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Monti in Las Vegas
10/23/2008 - This week in Las Vegas the
political machine is on. I'm quite impartial and really not politically
motivated but let's be real, none of us can get away from it right now.
The television and radio ads, the signs along all the streets and the
constant robo calls. It's just too much.
In keeping with the
political season, Bette Midler held a rally for the
Obama campaign at Krave nightclub at
Planet Hollywood. Frank Marino made
disparaging remarks about the Republican candidate, Sarah Palin, before
introducing Bette Midler to the Obama supporters. I can only add,
"watch your step Frank, it's not good to be bad to Sarah".
Sarah Palin
was in Las Vegas this week where the crowd started gathering some five
hours before her arrival. Before arriving in Nevada to make the Reno
and Las Vegas scenes she appeared on Saturday Night Live, and was
delicious. The ratings for SNL were the best in the last thirty years.
Someone out there likes her, that's for sure.
Seems like both of the
major parties keep trying to dig up dirt and quite frankly, I'm over
it. I even turned off television's The View because there's just too
much political nonsense. With only a few days left you have to wonder
what more there is to discuss. One thing for sure, history will be made
in November.
For the last few
months I've been talking and writing about the opening of Criss
Angel's show Believe at the Luxor
which will be another Cirque Du Soleil creation. It's finally time for
the opening but I will be out of town doing my own comeback, or maybe
it's another comeback, at the Taj Majal in Atlantic City. Not to
worry, I'll catch the show when I return but through all the delays and
hype surrounding Believe, we still have to give Criss the benefit of the
doubt. After all, he does have television credentials and creation of
this show cost over 100 million dollars. Without benefit of seeing the
show, and in my opinion, I think Las Vegas has reached its max on Cirque
Du Soleil. Too much Cirque!
Cirque Du
Soleil productions are featured all over Las Vegas such as Love
at The Mirage, Ka at the MGM, Zumanity at New York New York, Mystere at
TI, which was the first to hit Las Vegas, but the winner of the Las
Vegas Cirque scene is "O" at Bellagio. I'm not even sure if that's all
the Cirque shows in town but you get the picture.
This trend holds
true for the magic shows. Las Vegas has a way of going from theme to
theme. Just a few short years ago Las Vegas was touted as the perfect
family vacation destination. That theme only lasted a few seasons.
Even the addition of roller coasters on the strip couldn't seem to
manifest the ideal scene for the entire family. The idea was an
amusement park with gaming. What I'm trying to see or feel as a
columnist is something new, something innovative, something creative.
Are we themed out?
Enjoyed the opening of
a fabulous new restaurant Via Brasil Steakhouse at
Charleston and Ft. Apache. I say fabulous because it's another one of
those dining experiences with an outstanding wine collection. and
impeccable service. Of course the menu and presentation is important
but I was also taken by the decor. Some might consider an evening at
Via Brasil a bit on the pricey side for an off-strip restaurant, but you
can be the judge of that. The menu is price-fixed" -with 3 different
tiers. -all of which include exceptional food.
My wonderful friend
Dick Finney received his star on the Las Vegas Walk of
Fame. Dick and yours truly have shared a rather long history
and I'll always remember how kind he was when I arrived in Las Vegas
more than ten years ago. Dick is one of those rare mainstays in Las
Vegas and is known as a co-producer of La Cage at the Riviera as well as
Viva Las Vegas and the Rat Pack is Back both showing at the Plaza
downtown. We all love Dick Finney and he deserves his star. Speaking of
downtown, The Plaza (name change coming up??) is fast
becomng the entertainment capital of this area., what with The
Rat Pack, The Dome, their own R&B vocal group,
and Viva Las Vegas.
Last week Justin
Timberlake and his girl friend Jessica Biel
were in town. Justin was hosting a charity golf tournament.
Jennifer Lopez
and Mark Anthony renewed their wedding vows at
Caesars Palace. Unfortunatly, The Reverend Monti
was not invited. Maybe next time.
Madonna
coming in November at the MGM Grand arena straight from
her 500 million dollar divorce.
Dancing with
the Stars.... Toni Braxton booted off while
Cloris leachman goes on and on and on
It's rumored Mariah
Carey to be pregnant
See y'all next time.
10/17/2008 Andre Agassi's Grand Slam for
Children was the biggest event of the week in Las Vegas and even in
current economic times it was a huge success. This was the 13th Annual
Grand Slam but it was the first time it was held at Wynn Las Vegas.
Well done to Andre, his wife Steffi and all who participated. The event
drew celebrities from all genres including the likes of Sheryl Crowe and
Rod Stewart who were spotted on the red carpet.
The era
of gangsters has long been part of Las Vegas history and historians
would have to agree that Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal would be a part of that
history. Frank passed away last week in Florida at the age of 79 but
his many acquaintances will long remember the changes Frank brought to
Las Vegas and the gambling scene, especially sports betting. Frank was
immortalized in the movie Casino and was portrayed by Robert DiNero.
Mob or no mob it was an era that included a lot of baby gangsters. As
for me, I was part of the lollipop mafia. With Lefty's passing it's an
end of an era and an incredible story.
I'd like to let my readers know that the old Las Vegas had personality
and characters and when I first arrived, to perform at Caesars, I was
amazed by the hand-shake deals, the comps, the shows, the showgirls. In
those days the ladies dressed in gowns or cocktail dresses and the
gentlemen wore suits for their night on the town. It was a different
time, that's for sure.
Sounds as if Madonna and her hubby Guy Richie will reach a brand new
high with their upcoming divorce. At stake is $500 million and
according to those who know, no pre-nuptials. No doubt Madonna will
come out of this unscathed. Is A-Rod on the horizon again??????
For the television fans of America's Got Talent, the show was featured
at the MGM Grand last Friday and included the 2008 winner Neal E. Boyd.
He's probably scouting out the Las Vegas scene to find the right place
for his opera. Terry Fator, last years big winner, was there to chear
them on.
Changes on the entertainment scene around town include the addition of
dates for the entire month of January 2009 for Bette Midler at the
Colosseum. The January dates are in addition to her October, November
and December schedule at Caesars. Your best Bette, the Showgirl Must Go
On, is to call (877) 7-BETTEM for tickets and dates.
While no one was looking another change took place on the Las Vegas
entertainment scene. Seems the Fab Four made a quiet move to the V
Theater at Planet Hollywood. This may turn out to be a better fit for
them too. Their recreation of the music of that era and the Ed Sullivan
look-a-like in the show
brought back many memories of old time show biz.
A sad note-another show business great, Edie Adams has passed
away. A star of Broadway, Hollywood, and TV, this award winning widow
of the late Ernie Kovacs will surely be missed. I had the privilege of
doing her hair during my hairdressing days, and appearing with her in
the film Racquet (as her hairdresser, of course).
Kudos to Golden Gaming for partnering with Spread the World-Kids to Kids
to distribute books to schools in Southern Nevada.in order to promote
literacy.Used books and donations can be donated this month at any of th
e 36ierra Gold and PT"S tavern locations.THese will be distrbluted on
Make A Diffeernece Day on OCt 25,2008.
Innovations frequently are the result of challenging times and so it
must be with Fame Farm marketing agency. Michael Feder and Karan Feder
of Fame Farm have recently joined forces with Robert Cione who is the
developer of Canyon Edge in Henderson. This new endeavor will include
art in the settings of model homes. While Michael and Karan represent
artists of various styles, Thomas Burger of Zen Interiors finds the
addition to be an excellent way of enhancing these beautiful homes while
offering the public an opportunity to see the artists' work. BLAH !
BLAH ! BLAH !
As more confirmation that salsa has become the favorite condiment of
America, my friend Mark DiMartino has just opened a new restaurant at
3713 West Sahara. It's the Camino de Morelia. Not only does the
restaurant offer traditional Mexican dishes but live music is featured
for the week-ends. Many readers will remember this location on West
Sahara was previously the home of the Tillerman which was also owned by
Mark. Before the Tillerman it was a well-known Italian restaurant that
catered to the likes of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and friends back in
the day. If a little salsa is on your mind, stop by Camino de Morelia
and offer Mark greetings from yours truly.
.For you pizza lovers, you must try New York Pizza &Pasta on Jones and
Sahara. The New York style pizza and the garlic knots are the best in
town--take it from an ex-New Yorker.
Last, but not least, THE REV MONTI will be back next week.
10/16/2008
Your columnist has been busy, busy this week. Full of weddings and
events which I might add included being honored by the Meatball Awards
held downtown at the Plaza Hotel. Since I couldn't attend due to a
previous commitment, and you know I hate to miss any spotlight, my good
friends and local journalists Mike Weatherford and Jerry Fink accepted
on my behalf. Thank you gentlemen.
Sunday's
previous commitment included the huge 16th birthday bash for Kiki
Posner, daughter of my friends Lance and Eva Posner. It was an
extravagant affair at Vox Restaurant that included dinner, entertainment
and surprises for everyone including the birthday girl. It was my
pleasure to attend especially when I think back to my own youth. Not
sure if I ever had a birthday party and certainly not anything like
this.
The Lion
King arrives at Mandalay Bay in April replacing the highly successful
Mamma Mia which brings down the curtain after a six year run. Lion King
is a Disney product which means it's a family affair. Since the Lion
King, like Mamma Mia, has had such a successful run on Broadway it may
find a long term venue here in Las Vegas. This will be the only
"permanent" production other than Broadway, thereby allowing the
complete staging and sets.
The family
scene also includes Donny and Marie Osmond at the Flamingo, who have
just extended their 6 month engagement to 2 years Seems business has
been that good and the show is delicious. Yes, Mr Marandino has another
hit on his hands. As I wrote last week the show is well oiled and a true
entertainment delight. The audience leaves with a smile every night so
what's not to like. Marie has lost a lot of weight, she's fresh from a
divorce and after last season's Dancing With the Stars she has a whole
new appeal to today's audiences. Makes me ask myself why can't I get on
Dancing With the Stars.... Oh! That's right, I have Disco Ball.
It's
amazing that in today's economy Caesars Colosseum manages to fill those
seats every night. Everyone was happy to see that Cher returned after
taking four days off due to her health. Plus, I just received a press
release that Bette Midler is extending her Colosseum show and will start
the New Year at the Colosseum. It really is true, The Showgirl Must Go
On! With Cher, Bette and Sir Elton John as "regulars" plus throw in the
likes of Jerry Seinfeld, the Colosseum is pretty well covered.
To
say it was a big night for Neal F. Boyd from America's Got Talent would
definitely be an understatement. The former insurance salesman from
Missouri just earned one million dollars and a chance to headline a show
in Las Vegas. Well done Neal. Who knows, maybe Neal's operatic
recordings will fill the air during the fountain show at the Bellagio
one day.
Downtown
Las Vegas was busy last week. First it was the O.J. Simpson trial which
finally went to the jury. The lunch counters downtown will miss the
media when this is over. And over it is, for now. Guilty on all 12
counts and sentencing on Dec 6. Will it be life????????
Another highlight for downtown was the introduction of the "mob"
museum. Excuse me, it's actually The Las Vegas Museum of Organized
Crime and Law Enforcement. We've got to hand it to Mayor Goodman who's
been involved with the planning for the museum from the beginning. He
never gives up on the possibilities for downtown, does he? This original
downtown post office will be the home for the museum which isn't
scheduled to open until 2010. That gives everyone time to blow the dust
off any thing that might be of interest and be included in the museum.
Let's face it, Las Vegas has a colorful past and a history like no other
city.
The Las Vegas Hilton
and Ira David Sternberg continue to demonstrate that it's possible to
present three completely different shows to the world and have all three
do well. Barry Manilow seems to have a great fan base, Menopause the
Musical with my friend Paige O'Hara is still drawing a crowd and maybe,
just maybe the Scintas have found a real home. It seems to be a magical
mix at the Hilton
Raw Talent, the show that
I've mentioned several times has finally opened at the Sahara . The
show fuses music and technology and and features some of the dancers
from producer/choreographer Niclole Durr's Havana Night Club show.
This is a new concept and hopefully be a success.
Dick Feeney has
two shows at the Plaza Hotel & Casino. Viva Las Vegas which is Dick's
most successful production, and the longest too, and The Rat Pack is
Back. All eyes will be on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars when Dick
receives his star which will be placed on Las Vegas Boulevard right in
front of New York New York on October 17th. Las Vegas producers,
performers and residents know Dick Feeney for more than his shows. He's
been active in community affairs and charities as well as his
entertainment endeavors since 1985. Congratulations to Dick as he joins
other celebrities and well known Las Vegans from all areas of our
lives.
The Reverend Monti
Rock performed three wedding ceremonies this week all at the beautiful
home of Chuck St. Troy. The first ceremony was a celebration and
renewal of vows for Chuck's parents, Nick and Terry Troiano in honor of
their 60th, yes I said 60th, wedding anniversary. Nick and Terry had
arrived from New York City earlier in the week and were completely
surprised by the whole affair.
The second ceremony was for Chuck and
his lovely fiance Lisa followed by a third ceremony for Rick and Sara
Steele. What a delight it was, even Reverend Monti was moved to tears.
Chuck St. Troy is a miracle himself having survived cancer in such a
gallant fashion. Chuck and Lisa invited friends and relatives from all
over for this special occasion. After all, it's not often you have three
ceremonies at one time. The ceremonies were traditional, the outside
gazebo setting was beautiful for the sunset weddings. Check U Tube for
weddings by Reverend Monti Rock III.
My dear friend Wes Winters
closed his show at the Steve Wyrick Theater in the Miracle Mile at
Planet Hollywood last week. Wes had a three month run and last Friday
celebrated a new beginning, we don't celebrate closings, by hosting a
party at home for close friends.
Wes had a very successful run at the Liberace Museum with his tribute
show and his one man show at Carluccio's Tivoli Gardens for 5 years. It
seems that, for some reason, very few shows succeed at The Steve Wyrick
Theater. Mr. Monti predicts a new home in the near future for Wes.
We. love you, Wes.
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09/27/2008
Sad news from the entertainment community. Paul Newman has
died of lung cancer at age of 83. Paul, one of our greatest
stars was also one of the most charitable. All profits for Newman's.
Own food produces went to charity and his camps for seriously ill
children. Married to Joanne Woodward for 50+ years, they had 2
daughters and a son, (deceased). He was one of a kind, and will always
be remembered.
Everyone was caught off guard
when Cher canceled her show at Caesers Palace Tuesday and Wednesday
last week. To cancel a show that seats 4500 every night is rare and
Caesers shows command ticket prices that lean to the high side so you
do the numbers. Friends from New York City expected to see Cher on
Tuesday and were actually seated when it was announced the show was
canceled. On Wednesday another group of friends from Miami were
disappointed when the show was canceled at 6:00 that evening. JUST
IN----Cher canceled the rest of last weekend due to an undisclosed
illness. No announcement as yet as to when she will reopen.
Get well quick Cher, we all love and need you!
In past columns I've written about Criss Angel,
called the Mick Jagger of magic, and his show,
Believe, at the Luxor. Previews of the show started this week and from
all reports it sounds like all is well and smooth riding from here.
The actual opening for the show is scheduled for Halloween night.
I
had to catch America Has Talent on television for the finals. The
winner, chosen by the number of votes from phone and Internet voting,
receives one million dollars and a chance to headline here in Las
Vegas. Remember last year's winner Terry Fator made his Vegas
debut at the Hilton. The finalists for this year will be
appearing at the MGM.
Maybe it's
the time of year or maybe it's really the quality of the current
television shows, but this year's Emmy Award ceremony drew fewer
viewers than last year. What a bore! The highlight of the show, of
course, was Vegas favorite, Don Rickels. With every
other show being some kind of reality show it's hard to find a good
drama or even a comedy, with the exception of one of my favorites Mad
Men, which by the way won an Emmy. It didn't seem the latest concept
,using 6 co-hosts, each one talented, was big mistake. Where is Billy
Crystal when your really need him??????
Last Thursday I attended
the press opening for Donny and Marie Osmond at the Flamingo.
One of the best parts of the evening was finding out that some
of the media had been "dis-invited." Ha, ha, ha! We saw the
official opening on Thurs and the show is nothing short of fabulous.
Both Donny and Marie were first class, all the way, Donny looking the
same and Marie looking better than ever.. They are what performers
should be. They sing, they dance, they have great comedic timing. It's
hard to believe that so much time has elapsed since they first wowed
the TV audience so many years ago.
Word is the second show for Jersey Boys at the Venetian is a little
slow. This wouldn't be the first big show to do a cut back.
Another media event was held at the Hilton on Friday for Barry
Manilow. His newly revamped show opened on Friday,
concentrating on his own music rather than music written by
others.,..... another reason for his fans to come back again and
again. Among his many talents, Barry gets to bring out the teenager in
his adult female fans....they scream, they swoon, some even cry. All
in all, a very well produced and entertaining show.
Returning to Caesars Palace for the 4th year is the Comedy Festival
from Nov 20-22. Among those scheduled to appear are; Jerry
Seinfeld, Ellen Degeneres, Dane Cook, Kat Williams, and Tracy Morgan.
Tracy will be hosting a Celebrity Roast for Cheech and Chong.
Keep them coming...we need all the laughter we an get in these
troubled times.
As announced
earlier in the column, on October 5th yours truly, Monti Rock
III, is being honored by the Meatball Awards at the Plaza Hotel
downtown. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend since I'm hosting my
own television show, as well as the Kiki Posner Sweet Sixteen affair.
Busy, bsuy, busy!
Dominick Dunne has been in town covering the
O.J. trial, or should I say show.. Unfortunately Dominick
experienced health problems on two separate occasions this week so had
to miss part of the action, or rather the non-action. This is supposed
to be Dominick's last trial before heading to retirement
but his television shows will probably remain in re-run for a
period of time.
I'm not big on politics
nor am I a political columnist but I've been watching former President
Clinton. He's a great politician and a great diplomat for the
Democratic party. Clinton is a fan of John McCain though he's still a
democrat.
We've been hearing
about Raw Talent, the new Bernie Yuman show at the
Sahara, however there is no other information at this time. What's
going on. guys??
9/25/2008
In appreciation for the local media
Anita Mann sponsored an absolutely delightful affair at the Luxor
as part of the opening for her production of Fantasy. It's nice
to be appreciated. Of all those in attendance I had to make a
special effort to put my arms around Breck Wahl to tell him we all
love him. He's been a Las Vegas icon for years with his many
shows. The ladies of Fantasy are wonderful and there is a
standout performance by Stephanie Jordan. The choreograph for the
show was provided by Chris Judd, who by the way is the ex-husband
of Jennifer Lopez. The dance numbers were amazing. The show also
features Sean Cooper, who does impressions of Michael Jackson,
Sammy Davis, Jr. and even Tina Turner.
Earlier I had
called Anita seeking her help. I was in trouble with my opening
in Atlantic City and she was generous enough to provide all the
information I needed and she connected all the dots for
me. Among the other acts in this show are Tavares, The Tramps,
The Blue Notes, and Evelyn Champagne King, just to name a few.
Good news, good
news! The wonderful Mimi Hines is making a speedy recovery. In
fact Mimi has done so well she insists she'll be heading to New
York City to appear in Pippin on Broadway in a couple of weeks.
Most of us remember Ryan O'Neal for his many movies. Remember
Love Story? Unfortunately Ryan's, daughter Tatum O'Neal and son,
Redmond ,share some of the same struggles. The family that gets
busted together doesn't always stay together.
On October
5th your truly will host a 16th Birthday Party for Kiki Posner
and 100 invited guests at the VOX WINE LOUNGE. in Henderson. from
6:00 to 11:PM--Great food, music (both live and DJ) and most of
all a great time for all. Kiki, a dancer and gymnast is the
daughter of Lance and Eva Posner and a sophomore at Coronado High
School.
Don't tell me the economy is affecting our local television
stations. Colleen May and Charlotte Evans who are favorites of
mine, are no longer on Channel 8. Sources say there may be
more pink slips by the end of the month at Channel 8. Hopefully
the pink slips aren't the result of an e-mail sent to Channel 8
regarding the U.S. Open Men's Final Tennis snafu. Surely not!
JUST IN....Our favorite bakery, Great Buns, has closed (due
to drop in sales)) the West Sahara location on Saturday and will
concentrate on their newly refurbished shop on E Tropicana. We
West-siders will surely miss the "great buns" at Great Buns.
Since we're covering part of the television scene, just my
opinion "Dancing with the Stars" is a bore, America Has No Talent
a snore and American Idol returns with more judges that we can
use.
Locals and
visitors alike will soon be in for a cool treat. The media was
invited to a special preview of the construction of the world's
very first permanent ice lounge. It covers more than 2000 square
feet and every inch is done with ice imported from Canada.
Everything ice, chairs, tables, bars, floors, on and on. It's
Minus 5 Experience at Mandalay Place which is adjacent to Mandalay
Bay Resort. Stay tuned for more info on this one. Another local
treat will be the addition of Friday evening salsa dancing at the
Fiesta (Lake Mead and Rancho) beginning Oct 4.to the music of the
great Micito Sanchez band. Then in Feb, the new Alliante
Hotel/Casino will be also presenting this same band, featuring
Johnny (Dandy) Rodriguez on bongos, campana and guiro, to
provide the best in Latin dance music.
The official opening of Donny and Marie Osmand at The Flamingo is
this coming Thursday, 9/25. You know your truly will be there to
enjoy these legendary peromes and will tell you all next week.
My friend Tony Sacca has been a mainstay here in Las Vegas for
more than twenty years. He's done lots of television and sung
lots of songs. Tony's newest venture, along with his co-host
Charo, will be creating a show for PBS television called The Best
Entertainment Las Vegas Style. They'll be taking us all on
outings to the Venetian, Paris, Fremont Street Experience, to
name just a few. The show is scheduled to air nationally in
November.
The Mayor wants to do something about the homes in foreclosure.
That's not the only thing facing Las Vegas right now. Even though
this is the slow season for Las Vegas, if you can call it that, it
seems everyone notices there are fewer cars on the freeways and
streets, the restaurants aren't as busy as they were in the past.
More people are eating at home more often, so much so that many
of our higher priced restaurants have introduced lower priced
items to their menus.. Many of the hotels and casinos are
slipping too, however, the multi-billion dollars City Center is
growing and supposedly will open on time. The M Resort is also
scheduled to open on time. Go figure
The Reverernd Monti will
see you next week.
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