Vegas Happenings | Forum Shops at Caesars and Crystals at CityCenter Celebrate Fashions Night Out | Las Vegas Shakespeare Company Unveils $45 Million Expansion

Forum Shops at Caesars and Crystals at CityCenter Celebrate Fashions Night Out

The Forum Shops at Caesars celebrated Fashion's Night Out 2012 in star-studded Las Vegas style complete on Thursday, Sept.6 with classic showgirls, showroom headline entertainers, world-famous Chippendale dancers, gorgeous fashion models and glitzy female impersonators.

Making the fashion rounds of The Forum Shops, Las Vegas celebrities interacted with customers, visited in-store events, and joined product demonstrations and parties.  Additionally, three lucky visitors for Fashion's Night Out received a $500 shopping spree to The Forum Shops.

Caesars Palace headline entertainer, singer Matt Goss, legendary showgirls from Jubilee! at Bally's Las Vegas, Chippendale performers from Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, superstar female impersonators from Frank Marino's Divas Las Vegas at Imperial Palace and world-famous hypnotist Anthony Cools from Paris Las Vegas were on hand to add to the Vegas-centric fashion celebration.

Singer Matt Goss with showgirls

Live models throughout the retail center showcased fashions and accessories from Forum Shops retailers including; Alfred Dunhill, Anne Fontaine, bebe, Bettie Page, Brighton Collections, Cache, Custo Barcelona, DKNY, Donald J Pliner, Elie Tahari, Emilio Pucci, Fendi, Gap, John Varvatos, Judith Leiber, Juicy Couture, Pal Zileri, Pandora, St John, Tommy Bahama, Tommy Bahama Women, True Religion, Vilebrequin, and Y-3.

Other retailers that participated in Fashion's Night Out 2012 included; 7 For All Mankind, Agent Provocateur, Ann Taylor, Antiquities, Baccarat, Bally, Blink Optical,  Casa Fuente Cigar Bar, Coach, Coach Men's, De Beers, Dior Beauty, Eric Andrew Collection, Fresh, Giuseppe Zanotti, Gucci, Guess by Marciano, H&M, Hearts On Fire, Hublot, Inglot, Intermix, Jimmy Choo, Judith Ripka, Kate Spade, Kiehl's Since 1851, La Perla, Lacoste, MAC Cosmetics, Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Reed Krakoff, Roman Times, Scoop NYC, Sephora, Tadashi, Ted Baker London, Thomas Pink, Tod's, Tory Burch, Valentino, Vosges Haut-Chocolat and UGG Australia.

Many Forum Shops restaurants also celebrated with special cocktails and promotions including; Il Mulino New York, Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Max Brenner – Chocolate by the Bald Man, Planet Hollywood Restaurant & Bar, Spago, Sushi Roku, The Palm Las Vegas and Trevi Italian Restaurant.

In its second year of celebrating Fashion’s Night Out, Crystals at CityCenter overflowed with fashion and philanthropy. Thousands of guests enjoyed an exciting fashion showcase from legendary “Sex and the City” stylist Patricia Field, an enchanting “pop-up” performance by Nevada Ballet Theatre, unique in-store experiences and restaurant tastings, and the opportunity to give back to the Las Vegas community.

Emmy-Award winning stylist Patricia Field, who changed the fashion world with Carrie Bradshaw's style in Sex and the City, hosted a fashion showcase at the center of Crystals. Eager fashionistas gathered around the runway as Field spoke about her inspiration behind the incredible looks she created from Crystals’ unrivaled collection of luxury designers. With DJ Michael Shulman providing high-energy music, Field’s chic models modeled the latest pieces from Roberto Cavalli, Paul Smith, ERES, Kiki de Montparnasse, Donna Karan, Jimmy Choo, Brunello Cucinelli, Bally, Marni and Ermenegildo Zegna.

Patricia Field

Guests shopped for a cause and enjoyed in-store events at the following retailers:

• Paul Smith offered bites from Todd English P.U.B., as well as a meet and greet with “Fantasy” songstress Lorena Peril and Adrian Zmed of “Grease II.”

• Guests were treated to a delightful performance of past Coca-Cola jingles by a choir performing at Assouline while they sipped on Coca-Cola themed cocktails.

• Roberto Cavalli threw a “Wild Diva” party, complete with a DJ and photographer to capture guests’ “diva style.”

• Fendi modeled its new special Pequin sunglasses while guests nibbled on appetizers courtesy of Crystals’ hotspot Mastro’s Ocean Club.

• Live models struck a pose in the window displays a Kiki de Montparnasse, enticing passersby with exotic lingerie.

Pit stops were made at the “Man Cave” presented by Dream Racing, where guests got their adrenaline pumping with racing simulators manned by hosts in racing suits.

Spa & Salon Vdara brought its signature pampering to Crystals, offering shoppers complimentary hand massages and make-up consultations.

Las Vegas charities that benefited from Crystals' celebration of Fashion's Night Out included:

After-School All-Stars Las Vegas; Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health; Jewish Federation of Las Vegas; Keep Memory Alive; Lied Discovery Children’s Museum; Nathan Adelson Hospice; Nevada Ballet Theatre; Opportunity Village; The Pajama Program; Positively Arts Foundation; The Public Education Foundation; The Shade Tree Shelter; UC San Diego Nevada Cancer Institute; United Way of Southern Nevada.

Las Vegas Shakespeare Company Unveils $45 Million Expansion Including Home For Nevada’s First Permanent, Professional Theater Company

The Las Vegas Shakespeare Company kicked off its Capital Fund Drive and unveiled plans for a multi-million dollar renovation of the Reed Whipple Cultural Center in Downtown Las Vegas during a press conference on Friday, September 7. On hand for the announcement were Dan Decker, Las Vegas Shakespeare Company, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman, Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen, and Las Vegas City Councilman Ricki Barlow.

The 35,000 square foot center will be expanded to house a state of the art 499-seat theatre and rehearsal space as well as the Bard Lounge, Gallery OV - Opportunity Village Fine Art gallery and the return of Chef Mike Jordan to Las Vegas with Rosemary’s Café, a re-imagined twist on their storied Las Vegas restaurant.

“It was one year ago today that the City of Las Vegas entrusted us with this beautiful building, the Reed Whipple Center, and along with that trust they also gave us a mandate to bring a first-class professional theatre to our region,” says Dan Decker, Artistic Director for the Las Vegas Shakespeare Company.  “This expansion allows us to create a multi-faceted cultural gem, anchored by Nevada’s first permanent, professional theater company, and become a model for contemporary resident theaters across the country.”

The Las Vegas Shakespeare Company won a lease for the Reed Whipple building by a unanimous vote of the Las Vegas City Council on September 7, 2011, as its first step in becoming Nevada’s first member of the League of Resident Theatres, (LORT), a theater industry organization of non-profit professional theater production companies which adhere to strict financial standards and utilize all professional union actors, directors, choreographers and designers.   As the building is transformed into a full-functioning performance space LVSC will become the state’s very first professional resident LORT theatre company.

“When we leased Reed Whipple to LVSC, we knew they were a perfect fit for our vision of downtown,” says Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman.  “Having Nevada’s very first permanent professional theater company residing in the heart of our city is a true coup for downtown and is a great step forward as we grow into a city which embraces and fosters the cultural arts.”

Carolyn Goodman (Las Vegas Mayor), Dan Decker (Las Vegas Shakespeare Company), Michael Gill (Las Vegas Shakespeare Company), Ricki Barlow (Las Vegas City Councilman)
Photo credit: Denise Truscello

Exterior rendering

Interior rendering

LVSC has been producing and performing world-class theatre plays and musicals since 2008, owing its early success to direct support from the Southern Nevada community.   With an aim to produce full theatrical seasons in the new space by early 2014, LVSC will continue bringing the Bard to high school students across Clark County through its Shakespeare in Schools program and staging the beloved Shakespeare-In-The-Park and spring children’s musical for the City of Henderson.

“LVSC has always been a wonderful partner with the City of Henderson in bringing great quality entertainment to our community,” says Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen. “We know that with this expansion and a permanent home will mean more fantastic productions, not just inside the new theatre, but beyond as we will continue to work together on initiatives including Shakespeare in the Park and the spring musical at the Henderson Pavilion.”

LVSC is embarking on a Capital Fund Drive to complete funding for the $45 million project, which has been conceptualized and designed by Gensler Architects to create a modern, technologically distinct playhouse and community focal point while paying homage to the Whipple Center’s distinctive 1960’s mid-mod architecture.  LVSC aims to raise $15 million and break ground in early 2013.   In addition to a world-class theatre, the expansion will also include amenities designed to make the center a cultural centerpiece in the downtown corridor.

“The LVSC is contributing to a real downtown renaissance, and this expansion will not just give us amazing live theatre from Shakespeare to musicals and beyond, it will also become a hub of activity and excitement year-round,” says Las Vegas City Councilman Ricki Y. Barlow.

Included in the complex is the Bard Lounge, a chic spot for pre- and post-show cocktails and Gallery OV, Opportunity Village Fine Art, a retail art gallery featuring works created by the non-profit’s clients.    One of the jewels of the complex is the return of celebrated Chef Mike Jordan, known for Las Vegas’ beloved fine dining restaurant, Rosemary’s.   In partnership with the LVSC, Mike Jordan is reimagining his storied restaurant as Rosemary’s Café, an upscale eatery and bar including terrace dining, which will capture the beauty of the mountain vistas of the Valley region.

“I couldn’t be happier to be working with the Las Vegas Shakespeare Company to bring a taste of Rosemary’s back to the city that embraced us so much,” says Chef Mike Jordan.   “We look forward to bringing back some old favorites and creating new ones.”

The Las Vegas Shakespeare Company hopes to break ground on the campus early next year with an aim to present its first season of Shakespeare, classic plays, musicals, children’s theatre and world premiere productions in early 2014.

photo credit to Denise Truscello - Photo 1414 from left: Carolyn Goodman (Las Vegas Mayor), Dan Decker (Las Vegas Shakespeare Company), Michael Gill (Las Vegas Shakespeare Company), Ricki Barlow (Las Vegas City Councilman).

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

The all new $17 million, 25,000 square-foot, BACCHANAL BUFFET opened at Caesars Palace on September 10, serving up an over-the-top feast created by a team of master chefs, and offering the most variety on the Las Vegas Strip. Bacchanal Buffet features more than 500 items from classic favorites such as made-to-order omelets, the freshest seafood and roasted meats like prime rib to cutting edge, regional comfort food like breakfast pizzas, red velvet pancakes, wood fired Neapolitan pizzas and Chinese dim sum, even roasted South Carolina shrimp and grits. The Baccanal Buffet is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.  Breakfast: $19.99, Lunch: $24.99; Seafood featured Dinner: $39.99.

Bacchanal Buffet
Photo credit: Erik Kabik / erikkabic.com

In celebration of NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH, Caesars Entertainment resorts, including Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Flamingo Las Vegas and more, will provide a full month of activities, concerts and other events that focus on Hispanic culture. For a record sixth consecutive year during Las Vegas Hispanic Heritage Month, Latin music superstar LUIS MIGUEL returns to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for a three-night engagement, Thursday, Sept. 13 through Saturday, Sept. 15 at 9 p.m.

Brown-Forman has partnered with Caesars Palace Las Vegas for an exclusive TEQUILA TASTING starting on Friday, Sept.14 through Sunday Sept. 16. Hand-selected from Amatitan, Jalisco, north of Guadalajara, this Herradura Double Reposado tequila will be available exclusively to Caesars Palace guests. The iconic resort will craft specialty cocktails with this unique tequila, providing guests with a distinguished taste of Mexico.

Guests will also find Herradura promotional models at the Garden of the Gods Pool from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and at the lounges from 10 p.m. to  midnight. To add to the celebration, on Saturday, Sept. 15, Caesars Palace will include a Herradura branded "Ice Bar” and Flamenco dancers.

The Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival returns once again on Sept. 15 to PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.  This grand three and a half hour musical event will feature entertainers from Mexico and the United States performing one of the world’s most unique and recognized forms of music, Mariachi.

One of the 11 teams of contestants competing for the big money on season 21 of The Amazing Race will include two members of the Las Vegas cast of Chippendales: Chippendales emcee, 30 year old Jaymes Vaughan and his best friend, Chippendales dancer, 27 year old James Davis. This season there will be a new twist. If the team that wins the first leg of the season can outrace the other 10 teams and win the final leg of the Race, they will walk away with a $2 million grand prize instead of the usual $1 million. The Amazing Race's 21st season premieres Sunday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m. on CBS.

Jaymes Vaughan

James Davis

Rock ‘n Roll Wine is proud to present BUBBLES & CHOCOLATE, a special 500-person VIP event to kick-off the Wine Amplified Weekend at Moorea Beach Club at Mandalay Bay Beach, on Friday, September 14 from 8 pm to 11 pm. Bubbles & Chocolate is presented by Moet & Chandon and will feature chocolates from Master Chocolatier Vincent Pilon. In addition to delicious champagnes, sparkling wines and chocolate, there will be an acoustic performance by Ed Kowalczyk of the band LIVE.  The performance will take place inside Moorea Beach Club.

“In the past Bubbles & Chocolate has been in conjunction with a concert on the beach, but this year we are bringing the music up-close and personal with the guests as they enjoy the bubbles and chocolate, with a smaller stage built right inside Moorea Beach Club,” said Chris Hammond, founder of Rock ‘n Roll Wine.

Only 500 tickets will be sold and are on sale now, priced at $55 (including all applicable taxes).  The ticket price includes all the champagne, chocolate and concert.

LEGWARMERS – An 80s Musical, featuring the very best of the 80s hits, with a storyline straight out of a John Hughes’ film, opens at V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shop – Planet Hollywood Resort on September 20 and will run nightly at 9pm.

Sirc Michaels, director and producer of the show said, “If you’re looking for a unique experience with songs you know and love, a story you can follow, and enough fun to last your entire time in Vegas, LegWarmers is for you”. “Audiences love interactive shows,” said Theater owner David Saxe Saxe.  “LegWarmers combines all of the best music and styles of the 80s with a great storyline and audience participation that’s perfect for the whole family.”

JOE WALSH, best known for his reedy vocals, unconventional lyrics and extraordinary talent on the acoustic, electric and slide guitars, will perform at the Pearl inside Palms Casino Resort for one night only, Saturday, Sept. 22, at 8 p.m.Tickets start at $50, plus any additional service fees.

Singer/songwriter ANNIE MEADOWS is staging a big three-hour musical concert at Lake Las Vegas on Saturday, September 22nd from 7:00 to 10:00 pm to debut the release of her new CD "Relentless."A portion of the CD sales are also going toward fundraising for a local woman's much needed kidney transplant. Admission is free.

Legendary race car designer PETER BROCK, known for creating the iconic style of the World Championship-winning Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe, Corvette Stingray and Shelby GT350 Mustang, is scheduled to attend Henderson’s Super Run Classic Car Show, meeting with fans, Friday, September 21 – Sunday, September 23, at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water Street, in the Water Street District.

THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW brings its rocking laser light tribute show to rock music’s iconic super group to the Pearl inside Palms Casino Resort for one night only, Saturday, Sept. 29 at 8 p.m.Tickets start at $34, plus any additional service fees.

On Monday, SEPTEMBER 24, at 7:30pm the National Touring Company of WICKED will host “THE WICKED ROCKY HORROR SHOW”, a staged concert performance of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show. Held at The New Tropicana Las Vegas Historic Showroom, the event will feature the company of WICKED with net proceeds of this event benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Las Vegas’s Golden Rainbow. Admission to “THE WICKED ROCKY HORROR SHOW” is by donation.  General admission tickets are $60.  VIP tickets, which include priority seating and a 6:30pm pre-show reception with members of the company, are available for $125.The evening is intended for mature audiences, and parental discretion is advised.  Admission is limited to ages 16 and older (21+ to purchase alcoholic beverages).

Contemporary R&B singer JON B brings his smooth melodies poolside at Sway Pool Lounge at Silverton Casino Hotel, Sunday, September 23, Doors 6 p.m., Show 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 day of show.

KISS® By Monster Mini Golf®, the unique rock ‘n roll-themed amusement attraction based around the legendary band KISS®; announces Sebastian Bach as the rock star to beat in the grand finale of Are You Smarter Than a Rock Star? The original voice of Skid Row will sit in the hot seat on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m. at KISS by Monster Mini Golf where competitors will battle it out for the ultimate grand prize; three days to jam at Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp with Sebastian Bach and the rock god himself, Gene Simmons. Before the contest fans are also invited to a one hour meet and greet session starting at 5 p.m.KISS® By Monster Mini Golf® is located at 4503 Paradise Rd. directly across from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

THE GOODIE TWO SHOES FOUNDATION pairs up with the JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE SHRINERS HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN OPEN to present the third annual ROCKIN' WALK sponsored by the Brenden Mann Foundation on Sunday, Sept. 30. The outdoor, family-friendly walking event will begin at 9:30 a.m. and raise funds to provide thousands of disadvantaged children with new shoes and socks. Participants will choose from the one-mile mixed hole, 2.5-mile back-nine or five-mile 18-hole walking options and enjoy the beautiful scenic views of TPC Summerlin, live entertainment, and prizes. Each registered walker will also receive a souvenir t-shirt and a single-day admission ticket for the tournament, Oct. 1-7. “The Rockin’ Walk is a great family event that helps support our mission in providing shoes and socks for underprivileged children in our community,” said Nikki Berti, co-founder and CEO of GTSF. “We are thrilled to join forces this year with the Brenden Mann Foundation and the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open to make a difference in the lives of thousands of children in need across the Las Vegas Valley.”

Early registration fees are $15 for children ages 3-17 and $30 for participants ages 18 and older until Friday, September 14. Fees will increase by $5 after the early registration deadline with proceeds benefitting GTSF’s goal of providing a new pair of shoes and five to six pairs of socks for every $25 raised. Walk participants can pre-register online or the morning of the walk and space is limited to the first 1,500 walkers. For more information on the Goodie Two Shoes Foundation or the Rockin’ Walk, visit http://www.jtshrinersopen.com/en/ScheduleOfEvents/SundaySep30.aspx.

Celebrity Sightings:

Thursday, Sept. 6...

Dirty blues/rock duo Little Hurricane hit the stage at BLVD Social Club - Thursdays Live at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, with a passionate performance that reverberated through the crowd.

Little Hurricane
Photo credit: © Karl Larson / SpyOnVegas

Little Hurricane
Photo credit: © Karl Larson / SpyOnVegas

Friday afternoon, September 7...

Jamaican pop and dance music, singer-songwriter sensation, Wynter Gordon performed to packed house at Palms Casino Resort’s thrilling pool party, Ditch Fridays, at Palms Pool & Bungalows.

Wynter Gordon
Photo credit: Joe Fury

Wynter Gordon performing
Photo credit: Joe Fury

Friday night...

Hardcore rockers Jane's Addiction showed their fans at the Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas that they still have what it takes to perform a cinematic live experience. Named to VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock" list, the band jammed out to hits such as “Jane Says,” “Been Caught Stealing” and “Mountain Song.”

Jane's Addiction
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik/ erikkabik.com

Jane's Addiction
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik/ erikkabik.com

Saturday night, September 8...

Reality star Austin “Chumlee” Russell of the hit series “Pawn Stars” celebrated the big 3-0 at LAX Nightclub inside Luxor Hotel and Casino. He was joined by 30 of his closest friends.

Austin “Chumlee” Russell
Photo credit: Brenton Ho of Powers Imagery LLC.

Will.I.Am treated club goers at Marquee to a preview of his new album #willpower. After thrilling the crowd with his set, Will.I.Am commanded a VIP table with a group of friends including DJ Poet as they took in the sounds of DJ Dash Berlin.

At TAO actress and model Angie Everhart also was spotted with friends in the nightclub.

Will.I.Am
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Singer/Actress Ashlee Simpson hosted FIJI Water’s SUMMER SOAK pool party at WET REPUBLIC at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.