Judy Thorburn and Debbie Hall

The Media Divas - February 25th, 2006

What a week it was for the Media Divas. We were so busy with so many wonderful events; we just don’t know where to begin. On President’s Day, Media Diva Debbie worked with Star Jones Reynolds during her book signing at Barnes and Noble. Ms Jones-Reynolds gave a talk, signed her latest book “Shine” and posed for photographs with her many fans.

A few weeks ago, Media Diva Debbie was forced to go to Wynn’s Corsa all by her lonesome self. She was forced to eat great food like Wood Burned Grilled Pizza, Artisinai Goat’s Milk Ricotta Ravioli, Short Rib of Beef, and topped it off with desserts such as Tuscan Whipped Cream Cake, and Stairway to Chocolate. Without Media Diva Judy, Media Diva Debbie dejectedly walked about the restaurant with its warm wood décor, plush leather seats and two “open” walls. Everyone tried to cheer Debbie up with wonderful service and hospitality, and in the end, Debbie did smile. All together everyone, awwwwwwwwww.

Thursday, February 23, was a full day for the Media Divas. In the afternoon, the Tropicana Hotel and Casino invited the Divas to a wonderful lunch and show to help celebrate the one-year anniversary of Dirk Arthur’s Xtreme Magic Show. The luncheon was held at the Tropicana’s American Classic Steakhouse, Savanna, with tantalizing steak and shrimp and the moistest chocolate puff pastry ever. We spoke briefly with Dirk, who is personable off stage, and has a wonderful presence on stage with a boyish face and a genuine love for his white tigers, ducks, geese and birds. His family oriented show is great for all ages and is certain to delight everyone with his illusions that includes one with help from a child from the audience or when he makes a helicopter appear on stage out of nowhere. In fact, what we really like about Dirk is that he calls himself an illusionist, and not a magician. His new dancers are energetic and really add to his show. We especially loved the behind the scenes video clip from Dirk’s special which aired on TV’s Animal Planet channel that shows him training and playing with his tigers at their habitat. In the video he specifically makes a point that although he has great love and respect for the beautiful endangered animals, there are immense dangers involved when working closely with tigers or any wild animals and one must always be alert and extremely careful since your life is at stake. Congratulations Dirk, for creating a magical afternoon.

Photos of Dirk Arthur by Lindsay Hebberd

Later that night we were treated to “Menopause, the Musical,” at the Las Vegas Hilton, undeniably the best show we have seen in a long time. Everything about it is superb. The cast has unbelievable voices with an amazing range. The show itself was humorous, poignant, touching, and universal with real heart and soul. Skye Dee Miles (who played Power Woman) did the best impression of Tina Turner ever, and believe us, we have seen them all. This show brought tears of joy and recognition with its collective message of change and transition.

Appearing six days a week (dark on Monday) at the Shimmer Cabaret, Menopause the Musical is the brainchild of creative writer Jeanie Linders who wrote new lyrics to familiar song hits of the 60s and 70s as a salute to women experiencing THE CHANGE. Songs such as Staying Awake (Staying Alive) and Having a Hot Flash (Having a Heat Wave) are just an example of the clever and very witty 28 songs in the show that enhance the plot of four diverse women, strangers, who meet while fighting over a black lace bra in New York City’s Bloomingdale’s Department Store. The women connect on a deeper level while shopping in various departments throughout the store, where they break into song and dance about wrinkles, hot flashes, memory loss, mood swings, night sweats, and eating binges among other unwanted menopausal symptoms every woman, plus those who live with or inhabit their space, can relate to. There is the Iowa Housewife (Laura Lee O’Connell), the Earth Mother (Vita Corimbi), the Soap Star (Satomi Hofmann), and the Power Woman (Skye Dee Miles) all of whom embody a different facet of our personalities and life. No matter what the character or symptom, the subject matter is treated with intelligence and a great sense of humor evoked through the incredibly talented cast. Let me not forget to mention the lively and fitting choreography by Patty Bender, which perfectly complements the numbers to a T. At the private After Party to celebrate the show’s opening we got to meet the four beautiful women who performed that evening and the alternate cast who also embody those roles. We were amazed to see how young these women really are up close, since they definitely come across on stage in true character and are totally believable, as the mature over forty women audiences will identify with. Trust us, you don’t have to be a woman to appreciate this show. By the reaction of the men we spoke to after the show, it was thumbs up all the way.

Producers Alan Glist and his wife
Photo by Stephen Thorburn

Thank you to the Las Vegas Hilton and producers Alan Glist and his lovely wife for having the savvy of bringing this fabulous show to Las Vegas. Ladies, bring your husband, friends, daughters and sons. We promise the only mood swing you’ll have will be an uplifting, empowering one filled with loads of insight and laughter.

Despite the plans for the demise of the Stardust as we know it, Leroy Neiman unveiled his original painting honoring the 48 year history of the Stardust at a special reception on Friday evening. Boyd Gaming Corporation, which owns the Stardust, announced that 2006 would be the last year of operation. The painting, which incorporates Neiman’s signature bold colors and sweeping strokes, includes a Las Vegas Showgirl and the famous Stardust Sign. . “The Showgirl has been an inspiration to me. “ Neiman stated before the unveiling. “Something about being and playing in a place like Las Vegas…is so dramatic and so profound.”

Leroy Neiman with Stardust Showgirls
Photo by Stephen Thorburn

“A painting by Leroy Neiman truly honors the Stardust,” said Vice President and General Manager Tony Taeubel said. “Mr. Neiman is undeniably one of the world’s premiere artists. The Stardust is a Las Vegas icon and to be included among the works of art adds immeasurably in its stature.” He also stated that the Stardust would continue to present special events and introduce memorabilia throughout 2006.

Leroy Neiman
Photo by Stephen Thorburn

Also that night, the Media Divas attend the Inaugural American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Art Auction to benefit Habitat for Humanity as well as introduce the showrooms at Holsum Lofts. Holsum Lofts was originally home of the Holsum Bread factory where their bread was baked and distributed. We were amazed at its transformation into a spacious, eclectic space where people can live, work and shop. The auction featured an array of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art by 25 Las Vegas artists including Jennifer Main, Jerry Misko, and Steven Spawn, just to name a few. The open courtyard served as a social area with food and drink and we walked around admiring the many different styles of art represented in this area. The mission statement of ASID is “a community of people, designers, industry representatives, educators and students committed to interior design through education, knowledge, sharing, advocacy, community building and outreach. The society strives to advance the interior design profession and in the process, to demonstrate and celebrate the power of design to positively change people’s lives.” With Artistic Ironworks one block east and the World Market Center across the street, this section of Charleston from Martin Luther King to Las Vegas Boulevard is striving to become the art center of Las Vegas and we applaud everyone’s efforts. You must go during the day and check out all of the shops at Holsum Lofts. There is a café, parking and a wonderful experience waiting for you.

Until next time, remember - we make the news divalicious!