Wow! I have lived in Las Vegas since 1965 and have witnessed quite a few strange things in our little village, but the other day (Tuesday) was one heck of a day for a lot of people. It rained, which lately has been rather unusual. But, what a rain! I happened to be with a friend who was purchasing a new Acura SUV from Harry Parker at Falconi's Acura of Las Vegas, over on west Sahara.
Rain is rain, right? Well, when it's combined with gale force winds and coming down in buckets it gets downright dangerous. We saw west Sahara piling up and wondered if we would be able to even cross the boulevard to get back over to the east side of town. At one time we looked out the window and could literally not see more than 10 feet, the rain was so thick. I was glad my friend was purchasing an all-wheel drive SUV, as it appeared she would need it.
We did manage to cross the road and begin our trek east. It was rather pain free and having not yet heard any news reports we were totally unaware of what was happening in the northwest portion of Las Vegas. But the minute I entered the condo, turned on the TV to channel 8 I quickly became informed. Like Norm Clarke wrote in his column Wednesday morning in the Review Journal, all three local television news teams did a fabulous job of covering the storm and the aftermath. I also flipped over to Channel 5 a couple of times and they appeared to be on top of the story too. I truly believe the three majors, 3,8 and 13 provided equal coverage and stayed on the story like they should. TV-3 did break away to bring a live concert earlier than the other two. But while all three channels were on the air (and in the air) we (residents) were kept informed and up-to-date on what was happening. And there is no way to rate one set of reporters over another during an emergency like this. I do not believe any single television channel won any bragging rights on this particular disaster. They all earned the right to say, "We did our job and did it right!"
Attended a dress rehearsal at the invitation of Tony Perry and Tezz Yancey of Soul Desire the other day. The two guys (formerly lead skaters and singers in the fabulous "Starlight Express" play that was at one time at the Hilton Hotel) are two of the more creative types in Las Vegas today. In their performances every night (except Tuesday) at the Big Apple Bar inside the New York-New York Hotel they actually entertain. They do not just stand there and sing a song, move their arms sometimes and maybe even do a dance step or two. No they perform! They create scenes and themes for each show. This new 45-minute segment is titled "Bus Stop" and will probably be worked into the show rotation over this weekend. It will blow you away, believe me. Combined with the roller-skating, stilt dancing, tap dancing and an unbelievable array of songs this has to be the best group in Las Vegas. Management at the hotel must agree as they have extended their contract well into 2004.
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THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:Went and watched the new show at New York-New York "Zumanity" along with a large group of media and VIP types the other night, and to be quite honest went away knowing I had seen something creative, different but confusing. I loved the Adagio dancers and the Contortionist was quite spectacular. It is definitely a work still in progress but I'm sure by the time it has its spectacular Celebrity Opening in September most of the bugs will be worked out. Let's just say this show is not for the young (under 21) nor for the squeamish. I would say its risque to the extreme! But, hey, changes are sometimes good and where better to make changes but Las Vegas. At one time entertainment was all headliners, then it went to French type revues, reverted to headliners, then the family entertainment venues became the hot thing. After Steve Wynn brought in the creator of Cirque Du Soleil to create a show for his new Treasure Island Hotel, which became an instant hit as Mystere the tide once again began to rise. With Wynn's "O" show it really began a change in the thought pattern of management everywhere. Along came "Club 54" and again the entertainment package was changing. Adult revues and small clubs began to sprout up in just about every hotel / casino in our little village. And now it has finally sailed full steam ahead into the most graphic and sexual show ever presented in Las Vegas. All I can say is to go see it for yourself and you be the judge!...
Marlene Ricci continues to keep the Le Bistro Theatre at the Riviera hopping with solid acts like Jay White and his Neil Diamond Tribute and "The Exotic Hypnotics" featuring Genie & Richard. John Mendoza opens at the Riv Comedy Club Monday...
A supreme delight is in store for those planning to attend Mary Wilson's Supreme Show at the Suncoast the weekend of August 29-31. She is the best! Lainie Kazan is in command of the Suncoast showroom this weekend with a 7:30 pm. showtime set. I have watched this lady perform numerous times, going all the way back to the Sahara Hotel  when a poster the hotel created to promote her show caused a major controversy. Those were crazy days in the 60's and 70's when anything slightly risque was thought to be "Oh, so bad!" Hey, today we have Zumanity.
What can I say, but that's it for another week. I'm outa here!
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