Gans to take his bows at Encore

With Las Vegas already "clogged with big production shows," Steve Wynn prefers to embrace the smaller-stage days.

He misses the days when Harry Belafonte and Frank Sinatra left crowds spellbound.

Cirque du Soleil shows "have defined the city for two decades now," said Wynn, who started the Cirque era with "Mystere" at Treasure Island. "I don't think anything takes the place of the single performance artist," said Wynn, in announcing the return of singing impressionist Danny Gans to the Wynn family.

Gans will replace "Monty Python's Spamalot," which is closing in July after a year-and-a-half run.

Wynn lured Gans away from the Rio in 1999 and transplanted him in The Mirage, just weeks before selling Mirage Resorts to what is now MGM Mirage.

Gans will be the entertainment centerpiece of Wynn Las Vegas' sister property, Encore, which opens late this year.

Gans will close Nov. 22 at The Mirage.

AGASSI SERVES IT UP

This time, there wasn't as much pressure when chef Michael Mina had Andre Agassi as a sous chef.

Mina had strict orders the last time, before Agassi retired.

"Perry Rogers (Agassi's manager) told me, 'Whatever you do, don't let him burn or cut his hands. Especially because he wants to do everything,' " said Mina, who had the tennis icon help prepare a lobster BLT and a tomato, lobster and bacon soup at Mina's StripSteak (Mandalay Bay) on Wednesday.

They teamed up at an event for Exclusive Resorts, a Colorado-based luxury destination club.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Porn icon Jenna Jameson, during an appearance on "The View" on Thursday, blamed her dramatic weight loss on a rough nine months about two years ago. She had a miscarriage, a malignant melanoma and a divorce. "It wreaked havoc, and I got down to 92 pounds," she said. She was on the show to promote her new film, "Zombie Strippers," which comes out today.

MAY I RECOMMEND ...

The Village Seafood Buffet at the Rio, back in business after a $10 million renovation, is serving almost 15 tons of crab legs a month. Open daily at 4 p.m. and closing at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Price: $38 plus tax per person and $23.99 for children ages 4 through 8. Children 3 and younger are free.

SIGHTINGS

Al Pacino, dining at Koi and playing some blackjack in the high limit room at Planet Hollywood Resort after the premiere of "88 Minutes," before joining co-stars Leelee Sobieski, Alicia Witt and William Forsythe at Privé nightclub. ... Boxer Joe Calzaghe, introducing Pacino to his family, including his two sons, his father/trainer and his girlfriend. Calzaghe fights Bernard Hopkins on Saturday at Thomas & Mack. ... Carrie Underwood at The Platinum Hotel and Spa on Wednesday. ... Justin Timberlake, dining at Nobu (Hard Rock Hotel) on Wednesday night with local jeweler Leor Yerushalmi. After dinner, they got a "hard hat tour" of the Hard Rock's newest nightlife venture, Wasted Space, which is set to open this summer. ... "88 Minutes" co-stars Ben McKenzie and Sobieski, partying at LAX (Luxor) after the premiere at Planet Hollywood Resort. Also there: former NFL Pro Bowl defensive end Simeon Rice, Canadian stand-up comedian Russell Peters and Computer from MTV's "Adventures in Hollyhood."... Rachael Ray, taping segments Thursday at Origin India and Bar with chef Bhuwan Bhatt at Table 34 in Henderson and with chef Wes Kendrick, who invited 50 guests to take part.