Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, I sure did! Went to Mt. Charleston to have a nice pre-turkey evening on the mountain, had breakfast at the Lodge, then back to the house for an early turkey meal (we prepared it early in the morning before breakfast) before coming down the mountain. It's sure beautiful up there and so peaceful. Then it was over to the middle daughter's house for a late buffet dinner and finally arriving home to watch television.
Last week we devoted most of our column to the passing of Claude Trenier and promised we would cover The Scintas, The Cast, Breck Wall and the Bottoms Up Party in this column so here it comes.
First off the bat was the late-late anniversary party thrown by the Rio Hotel and the Scintas in the Scinta Showroom for media, friends and VIP's of Las Vegas. We started flooding into the room at around 10:30 pm., for food and beverages in preparation for the midnight show. And what a show! As usual (as far as this writer is concerned) the family (including the adopted Scinta, Peter O'Donnell on drums) can do no wrong. This is a talented family we have reviewed numerous times. But this show was a little bit different than their usual down-to-earth clean show. This was not a show you would want to bring delicate ears to see, not this particular night. But the same routines were there: comedy aplenty, great singing, super impressions and of course the baby of the family with her fabulous voice, Chrissi. A number of celebrities were in the audience to celebrate with everyone the anniversary of their arrival at the Rio a couple of years ago, after a stint at the Hilton Hotel. Joe (the big brother) and Frankie are just pure talent and Mama Scinta is one proud mother.
Our next stop was the Flamingo Hotel where Breck Wall was staging a special party in celebration of his 69th birthday, 45th year since "Bottoms Up" was born and its 16,000th performance. This is one funny show folks. He keeps it fresh by inserting some of his old but well tried routines (he must have a vault like the late Bob Hope had where he keeps old props and jokes in storage) and having a well rounded cast that can, and will do just about anything to make the audience laugh. I must have seen various versions of this show a hundred times if I've seen it once, and I never get tired of laughing my butt off at the routines. Breck looks at life as a wonderful experience and that one must have laughter in their life to endure the day-to-day obstacles we encounter. And who better to bring that little bit of joy into ones life than the master himself. I personally have my favorites from his many routines: The "Latrine", "The Boat" (a definite classic) and the never stop laughing "Schitz" routine. One does not do a show for 45 years unless you're doing something right. And of course the ad-libs just come naturally to Breck and his cast of stalwart comedians. Go see "Bottoms Up," I think you'll enjoy it!
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The CAST held its monthly gathering at the Greek Isle with a great turnout. The Red Hat Ladies (about 15 strong) turned out especially for the November meet and liked it so much they decided to mark it down as a regular event for them. This particular afternoon (it starts at noon and goes for a good two or three hours depending on the entertainment) featured Greek food specialties and what the organization called "New Faces." Many of the performers are not new faces really; it's just that they have not performed in front of the CAST in a long time. Many of the names are or were very well known in our little village, but have gone onto other things. The list of those who entertained included Tony Sacca, Linda Angeline, Erick, Charles Vecchi, Kat Ray, Loretta St. John, Robert Ensler and Chuck Fraher. The drawing for various prizes was held by Steve Cutler who gave away a ton of stuff ranging from autographed CD's to books to a number of shows on the strip. The next event is scheduled for Dec. 15th and will be the annual Christmas Party, where they will give out about $3,000 to some people in need. For information on becoming a supporting member (non-professional) call (702) 366-7730.
THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:
Tim Walkoe, the infamous Mayor of "Small Town X," closes out his current gig at the Comedy Stop at the Tropicana this Sunday (Nov. 30)...
The Cannery Casino (in North Las Vegas) kicks off its Free Holiday Big Band Dances in conjunction with KJUL 104.3FM tonight with the Gene White Orchestra beginning at 8 pm...
Tickets are on sale at the Aladdin Resort for the Dec. 20 appearance by Mariah Carey in the Aladdin Performing Arts Theatre...
Caesars Palace has announced that Sir Elton John will now perform an additional set of shows beginning March 23rd in The Colosseum...
The Rio Hotel will present its annual holiday production, "The Las Vegas Christmas Celebration" in the Scinta Showroom Dec. 13-25 with a 7:30 pm showtime...
A good friend Eve Quillin will be on hand at Walden's Book Store in the Fashion Show Mall to autograph her book, "My Life in Shorts" on Saturday Dec. 6th from noon until 3 pm...
BB King is at the Stardust this weekend...
Bill Acosta, a tremendous talent and just one-hell-of-a-nice guy, will present his annual Holiday Show at the Suncoast Hotel Dec. 5-7. You have to see this show if you want to see some great impressions, hear some wonderful music and singing, and also see some fantastic tap dancing (almost a lost art) by a brother-sister team, The Fagan's: Connie (age 18) and big brother Jay...
Lois Minato of Santa Barbara, Calif., took home the big check and a chance to audition for "Legends in Concert" at the Imperial Palace when she won the first "Be a Legend Celebrity Impersonator Karaoke Contest" as Whitney Houston held at Tequila Joe's (I.P's nightclub). People at the hotel were so overwhelmed with the response and talent they plan on holding many more events...
That's about it for this week. Enough catching up! I'm outa here!
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