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The new Red Rock Resort in northwest Las Vegas opened last week after two years since its groundbreaking on a 70-acre patch of land near Charleston Blvd. and the Las Vegas Beltway in Summerlin. The plush resort opened with 415 of its planned 850 hotel rooms and suites. A 435-room expansion is expected to open by December.

The 87,000-square-foot casino includes 3,000 slot machines, 62 table games, a poker room, a race and sports book, and a bingo room. In the dining arena, there are nine restaurants and a seven-tenant food court.

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Additional amenities include a 16-screen cinema, a three-acre pool area, 94,000 square feet of meeting space, a luxury spa and the Cherry nightclub.

Harrah's Entertainment has confirmed that the smash Broadway hit "The Producers" will open at Paris Las Vegas this summer. It hasn't been decided yet if big name stars will be a part of the Mel Brooks - penned adaptation of his successful 1967 movie.

"CATS," the Tony Award-winning show that revolutionized musical theatre, will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in Las Vegas at the Aladdin Theatre for Performing Arts when it plays eight performances from June 7 through 11. Tickets are priced between $37 and $92 plus service charges and tax; call Ticketmaster at 702-474-4000.

Before Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera," "CATS" exploded onto the stage as the first mega-musical. On May 11, 1981, "CATS" opened at the New London Theatre in the West End becoming the longest running musical in the history of British theatre. In 1982, "CATS" opened at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City and became the longest running musical in Broadway history in 1997. "CATS" ended its 18-year run on Sept. 10, 2000.

Who says cats only have nine lives? In October of 1991, "CATS" became the longest continuously touring show in American theatre history.

The Broadway musical "Hairspray" at the Luxor is preparing to usher in two new lead stars on May 1. Comic actor and "Mad TV" sketch comedian, Paul Vogt, and veteran theater actor and "Laverne & Shirley" alum, Eddie Mekka will join the star-studded cast as the devoted and thoughtful parents of plus-size trendsetter Tracy Turnblad. Vogt stars in the role of the caring and concerned mother, Edna Turnblad with Mekka by his side as the loveable and quirky Wilbur Turnblad.

Vogt, best known for his recurring role on "MAD TV," first received Hollywood recognition when he starred on NBC's "The Rerun Show." His theater credits include "The Grand Duchess," "Happy Days The Musical" and "Beanstalk." His film credits include "Princess Diaries II," "Raising Helen" and "Lilo & Stitch 2."

Mekka debuted on Broadway in 1974 starring in "Jumpers" followed by his big break as the lead in "Lieutenant," earning him a Best Actor nomination from both the Tony Award and Drama Desk committees. His television credits include "24," "The Guiding Light," "Happy Days," and his most memorable role, Carmine "The Big Ragoo" Ragusa, from the hit television series "Laverne & Shirley."

Master magician and illusionist David Copperfield will kick off his 2006 tour at the MGM Grand's intimate 740-seat Hollywood Theatre with scheduled performances June 1-14 and June 20 - July 5. Show times for his "An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion" are 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. nightly, with additional shows on Saturdays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $97 inclusive, phone 800-929-1111.

The "New York Times" calls Copperfield, who has always charted new territory, as "our era's giant of magic." Audiences and critics alike have hailed him as the greatest magician in the world. In addition to decades of network television events, worldwide tours, and "Dreams and Nightmares," the critically acclaimed Broadway show that set box-office records, Copperfield has been featured on the covers of "Forbes," "Architectural Digest" and "Esquire." He has performed seven times for presidents of the United States and was inducted into the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame. His celebrated feats and sense of theater have won "The Magic of David Copperfield" dozens of Emmy® Awards.

Legendary soul supergroup, The Commodores, will play the "night shift" at the Silverton off I-15, for two performances on Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40 for the concerts being held at the Silverton's Outdoor Events Center; call 702-914-8557 or 866-946-4373.

After meeting at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, six friends and musicians banded together to form the soulful R&B act, The Commodores. In 1971, The Commodores joined the wildly popular Jackson 5 on a two-and-a-half year tour and a lucrative record deal with Motown records followed. Their first release "Machine Gun" was a top ten hit. The group's first No. 1 hit, "Slippery When Wet," rocketed them to stardom.

In September 1976, the band released "Just to Be Close to You," their second No. 1 single. In the wake of their scorching success, the group released their biggest hits, like "Fancy Dancer," "Easy," "Brickhouse" "Too Hot ta Trot," "Three Times a Lady" and "Still."

In 1982, Lionel Richie left the group to seek solo success. The band replaced him with tenor J.D. Nicholas, who was with the group when they released their biggest hit, "Nightshift," in 1985. Their only Grammy song pays tribute to the late soul singers Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. In 1985, the group split with Motown and, under the Polydor label, charted another top ten hit with the single, "Goin' to the Bank."

Las Vegas Helldorado Days will take place this year from May 5-14, with all the action happening at the new South Coast Hotel/Arena. The one constant will be the Western Village Exhibits and continuous entertainment.

Special equestrian events will include: the Silver State Paint Horse Show May 5-7; the Mexican Rodeo May 8-10; and the WRCA Ranch Rodeo May 11-14.

Other featured events include the Whiskerino Contest on May 11 and the Helldorado Days Parade from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 13.

The Grand Opening for the Empire Ballroom located across the Strip from the Monte Carlo resort will be Wednesday, April 26 at 10 p.m. The Stevie B Dance party featuring live performances from the most renowned 80s dance and music artists will do the opening honors and kick off the weekly televised event. Pre-sale tickets are $20 and $30 at the door; call 702-440-7777.

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