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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
Little
Legends at Krave Nightclub
The cliché “big things come in small packages” could
easily refer to the “Little Legends” show presented in the Krave
Nightclub at the Harmon Theatre at Planet Hollywood. It’s the
entertaining new show like no other that features five little people,
one girl and four guys, performing as pint size, celebrity
impersonators. The emcee is the hilarious and flamboyant, normal size
Jeff Dobson, a cross between Rip Taylor and Liberace with his flashy
garb and mannerisms, who warms up the audience and keeps everyone in
stitches in between acts with a mix of comedy and magic that includes
volunteers from the audience. In addition, the show includes two regular
size females, Cat and Jessica, who perform as assistants and backup
dancers.
Terra Jole - Star of Little Legends in the Harmon
Theater at Krave Nightclub
Twenty seven year old, pretty blonde Terra Jole is
the only performer who uses her own voice and doesn’t lip sync to the
recorded music and lyrics. Dressed in a star’s signature costume and
“hair” (wigs) it’s Terra’s strong vocals that hits the mark with mini
versions of Alana Morissette, Madonna, Britney Spears, and Cher.
Rounding out the cast is Joey Gnoffo, a dynamo on live drums as Tommy
Lee, Antonio Hoyes as Dean Martin and a 1960’s mini version of Sonny to
Dobson’s take on Cher (it’s just too funny for words), plus two brothers
from Africa, Adama and Abdule Kone who dance up a storm with awesome
moves, first as Michael Jackson and then as Mini Vanilli. The finale
brings out the entire cast of little people dressed in characters as the
Village People’s cowboy, cop, sailor, construction worker and Dobson as
a Native American lip syncing to “YMCA”.
Little Legends in the Harmon Theater at Krave
Nightclub
  
 
Outside of Terra Jole, Little Legends doesn’t feature
a cast with live vocal talents like the more famous, world renowned
Legends in Concert. There is no comparison. But, this mini version does
offer something totally different and entertaining. At the evening’s
performance I attended, there was an international audience including
people from the U.K and Denmark. I sat next to a couple of “blokes” from
England who told me they had a great time and were glad they came to see
the show. That should speak for itself.
Ticket prices for Little Legends are $49 for General Admission, $60 VIP
seating. Showtimes are 7pm. Tuesday - Sunday (dark on Monday). Call
(702) 836-0830 for more information.
"Secrets
of the Grail" revealed at Spamalot Backstage Tour
The Las Vegas production of Monty Python’s
award winning Broadway musical Spamalot at the Grail Theatre at Wynn Las
Vegas is presently offering patrons a special V.I.P.P. package that
includes a backstage tour as well as a premium audience seat for the
show. On the afternoon of October 18, I along with several of my press
colleagues took advantage of the invitation to check out the “backstage
secrets” for ourselves. I can tell that for anyone who has never seen
what goes on behind the scenes of a famous staged production, the tour
is an informative, eye opening special treat.
Photo by Burt Davis
Amber Owens, one of the show’s ensemble dancers,
acted as our group’s guide for the 45 minute tour which began in the
Wall of Fame corridor before we were led upstairs to the backstage area
and beyond. The corridor’s wall is filled with a photo gallery and
documented history of the show, including photos of the principle
creators, producers, and actors that goes back to the original 1975
movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” from which the musical
production is based, to the New York opening of the Broadway musical,
the Las Vegas show, and other international productions. An interesting
fact is while the movie was shot at a cost of only $400,000 U. S.
dollars, the staged musical came in at $10 million to produce.
Photo by Judy Thorburn
In the corridor is a replica of the original Broadway
musical’s Tony Award, proudly housed in a tall glass display. Hanging
from the ceiling is coconut shells, one of the stand out props and plot
devices in the show. There is also a table against one wall featuring
creative and imaginative uses of coconut shells that have been entered
in a contest. Of course, we were asked to vote on our choice for the
ones we liked best.
Photo by Judy Thorburn
Along the tour, visitors are given a photo op with a
few of the popular props from the show such as the giant can of SPAM
which cost $10,000 to create, the killer rabbit (puppet) and the giant
wooden Trojan rabbit.
Moving on, we were shown and/or told about everything
that makes this show work as a creative effort including the prop room
(where we saw a couple working on an umbrella), the automation center
that, for instance, runs the hydraulic pump that lifts the Lady of The
Lake and controls the pieces that fly, and lighting (there are 333
stationary lights and a technician controls the 72 moving lights.)
Photo by Judy Thorburn
The sound is actually mixed in a sound booth located
in the back of the audience. This where a technician mixes the live
music from the orchestra with the performer’s voices and adjusts the
sound in the 100 speakers in the house. Amber showed us the thin mike
and accompanying power pack that is worn in the performers’ wigs.
The other side of the curtain facing the audience consists of backstage
areas delegated as upstage right, downstage right, and stage left which
have specific uses for performers and the show’s technicians. Downstage
right is where 4 stage managers work on the show cues. Upstage right and
stage left is where quick change booths (separate one for female and
males) and areas are located. A color system is painted on the stage
floor that acts as cues to let the performers know where to stand. We
didn’t visit the wardrobe room, but there were a few furry pieces hung
on a rack backstage and we learned that there is $1 million worth of
costumes. Later we went to the highest area of the theatre, the catwalk,
where the stage hands rig the lights above the balcony and 6 lbs of
confetti are dropped at the end of the show.
Amber Owens - Tour Guide and Show Ensemble Dancer
Photo by Judy Thorburn
Amber said that there are 85 people who make this
show happen at any given performance including, but not limited to, 20
people on stage, 6 off and 2 standbys (one male, one female), 2 male
swings, 2 female swings, 21 stage technicians, and 13 orchestra
musicians plus conductor.
In a visit to the hair and wig room, Patty La Rocco, the lady in charge,
told us that there are 107 hair pieces, all hand tied from human hair at
a total cost of $400,000 (the same amount of money it took to make the
original Monty Python “Holy Grail” movie). Each wig is custom made and
individually styled for each performer and Patty has three associates
with her who wash and reset the hairpieces every day.
Patty La Rocco Manager of Hair and Wigs
Photo by Judy Thorburn
Oops! I’ve already revealed more than I should. Lucky
for me, they must have forgotten to make me sign a blood oath, swearing
not to reveal any of the secrets. That said, if all this perks your
interest, and there is plenty of stuff I left out, than my advice is to
experience the backstage “Secrets of The Grail” tour of Spamalot at Wynn
Las Vegas for yourself. It’s very informative and lots of fun. A limited
number of V.I.P.P. tickets priced at $159 per person plus tax are
available exclusively on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
The special package includes premium seating, the 45 minute backstage
tour after the show plus a commemorative Grail cup filled with beer or
soft drink and a photo op with cast and crew, set pieces and props. Call
888-320-71120 or 702-770-WYNN.
Other
recent and upcoming “Happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
I heard it through the grapevine that singer Kelly Clinton had her
bridal shower on Sunday, October 20. She plans on exchanging “I dos”
with fiancé, entertainer/extraordinaire Clint Holmes on November 11.
Clint Holmes and Kelly Clinton
On Saturday, October 27, 2007, the Boulder City New
Green Team will host a Green Energy Expo from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the
Department of Water and Power Building 600 Nevada Way, across from Mel’s
Diner in Boulder City. The event will showcase techniques and technology
to decrease energy consumption including solar and wind displays, solar,
grease and electric cars, recycling and landfill options, BCHS Science
and Energy Department projects, information about composting and
community gardens and much, much more. Additionally, residents can sign
a carbon reduction pledge and learn what they can do to make Boulder
City greener and cleaner. Admission is free and open to the public.
On Sunday, October 28 from 1 – 5 p.m. DuBarry Fashions, 3375 S. Decatur
Blvd., between Spring Mountain and Desert Inn Rd, is having a Halloween
Party and Costume Contest for the public. Derek David and his quintet,
Bling, will perform and everyone is invited to enjoy free champagne,
hors d'oeuvres and 50 percent off everything in the store. At 5 p.m. a
panel of three celebrity judges will select the winner of the best
costume. 1st prize is a $250 gift certificate; 2nd prize is a free
surprise gift and 3rd prize is a free surprise gift.
The singing and dancing cocktail servers, known as Bevertainers at the
Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino, who provide a high level of beverage
service, have been fitted with a new sexier costume designed by Meg
DeAgostini, wardrobe supervisor for Dick Foster Productions. The lace
material sprinkled with black diamond stones teases the eye by revealing
a little skin and exuding elegance. To complete the look the costume is
complimented with black suede shoes.
On November 3, longtime Las Vegas entertainer Dave Swan will be honored
with a fundraiser sponsored by The CAST, a non-profit organization
created to assist veteran entertainers in need, at the Imperial Palace
at 2:00 p.m, doors open at 1:30 p.m. Swan, who has donated much of his
time over the years to help others, is now facing a health condition
that leaves him unable to perform.
A lineup of distinguished Las Vegas performers and friends of Swan
scheduled to appear including Pete Barbutti, Cork Proctor, Peter
Anthony, Tony Sacca, Corrie Sachs, Jason Byrne, Jazz Dolls, Tony Davich,
Robin Berry, Legends In Concert and much more. The entertainers will be
backed by the Michael T. Orchestra. Proceeds from ticket sales will go
toward Swan’s medical care. A ticket donation is $30 and can be
purchased by calling 889.3587 or online at
www.thecastinc.com
Donations may also be sent directly to The CAST Special Events Fund/
Dave Swan, P.O. Box 370654, Las Vegas, NV. 89137.
 Friday,
November 2 through Sunday, November 4, The Lon Bronson Band - Revenge of
the Horns will perform in the Naughty Ladies Saloon at Arizona Charlie’s
Decatur from 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. The Lon Bronson Band features world class
musicians delivering industrial strength rhythm & blues, rock, soul and
funk. Performing for 17 straight years has earned them the distinction
of being the longest running band in the history of Las Vegas. For more
information, please call 258-5200
The Department of Film and the UNLV Short Film Archive sponsors the 4th
annual 48-Hour Short Film Contest from Friday, November 8 through
Sunday, November 11 on the UNLV campus.
Starting on Friday 5:30 pm, the filmmakers will be given four elements
they must use in their film: a genre, a prop, a character and a
line-of-dialogue (everyone gets different elements by blind draw). They
will then have 48 hours to use these elements to write, cast, shoot,
edit & score their shorts. After the 48 hours they must return to the
UNLV campus at which time all the completed films are screened, judged
and prizes will be awarded.
Rules & Regulations and an entry form can be obtained on the UNLV Short
Film Archive website:
http://shortfilmarchive.unlv.edu . Application should be turned into
the UNLV Performing Arts Box Office located by the North Parking
Structure. Entry Deadline is 5pm, Friday, November 2, 2007.
The College of Southern Nevada Henderson campus continues its Fall 2007
Cultural Series with the following FREE events that will be held at the
College of Southern Nevada’s Henderson campus in room 133 of building C.
On Friday, November 9th at 7:30 pm the public is invited to a FREE
lecture by Dr. Fred Conquest that will give an anthropological view on
creating a viable, sustainable and prosperous landscape in a rapidly
changing world. Discover how to be healthy, wealthy and wise. In the age
of globalization, learn the secrets to acquiring wealth and how to make
your world a better place for you and your community.
On Friday, November 16, at 7:30 p.m. Professor Dr. Mark Wherry will
conduct the CSN Jazz Singers on their Jazz Solo Night. The CSN Jazz
Singers will perform traditional favorites and classical jazz
selections. The concert is free. Refreshments will be served following
the performance. For more information about these or other cultural
events at CSN's Henderson campus, please call 651-3000.
 Country
music superstar Sammy Kershaw will perform at Whiskey Pete’s Showroom in
Primm, Nevada on Saturday, November 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets priced at
$24.95 plus applicable taxes and fees are available at Whiskey Pete’s
Box Office or by calling 1-800-FUN-STOP.
 On
Saturday, November 24 at 7 p.m. singer Mary Wilson, former member of the
most successful female singing group in recording history, The Supremes,
will perform at the Aquarius Indoor Pavilion. Ticket prices start at
$24.95 for general admission and $29.95 for premiere seating plus tax
and are on sale now at the Aquarius box office. A special holiday
weekend entertainment and hotel accommodation package is available. The
Mary Wilson concert package includes two general admission tickets to
the performance and a two-night stay for Friday, November 23 and
Saturday, November 24. The package is $179 plus tax and on sale now. For
more information, please contact reservations at 800.662.LUCK.
 On
November 23 and 24 the Cannery Casino & Hotel hosts the KJUL Fall
Harvest Dance featuring the classic boogie-woogie tunes of the Cab
Calloway Orchestra under the baton of Cab’s grandson, C. Calloway
Brooks. The two-night performance will be held at the Club inside the
Cannery Casino & Hotel beginning at 8:00 pm each evening. Admission is
only $10 at the door.
 On
Sunday November 25 international superstar Charo, known for her
trademark statement, “cuchi-cuchi,”will perform at the Rampart Casino
for a one-night engagement. Recognized the world over for her witty
humor, loveable accent and mastery of the flamenco guitar, this truly
multi-talented icon brings a smile to people’s faces with the mere
mention of her name.
The performance will be held in the Grand Ballroom at the adjoining JW
Marriott starting at 4:00 pm. Tickets for Charo’s show go on sale at the
main cage at the Rampart Casino on Friday, November 9th for only $40.00
(including applicable taxes and fees) and also include a complimentary
meal at the Rampart Buffet. The buffet voucher can be used anytime
before December 23.
 Locals
are being offered a special discount rate of only $35 to see Lance
Burton’s show “Lance Burton: Master Magician” at the Monte Carlo during
the 4th annual Locals Appreciation Weeks from Nov. 27-Dec. 8. The ticket
price includes all taxes not including a $3 service fee. This offer is
good for all shows from Tuesday, Nov. 27th thru Saturday, Dec. 8th. Show
times for these two weeks are 7 p.m. Tuesday thru Saturday with added 10
p.m. shows on Tuesday and Saturday during the first week and 7 p.m. show
times Tuesday, Dec. 4 thru Saturday, Dec. 8. This will be valid for two
weeks before the traditional holiday dark weeks. Anyone with a Nevada
I.D. can reserve tickets by calling (702) 730-7160 or visiting the Lance
Burton Theatre Box-office or Tickets & Tours sales desk in the Monte
Carlo Resort & Casino’s lobby.
 After
more than two years on hiatus, Lord of the Dance returns to Las Vegas
for a one night performance on December 6, 2007 at 8 p.m. at the Orleans
Arena. Tickets for this one-time performance of Michael Flatley’s Lord
of the Dance 10th Anniversary Tour are now on sale priced at $35, $45
and $65 (Golden seats are limited) and can be purchased at
www.orleansarena.com , Coast
Casinos’ Box Offices, The Orleans Casino Box Office, or by calling
702-284-7777.
I’ll be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las
Vegas.
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