Getting hitched in Vegas focus of show

Goin' to the chapel ...

That's a popular refrain this week, when Las Vegas celebrates its status as wedding capital of the world.

And WE cable channel's "Wedding Central" plans to join the celebration, focusing on everything "from quickie weddings to only-in-Vegas weddings to adventure weddings to super high-end" ceremonies, explains executive producer Eric Schotz of LMNO Productions.

In addition to the Regional Justice Center, multiple chapels on the Strip will provide a focus for 10 to 15 separate stories, he notes.

"We're trying to go one step beyond Elvis impersonators," Schotz explains, citing "drive-throughs and fantasy" weddings -- but "with an Elvis garnish," he adds. (Other nuptials range from a Grand Canyon ceremony to top-of-the-tower vows at the Stratosphere.)

"It's one of the very cool places on the planet," Schotz says of Las Vegas -- a place that all but guarantees "we can find a great story." Especially on Valentine's Day.

Destination Vegas: In addition to its status as wedding central, Glitter City also shines as buffet central. That explains why the Travel Channel's "Food Paradise" checks in this week for visits to the Bellagio and Rio buffets. They're part of an hourlong episode devoted to "All You Can Eat" meccas, reports co-executive producer Kim Sheerin of Prometheus Pictures.

Also on the travel beat: Australia's Network 10 "Gateway to ... Top 10 Las Vegas" surveys a range of favorite sites, including Bellagio's Gallery of Fine Art, New York-New York's Manhattan Express roller coaster and The Mirage's Dolphin Habitat.

Laugh lines: Las Vegas-based Chucklehut Productions lines up the laughs tonight for the second season of "The Freedom of Speech Comedy Show." Tapings take place at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. at Palace Station's L.A. Comedy Club.

Joining host (and director-producer) Don Barnhart Jr. onstage: Vinnie Favorito, Steve White, Tom Cotter, Robert Duschain and Danny Vallalpando.

"The late-night comedy show that doesn't hold back," as Barnhart describes it, will be taped live for broadcast next month in Southern California. A local TV deal is pending, he adds.

Barnhart got the idea for the show while entertaining U.S. troops, when officials "censored and edited" his material, he says. "That was kind of ironic, because we were representing America."

Three different half-hour segments, each featuring two comedians, will be culled from tonight's performances.

Although test shows were shot in Los Angeles last year, "We really wanted to do it in Las Vegas," Barnhart says. "Vegas has such a great niche," in part because "so many comics are coming through town."

Carol Cling's Shooting Stars column appears Mondays. Contact her at (702) 383-0272 or e-mail her at ccling@reviewjournal.com.