by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

Went to the Rio Hotel the other evening to catch up on one of my favorite acts: The Scintas. And as has been the case ever since they opened at the hotel in May, 2001 they continue to improve with age: like a fine wine!

The show is basically about the same since that opening night. It's two brothers and a sister with an adopted brother. Joe, the elder of the clan, is also the stabilizer of the three guys. Frankie is the wild one but what talent. Peter O'Donnell, who plays the drums, is the adopted brother who has been known to go off every now and then. When he and Frankie get going watch out. But, honestly, it is comedy at its best. And the little sister Chrissi (who, if she hits the scale at 100 pounds it would be amazing) has a set of lungs second only to the late, great Ethel Merman, and she displays this wonderful voice throughout the show.

The Scintas are not just all comedy, impressions and music. It's a family show second to none. When Frankie does his impressions it's comedy. But, when he does his classic George Burns it's acting at its best. And musically this group has it all. When was the last time you saw and heard someone play the "Spoon?" Well, when you go see this show you will see and hear Frankie play the two rare instruments. He also plays the banjo, mandolin, horn and keyboards to name just a few of the instruments he's accomplished on. Joe does a dead on Neil Diamond and his Joe Cocker is definitely over the top.

All I can say is go see this family at the Rio. The closing moments of the show will make you feel wonderful and proud to be an American, or at least proud to be living in our country: that's for sure!

Took in another evening of Karaoke inside Tequila Joe's at the Imperial Palace last Thursday. This is an outright contest folks. No just walking in and get a chance to sing a song. The winner, in this case Mark Allan Maynard as Frankie Valli, gets a check for $500.00 and a guaranteed audition for "Legends in Concert."

This particular evening there were 22 contestants participating. They ranged from a terrific Patsy Cline (Vicki Justice), a wonderful Shania Twain (Diane Critchley from Calif.) to a great Frank Sinatra (Danny Ocean of Calif.). The second place winner was Lambus Dean of Las Vegas who nailed Sammy Davis, Jr. Third place was really my personal favorite as Roy Hammock (even with microphone problems) hammered Willie Nelson. The judges, who included the beautiful Patricia Welch, had a real tough job of coming up with the final three. It was so close in the voting that the producers of "Legends" asked all three to audition. Ron Futrell of TV-13 News was the guest emcee for the evening, and did a great job. Ms Welch, Tony Sacca and Michael Cagle entertained between breaks. This particular contest is held every third Thursday of the month. Call the Public Relations department to get further information on how you audition for the contest.

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: On Tuesday, March 9 Grant Griffin returns to the Orleans Hotel Showroom with his fabulous "Magical Night of Music." I have attended every one of the previous productions and I want to tell you this is a terrific show. Not only does it star Griffin but it also features three outstanding guest Divas: Jeanine Marie, Patricia Welch and Michaelina. The concert encompasses some of the greatest music ever written and presented with beautiful lighting and great sound. The music ranges from Pop to the Classics. Larry Hart is once again producing and directing the show which includes a 26 piece orchestra under the able baton of Vincent Falcone with Bob Rozario at the piano. Tickets can be purchased at the Orleans box office for $34.95 plus tax.... The Rio Hotel has come out with a series of limited edition gaming chips bearing the likeness of legendary men of the "Chippendale's" in celebration of their second year at the hotel. The chips can be purchased at the casino cage... The legendary and wonderful voice of Luciano Pavarotti will be heard throughout the valley (well not really) when he makes his final appearance at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace this Saturday evening (Feb. 28). Tickets range from $125.00 to $800.00. Not sure if any tickets are still available but call and find out if you plan on going... Maryellen Hooper, voted "Best Female Stand-Up" at the 12th annual American Comedy Awards, will be headlining this coming week (Mar. 2-7) at Harrah's Improv... Two of the best in showbiz will be making their Stardust Hotel debut in Wayne Newton's Theatre come April 29. The very talented Steve Lawrence and his wife, the dynamic Eydie Gorme will be entertaining like non other. These two great people know how to present a song and hey, it's fabulous music: the Oldie but Goodies. I know I will be there that's for sure... The Nightclub inside the Las Vegas Hilton is the site every Sunday evening through April 25 for a dance contest called "Dance Mania" as part of the "Disco Nights" production. Cash and prizes for couples who showcase their signature moves to a panel of celebrity judges. Pre-judging starts at 10 pm with competition getting underway at 11 pm... Chris Bliss and Billy Elmer are co-headlining beginning Monday (Mar. 1-7) at the Comedy Stop inside the Tropicana Hotel...

Well, gang, that's it for this week. I'm outa here!

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