by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

Just thirteen nights before it's Christmas Eve and only 20 until New Year's Eve. Can you believe it? As we (especially me) get older the days just seem to fly by. And that can either be good or bad, depending on how you look at the Holidays. One thing I look forward to is the annual "Merry Christmas Las Vegas" show produced by Tony & Darlene Sacca.

The show, originated 18 years ago, first saw the light of day at the Mt. Charleston Hotel. I remember driving through the snow to attend that first show and a number there after. In those days the program was a little more laid back and more intimate. A few years ago the Stratosphere Hotel offered to host the annual event in its large showroom. And, even though I enjoyed the closeness of the Mountain show I did not like driving through snow. Tony and Darlene accepted the offer and the show moved into the theatre. It also allowed for more control over the television production-it is shown on some 200 stations.

This year's production was very possibly one of the best. It featured some really neat entertainment, moved along real smoothly (It was an eight camera shoot) considering the stop and go of television and that some of the entertainers had to go to work.

Tony, proclaimed by the Mayor of Las Vegas as "The Entertainment Ambassador of Las Vegas" has hosted the show from day one. A few years ago comedian Sandy Hackett came aboard as a consultant and to participated in every show since. You might say he "warms up" the live audiences, who have incidentally donated over $200,000 to benefit "The Youth Foundation For the Performing Arts" since the beginning.

This year's lineup had the funny and fantastic ventriloquist Ronn Lucas, Master Magician Lance Burton, singing impressionist Bill Acosta, piano artistry of twin brothers Mark & Clark, Lt. Governor and singer Lorraine Hunt, dancers Frank & Dean, beautiful songstress Michaelina Bellamy, singer Laurence T. and singer Lisa Dawn Miller (daughter of song writer Roger Miller). The Michael T. Orchestra provided backup music. One of the highlights of the show was an appearance by The Helen Joy Young Entertainers, dressed in their beautiful Santa uniforms.

So please mark it on your new calendar the first weekend in December to be sure and attend the next production. It's for a great cause and what an experience!

On Monday Dec. 15, 2003 the entertainment group called CAST will be celebrating its first anniversary at a luncheon inside the Greek Isles Hotel on Convention Center Drive. Over the year CAST has assisted in the burial of a fellow entertainer, contributed three $5,000 checks to the Performing Arts Departments at UNLV, Community College and Clark County School District and came to the emergency aid of a number of former entertainers. This Monday a fellow member will be presented with a Wheelchair Scooter purchased specially for her. Lezlie Anders Greco, one of the vice-presidents, suggested that Faye McKay, who for years entertained around the world and was famous for her 12 Days of Christmas skit be given the gift of mobility. She will be presented with the $6,000.00 scooter during the luncheon. In addition approximately six to 10 $200.00 gift certificates from Albertsons Market will be distributed to specific entertainers in need of assistance. There will be plenty of entertainment during the luncheon that begins at noon and usually last till 2:30 pm. The Greek Isles showroom is located at 305 Convention Center Drive. The lunch and entertainment is priced at $22.00 for members and $25.00 for non-members. For membership or information call (702) 366-7730.

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: Film actor, director, producer, singer, father and artist Paul Sorvino will be on hand to sign autographs and display his sculptures on Thursday, Dec. 18 at the Art de Vignettes Gallery inside the Fashion Show Mall. Open to the pubic he'll sign autographs between 5-6:30 pm... The Neil Diamond Tribute Show continues to be the big draw in the Le Bistro Theatre at the Riviera Hotel. Jay White without question has the market locked up when it comes to his fast paced show. And, you can't mention the Riviera without mentioning one of my all-time favorite girl singers, Marlene Ricci, who performs on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday in the theatre... Mariah Carey tickets for her Dec. 20 show at the Aladdin Hotel are moving briskly out of the ticket office. Call (702) 785-5000 for ticket information... Ricky & The Redstreaks wrap up another successful engagement at the Stardust Hotel this Sunday. Ricky's Saloon is in reality the spacious Stardust Pavilion during the 11 nights of the National Finals Rodeo where the honky tonk group performs from 10 pm to dawn... Susan Anton will be performing at the Suncoast Dec. 19-21. Now this is a lady who knows how to entertain. Her tribute to Frank Sinatra is a killer...

Tony Orlandos' Christmas Show opens at The Orleans this Tuesday (Dec. 16) and runs through Sunday. This, gang, is a must see show... On Dec. 20 The Hot Rod Grille, 1231 American Pacific Drive, Henderson, will host a "Christmas Toy Run" to benefit the Henderson Boys & Girls Club. Participating in the run will be members from the Las Vegas Crusin' Assn, Las Vegas Super Run, Nevada Car Club Council and Concerned Car Clubs. It all starts at 11 am. at the grille...

Well Gang, that's about it for another week. I'm outa here!

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