the time, alongside the trio of Sam Butera, Louis Prima and Keely Smith, Johnson said. He was good friends with some of the most popular performers of the era. "They remained friends throughout Elvis' lifetime," Johnson said. "Freddie was very, very close to Frank Sinatra. That was one of his compadres. Whenever they were in any town performing, Frank would show up, or Freddie would go to see him." Bell also appeared in a number of films, including 1956's "Rock Around the Clock," starring Bill Haley. Bell is survived by wife Angela Bell and children Freddie Bell, Jr., Angela Bello, Marianna, Andrew, Lisa, Debbie and stepson Jonathan. Services for Bell will be held at Palm Mortuary, 7600 South Eastern, on Sunday, the 17th. Viewing will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Chapel services are at 2, followed by graveside services. A Celebration of Life will take place at the Italian American Club, 2333 East Sahara, beginning at around 4 p.m. It was Freddie's wish that everyone party because he'd made it into heaven! Last Saturday, a Celebration of Life was held at the Clark County Flamingo Library, in honor of Clem Zeleski. There were very well-edited videos of Clem from the time he was a young boy, through scenes of him with Debbie Reynolds and dancing with Cyd Charisse while her husband, Tony Martin, sang in the background. A beautiful four-color memento, with great photos of Clem was available for the friends and fans who turned out for the occasion. Bill Moore, James "Gypsy" Haake, Larry Edwards, Blair Farrington and Jeanne Brie were among those in attendance. Brei, who has attended many services of this kind, ranked this beautifully put together offering of love as No. 2 in professionalism...right behind that of songwriter (Over the Rainbow) Harold Arlen. Quite a compliment to the creative Kenny Mazlow, responsible for much of the afternoon. Last night, TV's The Insider did a segment on the late Jahna Steele. As a reminder, the 49-year-old Vegas entertainer, who died of an accidental drug overdose on January 24th, will be celebrated at the second of two services held in her memory. This musical one takes place at the E-String Grill, 2031 W. Sunset (at Mountain Vista), on Friday, the 29th, beginning at 9 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. * * * * * * Ben Ardito's Take 1, at Fremont and 7th in downtown Vegas, was the place to be on Monday night and Tuesday afternoon this week (but only if you were invited). Nancy Barr hosted a 75th birthday party for author, artist, PR man, and in one person's mini-mind, a "washed up journalist," Norm Johnson, on Monday, the 11th (Norm's actual birthday is on Valentine's Day), with help from Norm‘s daughters, Robin and Lisa. Among the guests helping Norm celebrate his three-quarters-of-a-century special day were Vera Goulet, Dennis Bono and Lorraine Hunt Bono, Sean Grady, Genevieve Dew, Mark Giovi, Nelson Sardelli, Mike Christ, Linda Glynn, Carme Pitrello, Tom and Margaret Kurtz, Jackie Brett, Mel Carter, Debbie Marcus, Mike and Anne Merrick, Edwin Cook, Brenda Weems, Denny Denman, Jeanine Hefflin, Mel and Marilyn Larson, Elizabeth Foyt, Barry and Louise Berlin, Cathy Bittinger, Shelly Stepanek, Dr. Tali Arik, Brenda Bouchard, Fred Kiser, Janice Marie, Carla Masterson, and Norm's cutie pie grandson, Mathew. The celebrant took some good-natured ribbing and a good time was had by all. * * * * * * 
Norm Johnson 
Nancy Barr 
Carme Pitrello & Jeanne Brei Tuesday, many of the same folks returned to Take 1 for F.I.O.R.E.'s (Fun Italians Organizing Ridiculous Events) Valentine's Day (one day early) luncheon. Cousin Claire can't be everywhere, especially when allergies are wreaking havoc on her respiratory system, so "Unofficial Assistant" Jeanne Brei reports about this event. According to Jeanne, it was a great party. The room was full, the food was good and the music was great. Nelson Sardelli and Carme Pitrello (in from Florida until Tuesday) served as co-hosts. As Jeanne asks, "How could you go wrong?" Nelson and Carme handled the raffle portion of the afternoon and, according to Jeanne, "It was like a well-rehearsed comedy team. They were a blast!" Nelson brought a bag full of groceries, so each time the raffle gifts were boring, he'd add a can of tuna, a can of beans or a can of beer to go with the prize. The crowd loved it. Carme did his John Wayne impersonation to raffle off a calendar and video featuring The Duke. It was a riot! The Gary Olds Ensemble provided music - with Joe Darro on piano, Gary on drums, Chuck Kovacs on bass and Dr. George Ritter (the chiropractor) on sax. Among those who got up to sing were Nick Mastrangelo (plugging his February 29th gig at that Italian joint on the south end of Las Vegas Blvd. that we don't mention anymore), and Genevieve Dew, who sang At Last and L-O-V-E and informed that she would be performing at Just Jazz tonight. Loretta St. John sang My Shining Hour and Here's that Rainy Day. The fabulous baritone, Don Gloude from New Orleans, sang Misty (he is headed to Australia for a month). Jeanne Brei (plugging her upcoming CD) sang I Don't Know Why I Love You Like I Do, and Paul Xavier Campanella sang Moondance and announced that he would be performing his show at Sun City Anthem's Freedom Hall in the Independence Building (second Clubhouse) on March 9th. A F.I.O.R.E. newcomer, CeCe, was invited up to sing by Nelson. CeCe, who performs with a band at the Ice House on Monday nights, sang The Carpenters hit, Close To You. For the finale, Gary Olds urged Nelson to sing Quando, Quando, Quando, and Carme joined him. Gary then insisted that everyone do a tribute to Freddie Bell by closing out with a rousing rendition of When The Saints Go Marchin' In. Nelson, Carme, Nick, the Dons (Hill and Gloude) and Jeanne all sang choruses, with former Treniers player Hill singing, "I don't know the words - I'm a sax man." He then preceded to scat the rest of his chorus - it was quite the hit! Carme did a chorus with a British accent that was fabulous, and Jeanne did a Sophie Tucker-style chorus. When it came time to draw the raffle numbers for the $50, $70 and $150 winners - two of the three winners donated their money back to the Freddie Bell funeral and medical expenses fund. (Norm Johnson who won the grand prize, and the person who won the $70 prize (Robert Ensler?), both donated their winnings to Freddie's fund. During the earlier raffle prize awards (while the musicians took their break), Carme auctioned off a set of golf clubs. The $60 raised also goes help cover Freddie's final medical expenses. Larry Taylor plugged his upcoming gig at the Railroad Pass - first dance was Valentine's night and will be followed up by every Tuesday for three months (he explained that his retirement lasted all of 9 days). Nelson plugged the Sunday jazz afternoons at Take 1 and asked everyone to come down to support Ben Ardito's club since he's been so good to the F.I.O.R.E. group. Thanks for the report, Jeanne! * * * * * * As we have mentioned a number of times in the past few weeks, one of our favorite entertainers, Jimmy Hopper, will be making his second appearance at the Suncoast, March 28th, 29th and 30th. As he did for his two-day engagement at the Suncoast last Mother's Day weekend, Jimmy will perform his Journey of the Heart show, with his full group of musicians. For you diehard Hopper fans, we have great news! We have just learned that he will be returning to Las Vegas...on a permanent basis. When Jimmy originally began working here, it was in the sky-high Voo Doo Lounge at the Rio. That was followed by more than four years in the Bellagio's Fontana Room. He left Vegas to perform around the country and most recently had been a regular at The Island in Newport Beach, California. Like Cousin Claire has said for years, just about everyone who moves away from Las Vegas, eventually finds their way back. Hopper is no exception. Once again, he has decided to hang his hat in The Entertainment Capital of the World and, once again, he returns to play another room with a view. Beginning this Thursday, February 21st, Hopper becomes a four-night-a-week regular in the Lava Room at Planet Hollywood's Trader Vic's. Jimmy will perform Thursdays through Sundays, with performance times anticipated to be from 9 to 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. to midnight on Thursdays and Sundays, and from 9:30 to 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. There will be a $20 cover charge. For additional information, call Trader Vic‘s at (702) 405-4700. 
Jimmy Hopper 
Anthony Rapp * * * * * * On Wednesday, Mamma Mia! celebrated its 5th anniversary with many media people attending the show at Mandalay Bay, followed by an invited guests party in the hotel/casinos House of Blues Music Hall. The production, using the music of ABBA to tell its tale, has been a Las Vegas success, in spite of the fact it runs as long as its Broadway counterpart...even with an intermission. It has been the tradition in Las Vegas to edit popular musicals down to a "manageable" casino approved length, lest folks are too tired to gamble or eat or drink after the curtain goes down and the house lights go up following a Broadway length production. We found it quite interesting that the very entertaining Avenue Q had some songs cut from the show after its opening at Wynn Las Vegas. Our feeling is that the length of the show had nothing to do with its abbreviated run here. We seriously doubt that anyone who saw the production in its entirety left the theater saying, "It would have been great with three less songs." What we DO think is that if the show had been marketed correctly (taxi cabs covered in orange shag carpeting isn't marketing), it might still be running...same with The Producers (Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular, Spamalot and Mamma Mia! all have TV spots airing). We loved the sign that hung near the Wynn box office stating, Parental Warning: Avenue Q contains puppet nudity. And so it goes. * * * * * * The UNLV Performing Arts Center presents An Evening of Words and Music with Anthony Rapp at 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 23rd as part of the New York Stage & Beyond Series. Rapp will sing and talk about his life in the theatre in this very special evening. Originating the role of Mark in Rent, Rapp has performed on Broadway (Six Degrees of Separation), television (Law and Order: Special Victims Unit), and film, where he reprised his most famous role. Additional Broadway roles include Precious Sons (for which he received the Outer Critics Circle Award), and the revival of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. His big-screen credits include, Adventures in Babysitting, School Ties, Dazed and Confused, Road Trip and A Beautiful Mind, among others. Tickets to Anthony Rapp are $35, $50, and $80 and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting pac.unlv.edu. Student rush tickets are $13 each and available one hour prior to each event, based on availability and with valid student I.D. UNLV faculty and staff discounts also are available. A $1 facilities fee, in addition to the ticket price, is charged on all Performing Arts Center tickets. The box office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Information about all of the season's performances can be found on the Performing Arts Center Web site, located at pac.unlv.edu.
* * * * * *
There will be lots of excitement and surprises on Sunday, February 24th, and they won't all be taking place at the evening's Academy Awards ceremony. Bill Nolte, who until its closing at Paris Las Vegas on February 9th, portrayed the Nazi/playwright, Franz Liebkind, in The Producers, gets a chance to display another side of his talents in his one-man show at the Clark County Flamingo Library Theater at 2 p.m. on the 24th. Prior to joining the cast of The Producers, Bill's only Las Vegas experience was spending the night in a large casino, dining at a buffet, and doing a little gambling. He never ventured past the Strip to explore the rest of the community. After joining The Producers nine months ago, Nolte has not only gotten to know this city, but to love it as well. He purchased a townhouse here, and plans to make Las Vegas his home. After 30-years of being an actor in New York City - the Broadway companies of Cats, Me and My Girl, The Secret Garden, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, A Christmas Carol, King David, 1776, Jane Eyre, Amour and The Producers, plus regional productions of Evita, Oliver, Man of La Mancha, South Pacific, The Marriage of Figaro, and Jekyll & Hyde among others - this is a major change for Bill, but one he very much looks forward to. The weather and lifestyle all agree with him, and, as an artist, the desert is inspirational. He plans to capture the beauty of the area in some of his future watercolors. There is much more to Bill Nolte than "Franz Liebkind" raising pigeons on a New York rooftop. See for yourself, as he makes his solo act debut in the city he now calls home. The show, titled All of Me, is directed by Mark Waldrop, who wrote and directed When Pigs Fly in NYC. Pam Drew Phillips, a jazz virtuoso who currently makes her home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is serving as Bill's musical director. Pam was one of the first of the Liberace scholarship winners. All of Me will feature standards by songwriters such as Harold Arlen, Cole Porter, Fats Waller, Anthony Newley and Stephen Sondheim. There will also be some special material, along with a nod to the Las Vegas lounge shows from the '50s and '60s. All of Me is being presented by the Performing Arts Society of Nevada. Tickets are a reasonable $15. For reservations or additional show information, please call PASNV at (702) 658-6741. 
Bill Nolte 
Bette Midler 
Freda Payne * * * * * * Bette Midler debuts her much-anticipated Vegas show at Caesars Palace Colosseum on Wednesday. Needless to say, opening night is sold-out and many celebrities are expected to walk the VIP Red Carpet. In addition to Midler and her cast and crew, some of the notable names who will be here for the Divine One's launch are Paula Abdul, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, Kathy Griffin, Rita Wilson, Alan Thicke, Ricki Lake, Siegfried & Roy, George Wallace, Gladys Knight, Rita Rudner, Toni Braxton, and others. Known for her incomparable humor, over-the-top imagination and captivating charisma, the Divine Miss M. is throwing her sequins and feathers on stage for her new Las Vegas extravaganza, The Showgirl Must Go On. Bette will perform approximately 100 shows a year, five nights per week at 7:30 p.m. The show will be dark on Mondays and Thursdays. Ticket prices are $95, $140, $175, and $250. For more information, visit www.bettemidler.com or bette.aeglive.com. * * * * * * Here is the latest CAST-off news making the rounds. Via the Internet, this was passed on to us from a number of readers (and, as is our tradition, we are leaving the misspells and other errors intact, exactly as received)... I am the Membership Director for a fine organization "The ShowBiz Society" Taka a look at the site, click. http://www.theshowbizsociety.com/ and let me know if you would like to join. Dues are only $100 a year and where else can you get reorganization and tell others what you do. ($100 for a years advertising) Get involved helping others less fortunate. Thanks for your time, Denny Jones If you want to take the time to look at the "new" site, you will find lots of old CAST names, appearing to be members of The Show Biz Society (who dreamed up THAT name?). Many of them have had nothing to do with this pile of leftovers for many months...and, in some cases, maybe even years. Here is one man's reaction to the latest news... The "Players" section of their Web site lists Carme (Pitrello), Artie (Schroeck), Linda November), and a few others that I think have departed the CAST. Methinks maybe it's time to threaten (the group's current leader) with a nasty letter from a "REAL" attorney and to institute a class action lawsuit for the repayment of those who put down 1K for a "lifetime" membership in the CAST. (The group leader) must be the one doing the spelling on the Web site. There are a jillion errors as well as a lot of improper usage. This must be his main source of income as he sure is tenacious (a BIG word) about retaining (yet ANOTHER big word) control of the organization and keeping it under his aegis (Is THAT a word?). In any event, his missive through his attorney is indicative of his tenuous position and fear of further exposure. This moron has had ample opportunity to tame his vitriolic outbursts upon REAL stars and entertainers, but, he insists on keeping his match to the fuse of the bomb that's going to blast him to wannabe heaven. Too bad I don't know any attorneys who would like to chop his legs off at the knees with a countersuit against the little *%#@. One might do it "pro-bono" ( I said PRO, not Dennis) in order to gain a heap of free publicity. He could kill two stones with one bird by making an ass out of the alleged attorney who wrote the cease and desist letter in the first place. It's Vegas baby! P.S. I've needed to get re-organized...I think this group can help....Amazingly, I actually wanted recognition rather than re-organization. I mean telling others that I'm re-organized would be admitting that I was short a few pencils in my drawer. But, then again recognition is really important for my humongous ego. It would be neat to have all these other people who have reorganized for recognition to recognize me for my re-organization...Really. Signed, Mike Christ Claire Voyant thinks they would be damn lucky to have you, Mike. We agree with Mr. Christ on his insightful observations, especially when it comes to returning membership money (Lifetime or otherwise) to those that paid to join the CAST and what it stood for. Claiming that "Only the name has changed" is a bunch of crap. The Show Biz Society? What a joke...although it is one way, and the ONLY way, certain people can claim to be in show biz. EVERYTHING has changed from what the original CAST started out to do. Those that are still shown on the new site as being members, are not. Hopefully those that choose not to have any involvement in this "Only the name has changed" group, should rally and insist on having their names and photos removed from the site. We feel that The Show Biz Society (we can hardly utter or write the name without having a sudden urge to grab an airsick bag) should start out the way the CAST did...with NO members and NO bank account. They should have to TRY and build their own (dis)organization the way the CAST pioneers did - one person, one dollar and one event at a time. Here is a little story about the compassionate, thoughtful person who currently rules whatever the organization is called. When onetime CAST member Larry Taylor's wife passed away last summer, Taylor went to the board (the current president was not even a board member at the time) asking for a LOAN to pay for Kaileen Amador-Taylor's funeral...until the money from a burial insurance policy came through. (It might be mentioned that it wasn't typical for the CAST to loan money for funeral expenses, but to DONATE it with no expectations of being repaid.) The loan by the CAST was willingly approved. A few months later, Mr. Humanitarian approached Larry Taylor at a CAST function at the Italian American Club honoring the Society of Seven. He did not offer his sympathy or even extend a hand in friendship, instead he said to Taylor, "By the way, did you ever pay back the CAST for the loan?" As it happens, the money had been paid back some weeks earlier. We ask, is this the kind of person who should be heading up something remotely like the old CAST? The current leader does not do anything for anyone, without a motive...and the motive always involves self-promotion. We wonder how our city mayor might feel about declaring this no-talent blowhard an "Entertainment Ambassador," if he knew this is the kind of man who carries that undeserved, unearned title. We have not forgotten our promise to respond to the Libelous Statement Regarding Tony Sacca lawyer letter we received, published in last week's column. We are following advice to respond in the right way at the right time. As we said before, and this we promise...THERE WILL BE NO RETRACTIONS regarding anything we have written. Stay tuned. * * * * * * Freda Payne played to a sold-out house at the Charleston Heights Arts Center last Sunday. This lady is ageless and still beautiful, 38 years after her Grammy-winning version of Band of Gold hit the charts. In her recent appearance, Freda paid tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, singing songs such as A Tisket, A Tasket, Mr. Paganini, You've Changed, Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most, Someone to Watch Over Me, and My Buddy. Freda was backed by Rahn Coleman on piano, Joey Malone on drums, Phil Wigfall on saxophone and Hilliard Wilson on bass. Spotted at the meet-and-greet after the show were Jeanne Brei, Bob Kaz, and from Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular, Doug Carfrae and our Phavorite Phantom, Brent Barrett. We will soon have information about an upcoming performance by Brent, separate and away from The Venetian.
Displaying keen perception and great insight. She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice. She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em. She’s... Claire Voyant Las Vegas - February 8, 2008    Jahna Steele CATS Roseanne Barr The first of two local memorial services for the late Jahna Steele will be held at Canyon Ridge Christian Church, located at 6200 West Lone Mountain Road Room C-100, on Monday, February 11th at 2 p.m. This tribute is being lovingly put together by Joelle Jenson, Lon Bronson, Shellee Renee, Frank Marino, Karen Raider, Nicole Navarro, Norbert Aleman and Tara Drasy, longtime friends and co-workers of entertainer Jahna who died at the age of 49 on January 24th. A number of wellknown local personalities, including magician Lance Burton and Robin Leach, are expected to attend. There will be a reception at the home of Joelle Jenson following the service. If you would like to learn more about Jahna Steele, as well as other women who traveled a similar path, Cousin Claire suggests the very interesting documentary, Trantasia. Filmed mostly in Las Vegas, the film takes a behind-the-scenes look at the first-ever transsexual beauty pageant, where Jahna served as Mistress of Ceremonies. For more information on Monday's open to the public service, call the Canyon Ridge Christian Church at (702) 658-2722. It is requested that attendees wear pink, Jahna's favorite color. We will have more information about the second celebration (this one musical in nature), scheduled for February 29th at the E String Grill, next week. Also, a reminder for friends and fans of acclaimed dancer Clem Zeleski. A memorial service to pay tribute Zeleski is taking place tomorrow afternoon, February 9th, at the East Flamingo Clark County Library Theater. This Celebration of Life gathering begins at 1:30. Clem, best known for his tribute to Fred Astaire, was only 45 when he died unexpectedly on November 27th. Former Stardust Lido de Paris performer, Kenny Mazlow (now Director and Choreographer for San Francisco's long running, Beach Blanket Babylon), will serve as host/MC. The public is invited to attend. * * * * * * The award-winning Las Vegas Academy of International Studies Performing & Visual Arts (whew!) presents CATS, Las Vegas style. Based on the universally popular poetry of T.S. Eliot, CATS tells the story, in song and dance, of the annual gathering of Jellicle cats. During this time, one special cat is selected to ascend to the Heaviside layer. This newly conceived production may change the way you feel about CATS, the musical as well as the beloved house pet. CATS opened last night and will run through February 23rd, with performances at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays - tonight and February 9th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd. Tickets for the evening shows are $20. There are 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays the 16th and 23rd, with those tickets costing $15. Cousin Claire has seen a number of musicals put on by the students at this high school - Thoroughly Modern Millie, Miss Saigon, Sweeney Todd and Little Women to name some - and is always amazed and impressed by the professional quality that is achieved by these young people. One has to remind themselves that these are teenagers, not seasoned professionals...they are that good. The theater is located on the corner of Clark and 9th Street in downtown Las Vegas. Call StarTickets at (800) 585-3737 for reservations, or the Academy at (702) 799-7800 for additional information. * * * * * * Emmy award-winning comedian Roseanne Barr returns to Las Vegas, bringing her everyday humor and observations to the Sahara Hotel and Casino‘s Congo Room, beginning on March 1st. Shows will be at 9:30 p.m., Saturdays through Wednesdays, off on Thursdays and Fridays. Roseanne describes herself as "Fresh out of rehab and ready to PARTY!" "Seriously though, I'm thrilled to be back in Las Vegas for another run and cannot wait to see you all at the Sahara," says Barr. As one of the most notable names in the comedic industry, Barr holds honors as one of the highest ranked comics, landing at No. 9 on Comedy Central's list of 100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time. Following a move to Los Angeles in 1983 to pursue a career in comedy, Barr landed a television appearance on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1985. Little did she know that, years later, she would be performing in the 520-seat Congo Room, where Carson himself performed when in Las Vegas. A few years later, Barr began her namesake show. The series ran for nine seasons, picking up four Emmys, two Golden Globes, six People's Choice Awards and many other accolades. The show propelled her career and soon Barr branched out to show the world that her talent extended beyond television comedy. Releasing two best-selling books, Roseanne: My Life as a Woman and My Lives, established Barr as an author. A run as the Wicked Witch of the West in a production of The Wizard of Oz showed Barr could handle the theater-side of the industry. The Roseanne Show proved she had the power to connect with audiences in a talk show-style setting. Barr has now extended herself into children's books and DVDs. We caught the politically astute Ms. Barr on TV's Extra a few nights ago. She explained that when Bill Clinton looked the world in the eye and declared "I did not have sex with that woman," he was referring to Hillary. That makes us feel so much better. Ticket prices for Roseanne Barr start at $59.50 (inclusive of all taxes and fees); limited VIP and Golden Circle seats are also available. For more information, please contact the Sahara box office at (702) 737-2515, or visit www.saharavegas.com. * * * * * *  The Producers With The Producers closing its one year run in Las Vegas tomorrow night (Saturday, February 9th), folks who want to see it again or who are seeing it for the first time, are heading over to the Paris Theater. We were there on Monday and spotted an interesting assortment of people. Among those that we recognized in the audience were famed tap dancer Arthur Duncan (who performed on the Lawrence Welk Show for 18 years, and in the 1989 film, Tap, with the late Gregory Hines, who would have celebrated his 62nd birthday this Valentine's Day, and Sammy Davis Jr., among others); singer/actress Anna McNeely (Broadway's CATS, where she created the role of Jennyanydots; Gypsy, and Disney's Beauty and the Beast): Michael Chapman and Paul Holmquist of ChapQuist Entertainment; entertainer Laurie Miller, ChapQuist's most recent presentation at Sun City Summerlin's Starbright Theatre; actor/Burlesque historian/filmmaker Bart Williams; tour manager Bob Kaz; and UK filmmaker Louise "Lou" Camby. After the show, Mr. Duncan greeted the cast backstage, posed for photos and even gave the group a little demonstration, showing why he is considered one of the last of the classic tappers.    Lee Roy Reams Rich Affannato Anna McNeely And speaking of Laurie Miller, her back-by-popular-demand performance at the Starbright last weekend was a real treat. Her solo performance included You're Gonna Hear From Me (from the 1964 film, Inside Daisy Clover), I Got Love (from Broadway's Purlie), songs from Walt Disney films (Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid), and tributes to Cher, Barbra Streisand and Liza Minnelli. There were well-done versions of Cabaret, How Lucky Can You Get, Someone To Watch Over Me, The Man I Love, Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah, My Buddy, Inch Worm (from the 1951 movie, Hans Christian Andersen) and a little dancing number called One Step. There was also a segment touching on her years with the all-girl recording group, Expose'. With Michael Chapman accompanying Ms. Miller on piano, she did an especially terrific job on combining It Goes Like It Goes (the 1980 Oscar-winning David Shire/Norman Gimbel song from the film, Norma Rae) and Ervin Drake's I Believe. Laurie was cleverly and beautifully costumed, and used videos effectively in her one hour performance. It was female impersonator Frankie Kein who inspired Laurie to do her own takeoffs on celebrities. "I learned more from that man about being a woman on the stage than I've learned from any woman I've ever known," says the multi-talented Ms. Miller. Miller's 2004 CD is called Live...at the Riviera, and, no, it‘s not the Riviera located mid-Strip in Las Vegas. And speaking of The Producers (and we frequently do), when Keith Thompson isn't leading the 20 plus musicians of the theater orchestra, it is pianist David Kancsar (Forever Plaid) who conducts. When that occurs, David's main substitute keyboard player is Jay Atwood. On Monday night, Jay's band, Wicked Tinkers, were the musical guests and closed out the CBS's Late Late Show where they were joined by the programs' host, Craig Ferguson playing drums. Glasgow, Scotland-born Ferguson, who performs his standup act at The Orleans when he is in Las Vegas, became a U.S. Citizen last Friday. The Wicked Tinkers are a Celtic musical group who perform at many Irish/Scottish festivals, playing bagpipes, drums, didgeridoos and bronze age Irish horn. In addition to Atwood, the Tinkers are made up of Warren Patrick Casey, Keith Jones and Aaron Shaw. Look for the Wicked Tinkers new CD, Rant. And, once more before they go, a tip of the hat to the strong Producers cast and nice people who did such a good job in their roles as foils for the comedy mind that is Mel Brooks. We will miss you as members of our community. Wherever you go and whatever you do, break a leg (we don't mean you, Bill "Franz Liebkind" Nolte.    Wicked Tinkers Larry Taylor Las Vegas Tenors * * * * * * There is plenty to do around Las Vegas for Valentine's Day week...in addition, of course, to getting hitched. Here are some of the options for you romantics... Las Vegas DJ Larry Taylor, who spent 18 years hosting Ballroom Dancing at the Gold Coast, followed by a year at both Nevada Landing and the Gold Strike, now takes his fancy footwork to the Railroad Pass Hotel & Casino on Boulder Highway in Henderson, opening, appropriately, on Valentine‘s Day. Beginning on February 19th, Taylor will launch weekly ballroom evenings at Railroad Pass, on Tuesdays from 6 to 10. Larry opened Las Vegas' first disco in 1972. He has been recognized in publications such as Billboard, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and numerous local magazines and newspapers. In addition to encouraging people to get up and dance, Taylor books live entertainment...anything from Rat Pack shows, Neil Diamond and Tom Jones look-a-likes, to complete inter-active comedy dinner shows. For additional information about the Railroad Pass events, call (702) 294-5000 or (800) 654-0877. If you choose to sit this one out, and prefer your music presented from a stage, we recommend the Las Vegas Tenors in the Hilton Theater. You can expect plenty of romantic ballads courtesy of the talented tenors, Bill Fayne, Bobby Black, Teddy Davey and Mark Giovi, plus their special guest vocalists, classic soprano, Lorena Provencio; Vegas lounge favorite, Denise Clemente; and Lorena Peril, from American Superstars at the Stratosphere, and the Sunset Strip Band who perform in the Shimmer Cabaret at the Hilton. The show starts Valentine's night at 7. Tickets are $29.95 and $39.95, plus applicable taxes and service charges. Call the Las Vegas Hilton Box Office at (702) 732-5755 for reservations. Celebrate a Hassle-Free Valentine's Day with Sammy's Woodfired Pizza's Survival Kits. The kits, for couples, singles and kids are available on February 13th and 14th at all Las Vegas locations: 6500 West Sahara Avenue, just east of Rainbow Boulevard; 4300 East Sunset Road at Green Valley Parkway and Sunset in the Town Center shopping plaza, between Courtyard by Marriott and Barley's Casino; and 7160 North Durango Drive in Montecito Marketplace in Centennial Hills. The Valentine's Survival Kit is a decorated bag filled with pizza dough, cheese, sauce, herbs and an easy recipe to make a fun or romantic pizza at home. The kits lend a helping hand, providing creative options for a girls-night-out or a fun and festive activity for kids to do with their parents. Since Valentine's Day can be a tough day to get a reservation at local restaurants, the Valentine's Survival Kit provides a fun way for people to celebrate Valentine's Day in the comfort of their homes. The kits cost $5 and are available as long as supplies last. Sammy's Woodfired Pizza, founded by Sami Ladeki in 1989, is known for its gourmet pizzas, tapas, salads and signature Messy Sundae®, and has been listed among America's Top Restaurants in the Zagat Survey. Sammy's recently concluded a company wide renovation, which included a full menu revision, adding more than 20 new tapas to sample and share, as well as dramatic new design elements. Owned and operated by the Ladeki Restaurant Group, Sammy's Woodfired Pizza has grown to nearly 800 employees with nine San Diego locations, one in Rolling Hills/Torrance, one in Palm Desert, and three in Nevada. The Ladeki Restaurant Group corporate headquarters is at 565 Pearl St., Ste.225, La Jolla, Calif., 92037 and can be reached at (858) 456-8018.
And speaking of romance and Valentine's Day, the Golden Nugget's Entertainment Director, Ron O'Neal, and Jeanne Forman will exchange wedding vows on that day. We wish the happy couple the very best.
* * * * * * We are asking that you keep Vegas entertainment icon Freddie Bell in your thoughts. Bell, who along with his band, The Bellboys, were lounge staples for many years here, is gravely ill and can use your prayers.    Freddie Bell Louise DuArt & SQuire Rushnell Freda Payne * * * * * * Our sympathies go out to Howard Jochsberger, Executive Casino Host at the Suncoast, on the loss of his mother, Marcia. Services were held at Davis Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Las Vegas on Thursday. Among the mourners were Terry Jenkins, Janie Miller, Candi Cazau, Papote Varet and Donna Sinclair. Howard is a longtime employee of Boyd Gaming and one of the really good guys in Las Vegas. * * * * * * Happy anniversary to Sheri and Jimmy Hopper who celebrated their first year of (hopefully) wedded bliss on Wednesday (February 6th). Look for the multi-talented Mr. Hopper to return to the Suncoast on March 28th, 29th and 30th. We will tell you more about Mr. Hopper as we come closer to the March dates. * * * * * * At 7 p.m., next Friday, February 15th, the Community Lutheran Church located at 3720 E. Tropicana, will present the husband and wife team of SQuire Rushnell and Louise DuArt. Billed as An Evening of Music, Inspiration & Comedy, these two individuals have their own unique talents but, every once in a while, they join together on stage to create a special event. This is one of those times. SQuire Rushnell has done lots of things during his career years. He is a speaker, TV CEO and the author of When God Winks. As for his bride, DuArt is a comedienne with a gimmick, she has a knack for duplicating the voices of other people - both male and female. Among her collection of dead-on impersonations are Cher, Fran Drescher, Judge Judy, Barbra Streisand, George Burns, Bette Davis, Barbara Walters, Joan Rivers, Katharine Hepburn, Carol Burnett, Woody Allen and Edith Bunker. Louise has starred in Catskills On Broadway, hosted her own TV show, and toured with Harvey Korman and Tim Conway in a show called Together Again. (The trio were regulars on the rotating lineup of entertainment at the Stardust prior to the hotel's closing). Rushnell and DuArt first met more than three decades ago at ABC-TV. She was playing Witchiepoo on H. R. Pufnstuf, and he was a vice president there working on Good Morning America and family programming (like Schoolhouse Rock). On Saturday, the 16th, the dynamic duo will repeat their Evening of Music, Inspiration & Comedy at the New Song Church at 1291 Cornet in Henderson. Tickets for the shows, at either place, are $10 per person. Author Rushnell will sign copies of his book after both performances. In addition, he will return to the East Tropicana church on Sunday, where he will sign books after the 10:45 morning services (no performance by Mr. and Mrs. Rushnell on the 17th. Call (702) 458-2241 for more information and reservations. * * * * * * Songstress Freda Payne does her Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, this Sunday at the Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush Street near Charleston and Decatur. Payne has released 16 solo albums between 1963 and today. Her Showtime is at 3 p.m. and tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the CHAC Box Office. Call (702) 229-6383. * * * * * * And the saga (or however you spell it) of The CAST continues. And you thought (hoped?) we were through with this subject. Like we said in an earlier column, as long as there are things to write about regarding this dwindling group, we will continue to do so. Here is the latest. We, along with longtime Las Vegas journalist, Norm Johnson, and respected pioneer entertainer, Nelson Sardelli, received the following letter, dated February 4, 2008, from Coleman Law Associates. As is our custom, the letter is reproduced exactly as written, warts and all... Re: Libelous Statement Regarding Tony Sacca This office represents Mr. Tony Sacca who has turned over to us for review certain written materials apparently published by one or all of you concerning Mr. Sacca. We have examined the writings provided to us, particularly the column "It's the Norm" published January 18, 2008, and have concluded that such writings are libelous per se in that they accuse Mr. Sacca of misappropriating funds (characterized as "BESWINDLE) of The Cast, Inc. In Addition, those writings place Mr. Sacca in a false light, which, in and of itself may be construed as libel. Mr. Sacca believes that all of you may have in some manner contributed to the writings in issue, due to a series of emails between and amongst you. While it is not entirely clear whether some or all of you, except for Mr. Johnson, did actively participate, we deemed it appropriate to address this letter to all by reason of the referenced email communications. We are also advised by Mr. Sacca, and thereby impart to you, the allegations contained in those writings are absolutely false and are adversely impacting upon his reputation as a performer, producer and businessman in the Southern Nevada community. Accordingly, you are all advised that whether one or all of you participated in a conspiratorial manner, or in an active effort, to cause the aforesaid libelous statements to be prepared, written and/or published, whomsoever is responsible is hereby directed to retract such statements forthwith. Your failure to do so may result in the institution of legal proceedings for injunctive relief as well as damages. We trust that you will comply with our demand forthwith and provide to this office evidence of your retraction in whatever form. We also suggest to you that Mr. Sacca is following our advice to take all reasonable steps to avoid litigation and we suggest that it would be advisable for all of you to consider the same course. Very truly yours, (Signed) Edward S. Coleman As our response to Mr. Coleman is still "under construction," we cannot share it with you...yet (you can look for it next Friday). Although we can't speak for Mr. Johnson or Mr. Sardelli, two things we can assure OUR readers are (1) there will be absolutely NO retractions on our part, and (2) our package to Mr. Coleman will contain copies of the libelous, lying letters that his client sent to and about us, using e-mail addresses "lifted" from other people without their permission. Have a question about Las Vegas? Want to make a comment (be nice, now)?
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Displaying keen perception and great insight.
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Claire Voyant Las Vegas - February 1, 2008    Jahna Steele Laurie Miller John Fredericks In less than six weeks, Las Vegas has lost its third well-known local entertainer. On December 15th, it was Marvin "Sweet Louie" Smith who died while working at sea with partner Sonny Charles. The twosome, known as The Checkmates, were longtime Vegas lounge icons. Louie was 68 at the time of his death. Just nine days later, on December 24th, comedian Beverly Wines Cardella, known professionally as Pudgy!, died unexpectedly at her home. A native of Chicago, Pudgy! had been a current cast member of X-Burlesque at the Flamingo. Then, last Friday, too late for the January 25th column, we learned of the death of Jahna Steele. According to the coroner's report, Jahna's death was caused by an accidental overdose of a prescription medication. In an eerie coincidence, Jahna, who like Pudgy! had entertained audiences in the comedy spot of Crazy Girls at the Riviera, died exactly one month after Pudgy! If you know anything about the history of Las Vegas entertainment, you may already know the story of Jahna Steele. Jahna was born John Matheny, September 29th, 1958. While in her 20s, the San Antonio, Texas-native underwent sex reassignment surgery and became Jahna. Forget the tales saying that Jahna was "exposed" during her days at Crazy Girls. This is pure fiction. In 1992, when the reality TV show, A Current Affair, was shooting footage at Crazy Girls for an upcoming segment on the girlie revue, it was "mentioned" that Jahna had been born a male. That information caused A Current Affair to divert its focus from the show itself, and turn to its unique star, Miss Steele. This did not please Crazy Girls' producer, Norbert Aleman, and resulted in Jahna's being fired from his production. We feel this was a major mistake on the part of Mr. Aleman. He couldn't have bought this kind of publicity. The sex change was no secret to those that knew Jahna, and even those who didn't. A number of years prior to her role in Crazy Girls, Jahna was the star of the Boob Tube Revue that played at Vegas World (now the Stratosphere). During that period, Jahna was billed as the first transsexual to star in a Las Vegas Strip revue. To paraphrase a song from the Broadway musical, Flower Drum Song, Jahna enjoyed being a girl. She was bright and funny and talented. During her days as a lounge chick singer, no lady filled out a Bob Mackie-style gown better than the beautiful Jahna Steele. In 1991, Jahna was voted Las Vegas' Sexiest Showgirl. The following year, she was named Entertainer of the Year, and in 1993 she was deemed Most Beautiful Showgirl. Jahna became a talk show favorite, appearing with Maury Povich and on Entertainment Tonight. She had been married at least twice and taken advantage of more times than that. Her stint as the hostess of the Hawaiian version of Boy-lesque, ended with her being scammed out of money and a place to live by the then producer. (We understand that the scoundrel wound up serving time. We hope that's the case.) Jahna hosted the first of the Beaux Arts Ball to be held at MGM Grand's Studio 54. She guest-starred on NYPD Blue in an episode called Don We Now Our Gay Apparel. In 2004, Jahna hosted The World's Most Beautiful Transsexual Contest, held at the Riviera Hotel. A 2006 documentary film, Trantasia, based on that event is available. See it to learn more about Jahna and to gain more insight into her life and career. There will be two memorial services for Jahna. The first will take place on Monday, February 11th. We will have details on this in next Friday's column. The second, coordinated by Jahna's longtime friends, entertainers Michelle Rohl-Justice and Lon Bronson, will be A Tribute to Jahna's Great Spirit and a Celebration of her Life, filled with music, videos and memories. This will occur at the E String Grill, 2031 W. Sunset Road (near Mountain Vista) in Henderson, on Friday, February 29th. Michelle and her band will perform at 9:30 p.m., followed by the tribute that will start at 11 p.m., to accommodate the show crowd. It is suggested that people who knew Jahna, and would like to honor her, get to E String early to get a seat. For more info, to participate in sharing pictures, videos, stories, etc., or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Michelle at celebratingjahna@cox.net. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jahna Steele's name to the We Care Foundation, a treatment center for substance abusers. * * * * * * Bad news. Good news. The bad news is that the February 2nd concert date for Tony-winner Christine Ebersole at UNLV has been cancelled, and Cousin Claire wasn't notified. Thus the big build-up for Christine in last Friday's column. Fear not, fans of Broadway performers, the star of Grey Gardens has been rescheduled for an April 26th date. We will remind you of her impressive credits in mid-April. The good news is that this will allow those who had tickets for Ebersole to see the multi-talented Laurie Miller at the Starbright Theatre in Sun City Summerlin. In recent years, the onetime member of the popular girl-group, Expose, has been doing her one-woman cabaret act around the world - on land and sea. This will be a "back by popular demand" engagement for Miss Miller. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $17 for Sun City Summerlin residents, and $17 for the rest of you. Call the Starbright Theatre at (702) 240-1301 for reservations, and (702) 869-2064 for current and future show information. And speaking of our university, in celebration of Valentine's Day, members of the UNLV Opera Theatre's upcoming production of Così fan tutte present a concert of love songs (including excerpts from Mozart's opera) at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 9th at Christ the King Community Church (corner of Torrey Pines and Tropicana). Christine Seitz, the Director of UNLV Opera Theatre, is emcee for the program, and Michelle Lee is pianist. Both graduate and undergraduate students are featured on the program, including Eldric Bashful, Walter Biggham, Dominick Chenes, Edina Flaathen, Luis Gonzales, Kristopher Jordan, Georgia McQuade, Amanda Mura, Michele-Bridget Ragsdale, Lynne Ricci, Brandon Teal, and Christina Williams. This concert is free and open to the public.
* * * * * * To help celebrate African American History Month, Conversations with Frederick Douglass, an original stage production, produced and directed by Walter Mason, ponders what it would be like if Douglass had a one-on-one conversation with Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and others. Co-sponsored by Cox Communications and the Frederick Douglass Educational Fund, Conversations with Frederick Douglass will take place in the West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., on Saturday, February 9th at 7 p.m. Mr. Mason, a longtime Las Vegan, was formerly associated with the legendary Sammy Davis Jr., prior to going to work in the entertainment department of the Las Vegas Hilton. He is currently head of the Ira Aldridge Theatre Company of Nevada, where he teaches acting. Frederick Douglass (1817-1895) was a U.S. abolitionist, orator, and writer. He escaped from slavery in 1838, and campaigned against racism in the United States. Admission to this program is free and open to the public. For additional information, call the West Las Vegas Library at (702) 507-3940. * * * * * * Mosaic, the Las Vegas-based musical group, was recently named the Next Great A Cappella Group on CBS's The Early Show. The nationwide search was judged by Boyz II Men, the best-selling Motown group ever. On Monday, Mosaic received their grand prize, national airtime performing on The Early Show. Mosaic is made up of six members, Josh Huslig, Sean Gerrity, Corwyn Hodge, Troy Dolendo, Heath Burgett and John Gibson. Huslig founded the group three years ago while living in Orlando, Florida. Each of the members was working in entertainment and connected musically through one another. Since moving to Las Vegas in late 2006, Mosaic has performed as special guests with comic George Wallace at the Flamingo. They have also established themselves as a favorite for private events. The group's act covers a wide range of songs while mixing elements of funk, jazz, hip-hop and even opera to create a sound all their own. Heard live, it is hard to believe that every sound is vocally produced. Mosaic is currently working on a new album. You can see them along with George Wallace at the Flamingo, Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10 p.m. Call (702) 733-3333 for reservations. * * * * * * Beginning on February 7th, Channel 3's popular weatherman (and dog lover), John Fredericks, will once again serve as host/MC for a month of Thursdays talent competitions to be held at the Suncoast. Produced by Ed Mathews' Desert Productions, the first group of competitors are youngsters. There will be six performers (listed according to age) showcasing their talent. The youngest is nine-year-old Kiersten Apfelbaum, a 4th grader at the Gilbert Magnet Performing Arts School and member of choir and drum team. Kiersten has acted in several plays and performed at the Bootlegger, Turnberry Towers and other local events. Ellie Smith, age 11, has earned the nick-name "Star Spangled Girl" for performing the National Anthem for crowds at Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks games. She was selected by David Foster to perform in the 2007 Andre Agassi Grand Slam event, along with Tony Bennett, Kelly Clarkson, Hall & Oates and Santana. Eliie has also performed at the Tuacahn Amphitheater, Disneyland, and many other civic events and productions. Fourteen-year-old Barry Fortgang was voted Best Male Vocalist at the Contemporary A Cappella Competition, and second place winner on Las Vegas Channel 5's Singsation's TV Show. Barry performs with the Green Valley High School Choir, Madrigals, and Barbershop. He played Chip in Green Valley's production of Beauty and the Beast, and hopes to perform in a Broadway Show someday and/or play for the New York Yankees. Vanessa Bayot, also14, adores singing. She performs in her school's musicals and choir, and has performed at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, Plaza Hotel and Turnberry Towers. Vanessa will continue to sing until she reaches her dreams. Jennifer Daquilla, age 17, attends Coronado High School in Henderson. She has performed for local events around the valley including at UNLV, the Bootlegger, Turnberry Towers, the City of Henderson Amphitheater and Fremont Street Experience. Jennifer will attend UNLV as a voice major in the fall. She aspires to be a professional performer. Eighteen-year-old Tess Langguth enjoys country music, especially singer Carrie Underwood. She has performed at the Clark County Fair, Bootlegger, San Gennaro Feast, Turnberry Towers, and many other local events. Tess hopes to become a recording artist. Tickets are Free to Club Coast Members (limit two per member). They may be picked up at the Suncoast Box Office on the Mondays before each show, beginning at noon on February 4th. The Box Office is open until 8 p.m., but tickets are always gone by 2 p.m. Call (702) 636-7075 or Toll Free at (877) 636-7111. If you are not already a Club Coast Member, shows like these are one of the reasons to become one.
* * * * * *    Montel Williams Sylvia Browne Oliver Liam Richman On Wednesday, CBS Television Distribution announced the cancellation of The Montel Williams Show. The 17-year-old syndicated talk show will cease production after the current television season. Stations that carried his show will be offered a series of Williams reruns. The Best of Montel will be 260 hours of "some of the most exciting episodes" from the show's history, the producers said. If our local CBS station, Channel 8, decides to air a year's worth of repeats (and we wonder why they would), we hope that the segment, with the topic being mother and daughter exotics, will be one of the repeats. It was on that episode that Montel met the lady that would become his second wife, Las Vegas' own Grace Mohrle (known when she was performing here as Bambi Jr.), and his future mother in law, Dori Kotzan (known professionally as Bambi Sr.). Montel was cancelled after Fox stations, which carried his show in the country's top two markets, declined to renew the show. Montel has averaged a 1.5 rating this season, down 12% from last season. The show peaked at a 4.4 rating in its best season. Montel has not commented on what he'll do next. We have to wonder if the cancellation news came as a surprise to Mr. Williams, or if his psychic friend and frequent guest, Sylvia Browne, was intuitive enough to give him a heads-up on this one. And speaking of Sylvia Browne, from the StopSylviaBrowne Internet site comes these comments from non-fans of Ms. Browne (you can count Cousin Claire among them)... "Whatever the reasons for the (Montel Williams Show) cancellation, Browne will no longer have her free hour-long infomercial every week on national television, and that will translate to fewer of her books being sold, and fewer people being exposed to her. I believe this to be a very good thing." And from another writer, "Regardless (of the reason for Montel's cancellation), it's a dramatic loss of publicity for SB and will have a major impact on her ability to keep on racking in the millions, defrauding people, and doing damage on such a large scale, and that's what matters. All reasons for us to celebrate!" And then there is this one, "My guess is that we will continue to see new books with her name on them (regardless of who actually writes them) until they stop selling well, and that she will continue doing her $750, twenty-minute phone readings as long as the market for them exists. And our very favorite, "Maybe tomorrow is the last new SB episode. Maybe it's the one where she gives a reading that she so obviously pulls out of her ass, even Montel looks at her and goes "What? What the **** are you talking about? Did you just make that **** up? You been making all that **** up all this time? **** that! I'm outta here!" If you think we are making this **** up, or would like to read more, check the site for yourself! If you still want to see Sylvia Browne live, you will have a chance to do so when she appears at the Excalibur in Las Vegas, February 9th through the 14th (dark on the 15th) and on the 16th. She then returns in March, from the 8th through the 13th (dark on the 14th) and the 15th through the 18th. Show times are at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $82.50 and $137.50, PLUS applicable fees. Cousin Claire Voyant, who fancies herself somewhat of a psychic herself, predicts you would have to be a little nuts to spend this kind of money on the hit and miss Miss Browne. Attendees must be 12 or older. For reservations call (702) 597-7600 or (800) 750-5464...if you dare. And, on the subject of TV cancellations, after eight years on the air, Judge Hatchett has also gotten her pink slip. As in the case of the Montel Williams Show, repeats of Judge Hatchett will be offered to stations next season. If ANY court TV show should have been given the ax, we feel it should have been the embarrassingly bad Judge Maria Lopez. And so it goes. * * * * * * If you are a regular reader of Claire Voyant (and we know you are), you may remember when we wrote about young entertainer Cayleigh Capaldi who made her Vegas main room debut in the Las Vegas Tenors' December holiday show at the Hilton. This 7-year-old blew the audience, not to mention her father, away with her talent and poise on stage. We have to give some of the credit for Cayleigh's abilities to the genetic factor - her parents are the multi-talented singer/musician (he plays many instruments), Domenick Allen, and singer/actress Leigh Zimmerman, currently playing Ulla in The Producers at Paris Las Vegas. Well here's another good example of the gene theory at work. It would be quite a surprise if young Oliver Liam Richman wasn't talented. Like Cayleigh, Oliver has show business in his genes. His maternal grandfather was the late songwriter Ron Miller (For Once In My Life, If I Could, I've Never Been To Me, and many, many more). His paternal grandfather is actor/artist/author, Peter Mark Richman. And Oliver's mother is singer/songwriter Lisa Dawn Miller. Environment could also play a role in Oliver's amazing talent. His step-father is comic/ producer/actor/singer (yes, he sings), Sandy Hackett, the son of the late Buddy Hackett. We wonder how many folks know that, in 1964, Buddy Hackett starred in a short-lived musical called I Had a Ball. Richard Kiley (best known for his role as Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha), and one of Jerry Herman's favorite ladies, Karen Morrow, also starred. The music was written by our friend Jack Lawrence and Stan Freeman. The senior Hackett did a surprisingly good job on a tongue-twister of a song called Dr. Freud. You can hear it, along with the rest of the original tunes, on the cast album. Back to Oliver. Two years ago, we saw this phenom perform at the Suncoast with Lisa and Sandy in a family holiday show. He knocked our socks off (it was winter and we were wearing them). Today, Oliver has a new CD (his grandfather's For Once In My Life), an agent and his own Web site. Forget American Idol...we predict a Tony Award for this young fellow, before he turns 30. Check out Oliver Liam Richman's site, and see if you don't agree with us.    Karen Morrow Gerry & Scott McCambridge Eric Comstock & Barbara Fasano And this genetic thing continues with the McCambridges. In another family affair situation, Gerry McCambridge, known as The Mentalist, has his son Scott McCambridge learning the business from the ground up. Seventeen-year-old Scott is now appearing on stage in the show at Hooters with his proud father. "He expressed an interest in show business about a year ago. I put him to work backstage when I headlined nightly at the legendary Stardust." When the Stardust closed, and Gerry was offered a contract at Hooters Casino Hotel, he felt Scott was ready for some stage time. "After the show every night he signs autographs and poses for photos with all his glassy-eyed teen age female fans," states Gerry. In addition to his son, The Mentalist has added something else to his show. On the heels of his recent participation as a contestant on NBC's reality series, Phenomenon, Gerry McCambridge ends his Hooters shows by successfully predicting the lottery numbers. "For years, after every performance I am always asked by audience members if I can predict the winning lottery numbers" McCambridge says. "It is something I always wanted to attempt. It took about two years to figure out how I could make it happen successfully, night after night, at the finale of my Las Vegas show. The audience is looking at my predicted numbers during the entire performance" Gerry explains. "The lottery routine ending involves the entire audience. They all take part in the shows as the showroom goes crazy with excitement. When they see the prediction unfolding right before their eyes, they are amazed. Many of them write down my predicted numbers and play them back in their home state after leaving Sin City," he chuckles. Since his appearance on Phenomenon, the demand for Hooters tickets and private appearances around the country has increased. As a result, the property has added more Mentalist shows to their schedule. McCambridge is now performing magic, comedy and mind reading in the Hooters Night Owl room, five nights a week. Show times are Wednesdays through Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $36.95 and may be purchased by calling (866) 584-6687. Check out both Gerry and Scott McCambridge at Hooters. Tell them that Claire Voyant sent you. * * * * * * On Wednesday, February 6th, New Yorkers and East Coast visitors can catch an enjoyable evening of music when the Lincoln Center presents American Songbook, This Is The Life, as Eric Comstock and company give a jazzy salute to composer Charles Strouse in his 80th year. Performing along with piano player/singer Comstock will be his beautiful wife, Barbara Fasano on vocals, Harry Allen on tenor saxophone, Peter Washington on bass, and Vito Lesczak on drums. Strouse, who wrote the music for Broadway's Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, Golden Boy, Applause and many other hits, will appear as special guest. The event will take place at 8:30 p.m., in the Allen Room at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th Street. Tickets start at $35. Call CenterCharge at (212) 721-6500.
* * * * * * Last Tuesday offered a wealth of entertainment for music lovers. The reading of Keith Thompson and Buddy Sheffield's IDAHO! brought out lots of show folk for the afternoon performance in UNLV's Black Box Theater. The audience was amused and greatly entertained. The music is punny and delightful, and the performers are among the best in The Entertainment Capital of the World. That same night, the monthly Composers Showcase was in the spotlight. It was Standing Room Only, in and outside of the Liberace Museum's Wes Winters Showroom. The talent of the songwriters and the people who perform the tunes is always top-notch. Our favorite segment, among a night of highlights, was the trio made up of New York guest artist Jay Rodgers, and local composer/singers Keith Thompson and Thom Culcasi, singing Yes, This Is My Real Voice (and yes, that IS Rogers' real voice). The very clever tune was written by Thompson for his original musical called Kooky Tunes. This is a revue that should be seen by Las Vegans...perhaps for a charity fundraiser. Anybody listening? Have a question about Las Vegas? Want to make a comment (be nice, now)?
If so, drop an e-mail and ask. Click Here
Cousin Claire will do her best to find the answer for you.
You can find Past Columns HERE
Tags: Las Vegas Gossip And News
Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - January 25, 2008    Bill Nolte Rosemary Alvino Diana Ross The Producers cast member, Bill Nolte, who portrays the somewhat paranoid Franz Liebkind in the very funny Mel Brooks production currently playing (until February 9th) at Paris Las Vegas, will go solo on February 24th, when he performs his one man show at the East Flamingo Clark County Library. Calling his act All of Me, Nolte will pay tribute to his new home, Las Vegas, with song and dialog. Nolte has decided that, after The Producers closes, rather than return to New York and his small dark apartment (his description, not ours), he will he will stay in the charming townhouse that he purchased here a year ago. East Coast (or any coast) auditions are only a short drive or a flight away from Southern Nevada. With his years of theatrical experience, Nolte can find plenty to do locally (teaching voice and auditioning skills, for example) when he isn't on a stage somewhere around the country. For his upcoming show at the library theater, Bill promises to leave his pigeons at the Paris Theater. If you have seen the show, you will know what we are talking about. If you haven't...get over there! This Sunday, The Performing Arts Society of Nevada (the same folks who bring you Bill Nolte next month) , presents Rosemary Alvino as part of their Las Vegas Lyric Opera series. Mezzo Soprano Alvino has an extensive background in opera, musical theater and sacred music and most recently is extending her repertoire to include the Latin music of Mexico, Spain, and Argentina. She has sung throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in Mexico, Argentina, Italy and Israel. In April of 2006 Ms. Alvino was featured soloist with Artists for a United World Concert at the United Nations' Dag Hammarskjöld Hall, New York City and again in Buenos Aires in August of 2007. In May of 2001, she made her Carnegie Hall debut and in the 2002 season, she appeared again at Carnegie's Weill Hall with contemporary composer Lukas Foss singing arias from his opera Griffelkin. Rosemary has performed with Seattle Opera, Opera Colorado, Opera Company of Brooklyn, Tulsa Opera, Opera San Jose, Mendocino Music Festival, Natchez Opera Festival, Nevada Opera Theatre, Springfield Regional Opera, Las Vegas Lyric Opera and both Colorado and Nevada Symphonies. She is a native of New Jersey and currently divides her time between New York City and Cuernavaca, Mexico. When in New York, this talented lady is a volunteer cantor at The Cathedral of St. Patrick's. She has also had the honor of singing Mass with the late Pope John Paul II at the Vatican in Rome. Alvino's special Las Vegas guests will be Claudio Herrera, resident pianist with the Instituto Nacional de Belles Artes in Mexico City, and Bruce Ewing, currently appearing in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian. Tickets for both shows are $15. The Sunday afternoon series are always at 2 p.m. Call The Performing Arts Society of Nevada at (702) 658-6741 for reservations to either or both of these presentations. * * * * * * Was it live or was it Memorex? When it came to determining whether Diana Ross was really singing or lip-synching during her performance at the opening of the brand new Palazzo last week, one of the city's finest writers turned to Frank Marino for the answer. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal's pseudo journalist, Mr. Marino "has made a career out of lip-synching Joan Rivers." We have no idea if this fellow, who specializes in entertainment, has ever seen An Evening at La Cage at the Riviera but, even if he hasn't, how in the world would Frank lip-synch jokes and dialog? Logic, facts and accuracy seem to regularly elude this unnamed writer for Nevada's Largest Daily Newspaper. * * * * * * After a one month sabbatical during December (many of the shows are dark and the talented performers take off for parts unknown for the holidays), the Composers Showcase returns for the first of its 2008 series. This Tuesday, January 29th, at 10:30 (after theater), in the Wes Winters Showroom, at the Liberace Museum, 1775 East Tropicana at Spencer, the showcase will feature the original songs of local composers and songwriters Tom Caruso, Thom Culcasi, Wayne Green, Richard Oberacker, Morris "Buddy" Sheffield and Keith Thompson. The works will be performed by Robin Baxter, Marshal Carolan, Carol Linnea Johnson, and Rob Sutton, all from Mamma Mia!; Kristen Hertzenberg, Rebecca Spencer and Ryan Silverman, from Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular); Jessica Sheridan from The Producers; actor/composer Jimmy Lockett, Poppa in the national touring company (including the Las Vegas Hilton's version) of Starlight Express, and God Lives in Glass; New Yorker Jay Rogers (star of Keith Thompson's Kooky Tunes and more), and other special guests. Musicians Philip Fortenberry (on piano) and Moonlight Tran (on cello) will also be featured. There is a cash bar (no credit cards, please) and a $5 hors d'oeuvres buffet provided by Keg and Cork Catering. The Liberace Museum is located next door to Carluccio's Tivoli Gardens. Come early for dinner and stay for the show. Carluccio's serves until 10 p.m. The Liberace Showroom is in the round building next to the restaurant (enter off Spencer). The mission of the Liberace Foundation is to help talented students pursue careers in the performing and creative arts through scholarship assistance. Donations are always graciously welcome. * * * * * * We inadvertently left out the name of accompanist Joey Singer when writing of the Bruce Ewing concert at the Liberace Museum on Sunday, January 13th. Not only did Mr. Singer play for the very successful Second Sunday cabaret launch, he also served as Musical Director and accompanist for Ewing's 16 song CD, Tonight at Eight - Songs From Broadway. If you haven't heard this recording, check it out. Bruce, currently a cast member of Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian, does a great job on favorites such as All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera, Embraceable You from Girl Crazy, Bring Him Home from Les Miserables, They Say It's Wonderful from Annie Get Your Gun and Being Alive from Company. As for Singer, he has served as Musical Director for the Unsinkable Debbie Reynolds for more than 20 years. The Las Vegas resident has also played and conducted for a number of other professionals, including Henry Mancini, Johnny Mathis and Toni Tennille, and performed with the likes of Rosemary Clooney, Gerry Mulligan and Zoot Sims, during his career in music. * * * * * * Decisions. Decisions. We hate when this happens. With sometimes very lengthy gaps between professional cabaret-type presentations, on Saturday, February 2nd, we have two talented ladies basically competing for the same audience members. At the Starbright Theatre in Sun City Summerlin, it's Laurie Miller performing under the banner of ChapQuist Entertainment. A native of Miami, Florida, these days (and nights) Laurie spends most of her time performing on some of the most prestigious, luxury cruise lines as well as at corporate events and in theatrical productions worldwide. Her professional appearances range from musicals to lavish revues, intimate jazz clubs and major label recording projects. Laurie is known in the industry as one of the original members and creators of the pop-hit group Expose´, whose debut album, Exposed, is documented in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame history book for having more Top 10 hits than The Beatles had on their debut album. Exposé was initially formed in 1984, when Lewis Martinee, a Miami disc jockey and producer, and his Pantera Productions talent scouts hired Sandra Casanas (Sandeé), Alejandra Lorenzo (Alé), and Laurie as the group's lineup. The next year, the trio recorded Point of No Return, with Lorenzo singing lead. The Pantera Records 12" vinyl single became a No. 1 Billboard Hot Dance Club Play hit. The song helped to introduce a genre of music that became known as Freestyle. The success of Point of No Return led Exposé to their signing with Clive Davis' Arista Records. A year later, the group recorded and released their second club/dance Freestyle hit single entitled Exposed to Love, on which Lorenzo also sang lead. Exposé realized continued success, including a club tour to key cities. Impressed with the performance of the two singles and their unique sound, Arista granted approval for the group to record their first album. Shortly thereafter, Casanas left the group to pursue a solo career, and Lorenzo quit to pursue other ambitions. Laurie Miller left the group to begin a solo career as a cabaret-style performer. She has been delighting audiences ever since, with her critically acclaimed show featuring heartfelt vocals, high energy dancing, and her unique comic flair (with parodies of some show business favorites, including Barbra, Cher and Liza). She is also the CEO and founder of XICA Productions (pronounced shee-ka). Known internationally, XICA Productions is acclaimed for creating unique and artistic atmosphere in diverse venues, using unusual entertainers, creative lighting and décor. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $17 for Sun City Summerlin residents, and $17 for the rest of you. Call the Starbright Theatre at (702) 240-1301 for reservations, and (702) 869-2064 for current and future show information.    Laurie Miller Christine Ebersole Artie Schroeck & Linda November On the very same night, as part of UNLV's New York Stage and Beyond series, we have two-time Tony-winner Christine Ebersole performing in the Artemus Ham Concert Hall. Although she has appeared on television and in film, it is on Broadway where Christine has found the most success. Her most noted roles have included a role in Gore Vidal's The Best Man in 2000, playing Millicent Jordan in Dinner At Eight in 2002 (for which she was nominated for a Tony Award), portraying M'Lynn in Steel Magnolias in 2005, and the role for which she won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, as Dorothy Brock in the 2001 revival of 42nd Street. (In 1981, Lee Roy Reams, currently in The Producers at Paris Las Vegas, was nominated for a Tony (and Drama Desk Award) as Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his role as Billy Lawlor in 42nd Street). In 2006, Ebersole took the dual role of Edith Bouvier Beale ("Big Edie") and Little Edie Beale in Grey Gardens, a musical based on the movie of the same name. After a sold-out off-Broadway run, the play moved to Broadway in the fall of 2006. Ebersole received rave reviews both places and earned her second Tony for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. She currently lives in Maplewood, New Jersey with her second husband, Bill Moloney, and their three adopted children. Ebersole's first husband was soap star, Peter Bergman. Bergman has played Jack Abbott on The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful, since 1989. Showtime for Christine Ebersole is at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are $40, $55 and $80. Call UNLV at (702) 895-2787 (ARTS) for reservations. Laurie Miller's photo by Carrie Richardson * * * * * * Once again, there are reports circulating about the impending implosion of the Greek Isles (formerly the Debbie Reynolds Hotel and, before that, the Paddlewheel). It would be unrealistic to think that the hotel, located on Convention Center Drive between the Las Vegas Strip and Paradise Road, won't come down at some time (the parcel of land, in a prime off-Strip location, is much too valuable to house this outdated building), but it isn't planned for immediate destruction. The Greek Isles is the home of both The Rat Pack Is Back and The World's Greatest Magic Show, produced by Dick Feeney and Sandy Hackett. * * * * * * Artie Schroeck and Linda November. The names may not be familiar but chances are you have heard their work before. Linda, who rightfully calls herself The Jingle Lady, is really a saleslady. Her singing voice has helped sell hundreds of well-known products, from the famous "Mean" Joe Green Coke Commercial to the much-imitated commercial for Meow Mix cat food. Linda's career, which began at age five, did not with singing, but as a concert pianist. That ended during her teens when it was more important to have long nails than play the piano. When she was sixteen, a doctor friend of the family asked her to sing a song for one of his patients. She was immediately directed to her first and only manager, the star maker, Gus Schirmer. Gus recognized her talent and sent her to the legendary Richard Rodgers. Linda became a protégé of Rodgers. She worked hard to develop her voice but still had no success in seeking leading roles on Broadway. One day, Schirmer sent her out on an industrial production for the Ford Motor Company, and the rest is history. Linda has sung on records with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Dionne Warwick, Burt Bacharach, Barbra Streisand, Tony Orlando, Engelbert Humperdinck and Frankie Valli, to name a few. At one time, she had more than 700 jingles playing simultaneously on national television and radio. Her most famous commercial, the "Meow, meow, meow, meow" one for Meow Mix cat food, became the No. 1 jingle of all time. Linda continues to perform, usually with Mr. Schroeck. And speaking of Mr. Schroeck, here's a little something about him. Born in Irvington, New Jersey, Artie is comes from a very musical family. His father played the xylophone, his mother played piano, and his three older brothers played a variety of instruments and were tap dancers (we presume they didn't play and tap at the same time). Artie began playing drums and piano when he was only three. At five, he, on drums, and his piano-playing brother, Harold, were performing at social functions in North Jersey. When he was eight, the brothers began appearing on the showplace piers in Atlantic City. It was there that the legendary drummer, Gene Krupa, heard Artie play and took him under his wing. Within a short time, the Schroeck brothers were playing with Krupa's band as well as with the Louis Prima and Johnny Long bands. When Harold left the act to raise his family, Artie stayed on, playing drums, piano, bass, vibraphones or whatever the gig called for. While still performing, he started doing band arrangements as well. While playing an engagement in Las Vegas, the teen went to a local music store to try out a Hammond organ. Lionel Hampton happened to be in the store, heard Artie playing, went to a piano and started jamming with the young musician. When they were finished, Hampton asked Schroeck to come to the Riviera that night. The chance encounter at the music store resulted in Artie going to work with the Hampton band for two years. After he left Lionel, Artie was hired as a recording studio arranger. He worked with Neil Diamond (who turned 67 on Thursday the 24), The Lovin' Spoonful, Paul Anka and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. It was Schroeck who wrote the arrangements for Valli's I've Got You Under My Skin and his big hit, Can't Take My Eyes Off You. Artie also wrote songs for these artists, as well as for Liza Minnelli, Petula Clark, Sammy Davis Jr., Barry Manilow and Frank Sinatra. (Schroeck wrote Here's to the Band for Old Blue Eyes.) Artie's film and TV credits include, The Deer Hunter, The Sunshine Boys, You're a Big Boy Now, The Last Request, Liza in London, and Liza at Carnegie Hall and Radio City. He has won a number of Clios for his commercial arrangements and compositions, including for Now is the Time, ABC is the Place, Come On Along with ABC, You Deserve a Break Today for McDonald's, Nobody Cares For Eyes More Than Pearle, and Dannon Yogurt, to name a few. Since his studio days, Artie Schroeck remains mostly behind the scenes where his work is known and respected by his peers and heard all over the world by the general public. Schroeck and November have been a couple for 40 years, living much of that time in Las Vegas. Mr. Schroeck is a proud member of F.I.O.R.E. (Fun Italians Organizing Ridiculous Events). Mrs. Schroeck is also a supporter who attends the Fun events when the ladies are welcome (usually at the December holiday party and February's Valentine's gathering). And speaking of the non-club club F.I.O.R.E., here is a friendly (with "friendly" being the operative word) reminder from the Head Organizer...F.I.O.R.E.'s 3rd Annual Valentine's Day Luncheon/Party will be held on the second Tuesday of February (that would be the 12th, Abraham Lincoln's birthday). It will, once again, be held at the newly renovated Take 1 Restaurant/Nightclub, located on the southeast corner of Fremont and 7th Street in downtown Las Vegas. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m., exclusively for the party attendees. There will be a great luncheon, live music (played by mostly live musicians), dancing, entertainment, prizes, a no host bar, raffles (with cash prizes for some winners), and all for a measly $25 a person. You can bring your better half, fellows, and bring the other half too. The ladies will receive flowers and chocolates. Invite all of your friends (both of them) for this one as it's the last F.I.O.R.E. party of the semester. The next gathering will not be until July, when F.I.O.R.E. celebrates its anniversary. Please contact Nelson Sardelli at NSardelli@aol.com (646-1813) or Conrad Villella atConradVillella@cox.net (254-3452) at your earliest convenience to see if you qualify to attend (are you breathing and friendly?) and/or to RSVP. And then we have that other (dis)organization, the remnants of the group formerly known as The CAST Inc. Following their General Membership Meeting, held at a Westside restaurant on the 12th of January, journalist Norm Johnson, a longtime Las Vegan and CAST member, sent his letter of resignation to Denny Jones, Webmaster, stating that he feels (The CAST) "is no longer a viable organization under its present leadership, namely Tony Sacca." This is the president's response to Mr. Johnson's request (with misspells and poor grammar left intact)... Norm, I know it is tough to realized that you are all washed up. But I want you to know you have had a great career. So just relax and enjoy life before it is over you deserve it. By the way, I do thank you for resigning from the CAST your negative energy is not flattering. Respectfully, A former Freind, Sacca Mr. Johnson passed the above e-mail on to those in his address book, along with the following message... I presume from his (Tony Sacca's) note that if I, or anyone, does not follow his dictate, then you are no longer his friend. I feel that you men and women of our little village, should know who and what type of a person you have been dealing with all these years. Subscribe to his way of doing things, or be called "washed up." I prefer to be called "washed up," than to be a follower of TS. Thanks for taking a second to read this. Sincerely, Norm "Washed Up" Johnson Are we through with this subject? That is doubtful. Until the mess is cleaned up (and a name change won't do it), and we get no more feedback from readers, we will continue our coverage of this topic. And regarding the CAST-offs...In last week's column, Cousin Claire, who prides herself on correct information, ESPECIALLY when it comes to people's names, misspelled the name of Laurence T. (The good news is, we DID spell his last name correctly.) Our most sincere apologies, Laurence. We promise it won't happen again. * * * * * * On Friday, February 1st, and Saturday the 2nd, Scott Stander & Associates will present Roslyn Kind in Concert at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. Show times on both nights will be at 8:30 and 10:30. Don Heckman of the Los Angeles Times wrote, "Forget that Roslyn Kind is Barbra Streisand's kid sister. She is too good, and too special, to have to worry about comparisons." If you are in the Southern California area, stop in and see for yourself. The club is located at 6725 Sunset Boulevard. By the way, Scott Stander is also the person who brought Rita McKenzie, and her Ethel Merman's Broadway, to the Suncoast in Las Vegas a few weeks ago.   Rosyln Kind Don Rickles * * * * * * We finally got a chance to see Shades of Sinatra, a show we have written about but never got a chance to check out until Wednesday, January 16th. The four talented singers - Ryan Baker, Larry Liso, Carmine Mandia and Lisa Smith - were performing in the Suncoast theater. We enjoyed the revue that offers some comedy shtick, mixed in with lots of Sinatra favorites. We especially liked how our friend's, songwriter Ervin Drake, great timeline song, It Was a Very Good Year, was used to introduce different segments of Old Blue Eyes' career. One of our favorite moments was Lisa's too short version of In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning. There were plenty of Sinatra favorites, including his first recording from 1939, Jack Lawrence's All Or Nothing At All, to That's Life, I've Got the World On a String, Come Rain Or Come Shine, Luck Be a Lady, The Best Is Yet To Come, All Of Me, You Make Me Feel So Young/Young At Heart, Witchcraft, Let Me Try Again, Chicago, The Lady Is a Tramp, I've Got You Under My Skin, a lovely duet of If I Loved You from Carousel and, of course, New York, New York. The group covered more than 40 Sinatra gems (The Chairman of the Board recorded more than 1700 songs during his career). Backed by a talented group of musicians - Ned Mills on piano and conducting, Dick Jones on bass, Bill King on trumpet, Gary Olds on drums, and Tom Steele on sax and a number of other horns. The audience in the almost full theater at the Suncoast loved the loving tribute to the music and career of Frank Sinatra. And, on the subject of The Shades of Sinatra, lest you think of them as just a group that plays in local neighborhood venues, last October, the talented quartet served as opening act to the legendary Don Rickles at the Golden Nugget. We were told that Rickles watched them from the wings on all three nights that they appeared. Look for the 81-year-young Rickles to next perform at The Orleans in March. * * * * * * If you are one of those people who bemoans the fact that there is very little Big Band music in Las Vegas, bemoan no more. Music-lover Ben Ardito, owner of downtown's Take 1 Nightclub & Restaurant, will introduce a new group on Wednesday and Thursday, January 30th and 31st. Calling themselves Nobody Famous and The Infamous Horns, the 12-piece ensemble will play from 8 to 10 p.m. for your listening and dancing pleasure. Come early, have dinner and enjoy the music. They will be videotaping the show, so dress accordingly and show up with someone you are supposed to be with. Take 1 is at 707 E. Fremont, on the corner of 7th. There is no cover charge but there is plenty of convenient parking available.   The Nobody Famous and The Infamous Horns Michael Kessler & Melinda Jackson * * * * * * As mentioned in an earlier column, native New Yorkers, Michael Kessler and Melinda Jackson, return to Las Vegas with their popular dance show. This time, they will perform at the Starbright Theatre in Sun City Summerlin, Sunday at 2 p.m. Kessler and Jackson have produced, directed, written, choreographed and performed internationally from ballet to Broadway to Las Vegas. They were the starring song and dance team, in The Great Radio City Music Hall Spectacular directed by Joe Layton, touring in more than 80 US cities, including an extended run at the Flamingo Hilton in Las Vegas. The twosome played in Tommy Tune's Broadway show, Grand Hotel and in Cole Porter's Silk Stockings. Michael and Melinda produced, directed, choreographed, wrote the original music, and starred with their company, M&M American Dance Theatre, off-Broadway in Manhattan Moves at the American Place Theatre. Their first production, Lost Luggage, premiered in New York City at the Emanuel Y and received a rave review in the New York Times. Within 10 months, Lost Luggage was playing to sold-out houses and standing ovations throughout Performing Arts Centers and Opera Houses in the US and Europe. Nine international tours followed. They were the Artistic Directors of Ballet Jazz de Paris and have appeared with New York City Ballet, Monte Carlo Ballet, Geneva Ballet, Frankfurt Ballet, Harkness Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theatre, and have been guest performers with principal dancers from Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre of Harlem, Joffrey Ballet, and The Bolshoi Ballet among others. M&M have performed at the Friars Club, the 92nd St Y's Kaufman Theatre, Waldorf Astoria, Broadway Supper Club, Bellagio, Wynn and Bally's Las Vegas. They have done choreography for the Winter Olympics, US Pro Gymnastics Classic, special material for The Great Radio City Music Hall Spectacular, members of American Ballet Theatre, as well as for artists ranging from Marilyn Michaels to Kevin McKenzie. They have worked with Sammy Davis, Jr., Gwen Verdon and Maya Plissetskaya. They directed and choreographed the 30th anniversary European tour of the hit Rock Musical, Hair, and co-produced, directed, choreographed and starred in a National Tour of That's Cole!, a Cole Porter dance musical revue. Tickets for this popular presentation are $25. For additional information, including directions to the theater, call (702) 363-1341, (702) 966-1410, or (702) 240-1301. * * * * * * Rule My World, a hip-hop musical based on William Shakespeare's Antony & Cleopatra, will be performed in workshop presentation at the new Los Angeles Theatre Center, this Sunday (the 27th) at 5 p.m. Featured in this special performance are Melody Butiu, Victor Chan, Deidre Henry, Daren A. Herbert, Todd Hunter, Daniel Lujan, Merrick McMahon, Joey Molina, Cedric Sanders and Ron Truppa. Book and lyrics are by Karole Foreman, with music by Allan Phillips. Jon Lawrence Rivera is directing. This is part of the Playwright's Arena, described as "Original works for adventurous minds." The LATC is located at 514 S. Spring Street, and the presentation is in Rehearsal Room 4A. Reservations are required and can only be made via e-mail. Contact jrivera923@juno.com.
* * * * * * On Tuesday, Trader Vic's celebrated six decades of beauty by playing host to 24 former Miss America winners, including Lee Ann Meriwether (Crowned Miss America 1955, California), Vonda Van Dyke Scoates (Crowned Miss America 1965, Arizona), Phyllis George (Crowned Miss America 1971, Texas), Katie Harman Ebner (Crowned Miss America 2002, Oregon), Ericka Dunlap (Crowned Miss America 2004, Florida) and Jennifer Berry Gooden (Crowned Miss America 2006, Oklahoma). Trader Vic's Las Vegas is located in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort Casino. * * * * * * He calls himself T. Fox. (What is it they say about being "Sly as a ___"?) Is he talented? We don't know, as we have never seen him perform. He spent some time singing in a hallway at the Tropicana Hotel, and shows up every once in a while at the Take 1 Nightclub and Restaurant in downtown Las Vegas. Our grievance with this man is his attempt to mislead the public. Fox claims that he served as a model for a United States postage stamp, circa 1987, used as part of the ongoing Black Heritage series. Mr. Fox also claims, in some places, that his father was the artist who painted the portrait of Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable. Neither of these claims is true. It is, in fact, Thomas Blackshear who created the portrait used for the stamp. The model used for the painting was a longtime friend of Blackshear's, and the friend is NOT, nor ever has been, a Las Vegas entertainer. This Foxy character even goes so far as to use a photo of himself, alongside the stamp (see accompanying photos) on his Web site, to show the amazing similarities (she says, with tongue planted firmly in cheek). Why do folks try to pull these kinds of stunts? How do they imagine that they aren't going to be found out and exposed? What is the point anyway? Apparently, they feel they can not make it on their talent alone.   T. Fox U.S. Postage Stamp And FYI...Thomas Blackshear is an African American artist who has achieved great success as a painter, sculpture and designer of beautiful figurines, most often on African American and/or religious themes. Blackshear, who makes his home in Colorado, created the illustrations for many stamps issued by the U.S. Postal Service, including four in the Black Heritage stamp series. In addition to the stamp mentioned above, he also designed the James W. Johnson stamp (1988), Asa Philip Randolph stamp (1989) and Ida B. Wells stamp (1990). Other U.S. postage stamps with Blackshear illustrations include portraits of boxer Joe Louis (a former Las Vegan), and jazz musicians Jelly Roll Morton and Thelonious Monk. He also did stamps commemorating James Cagney, The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, Beau Geste and Stagecoach. He also did the artwork for the Classic Hollywood Movies series, as well as several stamps for Classic Movie Monsters. Blackshear illustrated the USPS book, I Have A Dream: A Collection of Black Americans on U.S. Postage Stamps (1991). * * * * * * Last minute news...Due to today's fire at the Monte Carlo Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, Lance Burton's show has been canceled for tonight (Friday, January 25th). Check with the hotel regarding other changes at the property.
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Claire Voyant’s portrait by Charlie Frye
Tags: Las Vegas Gossip And News
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