New York critics are eating Elton John's vampire show alive.
A new twist in the murder case involving pro bodybuilders Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan: Ryan's mother died over the weekend, reportedly from "a broken heart."
Niki Ryan, 61, died of a heart attack Saturday while showing her home in Laguna Niguel, Calif., to a real estate agent.
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A cardiac tech at a sports and wellness center, she had been going back and forth to Las Vegas trying to sell Titus and Ryan's home to help pay legal fees.
"She was very stressed to say the least," her friend and former co-worker Marni Cota said in an e-mail. "She died of a broken heart."
Titus and Kelly Ryan have been charged in the December death of their live-in assistant, Melissa James, whose burned body was found in the couple's Jaguar.
They were denied bail last week and remain in jail.
Titus was a Mr. Olympia contender and a 1996 bodybuilding champion. Ryan is a past Fitness America and Fitness International winner.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Elton John's Broadway vampire show is getting scathing reviews. "Bloody Awful" screamed a headline on The New York Post's review. "The curse continues," the paper's reviewer said, referring to the dreadful luck of vampire shows on Broadway in recent years. ...
Peter Gabriel and Joseph "Run" Simmons of Run-DMC, at separate tables Wednesday at Postrio (The Venetian). Regis and Joy Philbin were in Tuesday. ... Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart of the University of Southern California will be celebrating his NFL draft selection at Pure (Caesars Palace) on Tuesday. He'll make a pass on the red carpet about 10:15 p.m. ...
Local "American Idol" contestant Mikalah Gordon not only is graduating from Cimarron-Memorial High on June 14, but she'll be singing her heart out. She's scheduled to perform the national anthem and another song before commencement begins at the Thomas & Mack Center. She currently is working as a correspondent for "The Tyra Banks Show" and "American Idol." ...
Pastalavista, baby: Who knew? Boxes of macaroni and cheese have become the latest noisemaker at sports events. The Las Vegas Wranglers are cooking up a Big Mac Attack for Friday's Game 3 meeting with the Alaska Aces in the best-of-7 West Division final. The Orleans Arena has purchased 500 boxes for suite and club seat owners. Leftovers go to charities to feed the needy.
SIGHTINGS
Cedric the Entertainer, on stage Tuesday with George Wallace during the latter's show at the Flamingo. ... Four-time National League batting champion Bill Madlock, grabbing a burger Wednesday at Hurricane Bar & Grill. ... Richard Weisman, chief executive officer of the Exotic Cars at Caesars Palace, being interviewed Wednesday night on "Geraldo at Large" (WB) on reporter Phil Keating's "Fountain of Youth" story about the popularity of human growth hormone. Weisman said he's even got his father on HGH. ... Classic guitar legend Esteban, speaking and performing Wednesday for the music class at Cynthia Cunningham Elementary School. He donated an autographed guitar to the music program. He's appearing Saturday at Sam's Town. ... Illusionist Criss Angel, shooting scenes Wednesday for his next A&E show "Mindfreak" with Motley Crue's Vince Neil in the high-limit casino at the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood. ... NFL legend Jim Brown, besieged by fans Tuesday after the Danny Gans show (Mirage). ... In the audience at "Dragapella" (Hilton) on Wednesday: Society of Seven and Sweet Louie.
THE PUNCH LINE
"To give you an idea how expensive gas is here in California, today Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards were seen carpooling to their divorce attorney's office." -- Jay Leno
