Ask Liza Minnelli to single out her giddiest Las Vegas moment, and the words burst forth like a champagne geyser.
"I loved it when Sammy (Davis) and I did a special show at 2 in the morning after we had both done shows," Minnelli said. "We did a special show for entertainers. It was at the Riviera, and it was sensational."
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Stay tuned. The "Cabaret" icon, who opens a three-night engagement tonight at the Luxor, hinted that something special could be in the works during her Thanksgiving engagement.
"I'll do it again. But I'm not going to say I'm going to do it because I haven't talked to anyone about it yet."
And don't be surprised if she ends up next to you on some of the thrill rides. That's her inner child, still fizzing like vintage bubbly.
But the words stop flowing when the subject turns to the $10 million spousal abuse lawsuit filed by her estranged husband, David Gest.
A New York judge recently dismissed the case.
After a long pause, she said, "The word 'dismissed' (another pause) has never sounded so good. That's ALL I'm going to say."
Would she consider returning to Las Vegas as a resident headliner?
"The show is so difficult. I don't think I can do it every night. I can do it three nights in a row; then I need a day off."
She added, "My vocal chords are made of iron, thank God."
THE SCENE AND HEARD
The Food Network's "Behind the Bash" segment featuring Giada De Laurentis at the premiere of "Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular" will air Nov. 5. ...
Elton John will be hawking his music on QVC, which seems like an odd venue, but it's happening on Friday. He's back at Caesars Palace for another run, and I hear he's added "The Bridge," a song from his new album, "The Captain and the Kid."...
The name of Pete Sampras' wife was misstated here on Sunday. Her name is Bridgette. Our apologies.
SIGHTINGS
Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees, partying with about a dozen FHM magazine models Tuesday at Pure in Caesars Palace, three days after taking a lot of heat for the Yankees' early post-season exit. ... Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, at the World's Largest Gift Shop on Tuesday, shopping for souvenir Las Vegas baseball caps. In town to campaign for Democratic candidates, Kerry also made stops at Triple George restaurant on Tuesday and McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant on Wednesday. Summoned for a radio interview on Wednesday, he borrowed the office of McCormick & Schmick's general manager John Hinchliffe for a few minutes. ... Film legend Kirk Douglas with his wife, Anne, and Jack Valenti, former chairman and chief executive officer of the Motion Picture Association of America, and his wife, Mary Margaret, at "Love" on Monday at The Mirage. The Douglases eloped, getting married at the Sahara in May 1954 during Kirk's day off while he was filming "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.'' They had met in Paris. ... Reality show stars "Boston Rob" and his wife, Amber, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, taping a segment at the Richard Petty Driving Experience on Tuesday for their new Fox show. Joining them was poker star Daniel Negreanu. Also participating at the driving school, but not part of the filming, was PGA Tour veteran Woody Austin, who is in town to play in the Frys.com Open. ... Golf pro Tommy Armour III, celebrating his 47th birthday at Nico Santucci's Parisian Palace on Monday with a crowd that included Rick Rizzolo, Bob Stupak, Phil Ivey and Crazy Horse Too dancers.
THE PUNCH LINE
"North Korea has now been condemned by 114 nations. ... Nothing like that has happened since I hosted the Academy Awards." -- David Letterman.
