Broadway To Vegas
SHOW REVIEWS CELEBRITY INTERVIEWS GOSSIP NEWS
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Copyright: July 12, 1999
By: Laura Deni
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WRUNG OUT AND LIGHTS ON
Every ten years or so we in Las Vegas experience a torrential rain, which we fondly refer to "a
100 year storm." We had one last week. We've had worse, possibly because we now have a better
drainage system that in the "rat pack days." There was a time when Caesars Palace and the
Imperial Palace hotels flooded on a regular basis. Caesar Palace even has signs in their parking
lot that caution: WARNING FLASH FLOOD AREA.
Nobody paid no mind.
CAESARS PALACE SPRUNG A LEAK
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Some learned the hard way. On July 3, 1975, the rains came down and Caesars Palace started to
feel the wet. Announcements came over the hotel paging system for patrons to move their cars -
that flood waters were on their way. Gamblers, mentally betting they'd stay dry, remained at the
tables and machines. Approximately 500 cars parked in the Caesars Palace parking lots were
damaged by the floodwaters. Patrons couldn't understand why Caesars had no intention of buying
the losers new automobiles.
The size of the flood used to be measured by how high the waters stood in the Imperial Palace
casino, built on/next to the Flamingo wash. In the "good old days" when we had virtually no
drainage system at all, you could float a boat when it rained a half an inch.
Then we put in flood control programs and most of the water went down the drain.
Last Thursday the hotels got damp again. Part of the Caesars Palace casino had some flooding
and the upscale shops in the Forum Shops Mall were closed because the water was two feet high
in the center of the shopping mall. Shoppers sloshing through water is not keeping with the
swanky image, so a closed sign was hung out.
LANCE BURTON COULDN'T MAKE THE RAIN
VANISH
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Also hanging out to dry were several performers who couldn't make it through the flooded
streets. For the first time magician Lance Burton made his show disappear. His show at the Monte
Carlo was canceled. It's never been considered a good idea to play an electric guitar in the rain.
The House of Blues pulled the plug on Peter Frampton's show, which has been rescheduled for
Aug. 16.
This isn't the first time performances have been canceled due to the weather, just the most recent.
In another ten years it will probably happen again.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas is gearing up for more New Yorkers headed here to ring in the New Year.
With Broadway theaters going dark at the request of the police department who are concerned
about crowd control. Las Vegas is saying our lights will be bright and the joints open. For
Broadway patrons who bought New Year's Eve tickets to see Chicago, they are being
offered a full refund, and a free ticket for another Chicago performance. If those patrons
are bound and determined to see that musical, Las Vegas has a version at Mandalay Bay.
It's a "get what you can" market, so don't expect to celebrate on the cheap. Rooms can run as
high as $3,000 with a three or four-night stay required. But, we do have Barbra Streisand and
Bette Midler. So, if you're put out because Broadway is going to be locked up, Vegas is wide
open with all curtains going up.
YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHIN'
YET!
JOLSON a musical in two acts by British writers Francis Essex and Rob Bettinson from
an original idea by Michael Freedland stars Mike Burstyn, who was last seen on Broadway as
Mike Todd in Ain't Broadway Grand.
MIKE BURSTYN as Al Jolson
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Jolson premiered in London where it won the 1996 Oliver award for best musical and had
a successful Toronto run. The production had its American debut at the Allen Theater in
Cleveland as part of a 34-city tour before opening on Broadway.
When Jolson died at age 64, the lights on Broadway were turned off in homage.
Born Asa Yoelson in Lithuania, the son of a synagogue cantor, he became the highest paid
entertainer of his day.
The musical Jolson begins in 1929, at the height of Jolson's popularity, and deals with his
rocky marriage to Ruby Keeler, the decline in his career during the 1930s, his comeback
entertaining troops in World War II and the Korean War and the making of The Jolson
Story, a sugarcoated biopic starring Larry Parks, with Jolson himself singing the
soundtrack. This musical doesn't whitewash the entertainer whom many describe as an
egomaniacal
SOB with a highly inflated opinion of himself.
JOLSON: THE MUSICAL on a nationwide
tour before opening on Broadway.
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Giving the production both heart and backbone is the music. It was Jolson who made famous
songs written by great composers- such as George Gershwin and Irving Berlin. While Jolson
performed Swanee and My Mammy in blackface, blackface is not used in the show
with officials citing a desire not to offend anybody and stressing that during Jolson's heyday
performing in blackface was a common and accepted entertainment style.
Jolson was a man billed as "America's greatest entertainer." The musical about his career opens
July 13 with performances through July 18 at the Fox Theater, Atlanta.
JOHNNY CARSON AND SYLVIA
Johnny Carson has been a deep pocket benefactor to Nebraska, the state in which he was raised.
Projects benefiting from his largess include a community theater, christened The Johnny
Carson Theater in Lincoln.
The current production is Sylvia, running through July 17.
We at Broadway To Vegas enjoyed Sarah Jessica Parker portraying the dog SYLVIA in the
Broadway production of the same name. The dog has hit the road and is one of the highlights of
the summer stock season. Brad Binning, himself a playwright, saw the production and we asked
for his opinion of both the production and the Carson Theatre.
JOHNNY CARSON THEATRE
BENEFACTOR
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Located inside the Lied Center on the University of Nebraska campus, Binning explained that
"there was this space that was supposed to be for a rehearsal hall. After creative talks the Lied
guys decided to turn that designated area into a black box theatre. The Cool Carson Man was
approached and he donated the green so the construction of it could get the green light
"This theatre is every bit as cool as the Mitzi Newhouse at Lincoln Center (NYC) but isn't round
- more thrust like," explained Binning. "The Carson Theatre has the physical ability to be made
larger or smaller depending on any given production. For Sylvia it was made very small
and intimate."
As for the production of Sylvia, Binning reported the following.
"A.R. Gurney's Sylvia is an exploration of human emotional excesses and all the stupid
mess they can cause. The fact that most of the human emotion comes from the dog, Sylvia, -
energetically played by Ashley West - gives the play a shot at greatness. The canine acts more like
a human than anyone on stage which serves as a catalyst for all sorts of dilemmas. Sitting in the
audience is like being a part of some experimental and rather kinky encounter group session, as
though you're watching a participant acting like a dog in order to get in touch with a feeling or
experience, and by doing so, might help you get in touch with one of yours," reasoned Binning
who added, "At $18 a ticket and some performances going for twofers, it's a hell of a lot cheaper
than analysis."
"It's unfair to compare the actors of any production with the New York original. But even if
Lincoln wasn't 1500 miles from Manhattan and if all Nebraskans had seen the original anyway,
this Sylvia could stand up and hold its own. And even without the benefits of tryouts in
Philadelphia and three weeks of previews, this summer stock gem is worth the drive from as far
off as Kansas City or Des Moines.
"The Johnny Carson Theater production of Sylvia is part of The Nebraska Repertory
Theatre's summer season. Any Nebraska Rep. Production is worth much more than a cursory
glance and their Sylvia is no exception. Each year, much time and care is taken to access
the finest in skill and talent from three viable avenues around the country - the acting profession,
the academic world, and the community.
"The components of this Sylvia production are a fine example of that goal. Richard
McWilliams (Greg) is a professional actor who has proved his versatility and competence. Any
actor who can star with Vanessa Redgrave on Broadway in Orpheus Descending and
played Smokey in ABC's One Life To Live with the other, is okay in my book," offered
Binning.
"Virginia Ness (Kate) is an academic. Even though a member of Equity, she has taught at The
Yale School of Drama for eight years. And Eric Moyer (Tom, Phyllis and Leslie) is a community
member who has recently finished his undergraduate degree and intends to pursue a professional
acting career."
BELLS TOLL FOR
HEMINGWAY
ERNEST HEMINGWAY: SAID HIS HOME
TOWN WAS FULL OF BROAD LAWNS AND NARROW MINDS
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Ernest Hemingway summed up his home town of Oak Park, Ill. As "broad lawns and narrow
minds." They weren't too keen on him either. Time passes and in honor of the author's l00th
birthday on July 21, the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park is staging a weeklong
event including their own version of "running of the bulls" - a fiesta parade and a running of
papier-maache' bulls on wheels.
Other events include a Hemingway look alike contest, a Fiesta de Hemingway, with flamenco
dancing, a swing dance competition, and eats prepared from recipes in The Hemingway
Cookbook.
Some of the events will include Hemingway's three sons, Patrick, Jack and Gregory. Patrick
edited his father's novel, True at First Light, to be published on July 21.
Oak Park's Hemingway Museum will unveil a new exhibit of photographs and memorabilia, and
nightly performances of It Just Catches, a dramatic adaptation of three Hemingway short
stories, written by his daughter-in-law, Carol, will be presented July 18 to 21.
An International Literary Conference, featuring Hemingway scholars, will be held July
19-21. There will also be two screenings of a Cuban film, Hello Hemingway, about a girl's
fruitless search to meet the author.
THE FROG PRINCE
TOBY WHERRY, pictured, stars as the Frog
Prince in the David Mamet play. Directed by Eric Nightingale
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Pulitzer Prize winning playwright David Mamet's The Frog Prince, his version of the
classic fairy began performances yesterday, July 11, with an opening set for next Sunday, July 18,
at the 78th Street Theatre Lab, NYC.
In a charming artistic take, prior to curtain time children will be able to color flowers - which
become part of the set!
The Frog Prince is the classic tale about an arrogant prince who, after denying a peasant
woman a simple gift, is sentenced to life as a frog - until he learns about love, loss and true riches.
Written with the same wry, satiric wit that made David Mamet the renowned playwright he is,
but without the caustic language that is usually a mainstay of Mamet productions!
The New York Times called the sold out 1997 production "surprisingly lyrical - even
tinged with melancholy." This 1999 edition stars: E Roger Mitchell (Servingman), Jean Taylor
(Peasant), Karan Wright (Milkmaid) and returning as the Frog Prince, Toby Wherry. The set
design is by Si Joong Yoon, costumes by So Young Kim and the lighting design by
Tyler Micoleau. A cappella vocals provided by The Decibelles (Trish Kositzky, Cyndy Taylor and
Debbie Wilkinson) under the musical direction of David Barnes.
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Thank you for your interest. Laura Deni P.O. Box 60538
Las Vegas, NV 89160
SWEET CHARITY
KEVIN BLACK brother of Clint, and a
musician in his own right, provided the entertainment at the Dallas Heart Ball Ranch party, a fun
loving party which precedes the ball, which benefits the University of Texas' Southwestern
Medical Center.
TAKING THOSE STAR TREK
VOWS
FERENGI BRIDESMAID AND BEST MAN
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The Star Trek Experience at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas is boldly transporting the marriage
vows where they haven't gone before - into an intergalactic ceremony which has proven to
be a
hit with Treksters.
The futuristic attraction began coupling last Valentines Day. Beginning at $2,000 for
30 guests,
the happy duo will legally link up on the Bridge of the USS. Enterprise.
The
couple can choose two Star Trek characters to join the wedding party - Klingons, Ferengi
and Starfleet officers are on duty and ready to serve.
WEDDING RECEPTION
ALA STAR TREK
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For the what it's worth
department -
Klingons are the fave attendants.
To make the stellar leap even more memorable the bride and bridegroom receive a goodie bag
which includes Star Trek watches and a commemorative certificate.
To party Star Trek style, the
reception is held in the adjacent Quark's Bar and Restaurant.
WHO'S WHERE
SMOTHERS BROTHERS July 15 &
16, Casino Magic, Bossier City, LA.
BARRY CORBIN was recently in
Dallas checking out the Dallas Summer Musicals' production of South Pacific which
starred John Cullum as Emile de Becque. After the curtain call Corbin headed backstage to
congratulate his former colleague. Both Corbin and Cullum co-starred on the popular television
series Northern Exposure.
CANDYE KANE the former stripper
is now a widely respected blues-jazz singer, who is performing at the 18th Amendment Saloon,
Omaha, NE after-work live music series. Backed by an eight-piece band, billed as "the queen of
swing" the sultry singer knocks out songs such as 200 Lbs. of Fun.
SANDY DUNCAN fully
recovered from the injury she received while rehearsing for her starring role in Chicago
open July 13 in the drop dead production, Bass Performance Hall, Dallas. The production runs
through July 25.
THIS AND THAT
MISS SAIGON which will
celebrate its 10th anniversary on Broadway in 2001 drops the curtain on the London production
on October 30.
BLUE MAN GROUP holding
auditions this Thursday for the up coming Las Vegas production at the Luxor Hotel.
SEX CONVENTION tabbed
Lifestyles'99 took place at the Hilton Hotel in Reno, NV this past week-end. Swingers gathered
to attend workshops on such topics as: Romance on the Internet, 500 Unusual Sex Practices,
Growing Up With Kinky Parents, Playing Out Your Fantasies and Sex Without Guilt. Porn star
Ron Jeremy lectured on Sex and the Law.
MARIACHI SPECTACULAR
Musical workshops and concerts in Mariachi music, taught by the best maestros in the world with
special guests, a Mariachi Mass and concerts. Albuquerque, New Mexico July 14-18.
VON BRAUN CELEBRATION is
a happening in Huntsville, Alabama. They're celebrating the impact of German culture on the city
during a year long Von Braum Celebration of the Arts and Sciences. The city is observing the
50th anniversary of the arrival of Wernher von Braun and other German scientists who developed
rockets for the U.S. Army. The celebration begins July 16 on the 30th anniversary of the launch of
Apollo 11 atop a Huntsville-built Saturn V rocket and concludes July 16, 2000, the anniversary of
the death of Von Braun in 1977.
EIGHT NORTHERN INDIAN PUEBLOS stage their annual arts and crafts show July 17-18. Approximately 1,500
American Indian artists from around the nation participate - all work is pre-judged for its
authenticity and workmanship. Entertainment includes Indian dances spotlighting the Buffalo,
Deer, Rainbow and Corn. Refreshments range from red and green chili to Indian tacos, oven
bread, fry bred, Indian cookies and pies. The event is organized by Eight Northern Pueblo Council
representing Tesuque, San Juan, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Nambe Pojoaque, Taos and Picuris
pueblos. The host pueblo, San Juan, is 26 miles north of Santa Fe on the road to Taos.
BATS IN YOUR BELFRY
in
Walcott, Texas, July 15-19 at Crowley's Ridge State Park.
On Friday The Secret
World of
Bats is the featured flick.
On Saturday a bat house workshop with bat expert Harry Harnish
will teach you more than you ever wanted to know.
Mention BROADWAY TO VEGAS for Special Consideration
Call (800) 942-9027
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Next Column: July 19, 1999
Copyright: July 12, 1999. All Rights Reserved. Reviews, Interviews, Commentary,
Photographs or Graphics from any Broadway To Vegas (TM) columns may not be published, broadcast, rewritten,
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