Judy Thorburn and Debbie Hall

On the evening of January 23 Media Diva Judy hobnobbed with real divas (the singing kind) at the Opera Las Vegas Nuts and Bolts event. And what an impressive evening it was. Among the attendees and opera aficionados was supporter and former English opera singer, Audrey Holmes (Clint’s mom). Staged at the location of its new rehearsal studio inside a warehouse off of Post Road near Patrick, the venue was transformed into a dinner like theatre setting complete with overhead crystal chandelier and round tables covered in black linen, where each place setting was accompanied by a single red rose. David and Annie Alenik of the Pasta Shop provided the buffet style Italian dinner that allowed guests to help themselves to delicious servings of cheese ravioli, Caesar salad, garlic bread, and a choice of soft drinks and coffee. The food certainly satisfied everyone’s palate, but the real treat was the satisfaction of listening to some of the most beautiful voices in Las Vegas. The musical program presented by director Gloria Allen was a showcase for Opera Las Vegas’s Young Artists, featuring the wonderful vocal talents of Rachel Von Hoffman, Danielle White, Matthew Edwardsen, Randy Carels, Doug Carpenter, Stephanie Thompson, Patricia Vital, Alissa Van Camp, Kimberly Fowler, James Holland, Daniel Quintana, and Lorena Provencio performing excerpts from“Die Fledermas” by Johann Strauss and “Madame Butterfly” and Boheme” by Giacomo Puccini. Judging by this enjoyable presentation each one of these gifted young artists has a bright future on the horizon.

Photo by Stephen Thorburn

On Monday, February 6, we began a week that was filled with art, architecture, mystery, comedy and romance, starting with the press conference announcing the new exhibit at the Hermitage Museum, “Rubens and His Age.” Located in the Venetian, the Hermitage will be celebrating its 5th Anniversary October 7, with eight traveling exhibits showcased in Las Vegas during those five years. Even though it is on the Las Vegas Strip, this museum serves over 8,000 students and their chaperones from the Clark County School District. This does not include the over 100,000 people expected to come admire these incredible works from the 17th Century. Many of these pieces have never been shown outside of Russia, so this is an amazing treat for Las Vegas. Ruben incorporated all mediums – painting, drawing, printmaking, book illustrations, tapestry design, sculpture and architecture – in his artistic pursuits. This exhibition demonstrates why Rubens is so well known and appreciated centuries later.

Photo by Lindsay Hebberd

The reception later in the day was held indoors (due to weather) with a string quartet, scrumptious food, the best cosmos and an array of people with an appreciation of fine art and the fact that we are SO lucky to live in Las Vegas. We want to thank Managing Director, Elizabeth Herridge; Lisa Johnson of the Venetian; Sheldon and Miriam Addison, along with all of the staff for this wonderful contribution to Southern Nevada.

Photo by Lindsay Hebberd

What a choice on Tuesday! There were three events to cover, so the Media Divas were FORCED to cover two of the three events and enjoy the third event at a later date. Media Diva Debbie braved Vinnie Favorito (Buckle Up) at O’Sheas while Media Diva Judy and with Media photog Stephen enjoyed the most wonderful meal and dinner theater, A Touch of Mystery Presents “Lethal Libations” at the Artisan Hotel.

Vinnie Favorito, the quick-witted comedian, is known for his “roasts” and commentary on how people live life. His act includes interacting with audience members; fun but never caustic. In fact, he complimented Media Diva Debbie on her laugh. Just to give you an idea about his show, Vinnie commented on how he, as an Italian, never has to worry about getting along with people of other races, since all he has to mention is, “let’s get some more terrorists and we are all friends.” Media Diva Debbie laughed all night long (remember, Vinnie REALLY likes Media Diva Debbie’s laugh) during this guilty pleasure. O’Sheas has a food court, easy parking and now the Vinnie Favorito Show. Congrats Vinnie on getting your own showroom.

Media Diva Judy and Media Photog Stephen began that same evening at the Artisan Hotel, located off of 1-15 and Sahara. FYI, this non-gaming 64-guest suite hotel is a treasure that needs to be discovered by visitors and locals alike. It was a surprise to find out that the basic outside appearance does not give a clue as to the beautiful interior found behind the entrance doors. The Artisan is decorated from floor to ceiling (literally) with exquisite reproductions of some of the world’s most beautiful art. By immersing oneself within the European Renaissance motif that includes furniture, mirrors, bronze statues and paintings by masters of the art world which are eloquently displayed throughout the hotel and in every one of the suites, guests have the feeling of being transported to another era. Located within this very chic hotel that also offers a beautiful bar lounge complete with comfortable couch and chair seating and fine jazz entertainment, is an elegant, intimate dining room, where the fine fitting, whodunit mystery and dinner theatre, A Touch of Mystery presents Lethal Libations, written and directed by Jay Joseph, unfolds every Wednesday evening at 7PM. At $79.95 per person, dinner guests get to enjoy a delicious four course gourmet meal that includes glasses of various wines offered for the Artisan Hotel, Caesar salad, mushroom risotto, streak and salmon with asparagus and roasted potatoes and for dessert, a huge piece of heavenly chocolate cake. All the while, those dining also partake in an interactive murder mystery that is set in the 1930’s by a spirited cast of six actors including Joseph himself who are dressed to the nines in evening wear of that period. Everyone is guaranteed a fun and satisfying evening where the dining audience figures into the scenario by mingling with and questioning the suspects for clues. Consider this a high recommendation for both Jay Joseph’s Lethal Libations and its perfect venue, the Artisan Hotel.

Photo by Stephen Thorburn

Enchantment was in the air on Wednesday when the Stratosphere unveiled Romance at the Top of the World. Its rejuvenated nightclub is above the Top of the World restaurant with a stunning panoramic view of the valley, table service for two or four and a band that sings jazz and standards. Of course, we made it a party with Barry and Louise Berlin and Barry’s mother visiting from New Jersey, along with other members of the media. We all indulged in the Romance Martini, various truffles, chocolate covered strawberries, tiramisu to die for, and the best sushi ever. The lighting is a hue of red where you are still able to carry on an intimate conversation, dance and really see each other. Best of all, there is NO cover charge. Just go to the Stratosphere, tell the attendant you are going to Romance at the Top of the World and 107 stories later, there you are, ready for love. You can always go to the indoor or outdoor observation deck or down one story to enjoy dinner. What better way to enjoy someone special than in this atmosphere above the lights of Las Vegas?

Architecture was the theme at the step out in style “Black Tie Optional” event at the Meridian, presented at the former apartment complex, which has been converted to condominiums for use as vacation homes or income property. Greek born Nicholas S. Gouletas, Chairman and CEO of American Invsco, the nation’s leading condominium developer, is the owner and he has invested millions to update the property with landscaping, amenities and décor. The party, with Gouletas in attendance and mingling with guests, was held in four of the six models with wonderful food and entertainment including violins, accordions, harpists and an incredible vocalist named Julius who wowed the crowd. Located one block east of the Las Vegas Strip, units are on sale between $400,000 and $800,000 with several layouts including a studio, one bedroom/one bath; two bedrooms/two bathrooms and a two-bedroom/two bathrooms/one den. Thank you to Bruce Merrin for the invite to the wonderful party and to the hospitality of American Invsco.

Photo by Stephen Thorburn

Next week, we report on Hairspray and all of our fun events. Remember, we make the news Divaliscious!