Well, the town seems to be abuzz over the soon-to-open Broadway hit, "Hairspray," which will have an invitation-only opening night Feb. 15 at the Luxor. Much of the excitement centers around the fact that the producers are bringing back Broadway stars Harvey Fierstein and Dick Latessa to the roles they originated -- Edna and Wilbur Turnblad -- in the all-new production. The celebrated duo will be part of the production for the first 12 weeks of the show's multi-year engagement.
"Hairspray"'s regular performance schedule begins Feb. 17 with shows Thursday through Tuesday at 7 p.m., and 10 p.m. performances on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $65 and $85 and you can get them by calling 800-557-7428 or go to www.luxor.com.
"Hairspray" opened on Broadway in August 2002 to rave reviews, winning eight 2003 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. In case you don't know the storyline, it takes place in 1962 Baltimore. Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion -- to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, "The Corny Collins Show" and is transformed overnight from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a plus-size trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a television show without denting her 'do? See the show to find out. This one is a winner and I predict it will have a very long, successful run here.
RUDNER HONORED
Looking to have an elegant evening out on the town? If so, I've got just the thing for you. How about cocktails, dinner and a lot of laughs? This is what you're in for at the Nevada Ballet Theatre's Black & White Ball that will honor comedienne Rita Rudner.
It's all going to take place Saturday, Jan. 28, at Wynn Las Vegas. Each year, the theatre honors a prominent Woman of the Year at their annual ball, usually someone who has made a significant contribution to the performing arts as well as has a connection to Las Vegas. Past honorees have included Debbie Reynolds, Chita Rivera, Carol Channing, Celine Dion and most recently, Ann-Margret.
Here's some of what you can expect along with your three-course gourmet dinner.
Comedian David Brenner will act as emcee. Twelve company members from Nevada Ballet Theatre will perform a Bob Fosse piece. And for the first time, the Woman of the Year will be part of the entertainment, as Rudner will entertain guests. There will be live and silent auctions with items that will include a Cartier pink divan tank watch, trips to Nevis, West Indies, South Africa, Golden Tuscany and gifts from Escada, Jay Strongwater, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara, Escada, Saks 5th Avenue and Tallulah G, among others.
I said at the start it was going to be an elegant evening, not a night out bowling and a stop at McD's. So any coupons you've cut out lately won't do you any good for this shindig. Table prices are $5,000 Gold, $10,000 Platinum, and $25,000 Diamond. The Diamond table will feature the opportunity to attend the private reception at 6:30 p.m. in the Alsace Room with Rudner and other celebrities. For more info or table reservations, contact Tim Doyle at (702) 243-2623, ext. 230. All joking aside, it should be a great night and you'd be supporting a very worthy organization.
GAMBLING STATS
As I often like to give you info to impress friends, did you know, (according to Directions and Research, Inc.) that 67 percent of Americans over 18 have gambled in the past year at a casino, in a card game (40 percent) or on a sporting event (30 percent)? In sports betting, 78 percent bet on NFL games, 36 percent on NCAA football, 26 percent on NCAA basketball, 22 percent on major league baseball and 20 percent on the NBA. As to where people gamble, 77 percent go to casinos, 18 percent gamble at race tracks, 10 percent gamble online and 4 percent use bookies. Interestingly, 7 percent gamble at church. I'm surprised that more people bet on baseball than on the NBA.
DEALING A STAR TURN
I'll wrap up this column with a letter from Michael J. Hamson of Tampa, Fla., who writes: "Lenny, Always enjoy your columns and fresh info from my favorite city to visit and have visited since 85'. Born and raised in Philly, we have always enjoyed taking at least 4 trips a year to L.V. for the excitement and energy that very few cities give you. Even though we visited a lot of restaurants, Ralph's Diner at the Stardust was our favorite (mine too, until they changed it to a sushi joint).
"Interesting or ironically, my 22-year-old son recently moved to Las Vegas by being recruited from the Hard Rock in Tampa. He was selected from 100 dealers to deal for Caesars Palace's Celebrity Texas Hold' Em contest. He wore a watch his mother gave him so we knew it was him. In closing, I remember the first time we took the kids in 93', he was 9 or 10 years old running around the pool at the various casinos and now he is a resident and a "TV" star. Hands down, of course !!"
Do you get the impression that this is a proud father talking? Don't blame you, Michael. Be well and hurry back. We need your money.
Good luck and I'll see you on the Strip. And don't forget to check out www.valleyblogs.com
If you have a question or a Las Vegas experience you would like to share with my readers, please e-mail me at lennylv@cox.net. Please include your full name and the city or town where you live.
