By Judy Thorburn
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Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick Chicks
Director of Communications - Nevada Film Alliance
www.theflickchicks.com
Rita Rudner Opens at The Venetian
Multi-award-winning comedian, actress, writer bestselling author and the longest running Las Vegas stand up act, Rita Rudner, officially opened her new show in the intimate 742 seat Venetian Showroom on Monday evening January 24.
Unlike other female stand up comediennes that perform in casual, every day clothes, Rita arrives on stage looking feminine and lovely in a gorgeous floor length gown and just the right amount of bling. She is a class act, and I love the fact that every time I have seen her perform, she has never resorted to low brow humor, lewd or foul language. Instead, using her impeccable, soft-spoken style of delivery, she connects with an audience making them laugh with her smart, clever and very humorous observations on a variety of subjects including Las Vegas, getting old, shopping, cooking, body piercing, interactions with her husband and daughter, the difference between men and women and more. For those who have yet to experience this funny lady’s act in person, give yourself a treat. Her humor filled seventy-minute show will leave you smiling hours after you leave. She can’t get a better recommendation than that.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity I just couldn’t resist, said Rita prior to her debut at the Venetian. The Venetian and The Palazzo are sensational properties and I’m thrilled to be appearing there. I don’t have to paint myself blue, do I? Or row a gondola?”
Rita Rudner
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
“We’re excited to welcome Rita to The Venetian as a headlining act,” said Chris Yancey, executive director of entertainment for The Venetian and Palazzo. “Her success in Las Vegas is a testament to her unique style of humor and ability to connect with audiences.”
Her hugely popular VIP ticket, which includes a pre-show photo with Rita as well as prime seating, will be offered, but an extra ingredient has been added just for The Venetian. “The VIP tickets and the Premiere tickets includes a free Rita Rudner ring,” Rita announced. “I think mine is the first show to offer complimentary jewelry. Take that, Cher.”
Rudner has also been voted “Best Comedian in Las Vegas” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal eight years in a row.
Show times are at 8:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and 6 p.m. on Saturdays Ticket prices start at $53.90 for General Admission, $75.90 for Premiere Seating and $108.90 for VIP Seating inclusive of tax and handling fees.
Bobby Slayton Returns as Headliner at Hooters Casino Hotel
After a successful run a few years back, “The Pit Bull of Comedy”, Bobby Slayton returns as headliner in the Night Owl Showroom at Hooters Casino Hotel beginning January 27, 2011 through April 2, 2011 for a limited engagement. He was the first-ever headliner to perform in that showroom.
There is a reason Slayton is called the Pit Bull of Comedy. The gravelly voiced, sharp-tongued comedian ferociously attacks and bites into any subject that he sees fit. Guests who come to his show should be forewarned. He is an equal opportunity offender. Nothing, or anyone, is sacred or off limits.
You name it. Mexicans, Asians, Jews (although he, himself, is a member of the tribe), women, African Americans, gays, fat people, marriage, sex, airport security, and anything else he sees fit to gripe about are a target for his politically incorrect humor. Though his 80-minute stand up routine is X rated, with explicit sexual references and occasional dropping of the F word, it is all harmless, and strictly intended to make you laugh. And, it works. I have seen Slayton perform on several occasions and every time he is so side splitting hysterical that I find myself laughing so hard it hurts.
The special media night performance on January 25, was no exception. He had everyone consistently in stiches including several audience members he took aim at and were good sports.
Among the guests at the pre show reception inside Dixie’s Dam Bar and in the audience of his show were veteran comedians and Bobby’s friends David Brenner and Sammy Shore and adult film star Sunset Thomas.
Bobby Slayton
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
It is easy to see why Slayton’s signature quick witted, intense comedic style is a huge draw selling out comedy clubs across the country. A true comic’s comic, Slayton was voted “Funniest stand-up comic of the year” by the American Comedy Awards and is featured on Comedy Central's list of the "100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time." Most recently he starred in his own Showtime stand-up special “Born to be Bobby”.
"With the hours of material from my CDs, Showtime special, audience reaction, the constant turmoil of the world and everyday life, you can be sure my act will never be the same. And remember, if you can't laugh at yourself, make fun of other people!", says Slayton.
That he does. It is an art he has mastered.
Sunset Thomas
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Bobby Slayton
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Bobby Slayton with Sammy Shore
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
David Brenner and Bobby Slayton
Photo credit: Gale Rose
Tickets to see Bobby Slayton at Hooters are $39.95 per person. Performances are 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The show also features comedian Robert Duchaine as an opening act. Guests must be 21 or older.
Planet Hollywood Hosts Las Vegas Premiere of CBS Films ’The Mechanic'
Planet Hollywood hosted the Las Vegas premiere of the new action film, “The Mechanic” (a remake of the 1972 original starring Charles Bronson) starring Jason Statham and Ben Foster on Wednesday night, January 26. Prior to the premiere, a portion of Las Vegas Blvd. just outside the property was shut down for a motor stunt performed by Statham.
Immediately after making a grand entrance out of the red sports car featured in the film, Statham joined the action inside where he and other celebrities walked the red carpet before entering the Chi Theatre for the special screening. Among the notable arrivals who stopped for a quick photo op were the film’s star, Jason Staham, director Simon West and his wife Amadea, producer Avi Lerner, actress Christa Campbell, actor Jason Flemyng, singer/actor Joey Fatone, Peep Show and Holly’s World star Holly Madison, WFC champion/actor Randy Couture, Holly’s World co-star Laura Croft, May 1999 Playboy Playmate Tishara Lee Causino and comedy magician Nathan Burton.
Jason Statham and Jason Flemyng
Photo credit: Erik Kabik/RETNA www.erikkabik.com
Jason Statham
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jason Statham
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jason Flemyng
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Christa Campbell
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Director Avi Lerner and wife
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Simon West and wife Amadea
May 1999 Playboy Playmate Tishara Lee Causino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Joey Fatone
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
WFC champion/actor Randy Couture with son Ryan
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn 
Comedy Magician Nathan Burton and friend
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Laura Croft
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Peepshow star Holly Madison
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Before the movie started the director, Simon West, producer Avi Lerner and star Jason Statham appeared on stage and addressed the audience. “This is my fourth premiere here (at Planet Hollywood) and my first movie with the director, Simon West”, said Lerner. West then joked, “The last director of the original film is now working as a restaurant critic. I guess I can always fall back on that, if it doesn’t go well tonight”. Before introducing Statham, West informed the audience (in reference to Statham’s dangerous stunts featured in the movie), “Jason did every nasty stunt in the movie.”
Read my review of The Mechanic at www.theflickchicks.com
Luncheon With the Stars of Phantom—The Las Vegas Spectacular
In celebration of Phantom The Las Vegas Spectacular’s 2,000th performance, select members of the media were invited to a delicious three course luncheon and to meet and chat with the cast of the show at the fabulous Aqua Knox restaurant inside The Venetian Hotel Casino on Friday, January 28. In attendance were Anthony Crivello (The Phantom), Kristi Holden and Kristen Herstenberg (who alternate in the lead role of Christine), Tina Walsh (Madame Giry), Andrew Ragone (Raoul), John Leslie Wolfe (Monsier Andre), Lawson Skala (Monsier Firmin) and Larry Wayne Morbitt (Ubaldo Piangi).
Seated next to me at a table was Crivello who shared with me some wonderful insights about his career and some facts about the Las Vegas production of Phantom. Below are a few very interesting and informative tidbits from our conversation.
*Rehearsals for Phantom the Las Vegas Spectacular started on April 24, 2006. Preview performances began June 14 and the Grand Opening was June 26. Since the opening, the show has played to approximately 1,300,000 people.
*One of the differences between Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular and the Broadway production is that it was cut by 20 minutes. The producer, Hal Prince made the original decision on what to cut.
*150 people make up the cast and crew that bring Phantom to life on stage.
*The Chandelier in the Las Vegas production was designed as a replica of the one in the Paris Opera House. It stands two stories tall, weighs 2,100 lbs., assembles in four pieces, and travels at 35 mph.
*Master illusionist David Copperfield was consulted to help create the illusions in the show. The magic tricks were initially done with cranks but are now totally automated.
*The Las Vegas production was the first time make up was redone. Two time Emmy award winning make up artist, Ron Wild, who has worked with Criss Angel and the Cirque shows, was brought in. Each makeup is custom fitted to the face.
*At least one fan loves the show so much she has seen it 100 times.
Regarding Crivello’s illustrious career…
The Milwaukee born singer/actor had a successful career on the Broadway stage before signing on as the Phantom for the Las Vegas production. In 1995 he won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in the musical, Kiss of the Spider Woman opposite Chita Rivera. He has also appeared in numerous TV shows and several movies.
Crivello said he had to go through four auditions before landing the lead role in Phantom. The first was in front of a new set of producers. The second was to make sure he can sing the show over and over again. The third, after given notes, were to see his interpretation. The fourth and final audition was in front of nine people, including the producer Hal Prince, writer Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Scott Zeiger of Base Entertainment.
The Las Vegas production of Phantom is the second role Crivello has performed in an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. His role as Che in Evita was the first. He also told me Phantom marks his third show with Hal Prince as the director. He went on to say, “Prince is particularly interested in hiring actors who can sing”.
Mr. Crivello is a “method” actor and member of the famed Actors Studio, in New York City and Los Angeles. The actor told me Academy Award winning actress Estelle Parsons recommended and brought him into the studio where such notables such as Parsons, Barbara Bain, Martin Landau and Harvey Keitel teach the art of acting and members are able to hone their craft.
When I mentioned the intensity he conveys in his role as the emotionally tortured, Phantom, Crivello responded, “I am blessed with a natural intensity. I use my hands to convey my emotions and create more melodrama. Hal Prince gives the guidelines, but ultimately, it must come out of you as the actor and how you bring the emotions. My acting coach and teacher Tony Greco helped me with my particular way of approaching it.”
Thanks to the amazing talents of Athony Crivello and the rest of the wonderful cast and crew, audiences in Las Vegas have the opportunity to experience this masterpiece of live musical theatre.
Phamtom star Anthony Crivello with Judy Thorburn
Photo Credit: Dianne R. Davis
'Phantom' cast members
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Bon Appétit announced the launch of ticket sales for its fifth annual Vegas Uncork‘d event, May 5-8, 2011, during a spectacular press event held in the Great Hall of Fashion Show on the Las Vegas Strip. Chefs and Master Sommeliers from partner resorts Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Wynn | Encore gathered for the festive occasion. Accompanying the announcement was the dramatic unveiling of a first-ever culinary masterpiece, comprising sculptural interpretations of each partner resort hand-crafted in-house using pastry and other confection, all created to celebrate the epicurean virtuosity of the world‘s most exhilarating dining destination. The upcoming food extravaganza will feature a roster of new Events including food up-close Chef Access and Imaginative Epicurean Experiences for food lovers.
Vegas Uncork'd Chefs
Aid for AIDS of Nevada commemorated World AIDS Day by raising more than $20,000 in its Every Piggy Counts initiative. After handing out approximately 500 piggy banks throughout the community on Dec. 1, 2010, an overwhelming amount of “fattened” piggy’s were returned home, bringing a total of $20,925.61 and demonstrating the participants’ everlasting commitment to increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education for HIV/AIDS.
Aria Resort and Casino and Crystals at City Center will be featured in an upcoming episode of ABC’s Hit romance reality series The Bachelor. The Bachelor’s Vegas Episode will be telecast Monday, January 31 at 8/7 central on ABC.
The Las Vegas chapter of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) will host "Echoes and Reflections," an award-winning curriculum free of charge designed to inform educators and help them connect their students with the personal stories of Holocaust survivors. The workshop, conducted by Deborah Batiste, ADL's national "Echoes and Reflections" project director, will take place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, at the Adelson School Campus, 9700 Hillpointe Road in Summerlin. Although the cost for the workshop is free, educators who wish to attend should e-mail or phone in their reservation by Monday, Jan. 31.
To make a reservation, call 702-862-8600 or send email to Georgia Neu, No Place for Hate program director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Additional information on No Place for Hate, Echoes and Reflections, and the Anti-Defamation League can be found online at www.adl.org.
Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 1, Miracle Mile Shops’ fountain will display a bold red hue between regularly scheduled water shows in honor of American Heart Month. All money tossed into the popular water feature as well as the center’s indoor rainstorm will be donated on behalf of Miracle Mile Shops to the American Heart Association. The fountain will keep its vibrant red glow until the end of the month. Regularly scheduled water shows take place at the top of every hour from noon to 11 p.m. daily. Miracle Mile Shops is open 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 10 a.m. – midnight Friday – Saturday.
Wednesday, February 2nd at 7:30 p.m., Nevada Reparatory Dance Theatre and Insurgo Dance Theatre unite in THANKS, an emergency benefit performance featuring work from the renowned chorographers. All proceeds from the performance will help an elderly disabled couple that lives below dance director Marko Westwood. The pair had their rent stolen and is facing eviction if they cannot come up with a minimum $400 payment immediately. The show will take place at Insurgo Theatre, 900 E. Karen, D114 in Commercial Center. Tickets are $10 cash at the door.
To celebrate Chinese New Year and welcome the year of the Rabbit, on Thursday, Feb. 3 beginning at approximately 10 a.m., The Meadows School will perform the traditional dragon parade throughout The Forum Shops at Caesars. The cast of singers and dancers includes 120 Meadows students – 60 from kindergarten and 60 from fifth grade plus the school’s very special guests, founder Carolyn Goodman and her husband Mayor Oscar Goodman.
On Saturday, Feb. 12, Keep Memory Alive will hold a “Why We Do What We Do on the Dr. Oz Show” lecture and reception for members of the community from 8-10 p.m. at Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. (888 Bonneville Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89106). Tickets are available for purchase for $100 per person and include the lecture and reception. To RSVP to the event, please contact 702.263.9797 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Space is limited.
The lecture from Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Michael Roizen gives guests the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding about health topics through an inside look at the Dr. Oz show. Dr. Oz is the Emmy Award-winning host of "The Dr. Oz Show" as well as a renowned surgeon, educator and best-selling author. Dr. Roizen is the Chief Wellness Officer of Cleveland Clinic and best-selling author. Following the lecture, Keep Memory Alive will hold a reception for all guests. YOU books signed by authors Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen will also be available for purchase at the event.
BODIES…The Exhibition welcomes the first new addition to its collection at Luxor Hotel & Casino since opening its doors more than two years ago, a full-body specimen appropriately named “The Thinker.” The seated figure, installed in the nervous system gallery, gives guests an exciting and educational look into what lies underneath the skin and within the most fascinating organ of the human body – the brain. Tickets to BODIES…The Exhibition are available at the Luxor box office or by visiting www.bodiestickets.com. Ticket prices are $32 for adults, $30 for seniors, $29 for locals with valid identification and $24 for children 4 – 12 years of age.
Christopher Durang’s political satire “Why Torture is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them” is being staged by the CSN Department of Fine Arts. Performances are Feb. 18, 19, 25, 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 20 and 27 at 2 p.m. in the BackStage Theatre on the Cheyenne Campus. Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. For reservations, call 651-LIVE (5483). The CSN Performing Arts Center is located at 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave.
Celebrity sightings:
Monday night, Jan. 24, songstress Kelis took over Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, hosting the club’s industry night, Marquee Mondays. After dining at TAO, Kelis walked the red carpet and then settled into a VIP table near the massive DJ stage. She was joined by friends including DJ Rashida and DJ 88, as well as her boyfriend, former NFL pro Adewale Ogunleye.
Kelis and DJ Rashida
Photo Credit: Al Powers
Kelis
Photo Credit: Al Powers
Kelis performing for the crowd
Photo Credit: Al Powers
Wednesday night, Jan 26, Nickelback front man Chad Kroeger was spotted at LAVO with a group of friends.
Thursday night, Jan.27 Carmen Electra hosted TAO’s fifth annual TAO a Go Go contest with Hpnotiq. Nearly 40 women competed for the $10,000 prize. After an impressive performance, Donyell Brown took home the $10,000 grand prize
Over at LAVO, rocker Slash was spotted dining with wife Perla.
Carmen Elektra
Photo Credit: David Becker 
Donyell Brown and Carmen Elektra
Photo Credit: David Becker
Friday night, Jan. 28…
Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil was spotted at the exclusive lounge Savile Row.
Sergio Romo, pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, 2010 World Series champions, dedicated some time to meet the children of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas. Twenty children got up close and personal with the major league big-timer and received personalized and autographed baseballs.
Also in attendance was N9NE Steakhouse Executive Chef, Barry S. Dakake and Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas President/CEO, Dulcinea Almazan and Vice President, Debbie Smith.
Sergio Romo with children of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas
Photo credit: Aaron Garcia/9 Group
Sergio Romo
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
Slash hosted his after concert party at TAO. After opening for Ozzy Osbourne, Slash, his wife Perla and a large group of friends gathered for a dinner of signature dishes at the Asian Bistro.Slash and the group, including Laura Croft from Holly’s World, arrived upstairs in the club to great fanfare, taking over several tables on the dance floor as fans crowded to get pictures.
Slash and wife Perla
Photo credit: Tony Tran/Powers Imagery
Slash and DJ Ross One
Photo credit: Tony Tran/Powers Imagery
Laura Croft
Photo credit: Tony Tran/Powers Imagery
Actor and comedian Nick Kroll, also known Bobby Bottleservice from the website “Funny or Die,” partied at Moon Nightclub inside Palms Casino Resort. Accompanied by six friends, including model and reality TV star, Holly Madison, they enjoyed the scene from a VIP table.
Saturday night, Jan 29, the cast and crew from the new film TEN YEAR held their wrap party at TAO. The movie, about a group of friends who reunite 10 years after their high school graduation, just finished filming.A number of actors from the movie took part in the celebration, including Channing Tatum, Justin Long, Anthony Mackie, Scott Porter, Brian Geraghty, Kelly Noonan, Aaron Yoo, Ari Graynor, Eiko Nijo, Oscar Isaac, Frantz Durand and Keith Kurtz. Channing Tatum arrived with his wife Jenna Dewan, and actress Krysten Ritter joined boyfriend Brian Geraghty for the event. The group sat down to dinner of signature dishes at TAO Asian Bistro and after dinner went out of their way to thank the staff and the chefs before heading up to the nightclub to continue the party. The group of thirty, who flew in from all over the country, was surprised with a graduation themed cake congratulating them on the completion of TEN YEAR.
The Cast of Ten Year
Photo Credit: Ethan Miller
Director Jaime Linden, Aaron Yoo and Kelly Noonan
Photo Credit: Ethan Miller
Kristin Ritter and Brian Geraghty
Photo Credit: Ethan Miller
Brian Geraghty, Anthony Mackie, Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Tatum
Photo Credit: Ethan Miller
Oscar Issac
Photo Credit: Ethan Miller
Wilmer Valderrama rolled into Angel Management Group’s newest venue Savile Row with his close friends at 3:30 a.m. The Prada for Nada star continued his 31st birthday celebration at the highly exclusive members and invited-only nightlife venue after hosting his party at Vanity Nightclub inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, Sergio Romo, and a party of five, dined at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort. Following dinner, Romo enjoyed the scene at Moon Nightclub with friends. Official DJ of the San Francisco Giants, DJ E-Rock spun his beats on the turntables and kept the party going in the packed venue.
Also spotted were: illusionist Criss Angel, actor Edwin Hodge with an entourage of 20 guests, MMA fighter Anthony Pettis and Jimbo of the hip-hop group, the HardNox.
Sergio Romo
Photo credit: Joe Fury/9 Group
Anthony Pettis and Criss Angel
Photo credit: Joe Fury/9 Group
DJ E-Rock, Sergio Romo and Jimbo of Hardnox
Photo credit: Joe Fury/9 Group
Sunday night, Jan. 30 Redfoo from LMFAO was spotted at LAVO with some of his Party Rock crew and a group that included Anthony Mackie.After dinner Redfoo and crew headed up to the club for Vice Sundays, where they took over a table on the dance floor. Redfoo kicked off his monthly DJ residency, Party Rock Monday, at Marquee Monday night.
