Reid has big fan at MGM Mirage
MGM Mirage chief Jim Murren says he's "heard from" fellow Republicans who want him to tone down his support of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
In an interview after President Barack Obama's first visit to CityCenter on Friday, Murren used strong words to make it clear he would not only remain loyal to Reid for his efforts to save MGM Mirage's $8.5 billion project but he would take on those trying to remove Reid from office.
"I think it's un-Nevadan, unpatriotic, to go against Senator Reid and I will call out those who try," the MGM Mirage chairman and CEO told Vegas Confidential after the world premiere of Cirque du Soleil's "Viva Elvis."
Murren said Obama indicated he is returning to Las Vegas four more times to boost Reid's re-election campaign.
Murren also revealed for the first time that CityCenter needs to generate revenue of $2.5 million a day to make a profit.
"I don't think it's a problem," he said.
Murren said he introduced several of Nevada's top health care executives to Obama before his CityCenter address "because I think it's important for him to know we're more than casinos." After the discussion, Murren said, Obama turned to Reid and said, "Let me know how I can help."
Murren said he was pleased with the direct manner that the president addressed the city's hurt feelings over the comment that, "You don't blow a bunch of cash on Vegas when you're trying to save for college."
"There was an elephant in the room and he identified the elephant," Murren said.
PATERSON EXITS 'VIVA ELVIS'
Vincent Paterson, director of Cirque du Soleil's "Viva Elvis," dropped a bombshell minutes before the world premiere Friday.
While chatting with Review-Journal entertainment critic Mike Weatherford before the 7 p.m. performance, Paterson revealed, "After tonight I'm retired."
Paterson, who directed and choreographed the world tours and videos of Madonna ("Blonde Ambition" tour) and Michael Jackson ("Bad" tour), said his decision was based on a longtime goal to retire by age 60.
"I've been around the world, but I haven't seen the world," he told Weatherford.
The news came as a surprise to Merri Hagen, director of marketing and public relations for Cirque du Soleil's resident shows division. Contacted for comment on Saturday afternoon, Hagen appeared to have been caught off guard.
"Ohhh. I wasn't aware of that," she said, adding that efforts were being made to reach Paterson for confirmation.
No doubt he would have preferred that his final project, and first Cirque gig, had gone smoother. The show had its share of upheaval, from a one-month delay in getting into the theater, to casting changes and script overhauls.
The planned VIP opening on Jan. 8, Elvis' 75th birthday, was moved to Feb. 19.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
UNLV's new head football coach Bobby Hauck will serve as grand marshal of the 14th running of the Sam's Town 300 on Saturday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where Danica Patrick will be racing for the first time.
SIGHTINGS
At Tao nightclub (The Venetian) on Saturday: Tony Hawk, Christian Slater, Brad Garrett, Jason Alexander, Joanna Krupa, Montel Williams, Donnie Wahlberg, Marlon Wayans and Slash, among the 39 players who competed in a Pokerstars.net charity for Three Square. ... Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, delivering a speech at his son Ross's 40th birthday Friday at Vintner's Grill. ... Former Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens and members of Santana's band, hanging out together Thursday at B.B. King's Blues Club at The Mirage.
THE PUNCH LINE
"American snowboarder Shaun White is called the 'Flying Tomato,' which I think is an unfair nickname. He's a bit more carroty isn't he?" -- Craig Ferguson
Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
