If you thought there wasn’t much going on in Las Vegas last week, you must have been sleeping. We need to remember that on any given day or night we can find entertainment through out Las Vegas that includes such “regulars” as comedians Vinny Favorito and George Wallace who both star at The Flamingo, Frank Caliendo at The Monte Carlo, Rita Rudner at Harrah’s and Gordie Brown downtown at The Golden Nugget. If the comedy scene isn’t for you try an evening with Barry Manilow at the Paris or crooning sensation, new to the Las Vegas scene, Matt Goss at Caesars Palace,( weekends only). If you’re looking for production numbers that rival anything on Broadway, try The Lion King at Mandalay Bay, Phantom at The Venetian, or Menopause the Musical at The Luxor. Don’t forget the entertainment provided by such magicians as Penn & Teller at The Rio All Suites, Mac King at Harrah’s and Lance Burton at The Monte Carlo.

In addition to all our “regular” entertainers, last week offered up appearances by such featured stars as Lionel Richie at Caesars Colosseum, David Spade at The Venetian and David Copperfield at The MGM Grand. If you missed any of the shows mentioned, not to worry. As we say farewell to March 2010 we welcome a new month and featured stars will once again add to the current marquees of our regular outstanding entertainers. Las Vegas…. entertainment unlimited.

Fifty Years of Music & Movies featuring Michel Legrand & Friends provided a spectacular line up at The MGM Grand with appearances by George Benson, Steve Lawrence, Neil Sedaka, Jerry Lewis and Dionne Warwick just to name of a few. It was star power for sure and also featured a 66 piece orchestra, conducted by Legrand himself.

One of the most successful attractions on the Las Vegas Strip is the Donny & Marie show at the Flamingo. It was good news for everyone with the announcement of Marie’s return and the shows are once again sell outs. The Donny & Marie show was voted The Best in 2009 and from all reports the accolades will continue for this dynamic but delightful duo.

Cirque is providing a locals-only special offer through April 30th. Tickets for Ka, Zumanity, Mystere, and Believe are available at $49.00, These fabulous productions are now well within the reach of our Nevada residents. The Hilton is also running a locals-only special at their rBulffet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sunday Brunch. Bulffets start at $3.99-Check with The Hilton for details.

We went to see Barry Manilow’s new show at The Paris this weekend. Barry is still Barry, new show or not. His fans still adore him and his music. However, the sound system at this theater leaves much to be desired. Whoever engineered this system does not know what Barry needs in the way of sound, and adjustments should be made as quickly as possible.

How rude! A process server showed up at The Tropicana to find Wayne Newton at his own Meet and Greet, which is a feature offered to fans before the show. Seems Wayne’s financial problems keep chasing him. As of this date there’s no confirmation Wayne’s contract will be extended at The Tropicana. Maybe a helping hand like a benefit for this beloved and long time Las Vegas icon should be considered. Wayne was probably the biggest draw Las Vegas had in the 1980′s and 90′s. He’s the original Mr. Las Vegas.

ShoWest is one of the many tradeshows that makes Las Vegas their destination of choice. Bally’s was the scene for last week’s ShoWest exhibition which always attracts stars of the big screen. One of last week’s stars, Katherine Heigl, had a major wardrobe malfunction with the bodice of her gown while accepting her award. Luckily, host Billy Bush came to her rescue.

The queen of television, Oprah Winfrey, settled out of court with the head mistress of her girl’s school in Africa. Word is both sides were satisfied with the results. More news on the television front is that Rosie O’Donnell is returning to daytime television. Supposedly this time she’ll be featuring items on the more serious side such as health issues and inspirational themes. Are we ready for that?

Sinbad, a long time Las Vegas favorite, just lost his “job” on Donald Trump’s show The Apprentice. The comic quips that he may have to become a hit man for the mob. His financial woes have caused him to file for bankruptcy and he allegedly may loose his house What a shame. Sinbad is one of the funniest comis around and does not have to resort to four letter words to be that way.

Our favorite, comedy great JOAN RIVERS, whom you also know from TV”s Red Carpet events, QVC, and Celebrity Apprentice Champion, is coming back to Las Vegas. Joan will be appearing at The Venetian on April 8-10, April 15-17 and July 8-10 and July 15-17. See Venetian Tickets.com or call The Venetian for more info

Doo-Wopp Hall of Fame of America will be making its Las Vegas premier at The Venetian on April 23 and 24.The show will feature five acts featuring Hall of Fame inductees from the 50′s qnd 60′s. They include The Skyliners, The Marcels, The Drifters, The Mystic and The Royalty of Rock ‘n’ Roll All Stars. About eight years ago yours truly, Monti Rock III, was the host and emcee of a Hip Hop show at the old Castaways. After leaving the Castaways, the show moved to Caesars in Reno, where I continued as host and emcee. It was an experience.

Frank Sinatra Jr and his 20 piece big band will be paying tribute to “The Man’ at The Suncoast in mid April. Frank Jr performs many Sinatra classics,such as One For My Baby, I’ve Got You Under My Skin. . He’s also performed as a solo with such greats as George Burns, Flip Wilson, and Phil Harris, as well as becoming musical conductor for his famous father.

There may be news before long about the Steve Wyrick Theater at Planet Hollywood. David Saxe is still working to take over the theater and his resume reveals his success at Planet Hollywood.

Look for David Hasselhoff as a possible Strip headliner in the not too distant future. He his now shooting a reality show with is daughters and made an appearance at the Knight Rider Festival last week at The Fremont Street Experience. He also joined George Wallace on stage during George’s Flamingo show. The “Hoff” appeared here in the Las Vegas production of The Producers not too long ago. There are many who don;t know that “The Hoff” became a top recording star in Germany after starrring in TV”s Baywatch.

Rockhouse Bar and Nightclub celebrated its “First Annual Late Grand Opening Party from Las Year” This club blends a local dive bar with the glamour of “Sin City”. and is located in the heart of The Las Vegas Strip near Caesars Palace.

Robert Culp hadn’t been a feature of television for sometime but never the less we were saddened to hear of his death at the age of 79. Culp was a ground breaker of sorts when he and Bill Cosby became co-stars in the highly successful television show I Spy, one of the first shows in which a black and a white man had co-starring roles.

Asian star Aaron Kwok , who was signed to an exclusive appearance at The Wynn, has had to postpone his show. Seems his visa to the United States has been held up by the Sri Lanka government. Politics infringing on the arts once again!

As always, the Rev.Monti wishes you a wonderful week.

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