Now, it wasn’t just on stage as presenters, performers and award winners where you could see the celebrity doubles. The audience was filled with recognizable faces that would cause anyone to do a double take. In fact, surrounding me were an array of celebrity clones; the likes of Michael Jackson, Ozzie Osborne, Jack Nicholson, Sean Connery, Robert DeNiro, Richard Gere, Paris Hilton, George Clooney, U2’s Bono, not one but two Mick Jaggers and Austin Powers, three Elizabeth Taylors, numerous Willie Nelsons, Hilary Clinton, several Chers, Tina Turners and Marilyn Monroes, David Letterman, Jay Leno, Pee Wee Herman, and Anna Nicole Smith, just to describe a few in my eye-catching vicinity. I must admit while many of these impersonators could be a celebrity twin, others, well you will have to check the photo gallery that accompanies this article and make up your own mind on how well they resemble someone famous.

Supposedly there are thousands of celebrity impersonators around the world. A nice portion makes a decent living working at corporate events, conventions, private parties, and in tribute shows. The Celebrity Impersonators Convention, not only acts a gathering place for these look-alikes, it offers them a chance to learn about the entertainment business, meet agents and showcase their talents in front of the public and talent buyers. That said, The Talent Showcase was held on Tuesday afternoon inside the Legends Showroom. Robert Ensler as Donald Trump and Richard Halpern as Austin Powers were Masters of Ceremony for the three hour event where at least forty celebrity impersonators did their best to “impress” the audience. Standouts for their amazing physical and vocal impersonations were 19 year old Katie Shelswell as Kylie Manogue which won her the FUGI Film UK competition, David Born as Robin Williams, Steve Larkin as Freddie Mercury, William Peterson as Rodney Dangerfield, Brent Mendanhall as President George W. Bush, Cindy Harrelson as Barbara Streisand and Connie Garrett as Tina Turner.

I don’t know about you but after seeing all these impersonators, it got me wondering what the real stars think about these faux celebrities going around pretending to be them. If it is true that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, then the Annual Celebrity Impersonator Convention is a huge compliment.

 Hans Klok's - "The Beauty of Magic" featuring Pamela Anderson opens at Planet Hollywood

Dutch born Hans Klok, known as the “fastest magician in the world” is a big star in Europe where he consistently packs venues with sold out performances. Now he hopes to do the same in the U. S. with his new show especially created for Las Vegas audiences, in the entertainment capital of the world.

The evening of Saturday, June 2 marked the premiere of Hans Klok’s magic based production called “The Beauty of Magic” featuring actress/sex symbol Pamela Anderson that is being staged inside Planet Hollywood’s Theatre for the Performing Arts. Those who had heard about this show before previews began know that Carmen Elektra was originally slated as the featured beauty alongside Klok, but backed out (at least this is what was reported) for reasons of claustrophobia related to the illusions. Pamela Anderson was then happily recruited, with one stipulation that no animals were to be used in the show. That being a done deal to begin with, Pam was thrilled to sign on (at a ridiculously huge amount of cash) saying, “I finally get to live my dream of being a Las Vegas showgirl”.

Along with the opening night crowd that consisted of invited guests and the media who were anxious to see the show, several big name celebrities and local entertainers including David Hasselhoff, Sylvester Stallone, Rita Rudner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy (professional dancer/choreographer featured on TV’s Dancing With The Stars), The Scintas, Dita Von Teese, female impersonators Frank Marino and Larry Edwards, fellow magicians Rick Thomas, Nathan Burton and close up magician extraordinaire Steve Dacri, were in attendance and made their way down the red carpet before entering the theatre. Later an After Show outdoor poolside party was held upstairs on the six floor featuring tables filled with scrumptious food, an open bar, music and live entertainment.

Special Hans Klok Red Carpet Photo Gallery

Hans Klok	David Hasselhoff	Hans Klok family members	Raw Vegas reporter Julie Mac
Magician Nathan Burton with girlfriend Britney Palmer	Hans Klok and Pamela Anderson	Hans Klok, Dita Von Teese and Pamela Anderson	Douglas Teitelbaum co-owner of Planet Hollywood with unidentified friend
Hans Klok (Center)	Hans Klok and Pamela Anderson	Female Impersonator Larry Edwards	Magician Rick Thomas
Rita Rudner with costumed character	The Scintas	Steve Dacri, Close-Up Magician Extraordinaire	Female Impersonator Frank Marino
Dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy	Rita Rudner	Sylvester Stallone

Regarding the newly transformed Theatre for the Performing Arts; curtains have been dropped in front of several sections closing off portions of seating to create a smaller more intimate venue for this production. Also, a giant size hand holding a large circular video screen displayed in its open palm has been added on each side of the stage for the audience to get a more close up look at what’s happening before their eyes no matter where they happen to be seated.

Calling the show “The Beauty of Magic” is fitting in regards to its visual appeal and production value. Creative director Anthony van Laast has staged a magic show that is certainly very pretty to watch starting with the lighting, beautiful accompanying music, sets, and attractive cast that includes (from what I counted) 14 very talented “Magic” dancers and several assistants. If you are waiting to see Pamela Anderson, she doesn’t make an appearance until 50 minutes into the show. Pam is strictly male eye candy and shares some clever banter with Klok, than assists in a trick that involves a man chosen randomly from the audience, before existing the stage and returning later to take part in a couple of other illusions.

What is different about this magic show compared to others is its well written storyline that incorporates some video animations and some innovative, beautifully costumed dance numbers. Hans Klok originally, from Amsterdam Holland, weaves his magic and illusions based around his real life journey into the world of magic that started as a child, with support from his father, through his travels in other countries that eventually landed him in America. Two actors, a young boy and an older man portray the younger version of Klok and his Dad in several sequences where they interact with him or watch from the sidelines. There is also a female character dressed in body hugging black costumes that shows up occasionally. I suppose she represents an evil spirit out to stop his dream of success and is used as a set up for sending him to the guillotine where he is cut in half or in other sequences where they switch places instantaneously.

I’ve got to give it to Hans that his magic transitions are the fastest I have ever seen. But, magic enthusiasts and fans are looking for something new and different when comes to tricks or illusions. Although filled with stunning eye appeal, magic is the core of his show and Klok needs to come up with something to wow audiences other than the same old tricks we have seen and over again. Being cut in half or levitating an assistant has been done bigger and better, even if Pam Anderson is your “victim”. I wasn’t alone in noticing that several of his illusions entail a quick switch with someone in the cast. The backdrop and props change, but it is essentially the same trick.

Now, I can’t say I wasn’t entertained. Don’t get me wrong. There are enough aspects of this show I find appealing enough to recommend it. Once again; production wise, the show is a dazzler. That doesn’t include the fact that it offers a handsome magic star for the ladies and a famous hot chick for the guys. Let’s face it, there are two very big reasons Pamela Anderson will draw male audiences. And yes, guys, she appears scantily dressed to show off her, err, attributes.

Out of towners who haven’t seen a live Las Vegas magic show before, will enjoy the production. But for the rest of us who demand bigger, more spectacular illusions, as a whole it might not be the magical experience that Hans Klok hopes will do the trick.

Tickets for "The Beauty of Magic" at Planet Hollywood Resort are $38 - $108. Performances are 8PM Thursdays and Fridays, 7 and 10PM Saturdays.

Other recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:

Liza Minnelli recently attended the newest show at the Riviera Hotel and Casino, “ICE: Direct From Russia”. Prior to the performance, Ms. Minnelli took a moment to go backstage and meet with ICE’s producer Sergey Ryshkoff and the all-Russian cast of 42 and expressed her excitement to see the new show on a stage where she had performed on in the 70’s and 80’s and offered American show business advice and a story about her days at the Riviera. During the curtain call, Ms. Minnelli was one of the first in the audience to stand and applaud the performers and was heard saying, “THIS is the show to see in Las Vegas!”.

Legendary performer Liza Minnelli poses with the cast of ICE: Direct From Russia backstage at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Photo credit: Barry Sweet

On May 25 The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art opened a new Picasso exhibition that has been five years in the making. Titled “In the Master’s Hands: Picasso’s Ceramics, Treasures from the Estate of Pablo Picasso”, the exhibit features more than 30 unique ceramic objects by the legendary 20th century artist that will be on view through January 14, 2008. The exhibition demonstrates Picasso’s ability to join painting, sculpture and clay into a single discipline. A comprehensive, illustrated chronology, authored by Picasso scholar and art historian Marilyn McCully, and devoted to the artist’s ceramic years, also will be on view. Tickets for In the Master’s Hands: Picasso’s Ceramics, Treasures from the Estate of Pablo Picasso are $17 per person, $14 for Nevada residents and seniors 65 and older, and $12 for students. Audio-guides are included in the price of admission. Tickets and information are available by calling (702) 693-7871 or (877) 957-9777, or online at www.bgfa.biz  and www.bellagio.com. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ticketweb.com. The gallery and Gallery Store are open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Garden recently revealed a new Summer exhibit, a trip through America’s scenic Route 66 that is filled with thousands of vibrant plants, flowers and trees, a country fair and an automobile museum piece that offers visitors a captivating view of summertime adventures. Guests are welcomed with a sumptuous roadside market replete with fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers followed by a quiet town park that has cozy areas with vintage park benches, street lamps providing a soft glow and where beautiful rose hedges filled with 4,000 red, orange, pin, yellow and peach Russian cut roses lead to a three-tiered fountain, 12-feet-tall and eight-feet-wide, with water gently flowing amid luscious white statice flowers, red yarrow plants and moss. At the center of this memorable exhibit is a 42-foot Ferris wheel with authentic seats full of flowing ivy and glorious sunflowers. High above the fair, three “cold air” balloons float up and down. The road trip ends as guests watch a classic 1962 Corvette convertible (loaned to Bellagio by the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY) featured on a road of “Chocolate Chip” Ajuga plants and white statice flowers, “drive” into the sunset. A trio of vintage gas pumps, a desert landscape with Saguaro Cacti, and beautiful red Celosia and white azalea flowers provide the backdrop. Visitors are invited to enjoy the FREE summer display at Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens through September 8.

Sunset Station recently announced an alternative to the typical Vegas pool party – the ‘Summerfest at Sunset’ festival series featuring three months poolside performances by some of the best rock tribute bands. Starting June 1, entertainment was provided by Eruption – an amazing Van Halen tribute band and will continue with concerts every Friday evening throughout the summer. The party will begin at 6:00 p.m. each week with a pre-party at the Gaudi Bar. Doors to the concert open at 7:00 p.m. and show time begins at 8:00 p.m. The evening features the tribute band, a playground of an infinity edge pool and a lawn area for lounging in front of the stage. Private VIP cabanas are also available featuring misters, a television, private refrigerator stocked with bottled water, cushioned lounge furniture and cocktail service. General admission is $7 which includes a FREE first drink besides access to the pool and concert. Upcoming Summerfest at Sunset performances are: June 8 - Pyromania (Def Leppard), June 15 -The Original KISS Army (KISS); June 22 - Fandango (ZZ Top); June 29 -PUMP (Aerosmith); July 6 -The Long Run (Eagles); July 20 -Rattle & Hum (U2); July 27 -Smokin’ (Boston). The tribute bands for August Summerfest has yet to be announced.

In addition to the above poolside concert series June 23 marks the beginning of the Summer Outdoor Concert Series in the Amphitheatre featuring Clint Black and continues monthly with performances by Southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd on July 13 and Country group Lonestar on September 1. For more information, please contact (702) 547-7777 or visit www.sunsetstation.com .
Talent Services International in cooperation with Ambient Light Films has added FREE Saturday acting classes for adults. There is no catch attached – just a chance to find out if acting is right for you and/or you are right for acting. Actors who demonstrate professional talent will have the opportunity to join the company and management services without cost. To register for a class, call (702) 795-0487 www.talentservicesinternational.com . Talent Services International is located at 5333 S. Arville St., Suite 209, Las Vegas, NV

From July 1-3 the Mirage will hold the first ever Las Vegas “ The Fest for Beatles Fans”, a three day celebration of all things Beatles. For more information visit www.thefest.com . In conjunction with this event, there will be a Battle of the Beatles bands competition with the winners chosen by the audience. Groups performing must bring their own instruments and play one or two Beatles songs during the Fest on July 3. To sign up for this contest go to bands@thefestforbeatlesfans.com  or call 1-866-THE.FEST or fax 1-201-666-8687. Deadline for registration is June 14. There will also be a Beatles sound-alike contest for individuals or duos (trios must join the Battle of the Bands). Tryouts are on Monday, July 2 with finalists performing on the main stage later that evening. All participants for the Battle of the Beatles Bands and the sound-alike contest must have tickets to attend the Fest. Tickets can be purchased online at www.thefest.com  or by calling 1.866.THE FEST. Winners of each contest will receive prizes.

Film buffs are being offered a chance to attend the star-studded Las Vegas premiere of Ocean’s Thirteen and official after party at Moon on Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at the 9th annual CineVegas Film Festival at the Palms Casino Resort. Stars from the film confirmed to attend include George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Ellen Barkin and Andy Garcia.

All those who purchase the festival’s Royal Flush Pass and donate an additional $250 to the International Rescue Committee will be given a seat to the screening and entry into the after party at Moon nightclub. Proceeds from the money raised will benefit Not On Our Watch, an organization whose initial campaign is to support existing Darfur humanitarian relief efforts and to ensure the protection of civilians in that region.

Tickets for a Royal Flush Pass is $525 and they can be purchased by visiting www.cinevegas.com  or calling 1-888-8VEGAS8. Valid June 7-16, The Royal Flush Pass gets the holder into the closing night film and party, the honoree reception, all films, all panels and tributes, all general festival evening parties from June 7-16, the Condé Nast Traveler Lounge and CineVegas Headquarters. For complete program details please visit www.cinevegas.com .

Attention single ladies! The 8th Annual “Sound the Alarm” Firefighter Bachelor Auction, hosted by the Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation, will be held on Friday, June 15 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Pearl Concert Theatre inside The Palms Casino Resort.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ® is offering a report card achievement reward this summer for any child, elementary through high school that is proud of this year’s spring report card. Worthy students who can show an improvement or a hard earned “A”, will receive a free summer Ice Blended® beverage of their choice at any location. Starting Friday, June 8, 2007 and continuing through Friday, July 6, 2007, parents can bring their kids into any of the (7) Valley locations; upon showing their report card, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ® will give the child or teen a special recognition certificate to fill out along with a summer Ice Blended® drink of their choice. Their certificate will prominently be displayed in the store for the remainder of the recognition report card campaign. The report card rewards program is available at all 7 neighborhood location. To find The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ® nearest you or for more information, please call 1-800-TEA-LEAF or log onto www.coffeebean.com

On June 23 at 9PM, pop star Nelly Furtado will be performing poolside at the Sandbar Backyard outdoor concert venue as part of a series of summer concerts at Red Rock Resort. Tickets are $67.50, plus tax, and can be purchased at any Station Casinos Reward Center, the Fiestas and the Galleria Mall, by calling (702) 547-5300 or by logging onto www.stationcasinos.com . Doors open at 8 p.m. Must be 21 years or older. Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa is located at 11011 West Charleston Boulevard at Interstate-215.

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