Went
to see Rich Little the other night at the Paris Hotel & Casino. What a
show! If ever a show belongs on the Las Vegas strip it is "The Presidents"
starring Rich. I think he has finally landed the role of a lifetime and it's
been a long time in the making. Rich has entertained us for years with fine
impressions of the famous, but none of his previous efforts (although they were
all great) can equal this new format. It's the best thing he has ever done!
It
starts out with a near perfect Oval Office set designed by Michael Anania.
President John F. Kennedy slowly turns from looking out the big window behind
the desk. The makeup is perfect. The voice and inflections are too. The
conversations between JFK, Jackie, brother Bobby and members of his cabinet
have been carefully researched. And that is exactly what makes this show work.
The research and script written by Little, Ron Nessen and Loren-Paul Caplin
took place over a seven-year span. "I've been thinking about this idea for a long
time," Little said, relaxing backstage, a huge smile on his face. "It's finally
come together."
All
together he goes from President Kennedy right up to and including President
Bill Clinton. Each segment also has a first lady portrayed wonderfully by New
York actress Elaine Bromka. Robb Pruitt plays multiple roles including RFK, Jim
McNamara, Colson and Carville. Colin Powel and Martin Luther King are played by
Lee Summers while John Dean, Billy Carter and Dan Quayle are the works of
William Whitefield. Some off stage voices heard through the show are those of
Kevin Dinh and Barbara Boga. Michael Maddi designed little's makeup and it's
near perfect, considering the star has only a few minutes to change from being
Kennedy to Johnson to Nixon for example. The entire production is under the
direction of Bill Castellino and was taped for a PBS Special Theatrical Event.
Look for it to run during pledge week on channel 10 locally.
|
Another
wonderfully funny person celebrated her first year of having a permanent home
in Las Vegas the other evening. Rita Rudner at New York-New York is a first
class lady with the way she presents her standup comedy. It's clean and very
funny, which just goes to prove that a little innuendo goes a long way in
creating a funny circumstance. One does not need to use those special four or
more letter words to make people laugh. And when she sent out the invitation
she was immediately flooded with RSVP's and she had a full room to help celebrate
the occasion.
Everyone was given a pink boa to wear, then following
the party outside on the bridge we were given a special large martini glass to
commemorate the evening. "I love it here," Rudner said. "After you've been to
Las Vegas, every place else is just beige."
What began as a one-month gig at the MGM Grand in 2000
has really blossomed for the lady with a big smile. The Cabaret theatre has
been expanded to 450-seats and she performs seven nights a week. For ticket
information and showtimes call New York-New York box office at (702) 740-6815.
The
lady who wears beautiful gowns on stage recently completed a national tour
plugging her latest book and first novel entitled, "Tickled Pink," which has
been lauded by critics and comedians alike. Congrats Ms. Rudner, you deserve it
all!
CONTINUE ON TO...:
>Las Vegas Entertainment Today Home Page
>Entertainment Today Article Archives
>LVLG "Heard Around Town"
>Las Vegas Leisure Guide
|
