Long-running Show Begins Third Decade on Strip
Legends in Concert lives on at Flamingo Las Vegas
by Steve Kieva
“Las Vegas is the Entertainment Capital of the World and in such a dynamic city, we considered Flamingo Las Vegas the perfect location to present our enhanced show, and concluded the experience will be the ultimate ‘total reward’ for our incredibly talented cast, legion of loyal fans, and new guests,” said Brian Brigner, chief operating officer of On Stage Entertainment, producers of Legends.
After a record-breaking four-year engagement at Harrah’s Las Vegas, Legends in Concert will celebrate the beginning of its third decade on the Las Vegas Strip with a new long-term home at Flamingo Las Vegas beginning in February, 2013. The most acclaimed tribute show in entertainment history held its last performance at Harrah’s Las Vegas Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.
“Many shows come and go in Las Vegas, but we are thrilled to keep Legends in Concert in the Caesars Entertainment family and help the show celebrate 30 extraordinary years in Las Vegas with a new experience for its fans and our guests,” said Rick Mazer, president of Flamingo Las Vegas. “This show is a unique and favorite Las Vegas institution and will be an amazing addition to the stellar entertainment lineup at Flamingo Las Vegas, which includes Donny & Marie, George Wallace, Vinnie Favorito and X Burlesque.”
“Las Vegas is the Entertainment Capital of the World and in such a dynamic city, we considered Flamingo Las Vegas the perfect location to present our enhanced show, and concluded the experience will be the ultimate ‘total reward’ for our incredibly talented cast, legion of loyal fans, and new guests,” said Brian Brigner, chief operating officer of On Stage Entertainment, producers of Legends. “We are delighted to expand our relationship with Caesars Entertainment, move the flagship version of our production into the Flamingo Showroom, and share the stage with Donny & Marie and George Wallace in entertaining audiences at Flamingo Las Vegas.”
Featuring re-creations of superstars of yesterday and today, backed by a live rockin’ band and the Legends singers and dancers, Legends in Concert is a one-of-a-kind experience. Performances feature such gone-but-not-forgotten greats as Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Liberace, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and many others. The show began injecting more current pop culture in recent years by also paying tribute to living superstars of the day with re-creations of Rod Stewart, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Steven Tyler, Lady Gaga, Whoopi Goldberg, Cher, Madonna, Adele and Britney Spears, among others.
With an ever-changing line-up, elaborate theatrical sets and costumes, and a full array of incredible special effects that include three dimensional multimedia and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, Legends in Concert is truly a must-see show for Las Vegas visitors and locals alike.
Legends in Concert will begin performances in the Flamingo Showroom in February. Initial show times will be Sunday and Monday at 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., and Tuesday-Friday at 4 p.m. More details will be announced after the first of the year regarding additional scheduled performances and special events as Legends in Concert ramps up for a year-long series of momentous festivities and incredible performances.
Fremont Street Experience Reveals SlotZilla Plans
Fremont Street Experience has announced plans to build a new, permanent zipline attraction, SlotZilla. A six-foot model of the attraction was unveiled during a late November press conference. With a price tag of $11 million, the 11-story slot-machine themed takeoff platform located near the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street will forever alter the downtown Las Vegas skyline.
Construction on the new project was expected to begin immediately after New Year’s with an anticipated opening during the first half of 2013. SlotZilla will be a major new icon for downtown Las Vegas and the Fremont Street Experience, a five-block entertainment district that attracts nearly 16 million visitors annually.
“We wanted to take a ride typically found in the jungle, give it amusement park features and qualities, and build it in the middle of downtown,” said Jeff Victor, President of Fremont Street Experience. “Designing a zipline to go across 1,700 feet with only a slight incline was a real challenge and required us to think outside the canopy and develop new technologies. To meet this challenge, we designed a first-of-its kind propulsion launch system, and created a steeper incline that will actually take riders through the Viva Vision canopy, giving them the thrill of their lives.”
SlotZilla will feature two levels of thrills. Riders on the upper Zoomline will take off over 100 feet above ground while lying flat in a harness. They’ll be launched at a speed that will blast them 1,700 feet through and under the Fremont Street Experience canopy. Riders on the lower Zipline will take off about 70 feet above ground and zip 850 feet to a mid-point landing platform. Both levels deliver a ride experience that is truly unique –the experience of flying above thousands of people on Fremont Street and under the Viva Vision canopy, the world’s largest video screen.
“The launched zipline will provide an incredible experience for riders and is a first for the zipline industry,” said Danny Boren, President of Skyline. “Additionally, this attraction will have increased guest capacity as a result of the integrated ride controls and automated safety features, which are exciting new developments for the zipline industry.”
The take-off platform is a multi-level, 11-story structure designed to look like a giant slot machine, complete with a lever and reels. Each time riders launch from the Zoomline platform, the lever will engage, the reels will “spin” and a beacon will illuminate. The slot machine is adorned with two Vegas showgirls standing 37 feet tall and will include a 20-foot wide, 10-foot tall “Welcome to Fabulous Downtown Las Vegas” sign, providing a great photo op for tourists.
SlotZilla will have two landing platforms. Zipline riders will land on a platform near the intersection at 3rd Street and Casino Center. Zoomline riders will land on a platform located on top of a new Main Street Stage.
To make way for construction of this amazing ride, the current temporary zipline, Flightlinez, had to be closed for a short time. SlotZilla is scheduled to open in June. Fremont Street Experience anticipates hiring approximately 100 employees to operate the new permanent ride.
Ticket prices are expected to be $20 for the Zipline; $30 for the Zoomline; and $40 for both. For those who want to book a time window for their ride and avoid the lines, advanced ticket sales and reservations will be available.
Off-Broadway musical Nunsense continues successful Vegas run
The award-winning, hilarious, Off-Broadway musical and comedy hit, Nunsense, begins its third successful year at the LVH – Las Vegas Hotel & Casino this year. The hysterically funny show can be seen in the Shimmer Cabaret Saturday-Thursday at 4 p.m.
The comedy, about a group of nuns putting on a fundraiser, has entertained people from around the globe. After it’s record-breaking, 10-year run in New York, Dan Goggin’s musical comedy has been performed in more than 8,000 productions.
The show’s ensemble consists of five talented singers, dancers, and a live band. There are minimal props and set changes, putting the spotlight on the performers and their spunky portrayal of each nun in this comical quintet. They may all be dressed the same, but their personalities are distinct, creating some humorous scenarios when all five nuns are on stage.
Ticket prices start at $29.95 (plus tax and service charge) and can be purchased at the Las Vegas Hotel box office, online at WWW.THELVH.COM, or by calling 702-732-5755 or 1-800-222-5361.
Dinner and show packages, which include Benihana or The Buffet, are available for $69.95 and $59.95, plus tax, respectively.
IN OTHER LAS VEGAS NEWS
Congratulations are in order for Wolfgang Puck. His restaurant, Spago, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Puck is considered the father of the culinary revolution in Las Vegas.
There’s a new show at the Plaza in downtown Las Vegas that is garnering some very good reviews. The show, Grand Ole Vegas Revue, was created by Jonathan and Marisa Gorst who worked in Phantom which ended its run at the Venetian in September of last year. The new show features experienced Broadway and Las Vegas Strip performers, is family-friendly, and takes the audience on a nostalgic journey. Performances are 5 p.m., Saturday-Mondays, and Wednesdays.
World renowned, multi-platinum recording artist Matt Goss will continue to entertain audiences with his smooth vocal styling at Caesars Palace with extended dates through March. Transforming The Gossy Room at Cleopatra’s Barge into a vintage-like Vegas lounge every Friday and Saturday evening, the British crooner’s show offers maître d’ seating, tableside cocktail service, and specialty cocktails.
Michael Mina, who closed his Seablue restaurant at the MGM Grand in August, will open a gastropub named 1842 Pub. Menu emphasis will be on craft beer, snacks, shellfish, sausage, and burgers.
Kate’s Korner, the long-time snack bar and ice cream shop at the Gold Coast, has closed. Construction is underway on what will be a Subway.
The Golden Nugget has introduced 74 “Gold Club” rooms to its Rush Tower inventory. The new rooms feature an elevated level of luxury and room amenities. A special card is needed to access these rooms.
The Amazing Johnathan has had enough of Las Vegas it seems. The magician and comedic entertainer recently closed his show after 13 years of performing at various Vegas venues. According to posts made on his Facebook page, Johnathan was not happy at Bally’s.
Bingo’s now a Drag at Circus Circus. On the first Wednesday of every month, you can find a session called PRIDE Family Bingo. Sessions take place in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom and are hosted by drag queens, Diana Prince and Norma Llyaman. The sessions start at 7 p.m. There’s also a happy hour that starts one hour prior that must surely be a blast!
The Bingo sessions include special games, prizes, and discounted eats and drinks. Bingo packets are $10 for 11 games. Raffle tickets are $5 for ten. All proceeds from PRIDE Family Bingo benefit SNAPI, the Southern Nevada Association of Pride, Inc.
Australian sensation Human Nature has announced a new headlining residency at The Venetian Las Vegas. The vocal group’s new show, Smokey Robinson presents Human Nature, opened in January.
The “new” Rockhouse is set to open in The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian. Rockhouse closed at the Imperial Palace back in May,
The D Grill is now open. Located inside its namesake recently transformed downtown property, the casual restaurant serves an extensive menu of contemporary American classics and signature dishes daily around the clock. Just steps from the iconic Fremont Street Experience, the new restaurant serves an array of satisfying meals for early birds, night owls, and everyone in between. Housed in the space formerly occupied by the Courtyard Grill on the D’s second floor adjacent to the Vintage Casino, the D Grill offers convenient dining inside a freshly remodeled venue. Each meal at the D Grill is prepared completely from scratch using only fresh, never frozen ingredients. With a diverse menu offering more than 75 breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert items, there’s something to please every appetite.
The name “Imperial Palace” is no more. The property is now officially The Quad Resort and Casino, or simply “The Quad.”
I mentioned the popularity of former American Idol winner Taylor Hicks‘ show at Bally’s in a previous column. It looks like it was more popular than I realized. Hicks’ contract has been extended until the end of 2013. Tickets remain $39.99.
The buffet at Aria has reopened. It’s currently serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, and what’s being called a “bottomless beverage” service.
The Skybox Sports Bar and Grill at the Aria sports book has closed. A “new concept” will take its place, but has yet to be announced.
The Plaza is the first hotel in Nevada to offer its guests free luggage service to and from McCarran International Airport. The service is offered by other resorts, but for a fee. The company providing the service is called Bags, Inc. Guests can have their bags transported if they’re flying Southwest, Delta, United, American, US Airways, JetBlue, WestJet, or Virgin Atlantic. Personally, I’m not so sure that I want to be separated from my bags during a trip.
Hidden Treasure
CAFÉ MARTORANO at the RIO
Martorano’s serves simple, old-school Italian-American home cooking in a chic after-dark environment. The dining experience is enhanced by an atmosphere that includes the sounds of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Bobby Darin. As the night progresses the music gets louder and you’ll hear the sounds of classic R&B and disco with a touch of slow jams and classic rock. If the mood should strike you, dancing is encouraged.
Recently, owner/chef Steve Martorano revamped the menu at both his Florida and Vegas restaurants. “I’ve always done things my way,” he explained. “I’m old-school Italian and I’ve always cooked what I love to eat, but my tastes have grown and my new menu reflects what and how I’m eating now.”
The restaurant’s signature item is their meatballs which are described as “the best in the world.” The meatballs are offered in a variety of ways that include the following: Homemade Meatball with the south Philly salad – $18; Homemade Meatball with gravy and ricotta cheese – $14; Spaghetti and Meatball served old school with ricotta cheese – $25. The meatballs are the size of a baseball so there is only one per serving.
Pasta dishes on the menu at Martarano’s include: Spaghetti Marinara with San Marzano tomatoes & fresh basil – $18; Bucatini Carbonara with pancetta, egg, cream, lots of Parmigiana-Reggiano cheese and fresh black pepper – $24; Fusilli Pollo with diced, breaded chicken cutlet, hot and sweet peppers, San Marzano tomato sauce, and finished with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese – $28.
Other standard entrees include: Chicken Cutlet Martorano, a lightly breaded chicken breast with hot and sweet peppers, tomato, and provolone – $26; Veal Cutlet Parmigiana with tender cutlet of veal and fresh mozzarella – $30; and Chicken Cutlet Parmigiano – $24.
My wife, Dorene, and I dined at Martorano’s last July and were treated to a wonderful meal from start to finish. Specials and menu items were explained in detail and the service (Scott) was excellent. Restaurant manager, Jeffery Smith, stopped by our table and introduced himself. Jeffery has been with Martorano’s over seven years and was a wealth of information. He told us about the history of the restaurant and provided us with a plethora of insight on food selection and preparation. There was nothing about the restaurant he didn’t know!
Martorano’s hours of operation are Sunday-Thursday from 5:30-10:00 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday 5:30 – 10:30 p.m. The restaurant is located on the second level in the Masquerade Village section of the Rio. I recommend adding Martorano’s to your Las Vegas “To Do” list. Just like us, I know you’ll enjoy the experience.
SAVE MONEY EATING IN LAS VEGAS
The Eastside Cannery, 5255 Boulder Highway, is offering an All-Day Buffet Pass for only $7 on Wednesdays. Yes, you read that correctly. This is probably the best buffet bargain ever offered!
Buffet hours are 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. The Eastside Cannery does not have a breakfast buffet. The buffet offers fresh cuisine from around the world with seven delicious serving stations. Present a Can Club Card to receive this special price.
Other food specials at the Eastside Cannery include: Beef Stroganoff, for just $5.99, served at Snaps restaurant from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; a Ham and Eggs breakfast that includes hash browns and toast for only $3.99 from 6:30 to 10 a.m.; and at the Deli, you can get a BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich served with French Fires for only $5.99. A beverage purchase is required with all three of these meals.
The Courtyard Café at The Orleans and Café Siena at Suncoast are offering a steak and lobster dinner special for only $7.11 for B Connected members. It’s available nightly from 7-11 p.m. This special has been ongoing since November, but I suggest calling ahead before you go to make sure it’s still current.
Cabo Wabo Cantina inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood has introduced a new $5.99 breakfast that features two eggs, potatoes, choice of any meat, and toast daily from 8-11 a.m. Bottomless mimosas are available for an additional $5.99.
Station Casinos continue great dining deals
All Pasta Cucina restaurants (Boulder Station, Palace Station, Sunset Station, and Texas Station) have an entirely new menu with many entrees staring at just $6.99 with your Boarding Pass card. All entrées include garlic breadsticks with Alfredo and marinara dipping sauces, plus your choice of homemade minestrone soup, or a house salad.
If you like Baja Shrimp Tacos, Cabo Mexican Restaurant has them for only
$6.99 and they’re served with rice and beans. Show your Boarding Pass card and purchase a beverage to take advantage of this deal. It’s available at Cabo Mexican Restaurants at Boulder Station, Palace Station, Santa Fe Station, and Sunset Station, as well as, Amigo’s at Fiesta Henderson and Garduno’s at Fiesta Rancho.
In addition to the items mentioned above, Station Casinos continually offer the lowest buffet prices in Las Vegas. Breakfast is only $4.99; Lunch is $6.99; and dinner is just $7.99. Note: Prices may vary by property – for example, the dinner buffet at Green Valley Ranch and Red Rock Resort is $13.99. Just show your Boarding Pass card.
At the Red Zone Sports bar inside the Gold Coast, you can get a great burger and fries for just $5.25. You can also get a huge order of chicken wings for $5.95. Specials for $3.99 are available from midnight-2 a.m.
The Gold Coast offers rock bottom prices for their buffets. Breakfast is just $5.99; lunch is $7.99; and dinner, featuring prime rib, is a low $9.99. The Dinner buffet on Friday is a Seafood extravaganza for $19.95. There’s also a Sunday brunch for just $10.99. Show your B Connected card for these great prices.
In addition to inexpensive buffets, the Gold Coast is currently offering rooms starting at $25. Visit www.goldcoastcasino.com for details. Downtown, the Plaza is offering rooms for just $15 per night on select dates. Get the details at www.plazahotelcasino.com.
For items like these and more, visit Steve’s award winning website at: www.everythinglv.com. Have a question for Steve about Las Vegas? You can email him at mrvegas98@aol.com.
Legends in Concert lives on at Flamingo Las Vegas
