Judy Thorburn and Debbie Hall

Photos by Stephen Thorburn

It was a week of fine dining, prizes, opera, ballet, and an ongoing artistic appreciation of the female form.

First, we got to experience the live version of TV’s longest-running game at the Jubilee Theater at Bally’s Las Vegas. Think about this: The Showcase, The Big Wheel, Gorgeous game show models, Come on down! A NEW CAR! For 34 years those words have been synonymous with “The Price is Right,” a staple of daytime television. Now Las Vegas audiences can experience all the fun of their favorite game show with “The Price is Right – Live” Stage Show where they can be up close, in person, and part of the action as a member of the audience with a chance of becoming a contestant.

“The Price is Right – Live” Stage Show is hosted by the very adorable and personable Todd Newton (host of “E! News Live,” “Coming Attractions,” and “Whammy! The All New Press Your Luck”) and two beautiful model assistants that reveal the prizes. Featured are such fan-favorite games as “Plinko,” “Cliff Hangers,” “The Big Wheel,” “Hole in One,” and, of course, “The Showcase.” Just like on TV, contestants chosen from the audience will have a chance to win thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.

We began the evening with a cocktail reception where we were introduced to Todd and get us in the mood for the show. Five people with the lucky raffle number were selected to play Plinko for prizes. Our very own Media Judy was called and won tickets to EROCKtica.

Then came the show. Using interactive technology, eligible audience members are shown a classic clip from “The Price is Right” TV show, followed by a question about the clip. Using keypads, audience members selected their answers. The first four people with the correct answer got to be the next contestant on ‘The Price is Right - Live.’ We cheered, clapped and shouted out prices to the contestants, especially to the Showcase. Todd is a great live host with a quick wit and great stage presence. We are thrilled to report that the show has signed a two-year contract at Bally’s Las Vegas.

The live shows, offering chances to win the same valuable prizes is Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and on Fridays at 8 p.m. Tickets are $39.95 (plus tax and service charge) and are available at the Bally’s and Paris box offices, or by calling 702-967-4567 or toll free at 1-877-374-7469. Tickets can also be purchased via www.ballyslasvegas.com.  There is no age requirement for ticket holders. Contestants must be 21 years of age or older.

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Sapporo is the latest eatery in the Southwest area of Las Vegas. Called high-energy Japanese-influenced dining, the menu features three distinctive cuisines from Teppan Yaki, Sushi and Pacific Rim. The décor is stunning with fire elements, shades of blues and silvers, accent glass mirrors on dark walls, and mosaic tiles within the 11,600 square feet that incorporates a spacious dining room, separate bar area and 800 square foot of outdoor patio. Flat screen televisions actually broadcast an array of fish sequences. During the VIP reception, guests lined up to fill their plates with offerings of a wide selection of sushi that was prepared behind a tall counter set up in front of the kitchen. For a more private setting, there are separate rooms with individual tables where a personal chef entertains customers with flames that appear to rise up and dance as part of the Teppan meal preparation. A special treat is the sinfully delicious Passion Mango Martini. It’s incredible, and has been selected as one of the new top drinks of Las Vegas.

Sapporo is located at the Grand Flamingo Centre, 9719 W. Flamingo west of 215. Hours are from 4 pm to 1 am Sunday through Thursday and 4 pm to 2 am Friday and Saturdays. Call 702-216-3080 for more information.

The Nevada Opera Theatre Guild celebrated a twenty-year tradition with “The International Friendship Luncheon” at The Stirling Club at Turnberry Place.

At this year’s “International Friendship Luncheon,” the served entrée was chicken breast accompanied by mushrooms, potatoes au gratin and string beans, and for dessert, mouthwatering moist chocolate cake topped with raspberries. Radio and TV personality Lark Williams was on hand and introduced some of the individuals who have contributed so generously to helping build and advance the Nevada Opera Theatre Guild. In attendance and recognized for her hard work was Karen Scherer, Chairperson of the Nevada Opera Theatre Guild, and recent recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Nevada branch of the National Association of Woman Business Owners. Two special honorees in attendance were business patron, Elaine Fish, President of John Fish Jewelers and opera patrons, Kadell and Leezie Kremer.

Featured tables were decorated with the theme of a country, city or special event. The sponsors and themes are Dr. Morton and Nicole Hyson, Canada; Karen Scherer, The Caribbean; Marie Francis, England; Lucy Stewart, France; Anna Nateece, Greece; Linda Cassese, Italy; Paul and Karen Holm, Las Vegas; Eileen Hayes, Africa; Joan Dimmitt, Antebellum; Kadell and Leezie Kremer, Springtime; Mike and Beverly Mykisen, Thailand; The John Fish Family, USA; Nancy Hill and Kathy Kubik, “Phantom of the Opera”; The Nevada Opera Divas, “A Night at the Opera”; and The Nevada Opera Theatre Guild, “Up, Up and Away”.

As part of this fund raising event to benefit the Nevada Opera Theatre Guild, there were raffle prizes, a silent auction that included gifts baskets and jewelry, and a live auction that included a beautiful original oil painting donated by gifted local artist, former dancer and patron of the arts, Terry Ritter, entitled “Blue Day” depicting a showgirl from Folies Bergere seated in a relaxing pose. There was also a weekend getaway in Brianhead, and an exquisite diamond and aquamarine necklace.

Entertainment was supplied by opera vocalists Demetra George, two-time Grammy nominee who has performed for the “Opera Festival” at MonteLago Village and was the lead vocalist in “La Traviata” at The Paris in 2002; Steve Plummer who performed the role of Lt. Pinkerton in The Nevada Opera Theatre’s 2004 production of “Madama Butterfly” and Dr. Morton Hyson (when not singing he is a well respected neurologist) who was cast in the role of the Sacristan in The Nevada Opera Theatre’s nearly sold-out, critically-acclaimed production of “Tosca” this past January at Artemus Ham Hall. They sang selections from “La Boheme,” “Carmen,” “Madama Butterfly,” “Turandot” and “The Merry Widow”.
For more information, call (702) 731-3370 or (702) 336-4603.

We were there for the five-year anniversary of La Femme, (pronounced “La Fahm”) at MGM Grand. Audience favorites “Teasing” and “Chair Me Up” were added back into the show, which has enjoyed continued success on the Las Vegas Strip since its inception in 2001.

This production, which originated in France, exalts the female form as both artistic expression and entertainment. The use of lights, shadows, movement and screens adds to the seduction and sensuality of the performance. One dance number showcases the dancer’s legs only, with a promise of desire. There are two breaks with comedy, one with a very good-looking magician (something for the ladies) and one with the Squiggles featuring Michael Jackson. But the women, all gorgeous and natural (no breast enhancements allowed) entice all of the senses with passion, temptation and longing. This is truly what a show from Paris is all about.

La Femme at MGM Grand performs nightly at 8 and 10:30 p.m., dark Tuesdays. Guests must be at least 18 years of age to attend the show. Tickets are priced at $59.00 plus taxes and fees and includes show program. Tickets can be purchased at MGM Grand ticketing outlets, by phone at (702) 891-7777 or (800) 929-1111, or online at www.mgmgrand.com.

A Las Vegas favorite, Casa di Amore, celebrated its grand reopening with Michael Campagno and R. J. Gagliardi. This Italian American club, with the theme “The Way Vegas Used to Be,” offers a true Italian Bistro atmosphere with a dance floor, stage and cozy atmosphere. Not only does the restaurant offer a selection of pastas, shrimp, pizzas, chicken and prime rib dishes, the owner walks around to make certain you receive personal service and enjoying yourself. The place exudes warmth from its traditional décor to the friendly staff and talented performers. We were even treated to a splendid vocal performance by American Idol runner up from season two, Trynece who, it was announced, will be joining the cast of “V” at the Aladdin as a featured performer. Casa di Amore is located at 2850 East Tropicana west of McLeod. For more information, call 433-4967.

Nevada Ballet Theatre celebrated the end of their season with a special performance of Scheherazade, introducing well-known choreographer Kathryn Posin to Las Vegas audiences. Based upon the classic tale of “A Thousand and One Arabian Night’s,” Scheherazade is the timeless tale of a heroine battling the forces of evil and ultimately triumphs, celebrating love and victory.

Before Scheherazade, we were treated to The Class, a one-act dance that takes up behind the scenes to a typical ballet class. We see the dancers warm up, doing floor exercises and stretch, all very graceful and athletic in their black and white dance garb. Then it was the opulent Scheherazade enhanced by colorful and dazzling East Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern costumes, lush staging and the intrigue of ancient worlds.

The Nevada Ballet Theater’s 35th Anniversary Season begins again in September 15.

Last but not least, Media Diva Judy made a visit to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum at the Venetian Hotel on May 18 to check the “Un-masking” of the Original “Phantom” star Michael Crawford, the newest addition to the celebrity attraction that showcases incredible lifelike wax figures in an interactive environment. Crawford’s likeness, complete with tuxedo and “Phantom” mask in hand is introduced to the public as part of the Legends of Vegas attraction to coincide with the start of previews of the Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production that begins on Sunday, June 4 at the Venetian’s new theatre. According to my brief chat with Adrian Jones, handsome and amiable general manager of Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, there are plenty of exciting things in store in the coming weeks. We’ve got the scoop and will be sharing it with our readers shortly. So stay tuned.

Remember, The Media Divas make entertainment news DIVALICIOUS!