Holmes offers musical preview

Clint Holmes has been trying to get his autobiographical musical to Broadway. Next month, he edges a little closer, with shows planned for the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

But gasoline and plane tickets aren't cheap, so you can see a test run today through Sunday at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, which the former Harrah's headliner offers as a benefit for Nevada Conservatory Theatre. Call 895-2787 for tickets.

"Clint Holmes Sings Broadway" uses Broadway favorites to build up to songs from his "Just Another Man." "We're thematically tying these two things together," he says, playing off "the connection between cabaret and theater," and how "I've always wanted to do theater but spent most of my career in nightclubs."

Holmes staged an early version of "Just Another Man" at UNLV last year. This weekend's effort brings back co-stars Earl Turner, Reva Rice and Gayle Steele (Holmes' sister) for a concert version of the revised work. "It's a step backward that could end up being a step forward," the singer says.

The Kennedy Center dates Sept. 4-6 -- which Holmes is told are confirmed, but not yet on sale -- will serve to "get this material up in a prestigious way in front of some major players." ...

This bummer summer hasn't brought much more than tributes to Liberace and Harold Arlen in the way of new shows. But when it rains it pours.

September brings three new entries in one week, two on the same day: Donny and Marie Osmond as resident headliners at the Flamingo Las Vegas on Sept. 9, and both "Criss Angel -- Believe" at Luxor and "Raw Talent Live" at the Sahara on Sept. 12.

Neither show considers the 12th -- the first day a regular person can buy a ticket -- to be the big, splashy "official" opening night. Angel's is slated for Oct. 9.

"Raw Talent" isn't likely to generate Angel's level of attention, despite promises of exclusive "high-tech video illusions" and the flair for ballyhoo that Bernie Yuman, Siegfried & Roy's longtime manager, can bring in his role as co-producer. ...

October has a couple of red-letter dates as well. I've waited since I was 12 years old to type these words: Cheech & Chong bring their "Light Up America" tour to the Palms on Oct. 18. And the inevitable headlining debut of Chelsea Handler (not counting The Comedy Festival) also is at the Palms, Oct. 4. ...

The Kenny G concert on Saturday is the last one scheduled for the floating stage at Lake Las Vegas Resort, though presenters say they still plan on concerts next year and perhaps even one more this fall at the financially troubled development.

The lake setting brought a new, quality element to off-Strip entertainment. An Andrea Bocelli concert for PBS in 2006 gave the set-up its widest exposure. Management also opened the stage to local arts groups such as Nevada Opera Theatre, along with the pop headliners.

It would be no surprise, given the developers filing for bankruptcy protection last month, if no more dates materialize. But since rooms at one of the lakeside hotels are said to be sold out the night of the G-man's show, it's also a reminder that you have to spend money to make money. ...

Comedian Vinnie Favorito will be easier to find now. Fans still looking upstairs at O'Sheas need only be redirected next door to the Flamingo Cabaret, where the Boston stand-up has taken over the slot vacated by The Second City in the 225-seat venue.

"We did as well as we could have done there (at O'Sheas)," producer Bill Voelkner says of Favorito's tenure since late 2005 in the obscure, second-floor theater. "If we did well at O'Sheas we should kill in this room." ...

Maybe a couple of you read the earlier item and said, "Hey, nothing wrong with little shows." Well, hereya go: "Madame Meg's Find Your Sexy," which somehow combines motivational speaking and burlesque, debuts in the afternoon Sept. 7 at the Harmon Theater/Krave nightclub in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood.

Madame Meg (Bertini) is joined by hypnotist Kellie Karl, magician Joan DuKore, singer Amanda Kaiser, and performance artist Emily Lauren, who staged a neo-burlesque one-woman revue at the Onyx theater in February.

More? You want more? Two unsinkable performers have joined forces. Larry G. Jones, for years at Fitzgeralds, opens "Superstar Voices in Concert" on Monday in the nongaming Royal Resort.

Jones will share quarters with magician Dixie Dooley's "Master Mystifier." Dooley is marking his 30th year in Las Vegas, and says he recently did a private show for the royal family of Saudi Arabia in a Caesars Palace suite. Dooley also did a show for Michael Jackson's children last year. All good news for Dooley, and power to him. But you have to wonder: Couldn't people who are this rich just buy out David Copperfield for a night?

Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.