By Judy Thorburn
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic
Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer
www.theflickchicks.com
Photos by Stephen Thorburn
unless otherwise noted

What an exceptionally busy, event filled week this was for me. My schedule started with attending a performance by a burlesque queen in MGM’s Crazy Horse Paris revue. The next day I was invited to a press conference and peak inside a newly transformed, renamed casino, and then stayed around to watch a show starring a cast of energetic young performers in pounding rhythmic mode like you've never experienced before.  Events that followed included listening to a hilarious comedian and concluded by being entertained by the world’s best ventriloquist. If these weren’t enough to keep me busy, I also managed to take in a preview movie screening as the Flick Chick film critic. Rarely, does my week get any more hectic and eclectic and than that.

Monday evening marked the first event on my agenda. As an invited guest I attended MGM’s Crazy Horse Paris revue. This was my third visit to the show, but this time, Dita Von Teese, the internationally well known burlesque queen was featured as a special guest in her first of several exclusive performances. I have seen the visually stunning show that artistically celebrates the beautiful female form by incorporating fabulous lighting effects, projections and sensual choreography, and the first time I have seen it since it changed its name from “La Femme”. I gave the show a rave review in a past column and some cast changes and a few new numbers hasn’t altered my opinion. This isn’t a first for Dita who was a guest star at the Crazy Horse in Paris last October and her special engagement as guest star in this show is one of many significant events planned to celebrate the sensual revue’s recent name change.

Dita Von Teese (center) with cast of MGM's Crazy Horse Paris
Photo By Stephen Thorburn


Dita Von Teese
Photo By Stephen Thorburn


Dita Von Teese
Photo By Stephen Thorburn


Dixie Evans, former burlesque queen known as "The Marilyn Monroe of Burlesque" and Dita Von Teese
Photo By Stephen Thorburn

Speaking of names, you have to admit Dita Von Teese is a great stage name. It fits so well for the raven haired beauty whose classic retro style is a throwback to the glamorous movie stars of the 40’s as well as the famous strip tease artists of that era. Burlesque is all about the “tease” and in evoking the spirit of 1950’s Crazy Horse star Candida, Von Teese, in seductive vamp mode, takes to the stage for her “Le Bain” bathtub act. It starts with Dita dressed in a form fitting sequined gown (that accentuates her incredibly tiny waste) and gloves, before slowly disrobing to no more than a G-string and pasties and then stepping into a water filled bathtub, lathering up and spraying herself with a hose as bubbles fill the air. Yes, anyone can take a bath. But, turning it into a sensual art form is just a sample of what has put Dita on the map as the modern day Queen of Burlesque. Dita Von Teese performs the same seductive number at MGM’s Crazy Horse Paris 8pm and 10:30pm, April 15-19 and April 22-23. Tickets are $59 plus tax. For more information on Dita Von Teese visit www.dita.net .

Its bye bye to the Aladdin Resort and Casino and hello to the new, retro-chic Planet Hollywood where all signs of the old Arabian themed resort has been removed from the hotel/casino. The changeover was made official during a press conference and soft opening event on Tuesday, April 17 where the name change was announced and the press and invited VIP’s got the scoop on what is in store for the newly revamped property that was bought in 2004 for $496 million. To begin with the new Planet Hollywood will offer 2,600 completely redecorated movie themed rooms and suites that will transport guests into the glamorous world of Hollywood, and the casino can boast an expansive gaming area with all the hottest table games and slot machines. So much has already been implemented, but much more is on the horizon including a $750 million, time share project, the 50 story twin tower Planet Hollywood Towers by Westgate scheduled to open in 2009.

Bruce Willis throws the switch to light up the sign atop the new Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino
Photo courtesy of Jill Ann Spaulding/shotforu.com


Interior of the new Planet Hollywood Casino
Photo By Stephen Thorburn

An enthusiastic Robert Earl, Planet Hollywood founder and co-chairman of Op-Biz the hotel/casino’s ownership group (that includes investment firm Bay Harbour Management and Star wood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide) took center stage inside the Theatre for the Performing Arts to talk about the hotel/casino’s transformation.

Making a brief introductory appearance alongside Earl were some of his high profile celebrity friends from the entertainment business. Joining Earl on stage were actor Bruce Willis, retired tennis great Pete Sampras, former boxing champ Sugar Ray Leonard, seven time Cy Young Award winning baseball pitcher Roger Clemens and sultry actress Carmen Electra who will be featured in Planet Hollywood’s forthcoming magic show The Beauty of Magic starring the worlds fastest magician Hanks Klok. Later, in an evening ceremony, Bruce Willis joined his friend Earl on the pool deck of the resort for a champagne toast and then proceeded to flip the switch that turned on the lighted sign on the top of Planet Hollywood.

Robert Earl, Sugar Ray Leonard, Pete Sampras, Bruce Willis, Roger Clemens, Hans Klok and Carmen Electra
Photo by Judy Thorburn

It was obvious that Earl was passionate about his new venture and for the press conference he brought along several principal players whose businesses will have a visible presence. Earl stated, “I have assembled a team that will surely surpass all the other properties. I hope I have achieved that goal. An all star lineup of the best restaurateurs, nightclubs and retailers will make this a must see destination.”

For dining options Earl said that he and his partners “attracted the country’s hottest concepts to this property” such as Strip House, from New York which was voted one of the ten best American steakhouses by Maxim magazine, Koi offering Japanese inspired cuisine, Alfredo of Rome famous for creating the original fettuccine alfredo, Yolo’s Mexican Restaurant, P.F. Chang’s Chinese Bistro, Pink’s Race and Sports Book Lounge serving authentic hot dogs from L.A.s Pink’s, Earl of Sandwich that pays tribute to the “original” sandwich named after its inventor, the 4th Earl of Sandwich over 250 years ago, and Planet Dailies, the ultimate coffee shop. For buffet lovers Spice Market Buffet continues to be the #1 buffet in Las Vegas, offering what seems like an endless array of delicious food selections to please even the pickiest eater.

Hans Klok with assistants and with Carmen Electra
Photos by Judy Thorburn

For those who prefer the nightlife, several lounges and clubs including the Heart Bar, in the center of the casino where guests can relax with a friend, enjoy a cocktail and people watch, and the Extra Lounge the exclusive Las Vegas headquarters for TV’s entertainment news magazine where reporters can conduct celebrity interviews, plus other venues soon to open are sure to top the list of hot spots to party away.

Extra Lounge
Photo By Stephen Thorburn

As far as bringing new entertainment to the strip, “Stomp Out Loud”, a spin off of the Broadway production Stomp already began performances in the 1,500 seat brand new Showroom. Its Grand Opening was held on Tuesday, the night of the press conference. And a highly anticipated new magic show mentioned earlier starring European magican Hans Klock that ran previewed for three days will start its regular engagement in the Theatre for the Performing Arts on May 12.

The hotel’s mall, formerly called the Desert Passage at the Aladdin also has also undergone a name change. As of May 1 it will be called the Miracle Mile Shops and feature over 170 unique restaurants and retail shops such as Trader Vics, Hawaiian Tropic Zone, Don Sherman and Urban Outfitters.

Helping to promote the “branding” of Planet Hollywood the resort has signed a 10 year sponsorship deal with Pepsi. Pepsi will promote and distribute a customized can to commemorate the grand opening and is has been made the exclusive drink of the resort. Another corporate partner, Panasonic, a big name in the electronics industry, already has 5,000 high definition plasma TV’s throughout the suites an public areas, including over 250 hi def plasma screens on the main casino floor and has agreed to use the hotel as its base and to promote its new technology during conventions.

Bruce Willis toasts Planet Hollywood Casino and Hotel

While much is now in place there are more exciting amenities that have already opened or will be open by the time the resort celebrates its official Grand Opening in September. According to Earl, he plans to throw the “biggest party Las Vegas has ever seen”. I can’t wait.

After making my rounds touring the interior of the new Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino I attended the World Premiere of Stomp Out Loud! in the resort’s new custom-built showroom. The last time I saw this show it had a one word title: Stomp. Yet, from what I recall, this “new” show is more of the same, but with 2 words added to the title, an expanded ensemble cast, larger stage environment, and an added few new sequences.

There is no doubt that the multi ethnic cast of sixteen young performers is a talented and energetic bunch. Basically, and it is simple as this, the entire show directed and created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, consists of the cast stomping or tapping their feet in unison with an assortment of props starting with an opening sequence of brooms, and then moving on to trash cans, plastic hoses, 5 gallon water bottles, metal tubing, boxes and crates and no kidding even the kitchen sink that they bang and clang to form a rhythmic beat. Any object is worthy of being turned into a musical instrument in the hands of the crew. An indeed they create a most unusual orchestra that fills the air with pulsating sounds while tossing in a bit of comedic interplay. Stomp Out loud isn’t for everyone and how well it will be received is up in the air.

The performance schedule for Stomp Out Loud is Monday at 6 and 9pm, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 7PM, Saturday at 7 and 10PM, dark on Wednesday. Tickets range from $50 to $110 and can be purchased at the Planet Hollywood box Office at (702) 785-5000 or (877-333-9474, on line at www.ticketmaster.com  or Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000.

Signage at entrance to Stomp Out Loud showroom
Photo By Stephen Thorburn


Cast of Stomp Out Loud

Photos from Red Carpet of Stomp Out Loud premiere

World's Fastest Magician Hans Klok	World's Fastest Magician Hans Klok	"Pitbull of Comedy" Bobby Slayton
Magicians Nathan Burton and Hans Klok	Sugar Ray Leonard	Wee Matt and Jeff Beacher
Stomp Out Loud creators Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas	Actress Elaine Hendrix	Kelly Clinton and Clint Holmes
Baseball great Roger Clemens	Magician Nathan Burton	Female impersonator Frank Marino

Wednesday evening was the night the media was invited to sit in on comedian Bobby Slayton’s act in the new Night Owl Showroom at Hooters Casino.

Although he is billed as the “pit bull of comedy” I would say that’s a bit extreme since I have seen other stand up comedians who go way overboard and come across as just plan mean spirited and disgusting to say the least. Slayton, a veteran comic who has been around for years, is definitely edgy, but knows exactly how far he can go without being really vicious or repulsive. In poking fun at that “pit bull” description he occasionally will show his teeth and growl at the audience. Yes, no one is safe, especially if you sit up front, but the bite he takes at racial, ethnic stereotypes, gays, and his focus on man/woman relationships, especially concerning sex with or without a partner (if you know what I mean), and how he feels about menopause and female mood swings is harmless. His rapid fire delivery and humor is so funny and relatable that it only hurts from laughing so hard.

At this special invitation only show, several of Slayton’s show business friends were in the audience to show their support such as former adult film star Randy West, magician Nathan Burton and hypnotist Anthony Cools. Thankfully, another local hypnotist Marc Savard, who made the mistake of sitting close to the stage, showed he was a good sport as one of Slayton’s targets. Certainly, you can expect to be a victim when you are within range.

There is reason why Slayton was named the Funniest Comedy of the Year at the American Comedy Awards and listed as one of the 100 Greatest Stand ups of All Time by Comedy Central. Go check him out for yourself, but leave your sensitive side at home and prepare for side splitting laughter. Tickets to see Bobby Slayton at Hooters Hotel and Casino are $36.95 per person and can be purchased by calling 866-807-4697 or 800-851-1703. Showtimes are 8 and 10PM Wednesday through Sunday.

Bobby Slayton jokes around with Magician Nathan Burton, Hypnotist Anthony Cools and former adult film star Randy West
Photo courtesy of Jill Ann Spaulding/shotforu.com

Bobby Slayton
Photo by Stephen Thorburn

Thursday evening I went to a preview screening of the thriller “Vacancy” that opened to the public on Friday. The film stars Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale as a troubled married couple who wind up at an out of the way motel after their car breaks down. Before too long they realize they have checked themselves into a nightmare where they will have to fight to stay alive. I suppose if you are into this kind of brainless, short on plot, standard slasher fare with a few, par for the course, jump out of your seat moments, it fits the bill. Certainly these films attract a certain type of audience. If the rude and noisy people who sat all around me at this screening are examples, I can’t help but wonder if their lights are on but nobody is home. Vacant seems an applicable description for those disruptive, inconsiderate, idiots as well as the film.

On a higher note, the last event on my calendar took place on Friday when I experienced the “best ventriloquist in the world”, Ronn Lucas, in his afternoon show at the Steve Wyrick Entertainment complex inside the newly named Planet Hollywood. Lucas’s show is called “Puppets Gone Wild” and it is one of those shows that everyone will enjoy, offering good clean fun for the entire family and people of all ages.

Ronn Lucas with sidekick "Scorch"
Photo by Stephen Thorburn

I have seen a lot of ventriloquists in my life, but Ronn is the master, the best in the business, no one comes close. With a career that spans 30 years, Lucas is internationally recognized with fans all over the world. As a stage and TV performer his unique and extraordinary gift has led him to perform in front of royalty such as Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, and U.S. Presidents, Reagan, Clinton and George W. Bush as well as being featured on national TV shows including David letterman, The Tonight Show, and as a guest star on Nip/Tuck, to name just a few.

Lucas is so good at throwing his voice that you have to be reminded that his friendly “sidekicks’, the green, adorable teenage dragon Scorch, Billy the “girl crazy” redneck cowboy, and Chuck the punk rocker adorned in a leather vest, chains, shades and an orange Mohawk, are not real, living, breathing creatures.

The puppets have their own distinct personality and Lucas creates a comedy routine involving each that consists of humorous repartee, jokes, and vocal gymnastics such as a singing duet, and a puppet speaking to him from a closed trunk that are amazing. Sitting on his lap they appear to move their eyes and limbs like humans and interact with Lucas in an incredibly believable manner. What’s more there isn’t any object that Lucas can’t evoke the gift to gab. The standing floor mike and one of the green socks taken right off his foot gets a chance to speak their mind with hilarious consequences. And at one point a volunteer from the audience is chosen to play “dummy” and the result is uproarious.

Like a magician’s act, it’s all an illusion and when the dean of ventriloquism is doing his thing, audiences are mesmerized by his magical performance. Add the fact that Lucas is personable, youthful looking, and easily connects with the audience and you have one of the most enjoyable and affordable shows in Las Vegas. The Ronn Lucas Show is performed daily at 3PM, dark Fridays. Tickets available at the Steve Wyrick Entertainment Complex Box Office (or calling 702-777-9974) are $29.95 for reserved seating and $34.95 for VIP seating (plus tax and service charge).



Recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:

On Thursday, April 18 Madame Tussauds Las Vegas at the Venetian unveiled their latest wax figure, a likeness of movie star Matthew McConaughey, for public viewing. The interactive museum asked its customers to help select its next wax figure in a poll to name Hollywood’s “Sexiest Male Celebrity” and superstar Matthew McConaughey won in a landslide. The McConaughey figure is standing in a casual pose with legs crossed and arms folded, wearing a T-shirt and jeans. Keeping in line with the interactive nature of the attraction, guests getting ‘up close and personal’ can see if they can make his eyes actually twinkle – every girl’s dream! As in all Madame Tussauds attractions worldwide, guests can touch and be photographed with him.

Sarah Appleby of Foxboro, MA, was first in line to welcome the life-sized wax figure of Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas.

There is still time to receive a $10 gift card for Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill. All you need to do is donate blood any Sunday throughout April, at United Blood Services’ main location at 6930 West Charleston off of Rainbow. To set up an appointment, call 233-9620. For additional information, please call (702) 638-0610 or visit www.ztejas.com .

Passes for the 2007 CineVegas Film Festival will be available for purchase beginning Friday, April 20, either online at www.cinevegas.com  or by calling 1-888-8VEGAS8. Individual movie tickets will be available for purchase online and by phone for $10 each starting Monday, May 21. In addition, passes and tickets can be purchased in person at the festival’s box office in the Brenden Theatres at the Palms Casino Resort starting Saturday, May 26. Individual party tickets are not available for sale. The June 6th opening night film is a fundraising event and a separate ticket is required for entry.

Hollywood’s famous 80’s heavy metal comedy act, METAL SKOOL is set to rock Las Vegas during a weekly residency at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino where they will perform favorite 80’s hits by Warrant, Bon Jovi, Guns N Roses, Poison and every other legendary metal band that made the Sunset Strip famous. Voted “Best Cover band in the Universe by All Access magazine, the band will take the stage in Body English starting Thursday, April 26 at 10 p.m and every Thursday night thereafter for an 11 week run through the first week of July. Doors open at 9 p.m. and show time is 10 p.m. Cover charge is $15 at the door. Times and prices are subject to change.

On April 27th The GoodFellas Band, formerly known as Doo-Wopp.Com, will bring their High Energy “Oldies But Goodies Las Vegas Style” show to the Bugsy’s Supper Club at 6145 W. Sahara. The GoodFellas will perform 9:00 – 11:30 pm on Friday April 27th before the opening of the new showroom. They want to bring out their following to see the new changes coming to Bugsy’s Supper Club. Bugsy’s, under new management, is very close to finishing the expansion of their new 4000 square foot showroom and dance floor which is expected to be open in about three weeks.

On April 28 at 6pm, The Club inside the Cannery Hotel and Casino is presenting The Motown Magic & Memories Festival starring some of Motown’s most memorable performers. Scheduled to appear are The Marvelettes and The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards. Tickets are on sale for $25 (reserved) and $10 (general admission) and can be purchased by calling (702) 617-5585 or (866) 287-4643 (toll free). Tickets can also be purchased by visiting www.cannerycasinos.com  or at the tickets sales counter of the Cannery Casino & Hotel located at the front desk. Ticket prices include all taxes and fees.

Lime Ice Frozen Bar offering an array of frozen drinks and refreshing premium beverages to quench any thirst, will open on May 1 in the food court at The Venetian. Hours of operation are from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sun. - Thurs. and 11 a.m. – midnight Fri. & Sat.

On May 5, Mötley Crue front man and rock ‘n’ roll legend Vince Neil, is hosting Sin City’s hottest Cinco de Mayo party: Vince Neil’s Tres Rios Tequila Cinco de Mayo Splash at the Flamingo Las Vegas. The event is free and open to the public and will feature a live performance by Vince Neil and his all-star band, Tres Rios Tequila and drink specials, strolling mariachis and an unparalleled party atmosphere. The pool-side bash is the official launch party for Neil’s Tequila label, Tres Rios Tequila. The festivities kick off at 7 p.m. when the Flamingo Las Vegas will open its tropical pool paradise to party goers.

Local rock radio station KOMP 92.3 FM will broadcast live from 5 pm – 8 pm, with free prizes, giveaway, and the always sexy KOMP girls. The pool-side bash is the official launch party for Neil’s Tequila label, Tres Rios Tequila. Tickets, limited to 2 per person, to Vince Neil’s Tres Rios Tequila Cinco de Mayo Splash at the Flamingo Las Vegas are available at Vince Neil Ink, inside O’Sheas Casino on The Strip, north of Flamingo Las Vegas. Party-goers must be 21 years or older and must be able to present a valid ID.

On Sunday, May 6 The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® at 3645 South Town Center Drive (phone: 702-785-0419) will hold a special benefit to raise money for cancer patient Toni Tanase, the 12-year-old son of two “living statue” performers at the Venetian Hotel and Casino’s Grand Canal Shoppes. The day-long fundraiser that is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WITH FREE ADMISSION will feature live music by local bands Good Vibrations and Vent, along with strolling entertainment with jugglers, balloon artists, gondoliers, ADA performers, and face painters, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and appearances by reigning Miss Nevada, and Miss Globe. Raffles will be sold for prizes that include tickets to the Blue Man Group, The Coffee Bean & Teal Leaf® Gift Basket, Wolf Gang Puck Certificates, Personal Training Certificates, movie tickets from Brendon Theaters, and many more donated by various Las Vegas businesses.

WISH Entertainment’s inspirational film “Pass It On” will have its World Premiere at Brenden Theatres at the Palms Casino Resort on Thursday, May 10, 2007. Hollywood stars, inventors, congressmen, inspirational giants, best-selling authors and powerhouse marketers share their proven methods to achieve a life of Wealth, Inspiration, Success and Happiness. Red carpet celebrity arrivals hosted by Robin Leach begin at 7:00 p.m. A limited number of tickets to the premiere are available to the general public. Visit www.passitontoday.com  or call (877) 303-3304 for more information.

On Saturday, May 12, 2007 The Tyrone Nesby Foundation is holding their "I Have A Dream" Benefit to raise awareness about the Nesby Center, a place where youth will be encouraged to be involved in sports and the arts while teaching them valuable life skills. The benefit will take place at the V Theater inside the Miracle Mile Shops at the new Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. All proceeds will go towards building the project and funding its programs. Doors will open at 9:30am with auction & show beginning at 10:00am. Advance tickets are on sale now through May 8th for $150 ($100 each additional) and include preferred seating, buffet brunch, raffle ticket, goody bag and special guest performances. There will be a live and silent auction filled with sports and entertainment options, as well as raffle items. Tickets will be $200 at the door.

I’ll be back next time for what’s “happening” in and around Las Vegas.