Archive for May, 2010

It was a big week for breaking news, especially if you’re a fan of Human Nature, the Motown sound spectacular, appearing at The Imperial Palace.  They are a bit of a phenomenon when you consider they arrived in Las Vegas from Australia and perform Motown hits as well as the originals – sometimes even better. To celebrate their first anniversary at the Imperial Palace they announced the group has signed a two-year extension and they unveiled the Human Nature Theater. On a personal note, I thought the theater should have been named after Frank Marino…. Oops, sorry, I slipped.

The media event for the anniversary celebration was filled with the usual suspects, but we were all surprised when Smokey Robinson took the stage and sang four or five songs. We shouldn’t have been entirely shocked because the marquee says, “Smokey Robinson Presents Human Nature.” The show is produced by Adam Steck, who also produces among others Thunder From Down Under, Louie Anderson at the Excalibur, and Frank Marino’s Divas Show at The Imperial Palace.  Adam is quite the gentleman producer in town, that’s for sure. At one time he was helping yours truly produce a show for Las Vegas. My hat’s off to you Adam. For my readers of Gaming Today, and for the record, this is a must see show.

This columnist doesn’t normally become starstruck, but if you can believe it, I was momentarily speechless when I met Armand Assante, star of the fabulous 1992 movie Mambo Kings and TV’s John Gotti with Hollywood producer Michael Tadross. Ken Ciancimino, of the Hilton, and his wife were with them for dinner. It was a pleasant surprise when Susan and Jerry Rispoli invited me to stop by JR’s.  Rumors about a ’70s theme show are in the air.  Anyway, I was more than happy to see Susan and Jerry, but I was truly delighted to meet Armand and Michael…. sigh!

Sunday night brought us one of the last of the “big” beauty contests.  Donald Trump’s Miss USA was won by the beauty from the State of Michigan, Rima Fakih, a Lebanese immigrant. Elizabeth Woolard, Miss Oklahoma, was runner up.

“Girls Night: The Musical” at the MGM had their media opening last weekend. Five friends go to  a karaoke bar  for a party and end up becoming their version of “The Housewives of Anywhere.” It’s really another take on the current “gal pals” scenario. Breaking up the dialogue are a series of songs, which the ladies really belt out. The country-blues number is a particular showstopper. In just three years, they have sold more than 800,000 tickets! Studio 54 may possibly book this show for a long run.  Who Knows?

Fans have been tweeting about American Idol and also about the judges.  I’m going out on a limb, again. Ellen may like music and dance, but she doesn’t have the background to be a judge on the show. Obviously, Ellen doesn’t need American Idol, but American Idol needs Paula Abdul.

The Mandalay Bay has a special way of celebrating the first anniversary of The Lion King. It’s Lion King Loves the Locals! Two-for-one tickets are offered to Las Vegas residents for the show that has broken all records at the Mandalay Bay.

New and creative offers are coming in from all directions these days. MGM Mirage has joined forces with 50 of America’s top travel destinations in an attempt to stimulate travel. This is a brief one month promotion, so be sure to check it out at www.DailyGetaways.com right now.

While Garth Brooks continues to light up the Wynn and sell out every show, Celine Dion fans are already grabbing tickets for her March 2011 return to Caesars Colosseum. By the way, a new Harris poll has declared Celine Dion to be America’s favorite singer/musician. We need the Garth Brooks and Celine Dions of the world to stay in Vegas!

Alan Palmer performed his amazing one-man show, Fabulous Divas of Broadway, which was a one-man musical presented at the Onyx Theater last week.  Hopefully, he’ll return to Vegas because this is a one-of-a-kind show.

Lena Horne was truly a one of a kind. She was beautiful beyond words, a songstress like no other. Lena passed away in New York City last week at the age of 92.   She also helped pave the way for so many Afro American performers by opening doors that, at the time, were virtually closed to them.  At one point in her career, she was banned from staying at the same  Las Vegas hotel where filled the house for every one of her shows. Good enoug to work there, but not good enough to sleep there. .  We have come a long way since then.  I’m reminded of my days as a young performer at Trudy Heller’s in New York, where Lena would on occasion stop by to hear me sing. Unfortunately, I was a total bore but I was a great fan of Lena Horne.

Television hit the big time last week when Betty White, at the age of 88, became the hit of Saturday Night Live. The show had the highest ratings they’ve enjoyed since 2008. Now the talk is about Betty hosting the Oscars, plus she has a new series soon to air. Guess there’s no stopping Betty!

All week we’ve been hearing about Barbara Walters and heart surgery. Of course, we all wish her well but isn’t it about time for Barbara to retire?  She’s interviewed everybody on earth that has a recognizable name.

I’ve become a huge fan of Lady Gaga. Maybe it’s just the costumes. Adam Lambert, take a look at a marketing genius.

Beso, the highly popular restaurant owned by Eva Langoria Parker at Aria in CityCenter was the scene for an interesting event when a one time manager/investor of the restaurant was shown the door by a most efficient staff of security officers. You know what they say, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. I was told Eva immediately took control and her dedicated staff offered their applause in appreciation of her efforts.

In celebration of Cher’s second anniversary at Caesars Colosseum, tickets have just gone on sale for an additional 25 shows in September and October. Cher, another one-of-a-kind entertainer.

For those of you who keep abreast of Monti Rock activities, my annual 70th birthday gala will be held at Badda Bing Gentleman’s Club, where I’ll be unveiling my latest venture The Chapel of Lust. Wedding ceremonies are already scheduled for the new chapel. The birthday gala will offer food, drinks and music to celebrate my 5th decade in show biz. *Please be sure to read the attachment.

Remember, the Rev. Monti wishes you a great  week!

Please direct all blog related correspondence to:        revmonti@yahoo.com