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 By
Judy Thorburn
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic
Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer
www.theflickchicks.com
Planet
Hollywood Hosts Red Carpet World Premiere of “88 Minutes”
Last Wednesday I attended the World Premiere at Planet Hollywood for the
new thriller “88 Minutes”. Kicking off the event was the red carpet
arrivals of the film’s star Al Pacino, his co-stars Lee Lee Sobieski,
Alicia Witt, Benjamin McKenzie, William Forsythe, Christopher Redman,
Deborah Kara Unger, Leah Cairns, Trilby Glover, director Jon Avnet,
writer Gary Scott Thompson, producer Randall Emmett, actor and Sylvester
Stallone lookalike Chuck Zito, boxer Joe Calzaghe, actresses Summer
Altice, Azie Testai, Christa Campbell and May 1999 Playboy Playmate of
the Month Tishara Cousino.
  
  
  
  
   
Photo credit: Stephen and Judy Thorburn
Before the lights went down inside the theatre (home
of Stomp Out Loud), the film’s director Jon Avnet came onto the stage
and before introducing the film, he addressed the packed audience by
praising its star, Al Pacino. Avnet said that the movie got made because
of the actor, and called Pacino “a national treasure and a mench.”
Director Jon Avnet and Al Pacino
Photo Credit: Stephen Thorburn
After the film was over invited guests trekked over
to the nearby Prive nightclub for an after party where there was an open
bar, servers offering an array of tasty appetizers, and a chance to
mingle with the cast from 88 minutes.
You can read my review of “88 Minutes” by going to
www.theflickchicks.com.
Stomp Out Loud celebrates
One year Anniversary at Planet Hollywood
Last Thursday evening, STOMP OUT LOUD, the one-of-a-kind high-energy
production celebrated its first anniversary at Planet Hollywood with a
curtain call in the STOMP OUT LOUD Showroom that included streamers and
a giant STOMP-themed cake. After a spectacular show, the talented cast
celebrated their success on the Las Vegas Strip with an after party at
Trader Vic's. With performances at the NBA All-Star Game, Latin Grammy
Awards and Professional Bull Riders World Finals, STOMP OUT LOUD has
gained worldwide recognition and has established itself as an exciting
and engaging “must-see” in Las Vegas. STOMP OUT LOUD performs in The
Showroom at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Sunday - Friday at 8:00
pm and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. with ticket prices ranging from $59 to $99.
TV Chef
Rachael Ray Visits OriginaIndia for Segment of New Show
On Wednesday, April 16, renowned TV chef Rachael Ray stopped by Origin
India Restaurant and Bar on Paradise Road, at 5:45 p.m. to film her new
show "Rachael's Vacation". The Food Network set up the shoot a week
prior and though Origin India was expecting them, it was a surprise that
Rachael Ray was in attendance. Owners Raja Majid and Alena Olevic were
pleasantly surprised to meet the hostess and were greeted by Mrs. Ray
with huge smiles and hand shakes.
Rachael Ray with Origin India owners Raja Majid and Alena Olevi
Director Wade Sheeler and Producer Valerie Castillo
worked on logistics with Kristin Burnett from Dick and Jane Studios and
new Chef, Bhuwan Bhatt, as Mrs. Ray spoke with Origin India's staff.
Every few minutes there were bursts of laughter as Mrs. Ray charmed the
staff. Mr. Sheeler and Mrs. Olevic watched the camera as Mrs. Ray spoke
about the beautiful presentation of the food and Origin India's
prominence as a local favorite. Mrs. Olevic and Mr. Majid were thrilled
that Mrs. Ray enjoyed the Origin India experience and as Mrs. Ray was
leaving she gave everyone a hug and promised to return. In December,
Mrs. Ray will be in Las Vegas for a book signing and looks forward to
dining at Origin India.
From left to right:
Gopi (Tandoori Chef), Vivek (Sou Chef), Rachael Ray and Bhuwan Bhatt
(Executive Chef) posed for a photo after the shoot in the Origin India
kitchen
Other
recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas includes:
Last Thursday, April 17 “CRISS ANGEL Believe™” was unveiled as the name
of the highly anticipated new Cirque du Soleil production set to open at
the custom-built theater inside Luxor Las Vegas. Preview performances
begin September 1 and the Gala Premiere will be held Friday, September
12, 2008.
Criss Angel "Believe" Cirque Du Soleil poster
In an attempt to pay homage to the late/great
magician and escape artist Harry Houdini, Criss chose “Believe” as the
title for this unprecedented live experience. On his death bed, Houdini
told his wife; “After my death, many people will claim that they are
still able to communicate with me. If their claims are valid, they will
be able to tell you a code word - that word is BELIEVE. Tickets are
presently on sale exclusively to Cirque Club members, Criss Angel Loyals
and Luxor Insiders online at
www.cirquedusoleil.com/crissangel and
www.crissangel.com.
Tickets are priced at $150, $125, $99, $79, $59 plus tax.
Last Friday Wynn Las Vegas officials announced that Monty Python's
SPAMALOT will conclude its successful run at Wynn Las Vegas at the end
of the current contract, on July 13, 2008 after more than 500
performances. The timing allows Wynn Las Vegas to pursue a new
opportunity to convert The Grail Theater into The Encore Theater and
invite Danny Gans to be the featured entertainment star. Later this
summer, the space will be modified to accommodate Gans' show, which will
be enhanced and expanded in the scope of its presentation. Gans finishes
his current commitment at the Mirage later in the year, in time for a
debut in The Encore Theater in early 2009.
The Las Vegas Hilton is now offering “Group Therapy” every Thursday from
5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. in the resort’s Tempo Lounge featuring the Nova
jazz group, drink specials by Sex Vodka, cozy blackjack tables and
drawings for cash and prizes for players. After 10 p.m., the music
continues with a DJ. “Group Therapy’ is a new concept for the Hilton,
one that offers a relaxing jazz environment for both locals and
visitors,” said Peter Arceo, executive director of casino marketing.
“We’re delighted to present a form of music that is rarely offered in
Las Vegas.”
Continuing the 5-year anniversary charity-a-month program, “V-The
Ultimate Variety Show” at the V Theater located within the Miracle Mile
Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino is offering $5 tickets to
Las Vegas locals with all of the proceeds going to S.A.F.E. House. This
program will begin on April 21st and run through April 25th with all of
the proceeds benefiting S.A.F.E. House. S.A.F.E. House is a community
based non-profit organization committed to stopping abuse in the family
environment by providing crisis intervention, shelter services for abuse
victims, counseling, advocacy, and education.
On April 26 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and April 27 from 12 noon to 5 p.m.,
The Henderson International School will be hosting a Fine Arts Festival
Weekend at its Upper School Campus located at 1165 Sandy Ridge Avenue,
Henderson. Festivities include arts and crafts, jewelry making, face
painting, art demonstrations and complimentary food and beverages and
performances by The Henderson International School choir, band and drama
classes. In addition, a wall will be erected on the school campus and
attendees can find their “inner artist” and make their mark with a
community mural.
In conjunction with the Fine Arts Festival Weekend, The Henderson
International School is hosting an Open House on Saturday from 12 noon
to 4 p.m. where attendees will have access to information on enrollment
and the school’s international programs. The Henderson International
School is now accepting applications for students in preschool through
12th grade for the 2008-2009 school year.
For more information on the Fine Arts Festival visit
www.HendersonSchool.com
Saturday, April 26 at 8 p.m., 1960’s British sensations, The Searchers
(Love Potion #9) joined by The Fortunes (“You’ve Got Your Troubles”)
will perform at The Club inside the Cannery Casino & Hotel. Tickets are
$24.95 and $14.95 plus tax fees. Tickets can be purchased at the Cannery
Casino & Hotel’s ticket sales counter located at the front desk.
At 8 p.m. on Friday, April 26 The UNLV Performing Arts Center presents
multiple Tony Award-winner Christine Ebersole as part of the New York
Stage & Beyond Series. Tickets are $40, $55, and $85 and can be
purchased at the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 895-ARTS (2787) or
by visiting www.pac.unlv.edu.
On Tuesday, April 29, 2008, from noon to 8 p.m Ben & Jerry’s will be
holding its 30th Annual “Free Cone Day” at the Galleria Mall at Sunset
in Henderson with celebrity scoopers to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation (JDRF) and at the District at Green Valley Ranch
location to benefit Classroom on Wheels – both locations will support
the ONE organization. All small cones will be FREE with no purchase
obligation necessary, but patrons are asked to make a donation to the
local charity of choice and are encouraged to sign up to support ONE in
an effort to decrease extreme poverty. Local celebrities are being
confirmed and will be announced shortly. At the Galleria location, in
addition to free ice cream cones, each patron who makes a donation to
the JDRF will receive one certificate for a complementary delicious
cupcake from The Cupcakery.
America’s most wanted improvisational comedy trio The Usual Suspects
returns to the College of Southern Nevada’s BackStage Theatre for two
performances – May 2 and May 16 at 8 p.m. The group stars Finley Bolton,
Rick Ginn and Jeff Granstrom and features “improv” in the style of
television’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Admission price for this
hysterical night of comedy is $10 for adults, $8 for students and
seniors. For reservations, call 651-LIVE (5483). The CSN Performing Arts
Center is located at 3200 East Cheyenne Ave.
On Saturday, May 3, at 8 p.m. Conservative political talk show hosts,
Sean Hannity and Mark Levin are teaming up with country music legend Lee
Greenwood for the 2008 Freedom Concert at the Orleans Arena. The Hannity
Freedom Concert benefits the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund which
provides additional support to the children of America’s military heroes
who have been killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.
Tickets for the Freedom Concert are on sale now for $35 and $25 and can
be purchased at
www.orleansarena.com or by calling the Orleans Arena Box
Office at 702-284-7777.
On May 3 and 4, the 11th Annual Lei Day Polynesian
festival will take place in the parking lot outside The California Hotel
and Casino in downtown Las Vegas at 12 E. Ogden. The free event will
include Hawaiian food, arts, crafts, a continual flow of Hawaiian and
Polynesian music and dances, activities and demonstrations. On Saturday
the festival will feature a performance by Tony Conjugacion. Tickets for
this event are $20 and may be purchased at the California Hotel Players
Gold. On Sunday starting at 3 p.m. the “Island Fever Block Party” will
feature local bands and non-stop entertainment. Admission is free.
On Friday, May 2 at 8 p.m. The UNLV Performing Arts Center welcomes the
Zukerman Chamber Players, Pinchas Zukerman, violin; Jessica Linnebach,
violin; Jethro Marks, viola; Ashan Pillai, viola; and Amanda Forsyth,
cello, as part of the Charles Vanda Master Series. Tickets to the
Zukerman Chamber Players are $35, $50, and $80.
On Saturday May 3 at 8 p.m. The UNLV Performing Arts Center welcomes Hal
Holbrook in a special performance of “Mark Twain Tonight” – arguably the
most successful one-man production in the history of American Theatre,
as part of the UNLV 50th Anniversary celebration. Tickets for this show
are priced at $30, $45, and $75.
Tickets for the above two performances 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. A $1 facilities fee, in
addition to the ticket price, is charged on all Performing Arts Center
tickets.
In honor of Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month Sunrise Health is
offering free skin cancer screenings on May 10 at the following
locations:
Sunrise Hospital, 3186 S. Maryland Parkway, located near Desert Inn
Mountain View Hospital, 3150 N. Tenaya Way, located near I-95 and
Cheyenne Southern Hills Hospital, 9300 W. Sunset Rd, located on Ft
Apache and W. Sunset/ I-215 exit
To schedule an appointment at any of the three locations, call 233.5300.
On Saturday, May 10, Memphis Championship Barbecue will host a “Blood
Mobile” with United Blood Services in the parking lot of its location at
1401 S. Rainbow Blvd. The event lasts from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Memphis
Championship Barbecue is offering complimentary lunch to all who donate
blood at the event. Immediately following participation, each donor is
invited to step into the restaurant for a private buffet including
Memphis Championship Barbecue’s famous pulled pork sandwiches, baked
beans and more. Additionally, each donor will receive a voucher valid
for two tickets to "Trent Carlini: The Dream King” at the Sahara Hotel &
Casino in the Sahara Theater. Those interested in donating can stop by
at a convenient time or schedule an appointment by calling (702)
228-8400 extension 241 or by visiting
www.bloodhero.com and entering “Memphis” as the sponsor code.
Volunteer blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110
pounds and be in good health.
Friday, May 16 at 8 p.m., Saturday, May 17 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and
Sunday, May 18 at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Nevada Ballet Theatre will
present its Season Finale - Peter Anastos’ charming yet comedic version
of the classic tale Cinderella at UNLV’s Judy Bayley Theatre, 4505
Maryland Parkway. Ticket prices are $29, $49 and $72 and can be ordered
by calling 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting
www.nevadaballet.com/performances/html
In celebration of NBT’s Season Finale, Cinderella, the company will host
a special pre-performance dinner at the Stirling Club at Turnberry Place
(2827 Paradise Rd.), on Friday, May 16 at 5:30 pm ($80 per person). In
addition, a post performance reception will take place immediately
following the performance in the Foundation Building on the UNLV campus
($60 per person). A stimulating, brief pre-performance program, “From
the Wings,” gives Saturday matinee ticket holders an inside look at the
ballet being presented. For Cinderella, “From the Wings” will take place
on Saturday, May 17 at 1:15 pm, 45 minutes prior to curtain.
For reservations, please call Special Events Coordinator Jessica Erali
at 243-2623 x 222 or email:
jerali@nevadaballet.com
Saturday, May 17 seven-time Grammy® winner and crossover legend, Al
Jarreau, to perform at The Club inside Cannery Casino & Hotel. Jarreau
will be joined by special guest, Stanley Jordan’s Trio. Tickets start at
$24.95 plus tax and fees and can be purchased at the Cannery Casino &
Hotel’s ticket sales counter located at the front desk. Tickets are also
available for purchase by calling (702) 617-5585.
On May 19 Katy Setterfield, winner of the BBC hit series “The One and
Only” for her performance as the soulful 60’s icon, Dusty Springfield,
will kick off her extended contract with Legends in Concert at the
Imperial Palace. Prior to competing on the show, Setterfield traveled
the world performing as Dusty Springfield, Tina Tuner and Cher, but says
performing as Springfield has always been her favorite. Legends in
Concert” performs six nights a week, Mon. thru Sat. at 7:30pm and
10:00pm, in the Imperial Palace’s Imperial Theater.
For one night only, beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 23 a concert
celebration featuring music’s most beloved stars including Andrea
Bocelli, Michael Bublé and Josh Groban, will take place at the Mandalay
Bay Events Center. The event will pay tribute to the celebrated
songwriter and producer David Foster. Foster also will perform the hits
he has written or produced with many of the artists with whom he has
worked over the course of his 35-year career. The concert will be filmed
by PBS and is scheduled to air nationwide in December. Tickets priced at
$275 and $175, not including applicable service charges or taxes are now
on sale. Call the Mandalay Bay box office at (702) 632-7580 for more
information.
Saturday, May 24th at 8 p.m legendary rock band Three Dog Night will
perform at MonteLago Village on Lake Las Vegas Resort’s unique outdoor
floating stage as part of the annual Stars On The Lake concert series.
Tickets for Three Dog Night start at $40 for Lawn seating. Reserved
seats are $75 and Floating VIP seats are $90 (prices do not include
applicable fees). Guests in Lawn seating are welcome to bring blankets
or pillows, but no chairs are allowed. Tickets in Floating VIP or
Reserved sections come with resort seating. Guests are not permitted to
bring coolers. Children ages 2 and under are free. For more information
regarding the 2008Stars on the Lake concert series, call (702) 474-4000.
Celebrity
Sightings:
Last Tuesday, 4/15, music superstar, Carrie Underwood taped her latest
video for her new single "Last Name." at Tabu Ultra Lounge at MGM Grand
Las Vegas. The sexy nightlife venue was the setting for the song's tale
of a young woman visiting Vegas for a girl’s getaway weekend, waking up
after a night of partying to find herself married to a sweet talking man
who's last name she cannot remember. The concept of the music video is a
prequel to her award-winning “Before He Cheats” video where she
originally meets her love interest.
In between shots, the former American Idol winner was joking with crew
members and taking photos with her co-stars. The leading man in the
video, Tab Shoup, was overheard joking with co-stars that he is the
opposite of his character – a good guy, happily married to his wife of
six years and the proud father of a two-year-old daughter.
Locals - including a handful of Tab?'s very own model staff - filled in
as extras on the shoot, enjoying the scene and dancing to club favorites
from Timbaland's "The Way You Are" to Flo Rida's "Low."
On Wednesday evening, 4/16, Justin Timberlake was spotted having dinner
at Nobu inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. He was joined by local
jeweler to the stars, Leor Yerushalmi. After dinner, they were treated
to a sneak preview "hard hat tour" of the Hard Rock's newest nightlife
venture, Wasted Space, which is set to open this summer.
Last Friday night, festivities on The Strip got off to a scorching hot
start as superstar recording artist, actor and clothing designer Justin
Timberlake dropped into Dick’s Last Resort to celebrate a friend’s
birthday with a large group of friends and family, including his mother
Lynn Harless. Timberlake had a blast at the boisterous restaurant where
he sported a silly paper hat made for him by the eatery’s entertainer
extraordinaire, Taco. The Grammy winning heartthrob had a Buffalo
Chicken Sandwich and then shared birthday cake with his party as Taco
led a restaurant-wide rendition of happy birthday at the rowdy joint.
Later on at PURE Nightclub, beautiful and talented Carmen Electra came
in to celebrate her 36th birthday in Sin City style. Arriving just
before midnight wearing a gorgeous green dress and on the arm of
boyfriend Rob Patterson, current lead guitarist for rock band KoRn, the
sultry star settled into a luxurious white leather VIP bed just steps
away from the DJ booth on the club’s main stage. Electra spent the
majority of the night dancing to the hot set spun by DJ Casanova, only
stopping to cozy up to Patterson and to accept a beautiful pink birthday
cake brought to her by the lovely ladies of the Las Vegas Pussycat Dolls
as they sang her happy birthday. Also making the posh club their premier
party spot for the night in separate parties were Buffalo Bills wide
receiver Peerless Price and NBA hot shot Dwyane Wade who currently plays
for the Miami Heat.
On Saturday, April 19, Bruce Willis, actor Max Martini, California Gov.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Jim Belushi, Catherine
Zeta-Jones, Tom Jones, Chuck Zito, Simon Cowell, Mark McGrath and
fighter Joe Calzaghe were sighted at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood
Resort & Casino.
Also on Saturday, actors Ian Gruffud of "Fantastic Four" and Matthew
Rhys of the TV series, "Brothers and Sisters" were seen amongst the
crowd at the Smashtime party at Body English. The two were enjoying the
party and celebrating the victory of boxer Joe Calzaghe who won the
World Light Heavyweight Championship earlier that evening. Also at Body
English was rapper Bun B who later in the night got on the mic and
surprised the crowd with some of his songs. Bun B gave a shout out to
the two actors in the house as the crowd cheered them on and danced to
Bun B's beats.
Ian Gruffud of "Fantastic Four" and Matthew Rhys of the TV series,
"Brothers and Sisters"
Photo credit: J. Ludwig
Earlier that afternoon, Gruffud and Rhys were spotted soaking in some
sun at the Hard Rock pool with 15 of their closest friends.
On Sunday, 4/20, music legends Eddie Van Halen and BB King were on site
doing a photo shoot for an upcoming cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
Sunday evening comedian Bobby Slayton returned to Company American
Bistro for dinner where he is quickly becoming a regular diner. Slayton
enjoyed new menu items as well as specialty dishes created by the
restaurant’s talented culinary team before heading out to perform his
show at Hooters Casino.
I’ll be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las
Vegas.
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