|
 By
Judy Thorburn
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic
Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer
www.theflickchicks.com
Legendary
Funny Lady "Pudgy" Passes Away on Christmas Eve
I am sorry to report that the very funny, self deprecating comedienne
known to audiences as “Pudgy” (real name Beverly Wines Cardella) passed
way on Christmas Eve in her Las Vegas home. This sad news came just a
few weeks after Las Vegas lost the beloved entertainer Sweet Louie as a
result of a fatal heart attack. Since arriving in Las Vegas over 20
years ago from her home town of Chicago, Pudgy appeared in shows on and
off the strip and continually made audiences laugh with her quick wit. I
last saw her this past year as the featured comedienne in X-Burlesque at
the Flamingo and once again she was in top comic form. After the show we
met and I can honestly say she was a pleasure to talk to. Pudgy was as
warm and friendly as she was funny. My sincere condolences go to her
family and friends. She surely will be missed.
Pudgy with entertainer Tony Sacca
Photo by Lindsay Hebberd
Lively
"Red Hot and Blue" Musical Journey at the Steve Wyrick Theatre
Red Hot and Blue is the new afternoon show at the Steve Wyrick Theatre
in Planet Hollywood that takes audiences on a nostalgic musical journey
back to the 1920’s ragtime and up to the 1970’s disco era. The
production originated in Branson, Missouri in 1996, became a big local
hit and in 1999 was the featured production show on 22 Holland Cruise
lines and has performed all over the world in Africa, India, and Europe.
Now making its Las Vegas debut for a limited engagement, the show gives
audiences a chance to see why the production has received rave reviews,
with mine now added to the list.
With virtually no fancy stage design other than a hand painted backdrop
with the show’s logo, attention is focused strictly on the very
talented, high spirited three guys and three gals; Christopher Tucker
(also credited for producing and directing the show), Tom Caster, Scott
Sartain, Lindsey Perenchio, Heather Petersen, and Jeanette Moreno that
sing and dance up a storm in an array of award winning gorgeous,
colorful, costumes and wigs.
 
Opening with the Speakeasy days of the roaring 20’s with flappers doing
the Charleston and guys in zoot suits, the show then moves on to a
Tribute to 1930’s Broadway with classic Gershwin songs like “Lullaby of
Broadway” and “42nd Street” followed by a segment dedicated to our
military veterans from the USO Tour and features the swing music and
dancing from the 1940’s Big Band era with familiar tunes such as “In The
Mood” and “Just a Gigolo”. When it came to the 1950’s, the stage is set
for a sweet and amusing nerdy boy meets nerdy girl storyline that has
the guys in leather jackets and exaggerated pompadours and girls in big
hair and poodle skirts before segueing into the 60’s, the era of flower
child hippies and the mod look, songs like “The Name Game”, “Twist and
Shout” and ending with the 1970’s Disco music that gave us Donna
Summers, The Hustle, and “I Will Survive”. Whether you’ve lived through
those years or not, Red Hot and Blue is an upbeat, memorable show with a
Broadway caliber cast that audiences of all ages will enjoy.
Please note - Just as this review was ready for publish, I was informed
that Red Hot and Blue cut their limited engagement at the Steve
Wyrick Theatre short to take their show on the road with 200 plus shows
booked across the country. But, be sure to catch them when they come
back to town.
Kelly
Clinton Shines at the Suncoast Showroom
On Wednesday evening I was in the audience for Kelly Clinton’s last
night of her recent engagement in the showroom of the Sun Coast Hotel. I
had never seen her show but was told by several of my colleagues that
she is one dynamite performer. You know what, they were right!
Kelly Clinton
 
Pretty blonde Kelly, who recently married entertainer Clint Holmes, is
herself, a talented powerhouse. She sings, does impressions, is funny,
has loads of charm, and connects with her audience. In other words,
she’s a definite crowd pleaser from the get go. When not belting out pop
tunes or her favorite Billie Holliday ballad, Clinton is quite the
comedienne, (she credits her childhood idol Carol Burnett, for being an
inspiration) invoking laughter from the audience from the very start
when she comes out, not as herself, but as a colorful Latina character
she’s created that interacts with the audience. Later her knack for
impressions include a very amusing but loving impersonation of her own
mom Ellie; a dead on vocal impression of Wayne Newton, 60’s era Cher,
Kelvis, her hip swinging version of what that could have been Elvis and
Ann Margret’s fantasy lovechild, and even transforming herself from head
to toe into a male persona in the form of a fictional Italian motor
mouth Las Vegas trumpet player, Joe Joe Spaghetti Moretti.
I’m glad I caught Kelly Clinton at the Sun Coast. Although this was my
first time seeing her perform, it won’t be my last. Watch for her next
gig and treat yourself to a delightful evening with this vibrant
entertainer.
Luxor's
Sexy "CatHouse" Has Celebrity Filled Grand Opening
On Friday evening, December 29, I attended the Red Carpet event and
Grand Opening party inside the Luxor Hotel for its newest “intimate
dining and seductive” nightlife venue called CatHouse which was inspired
by 19th century European bordellos and is a mix of ultralounge, world
class restaurant and sexy interactive performances. Like no other
nightclub in Las Vegas, but a perfect fit to Sin City, Cat House
provides a new take on the nightlife experience with separate and
distinct areas within the club; one that is more subdued for dining and
another catering to the voyeur who can enjoy sultry entertainment
provided by lingerie clad performers and cocktail servers dancing to
music by world class DJs. While all this takes place inside, the
entrance hallway that leads to the “loungerie” is what, at first, grabs
the attention of visiting patrons. Fashioned after an old bordello with
false doors lining the walls and peepholes where guests can see vintage
erotic films, the hallway sets the mood for those wanting to try
something exciting and pushes the envelope for sophisticated nightlife
entertainment on the Las Vegas strip.
CatHouse “loungerie” is the brainchild of a team of international
players and jet setters including one of Australia’s top club owners and
promoters Billy Cross, five time world Formula One motorcross racing
champion Mick Doohan, as well as one of Las Vegas’ top chefs, Kerry
Simon, who adds a new spin on his signature style with a creative new
menu for dining guests.
The trio of partners, along with co-owner Elizabeth Blau was on hand for
the opening night celebration that included a list of celebrities from
the entertainment and sports world. Among the celebrity arrivals were
female impersonator Frank Marino, model/actress Jamie King, siblings
Jack and Kelly Osbourne (who arrived separately), Academy Award winning
actor Adrien Brody, actresses Jordana Brewster, Tamara Feldman and
Ashley Leggat, prop comedian Carrot Top, musician Aaron Seinfeld with
adult film star Tera Patrick, Gunner Nelson (son of the late Rick
Nelson), The Okapiec Triplets, season 2 “Survival” contestant Jerri
Manthey, actor Steve Valentine (Crossing Jordan), UFC fighter Stephan
Bonnar, actors Aaron Paul (Mission Impossible 3) and Ashton Holmes,
adult film star Jenna Jameson with boyfriend UFC boxing champ and
Celebrity Apprentice contestant Tito Ortiz, former international
Australian cricket player Shane Warne, and bad boy rock star Tommy Lee.
Tito Ortiz and Jenna Jameson
Tito Ortiz
Tamara Feldman
Steve Valentine
Stephan Bonnar
Shane Warne
Penn Jillette
Murray Sawchuck
Kerry Simon
Kelly Osbourne
Jordana Brewster
Jerri Manthey
Jenna Jameson
Jamie King
Jack Osbourne and Kerry Simon
Gunnar Nelson
Douglas Leferovich
Carrot Top
Mick Doohan, Elizabeth Blau, Kerry Simon and Billy Cross
Ashley Leggat
The Okapiec Triplets
Elsa Pataky and Adrien Brody
Aaron Seinfeld, Tera Patrick and Kerry Simon
Aaron Seinfeld and Tera Patrick
Aaron Paul, Tamara Feldman and Ashton Holmes
Tommy Lee and Kerry Simon
CatHouse "kittens" in window
CatHouse photos by Judy Thorburn
Actress Mischa Barton was slated to be the guest host for the Grand
Opening event, but after it was reported that she had been “arrested for
DUI, possession of illegal narcotics and driving without a valid
license”…. well, as they say, things change, and consequently she was a
no show.
CatHouse is open for dinner, nightly from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. The loungerie
is open four nights per week from 10 p.m. until late.
Click here to
check out Dianne Davis’ video interviews with many of the celebrities at
CatHouse’s Grand Opening.
Other
recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
On Friday evening another celebration took place on the strip but it had
nothing to do with a Grand Opening event. During the highly anticipated
UFC 79 boxing match, the "Iceman" Chuck Liddell defeated Wanderlei
Silva, and the triumphant Liddell, along with his large entourage "Team
Liddell" and several security guards, decided to celebrate his victory
by partying the night away at the legendary Las Vegas nightspot Studio
54, where he was greeted by cheering fans in line waiting to get into
the party. Once inside, Liddell went directly upstairs to the VIP area
where he graciously stopped to take pictures with each table and mingle
with fans. Later, Liddell took the stage with members of his entourage
to welcome and thank everyone for coming out and supporting him.
Chuck Liddell
Photo courtesy of Studio 54
The Cannery Casino & Hotel will celebrate the King’s life on January 11
and 12 with special performances by Johnny Fortuno and Elvis’ original
back-up singers and Gospel Hall-of-Fame members, Bill Baize, Ed Hill,
Sherrill Nielson and bass singer, Butch Owens as well as other special
guests, friends and co-stars of Elvis Presley. Additional special guests
will include Elvis’ personal friend and bodyguard, Sonny West; Elvis’
cousin, Jerry Presley; Elvis’ Kissin’ Cousins co-star, Cynthia Pepper;
Elvis’ Blue Hawaii co-star, Darlene Tompkins; DJ with “Elvis on Air,”
Steve Christopher; Patsy Anderson and Sandy Miller. Tickets are $15 at
the door, which opens at 6:30 p.m.
Other activities taking place throughout the weekend will include
memorabilia dealers and fan club displays. The Cannery Row Buffet will
be taking part in the fun by hosting a special “Food that fed the King”
section featuring Elvis’ favorite dishes.
The Liberace Museum is launching its new '08 Cabaret Series on Sunday,
January 13 from noon to 4 pm as the Museum’s Second Sunday event. The
first featured performer will be Bruce Ewing performing his cabaret act,
"Every Day Is A Gift," a combination of theatre and inspirational,
uplifting music. Two performances are scheduled at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
which falls on Ewing's birthday weekend, and he is inviting everyone to
come celebrate with him. Admission to the event is free for Nevada
residents and their guests as a part of the Liberace Museum's monthly
Second Sunday event. However, as a birthday gift, Ewing requests a
donation, which will support the non-profit Liberace Foundation and the
Family Promise of Las Vegas. For more information, contact the Liberace
Museum, 1775 E. Tropicana Ave. at Spencer, in Las Vegas, phone
702.798.5595 or go online to Liberace.org.
From January 12th through March 2nd the exhibit "Black Extravaganza: A
Cultural Awakening!" by John T. Stephens II will be on display at the
West Las Vegas Arts Center located at 947 West Lake Mead Boulevard.
Admission is free. This pictorial exhibit offers visitors a look back in
time showcasing the pioneering efforts of black dancers, fashion
designers and musical talent in the West Las Vegas community. The
exhibit symbolically acknowledges Black Extravaganza Productions Inc.,
the first nonprofit African-American corporation chartered in the state
of Nevada.
An artist reception will be held on Saturday, January 19th at 2 pm. Call
(702) 229-4800 for information.
At 8 p.m. on Monday, January 21, 2008 the ensemble company, Divine
Performing Arts, an outstanding cast of classical Chinese dancers and
international vocalists, will perform their breathtaking celebration of
the Chinese New Year at the Las Vegas Hilton Theatre. The “Chinese New
Year Spectacular” is a cross-cultural experience for audiences of all
ages to enjoy featuring a captivating world of heavenly maidens,
swirling ribbons, exhilarating drummers and tumbling acrobats. English
and Chinese hosts introduce the story in which heroic legends come to
life, dazzling warriors clash and divine goddesses descend from above,
as striking scenery and gorgeous costumes combine to summon 5,000 years
of history reminiscent of entertainments from the days of the Great
Emperors of the Tang Dynasty. Tickets for this unique and unforgettable
pageant range from $70 to $120 (plus applicable tax) are now available
at the Las Vegas Hilton box office, by visiting
www.lvhilton.com or by
calling the box office at (702) 732-5151 or (800) 457-3307.
 Rocker
Lenny Kravitz brings his mix of rock, soul and funk to the Pearl inside
the Palms Casino Resort on Sunday, January 20, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. The Las
Vegas concert is part of Kravitz’s “The Get on the Bus with the Love
Revolution” tour that kicks off January 17, 2008 in support of the
rocker’s anticipated release, It Is Time for a Love Revolution (due to
hit stores February 5, 2008). Tickets are $35.00, $40.00 and $45.00
(plus service fees). The Pearl Box Office is open from noon – 7 p.m.
daily. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. and show time is 8:00 p.m. For more
information call 702-942-6888.
On January 26, 2008, CMA and ACM Male Vocalist of the Year, Brad Paisley
will perform at Mandalay Bay Events Center as part of his “Hershey’s
Presents Bonfires and Amplifiers Tour”. The concert is scheduled to
begin at 8 p.m. with special guests Rodney Atkins and Chuck Wicks.
Tickets (limited to 8 per person) are priced at $75 and $55, not
including applicable service charges or taxes, are on sale at the
Mandalay Bay Events Center box office. To charge by phone with a major
credit card, call the Mandalay Bay box office at (702) 632-7580.
I’ll be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las
Vegas.
  |
