By Judy Thorburn
Photos by Stephen Thorburn

Hollywood actors, a famous director and a movie producer were the featured speakers at the first ever Actors Expo held Saturday, July 15 at Marjorie Barrick Museum located on the UNLV campus. Young acting hopefuls looking to succeed in the entertainment industry heard first hand in up close and personal discussions what it takes to stand out from the rest in a very demanding and tough business. Afterwards there was an open period to address questions from the audience. Handsome actors Mario Lopez, whose resume includes TV shows Saved By The Bell, Pacific Blue and ESPN Hollywood, and Victor Webster who has appeared in such shows as Sex in the City, Mutant X, and The Lot, spoke about how they got started and the need to fine tune your craft with lots of hard work and study. An emphasis was on taking advantage of what your local community has to offer, going on open, or cattle calls and letting struggling up and comers know that there will be plenty of rejection and doors slammed in their face. Needed is an agent who will get on the phone, fight and hustle for you. “If you have the talent and have a thick enough skin you need the opportunity to find someone who believes in you. Be persistent and never give up,” they said.

Victor Webster and Mario Lopez

Although both are extremely good looking, these busy actors made a point of saying that “there is room in the business for all types of looks, a place for everybody”. But, the one thing both actors agreed is most important is having the “passion”. In other words, “acting must be something you must do and cannot live without. It must be in your heart,” they said. “You must be honest with yourself. There is a big difference between actors who are driven by their craft and celebrities who are famous and have a big house on the hills”.

Victor Webster


Mario Lopez

Finland born Director Renny Harlin, the man at the helm of such movies as Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger and Driven, and Kia Jam, producer of The Jacket and one of this year’s best movies, Lucky Number Slevin added additional insight from a filmmaker’s point of view. First, these two bigwigs wanted to make it clear that they are examples of people who did not come from a legacy of entertainers. They had a dream they needed to fulfill and went at it full force, telling details of their background, how they started and what led to becoming a success. They went on to discuss the casting process, as well as giving some hard facts about money being the bottom line and how Hollywood is enamored with youth as the driving forces behind the movie-making machine. For instance, it is different for men when it comes to a lasting career. The perfect example is an aging Sean Connery (they joked that he is probably 112 years old) who can act besides an actress young enough to be his granddaughter and no one bats an eye. But for women there are three age groups with roles that fit- 15-25 mistress, 25-35 mother, and 35 up district attorney. Only a few female stars such as Meryl Streep, have been able to keep their star power and longevity in movies at her age.

Director Renny Harlin


Producer Kia Jam

A strong point was made that whatever you are doing; make sure it is the best, even if it is Xeroxing, because you never know where it will lead. Kia said the business is designed to keep you out, but you can’t be discouraged.

Harlin mentioned that he found Viggo Mortenson by chance sitting outside an office and cast him in his first starring role. When it comes to casting, the filmmaker wants to stay true to their vision but must be open to something fresh and listening to casting ideas that might sound off the wall. Harlin brought up the issue of casting unknowns in a major film and realizing sometimes it is better to cast unknown faces rather than a star in a film so that it is story driven and audiences won’t be distracted by their celebrity image.

Renny Harlin and Kia Jam


Judy Thorburn, Renny Harlin, Kia Jam and Filmmaker Jeremy Settles of www.gotfilms.com

In just a few hours I am sure the audience, consisting of wide-eyed acting students, were educated in a way that would leave a valuable and lasting impression. But, like they all said, the key is having the passion and THAT cannot be taught.

On the evening of June 19th there were threats of thunderstorms throughout the Las Vegas Valley, but it didn’t stop me, my husband and a few friends from driving to Spring Mountain Ranch to see an outdoor in the meadow staged performance of the musical “Return to The Forbidden Planet”, part of the Super Summer Theatre series now in its 31st year. As it turned out we were glad we made the trek. It didn’t rain and we wound up enjoying both the balmy outdoor atmosphere and the fun musical that is very loosely based on the old sci fi movie, The Forbidden Planet (which, in itself was a sci fi version of Shakespeare’s The Tempest) but reworked, re-envisioned, and played out in the campy style of Rocky Horror Picture Show. A sinister scientist Dr. Prospero, his roller-skating robot Ariel, a romantic triangle and an uncontrollable monster, are all part of the storyline driven by rock and roll hits of the 60’s that are incorporated into the plot and mixed with lively dance numbers. The entire cast does a fine job but James Nathan as love struck Cookie stands out with the most impressive singing voice and acting ability. The dialogue is spoken in old Shakespearean English with thees and thous and plenty of humorous puns (for example, “Live Long and Prospero”) added to tickle the funny bone. A musical comedy with songs and dance, and a beautiful relaxing outdoor night under the stars. At only $8, where else can you get so much for so little? Call 581-5008 for more information about the rest of the summer schedule. The musical, “Bells Are Ringing” takes the stage beginning August 9.

Cast of "Return to Forbidden Planet" performs at the 31st annual Spring Mountain Ranch "Super Summer Series"

Just 6 years ago brothers Joe and Frank, sister Chrissi and “adopted” brother Pete (on drums) known as The Scintas, arrived from Buffalo, New York and have since become one of the most popular acts in Las Vegas. After years of headlining at the Rio, they have now found a new home on the strip, at the Sahara Hotel, and their show, tweaked and fine tuned to perfection from lighting, sound, to featured stars and their back up band, is must see that has gotten even better since I last saw them. There are performers and there are entertainers. The multi talented Scintas are definitely the latter delivering a top-notch show that combines comedy, music, and celebrity impressions with a nod to their Italian heritage, family values and a reminder of how thankful they are of living the American Dream. When not singing up a storm in their own vocal style the brothers’ impressions will blow you away with on the mark mannerisms, looks and sounds. Frank’s Sinatra, Dino, Mathis, Stevie Wonder, Johnny Cash, Tom Jones, and George Burns and Joe’s hysterical take on Mick Jagger, Neil Diamond, Joe Cocker and Jerry Lewis as the Nutty Professor, are some of the best, most comical, yet loving tributes you’ll ever see, bar none. As for Chrissi, she may be petite in stature but she’s a powerhouse singer with a huge voice that is showcased in “The Prayer” duet with brother Frank and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” with Frank also accompanying her on guitar (just one of the many instruments he plays). Besides the Scintas’ immense talent, what comes across and exudes into the audience are genuine warm personalities that you can’t help but love. If you want to see some great entertainers that will leave you with a smile on your face, it doesn’t get any better than this. Show times for the Scintas show at the Stardust are 7PM Tuesday – Saturday. Tickets may be purchased for $66 plus tax.

Joe and Frank, sister Chrissi and “adopted” brother Pete (on drums) known as The Scintas perform at the Sahara Hotel and Casino.




Joe and Frank Scinta

Here’s some highlights of what’s happening now and in the upcoming weeks around town:

Award winning Mentalist Gerry McCambridge has announced his move from afternoon act in the 250 seat Hypnotic Lounge to headlining in the Stardust Theatre, the 850 seat main room at the Stardust Hotel and Casino due to the overwhelming success and popularity of the show. Beginning July 21, the new show time is 9PM nightly, dark on Sundays. Call (702) 732-6325 for more information and to purchase tickets.

Attention, all you old hippies and young flower child wannabees. Cannerystock, The Cannery Casino and Hotel’s Salute to Woodstock will be “happening” on Saturday, August 19 at 4PM, with a celebration of peace, love and happiness featuring performances by three original groups who played at Woodstock in 1969, hard driving rock band Mountain (hit single “Mississippi Queen”), legendary jazz/blues/rockers Ten Years After (“I’d Love To Change The World”, “I’m Going Home”), and Santana original singer Greg Rolie. Opening the festivities at 4PM is Jimi’s Image, a tribute to Jimi Hendrix. In addition there will be themed food and drinks and vendors selling such items such as tie dyed clothes, candles and incense. Tickets on sale at the Cannery’s ticket sales counter located at the front desk are $18.95 and $24.95 plus tax and fees. You can also purchase tickets by calling 617-5585, toll free (866) 287-4643, or by visiting www.cannerycasinos.com .

On August 26, the evening will be filled with smooth jazz music when the Cannery Hotel and Smooth Jazz radio station 105.7 present George Benson, Al Jarreau and Raul Midon inside The Club at 7:30PM. Tickets range from $59.99 to $79.99 plus tax and fees. See above for where and how to purchase tickets.

Check out this column next time for what’s “happening” in and around Las Vegas.