BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: Dec. 4, 2022
BY: Jackie Brett
CARRIE UNDERWOOD ANNOUNCES 2023 RETURN TO RESORTS WORLD
On the one-year anniversary of the debut of Carrie Underwood’s hit production, “REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency” at Resorts World Theatre, the eight-time GRAMMY® Award-winning superstar has announced her much-anticipated return will commence on June 21, 2023, with dates through Dec. 9.
The first artist to grace the Resorts World Theatre stage, Underwood opened the doors of the 5,000-capacity, world-class theatre with a sold-out premiere on Dec. 1, 2021. Exclusively designed for the state-of-the-art venue, REFLECTION became a must-see show and all 18 shows sold out this year.
In May 2022, Underwood announced a brief hiatus from Las Vegas while she went on her Denim & Rhinestones Tour, promoted by AEG Presents, across 43 U.S. cities. Underwood kicked off her arena tour in October, which continues through March 2023.
JACK HARLOW WILL RETURN TO RESORTS WORLD IN 2023
Following a successful partnership in 2022, Zouk Group and Resorts World have announced three-time GRAMMY-nominated rap superstar Jack Harlow will return as a headlining resident performer at AYU Dayclub and Zouk Nightclub in 2023. Harlow, who is currently on a world tour supporting his latest album, “Come Home the Kids Miss You,” will make his return to Zouk Nightclub on Saturday, March 18 and again May 27.
TWO OFF-BROADWAY MUSICALS OPEN AT V THEATER
Two Off-Broadway shows, the award-winning “NEWSical The Musical” and “A Musical About Star Wars” have both opened at the V Theater at The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. Both shows feature cast members from the Off-Broadway productions and are produced by Tony nominated producer, Tom D’Angora.
Returning to Las Vegas with “NEWSical” are Emmy Award winner Kristen Alderson from “One Life to Live” and “General Hospital, Taylor Crousore and Carly Sakolove. They are joined by Dylan Hartwell who starred in the Off-Broadway run for many years. Crousore, who co-wrote the book to “A Musical About Star Wars,” performs in both shows along with Sakolove who joins the musical in the role of Emily. Rounding out “A Musical About Star Wars” is Gregory Sullivan.
“NEWSical” is always changing because it’s a very clever musical comedy of all the news fit to spoof. Through sketches and original musical numbers, the show mocks and parodies everything from the lowest depths of reality television to the highest office in the land. The long-running musical broke Off-Broadway records and won the Off-Broadway Alliance Award. Several celebrity guests took a turn in the cast, such as Perez Hilton, Kandi Burress, Cheri Oteri, Jackee Harry, and La Toya Jackson, during its decade long run.
Last spring “NEWSical” had a successful limited run at The Majestic Repertory in the Las Vegas Arts District tackling such topics as Adele’s ill-fated Vegas residency and “family-friendly” Vegas.
“A Musical About Star Wars” is a spoof with a fun look at fandom, nerd culture, cosplay, and the biggest film franchise in history. The show-within-a-show follows two moronic super fans, Scott and Taylor, as they attempt to perform their (very unauthorized and very homemade) “Star Wars musical” in hopes of catching the eye of the Comic Con presenters. However, dark forces are looming over their production… and her name is Emily, a local actress of questionable talents who has a lot to say about “boys whipping out their lightsabers.”
“A Musical About Star Wars” performs Thursday through Sunday at 4:30 p.m. “NEWSical The Musical” takes the stage Tuesday through Sunday at 6 p.m. Ticket range for both shows is $79.9 to $119.98 for VIP seating.
‘CHRISTMAS IN HELL’ IS PLAYING AT NOTORIETY DOWNTOWN
The Off-Broadway hit, “Christmas in Hell,” is continuing its holiday run at Notoriety’s Renkus Heinz Theater downtown on Fremont Street through Jan. 1, 2023. The irreverent musical is a 90-minute twisted-comedy production with original songs and assortment of characters.
“Christmas in Hell” takes place on Christmas Eve, where a young boy is mistakenly taken down to Hell. When he returns, not only has he missed Christmas, but he is devilishly changed. To set things right, his father embarks on an extraordinary adventure eventually leading him down to Hell itself, where he makes a wager with Lucifer he can’t win.
The show’s unconventional plot line offers a departure from traditional Christmas offerings. The show’s author Gary Apple, who wrote the book, music and lyrics, said he had to remove some of the most outrageous elements for the New York production, but put them back in the show for the run in Las Vegas.
Performances are at 8 p.m. Tickets are $55 and $65.
VICKI BARBOLAK IS TUESDAY REGULAR AT JIMMY KIMMEL’S COMEDY CLUB
Notable resident performers at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club in December include Farrell Dillon, known for combining hilarious comedy and mind-melting magic into a modern style; Vicki Barbolak, a top 10 finalist on season 13 of “America’s Got Talent,” renowned for her stand-up comedy act; and Luenell, American comedian and actress known for her roles in “Borat,” “A Star Is Born,” “That’s My Boy,” “Hotel Transylvania” and more.
Barbolak has a 7:30 showtime on Tuesdays through February. She has branded her stand-up act “Trailer Nasty” and can usually be seen wearing leopard print. She lives in a trailer park, so her material is first-hand and familiar.
Kimmel’s club is positioned in the heart of The LINQ Promenade. The dual-level 8,000-square-foot venue has an expandable showroom seating up to 300 guests. The main level has a bar and casual seating with casual cuisine available and memorabilia.
MOB MUSEUM CURATES HISTORIC VEGAS PHOTO EXHIBIT FOR EL CORTEZ
The Mob Museum has unveiled a new photography exhibit in partnership with the nearby family owned El Cortez downtown. The exhibit titled “From Gambling Town to Resort Destination: The Epic Rise of Las Vegas” is situated in the north-south hallway inside the historic hotel/casino and takes viewers on a journey through time in Las Vegas.
The exhibit depicts imagery of historic hotel properties, iconic Downtown Las Vegas locations and legendary figures such as the Rat Pack, Elvis and others, including the El Cortez’s previous owner, mobster Bugsy Siegel and his associates. Each image is paired with an informational plaque describing the historical context of the photograph. The exhibit is free to view and open to adults 21 and older.
The project coincides with the completed $28 million-plus renovation of the El Cortez and its original hotel rooms from 1941, dubbed the Original 47, and the launch of the “Mob Boss” hotel package, including two Museum admission tickets and a hotel stay in an Original 47 room. Guests can use the offer code “MBORG47” online when booking.
FUNDRAISER MONDAYS DARK CELEBRATES NINTH ANNIVERSARY
To celebrate the ninth anniversary of monthly fundraiser Mondays Dark, host and creator of Mondays Dark, Mark Shunock, will be joined by more than a dozen of Vegas’ brightest stars. The popular grassroots charitable movement raising much needed funding for Las Vegas’ local nonprofit organizations, will celebrate with a year-end, anniversary spectacular on Monday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. at The Pearl at the reopened Palms.
Performers will include Clint Holmes, Skye Miles, Daniel Emmett, Jimmy Denning. Lorena Peril and the ladies of “Fantasy,” Doug and Jackie Miranda of “Soul of Motown,” the Bronx Wanderers, Emily England of “Opium,” Bubbles the Clown, Ian Bagg, Mariachi Joya, and special performances by the casts of “Bat Out of Hell” and “Freestyle Love Supreme.”
Tickets are available at mondaysdark.com. Reserved Seating is $50 and General Admission $20.In addition, Shunock will marry one couple at Mondays Dark.
THE GARDEN FEATURES RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE ALUM EUREKA O’HARA
Gay bar, The Garden Las Vegas located in the Art District in Downtown, is welcoming its newest residency queen, Eureka O’Hara. The “Rupaul’s Drag Race” alum is hosting a series of events including watch parties, a drag brunch and monthly live performances. The Garden is open Thursday through Sunday and located at 1017 S.1st Street #180. Parking is complimentary.
Every Friday through Dec. 30, you can join O’Hara for an intimate watch party of HBO’s Emmy®- and GLAAD Award-winning unscripted series, “We’re Here.” Guests will receive exclusive insight and behind the scenes details followed by Q&A about the HBO docu-series.
The Garden’s signature Saturday and Sunday noon Bottomless Drag Brunch is all-inclusive with a show by the resident lineup of sickening queens, delectable dishes and bottomless mimosas. Through December, tickets are $69.
The Garden will also host a monthly party called “Eureka’s Castle,” featuring live performances from drag royalty and the Elephant Queen herself. This monthly event will start on Jan. 28 and continue the last Saturday each month.
SNOW CARNIVAL HOLIDAY FOREST IS OPEN AT M RESORT
Snow Carnival Holiday Forest has opened inside the M Pavilion at M Resort as the newest holiday attraction in the Las Vegas Valley. The winter wonderland attraction is open daily through Jan. 8, 2023. Tickets are available for select dates and time slots at snowcarnival.com and include unlimited rides for the one-of-a-kind winter-themed attraction. Snow Carnival is open daily with hours changing slightly through the season.
Snow Carnival creates a storybook experience of exploration, wonder, and fun for the entire family with immersive play, unlimited rides and many Instagram-worthy moments, as well as offering a selection of wintery eats, treats, and drinks for addition costs.
Visitors can experience a gentle flurry of snowflakes in designated areas, multiple snow play spaces for snowball throwing contests, building a snowman or making a snow angel, and unlimited rides like the Mini Matterhorn tubing slide and Santa Train. Guests can pet the reindeer in the Reindeer Barn and check out the polar bears and penguins, which add to the lifelike winter wildlife atmosphere. The experience can be commemorated with a professional photo with the loveable Snow Carnival Yeti for an extra charge.
Tickets are booked for time slots and each entry includes all snow activities. Tickets are priced at $36.99 for adults aged 12 and up, at $29.99 for children aged 3 to 11. Children 2 and under are free.
ROOFTOP EXPERIENCE ‘IGLOO’ RETURNS TO RESORTS WORLD
The wintertime attraction “Igloo” has returned to the Rose Rooftop at Resorts World creating a winter wonderland featuring Veuve Clicquot, seasonal treats, cocktails, games, stunning décor and more.
Featuring Veuve Clicquot, Rose Rooftop is a winter paradise as giant igloos, cozy fire pits, interactive games and chic winter décor fill the space. Guests can choose from eight different private igloos where a group of four can cozy up or gather with friends in plush couch seating around the fire pits and at the bar, all while enjoying the picturesque atmosphere and holiday-inspired cocktails such as the Naughty List, POLAR eXpresso, White Christmas Margarita and more.
Open through Saturday, Feb. 11, “Igloo” will be available Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight. For information and reservations, visit zoukgrouplv.com/roserooftop.
VEGAS TEST KITCHEN CELEBRATES TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Vegas Test Kitchen will hold a two-year free anniversary party on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The event will feature live music, great vibes, and food and bites to purchase. Though the event is free, guests should reserve their spot at secretburger.com/events/.
Located on the Fergusons Downtown City Block at 1020 Fremont Street #120 and offering a rotating menu from sandwiches to sushi and everything in between, Vegas Test Kitchen is Downtown Las Vegas’ first food hall, designed during the pandemic to serve as a home and creative outlet for the talented chefs in the Las Vegas community. Now, two years later, Vegas Test Kitchen has shared its kitchen with 75 concepts, serving as the launching pad for several successful restaurants.
Anniversary Pop Ups will include Down 2 Earth, Sliced, Popnpies, Banichka, This Mama's House, Stay Tuned Burgers, and Chef Justin Kingsley Hall. From noon to 3 p.m., guests can participate in the Glou-Glou Wine Club to taste organic and low-intervention wines from around the globe, curated by wine expert Kirk Peterson. Tickets include five wines for $25 or 10 for $35.
ATOMIC TESTING MUSEUM OPENS NEW EXHIBIT AND HOLDS BOOK SIGNING
The Atomic Testing Museum will be holding an exclusive book signing event with Bruce W. Church, author of “The Fallout Story,” on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. Taking readers through the author’s first-hand account of the early days of nuclear weapons testing at the Nevada Test Site, “The Fallout Story” discusses measurements gathered from atomic tests as well as their effects on the health and safety of surrounding areas and populations in Utah, Southern Nevada, and beyond. The book signing is free to attend; copies of “The Fallout Story” can be purchased at the Atomic Testing Museum for $70.
On Thursday, Dec. 15, the newest exhibit, “The Bomb Without The Boom,” opens at the museum answering the question, “What happened to our nukes?” The exhibit will highlight the Stockpile Stewardship Program and how, with the use of innovative and exciting scientific based experiments, the United States today can assure the safety and reliability of its nuclear weapons without underground testing in a post-Cold War world. Showing how data gleaned from the use of lasers and small amounts of explosives are fed into super computers, this exhibit will demonstrate how these practices give scientists both peace of mind and confirmation of the viability of U.S. nuclear weapons.
All museum events require registration. For more information, visit nationalatomictestingmuseum.org.
THE PLAZA WELCOMES ‘YELLOWSTONE’ ACTOR FORRIE J. SMITH
On Friday, Dec. 9 at 5:15 p.m., prior to the live viewing party of the ninth round of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), the Plaza will welcome Montana cowboy and “Yellowstone” star, Forrie J. Smith, for a special appearance promoting his new series and introducing its theme song, titled “Well-Oiled Machine.” Co-written by songwriter/producer J. Michael Harter and former PBR Finals Bull Rider/Musician Beni Paulson, it will be performed on stage at the Dec. 9 event by Smith and Harter. Smith will be hosting a talk show/television series titled “Ramblin’ with Forrie J.,” debuting New Year’s Day on Wild Rides TV.
FERRARO’S SPECIAL DECEMBER DINNERS
Family-owned Ferraro’s Ristorante’s next Taste & Learn dinner will be held Thursday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. The monthly wine-tasting and education event will feature wines from Poggio al Tesoro and Brancaia wineries located in the Bolgheri and Siena winemaking regions of Tuscany and Italian small plates crafted by Chef Mimmo Ferraro. Tickets for the all-inclusive experience are $110 per person, call 702-364-5300. Ferraro’s is on Paradise Road across the street from Virgin Hotels.
Ferraro’s is featuring the Feast of the Seven Fishes Christmas Eve Dinner on Saturday, Dec. 24. The five-course dinner will feature fresh seafood selections with an Italian flare. The menu is $125 per person and children 12 and under can partake of the restaurant’s children’s menu. Ferraro’s will be open 4 to 10 p.m. that day and the regular dinner menu will also be available.
SANTA APPEARANCES AND MOVIE SCREENINGS AROUND TOWN
Santa Claus will be making a holly-jolly holiday visit at Hash House A Go Go in the Summerlin location for complimentary photo opportunities on Sat., Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. Santa is also treating kids 10 and under to complimentary hot cocoa.
Every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 24, guests are invited to bring cameras, take photos and meet-and-greet with jolly Saint Nick at Downtown Container Park from noon to 4 p.m.to personally deliver their holiday wish lists.
Santa will be at The Gramercy at 215 and Russell Road on Saturdays, Dec. 10 and 17 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Downtown Container Park’s “Movies on The Lawn” returns with family-friendly holiday favorites including: “Elf” on Dec. 11, “The Santa Clause” on Dec. 12, and “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” on Dec. 18. Moviegoers can stay toasty with $2 hot cider and $4hot chocolate from Las Vegas Chocolate Bar on the park’s second floor. Personal folding chairs and blankets are permitted.
The Front Yard at Ellis Island will have movie nights on a big screen at the indoor-outdoor beer garden. “Gremlins” is on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 5 and 7 p.m., and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 5 and 7 p.m. Reservations are available on OpenTable.
