by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

As you readers know I am a big supporter of the C.A.S.T. and what they do for former entertainers who need a helping hand now and then. Well, come this Monday (Memorial Day) the organization is holding a huge Bar-B-Cue party for members only at Buddy and Lezlie Greco's little ranch. It should be terrific with Buddy in charge of entertainment.

But, what is very important is you too can attend this gathering of Las Vegas entertainers. If you were a member and have not paid your dues, hey come out and pay the annual dues of $150.00 and you're at the party. If you have never been a member but would like to become one, same deal. Become a member it's really for a great cause.

Let me tell you just a few things they have done with the dues and funds raised since its inception a couple years ago. First they started delivering food parcels to a lot of former entertainers who needed some help, and they continue to do that to this very day. They purchased a $6,000 electric wheelchair for Ms. Fay McKay and presented it to her at one of the monthly get-togethers. The C.A.S.T. presented three checks for $5,000 each to the Performing Arts Departments of the Clark County School System, UNLV and Community College. They have helped pay funeral expenses for a couple of former entertainers when the families were unable to cover all the expenses. And, most importantly, they do this most of the time without anyone knowing about it. A good friend of mine and of most entertainers in town for any length of time named Nelson Sardelli founded the organization. It was and is a great group of people. What's nice is you do not have to be an entertainer or a former whatever to become a member. Everyone is welcomed to join. Another perk if you're a member: every five or six weeks they have a luncheon where they honor a certain person. The food is good, the comradeship is terrific and as a member you get a special discount when you attend. There's also the annual Gala. What more can be said?

So if you want to see some of the greats from the past and a lot of the new breed who are taking over the stages of today, then join me and come out for some great food and entertainment. It all gets underway at Buddy's place at 3 pm. and will go until at least 7 pm. But knowing this crowd they'll just be getting warmed up by that time. Oh, yeah, guess who's doing the cooking? Two Italians of some reputation for entertaining and of course cooking: Freddie Bell and Steve Lippia. For information or directions call (702) 366-7760 or go to the website at www.Thecastinc.com.

Three years ago this reporter covered the arrival of a bevy of beautiful ladies at a private airfield just a few blocks from that big green giant called the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. The ladies were from Paris, France and were the first imported ladies to make up the cast of La Femme, the French cultural phenomenon that has been the talk of the town ever since.

Well, gang, Wednesday evening (May 26) the MGM pulled out all the stops to introduce, for the first time, seven new members to the cast of 13 dancers. This is without question a very unusual, sexy revue of the female body. I know that nudity conjures up obscene visions for some people. However, in this case it is a true art form! It has class! It has unusual lighting (if I was to describe it I would have to say it's a Kaleidoscope of lights) that literally hides things you think you are seeing. It is ladies dancing as you have not seen ladies dance.

The opening is neat: A line of dancers, sorta marching to the beat of the music in what they titled "God Save Our Bareskin." It is precision dancing ala "The Rockettes." Each lady gets a solo spot in front of the unusual lighting throughout the 75 minutes. One of the new numbers was really beautiful and unusual. It consisted of two ladies covered by fabulous lighting dancing within a metal hoop titled "Attitude." Every act is unusual and extremely exotic and the music by renowned French producer Laurent Gueneau, and one-of-a-kind couture costumes by accomplished fashion designer Gaspard Yurkievich just ads to the experience.

Preferred Public Relations, headed up by Michele Tell and husband James, handled the pre-party (and show) invitations held inside the nightclub "Tabu." Gina Yager, an important clog among a staff of top PR people, made sure everything went smooth for her boss. We do not usually compliment a PR company for doing a good job, for that's why they get the big bucks. But this particular company goes out of its way to make sure things are done right. They remember why they were hired: to promote the event to everyone within reach. You are never ignored by this PR firm.

Anyhow, gang, I would say anyone from 18 to 90 can and should see this show. Show times are Wednesday through Monday at 8:30 and 10:30 pm with tickets priced at $59 inclusive. Drinks are extra. For reservations or information call (800) 929-1111 or (702) 891-7777.

That's about it for another week. I'm outa here!

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