January 2012 in Vegas
Chuck Rounds’ Las Vegas Entertainment News
Check out Chuck at his great entertainment website www.igoshows.com
January 2012
Trying to come up with a cogent recap of this past year has been a bit of a challenge… We have seen so much transpire, and yet, so little accomplished. People have gotten fed up with the way things have been, but have done little to effect change. All of the “Occupy” protests in the United States have created a lot of noise, pointed up the disparity between the “haves” and the “have-nots,” and shown us that our Constitutional right to peaceably assemble is only good until the assembly gets annoying—at which point they are forcibly removed and rights are thrown out the window.
We have watched the complete and utter stupidity of Congress. They act like spoiled children that are unwilling to yield, compromise, or work together for any good. Unfortunately, while they hold their ground, the people of America suffer…none of our representatives seem to give a crap about us—the American People.
Then there have been the Republican debates…events which a friend of mine refers to as, “Obama’s second term.” It is unbelievable to watch these debates and actually witness the self destruction of an entire party. They couldn’t come up with one smart, dynamic, decent person to run for office? It sort of puts a button on all that is wrong with the country…forcing us to choose the least objectionable from a shallow and mediocre pool.
Osama bin Laden was killed. Moammar Gadhafi was killed. Kim Jong Il died…major leaders around the world were ousted. It seems as if the collective consciousness of the world wants to move in a different direction. Sadly, what didn’t die are the extremist ideologies and the followers of those beliefs. We sit, wait, and wonder if the devil we knew was better than the devil we don’t know.
A torrent of tornados devastated the southeastern U.S. Oftentimes the worst tragedies show us the best humanity. The people of the South truly pulled together to try and make some sense out of the chaos, and I applaud their work.
In Las Vegas, all the signs for a rebound are out there, but it hasn’t really happened yet. Visitor numbers are up, but people are not spending as much. Everyone keeps trying to do more with less—both our visitors and our businesses. But, at least there are people out there trying…we had a lot of good attempts this past year. Part of this year in Vegas was about surviving, and part of it was about trying…all in the hopes that we have built a foundation from which we can soar in 2012.
I am looking forward to the New Year. Like the rest of the city, I feel that I have put in place all of the elements that will lead to a bright and prosperous future…and it starts with this year. I’m looking to gain international attention with my art photography, national attention with my radio station, and notoriety within the city with my entertainment ventures…I’m putting it all out there as a notice to the world.
The New Year is a great time for a new perspective. Tabula Rasa…out with what didn’t work and start fresh. Find that path that will make more things go the way we want them to. It is a time for resolve… a time to be a better, more committed person both personally and professionally. The New Year is replete with new hopes.
…But on to the entertainment of Las Vegas…
As I stated previously, the entertainment in Las Vegas for 2011 was filled with great attempts…at least there were people out there trying. There were no major openings during the year, but a lot of shows are working to reposition themselves…for again, that foundation from which they can hopefully launch lasting success.
2011 had some interesting occurrences…
Of all the properties in Las Vegas, the greatest attempts and failure happened at the Las Vegas Hilton—of course the property itself is going through a lot of turmoil since it lost the Hilton name…as of today it is now LVH. I’m sorry…one of the stupidest name changes I have ever encountered. But…their main showroom saw the opening of a major magic show, “TRIUMPH,” which then closed a couple of months later without ever getting out of previews. And then…the Hilton had the opening of a major magic show, “STEVE WYRICK: ULTRA MAGICIAN,” which then closed a couple of months later without ever getting out of previews.
The Sahara Hotel and Casino closed its doors in May of this past year…again displacing Rick Thomas (who seems to have a knack for establishing his show in a property that closes.) Rick then announced that he would be moving into the Riviera…but it never happened due to the extensive renovations that the showroom would need…so he did the summer at the Saxe theater, and then went to the Tropicana for the holidays…the same showroom he abandoned several years ago because there were rumors that the Tropicana would close (it never did.) But back to the Sahara…after it closed its doors, they sold off all of the things in the hotel…the funny thing is that the profit from the sale of all of the items in the hotel were enough to pay off all of the notes that the property had against it. Now the Sahara is free and clear of its debt, and it stands there…possibly set to reopen, or possibly set to be imploded for a new casino…it will be interesting to see what decision is made.
The only successful magic show to make its debut in Las Vegas last year was world-renowned Master Illusionist Jan Rouven that brought his show ILLUSIONS to the FAME Theater inside Clarion Hotel & Casino. In January, Rouven will move his show to the Starbright Theatre inside the Riviera.
International recording artist and world-champion pianist Ryan Ahern opened his show, Piano!, at the V Theater. He played music genres from Broadway to Rock n’ Roll to Boogie Woogie. It was a great attempt.
Celine Dion came back to Caesars, and so did Elton John! They are back on a rotating schedule inside the Colosseum.
In front of Caesars, the show “Absinthe,” opened in a temporary tent. “Absinthe” is an adult oriented circus show, and the only truly acclaimed show of the year. The show had to close when the temporary permit ran out, but they were able to reopen the show a few months later in a more permanent setting. During the time when no one knew what was happening with the show, however, David Saxe signed the thrilling skating duo to V: the Ultimate Variety show. Of course there was a lot of noise and outrage…but in the end, the couple looks great in the new show.
“Dao,” the Chinese acrobatic show suddenly closed at the Riviera. After 45 weeks at the hotel, the show stayed in relative obscurity.
Gladys Knight launched her “A Mic and A Light” show at the Tropicana. It played at the property for the summer, and then it was announced that the show would be extended…which was news to Knight since she had not agreed to an extension. The show closed at the end of its originally contracted time.
The scintillating show, The Viper Vixens, made its debut at O’Sheas Casino…a great concept and a good show, which suffered from being underfunded and had to close without really establishing itself.
Cashetta opened her new show, “The Extra Large Medium,” at the Wolf Theatre inside the Clarion Hotel, but then got a better deal at a theatre in Florida. It was an opportunity that she couldn’t pass up.
“$TRIP The Play” had a short run at the Aruba Hotel & Spa. It is one of those shows that is best forgotten.
Sleight of hand artist Stephane Vanel debuted his show at Paris Las Vegas in The Magic of Paris.
An Evening At La Cage, the world-famous Las Vegas extravaganza, moved to the Four Queens Hotel & Casino. The show has been on hiatus from Vegas since it closed at the Riviera two years earlier.
The Jerry Lewis Telethon did the telethon without Jerry Lewis this year…now the MDA Telethon. The lack of the star and the shorter hours of the telethon didn’t seem to have much of an impact…they had their most successful year ever.
The First Friday Arts event closed at the end of summer, but then reopened in the fall with new owners, Zappos.
Name That Tune,” opened at the Imperial Palace.
The Lion King closed.
Barry Manilow closed.
Jersey Boys is closing at the Palazzo and will be reopening at Paris.
Blue Man Group will close at the Venetian and reopen at the Monte Carlo.
The Lion habitat at MGM will be closing.
Studio 54 will be closing.
It’s been a tough year. It is always interesting to look back at an entire year…it is amazing to see the things that you forgot.
January is going to be a fun month…
Deadpan Stand-Up Comedian Steven Wright will perform at The Orleans Showroom, January 20-21. Billed as the “Confucius of Comedy” by the New York Post, Academy Award®-winner and Grammy® Award nominee Steven Wright returns with his trademark wit, absurdist one-liners and monotone voice. His career expanded far beyond small screen appearances to include comedy albums, television specials and acting roles and writing for the silver screen. In 1985, Wright received a Grammy nomination for his debut album, “I Have a Pony,” and one for its sequel, “I Still Have a Pony,” 22 years later. Following his second nomination, he was the first inductee into The Boston Comedy Hall of Fame.
The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV is proud to present comedian Paula Poundstone in concert January 13th and 14th. It’s impossible to attend a Paula Poundstone performance without marveling at her ability to interact spontaneously with audience members in conversations bound to garner riotous laughter. Armed with nothing but a stool, a microphone and a can of Diet Pepsi, Paula’s ability to create humor on the spot has become the stuff of legend. Little wonder people leave Paula’s shows debating whether the random people she talked to were “plants” – which, of course they never are, and complaining that their cheeks hurt from laughter.
Comedy’s loveable Queen of Mean returns to the Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 8 p.m. Heralded as “more than a standup — a standout,” by comedy legend Jim Carrey, Lisa Lampanelli is a cross between Don Rickles, Archie Bunker and a vial of estrogen.
Lampanelli’s rise to the top of the comedy food chain began in 2002 when she was the only female comedian invited to skewer Chevy Chase on the NY Friars Club Roast on Comedy Central.
In honor of Elvis Presley’s 77th birthday, applauded singer-impressionist and comedian Tom Stevens brings his Elvis tribute show to the Suncoast Showroom for two performances, January 7 and 8, each evening at 7:30 p.m.
Remember Elvis’ birthday is on January 8th.
CES convention will be the big news for January…it comes in the first part of the month. It is a huge time in the city, and the Adult Entertainment convention runs this month, too…always interesting to see…
The entertainment this month ranges dramatically:
The first week has:
Drake
Hard Rock Jan 1
New Year’s Eve Rockin Recovery at Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street Experience Jan 1
Battle of the Dance
Flamingo Through – Jan 15
Celine Dion
Caesars Palace Jan 3 – 18
Circus Vargas
Galleria At Sunset Jan 4 – 9
Circus Spectacular 2012
Orleans Hotel Jan 5 – 8
Garth Brooks
Encore at Wynn Jan 5 – 7
A Tribute to the Music of John Denver Starring Jim Curry
Silverton Hotel Jan 6 – 7
Celebration of The King’s Life featuring Johnny Fortuno, The Stamps Quartet and more
Cannery Casino Jan 6 – 7
Frankie Avalon
South Point Casino Jan 6 – 8
Tom Stevens – Elvis Tribute Show
Suncoast Jan 7 – 8
Bronco
Buffalo Bill’s Jan 7
Dennis Wise
Boulder Station Jan 7
Los Angeles Guitar Quartet (LAGQ)
Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall Jan 7
Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine
Hard Rock Jan 7
Tesla Twisted Wires Acoustic Tour
Mandalay Bay Jan 7
Future Stars of Wrestling
Sam’s Town Jan 8
The second week contains:
Smokey Robinson
Eastside Cannery Jan 13
Top Rank Boxing
Hard Rock Jan 13
2012 Miss America Pageant
Planet Hollywood Jan 14
Cedric The Entertainer
Hard Rock Jan 14
Gerald Albright
Buffalo Bill’s Jan 14
Lisa Lampanelli
Palms Casino Jan 14
Sonny Geraci
Suncoast Hotel Jan 14
Play Without Pain: Children’s Sickle Cell Benefit
Caesars Palace Jan 15
Disney On Ice – Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3
Thomas & Mack Jan 12 – 15
Lingerie Football League
Orleans Hotel Jan 12
David Spade
Venetian Resort Jan 13 – 14
Face To Face
Cannery Casino Jan 13 – 14
Gene Romero’s West Coast Flat Track Series
South Point Jan 13 – 14
Las Vegas Coin, Currency, Jewelry & Stamp Expo
Circus Circus Jan 13 – 15
Las Vegas Wranglers
Orleans Hotel Jan 13 – 14
Paul Revere & The Raiders
South Point Jan 13 – 14
Paula Poundstone
Orleans Hotel Jan 13 – 14
Week number three has:
Las Vegas Wranglers
Orleans Hotel Jan 16
WWE – SmackDown
Thomas & Mack Jan 17
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Basketball
Thomas & Mack Jan 18
Wu-Tang Clan
Mandalay Bay Jan 19
Aaron Lewis of Staind
Aliante Station Jan 20
Superior Cage Combat 4
Orleans Hotel Jan 20
Zac Brown Band
Mandalay Bay Jan 20
2012 AVN Awards Show
Hard Rock Jan 21
Engelbert Humperdinck
Buffalo Bill’s Jan 21
Firefall
Sunset Station Jan 21
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Basketball
Thomas & Mack Jan 21
Anthrax and Testament with Death Angel
Mandalay Bay Jan 22
Celine Dion
Caesars Palace Jan 20 – 22
Craig Shoemaker
South Point Jan 20 – 21
David Spade
Venetian Resort Jan 20 – 21
Detroit All-Stars
Cannery Casino Jan 20 – 21
Las Vegas Antique Arms Show
Riviera Hotel Jan 20 – 22
Semi-Annual Bridal Expo
Cashman Center Jan 20 – 21
Steven Wright
Orleans Hotel Jan 20 – 21
Lingerie Football League
Orleans Hotel Jan 21 – Feb 21
Society of Seven with Martin Nievera & Jasmine Trias
Suncoast Hotel Jan 21 – 22
The fourth week has:
Fantasy Stars
MGM Grand Jan 23
Europa Galante w/Fabio Biondi feat:Vivica Genaux
Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall Jan 26
Live Nation Presents Jeff Ross Roasts America
Mandalay Bay Jan 27
Social Distortion
Hard Rock Jan 27
Aaron Lewis of Staind
Green Valley Ranch Jan 28
Brad Paisley
Mandalay Bay Jan 28
Easton Corbin
Buffalo Bill’s Jan 28
Bob Saget
Orleans Hotel Jan 27 – 28
Garth Brooks
Encore at Wynn Jan 27 – 28
Kid Rock
Mandalay Bay Jan 27 – 28
Lights, a tribute to Journey
Cannery Casino Jan 27 – 28
Peter Noone
South Point Jan 27 – 29
Wakin Chau
Caesars Palace Jan 28 – 29
The last week January into the first week of February has:
August Burns Red
Mandalay Bay Feb 1
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Basketball
Thomas & Mack Center Feb 1
Ace Frehley
Santa Fe Station Feb 3
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Green Valley Ranch Feb 4
George Strait with Martina McBride
MGM Grand Feb 4
UFC 143 – Diaz vs Condit
Mandalay Bay Feb 4
Drew Carey’s Improv-a-ganza
MGM Grand Feb 2 – 5
Las Vegas International Sportsmen’s Expo
Las Vegas Convention Center Feb 2 – 4
Las Vegas Wranglers
Orleans Hotel Feb 2 – 4
Dana Carvey
Orleans Hotel Feb 3 – 4
Daniel Tosh
Mirage Feb 3 – 4
Josh Wolf
South Point Feb 3 – 4
Motley Crue In Sin City
Hard Rock Feb 3 – 19
Tim Allen
Venetian Resort Feb 3 – 4
For dates and times, be sure to log onto the Las Vegas Online Entertainment Guide: lvol.com.
Igoshows.com is, of course, the place to read the reviews of all of the shows that are in town so that you can be better informed as to what you should expect from a certain production. The reviews are updated as needed to give you the knowledge you need to spend your entertainment dollars better.
You can contact Chuck through the Feedback Form on the following page: www.igoshows.com/feedbacktochuck.
