A monster hit a year ago, The Comedy Festival is returning to Caesars Palace on Nov. 14 and will be expanded to five days.
A spinoff of the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colo., the first-year event included 50 performances, with appearances by such stars as Dave Chappelle, Larry David, George Lopez, Bill Maher, Dennis Miller, Chris Rock, Ray Romano, Garry Shandling and Jon Stewart.
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This year's talent lineup will be announced later, but "comic relief" will be aired live by HBO from the Colosseum on the final day, with co-hosts Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg and Robin Williams. The event will benefit "Children of Katrina" and other Katrina-related charities.
The Roman Plaza amphitheater has been added to the festival, which is presented by HBO and AEG Live and sponsored by TBS.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Harrah's headliner Clint Holmes is taking part in a concert version of "Jesus Christ Superstar" at a Los Angeles benefit on Sunday. Holmes is joining an all-star cast at the California Youth Theatre. He will be performing the role of Simon Zealotes. Film and Broadway legend Ben Vereen will play Judas and film star Jack Black will portray King Herod. Also appearing: original film and Broadway stage cast members, including Yvonne Elliman, Ted Neeley and Barry Dennen. Holmes' PBS show, which aired Monday, is being re-run at 5:30 p.m. Sunday on KLVX-TV, Channel 10. ...
Longtime Las Vegas vocal impersonator Rick Michel made quite an impression -- 101 to be exact -- Wednesday at The Dodge Theater in Phoenix. He delivered 101 impressions in 4 1/2 minutes. It was part of Michael Finney's 10th Anniversary Dry Heat Classic charity event. Michel promised the crowd that he would return next year and do 200 voices in less than 10 minutes. ...
The contract of Harrah's headlining comedy magician Mac King has been extended for five years. ...
Hot spots and cool stuff: Playboy's kickoff event for the "Bunny Search" to stock the new Playboy Club atop the Palms new tower begins today at DitchFridays, the Palms pool party. The search will run from 3 to 7 p.m. For more information: PlayboyBunnySearch.com. ...
A midnight fashion show featuring designer Betsey Johnson will be Saturday at Pure (Caesars Palace). ...
The Lucky Motel sign, one of the oldest from a bygone era, is being taken down today at 1111 Fremont St. Illusionist Steve Wyrick has purchased it for his neon collection.
MAY I RECOMMEND ...
"Mystere," the Cirque du Soleil show that gave the Montreal-based company its beach head in the desert, is still earning ovations after 6,000 performances at Treasure Island. You'll see spellbinding stunts by acrobats, gymnasts, dancers, and aerial artists. For tickets call: 1-800-963-9634.
SIGHTINGS
Gladys Knight, receiving a roaring ovation when introduced by Toni Braxton during Wednesday's show at the Flamingo Las Vegas. ... Andre Agassi, on the town with former tennis champion Jim Courier on Tuesday with stops that included Pure nightclub (Caesars). Courier is a new addition to USA Network, which will be covering the U.S. Open and Agassi's announced retirement. ... Cirque du Soleil execs are still buzzing about George Clooney's backstage visit after seeing "Love" on Sunday night at The Mirage. Instead of immediately meeting with the artists, as most celebrities do, Clooney took the time to stop and thank the crew first.
THE PUNCH LINE
"It was so hot today that my cabdriver said, 'If I used deodorant, this would have been the day I would use it.' " -- David Letterman.
