Ellen DeGeneres has surprise in store for two guests.
Zach Braff walks red carpet with his cast mates.
Ann-Margret celebrates birthday No. 65 today.
Work pays off for performer Gordie Brown.
After months of rumors, the deal's done: Singing impressionist-comedian Gordie Brown is moving into The Venetian's new 800-seat theater in August.
Brown, who has spent most of the past five years headlining in Lake Tahoe and Reno, and at the Golden Nugget, has landed a multiyear deal "in the pre-eminent hotel in this town at the moment," said his manager-producer, Bernie Yuman.
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Brown's time has arrived, said Yuman, longtime manager of Siegfried & Roy.
"To be center-Strip in a new theater, with two shows a day, five days a week, 48 weeks a year, and multiyear contract," said Yuman, who, uncharacteristically, ran out of words.
A Montreal native, Brown was a political cartoonist in Ottawa, Canada, when he was inspired by show business idols and fellow Canadians Paul Anka and Rich Little.
"They were the light bulbs that went off in my head," he said.
After years of crafting his own style, Brown said he has a special act for the Strip. "I want Hollywood to come to town and say, 'Wow, this is different.' "
One of his "wow" elements involves going into the audience, chatting up the crowd, then, after returning to the stage, singing "My Way," with the names and information he just gleaned.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Ellen DeGeneres has a surprise announcement for two audience members on her show today (KLAS-TV, Channel 8 at 3 p.m.). She's flying Alecia Whitaker and Jerrod Pace of Kentucky to Red Rock Resort for the ultimate bachelor/bachelorette party. Surprise No. 2: Eleven members of their bridal party are waiting for them, courtesy of Red Rock, which flew them in on Thursday. ...
Madame Tussauds is unveiling a wax version of The Beatles on June 3, the week the Beatles-themed Cirque du Soleil show opens at The Mirage. On loan from the London museum, The Beatles will be on display until July 4. ...
Stuffed-shirt Stephen Asprinio, one of the two "Top Chef" candidates with local ties, was booted from the Bravo reality show during Wednesday's episode. That leaves Tiffani Faison among the five survivors, three of whom will face off in the finale, which was taped last week at Craftsteak at the MGM Grand. The finale airs May 17. ...
A happy "Viva Las Vegas" birthday to Ann-Margret, who turns 65 today.
MAY I RECOMMEND ...
Fin, the new high-end Chinese restaurant at The Mirage, features the Hong Kong-style creations of Chef Chi Choi. Entrees range from $11.75 to the $295 braised Japanese abalone. Signature dishes: Imperial Peking duck, $48; wok-fried beef tenderloin, $32; and lobster tail with XO sauce, $88. For reservations, call: 791-7223.
SIGHTINGS
"Scrubs" cast members Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, Neil Flynn, Christa Miller, Robert Maschio on the red carpet prior to their show's wrap party at the Palms. It's part of the GQ Lounge weekend, which includes Kid Rock concerts Saturday and Sunday at Rain. ... Actress Mandy Moore, at Amp (Palms) on Thursday. ... NBA star Ray Allen, dancing to Kanye West's "Gold Digger" at Tabu (MGM Grand) on Wednesday night.
THE PUNCH LINE
"President Bush gave a speech at a Republican fund-raiser in Las Vegas Monday at The Venetian hotel and casino. They make a martini there that costs $50. It's made with two shots of Bombay Gin and a splash of unleaded supreme." -- comedian Argus Hamilton.
