“BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW”
DATE: Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016
BY: Jackie Brett
VEGAS COLUMN
NEW PRODUCTION OF ‘ABSINTHE’ WILL MOVE TO THE COSMOPOLITAN
“Absinthe” show producer The Gazillionaire will open a new production of the long-running hit show at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. In collaboration with The Cosmopolitan, Spiegelworld productions will take over and re-imagine the former ballroom space in Rose. Rabbit. Lie., creating a distinct, all new venue for “Absinthe.” Rose. Rabbit. Lie. will continue to operate as a modern supper club offering dining and live entertainment.
“Absinthe” will hold its last performance in the outside tent at Caesars Palace on Friday, Oct. 21, and will commence previews at The Cosmopolitan in late 2016. The move serves as the next chapter for “Absinthe,” which was first presented in 2006 in a spiegeltent in New York City. It opened in Las Vegas in 2011.
PLAZA DEBUTS ‘ONE EPIC NIGHT!’ WITH TV TALENT SHOW FAVORITES
“One Epic Night!” is a brand new live stage show that will debut at the Plaza downtown for a limited engagement from Aug. 29 to Jan. 4 (dark Dec. 1-20) featuring some finalists from popular talent competition shows. The 70-minute, all ages show will run Saturday through Wednesday at 7 p.m. with some 4 p.m. matinees instead of 7 p.m. shows on Saturdays - Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 8, 15 and Nov. 5, 12.
The show’s performers will include: Megan Ruger, a contestant from season six of “The Voice” and season 10 of “American Idol;” Will Champlin, who placed third on season five of “The Voice;” Jarrett and Raja: “The Magic and Piano Guys,” who were contestants on “Masters of Illusion” and “Shark Tank” and were Howie Mandel’s wild card pick on season seven of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent;” and James Durbin, a singer and guitarist from Santa Cruz, Calif., who finished in fourth place on the 10th season of “American Idol.”
Tickets are $59.95, $79.95, and $109.95. In addition, Plaza hotel guests can buy one ticket and get one free. A “dinner and a show” package is available for $130.35.
JOHN RICH WILL OPEN LIVE MUSIC CLUB AT GRAND BAZAAR SHOPS
John Rich, best known as half of the country music duo Big & Rich, is expanding his Redneck Riviera apparel brand with plans to open a 400- to 500-capacity music club at the Grand Bazaar Shops in front of Bally’s. The second-floor venue will have retractable doors leading to an open-air patio. For food, the club will offer a menu selection served to you from Wahlburgers eatery on the first floor. Patriotically, staffed by veterans there will be a Heroes Bar offering a first drink free to active military and vets.
Musically, most nights will feature a house band but Rich plans on being a regular with other big names also occasionally making appearances.
‘SIN CITY COMEDY & BURLESQUE’ HAS NEW TIME, VENUE AND SHOWCASE
In June, the seven-year-old “Sin City Comedy & Burlesque” (SCCB) show moved across the Mezzanine level at Planet Hollywood to The Cabaret. Seating is a mix of classic cabaret style with comfortable leather chairs, couches and cocktail tables, standard general admission seating, and standing room at the bar. SCCB features an ever changing lineup of nationally known comedians and some sexy showgirls. Performances are nightly at 9 p.m.
“Tease from the Strip,” a showcase for rising comedians and hosted by comedian John Hilder, is new. Comedians compete for cash prizes on Tuesday and Thursday nights starting at 10:30 p.m. There is no cover charge. Comedians looking to participate must sign up at the end of any showcase.
LARGE SCALE LEGO® MODELS OF D.C. LANDMARKS VISIT FASHION SHOW
THE LEGO® Americana Roadshow, an educational and free traveling installation of larger-than-life LEGO replicas of some of our nation’s most beloved landmarks, will be on display at the Fashion Show Las Vegas mall Sept. 27-Oct. 9.
Replicas with stunning visuals and fun facts will include: the U.S. Capitol Building, White House, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall, and Old North Church. The U.S. Capitol Building is over 25 feet long and 10 feet high. Exhibition hours will be Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday noon-7 p.m.
VAN MORRISON WILL PERFORM TWO SHOWS AT CAESARS PALACE
British R&B icon and legendary composer, singer and performer Van Morrison will headline two nights at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Friday and Saturday, Jan. 13 and 14. As a special offer, a physical CD of Van Morrison’s upcoming album, “Keep Me Singing,” will be included with every ticket ordered. Tickets range from $56.20 to $257.
Morrison by the age of 13 was working as a travelling musician playing guitar and saxophone in several bands. In 1964, he formed the group Them, which recorded “Gloria” and “Here Comes the Night.” A few years later, he released “Brown Eyed Girl” and began his solo career as a successful musician. He has since released more than 30 albums and his upcoming album, “Keep Me Singing,” will be available Sept. 30.
MELISSA ETHERIDGE SET TO PERFORM FREE FREMONT STREET SHOW
The Fremont Street Experience’s next Rock of Vegas concert series free outdoor show will present Melissa Etheridge on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 9 p.m. on the 3rd Street Stage. Etheridge’s most recent song “Pulse” is dedicated to the Orlando shooting victims. Along with her massive hits including “I’m the Only One” and “Come to My Window,” she can also be heard in Al Gore’s documentary “An Inconvenient Truth” singing her song, “I Need to Wake Up.” Her most recent album is “This is M.E.” released in September 2014.
‘TONY SACCA’S VEGAS THE STORY’ WILL OPEN AT BALLY’S
Show producer-entertainer Tony Sacca will open his 2 p.m. matinee show “Tony Sacca’s Vegas the Story” in the Windows Showroom at Bally’s on Friday, Sept. 23. The show, created and written by Sacca presents the city’s history with humor and song from the 1930s to the present day with a spotlight on Las Vegas headliners. The late David Brenner did story consulting and added material. There will be a cast of five on stage with music under the direction of Grammy award winner Gary Anderson.
TOP SHOT IS NEW NON-LETHAL SHOOTING RANGE
Top Shot Las Vegas is the first non-lethal shooting range in Las Vegas located at 3084 S. Highland Drive, Suite C. Now instead of shooting at a static paper target, participants can practice realistic scenarios with the target moving. For all skill levels, the goal is to provide the opportunity to become firearm proficient free of live ammunition. The non-lethal training ammo with real recoil and shell ejection is used on virtual ranges and in the Shoot House.
FRENCH MONTANA SET FOR EXCLUSIVE TAO GROUP RESIDENCY
Rapper French Montana will kick off an exclusive residency with TAO Group venues in Las Vegas on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Marquee Nightclub in The Cosmopolitan, with additional venues and dates to be announced later. His sophomore album, “Mac & Cheese 4,” is set to be released Aug. 19. He’s collaborated with everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Jay-Z. In addition, Montana started acting by playing himself in the romantic comedy “The Perfect Match,” which came out last May.
HEADLINER JEFF CIVILLICO LAUNCHES WEEKLY SHOW
“The Weekend in Vegas” is a new entertainment-news program hosted by Flamingo headliner Jeff Civillico. The show takes place in front of a live audience at The LINQ Promenade fountain and will officially debut on Thursday, Aug. 18 with a red carpet start at 8 p.m. Fellow Flamingo headliner Olivia Newton-John is scheduled to appear on the show with Venetian headliners Human Nature performing songs from their new show "Jukebox.”
In addition to filming at The LINQ, other Vegas experiences will be covered by segments including: “Lucky 7” – best seven weekend bets; “Music Minute;” the “60-Second Wedding;” the “Taste of Vegas” restaurant spotlight; etc.
The stage at The LINQ is an attraction. A repurposed shipping container has been made into a portable two-story studio and it is placed on top of the fountains each week using a crane. The lower stage features guest performers and interactive games while the upper one has the house band. Live audience members have a chance to be on TV and win prizes.
A 30-minute version of the show will air every weekend on KTNV, the Las Vegas ABC affiliate. The 60-minute version of the show will stream online every Thursday at 6 p.m. PT.
MANDY MOORE CREATES NEW CLOSING NUMBER FOR ‘FANTASY’
Celebrating more than 16 successful years on the Strip, four-time Emmy Award-nominee Mandy Moore will spice up the “FANTASY” show in the Atrium Showroom at the Luxor by choreographing the show’s new closing number. The new routine set to Justin Timberlake’s smash hit “Can’t Stop the Feeling” will debut during the show’s calendar release event this fall.
Moore is best known for her work on television series “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing with the Stars.” Her most recent dance planning is on the upcoming musical comedy “La La Land” starring Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling and J.K. Simmons.
SIEGFRIED & ROY’S TIGER CUBS CELEBRATED FIRST BIRTHDAY
Siegfried & Roy’s newest tiger cubs Hirah and Maharani celebrated their first birthday this month at Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage. The girl cubs played with papier-mâché “1” piñatas and were treated to big juicy watermelons and presents while guests enjoyed cookies decorated with a white tiger face.
BABY SHARKS ARE HATCHING AT NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
This month, a mother Banded Bamboo Shark at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum’s Marine Life Gallery laid 24 eggs to be hatched and raised at the museum’s dedicated shark hatchery. The hatchery is back-lit and the eggs are translucent making the development of the sharks something that can be observed and measured. Eventually, these sharks will move to the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay to live.
Three baby sharks that emerged already were named (Michael) Phelps, (Cody) Miller and (Lily) King acknowledging the 2016 USA Olympic Swim Team members.
Admission to the museum starts at $10 for adults.
CHARLI XCX HEADLINES OFFICIAL PRIDE PARADE CONCERT
Pop singer and songwriter Charli XCX will headline the official Las Vegas PRIDE after-party concert on Friday, Oct. 21 at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC). The special one-night-only event will commemorate the 18th Annual PRIDE Night Parade beginning at the 4th Street parade route and running from 8 to 10 p.m. with the concert immediately following. Tickets start at $20.
British performer Charli XCX emerged on the London music scene in 2008 performing at energetic raves. In 2013, she achieved international success collaborating on the popular singles “I Love It” with Icona Pop and “Fancy” with Iggy Azalea. This year, Charli XCX will continue to create a distinguished sound with the launch of her boutique music label Vroom Vroom.
RECENT RESTAURANT OPENINGS
Have talked about the following restaurants in the past but now they are all open.
The 10,000-square-foot and first Cracker Barrel location in Las Vegas is open beside the Silverton on Blue Diamond Road right off the I-15. The next one will open in North Las Vegas in September.
Casa Del Matador recently made its Las Vegas debut at Downtown Summerlin with its south of the border, scratch-made cuisine. Happy Hour is offered daily from 4 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. and brunch is featured Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Every Tuesday from open until close, Casa Del Matador with a selection of 128 rare tequilas offers half-off on any tequila $12 or more.
Award-winning Chef Shawn McClain reveals his latest culinary creations for his third Las Vegas restaurant, Libertine Social, now open at Mandalay Bay. Featuring two bars, a social dining room, chef’s table and patio, Libertine Social is creating different vibes.
CURACAO WILL OPEN FIRST NEVADA LOCATION AT MEADOWS MALL
Curacao, a California-based retail giant with a focus on Hispanic culture, will open its 12th store and first in Nevada at the Meadows Mall this fall. Founded in 1981 in Los Angeles, Curacao has evolved into a top 50 U.S.-ranked electronics and appliance retailer with stores throughout California and Arizona. The 100,000-square-foot store at Meadows Mall will offer full range of department store merchandise as well as a wide range of services, including travel arrangements through the Curacao travel agency.
ORLEANS HOSTS 28TH ANNUAL MRS. VIETNAM WORLD COMPETITION
International beauty-talent pageant, Mrs. Vietnam World 2016 will have married Vietnamese women competing at The Orleans Showroom on Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m. The competition will have Viet Tao as emcee, performances by singer Khac Viet and vocal group The Men, along with a fashion show by designer Tommy Nguyen. Tickets start at $38.15.
The winner will have the honor of representing Vietnam at the Mrs. World pageant in South Korea.
ENTERTAINMENT IS ONGOING AT BROOKLYN BOWL
Michael Franti & Spearhead will give off cool vibrations at Brooklyn Bowl on Friday, Aug. 26 at 9 p.m. While the notoriously-barefoot Franti’s career began in 1986 with an industrial punk and spoken word group, Spearhead came together and has been performing since 1994. Tickets start at $35.
Austin, Texas-based instrumental quartet, Explosions In The Sky will perform on Sunday, Aug. 28 at 9 p.m. The group has woven its way into pop culture, being heavily-featured in the hit television series, and film of the same name, “Friday Night Lights.” Tickets start at $25.
SPEED NOTES
The Monte Carlo resort will be closing its pool, The Pub eatery and other outlets along the Street of Dreams shopping area for good on Oct. 3. Hotel guests will be given access to pools at MGM International’s sister properties. This move will be the start of the property’s $450 million transformation into two separate hotels — Park MGM and the NoMad Las Vegas, and 5,300-seat Park Theater with completion by 2018.
The Roos-N-More zoo in Moapa, 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas, is open again. Intentions are for the facility to be open to the public on Saturdays. The hands-on animal attraction is limited to 150 mammals and 200 people on the property at any given time. Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 2 to 17.
Due to extraordinary demand, four-time Grammy® Award winner, Lionel Richie, has released three additional performance dates Dec. 27, 29 and 30 during New Year Eve’s week for “Lionel Richie - All the Hits” at The AXIS in Planet Hollywood. Shows are at 8 p.m.
The “Mat Franco – Magic Reinvented Nightly” show at The LINQ celebrated its first anniversary this month. Franco and company were presented with a custom, magic-inspired cake and cupcakes.
Hard Rock Live on the third floor at Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas Strip will host Slipknot’s official after party featuring DJ Starscream (Sid Wilson of Slipknot) and DJ Lethal on Sun., Aug. 21 at 10 p.m. Cost is $10. Concert-goers can enjoy the daily Happy Hour from 10 p.m. to closing, featuring $3 beer, $4 wine and $5 call drinks.
On National Bratwurst Day, Tuesday, Aug. 16, Beer Park is offering a brat and brew $5 special, which includes Beer Park’s Shock Top bratwurst and a Budweiser Signature draft.
The High Roller Observation Wheel during the month of August is offering a special discounted daytime ticket, which is general admission for $15 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
National Cheese Pizza Day at TREVI Italian Restaurant in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace will be celebrated on Monday, Sept. 5. TREVI’s signature cheese pizza will be specially-priced at $10 for the holiday.
Crazy Horse III gentlemen club’s at 3525 W. Russell Road will host “Topless Tailgate” game day viewing parties on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays for the duration of the 2016 NFL and NCAA seasons beginning Saturday, Aug. 27.
LOCAL LIFE TIME ATHLETIC CLUBS HOST BIKES AND BRUNCH EVENTS
Life Time Athletic Las Vegas clubs will hold a Bikes and Brunch event from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20 at the Green Valley location and Saturday, Aug. 27 at Summerlin. The fitness-fueled events will feature an hour-long cycle class, followed by a gourmet brunch spread. Events are free for members and $30 for non-members, which include a 24-hour club day pass.
Green Valley’s brunch will feature a complimentary beverage upon entry, as well as the option to purchase a bottomless beverage pass for $10. Brunch at Summerlin will be held at the LifeCafe’s covered outdoor patio and have a DJ and full bar with numerous drink options.
