Special gift makes happy day happier

Some birthdays stand out.

Marty Allen's 85th was picture perfect.

A special gift was waiting March 23, the day of his birthday, when the comedy giant and his wife/comedic partner, Kate Blackwell, returned to Las Vegas from their latest cruise ship engagement.

Allen opened up the package to find a long-forgotten photograph.

"I almost fell over," said Allen.

After five decades of hanging in the Milton Berle room at the legendary Friars Club in New York, the photograph showed Allen with fellow comedians Soupy Sales, Henny Youngman and Berle.

The gift was sent by pianist/record producer Jimmy Wisner, who somehow talked the Friars Club into giving up the photo. Wisner is known for his 1961 hit record "Asia Minor."

Allen was a comedian on the brink of a breakout when the photo was taken in the early 1960s. By 1965, Allen and his comedy partner, Steve Rossi, were so hot they were roasted by the Friars.

"Going to the Friars Club was like going to Sardi's. All the biggest stars of show business were there," said Allen.

He and Blackwell opened their "Hello Dere!" show at the Gold Coast showroom on Saturday for an indefinite run.

GETTING 'REAL'

Today's open call for Season 20 of MTV's "Real World" is about "finding people who can't help but be themselves."

That's the type of personality being sought, according to casting director Alissa Haight Carlton.

The Las Vegas call at the Palms' Rain nightclub is one of many being staged across the country for the 20th season, she said.

"We tend to cast where the show isn't going to be because we don't want locals. We want people who are meeting each other and at the same time meeting the city," she said.

About 400-500 candidates are expected for the call, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Applicants must be 18-24 years old and are asked to bring a recent picture of themselves (which will not be returned) and a photo ID.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Bruce Willis will be joining his friend Robert Earl, founder of the Planet Hollywood brand, at today's official name change from Aladdin to Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Other surprise guests will make appearances during the day. ...

With the Chippendales dancers as her opening act, Carolyn Goodman addresses the Nevada Women's luncheon Friday at Wynn Las Vegas. Her husband, Mayor Oscar Goodman, will be providing the introduction.

SIGHTINGS

Katharine McPhee, the 2006 "American Idol" runner-up, visiting with Celine Dion before Dion's show Sunday at Caesars Palace. ... McPhee was spotted at Miracle Mile, formerly Desert Passage, earlier Sunday, window-shopping and steaming a shirt at the Super Steam kiosk during a demonstration. ... Carmine Gotti, grandson of New York crime boss John Gotti, continued his 21st birthday celebration Sunday with an outing at Venus Pool Club (Caesars Palace) and later, knocked down a couple Sin City draft beers while bowling at Lucky Strike Lanes (Rio). ... Tiger Woods, back at Light (Bellagio) on Saturday. In on Sunday night: Palms owner George Maloof and dethroned Miss Nevada USA Katie Rees; Penthouse Pet of the Year Heather Vandeven, hosting a Penthouse lingerie launch party; NASCAR driver Elliott Sadler; Olympic/X Games skateboarding and snowboarding gold medalist Shaun White, with friends; UFC fighters Heith Herrington, Troy Mandaloniz, Dave Terrell, Junior Reyes and Kendall Grove, and poker pro Antonio "The Magician" Esfandiari. ... At Stack (Mirage) on Saturday night, Prince Lorenzo Borghese of Italy, aka, "The Bachelor" from the 2006 season of the hit ABC show.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Congratulations to Larry King, celebrating 50 years in broadcasting. Here's the amazing part -- he didn't even get into the business until he was 78 years old. -- Jay Leno

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.