GamingWire September 27,2002


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SHOWGUIDE

Prices and shows subject to change or cancellation without notice. Prices
listed include taxes and other charges at the box office. All reviews are
by Las Vegas Review-Journal critics. The date at the end of the capsule
review indicates when the original review appeared. Opinions by R-J
entertainment writers Mike Weatherford (M.W.) or Carol Cling (C.C.) are
indicated by initials. Older reviews are not dated. To make changes or
additions to these listings, call Deana Di Dio at 383-0306.

  This week

   ANDRE AGASSI GRAND SLAM FOR CHILDREN Andre Agassi Grand Slam for
Children with Robin Williams, Elton John, Martina McBride, Dennis Miller,
Carlos Santana, Babyface and India.Arie will be held at 8:45 p.m. Saturday
in the Grand Garden arena at the MGM Grand. $42-$87. 3799 Las Vegas Blvd.
South. 474-4000.
  PAUL ANKA Paul Anka will perform at 9 p.m. today and Saturday, Monday
through Wednesday in the Hollywood Theatre at the MGM Grand. $60. 3799 Las
Vegas Blvd. South. 891-7777.
  BETTER THAN EZRA, COWBOY MOUTH Better Than Ezra and Cowboy Mouth will
perform Thursday in the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay. Doors open at 6:30
p.m. $20-$25. 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 632-7600.
  'BUD MURRAY LIVE - QUIZZMASTER' "Bud Murray Live - Quizzmaster" will be
presented at 8:30 p.m. Monday in the Le Bistro Theatre at the Riviera.
$25.30. 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 794-9433.
  TRACY BYRD, THUNDER ROAD Tracy Byrd and Thunder Road will perform at 7
p.m. Sunday in the River Palms Event Center at the River Palms (Laughlin).
$15-$25. 2700 S. Casino Drive. (702) 298-2242.
  CHICAGO Chicago will perform at 8 p.m. today and Saturday in the Wayne
Newton Theater at the Stardust. $70.70-$92.70. 3000 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
732-6325.
 BOBBY COLLINS Bobby Collins will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
in the Suncoast Showroom at the Suncoast. $27.50-$38.50. 9090 Alta Drive.
636-7075.
 THE COMMODORES The Commodores will perform at 8 p.m. today through Oct. 6,
closed Monday, in the Hilton Theater at the Las Vegas Hilton.
$35.50-$46.50. 3000 Paradise Road. 732-5755.
 TIM CONWAY, HARVEY KORMAN, LOUIS DUART Tim Conway, Harvey Korman and
Louise DuArt will perform at 6 and 9 p.m. Thursday in the Flamingo Ballroom
at the Flamingo Laughlin. $39.95-$44.95. 1900 S. Casino Drive. (800)
435-8469.
 ALICE COOPER Alice Cooper will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Sunset
Amphitheater at Sunset Station. $20-$45. 1301 W. Sunset Road, Henderson.
547-5300.
 SHERYL CROW, MICHELLE BRANCH, JEFF TROTT Sheryl Crow, Michelle Branch and
Jeff Trott will perform at 7 p.m. today in the Pavilion at Caesars Palace.
$53-$103. 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 731-7865.
 TONY DANZA Tony Danza will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday through Oct. 6 in
the Orleans Showroom at The Orleans. $38.50-$49.50. 4500 W. Tropicana Ave.
365-7075.
 DJ SHADOW DJ Shadow will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday in The Joint at the
Hard Rock Hotel. $28.50. 4455 Paradise Road. 693-5066.
 DREAD ZEPPELIN, RICHARD CHEESE Dread Zeppelin and Richard Cheese will
perform Saturday in the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay. Doors open at 7
p.m. $20. 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 632-7600.
 FREDDY FENDER Freddy Fender will perform at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Oct.
6 in Don's Celebrity Theatre at the Riverside (Laughlin). $25. 1650 S.
Casino Drive. (800) 227-3849.
  'FOSSE' "Fosse" will be presented at 8 p.m. today, and 7 and 10:30 p.m.
Saturday in the Aladdin Theatre at the Aladdin. $31.50-$77. 3667 Las Vegas
Blvd. South. 785-5000.
 THE FOUR TOPS The Four Tops will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday in the
Flamingo Amphitheater at the Flamingo Laughlin. $20-$30. 1900 S. Casino
Drive. (800) 435-8469.
 ANDRÉ-PHILIPPE GAGNON André-Philippe Gagnon will perform at 9 p.m. Sunday
through Thursday in Le Theatre des Arts at the Paris Las Vegas. $60. 3655
Las Vegas Blvd. South. 946-4567.
 HALL & OATES Hall & Oates will perform at 9 p.m. Saturday at Mandalay Bay
Beach at Mandalay Bay. $35 in advance, $40 day of show. 3950 Las Vegas
Blvd. South. 632-7580.
 JIMMY EAT WORLD, THE PROMISE RING, THE (INTERNATIONAL) NOISE CONSPIRACY,
THE DONNAS, COMMON RIDER, LAWRENCE ARMS Jimmy Eat World, the Promise Ring,
the (International) Noise Conspiracy, the Donnas, Common Rider and Lawrence
Arms will perform at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in The Joint at the Hard Rock
Hotel. $25.50. 4455 Paradise Road. 693-5066.
 ALAN KING Alan King will perform at 8 p.m. today in the Dallas Events
Center at Texas Station. $22-$47. 2101 Texas Star Lane, North Las Vegas.
547-5300.
 'JOEY AND MARIA'S COMEDY ITALIAN WEDDING' INTERACTIVE DINNER "Joey and
Maria's Comedy Italian Wedding" interactive dinner will be held at 5:30
p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the Crystal Sands Room at the River Palms
(Laughlin). $24.99. 2700 S. Casino Drive. (702) 298-2242.
  THE LETTERMEN The Lettermen will perform at 8 p.m. today through Sunday
in the Orleans Showroom at The Orleans. $38.50-$49.50. 4500 W. Tropicana
Ave. 365-7075.
  MANÁ Maná will perform at 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Mandalay Bay Events
Center at Mandalay Bay. $25.50-$75.50. 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 632-7580.
 KENNY RANKIN Kenny Rankin will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Railhead
at Boulder Station. $22-$38.50. 4111 Boulder Highway. 547-5300.
 SANTANA Santana will perform at 8 p.m. today in the Rain in the Desert at
the Palms. $100-$250. 4321 W. Flamingo Road. 474-4000.
 SINBAD Sinbad will perform at 10:30 p.m. Thursday through Oct. 5 in the
Hilton Theater at the Las Vegas Hilton. $46.50-$68.50. 3000 Paradise Road.
732-5755.
 CARLTON J. SMITH & FRIENDS Carlton J. Smith & Friends will perform at 9
and 11:30 p.m. Monday through Oct. 5, and Oct. 7-12 in the Blue Note Las
Vegas at Desert Passage. $21.45 plus a $10 minimum food or beverage
purchase per person. Two-for-one admission is available to all locals for
11:30 p.m. performances Mondays through Thursdays. 3663 Las Vegas Blvd.
South. 862-8307.
 RANDY TRAVIS Randy Travis will perform at 9 p.m. today in the Rio Vista
Outdoor Amphitheater at Harrah's Laughlin. $25-$30. 2900 S. Casino Drive.
(800) 447-8700.
 'WAIT WAIT ... DON'T TELL ME!' ''Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!" will be
presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Sam's Town Live at Sam's Town. $25 for
KNPR-FM 89.5 members, $35 for nonmembers . 5111 Boulder Highway. (888)
464-2468.
 REUBEN WILSON, GRANT GREEN JR. Reuben Wilson and Grant Green Jr. will
perform at 9 and 11:30 p.m. today and Saturday in the Blue Note Las Vegas
at Desert Passage. $21.45 plus a $10 minimum food or beverage purchase per
person. 3663 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 862-8307.

  Singers, impressionists

  BOB ANDERSON Bob Anderson will perform at 9 and 11 p.m. Tuesdays through
Saturdays beginning Tuesday in the Starlight Lounge at the Stardust.
$32.20. 3000 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 732-6325.
  'THE DREAM KING' (C+) "The Dream King," with Trent Carlini, will be
presented at 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays in Le Bistro Theatre at the
Riviera. $41.75. 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 794-9433.
 SHEENA EASTON (B+) Sheena Easton makes the most of a 330-seat cabaret
setting that lets her keep the tone informal, mixing her own hits - "Almost
Over You," "The Lover in Me" and the enduring "For Your Eyes Only" - with
an array of hit-and-miss covers. It's the veteran singer's earthy humor and
candor about her own pop history that really tie the show together.
(2/1/02)  Easton will perform at 9 p.m. Saturdays through Thursdays at the
Las Vegas Hilton. $34.40. 3000 Paradise Road. 732-5755.
  DANNY GANS (A-) This amazingly versatile impressionist is equally adept
at singing and talking impressions, does both male and female voices, and
balances the comic with the sentimental. A scattershot approach sometimes
bogs down with sophomoric or dated material, and those predictable choices
detract from the surprising and offbeat ones. But with more than 60 voices
per show (plus his own), Gans touches everyone sooner or later. (4/7/00
M.W.) Gans performs at 8 p.m. daily except Mondays and Fridays in the Danny
Gans Theatre at The Mirage. $80-$100. 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 791-7111.
 CLINT HOLMES (A-) He's a multitalented entertainer with a show that
touches upon his life story. The only problem is that people don't know who
he is. But time is on Clint Holmes' side in his mission of reviving the
fading tradition of the singing, dancing and personable jack-of-all-trades
performer. His latest show steers away from lounge-leaning pop hits in
favor of material he has co-written or standards he has personalized.
Holmes is still an interpreter, but he pursues the format with such verve,
commitment and talent that he justifies a place for it. (3/30/01 M.W.)
Holmes performs at 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays in the main showroom
at Harrah's Las Vegas. $65.95. 3475 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 369-5111.
  'JAY WHITE AS NEIL DIAMOND' (C+) This simple hourlong concert by a former
"Legends in Concert" impersonator has no production value or narrative arc
to speak of, making it something Diamond fans will love and nonfans can
ignore. White nails the singer's '80s-era rumble, and a lively band adds
punch. (3/1/02 M.W.) "Jay White as Neil Diamond" will be presented at 7
p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays in the Le Bistro Theatre at the Riviera.
$36.25. 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 794-9433.
 LARRY G. JONES (Not reviewed) Comedic impressionist Larry G. Jones will
perform at 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays in the Events Center at
Fitzgeralds. Admission is free with a one-drink minimum. 301 Fremont St.
388-2400.
  GLADYS KNIGHT (A) A longtime Las Vegan turns her first extended showroom
residency into a warm, well-structured journey through the high points of
her R&B career, with a few detours into more universal territory for the
casual fans. Older brother Bubba serves as comic stage foil and, along with
five backup singers, makes up for any other missing Pips. (2/22/02 M.W.)
Knight will perform at 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 7:30 and 10
p.m. Saturdays in the Flamingo Showroom at the Flamingo. $63-$74. Dinner
packages are available. 3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 733-3333.
  WAYNE NEWTON (B-) Back on the Strip 40 weeks a year, Vegas veteran Wayne
Newton returns to those thrilling days of yesteryear, delivering an
energetic "greatest hits" package that features a little swoony crooning, a
lot of shameless clowning and even more of his patented charm. Tacitly
acknowledging that his light tenor isn't what it used to be, Newton
surrounds himself with several layers of protective cushioning, including
the percolating, 20-piece Greg Macaluso Orchestra and four strong backup
singers (especially Jeff Brandt, whose impressive vocal impressions include
Chief Wayne himself). And even for those who aren't card-carrying fans,
Newton's show serves up an undeniable and occasionally irresistible blast
from the past, brimming with campy humor and cheerfully over-the-top
effects: the biggest of which is, of course, Newton himself. (3/17/00 C.C.)
Newton will perform at 8 p.m. Saturdays through Thursdays beginning Sunday
in the Wayne Newton Theater at the Stardust. $60.55, includes one drink.
3000 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 732-6325.
  'REFLECTIONS OF THE RAT PACK' (Not reviewed) "Reflections of the Rat
Pack" will be presented at 7 and 9 p.m. Fridays through Wednesdays in the
Club Flamingo Showroom at the Flamingo Laughlin. $14.95. 1900 S. Casino
Drive. 702-298-5111.
  'RICCI MARTIN: A TRIBUTE TO DEAN MARTIN, HIS SON REMEMBERS' (Not
reviewed) "Ricci Martin: A Tribute to Dean Martin, His Son Remembers" will
be presented at 11:30 p.m. today through Sunday and Tuesday through
Thursday in the Le Bistro Theatre at the Riviera. $36.25. 2901 Las Vegas
Blvd. South. 794-9433.
  MARLENE RICCI (B) Marlene Ricci's career was launched when Frank Sinatra
hired her as an opening act in the late '70s. Now she's trying to rebuild
her name in Las Vegas after years on the corporate circuit. She's a song
interpreter with a powerful, husky voice that even can warm up a
classic-rock power ballad. But her repertoire is a little unfocused and
lacks any real surprises. (3/1/02 M.W.) Ricci will perform at 8:30 p.m.
Mondays through Thursdays in the Le Bistro Theatre at the Riviera. $36.25.
3901 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 794-9433.
  THE SCINTAS (B) The Scintas - the last name of singing siblings Frank,
Joe and Chrissi, joined by drummer Peter O'Donnell - seem likely to become
an enduring name in Las Vegas. This crowd-pleasing "show band" meets
somewhere between Wayne Newton and the Smothers Brothers, balancing shtick
- think wigs! - with sentimentality. Some of it's tired, but audiences
clearly respond to a polished show that puts personality ahead of
stagecraft and family ahead of titillation. (5/4/01 M.W.) The Scintas will
perform at 7:30 p.m. Fridays through Wednesdays in the Masquerade Showroom
at the Rio. $55. 3700 W. Flamingo Road. 777-7776.
  'STARS OF THE STRIP' (Not reviewed) "Stars of the Strip" will be
presented at 2 and 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays in the Showroom at the
Lady Luck. Admission is free with a one-drink minimum ($5.95). 206 N. Third
St. 477-3000.
  'STEPHEN SORRENTINO'S VOICES IN MY HEAD' (B+) "Stephen Sorrentino's
Voices in My Head," a musical comedy and impersonator show, will be
presented at 8:30 p.m. today through Sunday and 10 p.m. Monday in the Le
Bistro Theatre at the Riviera. $36.25. Two-for-one admission is available
to all locals. 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 794-9433.
 EARL TURNER Earl Turner will perform at 8 p.m. Mondays, Tuesday and
Thursdays through Saturdays in the Fiesta Showroom at Harrah's Laughlin.
$21.95. 2900 S. Casino Drive. 702-298-4600.

 Magic

 CAESARS MAGICAL EMPIRE (B+) The Las Vegas version of a theme park
attraction offers dinner and two small magic shows amid impressive Roman
catacomb sets. A performing staff oversees the scripted ritual in the small
dining chambers. The Secret Pagoda offers a chance to see close-up magic
that's rare on the Strip. It's a family attraction where adults don't feel
like they're sacrificing their own good time for the kids. (M.W. 8/16/02).
Joseph Gabriel, Scott Alexander and Collin Foster perform through Saturday.
Joseph Gabriel, Daryl and John Shyrock perform Tuesday through Oct. 5.
Shows are Tuesdays through Saturdays. Dinner service begins at 4:30 p.m.
Show and dinner, $75.50. Tickets are two-for-$99 for Las Vegas residents;
$19.50 for children 5-12. Show only, $26.50; $10 for children 5-12. 3570
Las Vegas Blvd. South. 731-7333.
  DIRK ARTHUR'S 'THE NEW ART OF MAGIC' (B) Dirk Arthur's "The New Art of
Magic," starring Dirk Arthur, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays
through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays in the showroom at the Silverton.
Tickets are $22.45, including a two-for-one drink and a buffet coupon. 3333
Blue Diamond Road. 914-8556.
  DIXIE DOOLEY (Not reviewed) Dixie Dooley performs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at
Magic Star Casino. Dooley also performs his close-up magic show will
occasional guest performers at 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturday. Admission is
free to all shows. 2000 S. Boulder Highway. 558-6454.
  'THE HOUDINI EXPERIENCE' (Not reviewed) "The Houdini Experience,"
starring Dixie Dooley, will be presented at 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays
and Sundays at the Greek Isles. $51.50, includes one drink. Children are
half-price. 305 Convention Center Drive. 737-5540.
  'THE MAGIC OF RICK THOMAS' (C+) Thomas is an affable, charming and very
tall (6-foot-4) star of a well-paced magic show that makes for a pleasant
hour in the afternoon, even if it relies too much on generic cabinet tricks
and lovely assistant/white tiger switches. But the host has worked hard to
make the show his own, and this rating would be higher if Thomas were
graded only against his afternoon competition or by the relative value of
his tickets. (7/21/00 M.W.) "The Magic of Rick Thomas" will be presented at
2 and 4 p.m. daily, except Fridays, in the Tiffany Theatre at the
Tropicana. $19.65-$25.15. 3801 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 739-2222.
  'JOHNNY O: MASTER OF MAGIC' (Not reviewed) "Johnny O: Master of Magic"
will be presented at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the Greek Isles.
$21.95. 305 Convention Center Drive. 737-5540.
  'LANCE BURTON: MASTER MAGICIAN' (B+) This nice-guy Kentucky magician is a
homegrown success story, having built an amazing 15-minute "dove act"
(which still opens the show) into a consistently colorful and fun revue in
a Victorian-styled theater that's unique in its own right. Burton's knack
for incorporating small fry makes this arguably the best show on the Strip
for families. (4/12/02 M.W.) "Lance Burton: Master Magician" will be
presented at 7 and 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays in the Lance Burton
Theatre at the Monte Carlo. $54.95-$59.95, includes souvenir book. 3770 Las
Vegas Blvd. South. 730-7160.
 ROGER LEE (Not reviewed) Comic magician Roger Lee will perform at 11:30
p.m. Mondays through September in the Le Bistro Theatre at the Riviera.
$21.95. 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 794-9433.
 'THE MAC KING COMEDY SHOW' (A) The best of the afternoon shows is a
carefully constructed one-man affair. King is a childlike comedy-magician
in a ragtime-era plaid suit, laughing at his own jokes and reacting to his
illusions with wide-eyed surprise. He displays a quick wit with his
audience volunteers - five per show - but the magic still manages to be
puzzling enough to assert itself amid the laughs. (8/24/01 M.W.) "The Mac
King Comedy Magic Show," will be presented at 1 and 3 p.m. Tuesdays through
Saturdays in the Comedy Cabaret at Harrah's Las Vegas. $16.45. 3475 Las
Vegas Blvd. South. 369-5111.
 'MAGIC ALL-STARS' (Not reviewed) "Magic All-Stars" will be presented at 2
p.m. Fridays in the Roundtable Showroom at the New Frontier. $16.95 or the
purchase of two drinks. 3120 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 794-8200.
 PENN & TELLER (Not reviewed) Penn & Teller will perform at 8:30 p.m.
Wednesdays through Mondays in the Samba Theatre at the Rio. $71.50. 3700 W.
Flamingo Road. 777-7776.
 'SECRETS' (Not reviewed) "Secrets," starring Arian Black will be presented
at 3 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays in the Events Center at Fitzgeralds.
Admission is free with a one-drink minimum. 301 Fremont St. 388-2400.
 'SHOWGIRLS OF MAGIC' (C+) There's room on the Strip for little shows, too,
and this San Remo venue that looks crowded with 120 people offers close-up
scrutiny of illusions you find in most of the big magic shows - plus the
fact that the magicians are topless (in the second show, anyway). Producer
David Saxe keeps things moving fast and funny, and the bits short and
energetic. (4/6/01 M.W.) "Showgirls of Magic" will be presented at 8 and
10:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays in the Parisian Cabaret at the San
Remo. $29.75 for the 8 p.m. covered show and $35 for the 10:30 topless
show, no one younger than 21 will be admitted. Prices include two drinks.
115 E. Tropicana Ave. 597-6028.
  'SIEGFRIED & ROY' (A) This lavish and groundbreaking production starring
the German-born magicians and longtime Las Vegans remains unequaled via its
theatrical scope, and world-class staging and lighting design. The duo's
signature white lions and tigers are an added lure to an illusion-packed
extravaganza that pits the heroes against fire-breathing dragons and other
evil forces. However, the good guys prevail with remarkable escapes and
supplement their shining knight heroism with well-executed magical feats
that continue to enrapture audiences. "Siegfried & Roy" will be presented
at 7:30 p.m. Sundays through Tuesdays and 7:30 and 11 p.m. Fridays and
Saturdays in the Siegfried & Roy Theatre at The Mirage. $105.50, includes
two drinks and a souvenir program. 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 792-7777.
 'SIEGFRIED & ROY PRESENT DARREN ROMEO, THE VOICE OF MAGIC' (B-) Without
the "Siegfried & Roy" name in the cumbersome title, this showcase for their
26-year-old protégé would stand as a well-crafted show with a novel twist:
the magician sings, almost continually. But the show's imagination doesn't
match its resources. Romeo offers mostly stock illusions, and the real
possibilities for a singing magician remain unexplored. (6/14/02 M.W.)
"Siegfried & Roy Present Darren Romeo, The Voice of Magic" will be
presented at 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays in the Siegfried & Roy
Theatre at The Mirage. $30, includes one drink. 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
792-7777.
  'THE SOUL OF MAGIC' (B) Victor & Diamond (Cephas) are a husband-and-wife
team of magicians who more typically work as a 15-minute variety act, but
here stretch their impressive opening bird segment into a pleasant hour.
Comedic specialty act Roy Shank adds needed variety, making the show a good
family bargain for those who look around for discount coupons. "The Soul of
Magic" will be presented at 2 p.m. Saturday through Monday in the
Roundtable Showroom at the New Frontier. $16.45, includes one drink.
Two-for-one admission is available to all locals. Call for information on
special Hero's promotion. 3120 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 794-8200.
  'STEVE WYRICK - MAGIC TO THE EXTREME' (B) How does a magician with little
name recognition compete on the Strip? Congenial Texan Steve Wyrick packs
an aeronautically themed show with impressive stagecraft. Elaborate scenery
dresses up illusions such as the "Blades of Death" and a walk through a jet
turbine. The theme-park approach makes this a good choice for families,
even if the production almost overwhelms Wyrick's low-key persona. (2/2/01
M.W.) "Steve Wyrick - Magic to the EXTREME" will be presented at 7 and 10
p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 7 p.m. Sundays and Mondays at the
Sahara. Admission is $45.95-$62.45. 2535 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 737-2111.

  Comedy

  THE AMAZING JOHNATHAN (A-) This edgy stand-up comedy act masquerading as
an ill-fated magic show rides on the manic, belligerent personality of the
star: Think of the late John Belushi fully wired, with sharp objects at his
command. Some shock value is lost if you've seen him before, yet a
long-term residency at the Golden Nugget has allowed Johnathan to break in
new material as well. (M.W. 3/02/01) The Amazing Johnathan will perform at
10 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays in the Theatre Ballroom at the Golden
Nugget. $40. 129 Fremont St. 386-8100.
 BOOMERS HUMORS Open-mike stand-up comedy will be presented at 8 p.m.
Sundays at Boomers After Hours, 3200 Sirius Ave. One-drink minimum.
217-1679.
  CAROLEE'S COMEDY CLUB Carolee's Comedy Club features various comedians at
9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in Carolee's Theatre at Buffalo Bill's.
$13.89. Interstate 15 South at Primm. 382-1111.
 CASABLANCA COMEDY The weekend comedy shows at CasaBlanca (Mesquite) are
held at 8 p.m. most Fridays and Saturdays and features three comedians each
night. Steve Caito, Dean Larit and Randy Kagan will perform Saturday. There
will be no comedy Saturday. Admission is free. No one under 21 will be
admitted. 950 W. Mesquite Blvd. (800) 459-7529.
  CATCH A RISING STAR Catch a Rising Star presents stand-up comedy at 10
p.m. Mondays through Sundays with an additional show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday
at the Excalibur. Tom McGillen and Gary Caouette will perform today through
Sunday. Mark Cohen and James Johann will perform Monday through Oct. 6.
$18.95. 3850 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 597-7600.
  THE COMEDY STOP The Comedy Stop presents stand-up comedy at 8 and 10:30
p.m. daily at the Tropicana. Joe Yannetty, Billy Garan and Glen Jensen will
perform through Sunday. Evan Davis, Mike Donovan and Chris Coccia will
perform Monday through Oct. 6. $17.50, includes two drinks. Thursdays are
two-for-one local appreciation nights. 3801 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 739-2714.
  THE COMEDY ZONE The Comedy Zone presents stand-up comedy at 8 p.m.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; and 8 and 10 p.m. Fridays and
Saturdays at the Lady Luck. $17.50. 206 N. Third St. 477-3000. The Comedy
Zone also presents stand-up comedy at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays through
Sundays at the Casino Royale. $30.75. 3411 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 735-9663.
  DAVYO'S OPEN-MIKE COMEDY SHOWCASE DavyO's Open-Mike Comedy Showcase will
be presented at 10 p.m. Sundays at the Emergency Room Lounge, 3550 S.
Decatur Blvd. Admission is free (227-6363).
 DR. NAUGHTY (D+) Dr. Naughty, the X-rated comedy hypnotist, is an
intriguing performer whose show will appeal to people who enjoy watching
entranced volunteers behave in bawdy fashion. He performs at 10:15 p.m.
daily in the the Star Theater at Greek Isles. $32.95-$54.95. 305 Convention
Center Drive. 737-5540.
  'DR. SCOTT LEWIS: OUTRAGEOUS COMEDY HYPNOTIST' (Not reviewed) "Dr. Scott
Lewis: Outrageous Comedy Hypnotist" will be presented at 7 p.m. Mondays in
the Le Bistro Theatre at the Riviera. $23.05. 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. 794-9433.
  GABE KAPLAN'S LAUGH TRAX Gabe Kaplan's Laugh Trax presents stand-up
comedy at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; and 7:30 p.m., 10
p.m. and midnight Fridays and Saturdays at Palace Station. Ken Rogerson and
Michael Pace will perform through Saturday. Bob Golub and Nick Griffin will
perform Tuesday through Oct. 5. $14.25, and a one-drink minimum. 2411 W.
Sahara Ave. 888-464-2468.
  'HIP-NOSIS: PLAYIN' WITH YOUR HEAD' (C+) Hypnotism is a nightclub art as
old as stage magic, but has always been at the mercy of the audience
volunteers. Quality control is left somewhat to chance here, though
hypnotist Justin Tranz is a likable, earthy guy who talks to young people
in today's language. His comic setups and orchestrated routines, however,
failed to fully justify the time it took to thin his stageful of subjects
and put them under his control. (6/23/00 M.W.) "Hip-Nosis: Playin' With
Your Head" is performed at 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 8 p.m.
Saturdays at O'Shea's Comedy Theater. $35. Must be at least 18. 3555 Las
Vegas Blvd. South. 737-1343.
 THE IMPROV The Improv Comedy Club presents stand-up comedy at 8:30 and
10:30 p.m. daily, except Mondays, at Harrah's Las Vegas. Shelley Berman,
Jennie McNulty and Ron Morey will perform through Sunday. Pam Stone, John
Diresta and Don Barnhart will perform Tuesday through Oct. 6. $27.45. 3475
Las Vegas Blvd. South. 369-5111.
  'LAUGHTERNOON IN LAUGHLIN' "Laughternoon in Laughlin" presents stand-up
comedy at 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at Harrah's Laughlin. Kerry
Pollack will perform through Saturday. Michael Finney will perform Tuesday
through Oct. 5. $6.55. 2900 S. Casino Drive. (800) 447-8700.
 LAUGHS AT THE BEACH Laughs at the Beach presents stand-up comedy hosted by
Shelly McCarty at 8 p.m. Saturdays at the Beach. Jonathan "Dr. Bolden,"
Markus Kublin and Keith Barany will perform Saturday. Two-drink minimum.
365 Convention Center Drive. 731-1925.
 RONN LUCAS (B+) He's a ventriloquist working in the afternoon, but this
veteran casino entertainer quickly establishes that cute sidekicks do not
equal a kids show (though it's fine for any youngster old enough for "The
Simpsons"). Lucas knows he's a master of a skill that isn't as valued as it
used to be, and so he packs his act with as many punch lines and as much
variety as possible. (11/23/01 M.W.) Lucas will perform at 3 p.m.
Wednesdays through Mondays in the Masquerade Showroom at the Rio. $21.95.
3700 W. Flamingo Road.  777-7776.
  THE RIVIERA COMEDY CLUB The Riviera Comedy Club presents stand-up comedy
at 8 and 10 p.m. daily at the Riviera. Jeff Hobson, the Most Brothers, Ray
Garvey and Jim Gay will perform today through Sunday. Monty Hoffman, Jenica
Bergere, Vinnie Coppola and Tony DiJamco will perform Monday through Oct.
6. $23.05-$34.05. KXTE-FM 107.5's XXXtreme Comedy Showcase presents Frank
Santos at 11:45 p.m. today and Saturday. $18.70. 2901 Las Vegas Blvd.
South. 794-9433.
  RITA RUDNER (B+) After 11 years as a visiting headliner, the soft-spoken
comedian is now a resident attraction in a Spartan theater built for her,
offering the rare comedy act that's both inoffensive yet insightful. While
the bulk of Rudner's material is slanted to women, any man who is married
or domesticated will hear the truth in the couples humor that drives the
set. (5/11/01 M.W.) Rudner will perform at 8 p.m. Sundays through
Thursdays, 9 p.m. Fridays, and 7 and 9 p.m. Saturdays in the Cabaret
Theatre at New York-New York. $46. Platinum packages are available for $98.
3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 740-6815.
  SANDY HACKETT'S COMEDY CLUB (Not reviewed) Sandy Hackett's Comedy Club
presents stand-up comedy at 9 p.m. daily at the Greek Isles. $15.35; $16.31
includes show and steak and shrimp dinner. 305 Convention Center Drive.
737-5540.
  THE SECOND CITY (A-) Chicago's classic comedy institution provides a
fresh alternative to comedy clubs on the Strip and a real departure. The
five-member troupe's seasoned blend of sketch comedy and improvisation
brings a theatrical level of sophistication to the Strip, but isn't afraid
to go for lowbrow belly laughs either. (3/23/01 M.W.) The Second City
comedy troupe will perform at 8 p.m. Fridays through Wednesdays, and 10:30
p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and Saturdays in Bugsy's
Celebrity Theatre at the Flamingo. $30.74. 3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
733-3333.
 'TICKLE ME TUESDAYS' COMEDY JAM The "Tickle Me Tuesdays" comedy jam will
be presented at 8 p.m. Tuesdays in the Blue Note Las Vegas. $20 in advance,
$25 at the door. 3663 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 256-3264.

   Shows

  'AMERICAN SUPERSTARS' (B-) Michael Jackson and Ricky Martin still have
careers in the alternate universe of this impersonator show that's proved
itself at the Stratosphere since 1996. An energetic live band supports
singers who worry less about carbon-copying the superstars in question than
putting on strong performances in their own right. (M.W. 7/19/02).
"American Superstars" will be presented at 7 p.m. Sundays through Tuesdays,
and at 7 and 10 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the Broadway
Showroom at the Stratosphere. $32.95; $42 for show, buffet and two drinks.
$25.25, children ages 5-12. Children under the age of 5 will not be
admitted and anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult.
2000 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 380-7711.
  'AN EVENING AT LA CAGE' (B-) The Strip's sole surviving drag show may be
tired by format, but not execution. The cast still vamps like it's 1985,
offering lip-synced impressions of divas from Judy Garland to Reba McEntire
in a fast, fun 75 minutes. Frank Marino, the comic host for more than 17
years, still dresses like Joan Rivers but has evolved into his own persona.
(3/15/02 M.W.) "An Evening at La Cage" will be presented at 7 and 9 p.m.
Wednesdays through Mondays in the Mardi Gras Plaza at the Riviera.
$36.25-$47.25. 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 794-9433.
  'AT HOME IN THE ISLANDS' (Not reviewed) "At Home in the Islands," a
contemporary Polynesian show, will be presented at 8 p.m. Wednesdays and
Thursdays, and 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the Castaways. $19.95,
includes one tropical cocktail. 2800 Fremont St. 385-9123.
  'BLUE MAN GROUP: LIVE AT LUXOR' (A) Weird, but also wildly inventive and
universally funny is this New York-based troupe that picked Las Vegas for
its fourth and biggest production. When they're not pounding on PVC pipe,
three silent pranksters in skullcaps and blue greasepaint combine highbrow
humor and schoolyard play-with-your-food tricks, old-fashioned
sleight-of-hand and genuine efforts to explain science and nature. The
minimalist, industrial look and an aggressive, percussive score may scare
some away, but a new generation of showgoer is more likely to appreciate
its unique point of view. (3/24/00 M.W.) "Blue Man Group: Live at Luxor"
will be presented at 7 and 10 p.m. Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays through
Fridays; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 4, 7 and 10 p.m. Saturdays in the Luxor
Theater at the Luxor. $78.95-$89.95. 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 262-4400.
  'BOO!' (B) A quartet of comic improvisers from Los Angeles Theatresports
teams up with writer-producer Martin Bergman for a scattershot revue of
blackout sketches, cabaret songs and improvisational games with audience
input. A dark sense of humor and the overall talent of the cast ties
together a ride often bumpier than the one on a roller coaster included
with a ticket. (M.W. 8/23/02). "Boo!" will be presented at 10 p.m. Mondays
through Thursdays and 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in the Cabaret
Theatre at New York-New York. $29.95, includes a free ride on the Manhattan
Express roller coaster. 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 740-6815.
  'BOTTOMS UP' (C) Breck Wall's afternoon comedy revue dates back on the
Strip to 1964, and its rapid-fire sketch format - said to have inspired
"Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" - remains unchanged. So do most of the jokes,
which fall into one of two categories: ancient or raunchy. But the cast has
a winning camaraderie that comes from many years together, and anyone who
loves camp or burlesque humor will find it an hour well-spent. (9/1/00
M.W.) "Bottoms Up," a topless musical comedy revue, will be presented at 2
and 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays in the Flamingo Showroom at the
Flamingo. $6.98 with coupon available at the box office. No one under 18
will be admitted. 3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 733-3333.
  'CHARO STARRING IN BRAVO' (B) Almost everything seems to work better
after this show's May move to the Sahara from The Venetian. Three variety
acts add a retro-Vegas feel, but the focus is rightly on the ageless, campy
Spanish star. Charo's energy is contagious and her schizophrenic
transformation into flamenco guitarist still surprises audiences. (5/31/02
M.W.) "Charo Starring in Bravo" will be presented at 8 p.m. Sundays through
Tuesdays and Fridays and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays in the
Congo Room at the Sahara. $51.45. 2535 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 737-2515.
  'CHIPPENDALES: THE SHOW' (B-) The original male strip club is now a
busily choreographed revue that sometimes seems more tailored to the short
attention span of MTV teens than the libidos of grown women. The men seem
to have more license to thrill than their female counterparts on the Strip,
with unobstructed rear views and autoerotic moves that go beyond the girlie
shows. (3/22/02 M.W.) "Chippendales: The Show" will be presented at 10 p.m.
Fridays through Mondays and Wednesdays and 8 p.m. Thursdays in Club Rio at
the Rio. $38.45-$49.45. 3700 W. Flamingo Road. 777-7776.
 'COUNTRY MUSIC USA' (Not reviewed) "Country Music USA" will be presented
at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in Don's Celebrity Theatre at the Riverside
(Laughlin). $18.50. 1650 S. Casino Drive. (800) 227-3849.
  'CRAZY GIRLS' (C-) Here's the closest thing to topless-club stripping in
a hotel environment, so judge its appeal by whether you think that's a good
thing. An overhaul in early 2001 got rid of some (but not all) of the
cutesy lip-syncing to obscure novelty tunes. It added better choreography,
fresher music and a revolving turntable to enhance the viewing experience.
(3/9/01 M.W.) "Crazy Girls" will be presented at 8 and 9:30 p.m. Fridays
through Wednesdays, in the Mardi Gras Plaza at the Riviera. $30.75-$41.75.
No one under the age of 18 will be admitted. 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
794-9433.
  DAYTRIPPER: 'THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES' (C-) A passable, if
sometimes clumsy tribute act follows the now-standard format of three
costumed segments saluting the early Beatles, the "Sgt. Pepper's" days and
the "Let It Be" era. (M.W. 4/19/02) Daytripper: "The Ultimate Tribute to
the Beatles" will be presented at 5:30 p.m. Saturdays through Thursdays in
the Roundtable Showroom at the New Frontier. $21.95. 3120 Las Vegas Blvd.
South. 794-8200.
  'EFX ALIVE!' (B+) The fourth version of this giant-sized revue shed some
of its clutter when it was retrofitted for pop-rocker Rick Springfield, who
brings two new songs to the party. The show is now free to have fun with
its miniproductions about Merlin, P.T. Barnum, Harry Houdini and H.G.
Wells, and Springfield is versatile enough to grow into a demanding job.
But the more relaxed feel comes through a tone of comic self-awareness,
sometimes at the expense of the big set pieces that are supposed to wow
you. (2/9/01 M.W.) "EFX Alive!" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays
through Saturdays in the EFX Theatre at the MGM Grand. $55-$75, includes a
full-color program. 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 891-7777.
  'FOLIES BERGERE' (C+) The city's longest-running show opened in 1959 and
is now one of the last souvenirs of old Vegas and its Parisian-styled
showgirls. The current "greatest hits" edition has segments added in the
'90s colliding with those preserved in mothballs. There's a quaint elegance
to some of it, but the overall effort could use a shot of attitude.
(1/21/01 M.W.) "Folies Bergere" will be presented at 7:30 and 10 p.m.
Mondays through Saturdays in the Tiffany Theatre at the Tropicana. The 7:30
p.m. show is for all audiences. No one under the age of 16 will be admitted
to the late show. $51.45-$62.45. 3801 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 739-2411.
  'THE GREAT BALDINI' (Not reviewed) "The Great Baldini" will be presented
at 10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays at Howard Johnson. $21.15,
two-for-one. 3111 W. Tropicana Ave. 798-1111.
  'GRUBSTAKE JAMBOREE DINNER' (Not reviewed) "Grubstake Jamboree Dinner," a
dinner and show, will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays in the
Crown Room at the Westward Ho. Tickets are $22.10. 2900 Las Vegas Blvd.
South. 731-2900.
  'HEATWAVE' (Not reviewed) "Heatwave," starring Karin Denise, will be
presented at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the Greek Isles.
$45.95, includes one drink. 305 Convention Center Drive. 737-5540.
  'HONKY TONK ANGELS' (B) If Las Vegas post-"Legends in Concert" requires
entertainers to impersonate famous stars in order to sing their music, this
modest show conforms with a sense of humor; it's a locals favorite and one
of the few entertainment bargains in town. The content changes frequently
to sustain repeat business, but is always anchored by three solid
impressions: Sharon Haynes as Patsy Cline, Lori Legacy as Dolly Parton and
Corrie Sachs as Reba McEntire. (10/5/01 M.W.) "Honky Tonk Angels" will be
presented at 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays in the Gold Coast Showroom
at the Gold Coast. $16.50, $22 with dinner. Beginning Wednesdays, tickets
will be $22, $27.50 with dinner. 4000 W. Flamingo Road. 251-3574.
  'JUBILEE!' (B) As one of the last classic "feather shows," "Jubilee!" is
simultaneously one of the Strip's greatest treasures and the silliest
reminder of its excessiveness. The sequined showgirls and chorus boys in
white dinner jackets are from a lost era, and the "Titanic" and "Samson and
Delilah" scenes are still impressive in a campy way, but newer sequences
fall short as retro nostalgia. (8/3/01 M.W.)  "Jubilee!" will be presented
at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Saturdays through Thursdays in the Jubilee Theater
at Bally's. $56.50-$72.50. No one under 18 will be admitted. 3645 Las Vegas
Blvd. South. 967-4567.
  'LA FEMME' (B+) Las Vegas finally imported this arty, influential nudie
show from the famous Crazy Horse cabaret in Paris, after years of knockoffs
and lesser topless revues on the Strip. As such, you have to experience the
subtlety, wit, creative lighting and distinctly European flair to
appreciate the distinctions. The devil is in the details, and this is a fun
place to sell your soul. (06/22/01 M.W.) "La Femme" will be presented at
8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays in the La Femme Theatre at
the MGM Grand. $59, guests must be 21 or older. 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
891-7777.
  'LEGENDS IN CONCERT' (B) Producer John Stuart launched a much-copied
format when this show debuted in 1983. But the impersonator gimmick -
originally restricted to dead stars only - is ultimately just a means to
present an old-fashioned variety show, with music spanning from Liberace to
Madonna. The Elvis Presley finale is the only given. All other
impersonators rotate from a deep bullpen. (12/14/01 M.W.) "Legends in
Concert" will be presented at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays
in the Imperial Theater at Imperial Palace. $34.50, includes two drinks.
3535 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 794-3261.
  'MEN' (Not reviewed) "MEN" will be presented at 9 p.m. Sundays through
Wednesdays, and 9 and 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in the Roundtable
Showroom at the New Frontier. $32.95. 3120 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 794-8200.
 'MIDNIGHT FANTASY' (C+) This accomplished girlie show, with colorful
costumes and choreography, is also the tamest in living up to its erotic
promise. More cute than naughty, it would play better in a theme park than
a topless club. But it makes for good eye candy, and its (taped) pop score
was updated in late 2000. (12/8/00 M.W.) "Midnight Fantasy" will be
presented at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; 10:30
p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; and 8:30 p.m. Sundays in Pharaoh's Theater at
the Luxor. $32.95. No one under 21 will be admitted. 3900 Las Vegas Blvd.
South. 262-4400.
  'MYSTERE' (A) Canadian-born Cirque du Soleil's groundbreaking Vegas debut
show proves that artful and challenging visual and staging elements could
create an animal-free, nouvelle circus with a soul of its own. Progressive
live music, stunning staging and a compelling cast of acrobats and "bungee
birds" who swoop up and down over the crowd make "Mystere" a riveting and
open-to-interpretation work that's a wonder to behold. "Mystere" will be
presented at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays in the Mystere
Theatre at Treasure Island. $88. 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. South. (800) 392-1999.
  'O' (A) Cirque du Soleil's astonishing spectacular, "O," showcases a
colorful cast of 74 synchronized swimmers, trapeze artists, contortionists
and others working on a wondrous stage that transforms from an Arctic Ocean
to an African watering hole in the blink of an eye. It's an overwhelming
visual feast that's unequaled anywhere in the known universe. "O" will be
presented at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Fridays through Tuesdays in the Bellagio
Theatre at the Bellagio. $93.50-$121. 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 693-7722.
  'ROCK 'N' ROLL LEGENDS' (C) A threadbare costumed impersonator show tries
to be more focused than some, limiting its reach to time-honored icons: Roy
Orbison, Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Paul McCartney among others.
(12/21/01 M.W.) "Rock 'n' Roll Legends" will be presented at 4 p.m. daily
in the Roundtable Showroom at the New Frontier. $21.95. 3120 Las Vegas
Blvd. South (794-8200).
  'ROCK THIS TOWN - LIVE' (Not reviewed) "Rock This Town - Live" will be
presented at 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays Le Bistro Theatre at the
Riviera. $25.25-$36.57. 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. 794-9433.
  'SHOWGIRLS' (B) Structuring itself as a historical look at the showgirl
tradition, this revue pays homage to old-fashioned Las Vegas spectacles
while having only 11 topless dancers. Nonetheless, it sparkles on the
massive stage of the Rio's Samba Theatre, making you wonder what could have
been if "Showgirls" had stepped up just a bit beyond its budget and slight
hour's length to be a legitimate competitor to "Jubilee!" or "Folies
Bergere." (4/26/02 M.W.) "Showgirls" will be presented at 11 p.m. Mondays
through Saturdays in the Samba Theatre at the Rio. $43.95. 3700 W. Flamingo
Road. 777-7776.
  'SKINTIGHT' (C) Of all the topless shows on the Strip, this is the only
"equal opportunity" one to include male dancers and a dynamic frontman,
Darryl Ross, who is willing to strip as he sings. (11/9/01 M.W.)
"Skintight" will be presented at 10:30 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, 10
p.m. and midnight Fridays, 10:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.
Sundays in the main showroom at Harrah's Las Vegas. $43.95. No one under 18
will be admitted. 3475 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 369-5111.
  'SOURIRE' (Not reviewed) "Sourire" will be presented at 10 p.m. Mondays
through Saturdays in the Showroom at The Venetian. $48-$69. 3355 Las Vegas
Blvd. South. 948-3007.
  'SPIRIT OF THE DANCE' (C) The "Riverdance" fad spawned this low-budget
knockoff, which has survived the craze by expanding its scope beyond Irish
step-dancing. The mix now includes Scottish and flamenco numbers, even a
Bob Fosse salute. Most of it is still predictable, with the bland, hollow
feel of product that's aimed at charter busloads of seniors. (8/30/02 M.W.)
"Spirit of the Dance" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Fridays through
Wednesdays in the Theatre Ballroom at the Golden Nugget. $45. 129 Fremont
St. 386-8100.
 'SPLASH' (C) The revue that opened as an aquacade in 1985 now freezes the
water; it's the only show on the Strip to feature ice skating. The skaters
vie for attention amid loopy tributes to the likes of Michael Jackson and
Madonna, but the variety acts steal the show. The caged motorcycle finale,
Bela Tabak's Riders of the Thunderdome, gets the adrenalin pumping for
those who make it through this oddball, scattershot salute to American pop
culture. (M.W. 7/26/02) "Splash" will be presented at 8 and 10:30 p.m.
Saturdays through Thursdays in the Splash Theatre at the Riviera. No one
under the age of 18 will be admitted. $59.95-$75. 2901 Las Vegas Blvd.
South. 794-9433.
 'TEASE' (B) The off-Broadway format of this otherwise spotty musical
comedy makes it a refreshing addition to the Strip. It's a theatrical
musical about a topless club, staged in a nightclub, casting its five
female leads as strip-club dancers and giving them songs to explain their
characters. The 16 songs, 10 of them original, are more accomplished than
the skimpy story, but a strong cast makes the most of it. (1/18/02 M.W.)
"Tease" will be presented at 8 and 10 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 p.m. Thursdays
through Mondays at the Blue Note Showroom. $39.95-$59.95. 3663 Las Vegas
Blvd. South. 699-9196.
  'THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER' (Not reviewed at the Excalibur) Unlike the
topless female shows, the seven Australian dancers don't have to feign
artiness or appeal to couples. Each show is a bachelorette party, with a
little lap dancing mitigated by a flair for the tease and plenty of clothed
choreography. (7/20/01 M.W.) The "Thunder From Down Under" revue will be
presented at 7:30 p.m. Fridays through Wednesdays, and an additional show
at 11:30 p.m. Saturdays in Merlin's Theater at the Excalibur. $34.95. 3850
Las Vegas Blvd. South. (597-7600).
  'TONIGHT'S SHOW' (Not reviewed) "Tonight's Show" will be presented at 7
p.m. daily in the Roundtable Showroom at the New Frontier. $38.45. 3120 Las
Vegas Blvd. South. 794-8200.
  'TONY 'N' TINA'S WEDDING' (B+) This interactive dinner-theater hit has
been playing around the country since 1985, but it's still one of the most
inventive shows to hit Las Vegas in years. Creator Nancy Cassaro coached a
local cast to balance subtlety with stereotype in bringing two extreme New
York Italian families to life. Since the show goes on all around the
warehouse "banquet hall," it pays - especially at the most distant tables -
to move around and talk to the performers who never break character.
(2/15/02 M.W.) "Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding" will be presented at 7 p.m. daily
in the Calypso Room at the Rio. $82.50. 3700 W. Flamingo Road. 777-7776.
  'TOURNAMENT OF KINGS' (B) Youngsters and wrestling fans of all ages will
particularly enjoy this knights-in-the-round spectacle. The stunt-show
jousting and sword-fighting are staged in a dirt arena, surrounded by an
audience eating sans utensils in the rare "dinner show" left on the Strip.
(10/19/01 M.W.) "Tournament of Kings" will be presented at 6 and 8:30 p.m.
daily in King Arthur's Arena at Excalibur. $46.86. 3850 Las Vegas Blvd.
South. 597-7600.
 'THE TRIBUTE TO FRANK, SAMMY, JOEY & DEAN' (B-) This unauthorized tribute
to Frank Sinatra and company picks up where a slightly better one, "The Rat
Pack Is Back," left off. Two alumni of that production (Henry Prego as
Frank and Luis Velez as Sammy) team with local comedian Sandy Hackett as
Joey. The 12-piece band is nice, but in the early going the banter was
tentative and the routines were mostly lifted from actual Rat Pack
recordings. "The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey & Dean" will be presented at
7 p.m. Thursdays through Tuesdays at the Greek Isles. $45.95-$57.68. Dinner
packages available. 305 Convention Center Drive. 737-5540.
  'V - THE ULTIMATE VARIETY SHOW' (B+) "V - The Ultimate Variety Show" will
be presented at 8 p.m. daily in the Showroom at The Venetian. $22-$69. 3355
Las Vegas Blvd. South. 948-3007.
  'VIVA LAS VEGAS' (C+) This show pioneered an effective, often-copied
afternoon formula: A revue in miniature, complete with a quintet of
showgirls and specialty acts, for the price of a drink or two. Veteran
performers such as Dave Swan and Bruce Mickelson offer a competent hour
that's reminiscent of the Strip's old variety days. (4/20/01) "Viva Las
Vegas" will be presented at 2 and 4 p.m. daily, except Sundays, in the
Broadway Showroom at the Stratosphere. Children under the age of 5 will not
be admitted and anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult.
$11, $13.93 with lunch. 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 380-7711.