Lynette Boggs McDonald is a Miss America chaperone. Miss America Jennifer Berry makes a point on Miss USA flap. Antonia Tarver takes in the sights at Pure at Caesars. Sylvester Stallone, left, talks with David Hasselhoff at the premiere of "Rocky Balboa" on Tuesday. Photo by John Gurzinski.

David Hasselhoff's first impression of his gender-bending role in "The Producers"?

"As soon as I put on the dress, I said, 'I need more money,'" Hasselhoff said with a laugh at the premiere of "Rocky Balboa" on Tuesday in Las Vegas.

"I look like the Chrysler Building."

The "Baywatch" star is pushing the career envelope in his supporting role of Roger DiBris, a flamboyantly gay director in Mel Brooks' Las Vegas version of the Broadway smash, which opens at Paris Las Vegas next month.

Las Vegas has been on Hasselhoff's mind for some time.

"I almost came here to do my singing show," he said.

Then Brooks came along with an offer The Hoff couldn't refuse.

"I have the funniest role in the show," he said.

This version of "The Producers," he said, is "perfect for Vegas. It's funny, campy."

Lake Mead visitors can expect regular sightings of Hasselhoff on the water. He's an avid jet skier and boater.

VIVA LA DIFFERENCE

Reigning Miss America Jennifer Berry carefully sidestepped the Miss USA controversy at a "Rocky Balboa" reception Tuesday night. But it wasn't difficult to miss her point.

While Berry and Miss America organizers are "choosing not to comment," Berry said the Tara Conner brouhaha has helped shed light on the differences between the two pageant programs. Miss USA is a for-profit enterprise owned by Donald Trump and NBC. Miss America is a nonprofit scholarship program.

Trump announced Tuesday that he would give Conner a second chance, instead of dethroning her for inappropriate behavior, including underage drinking.

Meanwhile, the schedule for next month's Miss America contest (Jan. 26-29) at the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood is coming together.

A key change: The finals have been moved from the traditional Saturday TV telecast to Monday in hopes of boosting ratings. Saturday has long been a ratings challenge.

SIGHTINGS

Former Clark County Commissioner Lynette Boggs McDonald, among the Miss America chaperones (technically they are now called traveling companions) at the "Rocky Balboa" premiere. Boggs McDonald, who was voted off the county commission after a residency controversy, has a new title: She recently was named to the Miss America board of directors. She is a former Miss Oregon. ... Boxing promoter Bob Arum, dining at N9ne Steakhouse (Palms) with wife Lovee on Tuesday. At another table: Slugger Frank Thomas, who recently signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. ... Ethan Embry, who played Rusty Griswold in "Vegas Vacation," wrapping his shoot on the latest poker movie, "Player 5150," at the Riviera after two 12-hour graveyard shifts of shooting. ... Antonio Tarver, whose character, Mason "The Line" Dixon, takes on Rocky in "Rocky Balboa," at Pure on Tuesday. At other tables: boxing champ Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Criss Angel ... By the way, veteran boxing referee Joe Cortez gets a lot of face time in "Rocky Balboa" as the referee during Rocky's final ring war. Also spotted at ringside, Tim Dahlberg, the Las Vegas-based sports columnist for The Associated Press. ... Several cast members from "Love" (Mirage), taking in Tuesday's performance of Nevada Ballet Company's "The Nutcracker." Clarence Gilyard Jr., a regular on "Walker: Texas Ranger" and "Matlock," was in with his family for opening night.

THE PUNCH LINE

"I don't want to say that Miss USA has been partying hard, but on Sunday morning, Charlie Sheen woke up wearing a crown." -- Jay Leno

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com.