The Scintas, Sinatra Forever top the bill at M Resort

Ranging from musical groups to comedy routines, the M Resort, 12300 Las Vegas Blvd. South, has announced its schedule for upcoming performances.

The performances are expected to take place at the M's entertainment pavilion.

Tickets range from $19.50 to $29.50.

The lineup is scheduled to start with The Scintas at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26.

Following the group is Sinatra Forever, a Frank Sinatra tribute, which is slated for
7:30 p.m. Feb. 23.

Rick Michel, who stars in the Sinatra production, said the show features a 24-piece orchestra.

"I know there are other Sinatra shows, but you haven't seen anything like this," Michel said. "A lot of our musicians have played with Sinatra."

Michel has been performing in clubs around the country since the 1970s.

His first gig in Las Vegas was in 1981 at the Tropicana.

Even though he performed off and on at the casino, he didn't move to Las Vegas until 1989, when he got more permanent work.

Michel said he started doing impersonations at various venues such as the Sands.

"I've been everywhere up and down the Strip," Michel said.

Although he does impersonations, Michel said his Frank Sinatra tribute is a little different.

"It's not an impersonation," he said. "It's my interpretation of Sinatra. A lot of people do say I am a dead ringer for him."

He started crafting his Sinatra Forever show, which he took around the country for performances. The show grew and Michel took the production international.

"We did shows in Canada, Mexico and Chile," he said.

In some shows he would transport the band with him, while other times he would use local philharmonic groups.

Michel reached out to various hotels and casinos about performing Sinatra Forever when he was contacted by the M Resort.

He added this is the first time in Las Vegas he is headlining on his own.

"I'm finally an overnight sensation; it only took me 30 years," Michel said.

He hopes other casinos might get wind of his production and book him full time.

In the 26-song set list Michel plans to play, he said the audience can expect Sinatra classics such as "Witchcraft," but might also hear lesser known Sinatra hits such as "I've Never Been in Love Before," from the musical "Guys and Dolls."

"It's one of my favorites," Michel said.

Regardless of song favorites the audience might want to hear, Michel said guests will be pleased with his homage to Sinatra.

Michel also plans to mix in a couple of songs from other Rat Pack members such as Dean Martin and have a special surprise guest.

"The M Resort doesn't even know who it is," Michel said. "They won't even find out until dress rehearsal."

Other performances scheduled at the M Resort include The Four Tops on March 9, Lights Out: A tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons on April 27 and Engelbert Humperdinck on July 27.

For more information, visit themresort.com.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 702-387-5201.