Thursday, July 08, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

MIKE WEATHERFORD: Kerr, Dooley and Society of Seven headed back onstage

Kenny Kerr has a new show at Sunset Station.

It's "welcome back" week as three veteran acts return to local stages. Comic cross-dresser Kenny Kerr and illusionist-escape artist Dixie Dooley open new shows today, while Hawaiian variety favorite Society of Seven plans an Aug. 7 comeback.

Society of Seven will attempt to expand the platform of afternoon entertainment on the Strip. The veteran Hawaiian entertainers plan to reopen Aug. 7 in the 1,160-seat Bally's theater that hosts "Jubilee!" at night.

Co-founder Tony Ruivivar says the ticket price is not determined. But it will be close to $30, and won't be the more typical Las Vegas afternoon show that serves as a loss leader to drive casino traffic, sold for the price of a drink.

Audiences have been hesitant to embrace afternoon shows at higher prices. A Siegfried & Roy-produced showcase for illusionist Darren Romeo couldn't sustain a $30 ticket in 2002.

But Tropicana magician Rick Thomas sells his best tickets at $28.35, while some ticket-buyers pay $18.65 for guaranteed seating for Mac King at Harrah's Las Vegas.

Ruivivar acknowledges the enterprise is "quite a challenge for us, especially in the afternoon." But the group has imported a secret weapon.

Filipino pop singer Lani Misalucha is joining the show, making it more a Society of Eight. "She's going to be integrated into the show" rather than performing a separate set, Ruivivar says.

"She just fit in great," he adds of an idea that began when Misalucha drew a standing ovation after being called to the stage one night during the group's last run at the Aladdin.

The new show already has rehearsed for a month. "We've got so much material, we figure we'll be alternating numbers," Ruivivar says.

The show is produced by Rosy Cheeks Entertainment, a side venture by the owners of the Goldilocks restaurant and bakery chain.

Local fans of Kerr will be happy to find the star of the well-remembered "Boylesque" in a new drag endeavor at Sunset Station's Club Madrid.

"I'm back here for good. I'm sick of traveling," Kerr says of out-of-town work, mostly in Palm Springs, Calif., that kept him busy since his ill-fated show at the New Frontier in 2001.

Many of Kerr's problems there, and at the Plaza before that, seemed to stem from trying to run the business side. This time, Excalibur "Tournament of Kings" producer Patrick Jackson has stepped in as producer.

"Kenny Kerr and Friends" begins modestly, opening today with a schedule of two 10 p.m. shows weekly, on Thursdays and Fridays. Tickets are $19.95, but locals get a $5 discount.

"Friends" include a three-piece band and impersonator Chad Michaels. He and Kerr plan to team up for "four Cher looks in four minutes," Kerr says, adding that he hopes to add dancers and more drag performers over time.

Many entertainers try to "Escape" the Riviera's Le Bistro Theatre, but local performer Dixie Dooley is the latest to try a show there.

The title stems from Dooley's longtime fascination for Harry Houdini and a stage show that re-creates classic escapes from handcufffs, straitjackets and chains. Dooley had a similar show at the Plaza and Greek Isles.

This time he is trying Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. starting today, with a $25 and $30 base price. ...

Elsewhere inside the Riviera, magician Dirk Arthur is waiting until July 19 to join the cast of "Splash." Ticket prices will bump up once he joins, to $65 and $80 -- from $60 and $75 -- once all taxes and fees are added. ...

"Rockin' & Romancin' " is the next installment in the Gold Coast's new format of turning over different tribute shows every six weeks. This one replaces "Outlaws, Cowboys & Men in Black" and runs Wednesday through Aug. 22.

Producer Sharon Haynes switches her usual Patsy Cline get-up for that of "Mama Cass" Elliot. Comedian Janice Hart anchors the show that includes Craig Canter as Engelbert Humperdinck and Mark Maynard as Frankie Valli.

Mike Weatherford's entertainment column appears Thursdays and Sundays.