|
 By
Judy Thorburn
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic
Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer
www.theflickchicks.com
The
Divine Performing Arts' Chinese New Year Spectacular
In celebration of the Chinese New Year (Year of the Rat) which this year
falls on February 7, The Divine Performing Arts brought their “Chinese
New Year Spectacular” to the Las Vegas Hilton Showroom on Monday January
21, for a special one night only engagement. To celebrate the troupe’s
contribution to the arts, Vina Lee, Deputy Director of Divine Performing
Arts was presented with separate proclamations from Las Vegas
dignitaries, Councilman Larry Brown and Assemblywoman Valerie Webber at
a special pre-show VIP cocktail reception.
Vina Lee, Deputy Director of Divine Performing Arts and Councilman Larry
Brown
Photo Credit: Stephen Thorburn
The Las Vegas performance was one of the stops in the
New York based troupe’s 2008 Global Tour that takes them to over 60
cities worldwide and is sure to wow international audiences.
Photo Credit: Stephen Thorburn
In my mind, Chinese New Year Spectacular conjures up
a loud celebratory display of fireworks, outrageous face masks, dancing
dragons, and acrobatics. On the contrary, the show is refined and
elegant, and a pure expression of 5000 years of Chinese history,
mythology, and culture relived through the combination of talented
graceful performers in gorgeous handmade authentic traditional costumes,
beautifully designed scenes, music and dance. The show also features
live Chinese vocal performances and an orchestra of both classical and
western instruments performed by acclaimed Chinese classical musicians.
Each dance tells a captivating story that is not only beautiful to watch
but also spiritual in nature, uplifting, enlightening, and based on the
divine principles of ancient Chinese culture; Truthfulness, Compassion
and Tolerance that are becoming extinct and the troupe is striving to
revive. It is that essence of Chinese culture which encompasses the
belief in God, respect for heaven, the value of good deeds and virtue,
so brilliantly represented, and delivered in the stunning program by the
Divine Performing Arts Troupe.
Judy Thorburn with models wearing authentic traditional
Chinese costumes
Photo Credit: Stephen Thorburn
I cannot praise this show enough. More than an
artistic and entertaining journey into Chinese history and culture, The
Divine Performing Arts creates a Chinese New Year Spectacular that is
just that; spectacular and divine, and simply unforgettable.
Madame
Tussaud's Las Vegas Unveils Evel Knievel Wax Likeness
On Wednesday Madame Tussaud's Las Vegas at the Venetian Hotel and Casino
unveiled their lifelike wax figure of Evil Knievel in his celebrated
red, white and blue costume during a special morning ceremony and
reception that was attended by Knievel’s wife Krystal, son Kelly, long
time friend Bill Rundel, and members of the media. The event
commemorated the 40th Anniversary of Evel Knievel’s legendary jump at
Caesars Palace on New Years’ Eve 1967 and to honor the fearless man who
mesmerized the public with his death defying stunts.
Evil Knievel Wax Likeness at Madame Tussaud's Las Vegas
Photo Credit: Judy Thorburn
Just prior to the unveiling, British born Adrian
Jones, General Manager of Madame Tussauds, spoke about how Evel was an
inspiration for himself as a child and other young people growing up in
England. “Evel was what fame was about. As a Brit, I have special
memories of what America meant to me. Evel inspired a generation of
kids. That’s fame in a nutshell and what we are here to celebrate,”
Jones told everyone who was present.
Evil Knievel's wife Krystal poses with wax likeness
Photo Credit: Judy Thorburn
The Evel Knievel figure will be placed within the
SPEED room of the attraction where guests can sit on an authentic relica
bike- a 1972 Harley Davidson XR750, put on a themed Evel Cape and take
pictures of themselves with his likeness. For Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
attraction hours and pricing call 702-862-7800 or visit
www.mtvegas.com.
Hats!
The Musical Celebrates Women Over 50
On Thursday evening, January 24th, I was in the audience for a
performance of Hats! the new musical production at Harrah’s Las Vegas
that was inspired by the Red Hat Society, with chapters worldwide, that
consists of women over the age of 50 who have embraced middle age with
joy and enthusiasm. In fact, many members from all over the country were
in attendance at this performance. From where I was sitting, my eyes
took in what looked like a sea of red hats.
Cast of Hats! The Musical - Corrie Sachs, Dolly Coulter,
Kathryn Arianoff, Terry Palasz, Jalayn Reiwberts, Lynn Steinhurst and
Maxine Weldon
Photo Credit: Stephen Thorburn
Hats! features an excellent, talented cast of seven
female performers with powerful singing voices who convey the mission
and philosophy of the ladies who proudly wear the red hats. Hats! Tells
a story surrounding one of the ladies, Maryanne (Kathryn Arianoff) who
dreads her impending birthday when she turns the big 5-0, and the
support she gets from six strong and sassy women of varying backgrounds
and lifestyles, who accompany her on a journey to celebrate this
landmark event. First on the scene is zany Ruby (Terry Palasz), her so
called “god-sister”, who introduces Maryanne to the women that will
imbue her with their own brand of wisdom. They are Contessa (Dolly
Coulter) the outrageous and funny Latina; Duchess (Maxine Weldon), a
bold and brassy Black woman; Baroness, (Corrie Sachs) a hard working
blonde corporate executive; Dame, an empty nester (Lynn Steinhurst), and
Lady (Jalayn Riewberts), Maryanne’s optimistic mother.
Visiting Members of the Red Hat Society
Photo Credit: Stephen Thorburn
Colorful costumes, clever choreography and original
songs by a team of acclaimed Grammy, Golden Globe and Tony award winning
composers and lyricists such as Melissa Manchester, Susan Birkenhead,
Kathie Lee Gifford, Pam Tillis, Henry Krieger and others combine with a
message about friendship and empowerment to create an uplifting musical
experience for people of all ages to appreciate and enjoy.
Tickets for Hats! are $49.95 (plus tax and fees). RHS members with
Purple Perks (you know who you are) may purchase tickets for $39.95
(plus tax and fees). Tickets may be purchased at Harrah’s Las Vegas box
office, at
http://www.harrahs.com/las-vegas-entertainment or by calling
(800) 392-9002. Performances are 6 p.m. Saturday – Thursday and 2 p.m.
and 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Photo Credit: Stephen Thorburn
Hawiian
Tropic Zone Opens Inside Planet Hollywood
At 6 p.m on Friday, Hawaiian Tropic Zone inside the Miracle Mile Shops
at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino held its official Grand Opening
party with a ceremonial ribbon cutting officiated by powerhouse
restaurateur Dennis Riese, along with several Hawaiian Tropic Zone
girls.
Hawaiian Tropic Zone, named one of Las Vegas’ top ten new restaurants by
Citysearch, boasts a sexy modern décor, alluring dining room,
mouth-watering menu items, cat-walk stage for nightly entertainment,
largest video wall in Las Vegas, cabaret dancers, full bar, water wall
entrance, strip-side patio and a nightly live DJ. For this occasion live
entertainment was provided by The Forbidden World of Don Tiki, Little
Steven Van Zandt’s “The Chesterfield Kings” and the exotic Hawaiian
Tropic Zone Dancers.
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The mastermind behind Hawaiian Tropic Zone’s
eclectic, tantalizing menu that features both lunch and dinner items, is
famed chef and entrepreneur David Burke. Also brought aboard was Nicole
Miller one of America’s top fashion icons who designed exclusive fuchsia
bikinis and floral sarongs for Hawaiian Tropic Zone’s sexy table
concierges, all of whom are highly trained in assisting guests with all
their dining needs. The girls also participate in a nightly beauty
pageant on Hawaiian Tropic Zone’s iconic cat-walk stage. The winner, or
rather reining queen for the night, is chosen by visiting patrons but
she only gets to keep her crown for a day unless, of course, she wins
again the following night.
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Hawaiian Tropic Zone at Planet Hollywood can be
reached at (702) 731-4858.
Other
current and upcoming “happenings” in Las Vegas include:
Due to a fire on the upper floors of the Monte Carlo Resort on Friday,
"Lance Burton: Master Magician" has cancelled his show for Tuesday &
Wednesday, Jan. 29-30. Ticket refunds or exchanges for new dates can be
made at the place the tickets were bought. All tickets purchased at the
Monte Carlo or MGM-Mirage Properties will be automatically credited. The
Monte Carlo-Lance Burton Ticket Line is (702) 730-7160.
Popular online guide Citysearch and Zagat’s Best of Las Vegas 2008 has
named Strip House in Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino as one of Las
Vegas’ top ten new restaurants.
If you want to see multi talented entertainer Gordie Brown whose show
consists of comedy, music, parody and impressions, now is the chance
before he ends his engagement February 13, 2008 at The Venetian
Resort-Hotel-Casino. Brown began performing in The Venetian Showroom in
October 2006.
Impressionist Gordie Brown
Photo Credit: Stephen Thorburn
On January 30 the longest running dinner show in
Southern Nevada, the interactive “Marriage Can Be Murder,” where the
audience unseeingly becomes involved with mystery unfolding around them,
is set to debut as the new resident show inside The Canyon Club Las
Vegas. The award-winning comedy dinner show is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Monday through Saturday. Dinner show package is $54.95 ($44.95 for
Nevada residents) and includes one non-alcoholic drink, tax and tip. A
VIP package is available for $69.95 and features premium seating, a
souvenir, one complimentary cocktail, tax and tip. Tickets are available
by calling The Canyon Club Box Office at (702) 387-5175.
Beginning January 31, the Riviera Hotel & Casino will be hosting Legends
in Sports, with proceeds benefiting The Ronald McDonald House charity
during Super Bowl XLII weekend that includes a Celebrity poker
tournament open to the public, autograph signings, and a silent auction.
Tournament play begins on Friday, February 1. Participants get to play
poker with famous sports legends such as Hugh Green, Mark Duper, Steve
Wallace, Leslie O’Neal, James Wilder, James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith,
Jeremiah Castille, Barry Krauss, Sammy Winder, Art Still, Reggie
Collier, Joey Browner, Robin Cole, and Henry Lawrence. The entry fee is
$100 [half to the charity and half to the prize package]. Complete
details posted in the Poker Room.
Mix and mingle with sports legends, while donating to the children of
The Ronald McDonald House charity. Please contact Jim Carrabis with any
questions or for additional information at 702.794.9605.
Pink Taco in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is celebrating its Grand
Re-Opening by inviting patrons to experience the newly extended bar and
the launch of its new monthly affair known as “Cinco de Taco.” On Friday
February 1, special guest DJ D-Wrek from MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out” with Nick
Cannon will be entertaining the crowd with his turntable beats beginning
at 10 p.m. In addition, pink margaritas, the specialty drink of the
night will be available for $5 each. On Tuesday, Feb. 5th, Pink Taco
kicks off its exciting new monthly night branded as “Cinco de Taco”, an
occurrence that will take place every 5th of each month offering $2
Coronas and Corona Lights, $3 Sauza Hornitos shots, $3.75 Sauza Hornitos
margaritas as well as half-off appetizers from 4 p.m. until closing.
“Cinco de Taco” features a live Mariachi band beginning at 6 p.m., and
girls dressed in lingerie will be participating in three unique Piñata
bashings filled with Love Jones lingerie. Guests will also be introduced
to its new sweet treat, pink fortune tacos. Those who are fortunate
enough will receive pink fortune tacos with fortunes valid for exchange
of special surprises such as free cocktails.
The Liberace Foundation & Museum will present a “Celebration of Life”
throughout the month February commemorating the Liberace legacy of
showmanship and scholarship with special events; new “Bling into Spring”
membership drive and Rhinestone Society Fund, launching on Feb. 3, to
mark the 21 year anniversary of Liberace’s final curtain.
On Sunday, Feb. 3: FREE ADMISSION to the Liberace Museum for Nevada
Residents & their Guests. At 2:00 PM there will be a chamber music
Concert featuring guest artists and UNLV professors, Wei-Wei Le, violin,
Hanna Suk, viola, Andrew Smith, cello, and Mykola Suk, performing an
all-Beethoven piano program. Public Admission to this event is a minimum
donation of $10.00, with 100% of proceeds to the Liberace Scholarship
Fund to help talented students pursue careers in the performing and
creative arts.
Sunday, Feb. 3 – “Bling Into Spring” Kickoff of Liberace Foundation
Membership Drive. Members are invited to help keep the Liberace
tradition alive through the Foundation’s scholarship program, which
assists young people to pursue careers in the performing and creative
arts. All new members or membership renewals at the $100 Bronze Level
and above will be entered into a drawing to win a replica of Liberace’s
famous piano watch, made with Austrian crystals with 18 carat gold
overlay on the watchband. Memberships start at $25 for seniors and
students, and $35 for individuals and up. Join online at
www.Liberace.org or call
702.798.5595 for Memberships.
Monday, Feb. 4 – 21st Anniversary of Liberace’s Final Curtain (February
4, 1987 at age 67). Note: the Liberace Museum is closed to the public on
this date.
As part of its annual SchoolFest, from February 4 – 15, the College of
Southern Nevada’s Performing Arts Center will present a unique,
contemporary version of Romeo and Juliet. In addition to ten daily shows
held for area students, two performances for the public will be held in
the Nicholas J. Horn Theatre on the Cheyenne Campus Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. and
Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors
and may be purchased by calling the CSN box office at 651-LIVE (5483).
Nevada Conservatory Theatre’s production of William Inge’s Come Back,
Little Sheba opens February 8 in the Judy Bayley Theatre at UNLV. The
play originally opened on Broadway in 1950. Performances are February 8,
9, 14, 15, 16, 2008 at 8 p.m. with matinees February 10 and 17 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $30, $25 and $20 and on sale at the Performing Arts Center
Box Office located in the southeast corner of the parking garage on
Cottage Grove and may be reached by calling 895-ARTS (2787).
In celebration of the 44-year anniversary of the Beatles first
appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, the note-perfect Beatles tribute
band, The Fab Four is offering Las Vegas locals $25 tickets for their
February 9th performance. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the
Nevada Cancer Institute in remembrance of George Harrison, whose life
was taken by the deadly disease on November 30, 2001. “Fab Four Mania”
performs Monday through Saturday at 7 p.m. within the Sahara Theater at
the Sahara Hotel and Casino. Tickets start at $49 plus taxes and fees
for adult general admission. Tickets for the February 9th performance
start at $25 for Las Vegas locals. For ticket reservations, guests can
call (702) 737-2515.
The Gold Coast Hotel and Casino will be celebrating the Chinese New Year
on February 12, 2008 with one of the largest traditional Chinese Dragon
Dances in Las Vegas that is both visually dazzling and makes for a great
time. At 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. a traditional Chinese lion and a 62-foot
Chinese dragon will dance through the casino to bring good luck to all
in attendance. It is believed that the lion will chase away evil spirits
and bring good luck and prosperity. The dragon represents wisdom and a
long life.
Kung fu practitioners from the Lohan School of Shaolin will perform the
dances. For more information visit
www.goldcoastcasino.com
or call 702-367-7111.
As part of the World Vibration Concert Series with World Cuisine, Chef
Timothy wells, will present a Brazilian cooking demonstration at noon
Feb. 10 at the Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive.
Interaction with the chef is a must, and participants will taste the
final product at the conclusion. Instead of pairing food with wine, food
is paired with the music from the monthly World Vibration Concert
Series, which features Brazilian rhythms at 2 p.m. following the
demonstration. Cost for the demonstration is $15. Audience members that
arrive by 1:30 p.m. and are interested in enjoying the culinary
creations can do so for an additional $10 while the cuisine lasts.
Those who want to participate must register by Feb. 7. Call 702-455-7340
or register in person at Winchester Cultural Center. Additional
information can be found online at
www.accessclarkcounty.com/parks .
On February 2 at 11 a.m. author Dennis Griffin presents “Las Vegas and
the Mob,” a FREE lecture on the life of Chicago mob enforcer Tony
Spilotro, at the Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive.
Registration is required. Call the Winchester Cultural Center at
702-455-7340. Additional information also can be found on the Web site
at
www.accessclarkcounty.com/parks .
Peace Frog–Tribute to The Doors, will appear in concert stage at the
Club inside the Cannery Casino & Hotel T 8pm on Friday, February 29
performing a fantastic selection of hit songs from one of the most
influential and popular rock groups in history. Admission is $5 at the
door.
Due to a mandated reduction in operating budget line items the College
of Southern Nevada Fine Arts Department is forced to cancel two music
events and its final theatre production of the season at the Performing
Arts Center on the Cheyenne Campus. Omissions from the lineup of events
for the semester include the popular Faculty Solo Festival, scheduled
for Feb. 24, the cancellation of Arranger’s Holiday, the finale to
April’s “Jazz Week,” and Body of Water, CSN’s Theatre Department’s
fourth play of the season which was scheduled for Apr. 18-27.
Upcoming performances at the Performing Arts Center are:
Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. & Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. – touring production of Romeo and
Juliet, performed by the Utah Shakespearean Festival.
Feb. 29 – Mar. 9 – The Hairy Ape by Eugene O’Neill, directed by Aaron
Tuttle. Call the CSN Box Office at 651-LIVE (5483) for more information
about Spring events.
On March 3 through March 6, the first ever American auditions in the
history of the Crazy Horse Parisian dance troupe will be held to find 3
dancers for MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris. A well-known celebrity guest
judge, who will be named at a later date, will help determine which
three lucky winners will be chosen to join the prestigious dance troupe.
The audition process will last four days. Concluding the open casting
call, 12 finalists will be selected and invited on to the MGM Grand’s
Crazy Horse cabaret for the remaining audition process. All candidates
will perform a freestyle piece as well as a choreographed piece prepared
by the panel of Crazy Horse Paris judges. After the intense process has
ended, the judges will narrow the finalists down to three.
The winners will be announced at Tabú Ultra Lounge Thursday, March 6 at
a public party hosted by the celebrity guest judge. After the
celebration, the winners will be flown to Paris, France, where they will
receive formal training for two months before joining the dance troupe.
Dancers are required to attend the auditions with their resumes and fit
the criteria to be considered for a spot on the Crazy Horse Paris
roster.
The open casting call will take place on Monday, March 3 between 10 a.m.
and 4 p.m. at Dick Foster Productions, 6260 Stevenson Way, Las Vegas, NV
89120. For additional information about the auditions, dancers should
email
crazyhorseparis@lv.mgmgrand.com or call (702) 334-4518.
Celebrity
Sightings:
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was all a buzz on Sunday, January 20. Lenny
Kravitz returned to the Hard Rock following his concert on Sunday night
and enjoyed a late dinner at the new hotspot AGO which kept their
kitchen open late for the rock legend. He indulged on the Tuscan-style
Italian fare until after 1 am. Next, the singer blazed through the red
carpet into Body English where he joined a medley of other celebrities.
Kravitz was spotted checking into the Penthouse Suite inside the hotel
on Saturday evening.
Also spotted partying inside Body English on Sunday night was singer
John Mayer. He was surrounded by fans and partied at a private VIP table
just off the dance floor. Additional celeb club goers included actor
Wilmer Valderrama who partied in the club following dinner at AGO; NFL
player Jerry Porter of the Oakland Raiders; rapper Too Short and actor
Mehcad Brooks. Sunday School host, rapper Doug E. Fresh rocked the house
with some old-school beats.
On January 26, Leighton Meester who stars as Queen Bee Blair on the CW's
hot new series, "Gossip Girl," was spotted having dinner at AGO inside
the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with fellow "Gossip" castmates Nicole
Fiscella, Sebastian Stan and "Entourage" actor Joshua Lebar. After
dinner, the group made their way to Body English where they ran into
Melody Thornton of the Pussycat Dolls who was partying it up with a
group of ten friends.
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Melody Thornton of
The Pussycat Dolls
I’ll be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las
Vegas.
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