By Judy Thorburn This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick Chicks
Director of Communications - Nevada Film Alliance
http://www.theflickchicks.com
Winner of America's Got Talent, Ventriloquist Paul Zerdin, Brings Comedic Antics to Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Season 10 winner of NBC’s America’s Got Talent, comedy ventriloquist Paul Zerdin celebrated the opening night performance of his first-ever headlining production on The Las Vegas Strip, MOUTHING OFF at the PH Showroom at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Friday night, May 13. Featuring naughty infant Baby, the belligerent, hard of hearing old man, Albert, and sharp-tongued Sam, Zerdin and his trio of comical misfits were awarded with tremendous applause and a standing ovation at the conclusion of the 7 p.m. performance.
Paul Zerdin
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Called the “ventriloquist for the South Park generation,” Zerdin packs a serious punch of comedy in his first-ever Las Vegas residency. Known for his unparalleled technical ability and comedic timing, Zerdin has audiences bursting with laughter and astonished by his amazing skill.
From appearances on the UK’s Royal Variety Performance to delighting and impressing audiences at comedy festivals around the world with his powerful stage presence, Zerdin is constantly breaking new ground and establishing himself at the forefront of his profession. Now, the master ventriloquist brings the whole gang - including Sam, Baby, and everyone’s favorite belligerent old man, Albert – to Las Vegas in this live, fully-fledged stage production.
Paul Zerdin
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
“It’s every entertainer’s dream to have their own show on The Las Vegas Strip,” said Zerdin. “I’m thrilled that my dream is coming true, but my characters aren’t giving me a moment’s peace before we join the ranks of other Las Vegas headliners.”
Notable names in attendance at the opening night red carpet and performance included Ace of Cakes star Duff Goldman, America’s Got Talent winner and Las Vegas headliner Mat Franco, UNDER THE INFLUENCE star Frankie Moreno and Dancing With the Stars’ Lacey Schwimmer, Celebrity magician Murray Sawchuck, singers JasmineTrias and Ben Stone, electric violinst Lydia Ansel, ABSINTHE’s Joy Jenkins, cast members from MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, cast members from JERSEY BOYS and others.
April Annenberg, Murray Sawchuck, and Douglas Lefty Leferovich
Photo credit: Ira Kuzma Photos
Frankie Moreno and Lacy Schwimmer
Photo credit: Ira Kuzma Photos
Jasmine Trias and Ben Stone
Photo credit: Ira Kuzma Photos
Jeff Civillico and Matt Franco
Photo credit: Ira Kuzma Photos
Lydia Ansel
Photo credit: Ira Kuzma Photos
Maren Wade
Photo credit: Ira Kuzma Photos
PAUL ZERDIN: MOUTHING OFF entertains audiences nightly inside the PH Showroom at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Performances are Tuesday-Sunday at 7 p.m., with no show on Monday. Saturday matinee will be available beginning June 11. Tickets range from $42 to $97 plus all applicable taxes and fees.
X Burlesque Celebrates 14 Year Anniversary
X Burlesque, celebrated their 14 year anniversary as the city’s hottest topless revue on Thursday night, May 12 inside the X Showroom at Flamingo Las Vegas.
X Burlesque
Photo credit: Edison Graff
Hailed as the “Greatest Burlesque Show on Earth”, X Burlesque features a troupe of Las Vegas’ sexiest and most talented dancers performing a variety of steamy, jaw-dropping, performances.
In honor of the 14th anniversary, stunning new costumes and seductive new dance numbers have been added to the show including “The Buzz” by New World Sound & Timmy Trumpet, “Trndsttr” by Black Coast featuring M. Maggie and “I’m a Good Girl” by Christina Aguilera. The show also features new visuals and has continued to use innovative new projection mapping, becoming the first topless revue in Las Vegas to do so.
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating our 14th anniversary on the Las Vegas Strip at the legendary Flamingo Las Vegas,” said X Burlesque Creator and Producer, Angela Stabile. “We’ve continued to add new dance numbers and there’s more rhinestone than ever before. It’s easy to see why X Burlesque is called ‘The Greatest Burlesque Show on Earth.’”
In attendance to celebrate the special performance was the sexy cast of X Country (Harrah’s Las Vegas), magician Murray Sawchuck, burlesque stars LouLou D’vill and The Baron, Frank Sidoris, lead guitarist from SLASH featuring Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators and son of X Burlesque producer Angela Stabile, musician Robert Zakarian of Adelitas Way, Chris Phillips of Zowie Bowie, comedian James Bean and reality star Heather Marianna.
X Country
Photo credit: Edison Graff
Frank Sidoris and Robert Zakarian
Photo credit: Edison Graff
James Bean
Photo credit: Edison Graff
LouLou D'vill and The Baron
Photo credit: Edison Graff
Matt Stabile, Angela Stabile, and Murray Sawchuck
Photo credit: Edison Graff
Chris Phillips and Jennifer Turco
Photo credit: Edison Graff
Created and produced by husband and wife team, Matt and Angela Stabile, X Burlesque is performed nightly at 10 p.m. inside the X Showroom at Flamingo Las Vegas. Tickets are $55.95, $79.95 and $86.27 plus tax and fees and can be purchased at the Flamingo Box office.
Wayne Newton Gets “Up Close and Personal” at Bally's Windows Showroom
After taking a five year, self proclaimed “vacation” from performing to spend time with his family and to get his Casa de Shenandoah estate ready to be opened for tours, Mr. Las Vegas, legendary entertainer Wayne Newton opened his new show inside the Windows Showroom at Bally's that is different than anything he has ever done before.
Wayne Newton
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Rather than a large showroom or stadium, Wayne's new show, in which he is backed by a fantastic five piece band, is presented in the more intimate venue of Bally's Windows Showroom, where he says, it is like sharing an “up close and personal” evening with guests in his living room.
Wayne Newton
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Wayne reflects on his career that has spanned over 50 years by sharing some of his most memorable events and relationships with other showbiz legends that made an impact on his life. Featured in the show are vintage videos from his work with the USO where he performed for our troops all over the world, as well as clips from various TV shows with other iconic entertainers such as Jack Benny, George Burns, Jackie Gleason, Lucille Ball, The Rat Pack, Robert Goulet, and Bobby Darin. Wayne is also a terrific musician, plays 13 instruments, and displays his extraordinary musical talent on several instruments including guitar, electric violin, piano and banjo. Of course, the show also features Wayne singing old favorites including his most popular, platinum record hit, “Danke Schoen”.
On media night Thursday, May 11, Wayne was joined on stage by friend and country music singer Neal McCoy, who helped emcee the show and asked questions from members of the audience.
Wayne Newton and Neal McCoy
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Voted Nevada Magazine’s “Best Entertainer” eight years in a row and having performed over 30,000 shows in Las Vegas, Wayne said, “I can't tell you how thrilled I am to return home to the Las Vegas stage, especially to perform such a personal and unique show. This will be very different and a more intimate show than I’ve done in the past and I’m looking forward to interacting with each audience and sharing stories from my life in Las Vegas, some of which I've never told before.”
Tickets for Wayne Newton: Up Close and Personal are priced at $75 and can be purchased at any Las Vegas Caesars Entertainment Box Office. A VIP package is available for $150 and includes VIP seating and a meet and greet. Ticket prices do not include additional service charges and fees. All shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Opportunity Village Celebrated Grand Opening of Sean¹s Park
On Wednesday, May 11, Opportunity Village celebrated the grand opening of Sean’s Park, a 2.5-acre innovative life-learning park developed for children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. The first of its kind, Sean’s Park is located at Opportunity Village’s Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus. The program commenced with speeches from Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak and Opportunity Village executives Bob Brown, president and CEO; Ed Guthrie, CEO Emeritus; and Linda Smith, senior executive vice president. An OVIP (Opportunity Village Important People) sign language class signed the National anthem followed by Sean Morrissey’s family (the park’s namesake) sharing a few words regarding what Sean’s Park means to them. A miniature golf tournament concluded the event with a roster including Commissioner Steve Sisolak and Michael Morrissey, Opportunity Village Board Member; with Opportunity Village executives Bob Brown, President and CEO; Ed Guthrie, CEO Emeritus; as well as UNLV football coach, Tony Sanchez and UNLV golf coach, Dwaine Knight, each paired with a group of OVIPs. Attendees had the opportunity to create memory rocks for the park, the chance to plant a flower in one of the gardens and were able to enjoy park facilities including bowling and a shuffleboard court. Sean’s Park offers Opportunity Village clients and other members of the community with disabilities new life-skill building equipment and activities. The park encourages conceptual learning, personal awareness, physical activity and social learning. Sean’s Park is a private facility; public interested in visiting should call (702) 262-1550 for details.
On Wednesday, May 11, Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak presented Sean Morrissey (the park’s namesake) a proclamation at the grand opening celebration of Sean’s Park located at Opportunity Village’s Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus.
On Wednesday, May 11, Sean Morrissey’s family; Linda Smith, senior executive vice president of Opportunity Village; Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak; Ed Guthrie, CEO Emeritus of Opportunity Village; Bob Brown, president and CEO of Opportunity Village; Tony Sanchez, UNLV Football Head Coach; Dwaine Knight, UNLV Golf Head Coach; Cary Harned, Opportunity Village Senior Grants & Major Gifts Officer and Lauren Boitel, Executive Director of Green Chips and EnergyFit Nevada (from left to right), lined up for the first put at the grand opening celebration of Sean’s Park located at Opportunity Village’s Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus.
On Wednesday, May 11, guests like Madi Peck, daughter of Opportunity Village ARC Board Member Terri Peck, were able to ride on the Liberty Swing, a unique swing-set designed to enable individuals to swing while in a wheelchair at the grand opening celebration of Sean’s Park located at Opportunity Village’s Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus.
Recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
APRIL LEOPARDI, magic assistant to MURRAY 'Celebrity Magician', won $2000 for Friends For Life Humane Society at the PBR Last Media Standing event for Helldorado Days in downtown Las Vegas, Thursday night, May 12. Murray and April entered the event with April winding up as the winner.
Photo courtesy of Murray Sawchuck
Murray SawChuck is Friends For Life's main supporter. Every year he puts on a fundraising event in which he donates all the money from one evening of his show at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino to Friends for Life Humane Society.
You can also see April appear on CW's Masters of Illusion series this month starring with Murray SawChuck as his assistant magically appearing in he's personal 1973 stingray corvette and other illusions throughout the 13 week series.
Due to overwhelming response, legendary comedian and impersonator RICH LITTLE has extended his hilarious one-man show Rich Little Live! through January 2017 at the world-famous Laugh Factory inside Tropicana Las Vegas.
TEMPTATION SUNDAYS, the longest-running Las Vegas LGBT pool party returns for its seventh season May 15 at the Luxor Hotel & Casino with weekly Sunday parties through September 25. Hosted by J.Son of Nakedboynews.com, the lively atmosphere will entice tourists and locals alike to take part in the only weekly LGBT-focused pool party on The Strip from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. DJ Matt Lucio will be the resident DJ this summer and guest DJs will make special appearances throughout the season. General admission to Temptation Sundays is $20. Hotel guests of Luxor and Excalibur, locals and military members can enjoy the party with a discounted admission of $10. For complimentary entry before 2 p.m. guests may visit facebook.com/luxorlgbt and sign up for the event guest list.
In November 1924, a mysterious Hollywood death occurred aboard media mogul William Randolph Hearst's yacht. Included among the famous guests that weekend were Charlie Chaplin; Hearst's mistress, starlet Marion Davies; the studio system creator, producer Thomas Ince; and feared gossip columnist, Louella Parsons...
Table 8 Productions will sweep you back to the Jazz Age and aboard that very exclusive yacht in THE CAT'S MEOW, a new immersive staging of Steven Peros's play during a limited run at Velveteen Rabbit, Las Vegas's most popular Arts District nightspot. Performances will be Monday, May 16 and 23 at 7 p.m. Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 for bar seating and $30 for lounge seating. All tickets include a cocktail specially concocted for the event. Admission is limited to adults 21 and older. Velveteen Rabbit is located at 1218 S. Main St., Las Vegas.
Beginning Thursday, May 19, JEWEL NIGHTCLUB AT ARIA RESORT & CASINO will open its doors and invite guests to discover the awaited, multi-faceted destination with an unrivaled GRAND OPENING weekend affair featuring Jamie Foxx, DJ Irie, The Chainsmokers, Lil Jon and more. Boasting a luxurious, yet modern atmosphere, the nightclub will reveal itself to party patrons as they explore the inviting and evocative space while taking in the sights and sounds of JEWEL’s first-of-its-kind production.
BEER PARK at Paris Las Vegas and the cast of 53X will host a LIP SYNC BATTLE between the casts of CHIPPENDALES AND CRAZY GIRLS at midnight on Thursday, May 19. The battle will feature three different rounds and both teams will perform one song per round. The first round will include a solo act from one person on each team, while the second round will include every member of each team. The competitors will get to choose who from their team gets to perform during the third and final round. The patrons at BEER PARK will decide who wins each round and the overall winner of the battle will receive the coveted BEER PARK lip sync battle belt.
For the third year in a row, Celebrity Magician, MURRAY, will perform in several episodes of the new season of CW’s popular “Masters of Illusion. The charismatic, spiked haired comedy illusionist will perform in the first episode of the new season that begins Friday, May 20, 2016 at 8pm pst/7pm CST and airs throughout the summer. Murray recently celebrated his 2nd year headlining at Planet Hollywood and has the first resident magic comedy show on the property. Murray SawChuck dazzled the judges and audiences as a semi- finalist on “America’s Got Talent” and currently appears on The History Channel’s #1 rated series “Pawn Stars.”
ADOPT A RESCUE PET OF LAS VEGAS (ARP) will participate in the VEGAS PET EXPO to help raise money for their dogs with medical needs. The expo will take place at the Cashman Center on Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In order to raise funds for medical expenses, ARP will accept donations at their expo booth and offer a variety of gift items to those who donate. From pet toys and pet clothing to human apparel and an array of other items, there’s a little something for everyone. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the foundation.
Las Vegas’ Favorite Charity, OPPORTUNITY VILLAGE is partnering with BEST MATRESS for a special MEMORIAL DAY SALE. From May 24 through May 31, Las Vegas area Best Mattress locations will be donating $5 from every mattress sold to Opportunity Village.
PANCHO'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT, located in Downtown Summerlin, has introduced a new lineup of LIVE ENTERTAINMENT in its cantina seven nights a week. Monday nights feature performances by guitarist EDGAR BRAVO from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Taking inspiration from The Beatles, flamenco artist Paco de Lucia and the sounds of Sevilla, Spain, Bravo plays a diverse repertoire of flamenco, Latin, soft rock, classic and jazz music.
Spanish guitar duo JULIO AND CESAR take the cantina stage Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. playing classical, acoustic guitar numbers, inspired by the rich culture of Spain.
Rock duo Stefani Savage and Rocky Jackson of STEFnROCK rock the cantina Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Their performances feature original numbers and covers of artists including Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Fleetwood Mac and the Rolling Stones.
Friday nights will feature a rotating lineup of different performers and bands, bringing a new sound each week. Las Vegas locals, THE SAINTS OF LAS VEGAS, play a variety of soft rock, hard rock, and heavy metal hits Saturday nights from 9:30 p.m. to close. Vocalist and guitarist, RICK DUARTE, rounds out the weekend with smooth pop music unique to the 70s and 80s from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday nights.
OPPORTUNITY VILLAGE presents its 6th ANNUAL SPRING PERFORMING ARTS CONCERT, OVATION, on Thursday, May 26st at 6 p.m. at the Opportunity Village Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus located at 6050 S. Buffalo Drive. The concert will showcase a collection of music, dance and theatre performances by OVIPs particpating in Opportunity Village’s Fine and Performing Arts Program.
OVation is a FREE concert open to the public with food and beverages available for purchase. For more information about OVation please contact Sarah Quinn at (702) 262-1515.
Australian soft-rock duo AIR SUPPLY will take the stage at The Orleans Showroom for three performances, May 27-29.
Remedy’s, Elixir, and Distill invite all Hamiltons, Brighams, Beckhams, Eisenbergs and Bergers to celebrate one of the most delicious and juiciest of holidays, NATIONAL BURGER DAY, on Saturday, May 28 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Lucky patrons with any variation of “ham” or “burger” in their legal name can feast for FREE on any one of the gourmet burgers at the following locations: Distill Summerlin – 10820 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas; Distill Southern Highlands – 4830 W. Pyle Ave. Las Vegas; Elixir – 2920 N. Green Valley Pkwy. Green Valley; Remedy’s St. Rose – 3265 St. Rose Pkwy. Henderson; Remedy’s – 530 Conestoga Way Henderson. Guests will enjoy a wide variety of burgers designed to please the pickiest of palettes. Vegetarian options and build-your-own burgers are also available. Free burgers are only available on Saturday, May 28, 2016 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Dine in only and limit of one burger per qualifying customer. Tax and gratuity are not included. Not valid on double burgers or build-your-own burgers with more than three toppings.
Legendary rock band SURVIVOR will perform inside the 2,300-seat M Pavilion at M Resort Spa Casino, on Saturday, May 28, Led by powerhouse vocalist, 21-year-old Nashville resident Cameron Barton, along with original band members, Survivor will perform their mega hit and Rocky III theme song, “Eye Of The Tiger,” along with a playlist of classic hits and rock anthems.
FOXTAIL POOL AT SLS LAS VEGAS will host a three-day extravaganza to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend, welcoming the hottest names in hip-hop to one of Vegas’ most exciting dayclubs. The renowned roster will feature performances by Grammy Award-winning artist Lil Wayne, chart topping performer Flo Rida, world-famous rapper Yo Gotti, hip-hop heavyweight Ty Dolla $ign and iconic lyricist, Ja Rule.
Flo Rida will kick off the celebration as he headlines the Foxtail Pool Live! series on Saturday, May 28, hitting the outdoor stage with the notorious DJ Drama for an explosive mix of today’s hottest hip-hop hits. Back for a second round that night, Flo Rida will offer an exciting full-length concert at The Foundry, the resort’s newest live music venue. The festivities will continue to impress with a 12-hour pool party on Sunday, May 29, when Lil Wayne, Ty Dolla $ign and Yo Gotti unite on the Foxtail Pool stage for an unprecedented collaboration, performing at the venue together for the first time ever. To close out the holiday weekend, on Monday, May 30, Ja Rule will take the stage for an Industry BBQ and select Blackout Artists will bring smooth rhymes and hard-hitting beats.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Legends ‘HEART’, featuring sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, return to HOUSE OF BLUES LAS VEGAS June 2-4 and Oct. 6-8 with show times at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $55 for general admission standing room only and $69.50 for reserved seating, plus applicable fees. This is an 18+ show.
Acclaimed musician, actor and film director DWIGHT YOAKUM will perform at The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Las Vegas for a two-night, limited engagement on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $36.40 (plus applicable fees) and a VIP experience with a meet and greet is available.
NYC's renowned Ryan Repertory Company brings DECADES APART: REFLECTIONS OF THREE GAY MEN by artist, performer and writer Rick Pulos to The Onyx Theatre, located at 953-16B East Sahara, for six performances in June. Decades Apart: Reflections of Three Gay Men is a multimedia theatrical performance that captures significant moments in the lives of three gay American men from different eras and cities. Performances are Friday, June 3 at 8:00 PM; Saturday, June 4 at 8:00 PM; Sunday, June 5 at 3:00 PM; Friday, June 10 at 8:00 PM; Saturday, June 11 at 8:00 PM and Sunday, June 12 at 3:00 PM. Tickets are priced at $20.
The City of Henderson announced the addition of two new shows to its 2016 spring season at the HENDERSON PAVILION, located at 200 S. Green Valley Pkwy. The updated lineup now includes Blues in the Desert featuring Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang and a live orchestral screening of Metropolis by the Henderson Symphony Orchestra.
BLUES IN THE DESERT is from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday, June 4. Fans will celebrate the music of the Windy City with a performance by legendary blues guitarist BUDDY GUY , whom Eric Clapton considers as the best guitar player alive. Guy will be joined by blues phenomenon JONNY LANG. The Grammy-winning singer and songwriter will entertain fans with his unique blend of soulful blues and rock sounds. Tickets to Blues in the Desert are $36, $42 and $65.
Nearly 90 years since it premiered on the silver screen, the silent film hailed as the pioneer of science fiction fantasy movies will come to life with the help of the Henderson Symphony Orchestra. The orchestral screening of the digitally-restored version of Fritz Lang’s METROPOLIS will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 10. The Henderson Symphony Orchestra will perform the groundbreaking score as the plot of a futuristic urban dystopia with a divided society unfolds on the big screen. Tickets are $10 and $15 plus tax. Tickets for Blues in the Desert and Metropolis may be purchased at cityofhenderson.com or by phone at 702-267-4TIX (4849).
Celebrity sightings:
Thursday night, May 12...
Former “Glee” star Matthew Morrison and his wife Renee Puente dined at TAO Asian Bistro in The Venetian.
Monday, May 9...
Country Music legend Reba McEntire visited the show, Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil® at Mandalay Bay. After the performance, she was also treated to an exclusive backstage meet-and-greet with cast members.
