by Jackie Brett Send Me E-mail

Mega-star Elton John and renowned photographer / director David LaChappelle will create a new distinctive spectacular for an exclusive 75 show (five shows a week for five weeks each year) commitment at the 4,100-seat Colosseum at Caesars Palace over a three year period beginning on Feb. 13, 2004. Tickets for the first series of engagements, Feb. 13-22 are on sale. They are priced at $100, $175 and $250 plus applicable taxes a handling charges, call 888-4-ELTONJ (435-8665).

This original show will be titled "The Red Piano," and the musical wonder will be joined by his band. Elton's show will not alter the show schedule for "A New Day" starring Celine Dion.

Elton's legendary career has spanned more than three decades. He has sold more than 200 million records worldwide, including 29 consecutive Top 40 hits earning him 35 gold and 25 platinum albums. His most recent album, "Elton John - Greatest Hits 1970 - 2002" has gone double platinum.

A career highlight has been his collaboration with lyricist Tim Rice, creating the soundtrack to the Walt Disney Pictures blockbuster, "The Lion King," for which his music won an Academy Award.

Elton has recently finished writing music with Lee Hall for the stage production of "Billy Elliot," which will be opening in London in 2004. Currently, he is working on the songs and lyrics for Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures Broadway Musical "Vampire Lestat" with long time writing partner Bernie Taupin.

Cher will kick off 2004 with two special guests, KC & The Sunshine Band and the Village People, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Friday, Jan. 2 and Saturday, Jan. 3, Tickets are $75.25, $175.25 and $225.25 plus applicable services charges and taxes, call Ticketmaster at 702-474-4000.

As a superstar with a career spanning four decades, the touring Cher has a reputation for eye-popping, over-the-top extravaganzas. The pop legend has made a slew of songs that transcend musical boundaries. She released "Cher - The Very Best of Cher," which sold more than 1.5 million copies in the United States. Last August, a special edition was released with a second disc featuring 18 live tracks. Her new DVD, "Cher -Farewell Tour," was filmed live before an ecstatic Miami crowd.

One of the most well known artists from the disco craze of the 70's is KC and The Sunshine Band. Their major hits include "Boogie Shoes," "Get Down Tonight," "That's The Way (I Like It)," "Shake Your Booty and "I'm Your Boogie Man."

Also on the bill is another dance sensation from the disco era, the Village People. The entertainers are best known for their singles, "Y.M.C.A.," "In The Navy," and "Macho Man."

In celebration of Treasure Island's10th anniversary, the new TI show, "The Sirens of TI," has made its debut featuring 13 sexy girls battling a band of 11 renegade pirates. This show replaces the popular 11-minute Battle of Buccaneer Bay show that debuted on Oct. 26, 1993, when the hotel opened. That show enjoyed a nearly 10-year, 16,334 performance run.

The re-imagined free outdoor show still has the two large ships; however, they look entirely different. The show's length has doubled and the best description is to consider the new revue a music-driven, contemporary rock pirate musical.

The Sirens are lead by Sinnamon ("Sin" for short), who wears the Sirens boot (treasure) to keep it safe. Other Siren names include Pillow, Eve, Coal, Breeze, Oolong, Pearl, Starling, DJ, Coral, Ribbon, Bell and Harmonia.

Captain Mac leads the pirates of "The Bull." Some of their names include Phisley, Beetle, Skin and Parrot. All the songs and dialogue are featuring the actual voices of the cast. There are three shows nightly at 6, 8, and 10 p.m. at the front of the resort.

Inside the hotel, the show is promoted by women's fashions and lingerie in a new shop called Sirens Apparel & Lingerie.

Another noticeable change at TI includes the resort's new paint color "Salmon Stream," which is more like a terra cotta. It took 6,200 gallons to paint the building that use to be a lighter coral color.

Next year will bring a Mexican restaurant by renowned restaurateur Richard Sandoval, a redesigned buffet and an expansion of TI's Canter's Deli to the property. Also in 2004, a pedestrian bridge will connect TI to the Fashion Show mall.

Award-winning comedian Carrot Top is hauling his red head full of wit back to Las Vegas for his "Non stop tour 2003" performances at the MGM Grand's Hollywood Theater from Nov. 12 - 19. Tickets are $35, call 1-800-929-1111.

Carrot Top's kaleidoscope of rapid-fire delivery, laser lights, rock-n-roll music, raucous revelry combined with a stage covered with imaginative props and treasure chests full of wild tricks has earned him numerous television appearances including his recent position as national celebrity pitchman for AT&T. Each handmade prop that comes from his silver trunks is an inspired creation.

It was an offbeat college senior that took the stage at an amateur comedy contest that led Carrot Top to his comedic calling. He was named the National Association of Campus Activities 1993 Entertainer of the Year and Comedian of the Year making him the only person to receive both honors in the same year. One year later, he was named winner of the American Comedy Award for Best Male Stand-up, as voted on by the viewers of the Comedy Central cable network.

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