‘I would have to get a real job’: Wayne Newton extends Flamingo residency

Wayne Newton will surpass his 65th anniversary in Las Vegas the old-fashioned way — by performing.

Mr. Las Vegas has extended his “Up Close and Personal” multimedia production at the Flamingo into June. The announced dates cover Jan. 13 to June 12, a total of 62 dates. Tickets start at $82, not including fees. on sale at caesars.com/shows.

The extension crosses Newton’s 65th anniversary of when the Newton Brothers — Wayne and Jerry — debuted at Carnival Room at Fremont Hotel on May 16, 1959.

From last night, a legend and his fiddle. ⁦@WayneNewtonMrLV⁩ ⁦@FlamingoVegas⁩ … Column coming shortly … #RJNow ⁦@reviewjournal⁩ #Vegas pic.twitter.com/zkUu9M7rtT

— John Katsilometes (@johnnykats) December 6, 2022

“One of the important things to me is that I live in Las Vegas. If I’m leaving Vegas it’s to do a date somewhere and come back home,” Newton says. “I am a resident, and I have a residency.”

Newton’s career as a showroom headliner was launched at Flamingo in 1963. The “Danke Schoen” singer has only referenced retirement as a joke.

“I don’t want to quit,” the lifelong entertainer says. “I would have to get a real job.”

The execs at Caesars Entertainment are happy to have the legend booked in ‘24.

“Wayne Newton needs no introduction and has been a staple in the entertainment capital of the world for decades,” said Flamingo Vice President and General Manager Dan Walsh said. “We are honored to have Mr. Las Vegas continue his legacy at Flamingo Las Vegas, where he started in 1963.”

Newton appeared on NBC’s “Today” show Tuesday morning to announce the extension.

Newton will continue to perform with his three-piece backing band, playing fiddle, guitar and steel guitar. The 81-year-old Vegas icon sings his classics “Danke Schoen,” “Red Roses For a Blue Lady,” and “Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast.”

Newton spins stories over a career spanning eight decades, alongside videos of Jack Benny, Jackie Gleason, Elvis, the Rat Pack, Ed Sullivan and a medley with Glen Campbell. Newton is also shown in a duet with Sammy Davis Jr.

Newton has noted his show is now a “bucket list” experience for those seeking a genuine, vintage-Vegas showman.

“We have had a lot more younger people, and especially a lot more younger guys, come to the show lately,” Newton said. “They want to experience what Las Vegas used to be like.”

John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.