VEGAS REPORT

ELVIS is back in the building at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino

2015-04-25T13:43:00.001-07:00

It's a legendary hotel that hosted many legendary performers - and none had more of an impact on Las Vegas entertainment or the city than Elvis Presley. “Graceland Presents ELVIS: The Exhibition - The Show - The Experience” is now open at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, the same hotel where Elvis performed more than 600 record-breaking, sold-out shows between 1969 and 1976 when it was the International Hotel, then Las Vegas Hilton, and most recently the LVH. On the 59th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s first Las Vegas performance, Graceland has opened the doors to a multi-faceted, authentic Elvis experience that showcases the man, the performer and the music that revolutionized popular culture around the world.

A formal “blue suede” ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted by Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley to unveil their personal treasures from the family archives, from rarely seen artifacts including Elvis’ personal television remote from his Graceland bedroom to Lisa Marie’s baby shoes. In addition to the Elvis Presley’s Graceland Wedding Chapel, the hotel also debuted the “Elvis Experience” - a limited-engagement musical production that embodies the spirit of the king himself.

“Just think, it was 59 years ago today that Elvis performed his first show in Las Vegas,” said Priscilla Presley. “Elvis loved Las Vegas and he loved his fans – he would be the first to welcome you to this great exhibition of his life. Lisa and I are so happy to share these wonderful artifacts from our family with you and are thrilled to bring the authentic Elvis back to Las Vegas for the first time in 40 years.”

"The Elvis Experience" production at the Elvis Presley Theater at the International Showroom. Photo Courtesy: Elvis Presley's Graceland

"The Elvis Experience" production at the Elvis Presley Theatre at the International Showroom. Photo Courtesy: Steve Spatafore, Las Vegas News Bureau

The newly renamed and renovated Elvis Presley Theater at the International Showroom is now featuring the critically acclaimed “Elvis Experience,” produced by LCQ Productions, on the very stage where Elvis performed for millions of guests during his record-breaking, seven-year stint from 1969 through 1976. The theater has been restored to have the same look and feel it had when Elvis performed in this historic showroom.

Elvis Experience is a large-scale production replicating one of Elvis’ legendary Las Vegas shows, starring actor Martin Fontaine and featuring 24 musicians and eight choir members portraying the original musicians and artists on stage with Elvis. Following this limited engagement that will end May 30, the property will feature other limited-run, Graceland-produced live shows in The Elvis Presley Theater.

Joel Weinshanker, Managing Partner of Graceland Holdings, LLC, stated, “In a country without royalty, there has truly only been, and continues to be, one king – Elvis Presley. And now in Las Vegas, there is only one place to see the real thing, at the Westgate Resort & Casino.” He continued, “I can promise each and every visitor to our Elvis exhibition, live shows and chapel, an experience that will make them want to come back time and time again, as well as take a trip to Memphis to visit the one and only Graceland.”

David Siegel, from left, CEO of Westgate Resorts, Joel Weinshanker, Managing Partner of Graceland Holdings, Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley prepare to cut the ribbon at the grand opening of "Graceland Presents Elvis: The Exhibition - The Show - The Experience" at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino on Thursday, April 23, 2015. The opening of the permanent exhibition, theater showroom and wedding chapel takes place on the 59th anniversary of Elvis' very first performance in Las Vegas in 1956. (Mark Damon/Las Vegas News Bureau)

Priscilla Presley, left, and Lisa Marie Presley prepare to cut the ribbon at the grand opening of "Graceland Presents Elvis: The Exhibition - The Show - The Experience" at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino on Thursday, April 23, 2015. The opening of the permanent exhibition, theater showroom and wedding chapel takes place on the 59th anniversary of Elvis' very first performance in Las Vegas in 1956. (Mark Damon/Las Vegas News Bureau)

David Siegel, from left, CEO of Westgate Resorts, Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley prepare to cut the ribbon at the grand opening of "Graceland Presents Elvis: The Exhibition - The Show - The Experience" at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino on Thursday, April 23, 2015. Joel Weinshanker, Managing Partner of Graceland Holdings, is at rear. The opening of the permanent exhibition, theater showroom and wedding chapel takes place on the 59th anniversary of Elvis' very first performance in Las Vegas in 1956. (Mark Damon/Las Vegas News Bureau)

David Siegel, from left, CEO of Westgate Resorts, Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley and Joel Weinshanker, Managing Partner of Graceland Holdings, react after cutting the ribbon at the grand opening of "Graceland Presents Elvis: The Exhibition - The Show - The Experience" at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino on Thursday, April 23, 2015. The opening of the permanent exhibition, theater showroom and wedding chapel takes place on the 59th anniversary of Elvis' very first performance in Las Vegas in 1956. (Mark Damon/Las Vegas News Bureau)

A visitor takes photos during the grand opening of "Graceland Presents Elvis: The Exhibition - The Show - The Experience" at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino on Thursday, April 23, 2015. Among the memorabilia on display is the tan jacket, in the case at left, worn by Elvis Presley in the 1964 film "Viva Las Vegas." The opening of the permanent exhibition, theater showroom and wedding chapel takes place on the 59th anniversary of Elvis' very first performance in Las Vegas in 1956. (Mark Damon/Las Vegas News Bureau)

Visitors check out Elvis Presley movie posters at the grand opening of "Graceland Presents Elvis: The Exhibition - The Show - The Experience" at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino on Thursday, April 23, 2015. The opening of the permanent exhibition, theater showroom and wedding chapel takes place on the 59th anniversary of Elvis' very first performance in Las Vegas in 1956. (Mark Damon/Las Vegas News Bureau)

Visitors take photos with Elvis Presley memorabilia at the grand opening of "Graceland Presents Elvis: The Exhibition - The Show - The Experience" at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino on Thursday, April 23, 2015. The opening of the permanent exhibition, theater showroom and wedding chapel takes place on the 59th anniversary of Elvis' very first performance in Las Vegas in 1956. (Mark Damon/Las Vegas News Bureau)

David Siegel, from left, CEO of Westgate Resorts, Priscilla Presley and Joel Weinshanker, Managing Partner of Graceland Holdings, prepare to cut the ribbon at the grand opening of "Graceland Presents Elvis: The Exhibition - The Show - The Experience" at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino on Thursday, April 23, 2015. The opening of the permanent exhibition, theater showroom and wedding chapel takes place on the 59th anniversary of Elvis' very first performance in Las Vegas in 1956. (Mark Damon/Las Vegas News Bureau)

David Siegel, CEO of Westgate Resorts, greets the crowd as he arrives for the grand opening of "Graceland Presents Elvis: The Exhibition - The Show - The Experience" at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino on Thursday, April 23, 2015. The opening of the permanent exhibition, theater showroom and wedding chapel takes place on the 59th anniversary of Elvis' very first performance in Las Vegas in 1956. (Mark Damon/Las Vegas News Bureau)

Riviera Hotel IMPLODES with Comedians at the Riviera ComedyClub

2015-04-21T21:10:00.000-07:00

It's definitely not a laughing matter that the Riviera Hotel & Casino, currently celebrating its 60th anniversary, is closing up shop on May 4. But that didn't stop the main event on April 20th when dozens of comedians gathered for one last performance during the "Riviera Comedy Implosion" at the Riviera Comedy Club.

The show was a tribute to one of Las Vegas' most renowned comedy clubs. There were surprise performances by those who cut their comedy teeth inside the historic walls of the Riviera Hotel & Casino.

Some of the comedians during the evening show included:

Carla Rea
Bob Zany
Stanley Ullman
Paul Bond

Kathleen Dunbar
Jimmie Walker
George Wallace
Mike Saccone

Willie Farrell
John Caponera
Vince Morris
Sheila Kay

Check out some of the photos from the event, courtesy Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas News Bureau.

Carla Rea

Bob Zany

Stanley Ullman

Paul Bond

Kathleen Dunbar

Jimmy Walker

George Wallace

Mike Saccone

Willie Farrell

John Caponera

Vince Morris

Sheila Kay

The legendary Riviera Hotel turns 60 years old... TODAY, April 20, 2015!

2015-04-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

The Riviera Hotel as seen today, Monday. April 20, 2015-- exactly 60 years to the day it opened, we reflect on the great history of the Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas The hotel will close in two weeks on May 4. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has purchased the hotel in order to expand the footprint of the convention center site. A Global Business District will allow for more than one million more square feet of meeting and convention space around the current convention center location.

Welcome back! > @celinedion will return to @ColosseumatCP at @Caesarspalace Aug 27 #vegas

2015-03-25T11:32:00.003-07:00

Celine Dion will return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on August 27, 2015 to resume her Las Vegas show, Celine. The residency, which is presented jointly by AEG Live and Caesars Entertainment, has been on hiatus since August 2014 when Celine put her show business activities on hold to focus on her husband Rene, their family, and associated health issues.

“I am excited to finally tell my fans I am coming back to Caesars Palace, “says Celine. “It was Rene's wish that I come back. While my family will always be my priority, my fans are just as important to me. I look forward to performing again for all of you starting August 27, and more importantly having Rene there with me. Thank you for giving me this time I needed to spend with my family.”

Celine opened The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on March 25, 2003, 12–years ago to the day. Since then, Celine has performed 927 shows in The Colosseum.

ONE DROP Raises More Than $6 Million At 3rd Annual Benefit Featuring John Legend In #Vegas

2015-03-24T17:03:00.004-07:00

The third annual, one-night-only benefit One Night for ONE DROP produced by Cirque du Soleil featuring Academy Award-winning recording artist John Legend was held on Friday, March 20. The show sponsored by MGM Resorts International raised more than $6 million for ONE DROP, the non-profit organization created by Cirque du Soleil Founder Guy Laliberte, with all proceeds supporting water access initiatives across the globe.

The event brought fantasy to life as more than 100 Cirque du Soleil performers came together for a performance directed by Mukhtar O.S. Mukhtar inside The Beatles(TM) LOVE(TM) Theatre. Legend provided a special rendition of his smash hit "All of Me," and closed the show with a standing ovation as he performed "Dreams."

This year marks a major milestone for ONE DROP as it receives special recognition from the United Nations with the closing of the International Decade for Action on Water (2000-2015). Honored with the 'Water for Life' Best Practices Award, ONE DROP is celebrated specifically for its artistic approach to change behaviors in how people deal with water.

John Legend and guest on the 'blue' carpet.

Ventriloquist @TerryFator introduces newest cast member Rusty The Robot @TheMirageLV

2015-03-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

It's official—ventriloquist Terry Fator introduced his audience to the newest cast member of the show, Rusty The Robot, the Mirage’s new prototype robot designed to do the jobs of all employees. Rusty will sing virtually any song in any voice—from the Tin Man and Elvis to Bruno Mars and Garth Brooks.

Rusty joins the cast of characters including Winston the Impersonating Turtle, Vikki “The Cougar,” country legend Walter T. Airdale, Duggie Scott Walker, Julius, Emma Taylor, the world’s greatest Elvis impersonator Maynard Tompkins and Wrex the Crash Test Dummy.

Terry Fator recently celebrated his 6th year at the Mirage Resort with his show Terry Fator: The VOICE of Entertainment.

Photos courtesy Puppet Boy Entertainment

> @MJLiveVegas Tribute Show to Relocate to @LVStratosphere Hotel March 30 #MJ #Vegas

2015-03-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

MJ LIVE, the Michael Jackson tribute show co-produced by Dick Feeney, Darin Feinstein and Carlos Reynoso, will open at its new home in the Stratosphere Theater inside the Stratosphere Hotel on March 30.

“We’re excited about adding this fun new production show to our entertainment line-up,” said Matt Mascali, Stratosphere’s Vice President of Entertainment and F&B. “MJ LIVE will complement our current nightlife offerings, and provide an early evening option for guests of all ages.”

“This will be an exciting new chapter for MJ LIVE to move to the Stratosphere on the north end of the iconic Las Vegas Strip,” said Feeney, a 40-year veteran of the entertainment industry. “We’ve had a fantastic, near three-year run with this critically-acclaimed tribute show to date, and our multi-talented cast will enthusiastically continue to entertain thousands of visitors from all over the world.”

MJ LIVE showcases the energy, excitement and spectacle of this legendary superstar and his music. The theatrical stage production includes a team of dancers and live band on stage backing the rotating Michael Jackson tribute artist’s—including Justin Dean, Jalles Franca and Tony Kouns.

MJ Live is leaving the off-strip RIO Hotel, making room for Duck Commander Musical to fill the room.

Vegas Filmmaker Jeremy Settles World Premier @madeinjapandoc @sxsw March 17 #Vegas

2015-03-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas filmmaker Jeremy Settles will be holding the world premiere of his feature documentary called "Made in Japan" at the 2015 South By South West Film Festival in Austin next week. Settles is executive producer along with actor/producer Elijah Wood and documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock.

The 90–minute film is the story of Tomi Fujiyama, the world's first Japanese country music superstar. It is a funny yet poignant multicultural journey through music, marriage and the impact of the corporate world on the dreams of one woman.

Settles is owner of the full-servce production company Got Films which produces feature films, commercials, television shows, documentaries, corporate videos and more. Got Films recently secured a spot in the top 25 of Movie Maker magazine's "Indie Friendly Business List, 2014.”

The world premiere is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 at 1:30 p.m.

Watch the film's trailer below.

Hello Dere! > Legendary Comedian Marty Allen Celebrates b-day at @DowntownGrandLV with special shows #downtownvegas #vegascomedy

2015-03-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

Photo by Thom Gilbert

Downtown Grand will present a special engagement with legendary comedian Marty Allen, performing March 22 and 23 inside The Grand Parlor. The two special shows are limited to just 100 guests per performance.

Fans will also have a chance to win dinner with Marty at Downtown Grand’s award-winning Triple George Grill. Downtown Grand will draw winners* on March 22 and 23 at the Casino Stage one hour after the show. Five winners will be chosen each night.

Following the show, guests can meet and greet with Marty Allen in the casino, where he will be conducting an autograph signing to promote his new book, “Hello Dere”, an autobiography about his remarkable 70-year career in showbiz.

ABOUT MARTY ALLENDuring the 1950s, Marty worked as an opening act for stars such as Sarah Vaughan, Eydie Gorme and Nat King Cole. It was at this time he became part of the comedy team of Allen & Rossi. The duo comedy team produced a string of hit comedy albums, made 40 appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and starred in the film The Last of the Secret Agents. Allen & Rossi appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” the same night as The Beatles.

Throughout the 1970s and into the 80s, Marty made hundreds of television appearances, becoming a regular on “Hollywood Squares”. He also appeared on “Circus of the Stars”, on games shows such as “Password” and in ten made-for-television movies.

*Visit/contact Player Services in the casino for contest eligibility.

FLASHBACK > Liberace cuts ribbon at @RivieraLasVegas opening becoming #Vegas highest-paid performer #RivFacts

2015-03-07T18:46:00.000-08:00

With its doors closing to the public at noon on Monday, May 4, 2015, the historic Riviera Hotel & Casino is counting down the final nine weeks with a look back at some of the highlights, fun facts, celebrity sightings and rarely-seen photos that have helped build the iconic stature of the Las Vegas Strip’s first high-rise hotel and casino. And with entertainment playing such a historic role at the Riviera, what better place to start.

Week one celebrates legendary singer Liberace, who cut the ribbon at the property’s grand opening and became the Las Vegas Strip’s highest-paid entertainer, at $50,000 per week.

Follow all the upcoming facts from the Riviera at #RivFacts.

The Cast of @Cirque #Zumanity Performs Outside @NYNYVegas to Celebrate Show Upgrades

2015-03-01T19:15:00.002-08:00

On Thursday, Feb. 26, Zumanity unveiled a preview of the reinvigorated show at New York-New York Hotel & Casino. Cast members of Zumanity took over the Brooklyn Bridge, showcasing the creativity of Zumanity’s new choreographer Yanis Marshall. The cast performed a dance number followed by the show’s famous ‘Chains’ act with the property’s Statue of Liberty as the backdrop.

The preview was an introduction to the new, sensual surprises featured in Zumanity, which includes new choreography, new acrobatically-erotic aerial acts, new costumes by French designer Thierry Mugler and new music composed by Simon Carpentier. The 90-minute show blends playful innuendos with daring eroticism while rendering a tale of emotional freedom, natural beauty and acceptance of differences.

View the video here.

Casting for @DucksMusical @RioVegas announced. Preview performances begin 4/8

2015-03-01T11:44:00.002-08:00

After a nationwide search, full casting for the production DUCK COMMANDER MUSICAL is now complete. The cast features Broadway veterans and Las Vegas locals who will join the company in celebration of the Robertson family’s rags-to-riches story.

The cast will star Mimi Bessette as Miss Kay, Jesse Lenat as Uncle Si, Ginna Claire Mason as Korie, Ben Thompson as Willie,Tad Wilson as Phil, Russell Arden Koplin as Missy, Mary Little as Jessica, Tommy McDowell as Jase, Matt Stokes as Alan, Haley Swindal as Lisa, and Josh Tolle as Jep.DUCK COMMANDER MUSICAL also includes Chelsea Bernier, Christopher Harrod,Charlie Ingram and Cathy Trien.

Based on the best-selling book The Duck Commander Family by Willie and Korie Robertson, preview performances for DUCK COMMANDER MUSICAL will begin April 8. The production will make its world premiere at the Crown Theater inside Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on April 15.

TV Host & Entertainer @realjoeyfatone Begins Limited Engagement @RockofAgesVegas @VenetianVegas

2015-02-22T13:26:00.001-08:00

ROCK OF AGES debuts its first-ever celebrity guest, TV host and entertainer Joey Fatone, through April 2015. Fatone joins the talented cast as legendary Bourbon Room owner Dennis Dupree.

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to party with the cast of ROCK OF AGES in Las Vegas,” said Fatone. “I have been a big fan of ROCK OF AGES since the beginning, and having the opportunity to make my return to the stage with this production starring as Dennis Dupree is going to be a rockin’ ride!”

Fatone’s limited engagement with ROCK OF AGES marks his return to the theatrical stage after more than a decade. Fatone made his Broadway debut as “Mark Cohen” in RENT in 2002 and also performed the role of “Seymour” in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS in 2004.

“We are delighted for Joey to become a part of the ROCK OF AGES Las Vegas family,” said Scott Armstrong, Vice President and Managing Producer. “He is a dynamic performer whose talents and charisma are undeniable, making him a perfect fit for this role.”

Cast member Troy Burgess, who originated the role of “Dennis Dupree” in Las Vegas, will return to the role at the conclusion of Fatone’s engagement.

Menopause the Musical Moves Up the Strip to Harrah's Las Vegas

2015-02-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

GFour Productions announces that after nine years and more than 3600 performances, Menopause the Musical® will debut inside The Improv at Harrah’s Las Vegas. Preview performances began February 3 with a grand opening scheduled for Friday, February 20.

New show times, along with an expanded stage, upgraded sound and lighting, and fresh set and costumes, highlight the new production’s intimate setting.

“We are thrilled to bring the longest running scripted show in Las Vegas to Harrah’s,” said producers Alan and Kathi Glist. “The entire cast and crew can’t wait to entertain visitors and locals at our new home in the center of the entertainment capital that is the Las Vegas Strip.”

Menopause The Musical®, “The Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change”® is a 90-minute production celebrating sisterhood as the cast and audience bond, rejoicing that menopause is no longer “The Silent Passage”. The Las Vegas cast of Menopause The Musical® includes Laura Lee O’Connell as the Iowa Housewife, Paige O’Hara as the Soap Star, Vita Corimbi as the Earth Mother and Lisa Mack as the Professional Woman.

No More Great Pretenders > Courts Rule in Favor of @ThePlattersNow Herb Reed; Concert in #Vegas

2015-02-14T09:32:00.002-08:00

Album cover: Back to Basics with The Platters LIVE!
(PRNewsFoto/The Platters)

Rock and Roll, Vocal Group and Grammy Halls of Fame recording artists The Platters released their first official LP in more than 50 years on Valentine's Day 2015, and will perform tunes from the LP later this month live in Las Vegas.

The Back to Basics with The Platters LIVE! album is only possible after the last in a series of federal court cases that began in 2010, resulting in a court order from Nevada-based United States District Court Judge that Herb Reed, founder and naming member of The Platters, had superior rights above all others to the group's name. The litigation that stretched across four decades ended last week with another federal judge solidifying that Reed's ownership, performance rights and other intellectual property of The Platters trademark resided in Herb Reed Enterprises, LLC, the company owned by Reed's Trust. This halted what was once a list of hundreds of ‘great pretenders’ from deceiving the public by claiming to be or have an affiliation with the legendary Platters group.

The Platters will be performing tunes from their new LP, accompanied by Music Director Michael Larson, as they help bring music back into the mansion for the first time in many years, at an intimate private party for the glitterati of Las Vegas being held at the recently restored Liberace Mansion hosted by radio and TV personality Robin Leach, formerly of the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, to benefit Opera Las Vegas.

The 10-song LP recorded on the You Dig It label is available Saturday on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon, Beats, Rdio, Deezer, Tidal and YouTube Music Key.

The album includes Grammy Hall of Fame songs "Only You (and You Alone)" and "The Great Pretender" as recorded by the current members of The Platters--Wayne Miller, Valerie Victoria, Frank Pizarro and Cheo Bourne. This ensemble forms The Platters today and is the only group in the world legally authorized to continue the tradition of original members, Reed, Paul Robi, David Lynch, Tony Williams and Zola Taylor.

Video: @DucksMusical, a musical about the @Duck_Commander family, to open at @RioVegas!

2015-02-11T20:21:00.001-08:00

DUCK COMMANDER MUSICAL, based on the best-selling book The Duck Commander Family by Willie and Korie Robertson, will make its world premiere at the soon-to-be transformed Crown Theater inside Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on April 15.

“It isn’t often that you are approached with the idea to have your life story transformed into a musical,” says Willie Robertson, CEO of Duck Commander. “But when opportunity knocks, you answer the door – and sometimes that door leads to Las Vegas.”

The DUCK COMMANDER MUSICAL features music and lyrics by Robert Morris, Steven Morris and Joe Shane, is written by Asa Somers, and directed and choreographed by Jeff Calhoun and Bryan Bradford. The DUCK COMMANDER MUSICAL is produced by Tommy Mottola and the Dodgers (Producers of JERSEY BOYS at Paris Las Vegas).

The DUCK COMMANDER MUSICAL transports the Louisiana bayou to the Las Vegas stage in a 90-minute show—seasoned with southern spirit and down-to-earth humor from arguably America's most famous rednecks, the Robertson family. The family became as household name after being featured on A&E’s hit show Duck Dynasty.

“We are delighted to present the Robertson family story in their first-ever theatrical production,” says Michael David, President of the Dodgers. “Las Vegas is the prime location for audiences to experience first-hand the family America has come to know and embrace, where they can take a seat around Miss Kay’s dinner table, watch Willie and Korie’s love story unfold and a dynasty spring to life.”

The live show will feature a score that blends country, rock, gospel and pop, and a multimedia set delivering backwoods authenticity through cutting-edge technology. The production’s score will include original songs inspired by the family such as “Faith Food and Family,” “Camouflage,” “Cooking for the Family,” and “Like the River Flows.”

“We are proud to debut a world-class musical at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, further cementing Caesars Entertainment as the entertainment leader in Las Vegas,” said Jason Gastwirth, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Entertainment for Caesars Entertainment. “The Dodgers have an exceptional history of producing top-notch shows, including JERSEY BOYS at Paris Las Vegas, and we are excited to expand our relationship with them.”

The DUCK COMMANDER MUSICAL is designed by Tobin Ost, Adam Rigg and Leslie Malitz, with lighting design by Michael Gilliam and Topher Stumreiter, sound design by John Trace, projection design by Aaron Rhyne, Bart Cortright and Matthew Mellinger, musical supervision by Jesse Vargas and casting by Duncan Stewart CSA/Benton Whitley CSA.

> #LasVegas Company WENDOH Media Acquires Share In Life Is Beautiful #Music #Festival

2015-02-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

PRNewsFoto/WENDOH Media

WENDOH Media, a Las Vegas-based publishing and events company, has acquired a 50 percent stake in the Life is Beautiful Festival. The Life is Beautiful Festival will return for its third annual event September 25–27.

"My business partner Ryan Doherty and I are thrilled to embark on an expanded partnership with the Life is Beautiful team," said Justin Weniger (picture right), co-founder of WENDOH Media and the new chief executive officer of Life is Beautiful. "We love this festival and its importance to Las Vegas, especially as it relates to the growth of arts, culture, food and music in our community. We are committed to bringing the resources of the entire WENDOH portfolio to the table to make Life is Beautiful one of the top music festivals in the nation."

The Life is Beautiful Festival is a three-day celebration in Downtown Las Vegas featuring 15 city blocks of programming built around four key pillars: music, food, art and learning.

"Las Vegas is becoming a top destination for music festivals, and Life is Beautiful is the city's first home-grown, large-scale festival," said Doherty (picture left), co-founder of WENDOH Media. "We plan to continue Life is Beautiful's growth, starting by moving the event to late September. Not only is the weather ideal, but it is the midpoint between Labor Day weekend and Halloween. We see this as an opportunity to create another big weekend for Las Vegas through Life is Beautiful."

"Ryan and Justin are the ideal partners to bring the Life is Beautiful Festival to the next level," said Choudhry. "They're invested in Vegas and clearly understand the impact of the festival, as they have been supporters from its inception. Collectively, we'll realize the Life is Beautiful's mission and look forward to growing the brand together."

The lineup for the 2015 Life is Beautiful Festival will be announced in the coming months.

About WENDOH Media:
WENDOH Media is a multimedia and entrepreneurial organization consisting of various print, digital, internet, video and event publications and services. WENDOH's brands include weekly magazine Vegas Seven; SpyOnVegas, a pictorial-based website with an events division; Vegas/Rated, a monthly publication with circulation throughout Las Vegas and across the nation. WENDOH is also known for its experiential marketing and activations with a dedicated staff to devise and create multi-layer experiences for consumers and brands - from intimate issue release parties to new product launch events to large scale multi-day activations for thousands.

> @CesarMillan Brings His Live Stage Show @palms to TV with Cesar Millan: Viva Las Vegas!

2015-02-02T12:21:00.001-08:00

Nat Geo WILD brings to the small screen Cesar Millan’s live stage show that has traveled the world, in a two-hour special, Cesar Millan: Viva Las Vegas!, premiering February 20, before the return of Cesar 911 the following week. The special was filmed at The Pearl inside Palms Casino Resort.

Over the past two decades, Millan has rehabilitated dogs and changed owners’ lives for the better. He empowers dog owners to build strong, healthy and happy relationships with their beloved canine companions using a time-tested formula of exercise, discipline and affection. Millan has inspired viewers around the globe, through his television series and his live stage show Cesar Millan: Leader of the Pack, which has sold out arenas worldwide.

Nat Geo WILD obtained exclusive access to film Millan’s first live stage show in Las Vegas — the only U.S. stop on his 2014 world tour. Filmed at the Palms Casino Resort, Cesar Millan: Viva Las Vegas! goes behind the scenes as Millan entertains a live theater audience who lined up for the chance to see him in person. Audiences get a front row seat at canine auditions as Cesar’s team selects a few fans who get the opportunity of a lifetime——to interact with Millan, one-on-one, live on stage!

Cesar Millan: Viva Las Vegas! will air internationally in 133 countries and 37 languages.

Cesar Millan: Viva Las Vegas! is produced for Nat Geo WILD by Leepson Bounds Entertainment. Executive producers are Cesar Millan and David Leepson. For Nat Geo WILD, executive producer and senior vice president of development and production is Janet Han Vissering, and executive vice president and general manager is Geoff Daniels.

BRAND NEWS> @bluemangroup Launches New Campaign #DareToLive #FullColor @THISISOBERLAND

2015-01-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

As BLUE MAN GROUP approaches its 25^th year anniversary, the company launched a new brand campaign—Dare To Live In Full Color.

The campaign was designed in collaboration with OBERLAND, the brand consultancy founded by Bill Oberlander in 2014. The mission of OBERLAND is to bring together Madison Avenue talent with purpose-driven organizations and businesses.

“’Dare To Live In Full Color’ is a mission to inspire people inside and outside the theatre to reconnect with their inner-sophisticated child-self, to remember a time when they felt invincibly creative, happy and fearless,” Bill Oberlander said.

Dare To Live In Full Color campaign headlines include provocative statements like “Avoid Beige,” “Safe is Too Dangerous,” and “Erase the Rat Race.”

“We are so proud to have a marketing message that reflects what we are all about and have been about since the beginning – Dare To Live In Full Color. We created the Blue Man to embody and explore what it means to be fully human, to live in full spectrum, which is to explore your creativity, remain curious and playful, AND to feel like you belong to a community,” BLUE MAN GROUP Co-Founder Phil Stanton said.

BLUE MAN PRODUCTIONS Chief Marketing Officer Pam Harris said, “As an entertainment company with a larger mission, we were immediately drawn to the fact that OBERLAND understood the balance we were looking for. Selling tickets to the show is vital, of course, but inspiring others to live in full color is equally important to us. This campaign truly expresses the Blue Man Group message.”

Pop Superstar @MariahCarey to launch #Vegas residency #1sMariah at @ColosseumatCP

2015-01-15T08:12:00.002-08:00

Pop superstar Mariah Carey is coming to Las Vegas with a headlining residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace beginning May 6. She will perform all 18 of her Number One Hits together in one custom-designed production exclusively for The Colosseum. The production will also feature fan-favorite album cuts, never-before-performed selections and many more musical surprises.

“I have so many ideas for the show that I’m currently working on and am excited to perform all of my #1 singles together for the first time and others that are very close to my heart,” said Mariah. “My songs are the soundtrack of my life and I can’t wait to share them with my fans on stage!”

“As a consummate songwriter, producer and internationally-renowned performer with a remarkable string of number one hits, Mariah brings a unique presence to Las Vegas that speaks to so many fans across the globe,” said John Nelson, Sr. Vice President of AEG Live, Las Vegas. “AEG Live and Caesars Palace are honored to be part of this collaboration and proudly welcome Mariah to her new residence at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, home of the greatest entertainers in the world.”

“Over the past nearly 50 years, Caesars Palace has served as home to the most celebrated entertainers in history. With the addition of one of the world’s most iconic artists, Mariah Carey, The Colosseum now offers more variety than ever before with its lineup of resident headliners,” said Gary Selesner, Caesars Palace regional president. “We look forward to welcoming Mariah and continuing our rich tradition of shining the spotlight on world-class stars.”

The show is presented jointly by AEG Live and Caesars Palace.

Funny Females: @VenetianVegas Announces Season Two of @LipshtickVegas #funny #comedy #vegas

2015-01-10T10:46:00.000-08:00

The Venetian Las Vegas has announced a return of "LIPSHTICK - The Perfect Shade of Stand Up" for a second season to The Sands Showroom.

Among the returning comedy powerhouses who have confirmed dates for the first half of 2015 are:

Lisa Lampanelli, comedy's loveable Queen of Mean
Loni Love, co-host of The Real talk show (and guest DJ on Ellen)
Jennifer Coolidge, actress from 2 Broke Girls, also known as "Stifler's Mom" from
American Pie
Roseanne Barr, outspoken comedian and sitcom superstar
Whitney Cummings, creator of the hit CBS comedy 2 Broke Girls
Iliza Shlesinger, winner of season six of NBC's Last Comic Standing
Caroline Rhea, comedian, former talk-show host, and Teenage Witch alum
Fortune Feimster, Semi-finalist on Last Comic Standing and a regular on the former hit show Chelsea Lately

"The headliners that are part of the 'LIPSHTICK' series are the brightest and funniest entertainers in the business today," said John Caparella, president and COO of The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas. "We're proud to welcome our returning comediennes back to the stage, and we're excited to announce the new faces that will be joining them."

The all-female comedy series will also welcome Lipshtick newcomers: national comedy headliner Cameron Esposito; comedy legend Elayne Boosler and the Los Angeles-based comedy-folk duo Garfunkel & Oats, who will make their Vegas debut.

Hard Rock Hotel Announces Legendary Band @JourneyOfficial Residency beginning April #RocknRoll #Vegas

2015-01-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

Legendary rock band Journey makes its way to The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for a nine-show residency, Journey Las Vegas, beginning April 29.

Journey's current lineup includes founder Neal Schon (lead guitar and backing vocals), Jonathan Cain (keyboards and backing vocals), co-founder Ross Valory (bass and backing vocals), Deen Castronovo (drums, percussion and backing vocals) and Arnel Pineda (lead vocals).

“We are looking forward to bringing it to you in Las Vegas during our residency at The Joint,” said Schon. “See you soon!”

“The Joint is known worldwide for bringing the biggest artists into an intimate musical playground,” said Chas Smith, vice president of entertainment for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. “We’re excited to add Journey to our list of legendary resident acts that have performed at this venue.”

The band has sold more than 15 million copies of its Greatest Hits album, earned a total of 19 Top 40 singles, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, produced 25 Gold and Platinum albums and now will headline its first-ever residency at The Joint.

“Journey is an iconic band and their songs resonate with music enthusiasts across the board,” remarked Bobby Reynolds, vice president of booking for AEG Live Las Vegas. “Fans will hear all of Journey’s timeless hits at The Joint. We cannot wait to offer concertgoers this epic experience.”

Guest Speakers Announced for 2nd @EntSpeaks Show @inspirelv Theater on Feb 2

2014-12-30T19:49:00.001-08:00

Speakers for the second installment of EntSpeaks have been announced by producer Andy Walmsley and include Robin Leach, Anita Mann, Nicole Kaplan, Mac King, Myron Martin and Bob Anderson. EntSpeaks is a series of one-night only, intimate evenings with the people who made Las Vegas the “Entertainment Capital of the World.”

During the show speakers take their turn on an empty stage for 15 minutes, with nothing but a microphone, and tell their lifetime stories in the entertainment industry.

Walmsley states, “The evening ends with a Q and A with a twist.”

The show is scheduled for February 2, 2015 at the Inspire Theater in downtown Las Vegas. Red Carpet and Pre-Show Party 7:30–8:45 p.m. with the show starting at 9 p.m. An after party is scheduled from 11 p.m.–1 a.m. The show is by invite only.

With 40M+ visitors, @Vegas Entertainment Producers have no Shortage of Potential Customers #Vegas #Entertainment

2014-12-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

Entertainment and show producers in Las Vegas have no shortage of tourists to fill seats in the showrooms as Las Vegas reached a historic milestone, exceeding 40 million* visitors for the first time. The tourism industry in Southern Nevada continues to expand, achieving ten consecutive months of visitor volume increases, with many of those months being the best on record.

"Las Vegas couldn't have reached this milestone without the continued investments of our resort partners, and the more than 40 million people who came to experience all the destination has to offer," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). "Ongoing developments in the destination, including new, renovated and rebranded resort properties, exciting new attractions, world-class entertainment, incredible culinary offerings and more are what keep first-time visitors and loyalists returning to Las Vegas time and time again."

To celebrate the 40 million visitor milestone the destination created a series of 'Only in Vegas' experiences and surprised unsuspecting visitors with Las Vegas entertainers, including Penn and Teller, Carrot Top and Claire Sinclair, presenting the one-of-a-kind experiences. The giveaway items included: incredible suite upgrades at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Palms Las Vegas, dinner for four at CRUSH eat, drink, love at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, thrill-seeking SkyJump experiences at Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower, VIP beauty makeovers at Michael Boychuck's COLOR Salon at Caesars Palace and much more.

*40 million people with two weeks remaining of the calendar year. Current pacing suggests the destination could approach nearly 41 million visitors by the end of the year. The previous record was set in 2012 with more than 39,727,000 tourists.

Show Updates> @olivianj Extends Residency @FlamingoVegas; @ShaniaTwain Takes Final Bow @CaesarsPalace #Vegas

2014-12-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

You're the One That I Want
Flamingo Las Vegas has announced that Olivia Newton-John with her show “Summer Nights” will be extended through September 2015 inside the Donny & Marie Showroom.

“It has been amazing to be able to call Las Vegas home for the past year, and I look forward to performing at Flamingo Las Vegas for another year,” says Olivia. “I am thankful to the fans who have come from all over the world to see the show, as a portion of every ticket sold benefits the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre.”

The production, featuring an eight-piece band, takes fans on a journey through the celebrated singer, actress, songwriter and philanthropist’s life and career.

A Final Bow

After two years and performing 105 shows for 337,500 guests from all over the world, international superstar Shania Twain took the stage at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for the last time Saturday evening with her headlining residency show, SHANIA: STILL THE ONE.

Demonstrating her love of the city, in Oct. 2013, Shania opened the first international Shania Kids Can Foundation (SKC) Clubhouse at Tom Williams Elementary School in North Las Vegas. SKC is Shania’s non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk children in communities across the world. The program, founded as a response to the difficulties Shania endured as a youth, is designed to implement simple, yet effective initiatives to increase the potential of students in the program to live successful, fulfilling lives.

To commemorate Shania’s dedication to SKC and the city of Las Vegas, during the show Saturday evening, John Meglen, President of Global Touring with AEG Live, and Sean McBurney, General Manager of Caesars Palace, presented the Shania Kids Can Foundation with a check for $5,000.