Thursday, August 26, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
NORM: Roy's visit worth thumbs up for all
UNLV golfer Ryan Moore in line for big payday.
David Blaine makes a disappearance at N9NE Steak House.
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Roy Horn can't walk yet, but his statement at the Stardust was clear: I'm back.
He was there Tuesday night in his first public outing to show support to Siegfried & Roy's latest pet project, the cast of "Havana Night Club," which had overcome struggles of its own.
Twice Horn rose from his wheelchair, with help from friends, demonstrating how far he's come in his recovery since the Oct. 3 tiger attack.
Those of us 900 lucky souls who witnessed it won't soon forget the inspirational image.
The first time he stood came at the end of the show, to salute the youthful cast, the first major Cuban troupe in Las Vegas in 50 years. He remained on his feet to shake hands with dozens in the audience who stopped at his table to express their admiration and best wishes.
Later, when he went backstage, he stood again, with help, when the cast, some wiping away tears, began chanting "Roy! Roy! Roy!"
The moment wasn't lost on the Cuban cast members.
"NBC asked one of our performers, Jose David Alvarez, to describe how he felt when he saw Roy there," said producer Nicole Durr, who overcame numerous red-tape obstacles to bring the show to Las Vegas.
"He said, `You know it was so emotional you asked yourself if you deserved it.' "
It was the same old Roy in so many ways.
Five weeks away from his 60th birthday, he appeared healthy and strong and spoke clearly, despite dealing with paralysis on his left side. Wearing a blue shirt and sporting longer hair, he was his usual animated self throughout a show that was worth every one of Roy's thumbs-up. And during the backstage meeting with the cast, he occasionally interrupted Siegfried, a sure sign of normality.
Welcome back, Roy.
The Scene and Heard
Fresh off the grapevine: I'm hearing an all-Australian female version of "Thunder From Down Under" is heading for the Hilton Las Vegas. ...
Local golf authority and author Jack Sheehan says UNLV golf ace Ryan Moore, upon completion of his collegiate and amateur career next year, could be signing the biggest endorsement contract since Tiger Woods, "and maybe even beyond, depending on how he plays in the Masters, U.S. Open, and British Open." Moore won almost every amateur event in sight this year. ...
More pokermania: Vegas Rockstar Poker featuring Tommy Lee, Dave Navarro and John Rzeznik is scheduled for the Palms Friday night.
Sightings
Star chef Bobby Flay, the master of southwestern cuisine, checking out Tangerine, the new nightclub at Treasure Island, on Tuesday night. ... NFL Hall-of-Famer John Elway, playing blackjack and craps at Treasure Island on Tuesday night. ... Magician-illusionist David Blaine, making a Kobe burger disappear at N9NE Steak House (Palms) on Tuesday. He's in town for the magic convention at The Orleans, home this week to 800 top magicians and a lot of tricks. No, not that kind. ... Teen pop mastermind Lou Perlman of 'N Sync and Backstreet Boys fame, at The Venetian with his new teen singer/dancer sensation Aaron Carter and raving about his latest find, Hulk Hogan's daughter, Brooke, 16. ... Michael Jordan, visiting the N9NE Steak House kitchen to pass his compliments to Chef Barry Dakake for the lobster risotto. During the kitchen tour he signed the chef's 1984 Chicago Bulls throwback jersey.
The Punch Line
"I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts." -- American humorist Will Rogers (1879-1935)
Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com.
