Sunday, October 27, 2002
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
COLUMN: Norm!
Jackson set to bring some magic to Las Vegas
Following the lead of Celine Dion, Michael Jackson is close to announcing plans to move to Las Vegas and create a show boosted by magical illusion.
"It looks like it's 80 to 90 percent sure it's going to happen," said a source with ties to Jackson.
Jackson spent about two months in Las Vegas recently, much of it checking out shows involving illusion. He stayed at the Four Seasons with his children and bodyguards.
The source said The Venetian, one of the properties where Jackson met with management, is not the hotel and casino that Jackson is negotiating with.
Hmmm, wonder if "Legends in Concert" has been ruled out.
This party was no drag
Kelly Osbourne got what every teenage girl wants for her birthday: chocolate and ... a drag queen show?
The daughter of British rocker/TV star Ozzy Osbourne, who invited female impersonators to his birthday party earlier this year, celebrated her 18th birthday two days early Friday with her family at the posh Lutece Restaurant in The Venetian.
Cast members from "An Evening at the La Cage" provided entertainment, with Kelly and mother Sharon joining Tina Turner impersonator Larry Edwards during a version of the Prince song "Star."
Leading the happy birthday serenade was a Dr. Frank-N-Furter impersonator, the gartered, lipsticked character from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."
With MTV cameras tracking the Osbournes every move for an upcoming second season, 100 guests were fed prime rib, shrimp and a two-tiered chocolate cake with pink icing trim.
La Cage headliner Frank Marino, as Joan Rivers, served up his usual slapstick and acid-tongued wit. Cher impersonator Steven Wayne belted out "Believe" as guests mingled on the Lutece patio, while hundreds of tourists watched from sidewalks and other viewing areas.
Marino, who performed at Ozzy's birthday party, said the family patriarch indicated he wanted the La Cage cast at future Osbourne soirees.
The Scene and Heard
A rumor spread like wildfire Saturday that Luciano Pavarotti was rushed to the hospital. It was a false alarm, but a ticket broker feared the worse: "He may have been choking on unsold tickets."
Sightings
At the Ozzy Osbourne concert at Rain (Palms) Friday: Robin Leach (with earplugs) and Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson. ... At ghostbar (Palms), Marshall Faulk, St. Louis Rams running back, on Friday; O.J. Simpson and his girlfriend on Thursday. ... Anna Kournikova, showing off a mega-size rectangular rock on her ring finger at Light (Bellagio) on Friday in the company of Light co-owner Andrew Sasson, Harry Morton of Hard Rock lineage, Ra honcho Billy Richardson Jr. and Mark Packer, owner of Tao in New York City. A Saudi prince offered to send over a bottle of Crystal Rose, but she graciously declined. ... Dining Friday at Simon at the Hard Rock: Mike Ditka and Joe Pesci (no, not together). ... Occupying the Palms high roller suite: red-hot Los Angeles deejay Jamie White, who teams up with Danny Bonaduce on KYSR's morning show. She makes no secret of her crush on Palms co-owner George Maloof, one of Sin City's most eligible bachelors. She had Maloof on her show for 20 minutes Friday and dined with him Friday night, along with other reps of KYSR (Star). ... Singer Jewel and beau Ty Murray, the King of the Cowboys, checking out the Palms. They're in town for the PBR Bud Light Cup at Thomas & Mack.
The Punch Line
"Steffi (Graf) won 22 Grand Slams, I won seven. I cook for her.'' -- Andre Agassi, on why there are no arguments about who does the cooking
Norm Clarke's column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You can reach him at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com.
