BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: April 8, 2018
‘MARILYN! THE NEW MUSICAL’ PLANNED FOR PARIS
Marilyn Monroe will be coming alive on stage when “Marilyn! The New Musical” opens at Paris in May with 20 original musical numbers. It will tell the sexy icon’s story from her days as Norma Jeane with a troubled childhood to her rise to stardom and eternal fame.
“Marilyn! The New Musical” is an original musical written, directed and produced by Tegan Summer, CEO of Prospect House Entertainment, in partnership with Authentic Brands Group, owner of the Estate of Marilyn Monroe. The resident Monroe will be played by actress-singer Ruby Lewis known for appearing in mainstream television series, “BAZ” in Las Vegas, and as The Leading Lady in Cirque du Soleil’s first Broadway show “Paramour.”
Other cast members will represent Norma Jeane and important characters throughout her short life including husbands Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller. Preview performances for the show will begin May 23 with the grand opening set for June 1, which is Monroe’s birth date. Performances will be Tuesday through Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $49.
HARD ROCK RESORT WILL BECOME VIRGIN BRANDED HOTEL
Billionaire Richard Branson and partners are purchasing the Hard Rock hotel and casino. The property will continue as the Hard Rock through 2019 before it is transformed into Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Plans are for the hotel to undergo “hundreds of millions of dollars” worth of renovations over multiple phases.
With the announcement, concern has been what will happen to the giant Hard Rock guitar sign. Branson admits it may be history at the site and not survive. He says in its place, a giant “V” may be the new look.
JEFF DUNHAM PERFORMS FOUR SUMMER SHOWS AT CAESARS PALACE
Superstar ventriloquist Jeff Dunham will return to Las Vegas this summer for four shows of his “Passively Aggressive” tour on June 20, July 11, Aug. 29 and Sept. 12 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Tickets are $49.50, $60.50 and $89.50.
Recently on Netflix, Dunham released his latest standup special, “Jeff Dunham: Relative Disaster,” featuring his ill-behaved characters Walter, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, Bubba J, and Peanut considering what a new member to their already dysfunctional family could mean.
Dunham has built an entertainment empire from his non-stop touring. He’s a
Guinness World Record holder for “Most Tickets Sold for a Stand-up Comedy Tour.” He’s amassed more than a million YouTube subscribers and a billion views.
ELLIS ISLAND CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Las Vegas landmark, Ellis Island Casino, Hotel & Brewery located behind Bally’s, will kick off the casino-wide anniversary party Saturday, April 14.
Festivities will include casino floor and karaoke lounge giveaways, drink specials in the bars, and dinner specials in the restaurant, including the original bowl of chili and ham sandwich combo available back in 1968. A collector’s edition anniversary $5 chip will be available at the gaming tables through the rest of 2018.
Ellis Island brewery has released a 50th Anniversary Golden Lager, a full volume light beer. which was one of the original varieties added to the brewery in 1998, to commemorate the milestone.
Gary Ellis’ father, Frank Ellis Jr., launched the business in 1968 as the Village Pub, a tavern. Ellis took the reins in 1985, changing the name to Ellis Island and expanding the property with the addition of a full casino, live games and later, the brewery and hotel.
Next for the resort will be The Front Yard expansion, a two-story outdoor venue for dining, drinking and entertainment, expected to open later this year.
DEANA MARTIN CELEBRITY ROAST HONORS JOE MANTEGNA
“The Deana Martin Celebrity Roast” honoring actor, producer, writer and director Joe Mantegna will be held in the showroom at South Point on Sunday, April 15 at 6 p.m. Martin is continuing her father Dean Martin’s famous legendary celebrity roasts, which ran on NBC between 1974 to 1984. Tickets start at $45.
Mantegna, currently famous for his role as David Rossi in the CBS hit-series “Criminal Minds,” will have his life and amazing career roasted by special celebrity guests and friends.
Some of the roasters include: star of “Saturday Night Live” Joe Piscopo; actor and “Sopranos” guest star Lou Martini, Jr.; “Westworld” star Clifton Collins; “Criminal Minds” cast members Kirsten Vangsness and Matthew Gray Gubler; “NYPD Blue” star Gail O’Grady; “The Bad Boy of New Jersey” comedian Mike Marino; and comedian Tom Dreesen.
BOMB TACOS OPENS DOWNTOWN
Bomb Tacos opened its new second valley location downtown at 616 E. Carson Ave. and celebrated with an explosive grand opening serving more than 300 guests in three hours with the first 250 receiving a free taco and soft drink. The look is reflective of an authentic taqueria with brightly colored furniture, corrugated tin walls, Mexican artwork and hand-painted murals done by restaurant owner and executive chef Robert Solano. Hours are daily from 11 a.m. to midnight.
R&B AND NEO SOUL SERIES STARTS UP AT BROOKLYN BOWL
Brooklyn Bowl, in partnership with entertainment company Neo Soul Vegas, is starting an ongoing concert series featuring the best Neo soul and R&B talent. The first performances will be R&B Legends Dru Hill on Friday, June 22 at 7 p.m. and soulful crooner Lloyd on Saturday, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m.
Dru Hill was formed in 1992 by four high school friends and named in honor of their Baltimore neighborhood, Druid Hill Park. The group released their self-titled debut album in 1996. The single “Tell Me,” from the “Eddie” film soundtrack, became a top five R&B hit. Their most memorable tunes are “Wild Wild West,” with Will Smith, “How Deep Is Your Love,” “Never Make a Promise,” and “In My Bed.” Tickets start at $35.
New Orleans-born Lloyd Polite Jr., better known as Lloyd, began his solo career in 2003 after the preteen boy band N-Toon disbanded and released his solo debut single “Southside” in 2004. The single, featuring Ashanti, quickly charted and became a Top 40 hit. His second album “Street Love” in 2007 featured top-twenty hits “You” and “Get It Shawty.” Some other Lloyd hits include “Bed Rock,” “Lay It Down,” and “Dedication To My Ex.” Tickets start at $25.
THE SPINNERS AND SARAH GERONIMO HEADLINE AT THE CANNERY
Classic soul band The Spinners and Filipina pop star Sarah Geronimo will be headliners at the Cannery in The Club this month.
The Spinners with original member Henry Fambrough will appear on Saturday, April 21 at 8 p.m. The band, which signed with Motown Records in the mid-60s, has continued touring for more than 50 years and is one of the early ‘70s greatest soul groups. Tickets start at $19.95.
The Sarah Geronimo USA Tour 2018 makes a stop on Sunday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. Filipina pop star and multi-platinum recording artist Geronimo launched her musical career in 2002 after becoming the grand champion of the television singing contest “Star for a Night.” She is also an actress, TV host and commercial endorser.
Tickets start at $58.
THOMAS & MACK CENTER HOSTS ROLL IT UP CELEBRATION
The Roll It Up celebration being held at the Thomas & Mack Center on Friday, April 20 at 8 p.m. will feature artists Ice Cube, Cypress Hill featuring Mixmaster Mike, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Baby Bash. Tickets start at $48.75.
The Vegas outdoor 420 Pre-Party will kick off at 3:30 p.m. at the front of Thomas & Mack Center and highlight: A Lighter Shade of Brown; Mellow Man Ace; special Raider Nation guest, Raiders legend Frank Hawkins; plus, food and drink vendors; and more. Cost is $20 at the gate.
DRYBAR WILL OPEN THIRD STRIP LOCATION
Drybar continues to expand its Las Vegas presence opening three blowout hair bar locations in two years. The newest outlet will open April 20 on the first floor of Fashion Show between the plaza’s entrance and Neiman Marcus. The other city locations are at The Cosmopolitan and The Miracle Mile Shops.
The 1,858-square-foot Drybar Fashion Show location will feature 10 styling chairs along with defining signature elements including the Las Vegas touch of wine and champagne.
DIALOGUE ON LAS VEGAS ENTERTAINMENT
The next “Conversations with NORM” quarterly on-stage interview will be held Sunday, April 15 at 2 p.m. inside Myron’s Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center hosted by former Review-Journal (RJ) columnist Norm Clarke. The topic will be “The Evolving State of Las Vegas Entertainment” featuring on the panel entertainers Clint Holmes and Earl Turner who are headlining together at the Westgate, Kelly Clinton-Holmes, RJ entertainment columnist John Katsilometes, Smith Center CEO Myron Martin, and Channel 13’s Shawn Tempesta announcing. Tickets are $25.
FLOWER CHILD WILL OPEN FIRST NEVADA LOCATION
Flower Child will open its first Nevada location on Wednesday, May 2 at Rampart Commons adjacent to Summerlin. The fast-casual eatery serves nourishing food using organic, sustainable ingredients. The menu features bowls, wraps, grains, greens, Kombucha, and a large variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The 5,590-square-foot restaurant will have a cheerful colorful environment and offer lunch, dinner, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Along with indoor seating, there will be an expansive outdoor patio accommodating up to 80 patrons.
DINING – BEVERAGE HIGHLIGHTS
The Golden Nugget will host the return of its Spring Winefest grand wine tasting event featuring more than 100 selections in The Grand Event Center on Saturday, April 21 from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are available at $89 with $5 going to The Animal Foundation.
Beer Park at Paris will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a rooftop party sponsored by Hornitos tequila starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 5. The event will include Mexican-inspired cuisine, mariachi, piñatas and muchas cervezas.
To meet demand, Twin Creeks Steakhouse at the Silverton is broadening its menu to offer plant-based appetizers, entrées and side dish options starting from $6. New room chef, Jaimee Pepe’s plant-based alternatives include signature dishes such as Butternut Squash Risotto, Cauliflower Steak, and Shishito Peppers.
Downtown Las Vegas business neighbors are presenting the Rock the Wine Away fundraising wine and four-course dinner to benefit the Neon Museum on Wednesday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Contento Pizzeria and Bar inside Jerry’s Nugget Casino. Guest chef, Justin Kingsley Hall of The Kitchen at Atomic is cooking. Half of the event proceeds will support the Neon Museum’s Hard Rock Café Guitar fund to preserve and maintain the sign at its new home. Tickets are $136.
The next culinary experience at the Downtown Grand will be the Culinary Boat Trip, an authentic luau on the hotel’s Citrus Grand Pool Deck on Friday, April 27 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the multi-course dinner are $55 and include perfectly paired, themed cocktails.
Border Grill at Mandalay Bay will hold a CraftHaus Brewery Beer and BBQ Dinner on Friday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $60 plus tax and 20 percent gratuity.
The six Habit Burger Grill locations in the valley are serving a new $4.99 Guacamole Crunch Charburger for a limited time.
Park on Fremont downtown will start a “Name Game” promotion on April 10. Every Tuesday night from 7 to 9 p.m., the restaurant-bar will pick three to five names and post the announcement on social media channels. The selected names will be offered free well drinks and draft beers. Names for the first event are Hannah, Michael and Sarah.
ESPORTS H1Z1 PRO LEAGUE STARTS INAUGURAL SEASON
H1Z1 Pro League™ (H1PL), the first professional battle royale esports league, has tickets available exclusively on Tixr for both the April 21 event and each of the weekly matches. Standard seats are $15 and VIP experiences start at $65. The first match starts at 7 p.m. at Twin Galaxies Sports Arena inside Caesars Entertainment Studios.
As the host location for the inaugural season, the H1Z1 Pro League will have 75 of the best players in the world competing until the last competitor is standing. Favorite teams, including globally known team franchises like TSM, Cloud 9, and Echo Fox, will battle over the course of two, 10-week splits. Every match will be broadcast exclusively on Facebook.
PARK MGM IS BUILDING MADISON MEETING CENTER
Within the new meetings and conference space, which is part of the Monte Carlo’s transformation into Park MGM this spring, is the Madison Meeting Center. The 10,000-square-foot, modern-designed conference center space will offer 10 flexible rooms able to accommodate varying flexible layouts. The new space will cater to customized meetings for groups from 10 to 50 people. The dedicated area will offer two self-service lounges, ergonomic moveable furniture with integrated power along with built-in audio/visual equipment, as well as confidence monitors and rolling whiteboards.
LIBRARY THEATRE HOSTS BACKSTAGE BROADWAY EXPERIENCE
Husband and wife song-and-dance team Michael Kessler and Melinda Jackson of M&M American Dance Theatre are teaming with their music director Keith Thompson to present “Broadway Love Songs, Dances & Backstage Stories” at the Windmill Library Theatre on Friday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. The show is an intimate song and dance journey woven between Broadway music and personal anecdotes from M&M’s work with musical theatre giants. Tickets are $25 with proceeds benefitting nonprofit M&M American Dance Theatre.
EMSUM DESIGNS® HOSTS EARTH DAY SPRING JEWELRY TRUNK SHOW
EMSUM Designs® will hold its third annual Earth Day celebration and public trunk show featuring a wide selection of hand-crafted jewelry inspired by creator and Las Vegas native Marcia Campbell’s visions on Sunday, April 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the patio at Grape Street Café, Wine Bar & Cellar in the heart of the Downtown Summerlin®.
ABOUT TOWN NEWS
Special event “Run Away with Cirque du Soleil” will return to the Springs Preserve April 14 for its 17th annual 5K run and 1-mile fun walk. The immersive occasion will have costumed Cirque performers taking over the venue and accompanied by live music, complimentary refreshments from Whole Foods, a circus play area and more. The race will start at 8:30 a.m. For the 5K run, registration fees are $30 for children ages 3–12 and $40 for adults, and for the 1-mile fun walk $20 for children and $30 for adults.
The March for Science, a global organization advocating for evidence-based science policies has scheduled the Las Vegas Citizen Science Day event for Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1025 1st Street (Art Square). More than one million people, in more than 600 global locations joined together last year for the single largest event in support of science in history.
On Wednesday, April 25, the city of Las Vegas will host its second “Livin’ in the City” downtown residential fair from 3-7:30 p.m., and free public symposium featuring a panel and Atlanta-based urban planner Ryan Gravel from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at Las Vegas City Hall. A hosted mixer from 6:45-7:45 p.m. will take place at The Ogden and Juhl. RSVP is required by April 20 at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. There’s validated parking at the 500 Main Street City garage.
Donut Mania with four local locations is offering a limited-edition “Sexxy” doughnut April 8-May 8. Jennifer Romas, producer and star of “Sexxy” at Westgate has partnered with Donut Mania to create the sparkly treat with proceeds benefiting Noah’s Animal House (NAH), the country’s first full-service stand-alone pet boarding facility where women in abusive situations can bring their pets.
“Masters of Illusion” at Bally’s is celebrating the Month of the Military Child by offering military service members and their families a 50 percent off discount with proof of service throughout April.
FIGHTING AUTISM
Grant A Gift Autism Foundation’s 9th Annual 5K Race for Hope and Fun Walk sponsored by Subway will be held on Saturday, April 28 at 8 a.m. at “The Green” at Town Square with a Health & Family Resource Fair from 7 a.m.–noon. April is Autism Awareness Month and more than 8,000 local children and youth in Nevada live with it.
For the month of April, all of TAO Group’s nationwide restaurant brands, including TAO, LAVO Italian Restaurant and Beauty & Essex in Las Vegas, are raising money through sales of special “blue-themed” food and drink items honoring the official color for Autism awareness. TAO Group contributes 10 percent of the proceeds of each “blue-themed” item to Autism Speaks. In addition, TAO Group nightclubs LAVO, Marquee and TAO in Las Vegas. are also contributing 10 percent from bottle sales of Belvedere and Grey Goose.
