By Judy Thorburn This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick Chicks
Director of Communications - Nevada Film Alliance
http://www.theflickchicks.com
Jerry Lewis Participates in Q & A at VIP Screening of his film Max Rose
Vinnie Favorito “Unfiltered” Opens at the Westgate Hotel & Casino
Jerry Lewis Participates in Q & A at VIP Screening of his film Max Rose
The Regal Village Square Movie Theatre on Fort Apache and West Sahara hosted a VIP screening of Jerry Lewis' first movie in over 20 years, Max Rose, on Saturday afternoon, September 24. In attendance were some members of the media as well as several celebrity friends of the comedy and movie legend including magicians Penn & Teller, Criss Angel, comedian Marty Allen and his wife, singer and stage partner Karon Kate Blackwell, singer/actress Susan Anton, legendary entertainer Wayne Newton, singer/comedienne/impressionist Kelly Clinton Holmes, prop comedian Carrot Top, singer Tony Orlando, and Melody Sweets of Absinthe at Caesars Palace.
Jerry Lewis and Carrot Top
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jerry Lewis and Wayne Newton
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jerry Lewis, Criss Angel, and Susan Anton
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jerry Lewis and Marty Allen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jerry Lewis and Melody Sweets
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jerry Lewis and Penn & Teller
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Max Rose tells the story of 87 year old, retired, former jazz musician, played by Jerry Lewis (in a rare dramatic role) whose beloved wife of 65 years, recently passed away. While going though his wife's belongings he comes across an old compact with an engraving from another man, causing Max to have doubt about his marriage and life. While searching for the mysterious “other” man, Max explores his own past, accepts his declining health and finds hope where least expected. As the film's central character, Lewis gives a moving, heartfelt performance, supported by a cast that includes Claire Bloom (as Eva, Max's deceased wife), Kevin Pollack (as Max's adult son, Chris) Kerry Bishe (as Annie, his loyal, caring twenty something granddaughter), and Dean Stockwell (as Ben, the mysterious, “other' man).
Made in 2013, Max Rose was a labor of love for Lewis, who sat down in front of the packed theatre immediately following the screening to talk about the making of the film and participate in a Q and A with the audience. The star said he was sent the script on a Monday and signed the contract on Tuesday. Over the years, the film was shown to “preview audiences who gave important feedback and viewpoints that were critical. The audiences were incredible with their information in using towards the editing”, stated Lewis.
What attracted him to the story was “how love can change a personality. The beauty of love makes you better, stronger, gives you new direction on what life is and what you have been given. I saw my girl (referring to his real life wife, Sam) in the script. She was my Eva. I told Sam I had a present (for her) but be patient. It took a few years (for the film to be cut, edited and released)”.
In response to what it was like portraying Max Rose, Lewis said, “It was tough to sustain the character. I had to balance sentimentality and grief. It was tough to deal with...to be high on Monday and show pain on Wednesday. It is part of the acting process. It was very critical that I had to concentrate and not let myself get silly or funny.” Lewis went on to say, “Max Rose was the only film I ever made that kept me dedicated. The script was honest. I kept with it. (I know) If you don't treat love right, it will treat you wrong. Grief happens after loving hard.”
Having a great supporting cast also proved to be an important factor in bringing the story to life. Upon reaching out to veteran actress Claire Bloom to portray Eva, she said she thought “It would be a joy and I could tell my children I worked with Charlie Chaplin (when she was a child) and Jerry Lewis. Lewis than added, “She was magnificent to work with and is a wonderful lady.”
Written and directed by Daniel Noah, Max Rose is a poignant, beautifully acted film about love, loss, and reconciliation. You can now see it on the big screen while it is in limited release. I highly recommend it.
Vinnie Favorito “Unfiltered” Opens at the Westgate Hotel & Casino
He may be crass and insulting, yet there is no denying raspy voiced, Boston born comedian, Vinnie Favorito, is also very very funny. Anyone is a target when you come to his show and is in his range of eyesight, especially if you are seated in front. Forget political correctness. It has no place in Vinnie's act. No matter what your nationality, race, religion, gender, or political affiliation, make no bones about it, he is an equal opportunity offender and everyone and any subject matter is fair game, as he works the room.
Vinnie Favorito "Unfiltered"
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Vinnie was in top form on media night Wednesday, September 21 to celebrate his new residency at the Westgate Hotel & Casino. He had the entire audience laughing at his razor sharp, biting humor that is, indeed, unscripted and unfiltered. Every show is a bit different, based on his interactions with changing audiences. So you never know just what you can expect, although one thing is for sure. If you are sensitive, easily offended, or faint of heart, be forewarned, this might not be the show for you. For the rest of us, Vinnie delivers an evening of rapid fire, often crude jokes and hysterical observations, not to be taken seriously as they are all meant in jest.
Vinnie Favorito
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
As a veteran comic, Vinnie ranks with the best, if not THE best in his field. Think Don Rickles, but a lot edgier, since nothing is sacred or forbidden. So come prepared, roll with the flow, and you can't help but have a rollicking good time.
Vinnie Favorito Unfiltered performs Wednesday through Sunday at 9 p.m. inside the Cabaret Theater at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Ticket prices start at $49 for general admission, $69 for VIP, $100 for Golden Circle and $125 for Golden Circle with meet & greet following the show. All ticket prices subject to applicable taxes and fees and are available for purchase at the Westgate Box Office. Vinnie Favorito Unfiltered is R-rated and guests must be 18 years or older.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
ELIXIR – A Local Lounge, located at 2920 N. Green Valley Parkway just north of Sunset Road in Green Valley will host the 3rd Annual TEAL FIGHT NIGHT, a special evening of fun and fundraising on Wednesday, Sept. 28, TO KNOCK OUT OVARIAN CANCER. Beginning at 6 p.m. guests can mix and mingle, bid on silent auction items, vie for raffle prizes and enjoy entertainment while supporting the fight against ovarian cancer. All proceeds benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance (OCRFA). Held at the end of Ovarian Cancer Month, TEAL Fight Night also raises awareness for women to Take Early Action and Live (TEAL). Elixir is a 21 or older establishment with valid ID.
At a special price of $5, attendees can delight in a specialty cocktail crafted by the skilled bartenders at Elixir knowing that all proceeds will benefit OCRFA. Guests are invited to bid on lavish silent auction items including beauty packages, Vegas experiences, jewelry, sports packages, show tickets and much more. Throughout the evening, attendees can also purchase raffle tickets for a cash raffle at the end of the evening with one lucky winner splitting the raffle prize with OCRFA. Special guest attendees are also scheduled to appear.
Cast members from ROCK OF AGES and performers from CIRQUE DU SOLEIL will compete in a LIP SYNC BATTLE at BEER PARK on the rooftop of Paris Las Vegas hosted by the cast of 53X at midnight on Thursday, Sept. 29. The three round duel features performances by each team doing choreography and lip synching to different songs. The first and third rounds will highlight solo acts from each side, while the second round will focus on full-team battles. Guests at BEER PARK will decide who wins each round and the overall winner of the battle will be awarded the coveted BEER PARK lip sync battle belt.
BEERHAUS, The Strip’s newest modern beer garden, transforms into OKTOBERFEST IN THE PARK, September 30 – October 2. Situated within MGM Resorts’ new outdoor entertainment district steps away from T-Mobile Arena, travelers and locals will revel in dancing, eating and partying in a manner solely suited for the world’s greatest beer festival. Beginning at 4 p.m. each day, Oktoberfest at The Park will kick off the nightly festivities with a celebrity keg tapping, followed by live music from local band The Dummkopfs. Guests can select commemorative half- or full-liter steins as their vessel of sudsy exploration of renowned craft beers from around the world – including a limited-edition Oktoberfest brew.
BEER PARK at Paris Las Vegas will be going country with a pop-up outpost at the ROUTE 91 HARVEST FESTIVAL and late-night after-parties on Friday, Sept. 30 through Sunday, Oct. 2. The BEER PARK branded trailer will be parked at the festival from 2 p.m. until midnight each day, where attendees will receive tokens for a complimentary Budweiser Signature draft, redeemable at BEER PARK. Following the festival, guests are invited to keep the party going at nightly after-parties at BEER PARK, featuring a DJ and signature food selections priced at $10.95.
On Friday, September 30th, THE NATIONAL ATOMIC TESTING MUSEUM, located at 755 East Flamingo Road, will be hosting a special presentation from DR. GREGORY SPRIGGS, a nuclear weapons physicist in the Design Physics Division at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.Starting at 6.00 pm there will be an informal meet and greet starting at 6 pm. During his 6:30 pm talk. Dr. Spriggs, who is also in charge of LLNL's fascinating Film Scanning and Re-Analysis Project will explain how re-analyzing decades of old film with modern technology may reveal new scientific data! Complementary light refreshments and snacks will be served to guests. Cost is "FREE "for Museum Members; $10 for Non-Members.
FREAKLING BROS. THE TRILOGY OF TERROR will return for its 24th petrifying year in Las Vegas. Featuring the classic Castle Vampyre, the experimental Coven of 13, which made its horrifying and critically-acclaimed debut in 2015, and the award-winning, world famous Gates of Hell, Nevada’s first and only R-rated attraction, Freakling Bros will open for the 2016 Halloween season on Friday, Sept. 30, 2016. Trilogy of Terror is located at the Grand Canyon Shopping Center at 4245 S. Grand Canyon Dr., off Flamingo and the 215 Beltway. Dates of operation will be Sept. 30 – Oct. 2, Oct. 7 – 9 and Oct. 14 – 31, hours of operation are from 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday – Thursday. Tickets are $14 for COVEN of 13 and Castle Vampyre and $15 for Gates of Hell. Line-pass t-shirts are available for $10 and are valid all month. Discounts are available for combining houses and multiple visits, including the $35 “Freak Pass.” To enter the Gates of Hell you must be at least 17 years of age or accompanied by an adult, and you must sign a consent form.
The longest-running show in Las Vegas, LEGENDS IN CONCERT, which performs in the Donny & Marie Showroom at Flamingo Las Vegas, unveils a phenomenal NEW CAST OF TRIBUTE ARTISTS just in time for the fall season. The new fall cast of legends includes country mega-star Garth Brooks, portrayed by the amazingly talented Dean Simmons, the ‘Man in the Mirror,’ Michael Jackson, performed by Damian Brantley and the unforgettable Whitney Houston reimagined by the incomparable Jazmine. Making his Las Vegas debut, Kevin Mills joins the legendary cast as Elvis Presley, the undisputed “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” There is also a special offer for locals through October 31, for only $14.95. This is more than $40 in savings. Locals must present their valid Nevada I.D. at the Flamingo Box Office to receive this limited time offer.
The pop juggernaut BACKSTREET BOYS will begin an exclusive Las Vegas headlining residency show, “BACKSTREET BOYS: LARGER THAN LIFE,” inside The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino beginning Wednesday, March 1, 2017. Tickets will go on sale to the public on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. PT. American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Monday, Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. PT through Friday, Sept. 30 at 10 p.m. PT. General ticket prices begin at $39, plus applicable tax and fees, and VIP packages and Meet & Greets will also be available. All shows begin at 9 p.m.
Backstreet Boys
Photo credit: Justin Segura
CURACAO, the California-based retail giant with department stores throughout the southwest, hosts a GRAND OPENING for its first Nevada store at Meadows Mall on Saturday, Oct. 1 beginning at 9 a.m. The day-long event features great deals on a variety of products, free food and drinks, a prize drawing for a new car, LG 75-inch 4K Smart TV and a new Samsun family hub refrigerator. Mario Lopez, host of TV’s Extra, Broadway performer and New York Times best-selling author, makes a special guest appearance at 6 p.m. to headline a full line-up of entertainment that begins at 4 p.m.
Grammy winning Latin musician PEPE AGUILAR will take the stage at Orleans Arena October 1, bringing his biggest hits “Prometiste,” “Directo al Corazon,” “Me Vas a Extranar,” and more. Tickets start at $80 plus taxes and fees, and can be purchased by calling the Orleans Arena Box Office.
The Eric Trump Foundation will host the third annual ZUMBATHON AT TOWN SQUARE on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 9-11 a.m. With all proceeds BENEFITING ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL, the family-friendly event will put the "fun" in fundraising. Tickets are $12.
PANCHO'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT, located in Downtown Summerlin, will celebrate its one-year anniversary with an all-day fiesta filled with live entertainment, food specials and more on Thursday, Oct. 6. Pancho’s anniversary celebration will feature a festive mariachi band from 6 to 8 p.m. to serenade guests with traditional Mexican music inside the restaurant, cantina and on the patio. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment from local band, StefnRock, in the cantina from 6 p.m. to late. Pancho’s will also offer food and drink specials during its happy hour, available exclusively in the cantina from 2 to 7 p.m.
HELP of Southern Nevada will host its annual TEA, TRENDS AND TRANQUILITY event at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel treating guests to traditional brewed teas, delicious delicacies, fashion and forward thinking on Thursday, Oct. 6, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Hosted by Chet Buchanan of 98.5 KLUC’s Chet Buchanan and the Morning Zoo, guests will sample a variety of teas from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf while enjoying a fashion show presented by Macy’s in Downtown Summerlin. In addition to the tea and fashion trends, guests will be treated to a silent auction, grand raffle and psychic readings by Mystic Mona. This year, HELP of Southern Nevada is honoring three women dedicated to serving the Las Vegas community – Terri Maruca of Kirvin Doak Communications, Kelli Maruca of FINE: The Agency and Stacy Brazill of Brazill Team Real Estate. Tickets for the event are on sale now for $125 per person or $1,000 for a table of ten.
Comedian, actor and impressionist FRANK CALIENDO will perform at the Orleans Showroom October 7 and 8. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are available from $34.95 plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office.
Las Vegas local and Neil Diamond tribute artist JAY WHITE will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Neil Diamond’s first Las Vegas show with a special performance, “JAY WHITE HONORS NEIL DIAMOND 1976” at the Suncoast Showroom on Saturday, Oct. 8. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $22 plus tax and fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office.
THE SUMMERLIN FESTIVAL OF ARTS, returns to Downtown Summerlin® Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day on The Lawn in Downtown Summerlin at the corner of the 215 Beltway and Sahara Blvd. Headlining the festival are more than 100 fine artists and craftspeople from throughout the country, showcasing and selling their original creations. A full schedule of entertainment is led by a performance from Steve Wynn’s ShowStoppers, Tap Dancing Twins Sean & John of Absinthe at Caesars Palace, and many others. Nevada Ballet Theatre will perform multiple times during the weekend throughout Downtown Summerlin. Popular singers and bands include Avalon Landing, Broken Spectacles and Chadwick Johnson. Local schools will be well represented with performances from Del Sol High School’s Mariachi Band, Palo Verde High School Jazz Band, The Meadows Elite Strings and Faith Lutheran High School Women’s Ensemble. The 2016 roster of artists includes many popular and returning artists, along with numerous new artisans, including Marcus Thesing who creates impressive glass pieces and Sarvi Hosseini, a jewelry artist, both from Laguna Beach, California. Children’s art activities are hosted by DISCOVERY Children’s Museum and delicious offerings will be served by popular Downtown Summerlin restaurants. Children can also enjoy a Putt Putt challenge, balloon art creations, face-painting and a mascot meet and greet. and Chef Chan Boupha from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Las Vegas returns with live pumpkin and vegetable carving demonstrations. The EVENT AND PARKING ARE FREE.
Celebrity sightings:
Sunday, September 25...
Actor Jared Padalecki, known for his starring role in the TV series “Supernatural,” was spotted early in the day enjoying food and drinks at BEER PARK at Paris Las Vegas.
In the evening, rock band Young the Giant was spotted at Beauty & Essex in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Saturday, September 24...
Just a day after announcing their new Las Vegas headlining residency show “Backstreet Boys: Larger Than Life,” Backstreet Boys treated fans to a surprise performance during the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas. The best-selling boy band of all time joined Florida Georgia Line onstage to perform “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back),” and then returned with their own mini-set, bringing thousands of screaming fans to their feet with hits “I Want It That Way,” “As Long as You Love Me” and “Larger Than Life.” Immediately following their performance, the group headed over to their new home at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, to take photos and video with their new show billboard overlooking the famed Las Vegas Strip.
Scream Queens” star Lea Michele and “Fashion Police” co-host Brad Goreski enjoyed dinner at Beauty & Essex in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas with friends.
At LAVO Italian Restaurant in The Palazzo, J. Cole enjoyed dinner with friends in the private dining room where he had the chicken parmesan, one-pound meatball, calamari and seafood alfredo.
Professional bodybuilder Jay Cutler was also seen having dinner at LAVO Saturday night with friends.
Songwriter Usher stopped by 1 OAK Nightclub inside the Mirage Hotel & Casino after his performance at the sold out iHeart Radio Music Festival to celebrate the release of his eighth studio album “Hard II Love.” Hip hop artist Ludacris joined Usher at his VIP table where the duo performed a number of their hit songs including “Yeah!” and “What’s Your Fantasy” among others. Keeping the energy and surprises coming, Lil Jon hit the decks where the trio performed their hit song “Lovers and Friends” together. Also spotted celebrating with the R&B star were Lea Michele, Wilmer Valderrama, and celebrity stylist Brad Goreski.
Ludacris and Usher at 1OAK Nightclub
Photo Credit Denise Truscello
Usher at 1OAK Nightclub
Photo Credit Denise Truscello
Wilmer Valderrama
Photo Credit Denise Truscello
Friday night, September 23...
U2 band members Bono and The Edge along with Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons were spotted at Marquee Nightclub in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth were spotted at OMNIA Nightclub inside Caesars Palace. The couple and their friends, who included professional snowboarder Shaun White, were seated in the DJ booth while Justin Mylo was laying down chart-topping hits. The two were seen enjoying their night out after the “Voice” coach surprised fans with a spontaneous performance with Bill Idol at the iHeart Radio Music Festival earlier in the evening.
Meanwhile, “Twilight” star Taylor Lautner was also spotted enjoying his night inside Heart of OMNIA where DJ Irie was performing for the crowd. Lautner made his way inside the main club to the balcony where he took in the sounds of OMNIA resident DJ, Martin Garrix. At the end of Martin Garrix’s set Bebe Rexha jumped in the DJ booth for a surprise performance of the duo’s hit single “In the Name of Love.”
Taylor Lautner
Photo courtesy of OMNIA Nightclub
Miley Cyrus
Photo courtesy of OMNIA Nightclub
Bebe Rexha
Photo courtesy of OMNIA Nightclub
Bebe Rexha and Martin Garrix
Photo courtesy of OMNIA Nightclub
Thursday night, September 22...
Popstar Tinashe was spotted at TAO Nightclub in The Venetian. Joined by a group of friends, the “Superlove” songstress danced the night away at her VIP table.
Frank Sidoris, lead guitarist from SLASH featuring Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators and son of X Burlesque producer Angela Stabile, was joined by America’s Got Talent stars Ryan Stock and AmberLynn following the debut of Sidoris’ new band Royal Electric at The Lounge at Palms Casino Resort. Stock and AmberLynn took in the show following their new show Comedy Daredevil at Hooters Casinos Hotel Las Vegas.
Frank Sidoris, Ryan Stock, and AmberLynn of Comedy Daredevil
Photo courtesy of Palms Casino Resort
Wednesday afternoon, September 21...
Celebrity chef and costar of Food Network’s smash hit “Chopped,” Aarón Sánchez, dined at Jenna and Michael Morton’s La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway in Wynn Las Vegas.
Monday, September 19...
Rapper Yo Gotti, who treated club-goers to a blowout performance at TAO Nightclub Saturday, returned to TAO to enjoy dinner at the restaurant with friends and family.
Sunday night, September 18...
Hip hop recording artist Riff Raff attended Mike Tyson UNDISPUTED TRUTH at MGM Grand.
Mike Tyson and Riff Raff
Photo courtesy of MGM Grand
Meanwhile, over at Hooters Casino Hotel Las Vegas, legendary comedian and magician The Amazing Johnathan attended the recently-opened Comedy Daredevil. After the show, Johnathan joined the show’s stars Ryan Stock and AmberLynn for photos.
Amazing Johnathan with Ryan Stock and AmberLynn
Photo courtesy of MGM Grand
Saturday, September17...
MLB superstar Alex Rodriguez was spotted at Hakkasan Las Vegas Nightclub inside MGM Grand. In town with his personal training team for the Mr. Olympia competition, the former Yankee arrived with a group of close friends where he was seated in the Main room and enjoyed the sounds of Hakkasan DJ, Axwell.
Rapper Wale fueled up at TAO restaurant in The Venetian. After dinner, Wale headed to the Nightclub with a blowout performance where he wowed the crowd with a set of his top hits.
WALE at TAO
Photo credit: Mike Kirschbaum/Tony Tran Photography
French Montana had dinner at Beauty & Essex in the restaurant’s private dining room, The Jewelry Box before heading to Marquee Nightclub in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, where he kicked off his exclusive TAO Group residency.
French Montana Performs at Marquee Nightclub
Photo credit: Tony Tran
Friday night, September 16...
In celebration of Mexican Independence Day, rapper Juicy J took over TAO Nightclub in The Venetian.
Juicy J at TAO
Photo credit: Tony Tran
Juicy J Performs at TAO
Photo credit: Tony Tran
Baseball all-star Alex Rodriguez was seen kicking off his weekend in Vegas at JEWEL Nightclub where JEWEL resident Lil Jon was laying down chart-topping hits for the crowd.
Alex Rodriguez
Photo courtesy of JEWEL Nightclub
World-ranked UFC fighter Felice “Lil Bulldog” Herrig celebrated her birthday with a rooftop party at Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop at Paris Las Vegas.
Felice Herrig at Chateau Nightclub
Photo courtesy of Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop
Felice Herrig taking photos with fans
Photo courtesy of Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop
Actor Chris Evans, famous for his lead roles in several Marvel Comics movies including Captain America and The Avengers, enjoyed a night out in Las Vegas with his friends, taking in the world-famous “O” by Cirque du Soleil after enjoying dinner on the Las Vegas Strip. The star arrived to the theater around 9:30 p.m., where he was spotted with his girlfriend and well-known actress Jenny Slate.
