MONTI-LICIOUS 3/21/11

This columnist, who has given you Celine, Celine, Celine last week, decided to venture out to see what else is happening in the fabric of the new Las Vegas.

It takes a lot to surprise me. Sometimes I feel that I'm jaded since I am an actor, an entertainer. Sometimes I'm an out and out snob so when I was invited to the Onyx Theater in Commercial Center off Sahara Avenue my mind was somewhere between jaded and snob-like.

To start off the evening I gave a small intimate dinner party for some of my close friends including Mimi Hines, my publicist, my assistant and my entourage. We enjoyed Fish 'n Chips and Shepard's Pie at Queen Victoria's Pub in the Riviera Hotel. The Pub's operations manager, Mark McGarry, is always most gracious to Monti and friends.

The show is called Naked Boys Singing and was an off Broadway production for several years where it was called Naked Boys Singing. Now get this.... it IS naked boys singing! Once you get over the initial shock that they're naked and showing their wares, this is surprisingly good theater. Both the writing and the actors are something that's clever, interesting and a new must see.

Standout in the show was my friend Eric Travis who sang with a guitar and a young porno star who became endearing and reminded me of Jayne Mansfield when she played Broadway in Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter.

On Sunday I had lunch with Michael Morse, Artistic Director of Naked Boys Singing, and found him to be very insightful and a delight as he explained to me about this theater and what he sees in the future which is a need for this type of theater. We talked for hours about the Las Vegas theater world. In my opinion I believe this little theater needs our support and I'm behind it 1000%. Stay tuned.

Television's Undercover Boss this week highlighted Scott Sebella, President and COO of MGM Grand. It was a nice inside look at the Grand employees and how they strive to make visitors feel welcome. I knew Scott from earlier days when he was with the Mirage and Treasure Island. My hat's of to him. The show showed Las Vegas in a good light.

Another television show that caught my eye this week was Secret Millionaire. As a successful motivational speaker and millionaire James Malinchak, who lives in Henderson, went to Gary, Indiana to find causes he could support with his unexpected check of thousands. So... how about helping some of the homeless in Vegas? Ever been on North Main Street near the men's shelter?

How about the latest Charlie Sheen rumors flying around! Is he going back to Two and One Half Men, ....is he going to star on a Fox network late night TV show??? Who really knows? May be it pays to be "crazy like a fox".

On the political scene my favorite remains Carolyn Goodman for Mayor but I must admit the ads for Victor Chaltiel are a hoot. He probably won't win but I love his commercials. I considered running for mayor but was just too tired.

I'm still broken hearted about the Sahara closing and hope they'll bring together entertainers for one last hurrah. Let's not let it go without celebrating it's history.

My dance record (single) should be out in two or three weeks which is good news and there may possibly be a "Roast" honoring yours truly with some of my favorite Las Vegas comedians. All proceeds going to my favorite charities.

This week I'm off to see the Mob Experience at the Tropicana and of course the bigger news is that Gladys Knight is returning to the Vegas stage and the Tropicana has named the theater for her. Gladys Knight, yeah! and one Pip.

We started with Celine so we'll end with Celine. As reported earlier her show is a sell out..... and sold out. That's 4500 seats. Can anyone do better? NO!

For those of you with tips or gossip please send your e-mails or call us. It's good to be the gossip king.... Ho, Ho, Ho.

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MONTI-LICIOUS 3/16/11

Sometimes in this blog there's so much to write about I don't know where to start. For months I've been discussing that three hotels are in trouble, either headed to bankruptcy, hostile takeover, owing debts too big to overcome. The first to go down is the Sahara. This great hotel with a 60 year history of entertainment that includes such icons as Louie Prima, Sinatra and Sammy, the true Rat Pack, and of course yours truly.

In 1967/68 when I first arrived in Las Vegas I went to the Sahara to see Louie and the Rat Pack. What an incredible legacy these entertainers leave us. For the owners of the Sahara.... you should bring all the entertainers back, dead not withstanding, for one last hurrah.

This week the big news of course is our international star, the Diva herself, hail Caesar! The Queen has returned... Celine is back. The Colosseum at Caesars was built for Celine and became a great show room. Everyone who came to perform in this magnificent room tried to fill her shoes but none came close. Witnessing this new show on opening night, one has to be amazed. It really is Celine in concert, bringing a new dimension to her brand. Between the sets, the gowns, the orchestra and the never-before-seen special effects, (note the huge LED screen backdrop), Celine once again raises the bar like no one else can. Ella Fitzgerald and Martha Raye would have been proud of her rendition of "Mr Paganini". As an entertainer myself, Monti Rock III has seen them all and some entertainers are able to create their mystique with their talent and intertwine their grand skills as an artist, which Celine does. I'd like for anyone reading this blog to take this as proof. Even if you're not a Celine fan, this is a great show.

Gladys Knight is opening at the Tropicana in her own theater April 5, 2011. Gladys is often referred to as the Empress of Soul and her performances are always magical giving the audience an intimate look at her stand alone talent. She's releasing a new recording this spring which has been produced by American Idol judge, Randy Jackson. They've worked together in the past which proved to be successful for both. I know what you're thinking and the answer is NO! There are no Pips! Brother Bubba, one of the earlier Pips and a talent in his own right, will open the shows for Gladys.

I thought I had the theater at the Tropicana locked up but guess Gladys got to it first. Well done, Gladys. It just might be the right fit, too. The Tropicana is offering new restaurants, new decor and of course the Mob Experience. Add Gladys to the Trop and it's a marketing dream. Just in case you're interested, give me a call. I'm in the marketing business... the Guru of Consultants, Monti Rock III.

On the phone with Rider McDonald, producer of "ZOMBIE VOODOO SCREAM PARTY", this week. Rider plans Ella to bring David Cassidy into star in his latest vehicle. David Cassidy and I go back a long, long time to the late Wes Farrell. Between appearances at the MGM in EFX, David's show The Copa at the Rio, I found David to be one of the great entertainers and a true marketing genius of our time. He opened for me here in Las Vegas when I returned in 2001. So, we'll welcome David and Rider.

Front runner for Mayor continues to be, in my opinion, Carolyn Goodman. Of course there's still talk about school budgets and possibly building a new sports arena downtown. Do we really care about that in this climate? Las Vegas and Nevada still rank number one in unemployment, foreclosures and homeless. Who can fix the problems?

The earthquake and tsunami in Japan have created one of the most devestating disasters in history. Mother Nature is trying to tell us something. The Japanese people are in dire need of assistance from all over the world. We have to try to do something for our fellow men. It's all about the power of kindness, and do unto others...... please help!

Our other major tragedy, Charlie Sheen, has booked his "tour" into several major cities. Radio City Music Hall in New York has the "distinct dishonor" of that booking. Shame on Radio City Music Hall, once the home of class entertainment.

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MONTI-LICIOUS 3/9/11

If you were anywhere near the Las Vegas Strip on Thursday you would have seen what's become an annual affair and the biggest slow moving traffic jam around that's cheered by fans along the route. It was the NASCAR hauler parade that ran from the South to the North on the Las Vegas Strip on their way to the Las Vegas Speedway. Quite a sight to see 50 huge rigs carrying the NASCAR Sprint Cup race cars. Let's face it, NASCAR is big everywhere and with the arrival of the drivers, teams and fans it becomes another Las Vegas spectacular event.

For weeks I've been talking about Steve Wynn's upcoming nuptial. The bride is gorgeous divorcee Andrea Hissom. This wedding could be our answer to the Kate and Prince William wedding, after all, Steve is our king and our visionary. I hope I get an invitation to the affair.

I'm throwing my hat in the ring, or along side that of Carolyn Goodman who is running for Mayor in Las Vegas. I may form my own committee while seeking an appointment for myself. Oscar, Oscar..... can you put a good word in for me, the Most Colorful Character of Las Vegas?

I went to the opening at the Las Vegas Hilton to see Greg London's new production. What this show has, and for the readers of Monti-Licious the show is really entertaining and has great music. I find Greg to be a very nice unassuming guy, as is his staff. Greg brings his own style to this genre.
I recommend this show very, very highly.

While at the Hilton I had a chance to talk with my favorite entertainment and marketing guru, Rick White. Rick and his beautiful wife Phyllis welcomed me to the HIlton and I adore them both for calling me the legend.

You can bet the usual bottom feeders were there to see Greg's show. I sat next to Mike Weatherford, . Mike is from the Review Journal and if you've read any of the Las Vegas news, you've read Mike Weatherford. Also spotted Frank Marino, who was looking fabulous, along with his entourage.

Rumors about our own Queen, Celine Dion, have been buzzing around town. Word is that Celine will be raising the bar, once again, to a new height. Initially Caesars Palace built the Colosseum for Celine and at the time I wrote that she would raise the bar. Some of my inside sources tell me that I'm going to be surprised by this production. It's not a show, it's a happening. I have my invitation for the opening on March 15. Welcome back, Celine.

What Celine brings to the landscape of Las Vegas and the Colosseum is a true international star who does a lot for charity and is known as a very gracious lady.

Over the last few years the Colosseum seemed to try about everything imaginable to make it work. Filling 4500 seats every night can be a challenge. From Bette Midler to Cher the shows were entertaining but many thought didn't quite make the mark. Las Vegas has it's own type of snob and folks just didn't like hearing Cher complain about being in Las Vegas. To some of us, it's home and visitors find the bright lights, service minded people and entertainment a delight. Get over it Cher and go back to your own palace.

Elton John's Red Piano proved to be one of the Colosseum's biggest hits. I was surprised and pleased when Sir Elton acknowledged this columnist.

And now to the ridiculous. Have we had enough of Charlie Sheen and his rantings? It seems that Warner Bros CBS have. Now that he has been officially fired, maybe the media will go on to something more interesting and newsworthy.

Last week I wrote about the Las Vegas Housewives television show. Am I a housewife? It seems so because the producers have been here for a few weeks scouting. Personally I think they should consider doing regular housewives and regular women who are part of our work force, mothers, career minded. It can't all be money, style and culture. Get real and show both sides of Las Vegas.

I'm throwing myself into the public relations/marketing business looking for that one divine client. My new business, Monti Rock III Rent-A-Star. People are always asking to meet me. Let's keep it real. For a small fee I'll meet you and talk about myself excessively. I'm very good at that too. That should be worth a couple of hundred bucks.

To recap..... Celine, Greg London, Steve Wynn's wedding, NASCAR.... what a week!

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MONTI-LICIOUS 3/1/11

The Academy Awards came and went. The ratings were reportedly down about 20% this year. Today's movie environment centers around the younger audience so it's no wonder some of us were asking, where's the glamor. A couple of highlights had to include Kirk Douglas who's 94 and Melissa Leo who dropped the "F" bomb in her acceptance speech. The United Kingdom certainly was well represented with so many winners in the different categories. Hollywood movies seem to have become part of the one world order.

Celine Dion sang a beautiful version of Smile during the memorial part of the Awards in honor of those in the industry that had passed away in 2010. The tribute to Lena Horne by Halle Barry was wonderful. Lena was a friend of mine from my early days in New York and was always gracious. She was a beautiful lady.

Last week I went back to the Luxor to see Criss Angel in his show Believe. Criss was gracious and a gentleman to yours truly. He's quite disarming with his charm and elegance. Criss Angel has made me a Believer. Demographically his audience is from 19 to 35 years of age but even I find him to be the Rock 'n Roll Magician of our time. Many of his fans aren't aware that Criss is a singer and has recorded five albums. Check it out. For those who haven't seen Believe at the Luxor, I urge you to see the show. You won't be disappointed.

Change in the wind for Las Vegas gamblers. If you're a regular visitor to the Strip casinos and hotels, and considered a "middle of the road" gambler, don't expect any comps for rooms, food or shows. Seems certain casinos and hotels are trying to tighten their belts. Reportedly no more comps unless you're a really high roller.

With gas prices rising faster than we can keep up with, there may not be the usual traffic between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Airlines may not be the answer either, unless you can catch a break on the fare. Things may get worse before they get better.

Station Casinos has been a long time favorite of Las Vegas locals and visitors alike. Stations' neighborhood locations make their casinos convenient for locals and Las Vegas appreciates their efforts toward locals, such as their successful car give away every day in February. The recent take over of the coffee shop scene, such as Palace Station's new Grand Cafe, has become a hit with guests, too.

At the Wynn another shake up is in the works. Jennifer Dunne is no longer there and other changes are reportedly in the works. Everyone else is getting ready for the big Steve Wynn wedding which is supposed to take place in early April. The Wynn divorce last year was reportedly one of the most expensive on record. It's nice to see his ex, Elaine, work her magic with her favorite charities.

On the stupid front, Charlie Sheen continues to ramble on while his long time publicist recently resigned and Lindsay Lohan might be be going to jail. Just two more examples that money doesn't solve everything.

It's time for the official opening of Greg London at the Las Vegas Hilton. I love this show. It's a great production and Greg's impressions are on par with our beloved Danny Gans. Something about this artist, Greg London, makes this show work.

Everyone agrees, Carolyn Goodman is the front runner for Las Vegas Mayor. Carolyn's husband and current Mayor, Oscar, is a Las Vegas favorite.

Mark your calendar for March 15. We're all waiting for this international star to grace the Colosseum again. Celine Dion's latest production debuts at Caesars Colosseum with a 31 piece orchestra. The show is reportedly high-tech and will provide plenty of surprises for all her fans. Celine's earlier five year run at the Colosseum was a complete sell out of the 4500 seats for each performance. No one else has been able to do that. Welcome home, Celine.

Salseros, it's oficial. The great Michito Latin Dance band will be appearing at the Suncoast every Friday beginning March 18. They recently concluded a long and sucessful run at The South Point. This is the kind of music that makes us dance or at least try to. They bring back memories of the heyday of the Palladium Ballroom in New York City during the 1950's and 1960's. dancing starts at 10:30pm.

The DiMartino dynasty is back! David DiMartino, along with partner Donny Lee More just opened their latest restaurant at 8820 South Maryland Parkway. The DiMartinho family has been in business here in Las Vegas for 50 years and bring their family's tried and true creations to this new location. The entire family is out in force to help ensure your dining pleasure. Yes, this is the DiMartino family known for their celebrity and infamous diners of years gone by. Check out some of their pictures on the walls that recall earlier times. They're making new history now with new celebrities and local friends.

In the Monti Rock news we're working on the Monti Minute for radio where I'll be talking about what's good, what's new, value for your dollar, loose slots and information that can help the locals enjoy the Las Vegas landscape.

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