‘Peepshow’ star offers tourists tips
Holly Madison and her new "Peepshow" co-star Cheaza continue to reinvent themselves in the city of second chances.
Madison has added author to the list of titles she's accumulated in the short time she's been here.
Her new book, "The Showgirl Next Door," is out and she has scheduled her first signing party for June 11 at Sugar Factory at Paris Las Vegas.
Madison's book is a fun read, in her voice, plus it's crammed with cool tips for tourists from someone who has seen more of Las Vegas in a few short years than many of us who prowl the neon streets.
After all, who among us can say we stayed in the MGM Mansion on our first trip to Las Vegas, after joining "Blue Man Group" onstage? That introduction came in 2001.
Some first impressions of the book: 1) Considering her well-documented crazed schedule, how in the (Holly's) world did she find time to write it, and 2) after reading about her favorite food stops, including one (Stack at The Mirage) under the heading "Junk Food Done Right," small wonder she got called on the carpet by "Peepshow" management after her more-of-me-to-love diet.
For the record, she has adopted Metro Pizza as her favorite pizza.
Her book is being published by Stephens Press, which is owned by Stephens Media LLC, owner of the Review-Journal. The book will be available in local bookstores, the R-J's bookstore and at www.theshowgirlnextdoor.com.
Cheaza, who plays opposite Madison's "Bo Peep" as mistress of ceremonies "Peep Diva," has some projects ready to pop.
A former backup singer to Wayne Brady, Cheaza is working on an album with a new producer and a book of her own, and there are rumors about a reality show.
Her amazing journey started as a track star in Lancaster, Calif., often dueling neck-and-neck with sprint phenom Marion Jones in a number of events.
But music ran in the family, and Cheaza has been chasing a singing career with a passion.
Her mother was a backup singer with Ike and Tina Turner, and her ex-husband, Alfred Nevarez, sang with the R&B group All-4-One, who hit No. 1 with "I Swear" in 1994.
Cheaza moved to Las Vegas in 2003 to pursue her musical career, working at Valley Hospital's reception desk and as a nanny to make ends meet.
Cheaza got a job with a group called Soul Desire, which had a good run at New York-New York.
After a two-year run with Brady, she ended up on "Peepshow" as a backup singer and understudy to Spice Girl Mel B, who played "Peep Diva." Cheaza moved into the "Peep Diva" role a year ago.
MAY I RECOMMEND ...
The Billboard Music Awards return Sunday to Las Vegas and the MGM Grand Garden . It airs from 8-11 p.m. on tape delay on KTNV-TV, Channel 13. The red carpet starts at 3 p.m. in the east arena parking lot.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Las Vegas radio deejay Steph McKenzie of KXPT-FM, 97.1 makes a cameo appearance Saturday for the 10th anniversary of Crazy Horse Paris at the MGM Grand. She is participating in three artistic numbers for the 8 p.m. show, which is offering two tickets for $97.10.
THE PUNCH LINE
"Maria Shriver had dinner with Oprah the other night, so Arnold is in a lot of trouble. He should start looking into fortified compounds in Abbottabad." -- Jimmy Kimmel
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.
