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
Menopause the Musical Opens at Harrahs
Menopause The Musical, the show from award-winning GFour Productions that launched a women’s movement and has delighted Las Vegas audiences for 9 years, held it official Grand Opening at its new home at The Improv inside Harrah’s Las Vegas, Friday night February 20. New show times, along with an expanded stage, upgraded sound and lighting, as well as a fresh set and costumes, highlight the new production’s intimate setting.
Cast of Menopause - Laura Lee O’Connell, Vita Corimbi, Lisa Mack, and Paige O’Hara
Photo courtesy of Caesars Entertainment
Filled with memorable characters, optimism and laughter, Menopause The Musical, “The Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change” empowers audiences of all ages with its parodies of classic songs of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. Hot flashes, mood swings and weight gain – are just some of the subjects the show’s four female characters—the sweet Iowa Housewife (Laura Lee O’Connell), the strong Professional Woman (Lisa Mack), the vain Soap Star (Paige O’Hara) and hippie Earth Mother (Vita Corimbi) humorously explore after they meet in a department store while shopping for a black lace bra. The 90-minute production inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine celebrates sisterhood as the cast and audience bond, rejoicing that menopause is no longer “The Silent Passage”. Since 2001 the show has touched nearly 11 million women worldwide and has partnered with Susan G. Komen® to raise funds to fight breast cancer.
Joining the audience and cheering on the amazing, talented cast were fellow Las Vegas performers including The LINQ Hotel & Casino headliner Jeff Civillico, Frederic Da Silvia from Paranormal at Bally’s Las Vegas, Ryan Stuart and Sami Eskelin from Chippendales at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Tatiana Mac, Sabrina Sia and Chelsea Reid from 50 Shades! The Parody, Ben Hale, Rob Lyons and Martin Kaye from Million Dollar Quartet, members of the cast of Sexxy at Westgate, entertainers Clint Holmes and Kelly Clinton, director and producer Bill Fayne, BMX rider Ricardo Laguna, Miss Nevada United States 2014 Lisa Song and performer Pia Zadora.
Ricardo Laguna and Lisa Song
Photo courtesy of Caesars Entertainment
Cast members of 50 Shades! - The Parody
Photo courtesy of Caesars Entertainment
Cast members of SEXXY
Photo courtesy of Caesars Entertainment
“We are thrilled to bring the longest running scripted show in Las Vegas to Harrah’s,” said producers Alan and Kathi Glist. “The entire cast and crew can’t wait to entertain visitors and locals at our new home in the center of the entertainment capital that is the Las Vegas Strip.”
I have seen the show several times at each of its host venues in Las Vegas and must say that it never gets old thanks to the superb female cast and the hilarious take on a relatable, timeless, subject matter. It is no wonder audiences, especially women over 40, have come back to share this highly entertaining production with friends and family.
Menopause The Musical performs Monday at 7:30 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday at 6:30 p.m., as well as an additional 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Tickets are priced at $44.99 for orchestra seats, $54.99 for premium seating and $70 for VIP seating. A $35 VVIP upgrade is available on all price levels and includes a signed poster, meet and greet and photo with the cast and a $10 merchandise voucher. Locals can reserve the mid-level ticket for $34.95 with the code MMLOCAL. Additional fees may apply.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
CORNER BAR MANAGEMENT, the dynamic company behind Commonwealth and Park on Fremont, has partnered with DOWNTOWN PROJECT to assume management and operations of THE BUNKHOUSE SALOON, a live music venue, bar and restaurant, located at 124 South 11th St. Purchased by Downtown Project in 2013, The Bunkhouse has been completely remodeled to combine its historic appeal with modern design. Remnants of The Bunkhouse’s former glory are present throughout the venue with vintage memorabilia covering the walls, old carriage wheels scattered throughout the backyard, and even the original stage hanging above the oversized bar.
The venue has been expanded to 3,736 square feet and features a new stage, as well as a new state-of-the-art Midas and Meyer Sound System. An expansive patio adjacent to the venue lends itself to special events and open-air concerts. Known for events such as Neon Reverb and past performers, Imagine Dragons, and Penn Jillette, the venue is already in the process of adding an extensive performance list to its roster. Since the venue’s relaunch, The Bunkhouse has focused on expanding its offering of top, national touring artists, including the Breeders, Built to Spill, Rakim, RJD2, Panda Bear, Washed Out, The Growlers, Big Data, Blonde Redhead and Bob Mould.
The Bunkhouse offers both weekly and monthly events including Bargain DJ Collective’s Chicken Shack, offering complimentary fried chicken and soul music, as well as Geeks Who Drink pub quizzes.
Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa will host a COMPLIMENTARY BRIDAL OPEN HOUSE AND TASTING from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aliante will partner with vendors including: Chocolate & Spice Bakery, Michael E. Minden Diamond Jewelers, RSVP Party Rentals and White Dive Release, among others. The AAA Four Diamond resort will also showcase its grand ballrooms and pool area, The Deck, along with packages available with relax spa and the adjacent Aliante Golf Club. Michael E. Minden will award a deluxe groom’s ring for the winner of the popular cake-dive contest. Admission to the bridal open house is free, but guests are encouraged to RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 702.692.7360 by Friday, Feb. 27.
In celebration of the many beautiful wild fauna and flora around the world, SIEGFRIED & ROY'S SECRET GARDEN AND DOLPHIN HABITAT AT THE MIRAGE will participate in WORLD WILDLIFE DAY on Tuesday, March 3. Guests are invited to participate in educational activities throughout the Secret Garden that highlight the effects of conservation efforts around the world. Fifth grade students from Joseph E. Thiriot Elementary School will showcase their artwork, essays and poems in the underwater viewing area at the Dolphin Habitat, Feb. 28 - March 3. This year’s theme is “It’s Time To Get Serious About Wildlife Crime.”
Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. -5:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. with the last admission at 4:30 p.m. Admission is $19.95 for adults; $14.95 for children (4 – 12); Children 3 and younger are free.
The Department of Fine Arts at CSN presents their annual ORCHESTRA CLUB FUNDRAISER with an entertaining performance of Chamber Music performed by CSN’s Symphonic Orchestra on Sunday, March 8, at 2:00 p.m. in the Recital Hall at the Cheyenne campus. Performances will include duets, trios, and quartets in various instrumental combinations. General admission tickets for this event are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. The CSN Performing Arts Center is located at 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave. in North Las Vegas.
Legendary race car driver JEFF GORDON will make a live appearance at The Orleans Hotel and Casino (4500 West Tropicana Avenue) on March 6 during NASCAR. Chris Myers of Fox Sports will host the event. That same night, CARL EDWARDS, Driver of the No. 19 ARRIS Toyota, will make a live appearance at the Fremont Hotel and Casino (200 Fremont Street). Jeff Hammond of Fox Sports will host the event. At each event, doors open at 6:30 p.m. and admission is FREE.
FIRST FRIDAY LAS VEGAS one of the largest arts and culture festivals in the Western United States,that takes place in downtown Las Vegas on the first Friday of each month, presents “Chance. Risk. Fortune” on Friday, March 6, celebrating how chance, luck and fortune – good or bad – impact our lives.
In the Welcome Tent, specially made dice with directions for the evening will be available for guest to throw to ensure their experience is unique. These dice could say “try a new food truck,” “say hello to a stranger,” “visit KidZone” or “Buy a piece of art for the living room,” it’s all left up to chance. Attendees can also pay a visit to the “Chance Station,” where they can get individually-tailored advice from a myriad of fortune telling devices including a magic 8-ball or the flip of a coin. Professional and amateur artists alike can take a risk to express themselves by painting for an upcoming installation entitled “Give Peace a Chance.” This installation will consist of rocks painted by First Friday patrons and assembled by Las Vegas artist Ruzo Logic. Logic will also host an interactive mosaic of expression as artists from the community, including those from the Paiute-Shoshone Tribe of the Fallon Reservation and Colony, working together on panels as part of the “Guerilla Kage” activations.
Both well-known and emerging artists will embrace the “Chance. Risk. Fortune.” theme in the ArtWalk, running down Casino Center from Colorado to Charleston. The Arts District also features a variety of arts and crafts vendors made popular in the Artisan Bazaar. Kids will be able to participate in a Cake Walk in KidZone, as well as build theme-inspired creations from Lug Vegas. Attendees can sample a variety of theme-inspired cuisine from the traditional food trucks on site. Food trucks participating in the theme for the evening will be identified by dice hanging on their menu boards. The Dance DepARTment, sponsored by Epyk Entertainment, will feature a variety of DJs throughout the evening, while emerging musicians are featured at The Hub.
DOUBLE HELIX WINE & WHISKEY LOUNGE AT TOWN SQUARE (6599 Las Vegas Blvd S #150B) will host a red sangria brunch featuring buy-one, get-one-half-off pitchers of red sangria to benefit Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) on Saturday, March 7 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The brunch will also serve as AFAN's first "EVERY PIGGY COUNTS" PIG OUT event of 2015. The wine and whiskey destination will donate 20 percent of sales from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to AFAN, funding programs dedicated to providing health expertise, support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Nevada. Guests may also register for AFAN's 25th Annual AIDS Walk taking place on Sunday, April 19. For more information, please visit afanlv.org.
OMNIA NIGHTCLUB, scheduled to open its doors on March 12 at Caesars Palace, announced the first set of artists from its electronic music lineup featuring some of the world’s top DJ sensations. The star-studded list of headliners of the new nightlife destination include globally coveted DJs such as Afrojack, Armin Van Buuren, Chuckie, Martin Garrix, Oliver Heldens, Krewella, Nervo, Nicky Romero and Showtek. The impressive roster will take over the main club night after night as they usher in a schedule of high-energy performances on the Las Vegas Strip.
Comedian GEORGE LOPEZ will perform in the Terry Fator Theatre at The Mirage March 13 – 14. Showtimes are 10 pm each night. Tickets are priced at $59.99, $69.99 and $79.99, plus tax and service fees.
The 4th ANNUAL SPOTLIGHT SPECTACULAR, Southern Nevada's #1 Health, Lifestyle, Wellness Extravaganza will be held inside the Orleans Hotel & Casino's Mardi Gras and Esplanade Ballrooms on Saturday March 14 from 11 am to 3 p.m. The event will include a FREE buffet, 100 exhibitors, wellness checks and LIVE entertainment by Las Vegas performers including Chadwick Johnson, Mark Giovi, Jeanne Brei, Genevieve, The Bruce Harper Big Band, Marilyn Monroe impersonator Janet Valentine, The Anthem Jazz Dancers and more. Admission I FREE and open to the public.
In celebration of St Patrick's Day, the 49th ANNUAL SOUTHERN NEVADA SONS & DAUGHTERS OF ERIN ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE & FESTIVAL will take place on Water Street in Henderson. There are many opportunities for those who wish to show their Irish spirit at one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the nation. Social media followers can get their green on and post pictures of them enjoying many of the attractions at the event, which is scheduled for Friday, March 13 to Sunday, March 15 at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 Water St., in the Water Street District.
They may also join thousands of revelers and post photos of themselves as they transform Water Street into a sea of green for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 14. The procession begins at 10 a.m. and features up to 100 entries marching down Water Street from Ocean Avenue to Victory Road. Admission to the Southern Nevada Sons and Daughters of Erin St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival is complimentary; however, some activities may require paid admission. The St. Patrick’s Day celebration is the biggest fundraiser for Southern Nevada Sons & Daughters of Erin. Proceeds from the event benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a charity dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research, among other local charities.
Emmy award winning comedian DANA CARVEY returns to the Orleans Showroom March 13 and 14.Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $54.95, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office.
THE DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS EVENTS CENTER (DLVEC) will host the ANNUAL LAS VEGAS VALLEY FIREFIGHTERS ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE AND FUN CHALLENGE on Tuesday, March 17. At noon, a parade of uniformed firefighters and honor guards from across the nation will gather at the Main Street Stage just outside Golden Gate Hotel & Casino. Led by Grand Marshal Terry Murphy, the Honorary Irish Consul to Nevada, the group will be joined by festive fire department bagpipers and step dancers as they make their way down the Fremont Street Experience to Downtown Las Vegas’ newest outdoor concert venue and events center.
Beloved Las Vegas performer Frankie Scinta will kick off the festivities by singing the national anthem and performing a rendition of the traditional Irish folk song “Oh Danny Boy.”
The Firefighter Fun Challenge is free to attend and will take place from 1 – 5 p.m. Attendees can enjoy beer, cocktails and food while they cheer on teams of the nation’s bravest as they compete in a tricycle race, wheel barrel race, midnight equipment run, tug of war, hose bowling and garden hose efficiency contest. Trophies will be awarded for individual events and an overall winner. Prize money will be donated to the winners’ charities of choice.
At 6 p.m., the St. Paddy’s Day celebration will continue when firefighters and bagpipers march down Fremont Street from the D to Commonwealth where they will compete for the coveted title of “Best Firefighter in a Kilt.”
Locals, tourists and basketball fans are invited to the MADNESS IN MARCH COLLEGE BASKETBALL VIEWING PARTY at the Treasure Island Ballroom starting March 19 at 7:30 a.m. and continuing through March 21. There is no charge for admission.Doors open at 7:30 a.m. each day and seating is first come, first served. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older with a valid ID. This is a non-smoking event.
Twenty-year stand up comedy veteran, actor, writer and television and radio host TOM PAPA brings the laughs to the Suncoast Showroom on March 20 and 21.Showtime each evening is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $15.95, plus tax and fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming box office.
Celebrity sightings:
Monday night, Feb. 23...
Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer and his wife were spotted enjoying dinner at TAO.
Saturday, Feb. 21...
Comedienne Jennifer Coolidge was spotted enjoying a late night dinner with friends at TAO following her stand-up act at Lipshtick.
Friday night, Feb.20...
Singer, comedian and celebrity impressionist Terry Fator took the stage at Sunset Station with the Lon Bronson All-Star Band. Fator, along with cast members Julius and Duggie Scott Walker, performed several songs including Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.”
Terry Fator with the Lon Bronson All-Star Band
Photo courtesy of Sunset Station
Terrance Knighton was spotted at TAO Nightclub. The defensive tackle for the Denver Broncos commanded a dance floor table with a group of 15 friends and family taking in the sounds of DJ Politik.
Thursday, Feb. 19...
Academy Award-winning actor and Las Vegas resident Nicolas Cage was spotted filming scenes for his upcoming movie “The Trust” at the Riviera Hotel & Casino. While at the historic property, Cage and the crew celebrated the filming of their 10,000 roll with a champagne toast. “The Trust” joins the ranks of many classic movies filmed at the renowned property, including “Ocean’s Eleven” and “Casino.”
LAX Nightclub at Luxor Hotel and Casino hosted its Mardi Gras Masquerade party after a fresh renovation!
To warm up the crowd, DJ Vtech welcomed club-goers with her electronic mixes of Top 40 hits like Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” and Ed Sheeran’s “Don’t.”
Just after midnight, Australian singer/songwriter Betty Who and her entourage settled into a plush VIP booth next to the center of the stage. Shortly after 12:30 a.m., she took to the mic to belt out her energetic songs before posing for photos with excited fans.
Betty Who
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage
LAX performers
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage
The party didn’t stop there as DJ Aybsent Mynded delivered a high-energy set for the festive club-goers keeping the crowd dancing into the early morning hours.
Wednesday night, Feb. 18...
Actress Melissa Joan Hart was spotted at TAO with rocker husband Mark Wilkerson and colleagues from her King Of Harts Kids apparel line. The group posted an Instagram photo of themselves in front of TAO’s famed Buddha before heading to see Britney Spears in concert.
