Osmonds sign on for six-month gig

Marie Osmond can't recall the hotel site, only the circumstances.

Forgive her for a misty memory. When you headline in Las Vegas at the ripe old age of 13, who can recall the finer details 35 years later?

"I did the 'Paper Roses' number, and the set designers made this huge rose for me to walk down. It was my biggest nightmare," Osmond said.

It was 1973, and "Paper Roses" had become the No. 1 country hit.

Osmond is returning to all-grown-up Las Vegas, a far cry from the days when The Osmonds shared the marquee at The International (now the Hilton) with Elvis Presley in the 1970s.

The long-rumored Donny and Marie headliner deal at the Flamingo was announced Thursday, with Danny Gans and Chip Lightman producing the six-month engagement, which opens Sept. 9.

The variety show will include a worldwide dance contest, "an opportunity to break into the business," Donny Osmond said. "Andy Williams gave us our big break, and we're extending that to anyone."

One thing the show won't feature is Marie in a showgirl outfit, although after the 40-pound weight loss that started with her recent "Dancing With the Stars" appearance, she's spinning heads.

But no, she said, "that will be Donny."

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Almost 10 years after the death of casino boss Ted Binion, his house remains unsold. The real estate slump has sent the price down from $2 million to $1.85 million. Binion was found dead in his den at the 2408 Palomino Lane residence on Sept. 17, 1998. It was later ruled a homicide, and Binion's live-in girlfriend, Sandy Murphy, along with Rick Tabish went to prison on related charges. Both were acquitted of murder in a retrial. ...

Neil Diamond tribute artist Jay White taps the first keg of Maibock, a spring beer first created in Munich's Hofbräuhaus in 1614, at the Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas at 7 p.m. today. It's casual, for those who dress forever in blue jeans. ...

Curtis Terry, a key contributor in UNLV's basketball revival, is looking into a sports broadcasting career after he takes his hoops career as far as it can go. "If I had to go into the real world today, that's definitely what I'd like to do," Terry said Thursday during a fundraiser at the Montana Meat Company, at 6371 Centennial Center Blvd. Terry, who is majoring in journalism, was a natural during his guest-hosting stint on KBAD-AM, 920 Fox Sports Radio with host Marty Rodick on Thursday. The fundraiser was for 4-year-old Savannah "Nana" Reid, who is fighting a rare childhood cancer. "I just want to go on record," cracked Dave Cokin, who hosts a radio talk show on KWWN-AM, 1100, with Steve Cofield, "and wish Curtis a successful career, as long as it's in TV."

SIGHTINGS

Shannon Elizabeth and her "Dancing With the Stars" partner, Derek Hough, rehearsing inside The Pearl concert theater at the Palms on Thursday after they attended the premiere of the poker movie "Deal" with her castmates. .... Mary Murphy, celebrity judge of "So You Think You Can Dance," at "Love" (Mirage) on Thursday with friends.

MAY I RECOMMEND ...

The Epicurean Affair, with more than 100 local restaurants, bars and nightclubs represented, will be held poolside at the Flamingo on Thursday. Among the restaurants: Rao's, Payard Patisserie & Bistro and Restaurant Guy Savoy. Voga, the Flamingo's new bistro, will be on a floating stage. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for VIPs ($175) and 7:30 p.m. for general admission ($125). The event benefits educational progams for the Nevada Restaurant Association and the Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association. For information call the Flamingo at 733-3333.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Not since the Minnelli-Guest breakup have I been this shocked. ... Here's a tip for the single ladies out there: Any guy you meet at a Celine Dion concert? You do the math." -- Jimmy Kimmel, on Star Jones filing for divorce from Al Reynolds.

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.