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 By
Judy Thorburn
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic
Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer
www.theflickchicks.com
Photos by Judy Thorburn
unless otherwise credited
Here’s hoping everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and
friends and didn’t overindulge at the dinner table “too” much.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to count your blessings and give thanks
for all the wonderful people you have encountered and the joys that life
has to offer in spite of the many hardships and negativity that we are
often confronted with. My wish to everyone during the holiday season is
to be healthy, happy, prosperous, and kind.
Stars
Come Out For Planet Hollywood’s Official Grand Opening Celebration
Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino made its debut on the Las Vegas strip
last April. But the "Official" star studded Grand Opening event took
place during the two celebratory nights of Friday and Saturday, November
16 and 17. The weekend was filled with scores of celebrities from the
entertainment world who showed up to join in the celebration that
included red carpet arrivals, special concerts, and fabulous
entertainment filled after parties with tables of buffet style cuisine
and open bars. Reporters and photographers representing media outlets
from all over the world were lined up behind the red carpet to get a
photo and/or interview with some of the biggest names in TV, movies,
music, and sports. In addition, hundreds of star struck fans also came
out to catch a glimpse of the celebrities as they made their way into
the venue.
The A-list of celebrity turnouts, many of whom are personal friends of
PH founder/co-owner Robert Earl, included Pamela Anderson, Tom Arnold,
Roger Clemens, Joey Fatone, James Franco, Bruce Willis, Carson Daly, Chi
McBride, Danny Glover, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, Ray Leonard,
Leslie Mann, Luke Perry, Seth Rogen, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman,
Charlie Sheen, Kevin Spacey, Sylvester Stallone, Patrick Swayze, Milo
Ventimiglia, George Wallace, Eddie Griffin, Orlando Jones, Rick Yune,
Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Apatow, Holly Robinson Peete, Gene Simmons,
the current Miss U.S.A. and Miss Universe, and many, many more. See
photo gallery below.
Friday night featured a performance by Jon Stewart in the Mezz Theatre,
home to “Stomp Out Loud”. This was followed by an incredible party in
the ballroom with stage entertainment provided by Bruce Willis and his
band and surprise guests, rock icons, Edgar Winter and Stephen Stills.
If that sounded awesome, it was just the beginning. The next evening,
the icing on the cake for the privileged guests, had to be the private
performance by Barbra Streisand in the Planet Hollywood Theatre. The
opening act, before the super star singer made her entrance on stage in
front of the adoring crowd, was special guest
comedian/impressionist/actor, Kevin Pollack. Afterwards, there was
another fabulous ballroom bash with high energy performances by Earth,
Wind and Fire and Sugar Ray.
Without a doubt, the two nights of celebrations will go down as one of
the most memorable Official Grand Opening events in Las Vegas history.
It certainly was for me. To hear what the stars, themselves had to say,
check out Dianne Davis’ one on one Red Carpet interviews with several of
the A-list arrivals, which you can find in her
Views of
Vegas column.
PHOTO
GALLERY
Miss U.S.A Rachel Smith and Miss Universe Riya Mori
Warren Moon and wife Mandy
Roger Clemens
Rex Lee
Regina Taylor
Orlando Bloom and Miguel Nunez
Maggie Grace
Luke Perry
Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick
Gary Sturgis
Rapper E40
"D.M.C."
Charlie Sheen and fiance Brooke Mueller
Carson Daly
Anthony Michael Hall
Anthony Anderson
"Sugar" Ray Leonard
Roger Clemens and wife Debbie
Rick Yune
Richard Burgi
Nelly
Monique Coleman
Hans Klok
Gary Sturgis
Danny Glover
N'Sync's Chris Kirkpatrick
Chi McBride and wife
Tom Jones
Sylvester Stallone
Patrick Swayze and wife Lisa Niemi
Pamela Anderson
Kevin Spacey
Gene Simmons
David Hasselhoff
"MindFreak" Magician Criss Angel
Brooke Mueller and Charlie Sheen
Bruce Willis
Orlando Bloom and Miguel Nunez
Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann
Rodney Peete and Holly Robinson Peete
Chi McBride, Kristin Chinoweth and Lee Pace
Seth Rogan, Jonah Hill and James Franco
Douglas Smith
Angelica Bridges
Stephen Coletti
Melyssa Ford
Milo Ventimiglia
Susan Matus and Michael Irby
Eddie Griffin and son
Photo by Dianne R. Davis
Stephen Stills
Bruce Willis Performs at Friday's VIP After party
Photo by Dianne R. Davis
Edgar Winter
Bruce Willis performs with rock legend Stephen Stills
Photo by Dianne R. Davis
Jon Stewart
Barbra Streisand
Photo by Dianne R. Davis
Ethel
M’S Annual Cactus Lighting Celebration
On Tuesday evening November 21, I attended what has become an annual
tradition in Southern Nevada; the official kickoff of the holiday season
at Ethel M’s 14th Annual Chocolate Winter Wonderland with the lighting
of hundreds of thousands of lights decorating the beautiful three acre
Cactus Garden which, in its visual splendor, was open for guests to
stroll down and enjoy.
In celebration of the event, which was attended by a select group of
specially invited VIP’s and their families, the evenings festivities
included an assortment of Ethel M’s gourmet chocolates to be sampled,
and liquid refreshments of hot coffee, tea, hot chocolate and bottled
water for the outdoor guests to enjoy as well as entertainment provided
by Thurman White and Jack Lund Schofield Middle School Choir, who sang
some holiday classics.
This year a special treat was the appearance of headliner and comedian
George Wallace who was given the duty of commencing over the countdown
and switching on the colorful assortment of lights that decorate the
garden. He was surrounded by Henderson Mayor James Gibson, a pair of “M
& M” candies, young dancers from Nevada Ballet’s “Nutcracker” and
children from the non profit “Candlelighters” foundation, a support
organization to help children with cancer and their families.
Calling himself ‘the real chocolate man”, the
likeable comedian warmed up the crowd with his quick wit and friendly,
natural approach. Wallace also announced that in conjunction with this
holiday event, the Mars family, owners of Ethel M’s, was donating $5,000
worth of merchandise (which was on display) to the “Candlelighters” in
order to make their season brighter.
That generous gift lit up the faces of the
representatives from “Candlelighters” and was the perfect complement to
the colorful, bright lights emanating from the Cactus Garden. Admission
to this annual holiday “Chocolate Winter Wonderland” is FREE. The
Christmas-lighted walk/factory tour through the cactus garden runs from
sunset to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1, 2008. For more information, call (702)
433-2500.
Other
recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Word is out that the Las Vegas production of the most honored show in
Broadway history, The Producers, will close on February 9, 2008. Tony
Danza will continue his run as the famous Broadway theatrical producer
Max Bialystock through closing night. I am sorry to hear that the show
is closing since this musical romp is a real fun gem, one of the best
gifts from comedy genius, Mel Brooks. If you haven’t seen the show, I’d
recommend you do so before it’s too late. Through December 15th, locals
showing a valid Nevada ID, can purchase up to four tickets at $59 each.
Due to a viral infection to the heart called cardiomyopathy, Wayne
Newton has had to cancel his two month engagement at Harrah’s, but the
star has said that he’s “going to be just fine.” As a result of his
condition, the former Dancing with the Stars contestant will not be able
to perform in the show’s upcoming finale, but he will be in attendance.
On November 27 Producer David Saxe’s “Fab Four Mania”, which had sold
out performances at the V Theatre, will open at the Sahara Hotel and
Casino in the new Sahara Theatre location that will accommodate nearly
400 more Beatles fans. Performances are Monday through Saturday at 7
p.m. Tickets start at $49 plus taxes and fees for adult general
admission.
On Wednesday, November 28, photographer Jessica Dimmick will appear in
person at The Henderson campus of the College of Southern Nevada at 6
p.m. in building C, room 133 as part of The Twentieth Sociological Forum
entitled “Global Issues through Photojournalism”. Jessica’s presentation
will consist of a series of her own photographs in conjunction with a
lecture on the procedures taken to get a photograph published in a major
magazine. Each photograph she presents will deal with today’s global
issues such as child labor, poverty, drug abuse, and war. A panel of CSN
Professors and Students will provide commentary on the photographic
presentation. The public is cordially invited to attend this event.
Admission is Free and afterwards there will be a reception. For more
information about this or other events at CSN’s Henderson campus, please
call 651.3000.
On Saturday, December 8, 2007 from noon to 2 p.m. at Roy’s Restaurant in
Summerlin, children are invited to a fun and memorable event in which
they will be able to create and decorate their own Hawaiian gingerbread
house with the help of Roy’s Pastry Chef Noah French. The cost is $25
per child, including supplies and Keiki (Hawaiian for child) Lunch. To
make a reservation by December 1st call Cheryl Mahar at 702-838-3620.
Summerlin Roy’s is located at 8701 W. Charleston Blvd.
Every evening from December 6 through 15 after the National Finals
Rodeo, the hottest rock ‘n’ roll rodeo band Ricky and the Redstreaks
will appear in concert starting at 11 p.m. at The Grand, The Golden
Nugget’s newest venue. The band will be the first performers to take the
stage in this event facility. The nightly cover charge for the
performance will be $5 for men and free for ladies. In addition to these
nightly performances, headliners including The Charlie Daniels Band,
Terri Clark, Ronnie Milsap and Clay Walker will perform in The Showroom
throughout National Finals Rodeo. A free live, closed-circuit viewing of
WNFR will also be available every evening in The Grand. For more
information, contact the Golden Nugget at 800-634-3454 or visit
www.goldennugget.com .
On Sunday, December 2 at 2:00 p.m in the “Theatre of the Stars”
Showroom” at the Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower the producers of
Entertainment Las Vegas Style is presenting The 22nd Annual “Merry
Christmas Las Vegas”, a seasonal show of song and dance that will be
taped live for local and national television. Scheduled to appear are
Impressionist, Fred Travalena, singing sensation - Clint Holmes,
comedian- Pete Barbutti, Las Vegas Tenor -Teddy Davey, tribute artists -
Shades of Sinatra, singer – Derek David, singer- Kelly Clinton, singers
– Jeanine Marie and Michaelina, Cousin Itt – Felix Silla, the fabulous -
Helen Joy’s Young Entertainers, backed by the - Michael T Orchestra. The
performance is open to the public. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. A donation of
$30.00 per person is requested with all ticket proceeds from this
performance going directly to benefit The Youth Foundation for the
Performing Arts, a non-profit organization that awards grants and
scholarships to students in the performing arts. The performance has
limited seating. Reservations are required. Call 702.889.3587.
From December 11-22 the legendary Fremont Street Experience will host a
FREE live ice skating show called Bright Lights on Ice that is open to
the public. The seasonal spectacular which will take place right on the
outdoor promenade of Fremont Street, features an ensemble cast of
professional figure skaters and gymnasts in a truly unique combination
of winter athleticism and artistry. The skaters of Bright Lights on Ice
will perform graceful solos, breathtaking lifts and alluring spins from
the iced platform of the 3rd Street stage while trampoline acrobats defy
gravity from the ground below. The cast includes former Canadian
National and World Team members and 1995 Skate Canada bronze medalists,
Jodeyne Higgins and Sean Rice; 22-year skating veteran, soloist and
choreographer, Meegan McDonald; 2003 United States Championships
competitor, Samira Banna, and four other skaters of astounding talent
and experience in competitions, shows and instruction. Bright Lights on
Ice show times will be 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. nightly.
Inspirada, a new master-planned community in Henderson, invites Las
Vegas residents to come by between 11 a.m and 2 p.m on Saturday,
December 15th to enjoy free cookies and beverages and receive a FREE
professional holiday photo with friends or family members. Photographers
will be set up in select model homes at KB Home, Toll Brothers and
Meritage Homes. Finished photos will be available within 30-45 minutes
at the community center at Solista Park. To visit Inspirada from 215
East, exit Eastern Avenue and head south to St. Rose Parkway. Turn west
to Executive Airport Road and head south. Follow the signs to the
community entrance.
Submissions to the tenth annual The CineVegas Film Festival which will
be held June 12 – 21, 2008 at the Palms Casino Resort and Brenden
Theatres are being accepted beginning December 1, 2007 – March 15, 2008
through Withoutabox’s International Festival Submissions System at
www.withoutabox.com . Cash
prizes will be awarded for select films, including $10,000 for the Grand
Jury Award for Feature Film, $1,000 for the Grand Jury Award for Best
Short and $500 for the Best Nevada Filmmaking Short. There will also be
a special award for the best film in La Proxima Ola, a section at
CineVegas highlighting Mexican filmmakers and their films. For more
information on the CineVegas Film Festival, please call (702) 992-7979
or visit www.cinevegas.com .
Echelon at Centennials Hills, a new mid-rise residential development in
Las Vegas’ emerging northwest area was awarded “Most Innovative” by
organizers of “A Place in the Sun 4” during this fall’s international
real estate exhibition in Birmingham, England. As one of the newest
urban communities in Las Vegas, this guard-gated, mid-rise residential
community has been crafted as a modern village with spacious residences
and resort-style amenities, including many residences with breathtaking
views of the Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding mountains. Residences
at Echelon are priced from the high $300,000s to over $1.5 million. For
more information, visit
www.echelonlasvegas.com .
Musical impressionist and comedian Stephen Sorrentino will be taking his
show “Voices in My Head” to the Suncoast Showroom on December 14-16.
Sorrentino’s variety style Las Vegas show combines his incredible
impressions and musical talents on piano, guitar, saxophone and flute,
your favorite stars of yesterday and today and hilarious stand up comedy
with showgirls, dancers, and extravagant costumes. Show time is 7:30 PM.
Tickets priced $19.95 / $29.95/ $39.95 plus tax can be purchased by
calling 702-636-7075.
I’ll be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las
Vegas.
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