Strip club owners, ‘Vinny’ part ways

Reputed mob member Vincent "Vinny" Faraci is no longer running a Las Vegas strip club that took some heat for hiring him.

Houston-based Rick's Cabaret International, the new owners of Scores, had recently named Faraci general manager.

Rick's Cabaret spokesman Allan Priaulx told Vegas Confidential on Tuesday that Faraci was brought in on a trial basis "while we tried to work out an agreement with him that would include his compensation. We couldn't work out a compensation package that was agreeable to both parties, and so we made a mutual agreement to part ways. He's exploring his other options."

Faraci's baggage was sure to be an issue during the licensing process. He had worked for Crazy Horse Too owner Rick Rizzolo, who was released from prison earlier this year after serving 11 months on racketeering charges.

One of Faraci's claims to fame came during his shift manager days at the Crazy Horse Too when he hired a 17-year-old blonde who went by the stage name Jennasis. Her real name was Jenna Massoli. The former showgirl went on to become the biggest porn star in history under the name of Jenna Jameson.

THE BARE TRUTH

Kelly Monaco played it coy. Jerry Mitchell, the show's creator, was more candid.

My question to Monaco was whether she was going topless as "Bo Peep" in "Peepshow," which opens in March at Planet Hollywood Resort. She'll co-star with Melanie "Scary Spice" Brown, who will emcee.

"It's Jerry's show," said Monaco, the season one winner of "Dancing With the Stars," "and I'm sure he's going to leave it up to his leads. ... You're going to have to come to find out."

"They're definitely going to take it off," said Mitchell, the director-choreographer.

Monaco, Brown and Mitchell were on hand for the unveiling of the stars of the burlesque production.

Monaco, who will moonlight on the show while starring in the soap opera "General Hospital," said it would an "incredible sensual, sexy show that is not vulgar."

She hasn't been in a stage show since high school, when she played Rabbit in "Winnie the Pooh."

"That's quite a leap from Rabbit to Bo Peep," said Mitchell, who promised her the show will be tasteful.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Former 'N Sync member: Lance Bass will flip the switch tonight to illuminate the Eiffel Tower in solid red to launch the weeklong Beaujolais Nouveau festival at Paris Las Vegas.

SIGHTINGS

Caesars Palace performer Bette Midler, with a large group Monday at Koi (Planet Hollywood Resort). She popped in Strip House and checked out Irish magician Keith Barry. ... Guns N' Rose's frontman Axl Rose at The Bagel Cafe on Monday. ... George Wallace, Clint Holmes and Zowie Bowie, performing Tuesday at Ethel M's 15th Annual Cactus Lighting, before a crowd of about 800 people under 650,000 lights.

THE PUNCH LINE

"They're saying Hillary Clinton may be secretary of state. If she takes that job, it means she'll be spending a lot of time away from home. Today, she took out her pantsuit with the travel stickers. Then she bought an electronic ankle bracelet for Bill." -- David Letterman

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.