Pam to be beauty of magic show

Pamela Anderson's inner tomboy couldn't pass up the challenge.

"She's a total athlete, a complete tomboy," a member of Anderson's inner circle said Thursday after the actress was introduced as Carmen Electra's replacement in Hans Klok's "The Beauty of Magic."

Several of the more challenging illusions in the show at the Planet Hollywood Resort made Electra queasy, but Anderson embraced the adventure.

With Electra voicing second thoughts, Klok flew to Los Angeles on Monday to meet with Anderson and show her videos clips of the tricks.

The actress, a former gymnast, immediately bought into the excitement.

"She wanted to do big magic and difficult magic," Klok said.

Participating in jaw-dropping illusions wasn't the only thing that appealed to her.

"It's my dream of being a Las Vegas showgirl come true," Anderson said. "Another off the list."

HOLY MOLY

As celebrity sightings go, this is a first on several levels: Six of the nine Catholic cardinals in the United States are at the Four Seasons this week for their annual fundraiser for Catholic University.

The traditional gathering, a first for Las Vegas, features many of the seven cardinals who serve as archbishops of U.S. dioceses.

With that many cardinals assembled in Las Vegas, "bet on red!" advised local show producer Myron Martin, who spotted them.

The question that has to be asked: How did Sin City beat out St. Louis, home of the baseball world champion Cardinals, as this year's site?

ONLY IN VEGAS

Las Vegas-based Associated Press sports columnist Tim Dahlberg passes this along as a candidate for the quintessential only-in-Vegas moment: He was shopping at Albertsons at Flamingo and Hualapai when he heard music that was not the usual piped-in variety.

He made his way to the source: "There's a Rat Pack band. Frank was singing in the meat department, and Sammy and Dean were doing their thing. All in tuxes.

"I asked the cashier how long they were booked, and he said, 'Way too long.'''

MAY I RECOMMEND ...

David Burke Modern American Cuisine brings some bold new concepts to The Venetian's restaurant row. Big hits at our table: Burke In A Box, which consists of five modern American appetizers created daily by the chef; lobster steak with curry fries and cilantro; and the cheesecake lollipop tree. Reservations: 414-7111.

SIGHTINGS

Barbra Streisand, enjoying Krug Clos du Mesnil on Wednesday with dinner at Restaurant Guy Savoy in Caesars Palace with a party of six. ... St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson, making a big impression during his surprise visit Wednesday to Desert Breeze Park to meet the Georgia Bulldogs Pop Warner football team. ... College basketball analyst Dick Vitale, in the crowd Wednesday at Danny Gans' show at The Mirage. ... The cast of "The Producers," attending Barry Manilow's show Wednesday at the Las Vegas Hilton. ... William Petersen and Marg Helgenberger, shooting "CSI" scenes Tuesday in the Riviera's Le Bistro nightclub. ... Chris Tucker and Dave Navarro, partying Wednesday in the VIP section at Tangerine nightclub in Treasure Island. ... Navarro, also partying Wednesday at Body English in the Hard Rock Hotel.

THE PUNCH LINE

"McDonald's has just introduced a Happy Meal with toys inspired by 'American Idol.' The toys include a microphone, sunglasses, and a Paula Abdul shot glass." -- Conan O'Brien

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