by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

When is a fire not a fire? Have you ever been in a building when the fire alarm began its screaming noise? And, there really was not a fire? This happened once when comedian Sammy Shore was performing at The Orleans, and it happened again at The Wyrick Theater earlier this week. But this time a fire had actually started the alarms to kick off through the entire shopping center at Planet Hollywood.

See, it was a special afternoon performance by a group of innovative producers from Europe, "Phoenix," who have a very unique show dealing with fire. The group was presenting a 30-minute preview for potential buyers showing what they could produce - fire dancing, a water themed ballet and more fire than I had ever seen on a stage, anywhere, when it happened. It was about 12 minutes into the performance, when two giant balls of fire shot up from the stage towards the ceiling. That triggered the alarm in the theater, and within minutes, we (the media and other guests) sorta slowly departed the showroom. I presume that someone from the theater called the fire department and told them there was no danger - 'cause I never did see a fire truck. As we left the shopping mall, the alarm was still sounding off.

I must say, however, what we did get to see was quite interesting. The first set was called "Fantasy" and deals with a world of water. The costumes were fabulous and the choreography was fantastic. The next act was "Phoenix Fire" and was very well performed by the dancers - until the fateful moment they popped off the big balls of fire. I must say, I would've loved to have been able to see the entire preview - I think it should find a home here in Las Vegas. After all, it's new and different!

We, the media and other VIPs, were the guests of Whiskey Pete's Hotel & Casino at Primm, Nevada, last Friday. I hadn't been in Whiskey Pete's in a long, long, long time and boy, how it had changed. Not only is it spacious, but they have wonderful rooms and do they know how to throw a party.

Sin City Kitties was the new show we were to see that evening. It's advertised as a Burlesque show of the first caliber. The Kitties are, of course, a bevy of beautiful and athletic dancers who tease and titillate the audience with their sultry moves. Man, was I looking forward to this show. There is Mistress Lily (Lily Arce) who is the featured singer and who guides you from one Kitten to the next Kitten. She's a dynamite singer, and not too bad to look at either. Each of the featured Kittens have their very own spot in the show and what spots they are too!

"Summer" (Andrea Hall) is the Hollywood glamour blond and her spot definitely helps to set the standard for the rest of the show. Her striptease is a classic and very well done. Each single set, along with the group dances (with two Tomcats), has the beautiful voice of Ms. Lily accompanying them - which is really a special treat. Also, as a group or single, each of the dancers is at the top of their game, and it makes the show one of the better ones this writer has seen in a long time.

Act II finds "Siren" (Sonya Sonnenberg), who is the youngest of the Kittens, doing her strip and what a strip. Now, I'm wondering to myself, who can top those first two? Well who do you think? Me!

Yep, Mistress Lily found me in the audience (with the assistance of my buddy pointing at me as she walked around the tables). She had the audacity to ask my friends if I was a "Naughty boy." The rest is history. I was quickly escorted to center stage and surrounded by a bevy of the Kittens, who proceeded to tie me to a chair and then blindfold me. Well, what is a naughty boy to do? I began to feel my way out of the predicament - of course I was sneaking a peek while I felt my way free from the bonds that held me to the chair. It was, of course, all in good clean fun and I had a ball.

The other Kittens are: "Dazes" (Mariah Nieslanick); "Gigi" (Eva Brammer); "Roxy" (Erin Fargo), and "Champagne" (Koree Kurkowski). Emmy Award-winner, Michael Chambers, is one of the most experienced director / choreographers producing shows today, and guess who put this show together? You got it! In collaboration with Glenn Medas of THE Production Group (TPG), Chambers has produced, directed and choreographed several long running shows in Las Vegas, including "Sin City Heat," currently in its third year at the Las Vegas Hilton. Now, under their newly formed company, Platinum Productions, they assembled one-heck of a show for Whiskey Pete's.

If you want to enjoy some darn good dancing, watch some beautiful ladies frolic on stage and be thoroughly entertained, then you got to drive 44 miles south of Las Vegas to Whiskey Pete's. Showtimes are Thursday, 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 8 and 10 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $24.95 and reservations are available by calling 1-800-FUNSTOP or by going to www.primmvalleyresorts.com.

Well, gang, that's about it for this week.

I'm outa here!

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