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| July 11, 2003 | ARCHIVES |
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| "It's The Norm" - Las Vegas Entertainment Events | |
It's hard to believe that the Stardust Hotel is 45 years old. I can remember the first time I visited the casino. I was at the time working for the late great Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis in Los Angeles, promoting fights at a Hollywood nightclub called the Moulin Rouge. I had met this super fine lady and after awhile we decided it was time to get hitched. So arrangements were made through Mr. Louis' contacts to get married at the Stardust. Best man was an executive with the hotel, whose name escapes me, but he was one powerful dude I know that. Everything was comped. The year was 1959 and the Stardust was only a year old.  The other night the hotel held a huge party for a select number of Las Vegans and media. Fortunately I qualified as an old-timer, member of the media and as a friend of the hotel. Geeze it was great to see some of the wonderful photo boards created by the hotel and publicity head Jim Seagraves. For the remainder of the year you can walk through the hotel and see what we saw the other night. It is a walk down memory lane believe me. And many of those memories were there in person. Of course Wayne Newton was on hand to celebrate the event along with Mr. William Boyd (owner of the hotel), as was a bunch of other well-known celebrities. Robert Goulet and his wife Vera sat with Valerie Perrine (who got her start as a dancer in the Lido show) and Robin Leach. Peter Anthony and Sonny King were at the same table. Others spread throughout the party included Anthony Cool (hypnotist), Mickey Jones (actor), Carrot Top, Marva Scott (singer), Tim Conway, Don Rickles, Breck Wall, Sue Kim of the Kim Sisters, State Controller Kathy Augustine, Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt and a very pregnant but still terrific looking Aki. It was one heck of a party and thanks for the memories Stardust. Appreciate your 45 years and look forward to seeing more of you down the road. |
Went the other night to see a tremendous entertainer at Harrah's on the strip. Clint Holmes revisited will be my column for next week as he and the young lady I wanted to see deserves more than just some of my column. They deserve a longer review. But I wanted to mention that you couldn't go wrong if you want to hear and see a guy that puts out 110 % of his energy each and every show. Clint Holmes is a nice guy too and that makes it even more important that I give him and Ms. Michele Rohl my best. So, look for it in next week's column. I also went to see Mamma Mia again the other night at Mandalay Bay, thanks to Michael Gill of Gill Theatrical Management. Wow! The second time is the charm believe me. As you know I was there for opening night and went away quite impressed at that time. But this time, after the show has been up and running for a few months it is not just impressive, it is fantastic! Tina Walsh shines brighter than ever as Donna Sheridan (the mother). I have known this super fine lady for a number of years and if anyone has worked hard to receive the accolades it is Ms. Walsh. I first met her when she was in EFX at the MGM, then I saw her perform in a little play at a local playhouse and I thought she was terrific then. But now the stage is hers. She owns the part. Also doing a fabulous job is Jill Paice as Sophie (the daughter who is getting married). Another friend of this writer is Michael Piontek who plays one of three possible fathers (that's the plot of the musical), Harry Bright. He's just super as is Nick Cokas as Sam and Mark Leydorf as Bill. THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: A great friend and a tremendous entertainer Frankie Randall will be entertaining in the Terrazza Lounge at Caesar's Palace beginning July 16 for a couple of weeks. Get out and support a really nice guy and hear some great music...
Well gang, that's it for this week. I'm outa here!
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Another good friend and one heck of an entertainer Tony Orlando was surprised on stage last weekend at The Orleans when Carman, the kingpin of contemporary Christian music, presented him with a gold record for his recording of "Legendary Mission"...
John Fox headlines this coming week in the Comedy Stop at the Tropicana. One funny dude...
Marlene Ricci continues to keep the Le Bistro jumping with her 8:30 pm. show Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday...
A fresh new show is set for Brendan's Irish Pub inside The Orleans when "Xtreme Close-Up Magic" makes its debut August 4. Steve Dacri is a world-class sleight of hand expert...
Tim Conway and Harvey Korman invades the Wayne Newton Theatre at the Stardust July 23-26. You can't go wrong with these two crazy guys...