Panic and magic at Smith opening

The Smith Center's gala opening over the weekend alternated between moments of panic, sheer bliss and brilliant notes.

Take it from Diana Eden, costume coordinator for the historical debut of Reynolds Hall, the performing art center's 2,000-seat concert venue.

The biggest crisis?

Broadway star Laura Osnes, who starred in "South Pacific" and "Bonnie and Clyde," got fabric stuck in her zipper "and nearly didn't make it onstage, but remained calm and gracious as three of us tugged and pulled to get it up," Eden said in an email.

"One of the three major presenters forgot his studs (won't say which one, as they built the place after all!) and one of the soloists couldn't find his bow tie," she added.

"The mood backstage was magical," Eden said. "Everyone seemed to catch the spirit of the opening night celebration, be it the stars, the local crew, the California production team.

"If there were any diva moments, we never saw them."

There was some media grousing on the red carpet when host Neil Patrick Harris didn't stop for interviews and only a handful of the stars showed up.

It was a time issue, Eden said: "Dress rehearsal ran late and we had barely an hour to eat and get ready for the show."

Harris "was a gem, professional, kind, and when he autographed my Smith Center souvenir hard hat he made sure to make eye contact and smile at me, even though three other people were trying to get his attention. I was impressed with that."

Eden's other memories from the big night include overhearing Carole King tell Martina McBride that singing again was "nothing but joy" and violin virtuoso Joshua Bell rehearsing on his $1 million Stradivarius right up to the last minute in his dressing room, which was just across the hall from Eden's wardrobe room.

One of the goosebump moments, she said, came just before the jaw-dropping finale.

While lining up backstage, the 55-member chorus broke into applause as Jennifer Hudson walked up to make her entrance stage left before belting out "Take Care of This House."

THE SCENE AND HEARD

The skeletal staff at the Playboy Club was informed last Friday that it would be closing shortly after Memorial Day weekend, Vegas Confidential learned Wednesday. When the club opened Oct. 6, 2006, it was the first Playboy Club opening in 25 years. The staff had dwindled to fewer than a dozen in recent months, including the Bunny dealers who were laid off about three months ago. ...

KISS band members will be on hand today for the opening of the rock 'n' roll-themed KISS By Monster Mini Golf attraction. They will use their guitars to slash through the ceremonial ribbon and walk a black carpet. Joining co-founding members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons will be Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer. The 18-hole indoor course, at 4503 Paradise Road, across from the Hard Rock Hotel, will include glow-in-the-dark features.

SIGHTINGS

George Foreman, one of five same-named sons of former heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, randomly called on stage Tuesday by Flamingo headliner George Wallace. Word has it country star Randy Travis will be in the house tonight with family.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Rush Limbaugh is losing advertisers. Crisco was one, and then he lost Hostess Cupcakes. Now the only advertiser Rush has left on his radio show is Conrad Murray's sleep clinic." -- David Letterman

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