It's that time of the year again when the parties start up, Holiday shows hit some of the stages with many of the showrooms closing for a couple of weeks awaiting the New Years Eve crowds. But, there's still plenty taking place in our little village.
First you must go see Bill Acosta at the Suncoast Hotel. The man is literally a phenomenon with his uncanny impressions ranging from Kirk Douglas right up to President George W. Bush. Bill's rendition of the "12 Days of Christmas" is a classic. He is billed as the man with a 1000 voices and I believe it! His own singing voice is incredible and he reminds me a lot of Frank Gorshin in that he can contort his body and face to nearly look like the person he is doing, which is a rarity among impressionists. And he has one of the most remarkable opening acts in the business today: The tap dancing routines of Jay & Connie Fagan. I have watched this brother / sister act perform on more than one occasion and am reminded of the late / great tap masters Gregory Hines and of course my personal favorite Sammy Davis, Jr. The Bill Acosta show opens at 7:30 pm., tonight (Friday Dec. 5) and runs through Sunday.
Master magician Lance Burton will be part of the 18th annual "Christmas Show" this Sunday afternoon at the Stratosphere Hotel. Presented by the producers of the weekly television show, Entertainment Las Vegas Style it features a slew of great Las Vegas entertainers including comic Ronn Lucas, piano team of Mark & Clark, Legends Hall of Fame member Cook E. Jarr, comedian Sandy Hackett, Lt. Governor Lorraine Hunt, Tom Stevens and Dave Pearla (as Frank & Dean), singer Laurence T, Bill Acosta, singer Michaelina Bellamy, the Helen Joy's Young Entertainers with music provided by the Michael T. Orchestra. Producers Tony Sacca (host for the afternoon) and Darlene Mea Sacca have raised over the past 17 years from donations at the door (requested donation of $25.00) more than $200,000 for "The Youth Foundation for the Performing Arts." The live performance is scheduled for a 2 pm. start with television cameras catching all the action for local and national television. For further information call (702) 889-3587.
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One of my favorite people in the world of entertainment is Robert Goulet, as you well know if you read my column on a regular basis. Well the other night (Saturday Nov. 29) his wife, Vera completely fooled her husband into believing they were going to a special VIP Wine Tasting at Picasso's (inside the Bellagio). See his birthday was actually Nov. 26th and she normally always plans something amazing on that day. This year she did nothing outstanding so he did not expect anything when the two walked out on the porch at Picasso about 9:30 pm. Standing there with raised glasses were 28 close and personal friends. He was honestly and literally stunned as one-by-one his friends greeted him. On hand for the sit-down dinner were Mr. & Mrs. Tony Curtis, Mr. & Mrs. Rich Little, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Holmes, Frankie Randall and Melinda, Mr. & Mrs. Mike Merrick, Patricia Welch and husband Pete, television news anchor Jim Snyder and wife, Mr. & Mrs. Vince Falcone, Mr. & Mrs. Jack Wishna along with yours truly and realtor Ms. Cathy Bittinger. A special gift from the Wishna's was the establishment of the "Robert Goulet Music & Theatre Scholarship" at UNLV. Following the fabulous dinner Robert & Vera led the gang out to Lorraine Hunt's Bootlegger Restaurant where Sonny King (who was at the surprise) waited to sing Happy Birthday to his long-time friend. The party lasted until nearly 3 am with everyone having a ball. And, hey, the entertainment couldn't be beat!
Another great friend was also fooled by his wife Sunday evening. Rich Little, who happens to share the same natal day as Goulet, was told by his wife, Marie that they (with another couple from Los Angeles) would have a simple dinner at Bertolini's Trattoria on West Sahara. Marie had invited nearly 100 of his close friends to be on hand to greet him. As the foursome approached the entrance Little said, "it looks like a party going on, let's go somewhere else." Marie, of course, did not agree to that and they entered the restaurant. He looked like Johnny Carson in shock as the band began to play and everyone yelled "Happy Birthday." Among the many celebrities on hand to greet him and partake of the fantastic Italian buffet prepared by manager Darrin Kaplan were: Clint Holmes, Frankie Randall, Mama Scinta and son Frankie, Steve Rossi, Vince Falcone, Lt. Governor Lorraine Hunt, Dennis Bono, Bill Acosta, Frank Marino and yours truly accompanied by realtor Cathy Bittinger. It was a fabulous party and one heck of a weekend!
Another good friend, and one hell of a singer Patricia Welch will join baritone Roger Blais and violinist Linda Terry and the group Vivace (it means Lively) in celebrating Christmas during the annual The Lakes Festival of Lights this Saturday at The Lakes. They will sing some of the great pop ballads and classics such as The Prayer and Con te Partiro beginning at 4 pm. Last year the festival attracted 28 boats for the parade of lights and is expected to double that this year. Mayor Oscar Goodman will be the Grand Marshall and singing star Clint Holmes will make a special appearance.
That's about it for this week. I'm outa here!
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