LV’s Carano date fit for Superman
British actor Henry Cavill, who plays Superman in “Man of Steel,” is dating a superwoman from Las Vegas.
Like Superman, Gina Carano discovered she had some incredible abilities of her own.
She was the star point guard on Trinity Christian’s state championship basketball team, coached by her grandfather, Jack Cason. When a frustrated opponent flew into a rage and charged, Carano unveiled her punching ability.
Later, as a mixed martial arts superstar, she landed in the movies. In her latest role, in “Fast & Furious 6,” she and co-star Michelle Rodriguez produce what the Los Angeles Times described as “what might be the grittiest, rawest woman-on-woman brawl in mainstream cinema.”
Carano’s bloodlines come packed with super-competitive DNA. Her father, Glenn Carano, was one of UNLV’s greatest quarterbacks, and her uncle, Pat Cason, was a standout defensive back.
Carano and Cavill have been a couple since last fall. With “Man of Steel” soaring at the box office this weekend, it’s likely they soon will be Hollywood’s hottest new couple.
There’s already been speculation Carano may be up for the role of the next Wonder Woman.
TONY TIES
In the real estate world, it’s all about location, location, location. For the rest of us, it’s connections, connections, connections.
It didn’t hurt that Myron Martin was one of the two producers who wooed “Hairspray,” the 2003 Tony Award winner for best musical, to the Luxor in 2006.
Seven years later, his “Hairspray” ties helped Martin, now president and CEO of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, land 2013 best musical “Kinky Boots” for its first stop on a national tour next year.
Martin was ecstatic for his “Hairspray” colleagues Harvey Fierstein, the four-time Tony winner, and Tony-winning choreographer Jerry Mitchell. Fierstein was the playwright for “Boots,” and Mitchell won a Tony for best choreography for “Boots.” Mitchell is the creator, director and choreographer for “Peepshow,” now in its fifth year at Planet Hollywood Resort.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Speaking of Las Vegas ties, how about Michael Kim, the 19-year-old golf sensation who is in the hunt (five strokes back) for the U.S. Open title, playing as an amateur. His coach? James Oh, the 1998 U.S. Junior Amateur champion who played one season at UNLV before turning pro in 2001. ...
Hypnotist Marshall Sylver closed his show Thursday, 13 days into previews in the “Peepshow” theater at Planet Hollywood. “It was 100 percent my decision,” he said, adding the height of the stage and catwalk “were not a good fit.” ...
Chef Kerry Simon has cut his signature shoulder-length locks. The idea came out of the blue, he said, on April Fool’s Day. He was dubbed the rock ’n’ roll chef early in his career by Rolling Stone, after Simon, then based in New York City, developed a celebrity following that included David Bowie, Diane Keaton and INXS.
SIGHTINGS
At “Love” (Mirage) on Friday: Olivia Culpo, Miss Universe 2012; Logan West, Miss Teen USA 2012; and Nana Meriwether, Miss USA 2012. Also there: Dustin Penner of the Los Angeles Kings. Culpo and Meriwether later checked out Hakkasan (MGM Grand). ... English soccer star James Milner, dining at La Cave (Wynn) with members of the national team Friday. The Manchester City midfielder made headlines last month when he attempted to hit the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge with a soccer ball. His attempt, with a film crew on hand, came up well short. ... Former Ultimate Fighting Championship champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, celebrating his birthday early with a large group of friends at Surrender (Encore) on Friday. He turns 35 on Thursday.
THE PUNCH LINE
“Opening this weekend is ‘Man of Steel.’ Superman. I’m so excited because a superhero movie hasn’t opened since Friday.” — David Letterman
Norm Clarke’s column appears Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 or email him at norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke. “Norm Clarke’s Vegas,” airs Thursdays on the “Morning Blend” on KTNV-TV, Channel 13.
