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 By
Judy Thorburn
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic
Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer
www.theflickchicks.com
Photos by Stephen Thorburn
Fright Dome
Offers Scarefest
at Circus Circus
October is the month of Halloween, but you don’t have to wait for
October 31 to experience a fun filled night of fright. And I don’t mean
visiting the nearest Cineplex to watch the latest horror movie in
release, because Fright Dome at Circus Circus is back in business
featuring their annual fright fest that is open to the willing and eager
public who revel in this type of entertainment. From October 5 thru
October 31 Adventuredome is transformed into a pitch black, fog filled
atmosphere offering visitors almost an entire month of guilt free
evenings of thrills and chills.
I, along with several invited guests from the media got a chance to
explore the haunted attraction on Thursday evening and I can report that
this year it is even better than ever. No wonder AOL ranks the indoor
attraction the 4th Scariest Haunted Attraction in the country. The
admission price allows visitors repeat entries, if they dare, into five
haunted houses, including the Chainsaw Massacre, Morgue of Misery,
Cavern of the Living Dead, an all new Cell Block 13 and brand new
attractions, Killer Clowns in 3D, a terror filled Wax Museum, and a 4D
Special FX Theatre that should satisfy anyone who wants to be scared
silly.
  
 
 
 
 
  
   
No matter where you roam through the maze of corridors and hallways
Fright Dome is guaranteed to live up to its name. You never know when
you are going to bump into or have frightening creatures like clowns
from hell jump out at you when you least expect it or be tormented by
demons descending from the ceiling as you pass by. Although the horrific
creatures get up close and personal, their bark is definitely worse than
their bite, since any chance of physical harm is strictly forbidden.
This year, I was especially impressed by the outstanding makeup worthy
of some of the best Hollywood make up artists, in which the prosthetics,
masks and costumes are used to transform the “performers” into blood
curdling creatures from the dark side.
Speaking of creatures from the dark side, Fright Dome also features real
people of the unusual variety society tends to label freaks that not
only look spooky they do some very spooky things to their body. Several
of these “freaks” are featured in spectacular “Freak Shows” that are
staged on a regular basis in front of a standing crowd.
During one of their scheduled shows that I happened to catch, the
“performances” were indeed stomach turning, shocking and bizarre. Emcee
“Sleazo the Clown” warned the crowd that we were going to witness a
“treasure trove of tyrannical torture technology”. That said, a young
man described as an “anatomical atrocity” lifted a 55 lb. anvil with his
eye sockets and the same guy also drilled a giant metal cork screw thru
his nose. I didn’t hang around after a contortionist aptly named Chris
Twist, and a lady sword swallower did their thing, but in the wings were
a lady with only the top half of her body and a “Lizardman” who is
covered in tattooes from top to bottom with reptilian scales and black
markings, has a surgically split tongue, implanted Teflon horns over
each eye, and teeth that have been filed to sharp points.
Enough said. I think you get the picture. Fright Dome at Circus Circus
is open Thursday to Sunday and Halloween week from 7 p.m. to midnight. A
single night ticket that includes all the attractions is $32.95. A fast
pass admission that entitles holders to is $44.95 express entry to all
haunted houses. Tickets can be purchased on line at
www.FRIGHTDOME.com . For more
information call (702) 794-3939.
First
Inductees Honored at LV Hilton's Inaugural American TV Game Show Hall of
Fame
On the afternoon of Saturday, October 13, four television icons that
helped shaped the genre that we have come to know and love, Monty Hall,
Hugh Downs, Peter Marshall and Wink Martindale, all of whom have become
household names, were honored as the very first inductees into the
American TV Game Show Hall of Fame. The special ceremony hosted by Rich
Fields, announcer for CBS TV’s The Price is Right, was held inside the
Legendary Hilton Theatre at the Las Vegas Hilton and was filled with
audience fans of all ages that grew up watching and being entertained by
the legendary game show hosts as a staple of daytime TV.
Rich Fields
Peter Marshall, Hugh Downs and Wink Martindale
Merv Griffin and Monty Hall
A video montage was shown prior to each inductee that
showcased the highlights of their career. Merv Griffin who recently
passed way, was given a special honor posthumously for his achievements
as an entertainment impresario, 23 years as a TV talk show host, and of
course, due to his contributions to the game show genre and as the
creator of two of the most successful game shows in the history of TV;
Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Griffin’s special tribute included video
appearances by other renowned game show hosts, Pat Sajak (Wheel of
Fortune), Tom Kennedy (Name That Tune), Alex Trebek (Jeopardy) and Bob
Eubanks (The Newlywed game). Emcee Fields was asked by Griffins family
to accept on his behalf the honor which “leaves his permanent mark on
the genre of game shows.”
Monty Hall, was unable to appear in person since he was under the
weather, recovering from two broken ribs. But, Bob Eubanks accepted the
honor on his behalf and went on describing the career of his friend and
colleague as ranging from stage to radio to TV to charities and as the
host of the immensely popular Let’s Make a Deal, that helped build ABC
into a powerhouse network. Eubanks said, “Hall is a true humanitarian
and should also get a humanitarian award for the work he has done
raising over $800 million for charities including Variety Club
International which has lead to numerous hospital wings named after
him.”
Peter Marshall, five time Emmy Award winning host of Hollywood Squares
for over 16 years started out as a page for NBC but is also known for
his flexibility as a comedy and concert performer as well as one of TV’s
most popular game show hosts. In accepting his award Marshall jokingly
said “I bet you thought I was dead. I am quite honored…for whatever the
heck it is I do.”
Wink Martindale, born Winston Conrad Martindale, has hosted more game
shows in his over 40 years of being in front of the camera than anyone
else including the late Bill Cullen. Tic Tac Dough and High Roller are
just a few of the game shows on his resume. Wink thanked the many
producers who gave him those opportunities and then addressed the
audience by adding “without you we would not have a job.”
Last but not least, while most of us know Hugh Downs as the former
co-anchor of TV’s nighttime magazine 20/20 from 1978 to his retirement
in 1999, older folks remember Downs as host of the NBC’s classic game
show “Concentration” that began in 1958. The show ran for 11 years
dominating the daytime slot and beating out the competition. Downs has
also made it into the Guinness Book of Records for appearing in 15,188
hours on TV.
After the ceremonies were over, there was a reception inside the Hilton
Ballroom for invited guests that included executives from the Las Vegas
convention and Visitors Authority, local entertainers and several other
celebrities. I got a chance to chat with Sammy Davis’ lovely widow
Altovise Davis, my friend producer/writer/director Christopher
Broughton, whose highly anticipated new TV variety/talk show “When
Hollywood Meets The Strip”, to be taped in front of an audience at the
Venetian Hotel and will debut at the end of October, handsome
actor/dancer Adrien Zmed, and Menopause cast member, the delightful
Laura Lee O’Connell. Also making an appearance were Bob Eubanks, Chuck
Woolery and Jamie Farr, rotating hosts of the new audience participation
game show “$250,000 Game Show Spectacular” that premiered right after
the TV Game Show Hall of Fame inductee ceremony concluded. I asked
Jamie, who starred as a cross dressing soldier in TV’s MASH, if he was
able to keep any of his female garb from the series. With a twinkle in
his eye he replied, “The dresses are in the Smithsonian Institute, but I
have the pink slippers at home.”
Judy Thorburn with Adrien Zmed and Christopher Broughton
Christopher Broughton and Altovise Davis
Jamie Farr, Chuck Woolery and Bob Eubanks
As you can tell, it was an historical day in more
ways than one. In addition to the inductee ceremony, a stellar
collection of rare and historic game show memorabilia was on display for
this event and more items and exhibits will be added as the development
of the Game Show Hall of Fame moves forward.
Diablo's
Cantina at The Monte Carlo Throws Celebrity Filled Grand Opening Party
Diablo's Cantina is the newest dining and nightlife venue from the Light
Group to open at the Monte Carlo. To celebrate its debut, on Saturday
night the inviting 10,000 square foot multi level Mexican restaurant
which includes a bar and lounge and is decorated in vibrant colors, with
rustic tile and furniture, and an upstairs open air veranda that faces
the strip, held a special celebrity filled Red Carpet Grand Opening
event.
“Devilish” models carrying pitchforks with their
scantily clad bodies painted in red greeted the Red Carpet celebrity
arrivals that included controversial comedienne Kathy Griffin, co-star
of TV’s Entourage Kevin Connolly, “Superbad” actress Martha MacIsaac,
actor Lucas Haas (Witness, Mars Attacks!) and “Lost” co-star Michelle
Rodriguez who couldn’t wait to get inside and partake in the fiesta-like
party atmosphere where delectable food samplings and soft drinks as well
as a collection of specialty margaritas and other luscious libations
from the open bar were abundant.
Michelle Rodriquez (center)
Lucas Haas
Kevin Connelly
From what I tasted, the cross the border menu of
Mexican, Southwest and American cuisine is “sinfully” good. For this
evening there were offerings of jumbo shrimp to die for, Mexican
inspired pizza, scrumptious potato skins, chicken taquitos, beef
empanadas, and cheese and/or chicken quesadillas, and for dessert, oh so
sweet cupcakes that are definitely bad for the diet conscious but great
for the taste buds.
Located at the Monte Carlo with a strip front
entrance, Diablo’s Cantina looks to be a destination of choice for an
evening of south of the border dining and enjoyable nightlife
atmosphere. To top it you couldn’t ask for a more accommodating and
personable staff of servers, bartenders and roaming tequila vixens.
Diablo’s Cantina is open 7 days a week, 11 a.m. to midnight. Lounge
Hours are Sun. – Wed., 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Thurs. to Sat. 11 a.m. to 3
a.m. For additional information, visit
www.diabloslv.com .
Other
recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
 On
October 20 Buddhist leader Zhaxi Zhuoma Rinpoche will be in Las Vegas to
give a free seminar on Buddhism and its spiritual practices. This
lecture will introduce the Buddha-dharma of Exoteric and Esoteric
Buddhism, providing the resources of good fortune, wisdom, skills and
power necessary to achieve perfect enlightenment. Admission is free and
open to the public and will take place at 6225 Foxhunt St. near the
corner of North Rainbow Boulevard and Azure Drive. For more information,
visit www.zhaxizhuoma.net , or
contact Lin Brown at 702-658-2418 or Katie Hughes-Appel at 702-292-4341.
 Beginning
October 20, 2007 thru March 2, 2008 a special exhibit of more than 60
detailed replicas of scientific devices developed by Leonardo da Vinci
will be on display for cultural, educational and recreational enjoyment
at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 Water Street in Henderson The models
are organized in three viewing galleries: transportation, military and
mechanical and include hang gliders, a bicycle, a double-hull boat, an
air-screw (precursor to the helicopter), a fly wheel, an early tank, a
robot, a chamber of mirrors and a movable bridge, among others. Nearly
half of all the exhibits are interactive. Hours of operation are Sunday
- Thursday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m and Friday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. For
ticket prices and/or additional information please call (702) 267-2171
Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or visit
www.HendersonLive.com .
On October 22, at 8 p. m. American Indie rock band Interpol with guest
band Liars as the opening act, will perform at The Joint inside the hard
Rock Hotel and Casino. Tickets priced at $29.50 are on sale now.
 A
series of open casting calls for a new dining and nightlife venue,
Hawaiian Tropic Zone scheduled to open in late December 2007 will be
held Monday through Friday, Oct. 22 - 26 and again Oct. 29 - Nov. 2 at
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Positions needed to be filled are
table concierges, bartenders, hostesses and promotional models. Casting
will take place in Sapphire Ballrooms 5 and 6 on the Mezzanine Level of
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino: Monday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday: 9
a.m. – 5 p.m.; Wednesday - Thursday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and 6 – 9 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
 At
8 p.m. on Friday, October 26. Operatic superstar Denyce Graves opens the
Charles Vanda Master Series with a special performance at The UNLV
Performing Arts Center. Tickets to Denyce Graves are $45, $60, and $90
and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Box Office at
895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting
www.pac.unlv.edu . Student rush tickets are $13 each and available
one hour prior to each event, based on availability and with valid
student I.D. UNLV faculty and staff discounts also are available. A $1
facilities fee, in addition to the ticket price, is charged on all
Performing Arts Center tickets.
On October 27, from 2-8 p.m. Inspirada, a master-planned community in
Henderson, and the Partners with Henderson Police Department K-9 present
the Inspirada Fall Festival and Howl at the Moon Dog Walk, that will
include trick-or-treating at the community’s model homes, hay rides, a
pumpkin patch, crafts, food, music. The event will take place at Silista
Park, 1890 Via Firenze in Henderson. Along the route, walkers can
register for prizes and enjoy tasty treats for both people and their
pets. A registration fee is required to participate in the Howl at the
Moon Dog Walk and proceeds will benefit Partners with HPD K-9. To visit
Inspirada from 215 East, exit Eastern Avenue and head south to St. Rose
Parkway. Turn west to Executive Airport Road and head south. Follow the
signs to the community entrance.
 On
October 30 The Orleans Hotel and Casino and The Professional Bull Riders
are teaming up to host a charity Texas Hold’Em poker tournament at The
Orleans Poker Room to benefit the Resistol Relief Fund which benefits
anyone injured while participating in the sport of bull riding. Since
being founded in 2000 the relief fund has distributed over a million
dollars to bull riders and their families. Each table will have one of
bull riding’s biggest stars playing along side contestants. Check-in is
at 11 a.m. and the event starts at noon. Spectator seating is available
and open to the pubic. All players may receive a photograph and
autograph from the professional bull rider at their table. The first
player at each table to “knock out” a bull rider will win two tickets to
the PBR Finals and the final table of 10 players will win cash prizes.
Jack Daniel’s “Jack Girls” will be handing out prizes to contestant and
the crowd.
For tournament registration details call toll free at 1.888.365.7111
ext. 6167 or 702.365.7111 ext. 6167
 On
Friday, November 2 in celebration of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the
Dead), legendary Latin artist Juan Gabriel, one of Mexico’s top singers
and songwriters, will appear at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The show is
scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. Tickets limited to eight (8) per person
are priced at $150, $95 and $65, not including applicable service
charges and taxes, and are available at the MGM Grand Garden Arena box
office. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call the MGM Grand
box office at (702) 891-7777 or go to
www.mgmgrand.com
 Internationally
celebrated vocalist Freda Payne brings her critically acclaimed show, “A
Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald,” to the Club inside the Cannery Casino &
Hotel for a special two-night engagement on Friday, November 2 and
Saturday, November 3 with both shows starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10
and can be purchased at the door.
On Friday and Saturday November 16th & 17th The Alexis Park Hotel will
host The Second Annual Cool Bobby B DooWop Convention. The weekend will
include: A Sock Hop and artist reception, autograph session, amateur
DooWop contest, Records ! Pictures! Posters! Artist merchandise &
memorabilia, capped off by a grand finale Concert on Saturday Night!
Scheduled to perform are Harvey Fuqua & The Moonglows (“10 Commandments
of Love”); The Fleetwoods (“Mr. Blue” & “Come Softly to Me”);The Capris
(“Morse Code of Love”); The Elegants (“Little Star”);The Olympics (“Big
Boy Pete” & “Western Movies”); The Pentagons (“To be Loved” & “She’s
mine”); Little Caesar & The Romans (“Those Oldies but Goodies”); The
Edsels Featuring The Reynolds Brothers (“Rama Lama Ding Dong”); Special
Guest Superstar Jimmy Castor (“I Promise to Remember”); The Murmaids
(“Popsicles & Icicles”); Philly Cuz (“One Summer Night”); Stevie Dunham
& The Emerald Dreams (“Window of Time”); from Milwaukee -The DooWop
Daddies & from Texas – The The TheMoonlites.
Special Added attractions are The Goodfellas & Vicky Tafoya and The
Redondos and Lewis Lymon (of The Teen Chords) Special Guest MC will be
Rich Rosen “The Voice of DooWop music in Las Vegas”
An All Access pass to all events are priced at $129.00
To order tickets call the Hotline: 1-513-307-4429 or visit Wax Trax
Records: 2909 S. Decatur (702) 362-4300
Mention Doo Wop in the Desert for special discounts.
I’ll be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las
Vegas.
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