Singer learning to take funny seriously

When you hear someone call a show producer "Uncle Tony," you might think you watched too much of "The Sopranos."

But it's far more benign when Martin Nievera is talking about joining the Society of Seven for two months at the Flamingo Las Vegas.

"He grew up with us," Society co-founder Tony Ruivivar says of the younger singer, who was set to join the Flamingo afternoon revue Wednesday as a guest star and remain through April 13.

Nievera's father, Roberto, was lead singer for the popular Hawaiian show band from 1963 through 1976. Growing up backstage, "he was imitating all of us in the wings," Ruivivar says.

That practice helped the young Nievera become a pop star in the Philippines. He still can pack an arena there, as he did earlier this month with a concert marking his 46th birthday and 25 years in show business.

"It's always been my dream to perform with them," Nievera says, noting he has been "guilty many times" of adapting some of their comic traits to his own stage banter.

That said, the sketches and broad spoofery have been the hardest things to pick up in rehearsal. "I don't know how to take funny seriously," he says.

But watching how S.O.S. delves into a rehearsal, "I just love the passion they still have after all these years," he notes. "I ask them: 'Aren't you sick of it? You guys can do it in your sleep!' "

After the stint with Nievera, the group will leave the Flamingo for two or three months of touring while producer Mendrei Leelin negotiates the issue of whether they will return. ...

If Cher was the worst-kept secret on the Strip, any known successor to "The Producers" at Paris Las Vegas is the best-kept.

Only one source seems to believe a deal has been signed to replace the Mel Brooks comedy that closed last weekend. Others who deal in show-trafficking around town believe the lack of gossip is in itself a sign that Harrah's Entertainment executives are willing to sit through "pitch" meetings, but in no rush to lock in a new production.

Delays could be reinforced by the recent departure of Chris Nelson, the hands-on entertainment manager for the property, to join the Blue Man Group. Big show decisions go all the way up the corporate ladder, but Nelson's replacement would at least be vested with sifting through proposals and sorting the wheat from the chaff.

Paris still has two shows, hypnotist Anthony Cools and the topless "Ooh La La" he produces. The casino also could use the big theater for weekend headliners, as it has done to fill past gaps between big productions. But competition is more crowded than it used to be in that field, with Mandalay Bay, the Hard Rock Hotel and Mirage all booking big-name comedians.

Some say Harrah's has enough on its plate with Bette Midler and Cher coming to Caesars Palace. But for those who wonder how recession-proof Las Vegas shows will prove to be, one gauge might be how long the theaters stay empty at Paris and the Rio. ...

The Greek Isles will be even more of a "Lonely Town" when "The Rat Pack is Back" moves to the Plaza starting March 1, after five years at the Isles.

It's not shocking news after "Rat Pack" producer Dick Feeney opened his afternoon revue "Viva Las Vegas" at the Plaza in October. It didn't make much sense for the Plaza to sit for long as the only venue with a show in the afternoon but not at night.

Feeney still has "The World's Greatest Magic Show" at the Greek Isles. The Plaza's retro-swank showroom seems a good fit for "Rat Pack," which plans to be the rare show to offer a dinner-in-the-room ticket option, a choice that was complicated by the roommate-show situation at the Isles. ...

Cirque du Soleil's "Ka" is offering a locals discount that throws in backstage tours for good measure. The 50 percent discount offer is through April 12, with the 5 p.m. tours offered to the first 50 people who request it on the three nights it's available during the promotional period. ...

Cameras roll on what are billed as Rita Rudner's 2,000th and 2,001st shows at Harrah's on Feb. 22. They will be edited into a PBS special and concert DVD due in June. ...

Where better than Wynn Las Vegas' "Monty Python's Spamalot" theater to again see "Monty Python's Life of Brian" on the big screen?

The 1979 hit gets a special screening on Feb. 21, presented by CineVegas as a benefit for KNPR-FM 88.9, promoting a new DVD release of the movie. A $30 ticket includes a preshow reception with "Spamalot" star John O'Hurley.

Monty Python fans know all this, but just in case you need to brush up: "Spamalot" is based on the movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," but lifts the signature song "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" from "Life of Brian."

The home office of "Spamalot" also made a big issue this week of pointing out that a Britney Spears reference has been removed from the musical. It has been replaced by the name of "Posh" Spice (Victoria Beckham), who is considered less pitiful.

"We don't laugh at sad people," writer Eric Idle said.

Mike Weatherford's entertainment column appears Thursdays and Sundays. Contact him at 383-0288 or e-mail him at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com.