BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: May 14, 2017
BY: Jackie Brett
BROADWAY COMEDY HAS GAY MAN GIVING STRAIGHT WOMEN ADVICE
“Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man” featuring Kendra Wilkinson and Jai Rodriguez will open at Paris in the Anthony Cools Showroom May 27 with 7 and 11 p.m. shows nightly except Wednesday through Aug. 20. Tickets start at $39.
Wilkinson is well known for co-starring on the reality hit “The Girls Next Door” for five seasons until 2009. She joined the WE tv family with her hit show, “Kendra On Top” in 2012. She’s also shared her unique outlook on life on “Celebrity Wife Swap” and ABC’s reality diving competition show, “Splash,” and other reality shows. Her newest is “Family Boot Camp.”
Rodriguez is an Emmy Award-winning television host, and Broadway singer-performer who began his career at age 18 as Angel in the musical “Rent.” He may be most recognized for his role in Bravo’s culturally groundbreaking series “Queer Eye For The Straight Guy;” however, his list of television credits is lengthy and this summer he returns to the big screen in the cult classic “Sharknado.”
PIFF THE MAGIC DRAGON SETS NEW DATES AT FLAMINGO
Piff the Magic Dragon will make Las Vegas his home with more than 40 days of consecutive performances May 22-July 4 at the Flamingo.
The British comedy magician who dresses in a magic dragon suit bills himself as the Season 10 Loser of “America’s Got Talent” on NBC, which is a complete misnomer. He’s a huge success with a Las Vegas-residency at the Flamingo when he’s not on the road touring across America. His partner in his act is the World’s First Magic Performing Chihuahua™. New for this season, Mr. Piffles – The Dog Who Knows, is setting out to answer any question posed by the audience to prove he is the world’s most knowledgeable canine.
In the highly recognizable giant lizard suit is Larry David performing amazing magic tricks. He has more than 50 million YouTube hits to his name and is the standout star of “Penn & Teller: Fool Us.”
DITA VON TEESE VISITS HOUSE OF BLUES
Burlesque headliner Dita Von Teese will make a stop at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay with her North American tour of “The Art of the Teese” variety show on Monday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $50.
The decadent spectacle showcases four of Von Teese’s routines, including a brand new version of her memorable “Martini Glass” act featuring a new champagne glass, crystalized from top to bottom with more than 250,000 Swarovski crystals. She will also debut a brand new costume for the routine and recently added male dancers. Von Teese is renowned for her ornate sets.
This leg of the tour has new acts never before seen in the United States including “Lazy,” an act from The Crazy Horse Paris, an all-new ballet-themed “Swan Lake Stripteese,” and a revitalization of Von Teese’s Cowgirl Act with her sexy male “Vontourage.”
Beyond her live performances, Von Teese has curated her brand across multiple platforms including her own lingerie line, fragrances, eyewear, gloves and stockings. In addition, she is a New York Times Best-Selling author who recently released her third book, “Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour.”
X BURLESQUE’ CELEBRATES DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY IN LAS VEGAS
“X Burlesque” at the Flamingo is celebrating 15 years as one of the city’s hottest topless revues. The show created and produced by husband and wife team, Matt and Angela Stabile, is performed nightly at 10 p.m. inside the X Showroom. Tickets are $55.95, $79.95 and $86.27.
New costumes and seductive new dance numbers have been added to the show in honor of the Diamond Anniversary, including a seductive pole number to “Dirty Girl”; a high-energy showstopper to “Show Girl” and “Lone Digger;” a hip hop number to Iggy Azalea’s “Mo Bounce;” a sensual “leg” striptease to Calvin Harris’ “Slow Acid;” and a trip to “Paradise City” and “Pure Imagination,” a Gene Wilder tribute to Guns & Roses.
‘DANCING WITH THE STARS: LIVE!’ VISITS ORLEANS ARENA
TV’s hottest dance show is going back on tour across America this summer. The pros on the “Dancing with the Stars: Live! – Hot Summer Nights” tour will stop at the Orleans Arena on Sunday, Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $49.
This all-new production showcases every type of ballroom and modern dance seen on ABC’s hit show produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Choreographed with creative direction by four-time Emmy nominee Mandy Moore, dancers including
Lindsay Arnold, Sharna Burgess, Artem Chigvintsev, Sasha Farber, Keo Motsepe, Gleb Savchenko, Emma Slater, Alan Bersten, Hayley Erbert and Britt Stewart, with more to be announced.
PAWN STAR OPENS CANDY STORE
Chumlee’s Candy on the Boulevard is the new store on the lower level of Pawn Plaza next to the famous Gold and Silver Pawn store at 725 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Austin Russell with the nickname Chumlee is one of the main cast members on History’s “Pawn Stars.” Chumlee’s brother Sage Russell, who is turning 21, will run the family business stocked with famous and classic sugar goodies. The candy store is next to Rick’s Rollin’ Smoke Barbecue and Tavern, operated by Rick Harrison another star of the hit television show.
GOLDEN NUGGET PLANS AHEAD FOR NATIONAL FINALS RODEO
The National Finals Rodeo (NFR) may not be until Dec. 7-16; however, the Golden Nugget has again started announcing its all-star lineup. Check out who the resort has already booked: John Michael Montgomery Dec. 7; Brenda Lee Dec. 8; Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan Dec. 9; Charlie Daniels Band Dec. 10; Ronnie Milsap Dec. 11; Tanya Tucker Dec. 12; and Clint Black Dec. 14, with additional artists to be announced at a later date.
FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE HOSTS LAS VEGAS CAR STARS
The Las Vegas Car Stars 2017 event will take over the Fremont Street Experience on Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20 showcasing television and movie vehicles. This year’s ninth annual event will celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Star Wars,” the 50th anniversary of the Beatles album, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” and the Fast and Furious franchise.
Featuring more than 75 legendary cars, the event will begin on Friday at the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign followed by a parade of cars. Festivities will continue at Fremont Street Experience showcasing the vehicles and kicking off the Opening Ceremony at 5 p.m. on the 3rd Street Stage.
On Saturday, the celebrity cars will be on display 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with celebrity appearances and autographs from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and a Q&A session from 1–2 p.m.
WESTGATE HOSTS WORLD SERIES OF BEER PONG XII TOURNAMENT
The World Series of Beer Pong (WSOBP), the world’s largest and longest-running organized beer pong tournament, returns to Las Vegas for the 12th year. The WSOBP XII being held at Westgate Friday-Sunday, June 2-4, will feature thousands of beer pong enthusiasts from around the globe competing for the chance to win at least $35,000 in prize money and the title “World Beer Pong Champion.”
The grand prize is at least $35,000 and could grow to more than $100,000, depending on the number of teams competing. Players interested in participating can register online. Registration is $299.95 and Spectator Passes are $20 per day or $50 for all three days, visit www.BPONG.com/WSOBP.
PLAZA CONTINUES CASINO UPGRADES
The Plaza downtown began revamping its casino operations and hotel amenities in 2015 and will now add more gaming options. Next month the casino will launch Keno, a wide variety of slot machines with high payouts, and new hi-tech LED roulette tables.
In June, the new Keno lounge on the casino floor will run every five-to-eight minutes from 8 a.m. to midnight daily. The Plaza will also offer MegaKeno and Mega 10 Keno giving players access to statewide progressives with higher jackpots. Keno monitors with live games will be located throughout the casino floor, including at the new Brightside – Breakfast & Burgers restaurant, the Race & Sports Book bar, Omaha Lounge, Hash House A Go Go, and inside the Bingo room on the third floor. The Plaza’s Royal Rewards Players Club members can earn points for Keno play.
BILL GOLDBERG FAN VISIT AT SUGAR FACTORY AMERICAN BRASSERIE
American professional wrestler, actor, NFL player Bill Goldberg, also known as “Goldberg,” will host a meet-and-greet at Sugar Factory American Brasserie’s newest location at the Fashion Show mall on Saturday, May 20 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Fans for $20 may take a selfie with Goldberg and receive an autograph. The $75 VIP package grants fans a fast pass, selfie, autographed picture, and complementary lunch including the exclusive GoldBurger, French fries and an Insane Milkshake or beer. Reservations encouraged, call 702-685-0403.
ORIGINAL MUSICAL ‘CLOWNTOWN’ DEBUTS AT JUDY BAYLEY THEATRE
“Clowntown,” an original musical filled with murder, romance, big shoes and laughs will debut May 27 at 2 p.m. and May 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Judy Bayley Theatre on the UNLV campus. Tickets are $30 online with all proceeds benefitting the Nevada Conservatory Theatre, UNLV’s professional theater training program.
The show is written by Michael Brennan, musical director for “Le Reve” and co-founder of “Composers Showcase of Las Vegas,” and John Massé, creative director for Skechers USA and creator at Disney Digital. “Clowntown” takes place in a world where clowns are born naturally, not made.
Allegra Libonati, resident director of the American Repertory Theatre, directs the show. The cast of 20 is led by Justin Sargent of “BAZ” and “Spider-Man,” along with Nicole Kaplan and Randal Keith from “Showstoppers,” with local actors from “Jersey Boys” and “Rock of Ages” completing the ensemble. A full band will accompany the show.
GOLDEN NUGGET HOSTS 10 TH ANNUAL GRAND POKER SERIES
The Golden Nugget will host the 10th annual Grand Poker Series May 30-July 3, in the Grand Event Center with more than 90 poker tournaments spread across 35 days. Buy-ins will range from $110 to $1,000. and most days, three events will be featured at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Of the events on the schedule, 18 are in forms other than Hold ’em.
DINING NEWS ITEMS
Pint-sized Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis has announced she will open her second restaurant in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace.
Note that Smith & Wollensky on the Strip is closing its doors on May 28. The Steakhouse will be creating a new home in another location that will be announced in the coming months.
Waffle Bar Las Vegas has opened a new Tivoli Village location featuring an expanded menu offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. The first location is at The Grand Canal Shops at The Venetian serving waffles, waffle sandwiches, waffle pizzas and more since 2012.
Tennesseasonings opened May 13 at 7315 W. Warm Springs Road. Owned by husband-wife duo Laura and Michael Harris, who moved to Las Vegas from Eastern Tennessee two years ago, it is a quick-serve restaurant dedicated to serving regional-specific East Tennessee BBQ. Head Chef Harris hand selects meats for smoking and prepares them daily including seasoned baby back ribs, pork shoulder and chicken, along with preparing southern sides and desserts.
The next Taste & Learn experience at Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar will be held Saturday, May 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. featuring the wine of Testamatta by Bibi Graetz from Tuscany. Tickets for the wine pairings with four-courses of small plates are $65.
Therapy restaurant on East Fremont Street celebrated the launch of its handcrafted Therapy Whiskey and Therapy Atomic Beer with a VIP tasting celebration. Guests sipped on samples of Therapy Whiskey made by Nevada H&C Distillery, Therapy Atomic Duck Beer created by Able Baker Brewing, and the new St. Therapy cocktail and Off the Wagon shot, both made with the restaurant’s whiskey.
Local restaurant Honey Salt located at 1031 S. Rampart Blvd. has a new kid’s menu “Cole’s Corner” and the youngest diners 10 and under can eat free every Tuesday May 30-Sept. 10 when an adult entrée is purchased. Honey Salt is almost five years old and recently opened a new private dining room for all social events.
OPPORTUNITY VILLAGE HOLDS FREE PERFORMING ARTS CONCERT
Opportunity Village’s clients in the nonprofit organization’s Fine and Performing Arts Program will showcase their talents on stage at the 7th annual Spring Performing Arts Concert, OVation, on Thursday, May 25 at 6 p.m. at the Opportunity Village Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus at 6050 S. Buffalo Drive.
The concert with the theme “Through the Decades” will showcase a collection of music and dances representing a variety of styles and themes throughout the decades. OVation is a free concert open to the public with food and beverages available for purchase.
DELANO WILL HOST 4TH ANNUAL ‘FOR THE LOVE OF COCKTAILS’ GALA
The fourth annual “For The Love Of Cocktails” Grand Gala will take place Friday, May 19 at Delano and bring together the nation’s leaders in spirits, mixology and cocktails. The event will kick off with a happy hour reception at 6 p.m. at Franklin followed by the gala at Skyfall Lounge at 8 p.m. and 7 p.m. for VIPs. The event will offer a variety of craft cocktails, gourmet appetizers, and entrées from Alain Ducasse’s Rivea, and access to meet world-renowned mixologists and chefs. Tickets start at $99.
QUICK TIPS
The 31,000-square-foot historic Mission Linen building has been purchased for redevelopment of the architectural 1950 landmark property over the next 12 months making it into a Class A creative office and entertainment space for tenants in the area’s ongoing revival. Completion is expected to be late in the first quarter of 2018.
Circus Circus is developing a new pool experience to open just in time for summer. The expanded pool complex will offer: Splash Zone, a 50-foot slide tower with three water slides – a speed slide, an aqua tube, and a four-lane mat racer; Splash Pad with water features including water cannons, splash falls and tilting buckets; various shade structures; new lounger chairs; cabanas; personalized lockers; and Splash Snacks, a mobile food truck.
Remedy’s St. Rose at 3265 St. Rose Parkway in Henderson is celebrating its10th anniversary with a roaring ’20s themed party on Saturday, May 20 at 7 p.m. with a live jazz band, dinner buffet, prize giveaways, and drinks at special prices. Dress in ’20s attire for the costume contest.
The 9th annual We♥ Maggie (We Heart Maggie) Golf Tournament supporting the Children’s Heart Foundation will be held Saturday, May 27 at its new location, the Revere Golf Club in Henderson.
FLAMINGO GO POOL ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL CELEBRITY PERFORMERS
The Flamingo GO Pool already confirmed celebrity performances for this summer including Sisqo, the ACM Pool Party for a Cause, Aaron Carter and Taboo. Now rapper Coolio will kick off Memorial Day weekend and the GO Pool’s Flashback Fridays series on Friday, May 26. Grammy-nominated recording artist Ja Rule has been added to the lineup on Saturday, May 20.
Future acts being announced include: Ying Yang Twins July 15; Yazz “The Greatest” July 29; and singer-songwriter Montell Jordan Aug. 5.
ATOMIC TESTING MUSEUM PRESENTS DISTINGUISHED LECTURERS
The National Atomic Testing Museum has two Distinguished Lectures this month. On Friday, May 19 at 6 p.m., Aerospace historian and author Peter Merlin will speak about the design and evolution of The Lockheed Blackbird.
On Thursday, May 25 at 6 p.m., former Los Alamos lab director and current Stanford University professor Dr. Siegfried S. Hecker will talk about lab-to-lab cooperation between the United States and Russia during the Cold War and the importance of continued nuclear cooperation between the two countries.
NIGHT OF ART AND FASHION FUNDRAISER
The nonprofit Las Vegas Fashion Council (LVFC) will host its annual artLIVE! event inside the Troesh Theater at The Smith Center on Thursday, May 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event will feature 10 Maddison hand-painted mannequins by local artists, which will be available for purchase in a silent auction. There will be an auction for other “Art of” items in the categories of food, fashion, beauty, entertainment, art, travel and adventure. Tickets are $100 VIP, $75 general admission and $35 for students.
