Monti Rock III Blog Page

	MONTI -LICIOUS OCT 30, 2009 The biggest entertainment news this week was the premiere showing of the Michael Jackson film - THIS IS IT! The Los Angeles audience included all the Jackson brothers and such celebs as Jennifer Lopez and other current A-listers there to experience the final rehearsal footage of the tragic King of Pop. Kenny Ortega provided a private showing at the MGM Studios for Elizabeth Taylor, who recently underwent heart surgery, and several of Michael's closest friends. Nice gesture on Kenny Ortegas's part. Las Vegas held its own This Is It premiere at the Brenden Theaters at the Palms. Must admit I was perplexed that Joe Jackson, Michael's father, was "honored" with a star on the Las Vegas Walk Of Fame. Why? Mr. Brenden said he had become a good friend of Michael's. Let's face it, we all thought Michael was our friend. The Jackson Family Museum to be built in Gary, Indiana, was announced at the Brenden Theater showing. Is it just me or do others think the Jackson clan have become gravediggers? The public antics of Joe Jackson especially make one wonder. And when I see or hear of LaToya Jackson, I'm always reminded of her late husband Jack Gordon who attempted to become my manager. He almost ruined my career. He wanted to make me a male LaToya. Imagine that! The final days and weeks of Michael Jackson's life caught on film have received tribute after tribute around the globe! From Tokyo to Latin America, This Is It created quite a commotion. Millions and millions of dollars will be made by the MJ estate from the sale of CDs and movie tickets. Word is this may be only the first film. After all, director Kenny Ortega had hours and hours of video from the rehearsals. So there's already rumblings about a second documentary. The event of the week for me was the opening of Once Before I Go at The Tropicana, starring Wayne Newton. It's a new creation, just Wayne, his full orchestra including four violins, background singers and a plethora of slides and videos. The singers and musicians, along with the star, were impeccably dressed as all performers should be. The Tropicana was filled with international and local media along with the bottom feeders and other usual suspects. The stars of yesterday, the stars of today - and stars I can't stand. One of Wayne's guests on stage was Cheryl Burke, his partner during his short turn on Dancing With The Stars. As an entertainer, I was more interested in the show than in the red carpet arrivals. Let's face it, Wayne Newton is the last of the iconic stars that we have in Las Vegas. The show is full of reminiscences about Wayne's early years, like doing six shows a night, six days a week at the Fremont when he was just a kid. The renowned entertainer talks about his recording of Danke Schoen. The song was originally given to Bobby Darin as a back up hit to Mack The Knife. But Darin insisted Wayne record Danke Schoen. The show has it's ups and downs, and some of the videos of Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. are terrific. Personally, I feel that a young person singing some of Wayne's popular songs would help the show. Listen, I'm a fan of Wayne's and have great empathy as an entertainer. I wish him the best of luck with his latest venture. For me, the after party at the Tropicana was one of the strangest I've seen in a long time. Even the party gifts, cookies featuring Wayne's face, seemed out of place. Found myself eyeballing the hangers-on as they ate and drank and drank and ate themselves senseless. Rick Belcastro, owner of Badda Bing Gentleman's Club, made a surprise appearance in Tropicana's Last Supper (The Sopranos take off). Belcastro, adding a little authenticity to the production, joined the show playing the mob boss with the gruff exterior and Tony Soprano-like attitude. Rick has always had another career moonlighting as a stage actor. Also in the audience eas Nifty Vickerson, Belcastro's henclhman and AJ Johnson, his personal photographer I did spend time with Frank Marino, who told me he can't wait to welcome Kenny Kerr to his show Divas Las Vegas, following the exit of Jimmy Emmerson. Jimmy left to perform in Norbert Aleman's La Cage, where Frank Marino held court for many years. Problem is that Norbert's production doesn't have a venue yet. No venue, no show, baby. Yes, it's Fantasy again at Luxor, where Angelica Bridges has returned. Seems her exit was the result of a feud. Angelica has two specialty numbers, and the prodciers have added additional singers. which results in a big improvement for the show. Word is that Menopause the Musical at the Luxor could use some help to boost afternoon attendance, so they have reduced the ticket price to $29.95. My suggestion would be a two-for-one ticket. Whatever the price or time, it's terrific entertainment. Other Luxor news is that they are in the midst of remodeling More, the Buffet restaurant. This casual dining gem is a hidden treasure as the food and ambiance are top-notch. A slight face-lift will make it even more inviting. Rumors have it that there will be some changes coming soon at Peep Show. It seems that a cut in the budget is necessary.. For the last two weeks, I've been trying to catch Criss Angel's Believe at the Luxor. Changes have been made and Criss has taken out some of the stunts, but all is not well from what I hear. My spies tell me there has been no improvement whatsoever! Meanwhile, Criss's A&E television show Mind Freak continues doing well. Well-known conductor for the Treniers and saxophone genius Don Hill will be performing at the Rhythm Kitchen at 6435 South Decatur from 7 to 10 p.m. on November 3. What's the celebration you ask? It's Don's way of celebrating his 88th birthday! Disney's Lion King and the Mandalay Bay made a special Halloween offer to locals for the 4 p.m. and the 8 p.m. shows on Saturday, October 31. I often remind my readers of Gaming Today to check out the special deals for residents. Too bad we didn't have this information sooner. It offered a great opportunity for Vegas citizens to catch this fabulous show. They were even offering a special Disney gift for everyone showing up in costume. That would be an easy one for me since my many costumes would have been perfect. Boyd Gaming finally announced it may be somewhere between two to five years before work will continue on the $4.8-billion Echelon resort, which remains a skeleton on the Strip. They also said that once construction starts, it will continue until it's finished. No more delays. Singing impressionist-comedian Larry G Jones performs one night only at Sun City McDonald Ranch Theater. Larry boasts a four-octave, classically-trained voice, and he's known as the Man of 1,002 voices. His special guest opening artist is Brian Hoffman, who performs a captivating Tribute to Red Skelton. Candi Cazau and Bart Torres have joined forces to open a new marketing company. In today's economy, that might be a challenge. I first met Candi when she was responsible for the great entertainment lineup at The Orleans, and I know she'll always land on her feet. They are now managing an act called Magic of LaRaf and are looking for a Las Vegas venue for 2010. Mayor Goodman is taking a proposal to the City Council in hopes everyone will be in agreement and as excited as he when it comes to building a 20,000-seat sports arena downtown. Some think it might just be the ticket to entice a pro basketball team. Hiz Honor was also promoting the inaugural British Airways non-stop flights between Las Vegas and London's Heathrow. Our mayor works relentlessly on improving our city's image and making it as much a place to live as well as play. The 9th Annual Gift of Lights illuminates Sunset Park from November 13 through January 3. Partial proceeds from the event benefits the Clark County Dept. of Parks and Recreation's future special events, which benefit the community as a whole. As usual, the Rev. Monti wishes you all a great week!	Monti Selects Archives 2009 March 2009 April 2009 May 2009 June 2009 July 2009 Aug 2009 Sept 2009 2008 June - July Aug - Sept Sept - Oct Nov - Dec Dec - Mar 2009
	MONTI -LICIOUS 0CT 23, 2009 Some of our afternoon and early shows will surely be affected this weekend. by the Yankee-Angel playoffs. These games have been some of the most exciting major league games in recent years. Yours truly is a long-time Yankee fan hoping to see them win. Should they win, the players may just freeze their b___s off in that cold Northeast climate. By the way, how about Alex Rodriguez!!!!! I've been running around the Las Vegas landscape gathering all my information - sometimes right, sometimes wrong, with rumors and innuendos along the way - while some sources provide bad, bad, bad input. The Wayne Newton show at the Tropicana, which is really in previews, continues to go through the pain of re-writing and re-tooling. Sources say the show should be ready October 28. From what I hear, Wayne shares the stage with film and video clips galore. The economic downturn continues to headline in Las Vegas with such things as the reduced values of the City Center Condos declining some 30 or 40% and news that the Fontainbleau, which was 90% complete, is being used for fire drills. How sad. Can't somebody finish this project? More signs of the times this week when we heard the Greenspun television show Las Vegas One had been cancelled, and print media continue to struggle all across the country. The Boulder City and Henderson newspapers, both Greenspun publications, recently suspended publication. At least 22 people have allegedly let go. Psychic Comedian Kevin Burke is a very busy man. After finishing his performance in "Caveman" at The Excalibur he rushes over to The Firtz Hotel/Casino to do his stand-up comedy show., which has a 13 month anniversary in November. It takes a lot of talent to have 2 simulteous hit shows in this town, and Keviln has it. Catch either or both shows if you can - the laughs are worth it. Stefanie Jordan, aka Sanchez, was the emcee and star of Fantasy at the Luxor for 10 years and apparently set the bar quite high. Her permanent replacement hasn't been found. As Stefanie pursues other avenues, Fantasy continues the search. Since I considert creator and producer of Fantasy Anita Mann to be a friend, I can honestly say the show needs a great host or an emcee. This week I had lunch with Adam Steck, and we discussed the possibility of a new show that would include Lanie Kazan, Carol Lawrence, Mimi Hines, and Diahann Carol with yours truly featured as emcee. It might be Divas of Yesterday. In the meantime, I'll be heading to Atlantic City for another Disco Ball to be held at the Taj Mahal on November 14. My last trip to Atlantic City for this production just couldn't have been better. Everything was perfect. The music, the timing, the hotel all were the best. I expect this trip to be the same. And, by the way, I love meeting the new fans of Disco-Tex. Longtime Las Vegas entertainer Kenny Kerr, who appears regularly at De Stefano's, might be joining the cast of Divas Las Vegas. I first met Kenny back in MY diva days while sitting in my yellow Rolls Royce and working with Trudy Heller in New York City. I feel like I'm Kenny's great aunt! Another diva of yesterday, Madame - yes Madame, the Puppet - is coming to town. Madame was the creation of the late, great Wayland Flowers.and is now being "handled" by Rick Skye. Frank Marino, Kenny Kerr, Madame--can we handle these three?????? The Nevada SPCA and Pause for Paws benefited from the Sahara Hotel & Casino special charity event in conjunction with Rick Thomas and the Magic of Tigers. Rick is performing his show regularly at the Sahara, but I must say I was deliciously surprised. Those beautiful animals and the magic of Rick Thomas produced a first-class show. Not only did Rick perform his usual visual magic, he did a fabulous job of dancing. It was a great evening and I definitely would recommend the show to visitors and locals. That's entertainment folks! The Walk to Cure Diabetes for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) will take place November 14 at UNLV North Field. Some 4,000 walkers are expected to show up in an effort to meet this year's goal of $600,000. Be there at 9 a.m. on the morning of the walk for onsite registration or call JDRF at (702) 732-4795 to preregister or for more information. There's always time for charity in all our lives. Of course, we have to cover some of the television events for the week. Like aren't we all tired of Kate Gosselin, her eight kids and carousing hubby? And what about the Real Housewives of Atlanta? To that one loudmouth broad (oh, oh.... did I really say that?)..... SHUT UP! For some people, their 15 minutes of fame is a bit too much for the rest of us. As the Dancing With the Stars goes on and on and on, is it me or is the show getting tired? Anyway, our pick of the season, Donny Osmond, is fighting through his injury, and I must say his Argentine Tango was brilliant. Who knew? Then the entire group of the show's professionals did an unbelieveable Michael Jackson tribute. In the audience and announcing the tribute was LaToya, LaToya, LaToilet...... Let's not forget the Latin Grammys are coming to Mandalay Bay. Unfortunately, my friend Charo is still on the mend and probably won't be able to make an appearance this year. But the valiant star says she's almost ready to return to work. My partner and I went to Envy's Steak House in the Renaissance Hotel on Paradise this week. The Renaissance is a boutiue hotel that caters to business travelers and tourists alike. It's really quite beautiful and offers something different from the Strip hotels. Not only was the dinner superb but we were able to enjoy our friend Wes Winters as he performed the musical renditions he's become famous for in Las Vegas. Thank you, Wes Winters, for the beautiful evening. To some it may be a bit early in the season, but because I am so committed to the support of my charities, I'm always looking ahead. I can already see the beginnings of this year's Annual White Party that coincides with the holidays. I'm excited just thinking about the event. Speaking of holidays, if you act fast, you might still catch the Electronic Media Cafe's "Thriller on the Lake" Halloween masquerade cruise on Lake Las Vegas. The cruise takes place October 30 and boarding begins at 7:45. The evening will be filled with lots of music, prizes for costumes and fun for all. For weeks we've been talking about Norbert Aleman and his La Cage production that's being re-invented. Jimmy Emmerson is supposed to be the newest star of this updated version. Jimmy is currently appearing in "Naked Boys Singing "at the Onyx Theater and Commercial Center. Remember, the Rev. Monti wishes you all a great week!
	MONTI-LICIOUS OCT 17, 2009 It's no longer a rumor. Steve Wynn and Garth Brooks joined forces at the Encore to make the official announcement that Garth would be appearing three nights a week in the room that was built for Las Vegas legend Danny Gans. Not since the arrival of Celine Dion at the Colosseum has the arrival of an entertainer brought so much excitement to town. My regular readers will remember I've been saying it would be Garth, especially after spotting him during a recent visit to the Wynn properties. I found the press conference astounding because of the simplicity and honesty projected by both Mr. Wynn and Garth. Very down to earth...... and isn't that a nice surprise? One price tickets of $125 on a first come, first serve basis. Garth will be performing Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and he's worked his schedule so he can still spend quality time with wife Trisha Yearwood and his daughters. After all, he did retire nine years ago to be around his family. Tickets go on sale October 24 at 8:00 a.m., with performances beginning Dec 11th. Garth said he would like to have tickets priced at $25 but economics just wouldn't allow for that. So they settled on a one price for all. He will also perform special shows in support of his many longtime charities. This will be unlike any other show we've seen here before. It will be Garth and his guitar filling this magnificent hall with his brand and connecting with the audience like no one else in recent history. Surprises might include unannounced appearances by Trisha or other guest stars plus Garth's fabulous band. Incidentally, Trisha plans to appear on Broadway in a vehicle yet to be announced. Both Brooks and Wynn declined questions when it came to contract specifics - like how much is it costing Wynn to bring this star out of retirement? But we did learn that Wynn sweetened the deal by buying Garth a plane for his many trips between Vegas and Oklahoma. If all goes as planned, this should be a five-year deal, but Steve Wynn has said he would graciously accept Garth's departure if that became necessary. Mr. Wynn, you've done it again! May wonders never cease. Andrew Dice Clay is appearing at the Riviera, and I managed to catch the opening. The reception was absolutely top rate for opening night. What I witnessed is that Andrew Dice Clay is still Andrew Dice Clay. I found the gay jokes to be offensive, even though I must admit the last five minutes of the show to be pretty funny. Can it hold up? That remains to be seen. Your columnist Monti Rock III has to eat crow. Since Ultimate Manilow is leaving in December, I made a point of catching the show last week. There was a full house and standing room only. The show was so well-oiled that even for a non Barry Manilow fan, you have to give it to this man. Using high tech lasers and film, I found him to be an entertainer who really knows his craft. Rumors were swirling earlier that the Hilton wanted to keep Barry, and I even heard from sources that he was negotiating with the Colosseum. But as of this writing, he's going to the Paris. Wherever he lands, he will still have his following and the women who adore him. Another opening that I wouldn't miss was Anita Mann's brand new Fantasy at the Luxor. All the usual suspects were there and Felix Rappaport, President of The Luxor and Excalibur, was picking on my outfit. Thanks, Felix. I called it slumdog Monti Rock. The former Baywatch beauty Angelica Bridges was quite lovely, but it was Sean Cooper's comedy and impressions of Michael Jackson, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Tina Turner that created the laughs. The night I saw Fantasy, Angelica was the lead singer.There are many different views about the cast change. The bottom line - Angelica is in and Diana (Stephanie) is out. Unfortunately it was just announced that Anmgelica would not be performing until further notice due to personal problems. Anita Mann looked lovely and was gracious as always. Mr. Class Act, Mike Hartzell, was silly but always elegant. I kept trying to pump everyone for information about Criss Angel, the Luxor wild child, but was told repeatedly that Criss was actually behaving himself. Wayne Newton opened his new show at the Tropicana, but it seems they didn't want any press near the show. I'm still going to sneak into see it. I won't be denied. I understand there are several "legends" included in the show, but it's all on videotape. Frank Marino's show, Las Vegas Divas, opened Saturday night at the Imperial Palace. It seems like the star, Frank Marino , and the producer, AdamSteck , have a winner. Larry Edwards" Tina Turner is a show stopper. I 'm calling the show Dueling Divas after hearing there's so much drama both on and off the stage I received a phone call from Norbert Aleman that he will soon reopen La Cage featuring Jimmy Emmerson. Everyone knows Frank Marino's star was built on La Cage at the Riviera., but time marches on. See what I mean? Dueling Divas, indeed. This week I will be catching Carmen Elektra, who's electrifying Crazy Horse as a special guest star. The Dany Gans book, Voices In My Head, went on sale last Friday . Most people know his story, but the book enables us to understand what was the driving force behind his becoming "the man of many voices." Las Vegas' Tony Sacca is opening a Las Vegas history-themed restaurant in Neonopulis by the end of the year. We wish him the best of luck in this venture, as Neonopulis needs a hit and Tony is the one who can do it. Connie Corrick, former casting director to Greg Thompson is now at the 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle. On Dancing With the Stars there's a rumor that Donny Osmond suffered an injury, but the show must go on and he is "safe" for another week. We were all saddened to hear of the passing of Al Martino. He was one of the great "crooners" of American music with recordings that became popular standards in the industry. The South Philly singer also gained fame as the Sinatra-esque Johnny Fontane in the 1972 blockbuster The Godfather. Al Martino, who was 82, was known as one of the good guys whose private life stayed private even though his music was enjoyed by millions around the world. The Rev. Monti wishes you all a wonderful week!
	MONTI -LICIOUS OCT 11, 2009 For several weeks the rumors have persisted. As a columnist I have to follow the rumors. The official announcement was made this week Barry Manilow will end his successful five year run at the Las Vegas Hilton. His current show, Ultimate Manilow, will close December 30, 2009. Five years at the Hilton has reportedly grossed more than seventy million dollars.. We went to see the show again on Saturday and Barry made the announcement to his sold-out audience. He then proceeded to give us a brilliant show, giving his fans what they wanted and expected. Paris, Monte Carlo and even the Colosseum are all venues that have been named in some of the persistent rumors surrounding Manilow.and The Paris seems to be the strongest contender. No confirmatiion on the new venue as of this date but when we think back to Celine Dion's successful show at the Colosseum it would appear the Strip might be the destination awaiting the fabulous Barry Manilow. Time will tell. Again, it's just my opinion but I have to say it again. When it comes to everything Vegas, including the entertainment, it's not business as usual. Whether it's a recession or a depression remains to be seen but with ticket brokers offering such great deals, specials for locals, and the recently announced 30% decrease in price for City Center condos, business as usual doesn't exist. This tough economy has also brought the closing of The Rosewood Grille, once a very successful Las Vegas Seafood and Steakhouse. Antonio Restivo's Ignite closed at The Greek Isles, and as mentionned last week, Bobby Slayton's comedy Room at The Tropicana has also closed. Maybe the Las Vegas Hilton should consider filling the house for three or four week ends a month with Cheap Trick who recently appeared before the sell out audience each night. I saw the show four times and continued to appreciate the talent they brought to the stage. Great fun, too. On the phone with Adam Steckand he informed me that the brand new Diva show at the Imperial Palace is scheduled to open sometime in October. Hopefully, Charo should be back at The Riviera after her leg heals. This gal has enough energy, not to mention talent, to light up the entire Strip Planet Hollywood continues their efforts in bringing the entertainment spot light to their stages. For example this week America's Got Talent Live will open, with red carpet and all, while Jerry Springer hosts the show. We went to Thursday 's preview and found the show-stopper to be Barbara Padilla, who was runnerup this past season. What a voice-what stage presence! She does steal the show, which does need some finishing touches. The PeepShow is another Planet Hollywood production where Holly Madison performs as "Bo Peep" and Aubrey O'Day plays the part of Peep Diva. Too cute, don't you think? Actually the show is an adult theme with music and laughs. A striptease spectacular. It was recently suggested that Holly Madison might be considered the new ambassador of Las Vegas. Her co-star Aubrey O'Day was known for her Broadway part in Hairspray. Holly, incidentally, will soon be taping her new reality show along with special guest, Mayor Oscar Goodman. A long time star of Anita Mann's Fantasy , Stefanie Jordan , is now on her own and is releasing a new CD on October 14 so it sounds as if she's keepin busy. The new version of Fantasy, at The Luxor, will be debuting later this month. It was an incredible lunch at Badda Bing's this week. Badda Bing is a Las Vegas gentlemen's club located at 3500 West Naples Drive. If you need driving directions call them at (702) 541-7000. TJ, Nifty, and Rick really know how to run first class club. The interior is magnificent and the girls are gorgeous. Badda Bing also offers up top rate food and is open 24 hours. I'm pleased to announce that Badda Bing will be hosting my next charity event. Somehow I have a feeling this may be one of my most successful charity events. Time and date to be reported later. Badda Bing was like a reunion of sorts for me. Nifty Vickerson is the son of Dave Vickerson , who was the entertainment director at Caesars Palace back in 1967. I was working in New York when Dave and his buddy Ernie Cass plucked me out of the chorus and brought me to Las Vegas to headline at Nero's Nook at Caesars along with the Checkmates and Woody Woodbury. I told Nifty the story about the owners wanting to fire me but his father was able to intervene and convinced them this crazy act, aka Monti Rock III, had a place in show business. My wonderful friend and great photo artist, Ed Foster, is featured at the Whitney Library located at Tropicana and Nellis. His performance photos titled "Shot in the Dark" include such entertainment headliners as Joe Williams, Robert Goulet, Jack Jones, Buddy Greco, Clint Holmes and of course yours truly. As humble as I am, the photos Ed chose of me are surely my favorites. Ed began his career in the teaching profession but after moving to Las Vegas in the 90's and receiving Photographer of the Year in 1996 he elected to take his photo skills to a new level. Shot in the Dark will be on display at the Whitney Library until December 6 and is a treat for the eyes. Lots of memories on those photos, that's for sure. Buddy Greco and Lezlie Anders called from Palm Springs this week. After serious consideration they have closed their club there. Seems Las Vegas isn't the only desert area affected by the current economic crisis. Lezlie, who is an ordained minister, said she and Buddy continue to have a big, big following in Europe and will soon be moving to London. Another friend, Bob Anderson, will be opening soon for a short run at the Rampart Casino in Summerlin. Bob spent many years in Las Vegas before moving to Branson, Missouri where he's been a regular performing for the thousands of tourists that visit Branson each year. Bob's looking for a permanent home here in Las Vegas and his fans would welcome him back.

	MONTI -LICIOUS OCT3, 2009 David Letterman, what have you done????? . In my eyes, nothing more than some of our Govenors, Senators, and other celebreties.. You're not a rapist, not a pedophile, not even a criminal. Besides, it's no ones business. It proves once again that we, especially celebrities, must be careful in what we do and to whom we do it, as the tabloids and paparazzi have ripped us of our privacy. This whole situation will probably spike you ratings as more people will watch your show to see what else might be in your closet. We're coming close to Halloween, Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season. Living in the desert makes this time of year a welcome change like no other. This new season brings the opening of City Center on the Las Vegas Strip, which we've all been anticipating. We're tired of the heat and tired of the constant whining about the economy. Here's hoping the new season brings an abundance of good things to all of us. That would be a nice change. My long time friend Liza Minnelli was appearing at the MGM Hollywood Theater this week in Liza With a "Z." I was determined to catch her show, but I was initially unsuccessful in my attempts to get tickets from my regular sources. It was Richard Sturm, President of Entertainment at MGM Properties, who came through in a second. Two tickets for yours truly, great seats, wonderful conversations and an absolutely fabulous show. Liza With a "Z" was being taped for a PBS TV Special. Throughout the years, I've seen Liza perform from Puerto Rico to New York City to Los Angeles and even in Vegas at the Luxor. But this show was different. Liza is thinner and more energetic than ever. Her special material was right on target. Along with the Williams Brothers, she did a tribute to Kay Thompson that goes back to the big screen days of the glorious technicolor MGM movies. Liza comes alive on stage - she's perfect and comfortable in her own skin. It's not just about the voice, it's the performance, a true entertainer's entertainer, a brand that only she could create I first met Kay Thompson when she, Peter Lawford and yours truly were on the Tonight Show back in the '70s. Kay took a liking to me and we stayed in touch while she was living in the Plaza Hotel in New York City and I had my own brownstone. Kay was Liza's godmother, but then she was like a godmother to all of us. She was well known as a vocal coach and arranger but gained star status with her Broadway and nightclub appearances, and in such films as Funny Face, the story of Richard Avedon. These were some of the people that I knew intimately back in the day, so seeing Liza With a "Z" was definitely deja vu time. Spotted in the audience were Michelle Lee, Kenny Ortega and the star of television's Drop Dead Diva, Brooke Elliott. It was amazing to see the fan base that evening. Gracious fans with flowers and leis, teddy bears and gifts of all kinds. Judy Garland fans turned Liza fans. Be sure to catch the show on television's PBS to see this iconic diva who would make her superstar mom proud. The legacy lives on. I had never heard of impressionist Ken Block before I caught his act at the Las Vegas Hilton. It turned out to be a big showcase for a big room. The guy has everything going for him. He did comedy and he sang. Jack Wishna and his wife were in attendance. Jack is known as Mr. Dealmaker, and I was pleased when he thanked me for praising Wayne Newton in my last column. Jack was responsible for the Michael Jackson tour deal before The Gloved One suddenly died. The documentary about Michael Jackson is out this week and his brothers are making a fortune from their sibling's untimely demise. And what about that rabbi's new book with all the tape recordings? How sad. Isn't that betraying someone's confidence? The tapes were done years ago. No doubt there will be more books, more CD's, more documentaries - and LaToya, LaToya, LaToya! Graverobbers. Carmen Elektra is headed back to Crazy Horse at the MGM for another guest appearance. The original Crazy Horse was a favorite hang out of mine when I lived in Paris. I understand the MGM's Crazy Horse will be adding more guest stars in addition to Carmen's appearances. On the subject of T&A, Anita Mann's Fantasy at the Luxor will continue to make some changes. While visiting with Felix Rappaport, president of the Luxor and Excalibur, I learned there's a new set being put in place and there will be some new guest stars arriving this week. The show's original lead Stephanie Jordan - now known as Stephanie Dianna - is focusing on a new CD, a new band and spending quality time with her family. Fantasy producer Anita said Stefanie may become company manager. Planet Hollywood's Peepshow, another T&A, is getting a revamp. I understand the current star, Holly Madison, is supposed to be the new ambassador for Las Vegas. Really? I've said all along that Peepshow needed to add some comedy, and when Fantasy and Peepshow are compared, it just re-affirms my opinion. Sean E. Cooper in Fantasy does a great Michael Jackson and a great Tina Turner and is one of the funniest acts in show business. By the way, cameras are now forbidden at Peepshow. It seems that Holly and Aubrey will each be filming reality shows and want no pictures that could be part of the TV programs. Frank Marino's new show is scheduled to open this month at the Imperial Palace. His reps say it's a done deal, but I haven't heard a firm date yet. In the meantime, Human Nature continues to do good business at the Imperial Palace and their surprise hit of the season is Matt Goss. It was sad to hear that CineVegas had been cancelled for next year. Danny and Robin Greenspun have put in a lot of effort for the event to go by the wayside. I feel they need a new committee to oversee the films chosen for the festival. Maybe they should hand out prizes for the local filmmakers. As a matter of fact, two years ago they even had my movie, The Business of Being Monti Rock 3. Maybe the festival should become more of a grassroots effort. Again, this is not Hollywood. This is Las Vegas. Caesars has cancelled their annual comedy festival for next year, thanks to our current economy. They do hope to be back on track in 2011. Another casualty of the changes at the Tropicana, Bobby Slayton, is going back on the road as well as taping a Showtime TV special. He hopes to be back in Vegas early next year. We hope so, too. It can't all be due to the economy. The Andre Agassi Grand Slam always seems to reach their goal. Those millions of dollars have to come from someone. My hat's off to both Andre and Steffi Graff for all they've done for tennis, but more importantly, all they've done for education in Las Vegas. It was a grand announcement when Andre's Prep School proclaimed the successful graduation of everyone in their first senior class. Each and every student is headed forcollege. That's an amazing feat! October 7 is the opening of America's Got Talent Live at Planet Hollywood. The 10-week show will feature million-dollar winner Kevin Skinner, and popular runner-up, opera singer Barbara Padill. The show will be hosted by Jerry Springer. Reality shows remain a mainstay of primetime, and maybe if the popularity continues, your local columnist will have a reality show next year. Stay tuned. It's actually refreshing to see some of the new TV sitcoms for a change. In fact, Kelsey Grammer's latest show, Hank, was a laugh riot on Wednesday night. Also, Modern Family kind of rings true and is another funny show. Hopefully, they will both be hits. A new addition to the Las Vegas Strip has just been announced in the arrival of comedian Jeff Dunham. Jeff will be appearing at Caesar's Coliseum on December 11 and 12 and signed for additional appearances through 2010. He's made quite the name for himself on all the late-night talk shows. I've frequently written about several great entertainment stars who have called Las Vegas home. Stars of yesterday like Clara Bow, Betty Grable, and Vera Ralston --(VERA RALSTON????). A new mission for me will be to find stars who live the quiet, low-profile life here in Las Vegas. Don't forget our present-day stars like Cher, who has returned to Caesar's Palace Coliseum, Barry Manilow at the Las Vegas Hilton., and Bette Midler, who be back at The Colosseum next month. Justin Timberlake and Friends, a Special Evening Benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children, on Oct 17 at Mandalay Bay features top musical performers Alicia Keyes and Taylor Swift, among others. Justin, keep up the good work! People like you make these events successful. Lily Tomlin, one of our most brilliant comediennes, will make a rare Las Vegas appearance in November at the MGM Grands' Hollywood Theater.Lily's show business resume is astounding - six Emmys, two Tonys, a Grammy, two Peabodys and a Mark Twain Prize. This lady is definitely a must-see. As always, the Rev. Monti hopes you all have a fabulous week.

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