Rich Little, Bill Fayne and Jay and The Americans top to-see list
It seems I'm not the only one who loves Rich Little. So does the LVH (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton), which extended his show, "Jimmy Stewart & Friends," through Aug. 22 in the Shimmer Cabaret.
"We're excited that Rich has agreed to extend his show through the summer," said Rick White, LVH vice president of entertainment. "His unique, one-man performance has led to great reviews and standing ovations every night." That performance includes celebrity icons such as Cary Grant, George Burns, Katharine Hepburn and John Wayne, along with U.S. Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, both George Bushes and Barack Obama. Little, the master mimic of more than 200 voices, is on stage at 8:30 p.m. Saturday-Wednesday. Tickets start at $53.90. Ask about the two-for-one ticket offer. 732-5755. www.thelvh.com.
Bill Fayne and Friends
Bill Fayne has many friends, and he's getting them together for a musical salute to Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein. The salute is planned Aug. 18-19 at the Suncoast and will feature songs from such memorable musicals as "Pal Joey," "Babes in Arms," "Carousel," "The King and I" and "The Sound of Music." Some the friends joining Fayne are Robin Vincent, Lou DeMeis and Denise Clemente. Others include Tara Palsha from "Vegas! The Show," Richel Kompst from "Menopause The Musical," Gail Bennett from "The Producers" and "Cinderella" and James Allen from "Jubilee!"
Showtime each evening is 7:30. Tickets start at $15.95. 636-7075. www.suncoastcasino.com.
jay and the americans
It's tough to stay away from the Suncoast when so many of our favorite groups are performing there. Remember Jay and The Americans? They're taking the stage Aug. 25-26 to re-create their authentic sound of the '60s that produced such hits as "She Cried," and "Come A Little Bit Closer." In 1970, the group released "Wax Museum," paying tribute to many rock 'n' roll greats with their versions of hit songs "Hushabye," "Walkin' in the Rain" and "This Magic Moment." Three original members are scheduled to perform: Sandy Yaguda, Howie Kirschenbaum and Marty Kupersmith, along with "Jay" Reincke. Ten years ago, Jay and the Americans were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15.95. 636-7075. www.suncoastcasino.com.
Weekend Update
Actor, comedian and former "Saturday Night Live" cast member Norm Macdonald is scheduled to bring his stand-up act to The Orleans Aug. 10-11. After finding success at a comedy festival in Montreal, Macdonald made his way to the U.S., where he was discovered by Lorne Michaels, who gave him an opportunity to read on-air editorials during "Weekend Update." He later became the anchor of the popular segment besides becoming well-known for impressions of Burt Reynolds and Bob Dole. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets start at $34.95. 365-7075. www.orleanscasino.com.
The End is Near
If you haven't seen "Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular" at The Venetian, you have fewer than 60 days to mark this item off your bucket list. The award-winning Broadway show has scheduled its grand finale for Sept. 2 after more than six years and 2,700 performances. The show is spectacular because of its $40 million custom-built theater reminiscent of the Paris Opera House, its signature songs, lyrics, costumes and sets and its dramatic chandelier. "Phantom" performs at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Monday and Saturday and 7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. The show is dark on Sunday. 414-9000. www.venetian.com.
TEA DANCES
It's not "Dancing With The Stars," but here's an opportunity to learn the waltz, the cha-cha and the jitterbug just like those fancy dancers do it on that popular television show. Beginning this month, the Charleston Heights Arts Center is scheduled to host tea dances from
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. most Thursdays. A $5 admission charge lets you enjoy dance demonstrations and instruction by Loy Au and the opportunity to dance in the center's ballroom. Dancers of all levels are welcome and are encouraged to bring friends. The Charleston Heights Arts Center is at 800 S. Brush St., one block west of Decatur and Charleston boulevards. 229-6383. www.artslasvegas.org.
And Finally
A couple were married for many years. Whenever there was a confrontation, yelling could be heard deep into the night. The man would shout, "After I die, I'm going to dig my way up and out of the grave and come back and haunt you for the rest of your life!"
Neighbors feared him, and he liked the fact that he was feared. Finally, at the age of 98, the old man died of a heart attack.
His wife had a closed casket at the funeral and after the burial went straight to the local bar and began to party as if there was no tomorrow. Her neighbors, concerned for her safety, asked, "Aren't you afraid that he may indeed be able to dig his way out of the grave and haunt you for the rest of your life?"
The wife said, "Let him dig. I had him buried upside down, and I know he won't ask for directions."
Jack Bulavsky is a 35-year Nevadan and has covered the entertainment, dining and gaming industries for local and national publications. Contact him at jackbulavsky@yahoo.com.
