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| Sunday, July 20, 2003 | PRIOR ISSUE - ARCHIVES |
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| Golden Nuggets Get New Owners, Aladdin's Broadway Offerings, Gloria Estefan Hits Colosseum, New Greens, Heart Pumps At Hilton, Last Comic Standing" In Paris, Buzios' New Menu, Family Affair At Verandah , Violent Femmes Perform, More... | |
The MGM Mirage is selling the Golden Nugget hotel-casinos in Las Vegas and Laughlin to Poster Financial Group, a private investment firm established by the founding members of Internet travel seller Travelscape.com. The partners Timothy Poster and Thomas Breitling are in their mid-30s and purchasing the two properties for around $215 million.
A little history tells you that casino mogul Steve Wynn acquired the Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas in the early 1970s and purchased the 304-room Laughlin property in 1988, renaming it Golden Nugget Laughlin. The Las Vegas property dates from 1946 and is now downtown's largest resort with 1,260 slots, 58 tables and 29,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space. MGM Grand Inc. acquired the two places when it bought Wynn's Mirage Resorts in 2000.
This month the Stardust is celebrating its 45th anniversary. A time capsule, shaped like a rocket to evoke the space-age theme for which the resort was once known, will be on display at the hotel until about September. Also, in partnership with vodka maker Absolut Co., the property has unveiled a "Stardust" cocktail. The commemorative drink, being served at all Boyd Gaming Corp. properties, is Absolut Vanilla, Cointreau, apple juice, and sweet and sour mix, with a float of Leroux Creme de Noya. It's finished with lemon twists, floating rings of sugar and a stemless cherry.
The next show opening Sept. 13 at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art will be one of England's most famous private collections. The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire's more than 250 treasures, amassed over five centuries make up the show that includes crowns and tiaras, silver and porcelain, early photographs, Old Master paintings, rare books and manuscripts, and a rosary initialed by Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. The current Andy Warhol exhibit will close on Sept. 7.
The Treasure Island's transformation from a family destination to an adult hotspot is in progress with the name change to "TI" and a new neon sign replacing the pirate face marquee. The famous pirate battle that began in October 1993 has been shut down to make room for a new "sexy" makeover show, "Sirens of TI," that will debut in October.
Casino developer Steve Wynn has purchased a Rembrandt self-portrait at Sotheby's auction in London for about $11.3 million. The 1634 painting depicts the Dutch master at age 28. The painting will probably be on display at The Wynn Collection by the end of the month. When Wynn's $2 billion megaresort opens in 2005, The Wynn Collection will be moved to a new gallery in the retail section of Wynn Las Vegas.
On Sept. 13, Lisa Marie Presley will give her first Las Vegas full-length concert at the House of Blues and feature many cuts from her new album, "To Whom It May Concern." Tickets go on sale July 25. Presley has been spending the summer opening for Chris Isaak.
The flag of France is once again flying over Paris Las Vegas with America's red, white and blue flag. The flags that had adorned the outside of the property were removed during troubled times last March.
Magician Dirk Arthur has closed his show at the Silverton.
The 7,000-seat Aladdin Theatre will host a season of some of Broadway's best musicals. Subscriptions are on sale now for the season that includes "The Full Monty," "Starlight Express" and " 42ND Street." Series prices range from $88.50 to $194.75, call 702-798-5090, Monday- Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Aladdin Box Office will not be handling any subscription needs.
Opening the season Oct. 14-19, 2003 is Broadway's smash hit musical, "The Full Monty," a musical about six good buddies whose desperate plan to get their lives back together requires them to triumph over their fears, nerves and their clothes! The show was nominated for ten Tony Awards including Best Musical.
The new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's brightest musical "Starlight Express" is scheduled Jan. 20-25, 2004. This feel good musical is a story of hope and love, filled with stunts and roller-racing action.
Direct from Broadway, the razzle-dazzle musical "42nd Street" will come to town May 5-9, 2004. Winner of the 2001 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival, "42nd Street" tells the timeless, inspiring tale of small town Peggy Sawyer's rise from chorus line to Broadway star.
In addition, special subscriber options include adding the following shows: the international percussion sensation "Stomp," Aug. 5-10, 2003; the dance phenomenon "Riverdance," Feb. 10-15, 2004; the musical hit "Rent," March 19-21, 2004; and the return engagement of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Cats," June 23-27, 2004.
The Latin rhythms of music superstar Gloria Estefan will take over The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for seven shows, Oct. 10-19. Her booking is coinciding with the release of her first English language album in six years, "Unwrapped."
Entitled "Gloria Estefan Live & Unwrapped," her show is choreographed by renowned film and television director Kenny Ortega, who is famous for "Dirty Dancing," "Chicago Hope," "Ally McBeal," etc. The production will be an explosive multimedia experience mixing music, dance and costumes into a concert experience.
Tickets go on sale July 21 at 10 a.m. at The Colosseum box office at Caesars Palace. Priced at $175, $150, $127.50 and $87.50, they may be purchased through Ticketmaster at 702-474-4000.
Estefan is a five-time Grammy Award-winner, who burst onto the music scene in 1985 as the front woman of the Miami Sound Machine.
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The Greens of Las Vegas is a golf-putting attraction that opened earlier this month in a prime location one mile from the Strip by the airport on the corner of Paradise and Tropicana Avenues. The first 18-hole putting course is open along with Bogees Sports Bar and Grill @ Premiere Park, which operates daily from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Upon completion, the complex will include six 18-hole putting courses as well as a practice putting green. The golf-putting attraction will host five separate one-day $25,000 "Putt For Dough" tournaments open to all golfers in 2003. Tournament dates are Aug. 3, Oct. 11, Nov. 9 and 29, and Dec. 6. Each "Putt For Dough" tournament will carry a $25,000 purse, with the first-place champion taking home a $5,000 cash prize. In addition, membership into the Greens Worldwide Putters Association is now being accepted for golfers and non-golfers. The association offers many benefits such as discounts and priority in all The Greens tournaments, discounts at the putting courses and Bogees Sports Bar and Grill @ Premiere Park, special golf product and merchandise offers and much more. For more information, call 702-949-2010. Las Vegan actor Gianni Russo, who played the wife-beating, son-in-law in "The Godfather" and its two sequels has a part in the upcoming movie "Seabiscuit." In the film, Russo plays A.P. Giannini, the man who financed the first racetrack on the West Coast. Russo will miss the film's July 25 premiere because he'll be in Europe on a singing tour that will culminate with his appearance at the Suncoast in Las Vegas the first week of September. Heart, the successful sister act starring Ann and Nancy Wilson, will take the stage at the Las Vegas Hilton, Aug. 1-2 at 10 p.m. as part of the "Alive in America" tour. Tickets are $50 and $60 plus tax and handling fee, call 800-222-5361 or 702- 732-5755. With a total sales of 30 million records, 21 Top 40 hits and sold-out arena tours worldwide, Heart maintains momentum with their June 2003 release of a live two-CD collection, entitled "Alive in Seattle." The concert was recorded in the Wilson's hometown, at the landmark Paramount Theater. As part of the "Alive in America" tour, Heart will be backed by former Ozzy Osbourne and Alice In Chains bass player Mike Inez, Lovemongers drummer Ben Smith, former Guns and Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke and Wondermints / Brian Wilson keyboardist Darian Sahanaja. NBC's hit reality-show "Last Comic Standing," hosted by comedian Jay Mohr, will return to Paris Las Vegas to film the last two episodes of its premiere season. On July 23, the final five comics will take to the stage of Le Theatre des Arts in one last square-off before America votes on who will be crowned the "Last Comic Standing." The taping is free and open to the public with limited seating. Reserved tickets with a four-ticket maximum are available via telephone reservation or in-person beginning at the Paris Box Office, call 702- 946-4567. The July 23 taping will air in its usual 9 p.m. time slot on Tuesday, July 29. The day of the taping reserved ticket holders are admitted first and then stand-bys. NBC has also announced that it will hold the season finale of "Last Comic Standing" at Paris on Aug. 5. The new menu at Buzios Seafood Restaurant within the Rio features the finest seafood selections flown in fresh daily from around the world. Chef Joseph Hamel creates a paradise for the palate and personally hand picks the room's daily selection of delicate seafood from the Rio's own live aquarium habitat. Since its opening in 1994, Buzios, which seats 186, has been highly recognized. It was named "Best Seafood in the Desert" by the Zagat Survey, as well as one of Las Vegas' top 50 restaurants by "Casino Player" magazine. Buzios is open daily from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. for lunch and dinner, call 702-777-7923. With children out of school, the Four Seasons is introducing its first Family Affair Dinner at The Verandah with a three night kick off, July 24-26, from 5 to 7 p.m. The Verandah will feature its Family Affair special menus for children, teens and parents, too, every Thursday night through Aug. 28. A highlight of each Thursday evening will be special entertainment for children. The kick off weekend will feature an appearance by the FAO Schwarz Teddy Bear and Story Time readings of children's classics at select times in a sitting area for children. Other entertainment will include balloon makers and magicians. With just one location, families will find dining options that will please everyone. Children under 12 will have the Kid's Buffet for $10. It will feature specially decorated items like Fruit Skewers on Sugar Cane Sticks, Peanut Butter and Fluff Mini Sandwiches, and Mickey Mousse Tuna Fish Sandwiches. Teens will have their own $15 menu. For reservations or information, call 702-632-5121. On Friday, Aug. 22, The Violent Femmes featuring Gordon Cano, Brian Ritchie and Victor DeLorenzo will perform live in concert at the Palms' Skin Pool Lounge. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show, call 702-474-4000. Violent Femmes was founded in 1980. Over the years, they have performed in more than 400 cities in 40 countries and consider the audience their "fourth member." Live performances include the North Pole where they played the northernmost concert in rock history, the Royal Albert Hall and Woodstock '94. They have released 10 albums with their first album having the distinction of being the only album in the history of Billboard magazine to achieve platinum status without ever appearing in the top 200.
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