‘Phantom’ star is radio personality

Tony Crivello's moonlighting job starts at noon.

Eight times a week, he heads for The Venetian to play the phantom in "Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular."

About six months ago, he added a new job title: sports-talk show host at KBAD-AM 920 (Fox Sports Network) after regularly calling in under the name of "Tony the phantom."

His foray into the sports-talk universe began late last year. One day his plumber recognized Crivello's voice on the radio and, during a conversation, said he knew someone who knew a producer at the station.

He made a connection, was invited to the studio and was offered a stint as a vacation fill-in host on "The Wise Guys."

When the main job opened up a short time later, Crivello landed in the lead role and renamed the show "The Sicilians."

It's been a joyride for the Milwaukee native, who always had time for sports while pursuing a career in theater. He also majored in broadcasting. If the theater career didn't work out, he figured he could do voice-overs or become a shock jock.

Funny how things turn out. He's balancing a singing career with sports on the side.

When the sports-talk job opened up, his vocals coach asked him whether he was sure he wanted to put added strain on his vocal cords.

At 53, Crivello said he was confident that wouldn't be a problem.

"After 35 years, I know my instrument," he said.

As ringmaster of the radio show, he shares a lot of air time with his co-hosts Clark Schwieger, Jimmy Tuma and Brandy Carey.

The irony is that even with the added exposure, not many would recognize him.

"It's funny, in radio I'm behind the microphone and nobody knows my face. As the phantom, they only see half my face."

MAY I RECOMMEND...

The celebrity pro-am event for the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open on Wednesday at TPC Summerlin is open to the public. Celebrities include Josh Duhamel, John O'Hurley, George Lopez, Olympic swim star/model Amanda Beard, singer/songwriter Josh Kelley and Timberlake's former *NSYNC member Chris Kirkpatrick. For more information, go to www.jtshrinersopen.com or call 702-873-1010. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

What recession? A New York City strip club that caters heavily to Wall Street clients has introduced a $1,000 lap dance premium package that includes a bottle of Dom Pérignon champagne, a private room for 20 minutes and an autographed G-string. Sam Zherka, the owner of The VIP Club in Chelsea, told the New York Times that he's getting a lot of patrons despite the Wall Street meltdown. About 80 percent of his clients are Wall Street types, he said. ... Glass artist Dale Chihuly is signing copies of his newest book, "Chihuly Black," Saturday from 1-2 p.m. at the Chihuly Gallery at Bellagio. The 208-page collection features his most recent work with black glass. Chihuly designed the Fiori di Como ceiling in the Bellagio lobby.

SIGHTINGS

Mariah Carey, her husband, actor Nick Cannon, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, dining Wednesday with Steve and Elaine Wynn at The Country Club at the Wynn. ... Brad Penney, the Los Angeles Dodgers opening day pitcher before he was disabled, hanging out with mixed martial arts competitor Frank Trigg at LAX (Luxor) on Wednesday. Also there: Olympic gold medalist and freestyle sprint swimmer Cullen Jones.

Kevin Sorbo, best known as Hercules from the 1990s "Hercules" television series, was seen having dinner at Strip House (Planet Hollywood Resort) on Wednesday. ... Former Skid Row lead singer Sebastian Bach, who recently won the reality show "Gone Country," was shopping at Fashion Show Mall on Thursday. ... Marla Maples and her daughter, Tiffany Trump, are arriving today to celebrate Tiffany's 15th birthday. They are staying at Trump International Tower with their guests and dining at DJT restaurant. ...UFC star Wanderlei Silva, loaded up on protein at Texas de Brazil (Town Square) on Thursday.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Even Dick Cheney thinks they're being cruel." -- From David Letterman's "TopTen Signs The Campaign Is Getting Ugly."

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