Suncoast revamps variety show

"The Hit Parade" has hit the road. In its place, the Suncoast, 9090 Alta Drive, now offers the "Suncoast Variety Show," produced by Ed Mathews' Desert Productions.

The new format was unveiled Jan. 10 with a video introduction played in the darkened theater, welcoming guests to "The Hit Parade." A sudden screeching sound brought everything to a halt, eliciting a collective gasp from the audience. The video then corrected itself to announce that the show had a new name and format, as the word "Variety" played across the screen in large letters.

In between acts, Kelly Clinton, who acts as master of ceremonies, asked the audience to repeat after her that the show was now, "Variety ..." (wink) "at the Suncoast," despite press releases using "Suncoast Variety Show."

Whatever name it goes by, the show takes the place of the 5-year-old "Hit Parade." The idea is to have weekly themes, such as Broadway or duos.

"We're just doing a relaunch to make it a little more fresh for our guests, juice it up a little bit," said Terry Jenkins, director of entertainment for Boyd Gaming. "We have so many talented people in Vegas."

He said that no matter that week's theme, a variety act ---- such as a magician or juggler ---- would be included.

Doors are set to open at 1 p.m., and showtime is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursdays. The afternoon show has always enjoyed a big draw, with nearly all 500 seats filled each week. It's so popular that attendees line up as much as two hours ahead of time.

Eunice Wendelin comes to the show almost every week. She arrived so early, she used the time to play cards. She said a new format meant little to her.

"I like the variety, but having a theme is very good, too. I like it all," Wendelin said. "Ed puts on a wonderful show, and it's great to get all us senior citizens out for this."

Another change that came with the new format is that the show is only open to players club members who have at least 25 points on their card. The rules get a little tricky: B Connected members at the Ruby level need to earn 25 points between 3 a.m. Monday through 1 p.m. Thursday each week, then swipe their B Connected card at a kiosk to receive a ticket. Sapphire and Emerald B Connected members receive a complimentary ticket each week and need only swipe their card at a kiosk to receive a ticket. For more information, call 702-456-7777.

The box office confirmed that there was no other way to get a ticket.

Attendee Sharon Press took issue with the 25-point requirement.

"It's a free show. Sometimes I gamble, sometimes I don't," she said. "Why should you be able to come to the show only if you gamble?"

Backstage, the singers and dancers were crowded around the stage manager, going over their cues and ensuring that they knew the lineup.

"Two minutes to showtime, everyone, two minutes," someone called out.

Each of the 19 acts was scheduled to perform for four minutes, making for a fast-paced show. The Mistinguett Dancers started things off, followed by Shades of Sinatra and the quartet Fifth Avenue, which never missed a note. The show also featured Mark Giovi and Genevieve Dew, AKA Ebony and Ivory, who received a standing ovation. Art Vargas had the audience in his pocket, repeating "hi-dee hi-dee hoes" right along with him for his solo "Minnie the Moocher."

Some of the acts used track music. Others relied on the stage band, which consisted of a pianist, a saxophonist, a guitar player and a drummer.

"We have a blast here; Ed Mathews is wonderful to work with," Dew said before taking the stage.

She has performed in "The Hit Parade" off and on for four years. She said she liked the new format and couldn't wait to participate whether the theme was movie songs or jazz.

"I think the big plus is that I can do all of it because I was born an opera singer," Dew said.

Denise Clemente said she enjoyed performing at a locals' casino and that it brought her to life.

"These audiences are the best because they really listen. ... This is like the old days when I opened for Don Rickles or Liberace," she said.

Mathews said "The Hit Parade" had run 50 weeks a year and included seven acts each week. Allowing for switching out talent, he estimated that 150 acts had played it. "You have to keep raising the level of the entertainment," he said, "because after (they) see someone, now they want more. So we've changed the tempo, the looks of the show, the lighting, the sound system. So it's an improved version of what it was before."

The show ended with the acts filling the main aisle, bidding adieu before the audience filed out.

Contact Summerlin/Summerlin South View reporter Jan Hogan at jhogan@viewnews.com or 702-387-2949.