Monti in Las Vegas

11/08/2008    And the winner is....... Obama, Obama, Obama.  It took more than two years of effort, thousands and thousands of volunteers and millions upon millions of dollars.  It is historic or would that be hysterical?
           As a columnist I'm not really very political but we can all agree something is going to change.  At least the Republican nominees have a job waiting for them.  Not everyone can say that.  McCain will head back to the Senate and Sarah Palin will return to Alaska to complete her term as governor.  Who knows maybe she'll be producing her own television show in the future and maybe Oprah will become an ambassador to some foreign land, or maybe she'll just buy a foreign land.  
          Like many others, I'm not sure if we're in a depression or a recession.  The shows that are closing on the local front haven't helped define the economics here in Las Vegas.  Still haven't figured that out.  Does a closing equal depression or recession.  Guess it depends who you're talking with.  
          A couple of months ago I reported that Stomp Out Loud at Planet Hollywood was closing.  My facts were wrong at the time.  I can't always be right but I can now report with confidence Stomp Out Loud is closing.  It's closing the same day the curtain comes down on Mamma Mia at Mandalay Bay.   The Sopranos at the Riviera is also another closing.  Just in, Dick Feeney's Viva Las Vegas closing this week after a long run at the Stratosphere and then at the Plaza. Which one is next?  
           Following my return from New York City I was met with "Bruh ha ha directed at yours truly.  I found myself confused.  After all, is your columnist a celebrity?  A star of yesterday?  I admit I drive around Las Vegas in my leopard Rockmobile and I carry a stuffed cat and a heavy stick.  Sometimes I don't always get my facts right but that's part of being a columnist.    
           The jury is still out on the Criss Angel show Believe at the Luxor, even though the Los Angeles Times review was devastating.  Now I have the opportunity to see the show,  I'll share my experience, as only I can.  Many critics have given a "thumbs down"   on the show and have said nothing positive about it. I found the costumes, sets,choreography and the acarobatic dancers to be excellent.  But there is too much Cirque and not enough Criss. The excitng illusions were on video, not live. What is left for Criss is ordinary. And what about Criss Angel walking out (after about 20 minutes) of fellow magician Keith Barry's show.   Not a good move, as Criss does not need any more bad press at this time.
          Speaking of the Luxor, have you been to the"MORE" Buffet recently?   Steve  Katz and his crew have turned this place into one of the best buffets on the strip.The food  and ambiance are exceptional.
           Happy Birthday to Felix Rappaport, one the the true gentlemen in our town.  Many more, good friend.
          Harrah's was the scene for a new production showcase by Ryan Smith.  I had fun with Frank Marino, Breck Wahl and Jimmy Emmerson.  After Frank Marino's comments on my attire I had to explain I was leopardized in my new ensemble. It was a great time and I can let my readers know Harrah's will now be gay friendly. No kidding!  
          The divine Lorna Luft has just moved to Palm Springs.  Her next door neighbor is Barry Manilow.  Perhaps they can car pool on their trips to Las Vegas!  Actually Lorna is scheduled to appear in the Wizard of Oz in Manchester, England and will be playing the part of the wicked witch.  What are they trying to say!
          The handsome, not so timid, Simon Cowell from American Idol has just broken up with his girlfriend and it only cost him seven million dollars.  Lucky him, they weren't married!  And I must ask, why did that not happen to me?  When I break up I give them the house. 
          Could this be true?  Former  Las Vegas and Atlantic City entertainer of the year  Clint Holmes  alllegedly at weddings?  It's true, it's true! And  at Town Hall  in New York this past weekend with Vince Falcone (where is Bill Fayne?)  conducting.
           Sheldon Adelson's case against Review Journal columnist John Smith has been dismissed after three years. Adelson will pay all costs ad expenses and can not bring the same lawsuit in the future. The case may be over, but the arguing is allegedly not.
           Most shows in Las Vegas are offering two for one tickets or can be found on Cheap Tickets.  Many hotel rooms are at half price.  This is fact, not fiction.  It was just announced on national television The Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City just did a layoff of about 5% of their employees.  Apparently television news hasn't been in tune with the Las Vegas scene because local hotels and casinos have been trimming the fat for months.     
            Thanksgiving will soon be here followed by Hanukkah, Christmas and the New Year.  I remain yours truly and continue to believe it's good to be Monterlla, as well as The Rev Monti

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11/01/2008 - Did I hear a collective "Yeah!" in celebration of the end of campaign ads on television, campaign signs along our streets, campaign dialog and rhetoric at every turn?  Families divided, disputes among friends can now come to an end.   May the mud slinging stop and may our lives return to some semblance of n-o-r-m-a-l. 
          Come to think of it I would imagine television networks will see a tremendous drop in their advertising income with the end of almost two years of campaigning.  Not to worry.  With all the promises made I'm sure all will be well with the world.  Now it's up to all of us to hold their feet to the flame.  Sweet revenge for the many months of promises.  Did I hear another "Yeah!"?   
               Saturday night, Oct. 25th , at Taj Majal in Atlantic City, your columnist, Monti Rock III, performed to a sold out crowd as part of the featured show -Disco Ball.  I revisited Disco Tex and his Sex-O-Lettes.  Vito Bruno, the  producer, put together ten dancers, a big band, and young Sex-O-Lettes  behind me and it was a triumph.  Thanks to the Trump organization all of the performers enjoyed first class accommodations and top of the line amenities.  It's good to be Disco Tex again.  With the sell-out of the show, (about 5000 people), I guess I shouldn't be too surprised to find casinos in Atlantic City filled with a lot of action. It was perfect for promoting my CDs and t-shirts and made me quite aware of star power. But, what do I know, I'm just a journalist. 
             A little side note regarding my appearance at Taj Majal's arena.  I have to hand it to Bette Midler for her performances  night after night at Caesars Colosseum.  I walked or danced/pranced up and down the stage for little more than four minutes and could hardly catch my breath.  How does she do it night after night?  My hat's off to you Bette!  
             Following the successful outing in Atlantic City I headed to New York City to visit long time friends and shop, shop, shop.  Not sure what I enjoyed more, the shopping or my friends.  Of course, it was my friends.  When I say long time friends, I really do mean long time.  Many were with me at the very start of my many careers.  
              While in New York City Criss Angel's show Believe at the Luxor celebrated the grand opening with a gala party.  So far, the reviews have been mixed..  I'll do my own review sometime in November and still hold to the idea that everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves and right now Criss deserves a shot.  One wrong click on the email send key set off a misunderstanding about  my invitation to the opening, but all is well again. I guess the best way to generate publicity for me is to be out of town at the right, (or wrong) time.
        Last week I wrote about all the Cirque shows in town and how I thought it might be time for someone to come up with something new.  In my enthusiasm to make a point, I goofed.  LeReve at Wynn is not part of the Cirque scene.  The powers that be must not think Cirque has reached its max here in Las Vegas because at this very moment a show about Elvis, a Cirque show, is being written.  
           The economy continues to struggle and that holds true for Las Vegas,  The casino and hotel earnings are way down, some by more than 50%.  There are at least two major properties for sale and many of the properties are making big cuts.  It seems as one restaurant closes, two more open and even though our Mayor Goodman keeps trying to generate business for downtown, it could take another five or six years to see any real development.  
            Downtown holds a couple of exceptions.  The Golden Nugget continues to be a mainstay for downtown and everyone is waiting for the arrival of Gordie Brown in February.  And we can't count out the Plaza which continues with Viva Las Vegas and The Rat Pack is Back.  
               Back on the Strip Donny and Marie Osmond are doing a brisk business at the Flamingo while Bette Midler continues to draw the crowds to Caesars Colosseum.  And as mentioned in an earlier column the word is that international sensation and adopted resident Celine Dion is waiting in the wings at the Colosseum.  Celine's earlier show was sold out, sold out, sold out for five years.  Her return would break records again, no doubt. but first she's trying to have another child..  Our beloved Cher is coming back to Caesars in Feb and will do her thing through May.  Stay healthy Cher-we all love you!
            I love New York City and all the shows but some of the shows simply don't translate well to the Las Vegas scene.  Not sure what the answer is but we all remember that last year saw the opening and closing of such Broadway shows as Avenue Q, Hairspray and Spamalot. Once again there are exceptions such as Mamma Mia at Mandalay Bay which will be closing in January after a successful six year run.  Also Jersey Boys at The Palazzo seems to be surviving along with Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian which, incidentally,  has been cut down to only one cast.  Word on the street is that Wicked and Lion King are coming to Las Vegas making it a family oriented scene.  Didn't they try that before and it ran out of steam?  
             Barry Manilow at the Hilton continues strong as well as Menopause the Musical.  Penn and Teller still a sell out at the Rio and Lance Burton continues forever at the Monte Carlo.  
 
Halloween, did you trick or treat?

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The Reverernd Monti will see you next week.

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