The Wayner has returned to stage

Wayne Newton has returned to the stage after a health scare back in November.

He went public in November with the problem, a recurring viral infection in his heart that forced him to cancel a holiday show at Harrah's.

He's performing in Aurora, Ill., near Chicago, this weekend.

Newton canceled a round of concerts, citing pneumonia, before disclosing the heart problem.

SWEET COMPANY

Ryan Silverman, who formerly played Raul in "Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular," was in some sweet company on the eve of Valentine's Day.

He celebrated at the after-party of the fifth anniversary show of "Mamma Mia!" on Wednesday at the House of Blues (Mandalay Bay) with Kristi Holden and Kim Craven.

Holden played Raul's love interest as Christine in "Phantom." Craven, the dance captain on "Mamma Mia!" is Silverman's real-life girlfriend.

Also at the show was the Jim Sebert family from Sun City, Ariz. True ABBA-holics, the Seberts were watching the show for the 56th time. The father is the fire chief in Sun City. Sebert, his wife and teenage daughter had their usual seats right behind the conductor. Their passion has cost them almost $10,000.

MEDIA UPDATE

Ryan Nakashima, a reporter with The Associated Press in Las Vegas for about two years, is transferring to the Los Angeles AP bureau. He could be facing a busy first day at his new job. He reports for duty on Feb. 24, the day of the 80th Academy Awards. ... Sally Dewhurst, events director at Lake Las Vegas Resort, has left to become marketing and communications manager for Crazy Horse Las Vegas (MGM Grand) and at the Crazy Horse Paris. She formerly worked in public relations for Cirque du Soleil. Her father, Brian Dewhurst, a wire walker-turned-clown, has been a featured fixture in "Mystere" since it opened at Treasure Island in 1992.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Former Golden Nugget co-owner Tom Breitling will launch his book, "Double or Nothing: How Two Friends Risked it All to Buy One of Las Vegas' Legendary Casinos," with a March 28 poolside party at Red Rock Resort. Tickets to the party, which features a live concert by Earth, Wind and Fire, go on sale today. Part of the proceeds benefits the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation. Everyone who attends the concert will receive a free book. For more information, go to his Web site, www.tombreitling.com, which he launched Friday.

Illusionist Criss Angel, sporting a full black beard, received the 2008 Merlin Award for "Magician Of The Year" on Thursday. Angel was honored by the International Magicians Society in a ceremony at the Luxor.

SIGHTINGS

George Clooney and girlfriend Sarah Larson, spotted at Little Buddha and N9NE at the Palms on Friday. They attended "Love" (The Mirage) Thursday and met with the cast and crew. ... Rapper Snoop Dogg, filming a music video Friday for his song "Life of the Party" at the Playboy Club (Palms). ... At LAX nightclub (Luxor) on Thursday: Socialite Paris Hilton, sister Nicky Hilton with boyfriend David Katzenberg, fashion designer Christian Audigier, rappers Snoop Dogg and Lil' Jon, former "Baywatch" star Jeremy Jackson, music producer Dallas Austin, singer Seth "Shifty" Binzer of music group Crazy Town, rapper Too Short, MTV reality star Brody Jenner, actor Wilmer Valderrama, St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson and members of rap group Digital Underground. ... Rapper Fat Joe, having breakfast Friday with his entourage at Hash House A Go Go. Before heading to the restaurant, Fat Joe met with 20 fans at the KVEG 97.5 FM radio station who had breakfast with him as part of a promotion with Hash House A Go Go. ... Actor Mario Lopez, at the Hard Rock Hotel on Thursday. .... Dining at Company American Bistro (Luxor) Thursday: The Hilton sisters, Katzenberg, Jackson and Luxor headliner Carrot Top.