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
MGM Resorts International Unveils The Park
On Monday, April 4, MGM Resorts International unveiled The Park, a vibrant outdoor dining and entertainment district celebrating the beauty of the surrounding desert landscape and offering visitors a new way to experience the Las Vegas Strip. Located between New York-New York and Monte Carlo resorts, The Park is designed to become a community gathering place where guests can experience stunning design elements, a fun culinary lineup that includes Shake Shack, Beerhaus, Sake Rok, Bruxie and California Pizza Kitchen, great indoor/outdoor environments, as well as iconic art and playful entertainment. The Park will serve as the gateway to the new 20,000-seat T-Mobile Arena, set to open on April 6.
Bliss Dance by Night
Photo credit: Barry Toranto
Restaurant Corridor - Beerhaus
Photo courtesy of The Park
The Park desert landscaping
Photo courtesy of The Park
Shade structures and desert landscaping
Photo courtesy of The Park
The Park Water Wall
Photo courtesy of The Park
Joining MGM Resorts' Chairman and CEO Jim Murren in marking The Park's official opening were Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, Clark County Commissioner Mary Beth Scow and Southern Nevada Water Authority General Manager John Entsminger, who presented The Park with the Authority's prestigious 2016 Water Hero Award. This award recognizes businesses or individuals dedicated to water conservation and devoted to saving millions of gallons of water annually.
50 Shades! The Musical Parody Celebrates One Year Anniversary at Ballys
The hit show, “50 Shades! The Musical Parody,” celebrated its first anniversary at the Windows Showroom at Bally’s Las Vegas on Tuesday night, March 29. The evening's festivities included a VIP reception prior to the 7:30 pm performance hosted by the show’s producers and showroom owners, Helene and Ken Walker. Cast members and guests celebrated with libations, hors d’oeuvres and a custom specialty cake from Just a Bite Cheesecakes.
Cast of 50 Shades! The Musical Parody
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Maren Wade
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Adriana Lomysh
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Christine Hudman
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Sabrina Sia
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Mariana Dunn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Paul Mattingly and Matt Donnelly
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Philip Drennen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chris Hodgson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Mark Romain
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The trio of girlfriends read “Fifty Shades of Grey” at a book club meeting, and letting out their inner goddess at the “50 Shades! The Parody” one-year anniversary event at Windows Showroom inside Bally’s Las Vegas
Photo credit: Gabe Ginsberg
Adriana Lomysh and Maren Wade perform in “50 Shades! The Parody” at the Windows Showroom inside Bally’s Las Vegas at the show’s one-year anniversary event.
Photo credit: Gabe Ginsberg
Among the red carpet arrivals were the cast of 50 Shades! The Musical Parody, the cast of Aussie Hunks, Anthony Cools, BMX pro Ricardo Laguna, Piff the Magic Dragon, Paul Johnson of Rock of Ages, Sarah Lowe of Jersey Boys, violinist Lydia Ansel, Kevin Burke of Defending the Caveman, Lisa Song Sutton, comedienne Kathleen Dunbar and producer Jonathan Scott.
Anthony Cools
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Johnathan Scott
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Kathleen Dunbar
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Kevin Burke
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lisa Song Sutton
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lydia Ansel
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Showgirl, Maren wade with Mr. Piffles, and Piff the Magic Dragon
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ricardo Laguna
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Russ White and PIP
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Vanessa LeGrand
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Over the past year, the 69-minute, “50 Shades! The Musical Parody” has performed nearly 350 times for over 50,000 audience members in Las Vegas. The show, based on the best-selling “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy, is a hilariously naughty spoof created for audiences 18 and over, that uses the basic premise but takes it to another hilarious level as it explores the steamy relationship between kinky billionaire Christian Grey and virginal young reporter, Anastasia Steele, as seen through the eyes of three girlfriends that gather together reading the novel. As the women absorb the novel, the character's delicious affair comes to life before their eyes.
The spirited and extremely talented cast includes acclaimed singer/ actress Maren Wade, along with Sabrina Sia, Adriana Lomysh, Christine Hudman, Philip Drennen, Matt Donnelly, Paul Mattingly, Mark Romain, Marlana Dunn, Chris Hodgson and James Simpson, who have performed in numerous theatre, Broadway and off-Broadway productions and tours worldwide.
“People come to the show not knowing what exactly to expect, but walk out with the biggest smiles. I absolutely love being part of such a well-written and hysterical musical with such a gifted cast, who keeps the audience laughing the entire time,” said Maren Wade, who plays the role of Anastasia Steele. The “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy has shattered sales records around the globe with more than 100 million copies sold worldwide and was developed into a feature film in 2015. The musical followed in its footsteps with sold-out audiences across the country left begging for more, and it continues to receive rave reviews with audiences rolling on the floor and dancing in the aisles. Proclaimed “filthy and funny” by New York Daily News and “clever and wildly entertaining” by Variety. “50 Shades! The Musical Parody” features a sassy original score, including the popular songs “Open Your Book,” “I Don't Make Love,” and “There is a Hole Inside of Me.” “50 Shades! The Musical Parody” is on tour across the United States and has had international success in Germany, France, the Netherlands and several additional countries.
“50 Shades! The Musical Parody” is performed Tuesday through Sundays at 7:30 p.m. in the Windows Showroom at Bally’s Las Vegas. The show will be moving to a new time slot of 9:30 p.m. as of April 19, 2016.
53X Celebrates Premiere Inside Chateau Nightclub at Paris Las Vegas
53X, the sexy new strip show by the producers of Chippendales, held its Grand Opening inside Chateau Nightclub at Paris Las Vegas, on Thursday evening, March 31. Red carpet arrivals included actor Antonio Sabato Jr.: the newest guest star of Chippendales; the cast of Chippendales; PIN UP star Claire Sinclair; magician Murray SawChuck and of course, the hot cast of 53X including emcee Shangela, from “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and Alex Newell, best known for the phenomenal singing and dancing of his character, Unique Adams, on FOX’s hit show “GLEE.”
Cast of 53X
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Dancers performing on stage
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Cast of 53X on stage
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Dancer performing maid routine
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Male dancers performing on stage
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Antonio Sabato Jr. on the Red Carpet
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Prior to showtime guests were treated to a cocktail reception at Chateau’s rooftop overlooking the Las Vegas Strip where they enjoyed appetizers and drinks and beats by DJ ShadowRed.
53X, (an acronym for SEX), whose tag line is “Fun, Sexy, Unexpected”, is hosted by self proclaimed “diva”, Shangela of Rupaul's Drag Race, who brings cutting edge humor to the provocative show featuring a cast of 4 hunky men and 4 hot women in various stages of undress to tease and stimulate your senses as they dance through an energetic mix of musical numbers ranging from pop hits to world beats. For those who would love to toss aside your inhibitions and be part of the show, there is even some audience interaction filled with surprises and spontaneity.
Local entertainment reporter Dianne Davis was invited onto the stage, much to the delight of those who know her.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Show time for 53X is 8:30pm. Doors 8pm. General Admission: $29.95 + tax. VIP Tables: $49.95 + tax Age: 18+. All tickets include free entry to Chateau Nightclub & Gardens for those 21+
Las Vegas Strip Show Aussie Hunks Teach a Hip-Hop Class at Opportunity Village
Las Vegas’ male hip-hop strip show Aussie Hunks visited Opportunity Village’s Engelstad campus and conducted a hip-hop dance class for OVIPs on Tuesday, March 29. The Aussie Hunks concluded the class by presenting the organization with a generous donation. Opportunity Village OVIPs in the Fine and Performing Arts Program were taught new dance moves and choreography, and then performed what they learned for the Aussie Hunks. The Fine and Performing Arts Program at Opportunity Village teaches individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities music, dance, theatre and visual art, and is designed to increase awareness of the arts, support creative expression, and provide technique and training. This program promotes self-expression, social interaction and the development of peer relationships, while providing participants the opportunity to perform on stage at Opportunity Village and community events throughout the year.
Opportunity Village OVIPs learned new hip-hop moves from the Aussie Hunks at Opportunity Village’s Engelstad campus on Tuesday, March 29.
Photo courtesy of Opportunity Village
Opportunity Village OVIPs in the Fine and Performing Arts Program practiced their hip-hop moves with the Aussie Hunks at Opportunity Village’s Engelstad campus on Tuesday, March 29.
Photo courtesy of Opportunity Village
Opportunity Village OVIPs posed with the Aussie Hunks after the Las Vegas strip show presented the organization a donation at Opportunity Village’s Engelstad campus on Tuesday, March 29.
Photo courtesy of Opportunity Village
Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit organization that serves people within our community with significant intellectual disabilities, to enhance their lives and the lives of their families.
Recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
BEER PARK at Paris Las Vegas celebrateD baseball's opening day by bringing the ballpark atmosphere to the Las Vegas Strip with the launch of 'SUNDAYS AT THE PARK” beginning at noon on Sunday, April 3. Every Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., guests may enjoy music from a resident DJ and tailgate-style tournaments including corn hole and shuffleboard. Between competitive bean bag toss bouts, traditional stadium favorites such as hot dogs, ice cream, crackerjacks, peanuts and more will be sold from roaming concession carts.
BLT BURGER AT THE MIRAGE will close on April 5 and reopen as a Mirage owned and operated venue called LVB BUEGERS & BAR on April 7. The casual, high-energy restaurant will offer a brand new menu featuring gourmet burgers, salads, sides and shakes created by Executive Chef Michael LaPlaca, a popular Las Vegas chef known for helming the kitchen at the resort’s own Portofino restaurant.
From more than 250 bands/solo artists nationwide, 51 of the nation’s top teen bands/solo artists have been selected for Music Forward Foundation’s BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE CLASS OF 2016. From the 51 bands/solo artists selected nationally, the Las Vegas class includes Kiara Brown, Incarnate, Isabella Brito, Noah Stephens, Noelle Chiodo, Prism Tribe, and Social Amnesia. The bands/solo artists have been granted exclusive access to music industry insider panels and an opportunity to perform live on stage at HOUSE OF BLUES Las Vegas on Thursday, April 7 at 7:00 p.m. FREE tickets are available from the participating bands/solo artists and at the box office on the day of the show.
DJ PAULY D returns to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on Sunday, April 3 to kick off his 2016 REHAB Beach Club residency.
Fashion Show, the largest retail destination on the Las Vegas Strip at more than 2 million square feet, eight department stores, 250 retail boutiques and over two dozen restaurants, is pleased to announce the opening of the first-ever pop-up location of THE SHARK DAYMOND JOHN STORE. Entrepreneur, creator of FUBU and co-star of ABC’s Emmy Award winning series, Shark Tank, Daymond John will debut on April 9 this first-of-its-kind location in partnership with American Kiosk Management, the largest owner and operator of carts, kiosks and automated retail in North America. The grand opening is confirmed for Wednesday, April 20 and will be highlighted by a personal appearance by Daymond who will sign his New York Times Bestselling book, The Power of Broke. The common area pop-up store is located near TOPSHOP/TOPMAN at Fashion Show and will boast a variety of items from Shark Tank contestants including Power Decals, Sun Staches, Mo’s Bows, Three Jerks and Spatty along with signature Daymond John merchandise for a true, only-in-Vegas experience. The pop-up location will be available at Fashion Show for a limited time with many products exclusive to Las Vegas. The book signing and personal appearance by Daymond John is at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20 live on the runway in the Great Hall at Fashion Show.
Las Vegas actor, singer, entertainer legend, Mr. Las Vegas, WAYNE NEWTON is returning to the stage after more than five years with his all-new and original production, “WAYNE NEWTON: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL,” at the Windows Showroom at Bally’s Las Vegas beginning April 21, 2016.Tickets may be purchased in person at any Las Vegas Caesars Entertainment Box Office beginning Thursday, April 7. Ticket prices start at $75. A VIP package is available for $150 and includes VIP seating and a meet and greet. Orders are subject to additional service charges and fees. All shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
The 4th ANNUAL PIRATE FEST returns to historic Lorenzi Park April 8-10. It’s a unique festival that includes pirates, steampunk and renaissance and faerie characters. The event boasts live entertainment, music, food, strolling characters, games, activities, a beer garden and the Zappos Cardboard Regatta! Kids will be able to follow a treasure map to complete tasks and win prizes. Activities include making a rope, walking the plank, hoisting sails, getting a pirate name and arts and crafts.This year is the 3rd Annual Cardboard Regatta sponsored by Zappos. Guests can build a ship out of cardboard using their imagination, glue, duct tape and some paint, and then race it on the lake at Lorenzi Park, Sunday, April 10 at 12pm during Pirate Fest. Pirate Fest is $15 for General Admission, $10 for kids (5 to11 years of age, under 4 free), $10 for seniors & Military w/ID. Coupons are available online.
Downtown Grand Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is kicking off the summer season with a grand opening celebration for its new pool experience, CITRUS AT THE GRAND POOL DECK, on Friday, April 8. Beginning at 8:30 p.m., the FREE poolside concert will include spinning by DJ Atom followed by special musical guests Big Heir, and a headlining set by local favorite Goldboot. Drink specials from the all-new specialty menu will be offered throughout the night., Citrus at the Grand Pool Deck is open to the public and free to hotel guests and Las Vegas residents age 21 and over.
The “LET'S DANCE” TOUR FEATURING SILENTO performance planned for April 8, 2016 at The Pearl Concert Theater has been CANCELED. Guests can return to the original point of purchase to obtain a refund.
In honor of NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH, GAUDEIN FORD, located at 6625 Roy Horn Drive - 215 at Rainbow Blvd, presents FUEL THE FIGHT CAR SHOW AND FAMILY FAIR on Saturday, April 9. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., guests will enjoy a car exhibition (all makes and models are welcome) as well as COMPLIMENTARY barbeque lunch and drinks, raffle prize giveaways, and kid-friendly attractions including a craft tent and Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman meet and greet. United Service’s Bloodmobile will be onsite to collect blood donations.
SAILOR JERRY SPICED RUM will once again, rev the engine and bring some muscle to Las Vegas during VIVA LAS VEGAS ROCKABILLY WEEKEND at The Orleans, April 14-17 with a variety of fun and interactive activities. As the biggest rockabilly party in the world returns to Las Vegas, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum partakes with a weekend full of hot rod and pin-up happenings highlighted by a special Sailor Jerry Pop-Up Garage where Buck, from Buck Wild Designs and a regular on the custom car series Pimp My Ride, will be stenciling custom helmets and fans will be able to step inside the garage and make their own Viva Las Vegas 19 souvenir buttons.
On Thursday, April 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., the public is invited to attend the Maibock Tapping Party at Gordon Biersch located at 3987 Paradise Road, where 100% of silent auction and beer ticket sales will benefit Opportunity Village, Las Vegas’ Favorite Charity. Opportunity Village serves people within our community with significant intellectual disabilities.
Popular characters from your children’s favorite shows come to life in KOBA'S GREAT BIG SHOW LIVE!, starring Mike the Knight, Max & Ruby and Franklin, at the HENDERSON PAVILION, 200 S. Green Valley Pkwy. The show features an exciting mix of musical storylines from Koba’s most popular productions. Fans will join Mike the Knight and his buddies on an adventure in the magical land of Glendragon, have fun playing games with Franklin and his woodland pals, and find out what happens when bunny siblings Max & Ruby meet new party guests. Showtimes are 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 16 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 17. Tickets are $25 and children 10 and under are $15 plus tax.
On Sunday, April 17, CSN Fine Arts Music Program presents an afternoon of lively jazz guitar music performed by THE JOE LANO JAZZ GUITAR ENSEMBLE; an all guitar group that plays Jazz standards, arranged by Joe Lano. The arrangements will consist of five guitar parts,upright bass and drums. CSN Music Department Chair, Dr. Dick McGee explains, “The focus of the group is to improve the members reading and to learn to play within an ensemble, with emphasis on blending of volume, tone and articulations.” The concert will take place 2:00 p.m in the Backstage Theatre at the Cheyenne campus. General admission tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.
CLIQUE Hospitality, together with Stations Casino, is announcing TWO new unique restaurants openings at Green Valley Ranch in Las Vegas. BOTTIGLIA RISTROANTE AND ENOTECA will be opening on April 20, 2016 and BORRACHAwill be opening on May 3, 2016. Bottiglia is a herb-friendly Italian restaurant with a robust wine selection and breathtaking ambiance while Borracha is a delicious Mexican restaurant and bar that pays homage to the Day of the Dead.
Scottish electronic trio CHVRCHES, pronounced, “Churches”, swings by Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas at The Linq with opener Wolf Alice on Thursday, April 21 at 9 p.m. Doors for CHVRCHES at The Bowl open at 8 p.m. This show is for ages 18 and up. Tickets start at $25 (plus applicable service fees).
The HOLY HOLY CONCERT performance planned for April 23. 2016 at The Pearl Concert Theater has been CANCELED. Guests can return to the original point of purchase to obtain a refund. Credit card purchases will be automatically refunded.
Hundreds of local residents are joining forces to fight lung cancer, united in the belief that surviving lung cancer should be the expectation, not the exception. These everyday superheroes will be meeting at the LAS VEGAS FREE TO BREATHE 5K RUN/WALK on Saturday, April 23 at Sunset Park. All proceeds from the event support Free to Breathe, a lung cancer research and advocacy organization dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022. This year’s event will feature a 5K Run/Walk and 1-mile Walk. The day will also include opening and closing rallies and fun for the whole family. Special recognition will be given to top finishers and fundraising heroes. Gather your superhero squad, and join us for an inspiring day focused on doubling lung cancer survival. To register and begin fundraising, visit www.freetobreathe.org/lasvegas.
Jason and Stacey Laricchia's award-winning waxing salon, The Birthday Suit, is now open at 3700 S Hualapai Way, Ste. 103, in Summerlin. The Summerlin location builds upon the comfort of the original location, including five rooms and a children’s lounge to keep the small ones entertained with child-friendly programming and activities. With fashionable concrete floors, reclaimed wood walls and doors adorned with artwork by local artist Juan Muniz, the new location creates the perfect ambience for relaxation and affordable luxury.
THE WESTGATE LAS VEGAS RESORT & CASINO has introduced its new NON SMOKING POLICY AT THE WORLD FAMOUS RACE AND SPORTS SUPERBOOK®. Home of Nevada’s largest wagering system and more than 4,488 square feet of state-of-the-art HD video screens. Guests can now enjoy watching all sporting events in a comfortable, smoke-free environment in all Race and Sports SuperBook® seating areas and betting windows.
SmartAsset has determined the MOST DOG FRIENDLY CITIES, and LAS VEGAS takes the number two spot! With only 15 days of precipitation, Las Vegas tied as the city with the second best ranking weather-wise. Sin City also ranks fifth in the number of dog parks per 100,000 residents in our study. Additionally, the city offers 42 dog-friendly restaurants according to bringfido.com.
Celebrity sightings:
Sunday, April 3...
NFL star Kam Chancellor celebrated his birthday at Marquee Dayclub in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Joined by a friend, the Seattle Seahawks player took in the party from a VIP cabana while DJ Lema manned the decks.
Before winning “Album of the Year” and “Male Vocalist of the Year,” at the Academy of Country Music Awards later in the evening, country music’s brightest star Chris Stapleton, along with his wife Morgane, was spotted at Jenna and Michael Morton’s Downtown Las Vegas restaurant, La Comida.
Saturday evening, April 2...
Country singer and songwriter Cole Swindell, who was recently named one of Billboard’s “Top Country Artists” for his smash hit, “You Should Be Here,” was spotted at Jenna and Michael Morton’s CRUSH inside MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Thursday night, March 28...
Country artist Michael Ray was spotted at TAO Nightclub in The Venetian with his girlfriend Carli Rayne. In town for the ACM Awards, the singer and his friends enjoyed the night from the VIP table as resident DJ Five fueled the party.
Wednesday night, March 29...
The Walking Dead star, Michael Cudlitz, was spotted at the Grand Opening of the new sports bar, The Still Craft, Draft & Eats at the Mirage Hotel & Casino.
Sunday afternoon, March 27...
Chef Mario Batali and restaurateur Joe Bastianich enjoyed the day at TAO Beach in The Venetian with family and friends.
