 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
| February 18, 2005 | NEWEST - PRIOR WEEK - ARCHIVES |
 | |
| "It's The Norm" - Las Vegas Entertainment Events | |
FROM SHOWGIRL TO SURVIVOR: JANU TORNELL
As I'm writing this column it is Thursday afternoon and "Survivor: Palau" has not yet aired, but will in the evening. "Survivor" is without question (in my mind at least) the best of all the reality shows and, it could possibly become more important to residents of our little village as the weeks go on. See, gang, Janu Tornell, a former Folies Bergere Showgirl at the Tropicana Hotel is one of 20 contestants vying for the $1 million that goes to the last surviving contestant. The 39 year-old former Miss Nevada USA (1989) never planned on a career as a showgirl, but eventually did follow in her mother's shoes and become a dancer. Her mother, Maria was one of the most publicized dancers in Havana, Cuba before coming to the United States. I interviewed Janu a number of years ago when I did a feature on her for Las Vegas Style Magazine. At that time she was not only working as a dancer full time (doing two shows a night at the Tropicana) but was attending UNLV to fulfill her ambition of earning a degree. In 2004 she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from UNLV.  Ms. Tornell began her career with the world-renowned French production on May 25, 1995. When offered to extend her contract in November 2004, she opted to go from the stage to the jungle in pursuit of a rare opportunity to be a contestant on the CBS show. Over the past two years, Janu was considered the spokesperson and poster girl for the Folies, appearing on the huge marquees, several billboards, national television shows, magazines and newspapers. A personal note here: This is a dynamite lady who is as nice a person as you would or could ever meet. I'm not sure how she will do on this adventure, but she will give it her all, of that I'm sure! Tony Bennett, who is appearing at the Golden Nugget this weekend, has said of his friend Bob Anderson that "he get's me so close I have to change my act." Bob is in town this weekend to perform at the Summerlin Library Theatre, opening tonight (Friday 18th) at 8 pm. and going through Sunday evening. Tickets may be purchased on the internet at |
Anderson, along with his conductor Vince Falcone (who was Tony's conductor for four years) will head downtown following his show to see Antonia Bennett in the Nugget Oasis Lounge Friday evening. Showtimes for Tony's daughter are 9, 10 and 11 pm., through Sunday. Each set will be of 45 minutes duration. "I'm really looking forward to seeing her again," Anderson said. "She's a tremendous young lady and a great talent." THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: If you want to save some money better get your tickets for the Nextel NASCAR weekend before the Green flag drops at Daytona Sunday afternoon (there). Las Vegas Motor Speedway has the turn three grandstand seats (erected after the track sold out regular seating) priced at $99.00 right now, but will go up in price after the flag drops. The ticket is good for the weekend (March 11-13) and also for the Craftsman Truck and Champ Car race on September 24. For more info call (702) 644-4444... Tonight is David Saxe's night at the "V" Theatre inside the Desert Passage Mall. His father died from Lou Gehrig Disease and each year friends and entertainers come together to honor his dad and raise funds for the local chapter. Showtime for this benefit, with some of the biggest names around stopping by to entertain, is set for 9 pm. Tickets start at $75 and top out at $150 bucks. One thing all the money stays right here in our village... Frankie Valli will begin a seven month run (coming in at least once each month) in the showroom at the Flamingo Hotel on Tuesday March 8 at 7:30 pm. through Saturday the 12th... The Rivera Hotel, as I'm sure everyone knows by now, is celebrating its 50th year in business. There will be a very special week long party in April featuring fireworks and 1950 pricing. A Michael Bolton concert has been added to the festivities. Liberace was the opening act for the hotel and the hotel has hired a look-a-like to duplicate its opening ribbon-cutting ceremony, aided by original showgirls who performed at the hotel in the 50's... Spectrum enters its fourth year at the Boardwalk Casino on the strip, and 10th year as a group according to Cushney Roberts who founded the group. Congrats "Cush" as it couldn't happen to a nicer guy... Peabo Bryson and Jeffrey Osborne will be in concert at The Club inside the Cannery Casino in North Las Vegas on Saturday, May 21st. Tickets will be priced from $30 to $60. For reservations call 617-5585 or toll free 1-866-287-4643... Bobby Collins closes out his run at the Comedy Stop at the Tropicana Sunday night, with Greg Morton taking over the headline spot Monday the 21st... Well, gang, guess that's about it for this week. I'm outa here!
|
