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
www.theflickchicks.com
Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Celebrates 2,000 Performance
Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular celebrated 2,000 performances of the show on Tuesday, February 1. Following the performance Anthony Crivello (“The Phantom”) gave a short speech to the excited audience. “We are going into our fifth year and we intend to keep on going,” he said proudly.” The entire cast and crew then celebrated the remarkable milestone with a beautiful cake from Freed’s Bakery in the shape of a Phantom mask.
Cast of Phantom
Photo credit: Erik Kabik/RETNA
The Las Vegas production of the worldwide favorite is enjoying enduring success that few other Las Vegas productions have achieved. After four and a half years of haunting The Venetian, Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular continues to prove it is an audience favorite among locals and tourists alike.
This lavish production thrills audiences eight times a week at The Venetian. From the moment you enter the magnificent custom-built theatre you are immersed in the storied Paris Opera House and become part of The Phantom's world. Featuring every beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber song from the original, spectacular sets, new effects and a breathtaking chandelier experience, Phantom is an only-in-Vegas experience.
Anthony Crivello, Kristi Holden and Andrew Ragone of Phantom
Photo credit: Erik Kabik/RETNA
After 2,000 performances…
-
“The Phantom,” has spent 2,000 hours in the make-up chair, equating to over 83 days
-
With 11 costume changes a night, “Christine Daaé” has had a total of 22,000 costume changes to date
-
More than 7,600 hours have been spent maintaining the other star of the show, the $5-million, one-ton chandelier
-
The crew has executed more than 21,000 elaborate set changes, creating 13 separate locations on stage each night
-
“Christine Daaé” shares two kisses with “The Phantom” and three with the charming “Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny,” amounting to 10,000 kisses since opening night
The Venetian and The Palazzo Kick Off Chinese New Year with Dragon Dance
The Venetian and The Palazzo kicked off the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rabbit on Thursday, February 3 with an authentic dragon dance complete with firecrackers and eye painting ceremony. Featuring a parade of dancers and musicians dressed in elaborate costumes playing authentic music, the ceremonial dragon dance began at The Venetian porte cochere, winded its way through The Venetian Casino past The Palazzo Waterfall Atrium and into The Palazzo Casino, ending in the upper Palazzo porte cochere.
The dragon dance symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year, is an important ritual of Chinese culture. The Chinese consider dragons to be friendly and helpful creatures associated with strength, good fortune, wisdom and longevity.
Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson, chairman and chief executive officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp., had the honor of dotting the eye, signifying the awakening of the dragon and the start of the parade. Michael Leven, president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp.; Rob Goldstein, president of global gaming operations of Las Vegas Sands Corp. and Pete Boyd, senior vice president of operations for The Venetian and The Palazzo all joined in the celebration as well.
As firecrackers echoed throughout the porte cochere, the parade of elaborately dressed dancers and musicians began their journey into the resort while guests lined the corridors, waiting to put money into the dragon’s mouth in hopes for good fortune in the coming year.
After performing a high-energy, traditional dance number in The Venetian colonnade, the parade winded its way through the casino, circling blackjack tables to bring them good luck, and into The Palazzo atrium waterfall, where they performed another dance routine to the delight of the gathered audience amidst the festive Chinese New Year décor schemes and staggering 16-foot rabbit.
The Forum Shops at Caesars Celebrate Chinese New Year
In celebration of the first day of the Chinese New Year and to welcome the year of the Rabbit, on Thursday morning, February 3, The Meadows School performed the traditional dragon parade throughout The Forum Shops at Caesars. The cast of singers and dancers included 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.
Meadows students, led by senior Shannon Chen, performed a Chinese dragon parade featuring two large and colorful dragons (powered by students), red and gold costumes (Chinese colors of joy), drums and firecrackers (to keep evil spirits away). As they wound their way through the premier retail destination, they stopped in front of the Fountain of the Gods to perform. This is the 15th year the school’s students have conducted a Chinese New Year performance at The Forum Shops.
Photo credit: Jim Laurie
The Sporting House Bar and Grill Opens at New York New York
The Sporting House Bar and Grill which opened in October at the former site of ESPNZone inside New York New York, held a kick off celebration on Thursday evening, February 3. The two story restaurant and bar features an environment dedicated to sports enthusiasts. Throughout the venue fans can catch the day's biggest sporting events broadcast live on 130 high-definition televisions. In fact, there are even TV screens in the rest rooms so that guests don’t have to miss any of the sports action.
The Sporting House entrance
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
The first floor screening room is where guests can enjoy watching games on two 16-foot, high-definition screens, a dozen 36-inch, high-definition video monitors and each table featuring an individual video monitor. What’s more, the seating is tiered to assure that all guests have a great view for every game or event.
On the second-story of the Sporting House is the All-Star Arcade offering more than 10,000 square feet of interactive and competitive sports-themed attractions with several high-definition televisions.
At the kickoff event was New York New York’s ambassador “Vinnie” and the new Las Vegas expansion team for the all women Lingerie Football League, known as the Sin led by their team captain and quarterback, former Fantasy headliner and Baywatch star, Angelica Bridges. The shapely young women who play regulation style tackle football, showed up in their skimpy bikini like uniforms.
New York, New York's spokesman 'Vinny' with all women Lingerie Football League, The Sin
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
I had an opportunity to briefly chat with Chris Gagen, Head Chef at The Sporting House. He told me, this venue is “the premiere sports and dining restaurant on the strip. The menu includes the “standard bar favorites along with a handful of eclectic items.” Guests can choose to satisfy their palate from an array of dishes, such as the Maine lobster club wrap, Wagyu Kobe flat iron steak and smoked meatloaf and his spin on classic sports favorites, including honey hoisen chicken wings, wood roasted BBQ chicken pizza, Philly cheese steak and a variety of juicy burgers as well. Fans looking to enjoy an ice-cold beverage while watching the games can choose from 12 beers on tap and a large variety of premium/crafted bottle beer. “Most importantly”, Cagen added with a genuine smile, “there is a great vibe here.”
Head Chef Chris Gagen
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Sporting House desserts
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Sporting House veggies
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Sporting House cake
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Ark Vegas Restaurant Corp. operates the Sporting House, in partnership with the New York-New York Hotel & Casino. The sports bar and restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and can be reached at 702-740-6766.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Henderson, Nevada was recently chosen over Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Munich, (Germany) by the World Tenpin Bowling Association to host the 2013 WTBA World Championships, featuring the best men and women bowlers from around the world. The elite bowling competition will take place at Strike Zone Bowling Center, inside Sunset Station Hotel & Casino, and is tentatively scheduled for August 18-31, 2013.
“Being awarded the 2013 WTBA World Championships speaks volumes about our community’s excellence in hosting premier sporting events,” said Andrea Primo, Director of Cultural Arts & Tourism Department. “Henderson’s hospitality, accommodations and amenities, including Sunset Station’s Strike Zone Bowling Center, are ideally suited for an international competition of this magnitude.”
For the first time, the world-renowned Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace was named one of the Top 10 Hotel Restaurants in the U.S. for 2011 by Gayot.com… and for the fifth year in a row, the restaurant is also named on the Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S.
International pop singing sensation Matt Goss has launched a new performance schedule of three shows a week. Matt Goss Live from The Gossy Room at Caesars Palace adds the Sunday show and is offering a special $33 ticket price for locals on Sundays. The show starts at 9:30 p.m.
Beginning Feb 5, 2011 and each Saturday at midnight in February, talented pop idol Joey McIntyre of New Kids on the Block and singer/songwriter Emanuel Kiriakou will perform in a high-energy show, One Too Many at Midnight, weekly in The Lounge inside the Palms Casino Resort. Tickets are $40 plus applicable fees.One Too Many at Midnight starring Joey McIntyre of New Kids on the Block and Emanuel Kiriakou. Performance Dates: Each Saturday in February, beginning Feb. 5, 2011.
North America’s largest rugby tournament is coming to Las Vegas and the party to celebrate the big event - the USA Sevens - will be at PBR Rock Bar & Grill at Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Thursday, Feb. 10. Patrons are invited to celebrate at 8 p.m. before the intense two-day tournament kicks off on Feb. 12. Admission is free for all guests.
Grammy-nominated artist and international recording icon Engelbert Humperdinck returns to The Orleans Showroom, February 11, 12 and 13. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $54.95, plus tax and convenience fees.
MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris dancers and special guest star, Claire Sinclair, Miss October 2010 Playboy Playmate, will be featured in Season 2 of E!’s Holly’s World February 13, 2011.
Crazy Horse Paris dancers and special guest star, Claire Sinclair, Miss October 2010 Playboy Playmate and Hugh Hefner (center)
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image
Celebrated singer and impressionist Bob Anderson returns to the Las Vegas stage 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 18-19 and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 20 in the Addison’s Lounge at the Rampart Casino, 221 N. Rampart Blvd.(near the Summerlin Pkwy). Anderson, who has been named by People Magazine as “America’s Greatest Singing Impressionist,” will perform his classic re-creations of vintage Las Vegas entertainers including, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Mel Torme', Jack Jones, Tom Jones, Johnny Mathis, Ray Charles, Boz Scaggs, Bobby Darin and more.
The following is the February concert lineup for Primm Valley Casino Resorts’ Star of the Desert Arena at Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino:
Full Rules Muay Thai: Battle in the Desert , 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011. Tickets are $75, $35 and $5
Bonnie Raitt, 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011, Tickets are $60.45 and $43.95
Los Tigres del Norte ,8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011. Tickets are $65.95, $54.95 and $43.95
Former American Idol contestant Kellie Pickler will perform live in concert at the Silverton on February 19. Tickets are $30.
The UNLV College of Fine Arts presents the 8th Annual Nevada Entertainer/Artist Hall of Fame honoring legendary showman Danny Gans (posthumously); Roger Thomas, interior designer and executive vice-president of Wynn Design and Development; and The Rainbow Company Youth Theatre, Las Vegas’ longest running cultural outlet. Also being honored is Thomas Schoeman of JMA Architects who receives the inaugural College of Fine Arts Dean’s Medal for continually demonstrating commitment to education and his extraordinary contributions to the School of Architecture.
The evening begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 24 in the UNLV Student Union Ballroom. Tickets for the event are $60 and include cocktails, the silent auction, dinner, ceremony, and performances. All proceeds benefit the UNLV College of Fine Arts.
Recipients receive the Sidney Award, named for the Nevada Entertainer/Artist Hall of Fame’s first inductee, George Sidney, who epitomized the term artist-educator. Sidney, a three-time Academy Award-winning director and producer, worked with such legends as Tony Curtis, Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, Howard Keel, Ann-Margret, and Lana Turner. Sidney was a frequent guest lecturer in UNLV film classes, providing students with priceless insights into the industry.
The Brigham Young University (BYU) Young Ambassadors will perform an exciting new show, Harmony: The Music of Life, Friday, February 25 at 7 p.m. at the Henderson Pavilion, 200 S. Green Valley Parkway, as part of a seven-city tour in Nevada and California. Tickets are only $5.
Celebrity sightings:
Saturday night, Jan. 29, Actress Regina King was spotted at Eva Longoria's Beso steakhouse and Eve nightclub in Crystals at CityCenter. Celebrating her 40th birthday with friends, King and her party ate dinner at Beso and headed upstairs to Eve for drinking and dancing.
Regina King
Photo credit: Karl Lawson
Sunday afternoon, Jan. 30…
Pop rock singer, Ryan Cabrera, was spotted enjoying lunch with 6 friends at Cabo Wabo Cantina.
Grey's Anatomy stars, Sarah Drew and Sara Ramirez, were also spotted at Sammy Hagar's Las Vegas Cantina. The doctor actresses were accompanied by seven gal pals.
Tuesday night, Feb. 1 Lisa Marie Presley celebrated her 43rd birthday at TAO Asian Bistro. She was joined by a group of 40 including her husband Michael Lockwood, mother Priscilla and daughter Riley, as well as Ryan Cabrera and producer Nigel Lythgoe. After dinner, Presley’s family and friends surprised her with a birthday cake.
Wednesday night, Feb. 2…
Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley were spotted at Studio 54 in MGM Grand.
Rocker Lenny Kravitz was spotted dining at TAO Asian Bistro.
At LAVO the band Plain White T’s took over two VIP tables.
UFC President, Dana White and MMA fighter Brock Lesnar dined at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort.
After their show, the JabbaWockeeZ stopped by Eve nightclub (located at Crystals in CityCenter) to cut loose and have some drinks. They crew arrived around 1 a.m. with a group of friends and sat at a table right next to the dance floor.
JabbaWockeeZ
Photo Credit: Karl Lawson
JabbaWockeeZ
Photo Credit: Karl Lawson
Thursday night, February 3,“Entourage” star Adrian Grenier was spotted with his own entourage – a group of three gentleman, dining at Eva Longoria’s Beso Steakhouse in Crystals at CityCenter. Servers overheard the group talking about the upcoming Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament being held in Las Vegas. After dinner, Grenier stopped and talked to guests, posing for pictures and signing autographs.
Adrian Grenier
Boston Red Sox athlete Jacoby Ellsbury and a group of six, dined in the garden room at Nove Italiano inside Palms Casino Resort where they took in breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip.
Friday, Feb. 4…
Washington Redskins quarterback, Donovan McNabb, and a friend were spotted having a casual lunch at Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina at Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Friday night many notable names were spotted at Marquee Nightclub inside The Cosmopolitan, taking in the sounds of resident DJ Sander Van Doorn.
Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay drank Ketel One cocktails with a group of friends, while Nicky Hilton joined Jeff Beacher and friends at another table.
Nearby by a large group of football players including Oliver “Bo” Scaife of the Tennessee Titans and Keith Bulluck of the New York Giants partied with friends.
At another table Marcedes Lewis of the Jacksonville Jaguars was part of a bachelor party group, and at yet another table Julius Peppers of the Chicago Bears and Charles Johnson of the Carolina Panthers drank Champagne and Tequila with friends.
Rounding out the sports sightings, Matt Leinart, quarterback for the Houston Texans, was spotted with a group of friends.
Actor Jareb Dauplaise from the MTV hit The Hard Times of RJ Berger dined at LAVO with a friend. He mentioned plans to head to the nightclub after first trying his luck gambling.
UFC Octagon Girl Arianny Celeste spent the night partying at PURE Nightclub.
Also spotted at PURE Nightclub was Roddy White of the Atlanta Falcons and Jay Bruce of the Cincinnati Reds.
Over at the exclusive Savile Row, former UFC Light-Heavyweight title holder Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Shaun Phillips of the San Diego Chargers were seen partying inside the intimate space.
Actress and model Jaime Pressly and friends had dinner with friends at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort. She signed Executive Chef Barry S. Dakake's shakedown door and posed for photos with him.
Executive Chef Barry S. Dakake with Jamie Pressly
Photo credit: N9NE Group/Palms Casino Resort
Saturday, Feb. 5…
Executive Chef Geno Bernardo (right) posed with Joey McIntyre (left) of New Kids on the Block during a cooking class at Nove Italiano inside Palms Casino Resort.
Joey McIntyre and Chef Geno
Saturday night TAO and LAVO were the spots for post fight parties.
At LAVO Forrest Griffin celebrated his win over Rich Franklin. Joined by a large group of friends including fighter Phil Davis, the UFC champion took pictures with fans after his victory in the ring.
Forrest Griffin
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
At TAO Randy Couture and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson hosted Affliction’s after fight party. Tito Ortiz, Frank Trigg, Tom Atencio, Jorgen Jenson, Kitt Cope and James Murdock joined the group at a VIP table in the club.
Also in the crowd at TAO: celebrity chef Bobby Flay and at another table JC Chasez, who was joined by several Marines.
NFL stars Jamaal Charles and Earl Thomas hosted the Bikini Bowl at Eva Longoria’s Eve nightclub in Crystals at CityCenter. Upon arrival, the Kansas City Chiefs running back and Seattle Seahawks safety walked the red carpet posing with bikini bowl models, prior to dining at Longoria’s renowned steakhouse, Beso.
NFL stars Jamaal Charles and Earl Thomas
Photo credit: Karl Lawson/ courtesy of Eve nightclub
Jamaal Charles Bikini Bowl contestants
Photo credit: Karl Lawson/ courtesy of Eve nightclub
Danny Gorrer
Photo credit: Karl Lawson/ courtesy of Eve nightclub
Also in attendance was fellow NFL cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens, Danny Gorrer.
Colorado Rockies athlete Troy Tulowitzki dined at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort. He was accompanied by a group of seven, which included Tampa Bay Rays athlete Evan Longoria and St. Louis Cardinals athlete Matthew Holliday.
Also at the steakhouse was New York Jets athlete Dustin Keller with six others.
At another table was UFC President Dana White.
Upstairs at Moon Nightclub, rock band Rev Theory partied at a VIP table with friends.
At another table, Cleveland Indians pitcher Jensen Louis enjoyed the scene with a group of seven.
Inside Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas the EC Twins and Erick Morillo treated the sold out club to a night of electronic dance music that lasted until 8 am.
Paris and Nicky Hilton, along with their parents Kathy and Rick and brother Barron, were spotted getting a tour of the club and then dancing the night away in the main room, with Paris and Nicky even jumping into the DJ booth with Morillo.
Jamie Kennedy was also seen taking in the sounds of Morillo and Rodger Berman was spotted enjoying a last boy’s night before he and expectant wife Rachel Zoe become parents.
Donovan McNabb, quarterback for the Washington Redskins was in the club with friends, as were Stephen Tulloch of the Tennessee Titans, Michael Thomas and Mike Walker of the Jacksonville Jaguars. At another table Vernon Davis of the San Francisco 49ers and Joseph Haden from the Cleveland Browns were among a big group of NFL players taking over a table in the club.
UFC fighter Anderson Silva was all smiles as he celebrated his UFC 126 win at LAX nightclub at Luxor. Joining Silva at his table were actor Steven Seagal and UFC fighter Junior dos Santos in addition to many other friends and family.
Anderson Silva
Photo credit: Scott Berry
Steven Segal
Photo credit: Scott Berry
Also at a nearby table was world-renowned dance crew, Jabbawockeez. Silva was extremely excited to see them, especially since he participated in their show at Monte Carlo, MU.S.I.C, on Thursday night.
Anderson Silva with JabbaWockeeZ
Photo credit: Scott Berry
Sunday, Feb. 6, Emeril Lagasse's famed sports fan’s paradise hosted more than 700 crazed football fans for Sunday’s Big Game, The Super Bowl. While enjoying Emeril's signature dishes, fans were decked out in their favorite Steelers and Packers team colors while catching all the action on one of the 120 flat screen TVs.
In attendance was James Beard award-winning Chef Thomas Keller of The Venetian's celebrated Bouchon. Keller was seen enjoying the game in a Skybox with friends, including Bouchon executive chef Mark Hopper.
Photo credit: IS Photography/ Images of Vegas