Tag: Las Vegas

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Visiting Donny & Marie Osmond with Olivia Newton-John

Before seeing Donny & Marie last night

Well, this was a pretty cool thing that happened last night.

Michael and I took in the Donny & Marie Show here in Las Vegas at the Flamingo Hotel with Olivia Newton-John and her husband John Easterling.

First of all, the show is terrific. Donny and Marie sing like they are 30 y.o., and their years of experience (literally since childhood) shows in every moment. They sing, they dance, they perform together and individually. The audience is treated to their hits from their recording careers as well as songs from their Broadway and theater roles. And, of course, they still have the brother/sister chemistry and banter that made them such a formidable team back in the 1970s when they became the youngest hosts of their own network TV series.

Second, going back stage to see them with Olivia was an amazing thing to watch. It was so clear the respect and warmth these three iconic stars have for each other. The comfort level among them was apparent. And I got to be there.

Sometimes, my life can hand me some uber-cool things. This was one 🙂

Olivia Newton-John and Marie Osmond backstage after the show

Me, Donny Osmond, Olivia Newton-John and Michael after the show at the Flamingo
Old friends Olivia Newton-John and Donny Osmond

John Easterling, Marie Osmond, Olivia Newton-John and Donny Osmond

Marie Osmond, Donny Osmond and Olivia Newton-John catching up backstage at the Donny & Marie Show
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Las Vegas: ROCK OF AGES star Mark Shunock launches monthly charity event “Mondays Dark”

www.mondaysdark.com

The third Monday night of each month is about to become a hot bed of entertainment, music and comedy for a cause when ROCK OF AGES star Mark Shunock launches “Mondays Dark” beginning Monday, November 18th.

The framework of the evening will be modeled after a talk show format with topics, musical guests and very “off the cuff” moments.  Think a cross between The Ed Sullivan Show and David Letterman.

Shunock will gather an eclectic cast of guests including stars from Hollywood, the Strip, musical acts, athletes and celebrity chefs for 90 minutes of chat, entertainment – and a lot of laughs. “Mondays Dark” will partner with a different Las Vegas-based charity to raise $10,000 per month for each charity, with an estimated grand total of more $100,000 over the next twelve months between ticket sales and silent auction items.

The first “Mondays Dark” will benefit Opportunity Village and include special guest stars: three time Emmy nominee Dot-Marie Jones from the hit series Glee, Travis Cloer of Jersey Boys and performances by the cast of Rock of Ages, Anne Martinez and, the Opportunity Village Elvis impersonators, The OV Elvi.

Tickets range from $20- $50 and can be purchased by visiting www.MondaysDark.com and are limited to 200 tickets per event. VIP table reservations and bottle service are available for up to six people per booth by calling 702-485-1262.

Listen below as Shunock chats on what to expect at “Mondays Dark:”

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Las Vegas: E! Reality star Holly Madison to join MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET for one night only

For the first time in more than a year, Holly Madison takes the stage in Las Vegas during a special encore performance of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. in the Harrah’s Las Vegas Showroom.

For one-night-only, Madison will perform the Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret duet “The Lady Loves Me” from the hit movie “Viva Las Vegas” alongside the cast during the finale. Tickets are available at the Showroom box office, by visiting www.HarrahsLasVegas.com.

“I am very excited for my upcoming performance with MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET,” says Madison. “I’ve truly missed being onstage in front of a live audience, so I was thrilled to be invited to perform with the talented cast for one night.”

Best known for starring in the successful E! reality television series “Holly’s World” and “The Girls Next Door,” Madison was also the headliner in PEEPSHOW at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino for three and a half years. Madison not only played the title character Bo Peep, but eventually took on the singing role of Goldie Locks in the production.

(via press release)

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Las Vegas: Life Is Beautiful Festival – October 26 and 27

Because of the growing population that is happening in the downtown Las Vegas area, the Life Is Beautiful festival is expected to bring thousands of locals and tourists alike.

Major music acts (including The Killers, King of Leon), nationally recognized chefs (including many Food Network celebs like Aaron Sanchez, Scott Conant, and Cat Core) plus local artists from the local progressive art scene and critically acclaimed speakers to inspire folks to “do what they love” are all a part of LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL. 

As exciting change happens in the downtown Las Vegas area, those changes are bringing artists, musicians, and food-lovers together.

Life Is Beautiful hopes that this festival will see all of these different personalities come together for two days of celebrating life and the different types of art forms.

The main mission behind L.I.B. is to inspire people to see all of the beauty in life through the assemblage of both entertainment and ideas.

Check out the line-up of music acts, food, art and learning by clicking here.

Check out more info at the Life Is Beautiful website.

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Las Vegas: MAMMA MIA returns in open ended run at the Tropicana

The show that kept Las Vegas dancing in the aisles for six years, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA!, returns to The Strip in Spring 2014 with an open-ended run at The New Tropicana.

“It’s so exciting that MAMMA MIA!is returning to fabulous Las Vegas, ” said creator/producer Judy Craymer.  “We are so thrilled to be invited to the New Tropicana. It is the perfect hotel for us to bring the original show back to the Strip amongst the glamour and excitement of this legendary playground.”

“Our newly renovated, state-of-the-art Tropicana Theater is the perfect venue for the return of the show that set the standard for Broadway in Las Vegas,” said Fred Harmon, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Tropicana.

MAMMA MIA! is still one of the most successful musicals ever on the Strip. The show set the precedent for stage musicals in Las Vegas performing more than 2,200 times to over 2 million guests for over six incredible years.

Around the world, the show boasts 38 productions including 15 years and going strong in London’s West End and 12 years on Broadway.

For more information visit www.mamma-mia.com.

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Jim Caruso of “Cast Party” stops by The Candi & Randy Show

Jim Caruso from NYC’s “Cast Party” dropped by The Candi & Randy Show today to talk about bringing the best party in town to Las Vegas at the Smith Center’s Cabaret Jazz.

Jim Caruso’s “Cast Party” is a wildly popular weekly soiree that brings a sprinkling of Broadway glitz and urbane wit to the legendary Birdland in New York City every Monday night since 2003.

“Cast Party” is a cool cabaret night-out enlivened by a hilariously impromptu variety show. Showbiz superstars hit the stage alongside up-and-comers, serving up jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle.

Jim guides the entire affair like a bubbly cruise director, musical director Billy Stritch holds court at the ivories and the audience is invited to participate in the festivities!  Cast Party has been honored with two BroadwayWorld Awards, a MAC Award, Bistro Award and a Nightlife Award.

It’s the party that would happen if somehow David Letterman and Ed Sullivan threw a hip house party around a nine-foot concert grand piano!

Don’t miss Jim and Billy in Las Vegas on October 9th at Cabaret Jazz at the Smith Center at 9:30pm

Check out my interview with Jim Caruso below: 

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Las Vegas: Smith Center books Broadway and TV star Kristin Chenoweth for New Years’ Eve concert

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts has announced Tony® and Emmy® Award-winning sensation Kristin Chenoweth will perform a special New Year’s Eve concert inside Reynolds Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The evening will feature Chenoweth performing an array of her most memorable songs and Broadway show tunes, including music from “Wicked,” “Promises, Promises” and “Glee.” 

“I am so delighted to celebrate the New Year with a performance at The Smith Center,” said Chenoweth. “What better place for a New Year’s Eve party than Las Vegas!”

Chenoweth, an LGBT ally and favorite, has had an extraordinarily diverse career including her Tony-winning performance in “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” and originating the role of Glinda the Good Witch in the smash hit “Wicked,” which earned her a leading actress Tony Award Nomination.

Chenoweth’s critically acclaimed performance in the ABC series “Pushing Daisies” won her an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.  Her guest appearance on Fox’s comedy “Glee,” earned her two Emmy Award nominations and a People’s Choice Award for Favorite TV Guest Star.  Kristin also starred as Annabeth Schott on the hit drama “The West Wing.”

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve; Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. at The Smith Center Box Office, located at 361 Symphony Park Avenue, by phone at 702-749-2000 or 808-326-6868 (TTY) and online at TheSmithCenter.com.

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Jim Caruso’s “Cast Party” back in Las Vegas October 9th

Jim Caruso’s Cast Party, the wildly popular weekly soiree that brings a sprinkling of Broadway glitz and urbane wit to the legendary Birdland in New York City for ten years every Monday night, is coming back the Cabaret Jazz room at the Smith Center on October 9th.

In case you somehow missed the Cast Party debut last spring, this is a cool cabaret night out via a hilariously impromptu variety show. Showbiz superstars hit the stage alongside up-and-comers, serving up jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle. Cabaret super-star Ann Hampton Callaway says “Cast Party is come what ‘mayhem!’”

The buoyant and sharp Jim Caruso guides the entire affair like a charming, witty cruise director; musical genius Billy Stritch holds court at the ivories; and the audience is invited to participate in the festivities. Says Caruso, “I can’t tell you how excited both Billy and I are at having a regular home at that incredible Smith Center. It is a party. And that’s what I want everyone to know. It’s a really fun party with people you know, some people you don’t know, and some people you will never need to know in your life (laughs). What makes this whole thing work is the audience and how they take this whole experience in.”

Some of the A-Listers seen at Cast Party include Liza Minnelli, Michael Feinstein, Clint Holmes, Donny Osmond, Martin Short, Melissa Manchester, Josh Groban, Frankie Moreno, Jon Bon Jovi, Dave Koz, Carol Channing, Stephen Schwartz and Tony Bennett!
Jim Caruso has been spreading the fun all across the country, celebrating local talent in Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, Austin, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Orlando, the Hamptons, Provincetown, and on the high seas.

Somewhere between “There’s no business like show business” and “there’s no place like home,” you’ll find Cast Party – On The Road!

For more info about Cast Party in NYC  click on CastPartyNYC.com

Ticket prices for Cast Party in Las Vegas – $20-$30

October 9, 2013, 9:30p.m.

More info about Cast Party in Las Vegas at the Smith Center’s Cabaret Jazz can be found here.

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Travis Wall and friends dance their way through Bacchanal Buffet at Las Vegas’ Caesar’s Palace

 In honor of the $17 million Bacchanal Buffet’s first birthday, Travis Wall of Fox’s hit show So You Think You Can Dance joined forces with Caesars Palace in creating this athletic dance number and video that showcases the talent, creativity and expertise of the dancers while highlighting the array of culinary offerings and the sleek design of the space.

From flipping off of the furniture to breathtaking pirouettes, dancing on the tables to synchronized plate manipulation, Wall expertly utilizes all of the artistic tools at his disposal to create a mesmerizing dance performance. 

And he does so with a pretty spectacular cast of dancers well-known to the SYTYCD world: season one winner Nick Lazzarini; SYTYCD-finalist Kayla Radomski; SYTYCD All-Star Jaime Goodwin; SYTYCD alum Kayla Kalbfleisch and Channing Cooke; Dancer Adrian Lee, who appeared with Wall on his reality-based Oxygen channel show “All The Right Moves”, and world Champion gymnast Dom Palange, rounding out the skillful ensemble.

Wall’s dancing and choreography look terrific.  And you’ve got to admit the food does, too.  I’ve heard from friends today who’ve been to the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesar’s Palace that the food really is fantastic.  I clearly need to get over there. 

Click the pics below for larger view.

 (via press release)