Shania promises full-throated show
Shania Twain wants the world to know her rehabilitated voice is just fine.
Back on stage for the first time in nearly a decade, the country stunner told the media, "I can still belt and scream. I don't have to be overly cautious."
After three weeks of rehearsals and two warm-up shows, she will open her two-year "Still the One" residency tonight at Caesars Palace.
Jitters? Frankly, the only thing making her nervous, she said, was the critics.
The same goes for the notorious dry climate that has been known to haunt many a Las Vegas performer.
"It's manageable," she said, in response to a question.
Bette Midler, who had a two-year engagement at Caesars, starting in 2008, recommended some sprays to ward off a raspy voice.
With Twain at the news conference was her costumier, fashion designer Marc Bouwer, and director Raj Kapoor.
Mandy Moore is choreographing the show, which, to no one's surprise, features Twain riding horses on stage.
TOYS FOR TOTS
Las Vegas headliners will turn back the clock to the Vegas of yesteryear at the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots show tonight at the LVH.
Backing the entertainers will be a 14-piece orchestra directed by David Perrico.
The lineup includes Gordie Brown, Frankie Moreno, Pia Zadora, Zowie Bowie's Chris Phillips, Mark Giovi, Louie Anderson, Lorena Peril and Trent Carlini.
Tickets are $19, or you can bring a new, unwrapped toy of similar or greater value to the LVH or Cadillac of Las Vegas and trade it for a ticket.
"What's donated in Vegas, stays in Vegas," said L.J. Harness, who does marketing, promotions and sales at Cadillac of Las Vegas, sponsor of the event for the fourth year in a row.
The show starts at 8 p.m. in the main showroom, with the red carpet at 7 p.m.
Four different scents will be pumped in at various points in the show.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
No funeral will be held for Jack Wishna, per his wishes, his widow, Donna, said by text message on Friday. The entertainment executive, who died Tuesday at his home inside Anthem Country Club, was cremated, another one of his requests, she said. His death was ruled a suicide by carbon monoxide. He would regularly commute to their home in Boca Raton, Fla.
SIGHTINGS
Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, shopping for classic knives for three hours at Bonds House of Cutlery on Thursday. ... Former California Angels pitching star Chuck Finley, celebrating his 50th birthday at Gordie Brown's show (Golden Nugget) on Thursday. They later dined at SW Steakhouse (Wynn). ... Green Valley High School graduate Jamie Little, hosting NASCAR's After the Lap event Thursday at Planet Hollywood. A year ago, the highlight was a break dance performance by former champion Jeff Gordon. This time it was a video that raised the roof, with Little and Richard and Kyle Petty performing a parody of Gangnam Style, the global dance sensation. ... KLUC deejay Chet Buchanan, starting his 12-day toy drive atop the scaffold near NV Energy on Thursday. Staffers from Tao, Lavo and Marquee helped kick off the opening day with the first truckload of bikes and toys, with a value of $10,000. ... "Deal or No Deal" host Howie Mandel, at La Cave (Wynn) in between NASCAR Awards appearances on Thursday.
THE PUNCH LINE
"Lindsay Lohan arrested yet again! I don't get it. Did she learn NOTHING from her 12 minutes in jail?" - Joy Behar
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. His weekly segment, "Norm Clarke's Vegas," airs during the "Morning Blend" on KTNV-TV, Channel 13 every Thursday.
