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
“The Phat Pack” Make Beautiful Music at The Plaza Showroom
Former cast members of Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular, have joined forces as The Phat Pack and created their own musical production now playing at the Plaza Hotel Showroom in downtown Las Vegas.
The dynamic trio, made up of Bruce Ewing, Ted Keegan, and Randal Keith, take audiences on a thoroughly entertaining and well paced musical journey filled with Broadway tunes, favorite American classics, a few Las Vegas numbers, plus some original songs that showcases their extraordinary vocals.
The Phat Pack
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Between songs each of the guys share their dreams, some personal history, career journeys and talk about their lifetime love affair with musical theatre that include several old family photos projected on screens on both sides of the stage.
Musical director Joey Singer, (Debbie Reynold’s Musical Director for more than 25 years) a talented musician in his own right, also lends his talents on stage accompanying the trio on piano, guitar and stand up bass.
As self proclaimed “musical maniacs” The Phat Pack come with quite an impressive resume. Keegan played The Phantom in “Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway and on Tour. Keith was Valjean in “Les Miserables” on Broadway and on Tour and Ewing performed as Jinx in “Forever Plaid” on the National Tour and in Las Vegas.
The Phat Pack - Ted Keegan, Randal Keith, Bruce Ewing and musical director, Joey Singer
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
For anyone who loves great music, The Phat Pack is a must see, musical spectacular. The trio are fantastic showmen as well as gifted vocal technicians who truly know how to engage and wow their audience. My hubby got it right when he said, The Phat Pack is to musical theatre as the Four Tenors are to Opera. I couldn't agree more.
The Phat Pack performs every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 5 and 7 p.m. at the Plaza Hotel & Casino, 1 Main Street in downtown Las Vegas.
The Phat Pack
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The Phat Pack performing
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
PEEPSHOW Celebrates Coco Austin's Opening Night
PEEPSHOW, at Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas’ only striptease spectacular, celebrated the Grand Opening of new headliner Nicole ‘Coco’ Austin, the star of “Ice Loves Coco” on Monday night, December 17. Coco is the latest celebrity showgirl to take the helm at The Strip’s sexiest show. She steps into the lead role of “Bo Peep,” a modern woman who has yet to find her own confidence and sexuality, formerly played by Holly Madison.
Cast of Peepshow
Photo credit: Michelle Wilmoth
Josh Strickland, Nicole 'Coco' Austin and Cheaza Figueroa
Photo credit: Michelle Wilmoth
After the curtain drop, creator and director Jerry Mitchell presented Coco with roses welcoming her to PEEPSHOW, along with fellow cast members, Joshua Strickland and Cheaza Figueroa.
Nicole 'Coco' Austin with creator/director Jerry Mitchell
Photo credit: Michelle Wilmoth
Immediately following the show, there was a special reception held in the PEEPSHOW lobby where Coco kicked off the party with a pink champagne toast. Coco made the first pour of pink champagne that magically flowed into a four-level tier fountain of champagne glasses. On hand, showing support was Coco's mother, Tina Austin, sister, Kristy Williams, her beloved bulldogs, Spartacus and Maximus, as well as the rest of the PEEPSHOW cast.
Nicole 'Coco' Austin pouring champagne
Photo credit: Michelle Wilmoth
Josh Strickland, Cheaza Figueroa, Nicole 'Coco' Austin and cast members toasting with champagne
Photo credit: Michelle Wilmoth
Since debuting at Planet Hollywood in March 2009 PEEPSHOW has revolutionized the concept of the traditional topless show bringing in stars such as bombshell Holly Madison, former Spice Girl Mel B, Soap starlet Kelly Monaco and pop sensation Aubrey O’Day to put their stamp on the racy romp that combines sexy striptease and celebrity with high-level production values.
Coco is currently scheduled to perform through spring 2013. Tickets are on sale now.
Official Press Conference, Preview and Mayor's Proclamation Kicked Off Inaugural WORLD OF ART SHOWCASE Week at the Wynn Las Vegas
After months of anticipation by many of the world's top painters, sculptors and visual arts fans and collectors from around the globe, The World of Art Showcase allowed press an early preview at the official press conference held at the Wynn Las Vegas December 18.
The event, hosted by World of Art Showcase CEO David Goldstein and Executive Director Mario Parga, took place in the Alex Room of The Wynn, offering a first glimpse of the names and select master works of many of the participating contemporary artists.
Showcasing artists Wolfgang Widmoser, Jota Leal and Ira Goldstein were in attendance, speaking to the audience about their artwork and participation with the event. Other artists who will be present at the showcase include fantastic realist H.R. Giger (who won a Visual Effects Oscar® for his design work on Ridley Scott's iconic film Alien), realist Nelson Shanks, watercolors master Steve Hanks, "social realism” painter and illustrator Max Ginsburg, pastel and oils master Daniel E. Greene, "classical meets modern” painter Cesar Santos, Leon Oks and Alexey Steele.
Attendees also enjoyed a champagne reception and light bites after the presentation.
Photo credit: Luck Media & Marketing
Letters of Congratulations for the World of Art Showcase were sent by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) and Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval and a proclamation from Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman, was presented declaring December 20, 2012 to be World of Art Showcase Day.
The Inaugural Showcase Runs December 20-22.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Mark & Mercedes' "NOT SO SILENT NIGHT FEATURING TRAIN” concert raised $12,000 for Three Square at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, on Sunday, Dec 2. In support of the nonprofit’s mission to end hunger in Southern Nevada, the radio station offered guests an ultimate VIP experience including a pre-concert reception and silent auction giving concert-goers the chance to spread holiday cheer while reveling in a night of jam-packed offerings. Proceeds from the package, silent auction and general ticket sales benefitted the organization. Mark & Mercedes’ Not So Silent Night featured the GRAMMY® winning band Train with special guests Better Than Ezra, The Script and Ryan Star.
Upcoming concerts at The Joint include TERESA CARPIO & MICHAEL WONG Christmas Concert on Dec. 24 and THE BLACK KEYS on Dec. 30 – 31.
ROCK OF AGES, the high-octane musical that celebrates the great rock music of the ‘80s, began performances at The Venetian Las Vegas on Dec. 18. Ticket prices range from $45 - $115 plus all applicable taxes and LET fees. The Grand Opening celebration will be held in January, 2013.
KELLY'S PRIME STEAK AND SEAFOOD restaurant, located in the former space of Ruth's Chis Steakhouse, held its grand opening on Saturday evening December 15. Guests were treated to complementary champagne, cocktail and hors d'oeuvres.
Kelly's Steak & Seafood
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Kelly's Steak & Seafood dining room
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Two new shops have opened at the Bellagio. BELLISSIMO, formerly the site of d.Fine, is located in the Pool Promenade, and features the latest luxury eyewear creations from around the world with distinct design and sophistication as well as offering a full optical service and on-site eyewear repairs. PLATINO, located adjacent to Bellissimo in the Pool Promenade, offers a variety of the finest men's ready-to-wear and made-to-measure fashions from prestigious brands such as Belvest, Brioni, Canali, Gerlin, Ravazzollo and Zilli.
NEW OPTICA boutique opened on Friday, Dec. 21 within the Las Vegas Market at the Appian Way Shops at Caesar’s Palace. The new Optica store will be staffed with a licensed optician and offer an extensive selection of premier luxury brands of designer eyewear including Cartier, Chrome Hearts, Prada, Gucci, Dior and more. The boutique will also be home to LOH’s exclusive Morgenthal Frederics line of eyewear.
Ranch House Kitchen at Town Square will launch ‘ISLAND NIGHTS,’ a new weekly event that will feature live island music every Saturday night. Partiers will take advantage of a $5 admission and enjoy their first drink free from 10 p.m. until midnight, while taking in the sounds of live reggae music. During the island party, the restaurant will also offer $12 Heineken beer buckets.
The off-Broadway hit, STRIPPED THE PLAY, opens inside Saxe Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino December 21. Stripped The Play showcases another side to the sexy world of male stripping by following the true story of an ex-cop’s final night on stage and the struggles he faces before taking-it-off one last time. Stripped The Play will perform nightly at midnight (dark on Sunday & Monday) inside Saxe Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.
World renowned artist MICHAEL GODARD will host a two-day special event at his Oh My Godard Art Gallery at the Miracle Mile Shops inside the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. The event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 29 and Sunday, Dec. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. Fans and art collectors will have the opportunity to meet the artist and have pieces personally autographed as part of the two-day event. Godard will also have the original “Political Party Animals” piece on display, making light of political parties, hot off the heels of the recent presidential election. On the last night of the event, Godard will auction off an original pop art piece, created specifically for the event, with proceeds going to a cause close to his heart, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
International superstar, SHANIA TWAIN, has joined the cast of Frank Marino’s “DIVAS LAS VEGAS” at The Quad Resort & Casino. ANDREW RYAN, who doubles as the superstar, performs a medley of Twain’s top hits including “That Don’t Impress Me Much” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” Frank Marino’s “Divas Las Vegas” performs six nights a week (dark Fridays) at 10 p.m. Showtime’s will change to 9:30 p.m. after Jan 1. Ticket prices range from $39 to $79 (plus tax and fees).
THE METAL KING (formerly known as Metal Elvis), pairing the lyrics from classic Elvis songs mashed-up with some of the craziest rock tunes of the ’80s, will perform FREE shows inside The Lounge at Palms Casino Resort Sunday, December 30 and Monday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve Weekend!). Showtime each night is 10:30 p.m.
British singer-songwriter NEON HITCH will make a debut appearance New Year’s weekend at Chateau Nightclub at Paris Las Vegas and include a live performance on Saturday, Dec. 29.
BODY ENGLISH nightclub will reopen inside the Hard Rock Hotel on New Year's Eve weekend with performances by Sharam on Friday, December 28, M83 on Saturday December 28th, Switch and Drop The Lime on Sunday December 30th and a Bloc Party DJ set with Kele on Monday, December 31st.
English rock bands THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS and THE FIXX will perform at the Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip, Tuesday January 1st, 2013. Tickets are $32.50 in advance and $36 day of show. Ages 21+
Comedienne ROSEANNE BARR begins a six week engagement (with possible extensions) at The Laugh Factory inside The Tropicana on January 14th. Show times are Saturdays through Thursdays at 7p.m. (off on Fridays). General admission is $49.95, VIP is $59.95, and Golden Circle $69.95, plus taxes and fees.
HUMAN NATURE, the Australian vocal group, who have been entertaining audiences at the Imperial Palace with their dynamic renditions of Motown hits for the past three-and-a-half years, will open at The Venetian on January 19th. The quartet, made up of Andrew and Michael Tierney, Phil Burton and Toby Allen, will be performing at 7 p.m., Thursdays through Mondays (dark Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Ticket prices (not including tax and handling fees) are $59.95 for Reserved Seating; $79.95 for Preferred and $99.95 for VIP, which includes a commemorative CD.
Funnyman MIKE EPPS, whose career spans from standup comedy to television appearances and film credits, will return to the Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort on January 19, 2013 at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $44, plus additional service fees.
JUBILEE! which is celebrating its 32nd anniversary this summer at Bally’s Las Vegas, is seeking new talent for the longest-running show on the famous Las Vegas Strip. Casting auditions for female and male dancers and singers for the production will be held on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. inside the Jubilee! Theater at Bally’s Las Vegas, 3645 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Audition times are as follows:
Male Dancers: 10:30 a.m.
Female Dancers and Showgirls: Noon
Male and Female Singers: 2 p.m.
Principal Dancers: 3 p.m.
Requirements: Dancers who demonstrate dance experience in tap, jazz and ballet. Female and male singers must perform two types of music: up-tempo Broadway style and ballad. All female dancers, singers, showgirls must be 5 feet 8 inches and taller and all male dancers and singers must be 6 feet and taller. Must be 18 years of age or older.
ARIA, MGM GRAND and BELLAGIO are among the top 10 Most Popular U.S. Hotel Brands on Facebook. ARIA is #4, MGM Grand, #8) and Bellagio #9 are three of the most “liked” U.S. hotel brands within the “Hotel” category on Facebook. By creating relevant, engaging and timely information, these three Las Vegas resorts achieved high rankings within a list dominated by large hotel groups.
Celebrity Sightings:
On Sunday, Dec. 9, Grammy award-winning trio Lady Antebellum was spotted dining at Rí Rá Irish Pub, located inside The Shoppes at Mandalay Place.
Thursday, Dec. 13...
Singer Pia Zadora, entertainers Clint Holmes and his wife Kelly Clinton were spotted at the opening night performance of The Phat Pack at the Plza Hotel and Casino
Pia Zador with The Phat Pack
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Entertainers Clint Holmes and his wife Kelly Clinton
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Friday night, Dec 14...
Irish actor Chris O’Dowd, best known for his role in the hit movie Bridesmaids, was spotted partying with his wife Dawn Porter at Pure Nightclub.
LeAnn Rimes and hubby, actor Eddie Cibrian dined at LAVO Italian Restaurant with Eddie’s kids Mason and Jake and a group of ten family members before heading to LeAnn’s concert.
Eddie Cibrian and LeAnn Rimes
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
The Just Dave Band wrapped up National Finals Rodeo festivities with a country music finale at Señor Frog’s Las Vegas at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino.
Just Dave Band performs at Senor Frog's Las Vegas
Just Dave Band parties at Senor Frog's Las Vegas
Saturday, Dec. 15...
Peep Show headliner Coco Austin was spotted shopping at Victoria’s Secret inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
The holiday icon, Santa Claus, visited Las Vegas a little early this year and was sighted at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition inside Luxor Hotel and Casino, Santa began as all guests do, by receiving a boarding pass with the story of a real Titanic passenger and touring the galleries to learn more about the Ship’s journey 100 years ago. He spent most of his time on The Grand Staircase chatting with children, listening to their Christmas wishes and taking keepsake photos. As a reminder for guests to stay on his “nice” list, he spent a little time in the gift shop checking out the coal supply; a fun stocking stuffer and the only artifact available to purchase.
Santa visited to thank The Exhibition for its help this holiday season. To celebrate the heritage of RMS Titanic as a Royal Mail Ship, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition has placed letter drop boxes at all Yogurtland locations throughout the city as well as one in front of The Exhibition to collect letters for Santa through Christmas Eve and help him deliver personal replies.
Santa Boarding
Photos courtesy of Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Little boy drops letter
Photos courtesy of Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Little girl gives letter to Santa
Photos courtesy of Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
LA Dodger Matt Kemp and several of his teammates were spotted at TAO. taking in the sounds of DJ Vice from a VIP table on the dance floor.
Also at TAO was UFC fighter Urijah Faber and a group of MMA athletes.
Sunday night, Dec. 26...
Rapper and entrepreneur Dr. Dre, joined by his wife and friends, was spotted dining at TAO Asian Bistro.
The cast of Chippendales celebrated their 2013 calendar release with an unforgettable affair at PURE Nightclub. Joining the dapper cast was one half of the Amazing Race duo James Davis. The newly national celebrities, Davis and his partner Jaymes Vaughan starred in the twenty-first installment of the American reality television show and finished the competition in second place as they beat out nine other teams.
From left to right: Gavin McHale, Kenny King, Bryan Cheatham, John Rivera, Jon Howes, Mikey Cross, Sami Eskelin, John Cook, Chaun Thomas and center James Davis.
Photo credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery LLC.
Chippendales with calendars
Photo credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery LLC.
Champion speed skater and eight-time Olympic medalist Apollo Anton Ohno partied at Hyde Bellagio for the holiday edition of the venue’s epic monthly party, XIV Vegas Sessions.
Also enjoying the night at Hyde Bellagio with an intimate group of friends was celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
Olympic medalist Apollo Anton Ohno
Photo credit: Tony Tran/Hyde Bellagio
Olympic medalist Apollo Anton Ohno sprays the crown with champagne
Photo credit: Tony Tran/Hyde Bellagio
Guy Fieri
Photo credit: Tony Tran/Hyde Bellagio
Guests checking in to the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino were pleasantly surprised when their rooms were upgraded to “The Most Beautiful Suite.” A room full of the lovely 2012 Miss Universe Contestants greeted them . . . in their bikinis!
Photo courtesy of Planet Hollywood and the Miss Universe Organization
Tuesday, Dec. 18...
Thunder From Down Under performers Alex Biffan and Ryan Paki took a dip with Maverick, a bottlenose dolphin, at Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage Hotel & Casino.
Ryan Paki and Alex Biffan pose with dolphin
Photo credit: MGM Resorts International.
The brand new star of "Peepshow," Coco Austin, was spotted at Sugar Factory at Miracle Mile Shops in Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Coco Austin enjoying a Sugar Factory Couture Pop inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Photo courtesy of Sugar Factory
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump dined at LAVO Italian Restaurant.
Wednesday night, Dec. 19...
Following The Miss Universe pageant, Miss Texas Teen USA, Daniella Rodriguez, was spotted satisfying her sweet tooth at Sugar Factory at Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Daniella Rodriguez ordering gelato at Sugar Factory inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Photo courtesy of Sugar Factory
Darius McCrary, best known for his role as Eddie Winslow on the popular family comedy "Family Matters," dined at Meatball Spot at Town Square.
Daruis McCrary and friends at Meatball Spot at Town Square Las Vegas
Thursday night, Dec. 20...
Comedian Pauly Shore was spotted at TAO before heading up to the club to hear DJ Five spin for Worship Thursday.
