‘Absinthe’ backers face big decisions
New York-based BASE Entertainment is on the verge of expanding its Las Vegas presence.
Three new projects are in development and will be announced in a few weeks, according to Scott Zeiger, co-CEO and founding partner of BASE, which produces or co-produces "Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular," "Jersey Boys," "Peepshow," "Absinthe" and "Defending the Caveman."
I stopped in to see Zeiger last week in his New York City office overlooking Carnegie Hall. While he's not ready to discuss the new projects, Zeiger admits to working overtime on the "Absinthe" quandary.
It's complicated, because the temporary occupancy permit for the wooden tent's primo location in front of Caesars Palace expires Sept.18.
A permit extension is just one piece of the puzzle. If the county balks at keeping the venue at its current location, will the crowds come back?
"It's such a powerful location," said Zeiger.
While the show, an edgy mix of circus and burlesque, has been one of the biggest surprises of the year, there are questions about the usual decline of foot traffic as the winter months approach and the economy woes deepen.
"Are we out of our minds to plow through it?" said Zeiger, who clearly hasn't come to a conclusion.
NIGHTCLUB RUMBLINGS
The Mirage reportedly is in talks with New York City nightclub heavyweights Richie Akiva, Scott Sartiano and Ronnie Madra about a management arrangement involving Jet nightclub.
The New York Post's Page Six column reported the trio, who own 1Oak and Butter nightclubs, would "take over" the Light Group club and rename it 1Oak (which stands for One of a Kind) and open by New Year's Eve.
Both sides confirm there have been discussions but say it would be premature to comment.
Sources tell me the deal would likely be a partnership between 1Oak and Light Group, which has had a decade-long relationship with MGM Resorts properties that include nightclubs and restaurants.
There have been rumblings 1Oak has been in talks with the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino about operating Rehab and Vanity Nightclub.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FLUFF
While wishing a happy birthday to Fluff LeCoque, here's a story about her cameo in the mob classic "Casino."
LeCoque, who is celebrating the 49th anniversary of her 39th birthday today, got whacked in director Martin Scorsese's crime drama written by Nicholas Pileggi.
LeCoque, company manager of the long-running "Jubilee" revue, was something of an accidental addition to the film, which came out in 1995. She caught somebody's eye during a casting call for showgirls.
After doing a reading, she got a callback a few weeks later, but this time she was reading lines fed to her by leading man Robert De Niro, with Scorsese looking on.
LeCoque ended up being cast as a feuding partner of a union guy. And it got messy.
LeCoque took a bullet to the head during, umm, a shoot that took place near the homes that were built on Desert Inn property.
"I did it 12 times because the gun was supposed to fire three times," she said, "and they couldn't get it to fire more than twice.
"I had 12 outfits and had to change every time, because the blood was Karo syrup with food coloring in it."
SIGHTINGS
Los Angeles Laker Ron Artest, meeting one of his idols, Celine Dion, after her show (Caesars Palace) on Saturday. ... Roger Clemens, celebrating his 49th birthday Thursday at Cashman Field with friends and family while watching his son, Koby, play for Oklahoma City.
THE PUNCH LINE
"Rocky Road to Economic Recovery" -- From David Letterman's Top Ten Least Popular Ice Cream Flavors
Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke.
