‘Tribute’ Joey is making waves

Sandy Hackett, who portrayed Joey Bishop in "The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean" at the Plaza, is out of the show.

Hackett's termination on Wednesday by co-producer Dick Feeney sets the stage for a copyright infringement battle.

Hackett's attorney, Howard E. King, countered on Thursday by sending a cease-and-desist letter to fellow co-producers Feeney and Arthur Petri.

King, in his letter to Feeney and Petrie, said Hackett, one of the co-producers, is the "creator and author of the play that forms the basis of the production, which was earlier known as 'The Rat Pack is Back.' "

Hackett, the son of comedy legend Buddy Hackett, is the registered owner of the copyright in the manuscript for the production, the creator of characters in the production, and the author of dialogue created subsequent to his copyright registration, King said.

He advised Feeney and Petrie that Hackett "hereby terminates any license or consent he may have granted to you to utilize his copyrighted materials or other creative materials in connection with the production. Any further performance of the production will be considered a willful infringement of Sandy's registered copyright and other rights."

Such actions, said King, will constitute willful copyright infringement for which Hackett may recover actual damages, profits or statutory damages of up to $150,000 for each infringing use, as well as attorneys' fees and costs.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Riviera headliner Charo has suspended her show after suffering an ankle injury backstage at Jerry Lewis' MDA telethon. The legendary flamenco guitarist is out until her doctor "gives her the OK to dance on that ankle again," according to a spokesman. Charo has been at the Riviera since July. She was among a number of Las Vegas entertainers who performed on the 44th show hosted by Lewis. The Las Vegas segments were performed at the South Point. ...

Indy car racer Al Unser Jr., singer Sarah Todora and her band, Primary Purpose, and Elvis impersonator Steve Connolly are performing Saturday at the Nevada Recovery Celebration. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Cashman Center. Featured speakers include Nevada first lady Dawn Gibbons and Dr. Joseph Bradley, New You Clinic addictionologist.

MAY I RECOMMEND ...

Phantom Fans Week, an inaugural five-day festival that includes a Masquerade Ball, begins Wednesday. "Phantom of the Opera" fans will receive behind-the-scenes access to "Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular" and the cast. The package includes a keynote address by honorary guest and legendary director Hal Prince. The ball will be held at The Venetian's St. Mark's Square. Prices range from $250 to $475. Information: www.PhantomLasVegas.com

SIGHTINGS

Steve Wynn and lady friend Andrea Hissom, dining on the patio Wednesday at Picasso (Bellagio). They've spent an extended summer sojourn on his yacht on the French Riviera. ... Miss America 2009 Katie Stam of Indiana, selecting a chili-and-cheese dog during Thursday's dedication of the Miss America hot dog at Pink's at Planet Hollywood Resort.

THE PUNCH LINE

"She's a person of interest in the mercury poisoning of Jeremy Piven." -- From David Letterman's Top Ten Signs Japan's First Lady is Nuts

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