Las Vegas Nevada News Feed

The smash hit JERSEY BOYS at The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino has been named the number one show of the year by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Nevada’s largest newspaper.

Jersey Boys

In a year of stiff competition, JERSEY BOYS claimed the top spot for entertainment in 2008 ahead of such celebrated productions as Bette Midler “The Showgirl Must Go On,” Cher and Donny and Marie Osmond.

Entertainment critic for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Mike Weatherford, writes, “…the group’s crowd-pleasing ‘Behind the Music’ bio at The Palazzo fits the heart and soul of The Strip better than any Broadway hit tried here.”

JERSEY BOYS opened in Las Vegas on May 3, 2008 as the exclusive west coast permanent company, led by Erich Bergen (Bob Gaudio), Rick Faugno (Frankie Valli), Jeff Leibow (Nick Massi) and Deven May (Tommy DeVito) as The Four Seasons. Presented in Las Vegas in a unique, custom-built theatre adorned with one-of-a-kind memorabilia from The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, JERSEY BOYS at The Palazzo is the same production fans all over the world have come to know and love.

JERSEY BOYS performs at The Palazzo Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 7 p.m.; Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; Saturday at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. and dark on Wednesday.

JERSEY BOYS runs two hours (including a short break between Acts I & II).

JERSEY BOYS, which opened on Broadway to rave reviews on November 6, 2005, continues to be completely sold out and the hottest ticket on the Great White Way. JERSEY BOYS received the 2006 Tony Award® for Best Musical and the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Musical Recording; that recording was certified Gold by the RIAA in February, and is regularly found at the top of the Billboard chart of best-selling show CDs.

JERSEY BOYS is the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were thirty. The show features such hits as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” “Oh, What a Night,” and many more.

JERSEY BOYS is written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe. The Las Vegas production is staged by the entire original Broadway creative team, led by director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo. JERSEY BOYS has scenic design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Jess Goldstein, lighting by Howell Binkley, sound by Steve Canyon Kennedy and projections design by Michael Clark. The orchestrations are by Steve Orich and the music direction and vocal arrangements by Ron Melrose.

JERSEY BOYS is presented in Las Vegas by original Broadway producers Dodger Theatricals, Joseph Grano, Tamara and Kevin Kinsella, Pelican Group together with BASE Entertainment (Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular); in association with Latitude Link and Rick Steiner.

Jersey Boys

Palazzo Resort Casino

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“Defending the Caveman,” Broadway’s smash hit about the sexes, will begin a permanent performance schedule at Excalibur Hotel Casino beginning Tuesday, January 13. “Defending the Caveman” performances take place at 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday with additional performances at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. “Defending the Caveman” has experienced tremendous success in Las Vegas, racking-up an impressive 700 performances since its Las Vegas debut in June 2007.

Defending The Caveman Tickets

“We are thrilled “Defending the Caveman” will remain at our property,” said Renee West, president and COO of Excalibur. “We’re confident our guests, like the millions who have already seen the show, will relate to the show’s universal themes and humor.”

“Defending the Caveman” is a hilariously insightful play about the ways men and women relate. It offers side-splitting opinions on contemporary feminism, masculine sensitivity, and the erogenous zone. The longest running solo play in Broadway history, “Defending the Caveman” originally opened in San Francisco in 1991 and moved to Broadway in 1995. Since its debut, “Defending the Caveman” has been seen by more than eight million people worldwide and continues to grow in popularity.

Comedian Kevin Burke stars in the Las Vegas run of “Defending the Caveman.” A seasoned comedic stage actor, playwright and director, Burke has starred in the Broadway tour of “Defending the Caveman” since 2003 and will continue to charm audiences during the stay at Excalibur.

Defending The Caveman Tickets

Excalibur Hotel and Casino

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Magnificent Botanical Ox to Usher in Chinese New Year 2009

WHAT: Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens ushers in the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Ox, with a spectacular new exhibit. The majestic centerpiece will be a 15-foot-long ox comprised of more than 10,000 living plants. The ox is the second animal in the Asian zodiac.

Just steps away, an 18-foot-tall Chinese God of Wealth and Fortune will stand amidst golden lucky coins. Visitors also will delight to discover a trio of charming, 6-foot-tall giant pandas. Made of more than 9,000 living plants, the pandas will frolic in a lush garden filled with towering bamboo.

The dramatic design found within Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens will be guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui – the art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance and positive life energy. Guests are invited to celebrate the Chinese New Year from January 14 through February 28.

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Information

Bellagio Resort and Casino

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Legendary Las Vegas Chef Andre Rochat Unveils New Look of Namesake Restaurant.

Andre’s Restaurant & Lounge at Monte Carlo has reopened with a new look, new offerings and a new chef de cuisine. Considered the first Las Vegas celebrity chef, Andre Rochat has enhanced his AAA Four Diamond restaurant by combining its original old-world charm with a modern twist to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

“Andre’s exemplary reputation has earned him a very loyal following and a deep respect from others in the culinary industry,” said Anton Nikodemus, president and COO of Monte Carlo. “We are proud to have Andre and his team as part of the Monte Carlo family, and I know his customers will enjoy the new restaurant experience.”

The new layout of Andre’s, designed by Urbane Design Associates, is evident upon arrival. Floor-to-ceiling clear glass entrance doors allow a glimpse into the visually open and expanded wine bar. Accented with gold and blue mosaic tiles, silk-wrapped lighting, metal barstools with blue cowhide and four large glass bottle sculptures by local artist Tony Milici, the bar provides a beautiful backdrop to enjoy a menu of small plates, artisanal cheeses and charcuterie before proceeding to the dining room. To complement the bar menu, wine flights and unique cognac flights are available to sample old favorites or possibly discover new ones from Andre’s award-winning, 12,000-bottle cellar.

Honored by the prestigious Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator, Andre’s Restaurant & Lounge boasts a wine list with more than 1,500 selections. The list features legendary vintages from the most exalted châteaux of Bordeaux, Burgundy, as well as top New World, Italian and Spanish labels.

Turquoise blue, the design firm’s version of the traditional “French blue,” is set against pearly white and grey walls throughout the restaurant and complemented by colorful contemporary artwork. Touches of glamour and sparkle are created with antiqued mirrors and whimsical, silver chandelier-inspired sconces. In the dining room, romantic candlelit tables, dressed in white linen, fine sterling silver, Raynaud Limoges china by Alberto Pinto and delicate stemware complete the setting.

Upstairs, guests will discover three private dining rooms as well as the intimate Cigar Lounge, recognized in 2008 by Santé as “Outstanding Restaurant Bar.” The Lounge offers one of the widest selections of Cognacs, Armagnacs and after-dinner drinks in North America. For an added experience, Cognacs and cigars can be professionally paired.

Locals, devoted clientele and food lovers alike will be pleased to know the daily culinary operations are being managed by Chef de Cuisine Greg Engelhardt, a veteran of the recently closed Andre’s in downtown Las Vegas. Engelhardt’s driving passion to create contemporary interpretations of “Andre’s Classics” earned the downtown restaurant a one star rating from the prestigious Michelin Travel Guide.

The menu features traditional French cuisine overseen nightly by Chef Rochat, who gives his personal stamp of approval to each plate before it leaves the kitchen. Guests can indulge in Andre’s signature menu items, including Rack of Colorado Lamb with eggplant parmesan and gratin dauphinois; Filet of Beef au Poivre Vert with green peppercorn cream sauce and jumbo asparagus hollandaise and Live Maine Lobster Thermidor.

Chef Rochat said, “I am very excited about the transformation Andre’s Restaurant & Lounge has made at Monte Carlo. There have been many culinary changes in Las Vegas, and while the clientele is always looking for a new and exciting experience, our guests also are looking for great food, superior service and a good value. We deliver it all!”

Andre’s Restaurant & Lounge at Monte Carlo is open daily from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are recommended but not required.

Andre’s Information

Monte Carlo Resort & Casino

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The Carmel Room inside Rampart Casino will host the restaurant’s first-ever collaborative dinner with world-renowned cognac producer, A. Hardy on Thursday, February 19 at 6 p.m. The food pairing dinner features special guest Bénédicte Hardy, the great, great granddaughter of company founder, Anthony Hardy.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for the restaurant and for our guests to meet someone so fascinating and with such an intimate knowledge of great cognacs,” said Terry Janjua, The Carmel Room manager. “It will be a fantastic opportunity to really enjoy a fun and relaxing evening and expand your view of cognac in general.”

In this rare opportunity, guests will dine in a communal setting, sharing stories around a family style table with Ms. Hardy, the fifth generation of the Hardy family still working in the business. The evening will include a comparative tasting of several different styles of Hardy cognacs and then segue into a dinner pairing cognac-based cocktails with The Carmel Room Chef Steven Varga’s cuisine.

Founded by Anthony Hardy in 1863, Hardy became known for his meticulous attention to detail, the utilization largely of the temperamental Colombard grape for their spirits, and the creation of several of the world’s highest rated and most expensive cognacs. Their pinnacle of achievement is the Hardy Perfection. It is comprised of spirits dating back to the 1870s and sells for upwards of $6,500 per bottle.

The dinner is $90 per person plus tax and gratuity. The special menu and the regular menu will be offered all night long. Restaurant hours are 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling (702) 507-5955.

Menu

Terrine of Hudson Valley Foie Gras
Butter Pear Salad
Hardy Pinot de Charentes Caravelle Cocktail

Roasted Barramundi
Parsnip and Porcini Mushrooms
Hardy Pineau de Charentes and Vermont Butter Sauce
Hardy VSOP Hold Up

Hardy VSOP Braised Beef Short Ribs
Cheese Soufflé and Winter Root Vegetables
Tellicherry Peppercorn Sauce
Hardy Napoleon Manhattan

Mission Valley Fig and Sultan Torte
Hardy Vanille Marinated Apples
Hardy XO Elderflower Arago

Artesian Cheese Platters
Hardy Noces D’Or Neat

Cannery Casino Resorts, LLC, owns and operates the Cannery Casino & Hotel in North Las Vegas; the Rampart Casino within the Resort in Summerlin, also home of the J.W. Marriott Resort; and Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel. The company also owns and operates the Meadows Racetrack & Casino in Washington County, PA. Cannery Casino Resorts can be reached at (702) 856-5300. The specific property websites are as follows: Cannery Casino & Hotel and Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel, www.cannerycasinos.com; Rampart Casino, www.rampartcasino.com. The Meadows Racetrack & Casino can be reached at (724) 503-1200, (877) 824-5050, or by visiting www.meadowsgaming.com.

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Winner Takes Home 2008 Ford Shelby GT Along With Cash Prize.

Arthur Romero, a 62-year-old Amarillo, Texas resident, drove home Sunday a proud owner of a Limited Edition 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT along with more than $39,000 in cash. Romero won the new Mustang, valued at $50,000, when he hit one of the Barrett-Jackson slot jackpots at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.

Romero, who was on vacation with his wife, said he was overwhelmed when the machine’s three Barrett-Jackson symbols lined up in a row, “I can’t believe I won the jackpot here at Mandalay Bay. It was quite a surprise and it didn’t even sink in that I had won until we were driving the car home. In fact, I think my wife was more excited than I was because she forgot our room number when going to get her cell to call home.”

When asked how he decided to play the IGT-manufactured games Romero said, “We had actually been there (in the casino) earlier that day but left to walk around the Strip. Then we came back later and I looked over and saw the car symbols on the machine, not even the car display itself. I put $20 into the machine and it hit after only five or six spins. I yelled to my wife that I had won and she kept saying ‘are you sure?’ and I said ‘about as sure as I can be.’ We will definitely come back to Mandalay Bay because we really like the resort and all of the personnel here are extremely helpful.”

Three American automotive icons, Ford Motor Company, Barrett-Jackson Auction Company and Shelby Automobiles, collaborated to create collector car history with the Limited Edition 2008 Shelby GT. The companies unveiled the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT at the Arizona International Auto Show in November 2007 and a total of only 100 models, in both coupe and convertible body styles, were sold through only Arizona Ford dealers. Romero’s model is No. 8 of 100 and is equipped with a 319-horsepower, 4.6-liter 3V OHC V8 engine and a five-speed manual transmission. The features of the Barrett-Jackson Edition include Barrett-Jackson Red LeMans hood and side stripes, Barrett-Jackson Edition door sill plates and a special gas cap insert.

Collector car aficionados from around the world made the Mandalay Bay Events Center their home for a week in October 2008 when the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company brought their acclaimed auction and lifestyle event to the property for the first time. Hundreds of collector vehicles were sold at No Reserve during the auction while SPEED cameras captured live, high-definition coverage. The event is scheduled to return to the Mandalay Bay Events Center this fall.

The slot machines were developed jointly by Mandalay Bay and Barrett-Jackson and display reel symbols which represent a number of the various automobiles presented during the October 2008 show at the Events Center. Mandalay Bay is working with Barrett-Jackson to display a new car in the near future.

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino

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SUSHISAMBA strip celebrates ‘Super Sunday,’ as two teams battle for national football fame and glory in the season’s final match. The party kicks off on Sunday, February 1 inside SUSHISAMBA’s Sugarcane Lounge for an exclusive big screen viewing. While they cheer their team to victory, fans can indulge in a special ‘Big Game’ menu featuring a Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian twist on all-American favorites. From Berkshire Pork Ribs and Mini Kobe Chili Cheese Dogs to a Japanese and Brazilian beer selection, SUSHISAMBA knows how to satisfy big appetites for the biggest game of the year.

And, as if the on-screen action wasn’t enough excitement, SUSHISAMBA fans can engage in a full-fledged cocktail competition. Created by the restaurant’s master mixologists, the team cocktails are a fun and easy way to show team pride.

Big Game Viewing Menu:

Organic Chicken Wings: Spicy teriyaki, sesame, roasted cashews

Tuna Sliders: Pão de queijo, tomato marmalade, aioli

Anticucho Combo: Shrimp, beef, chicken, seabass, served with Peruvian corn on the cob

Berkshire Pork Ribs: Aji Amarillo marmalade, lime zest, crushed corn, Brussels sprout slaw

Mini Kobe Chili Cheese Dogs

Located inside The Shoppes at The Palazzo, SUSHISAMBA strip offers inventive fare uniting bold Brazilian flavors, precise Japanese technique and exquisite Peruvian culinary traditions on one plate. In addition to the Las Vegas location, SUSHISAMBA also has outposts in New York, Chicago, Miami and Tel Aviv. Reservations can be made by calling (702) 607-0700 and all major credit cards are accepted. For more information, visit www.sushisamba.com and join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/SUSHISAMBA/38597078368?ref=s.

THE SHOPPES AT THE PALAZZO
The Shoppes at The Palazzo is a 450,000-square-foot luxury destination retail center located within The Palazzo Las Vegas, a nearly $1.8 billion stand-alone resort developed by Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) adjacent to The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. The Shoppes at The Palazzo is owned and operated by General Growth Properties and includes Barneys New York, more than 60 premier luxury brands and nearly a dozen restaurants, many led by world-renowned chefs. General Growth Properties, Inc. is the second largest U.S.-based publicly-traded real estate investment trust (REIT) and largest retail developer and owner in Las Vegas. www.theshoppesatthepalazzo.com

Sushisamba Information

Palazzo Resort Casino

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Wolfgang Puck invites patrons to indulge in the 15-Layer Carrot Cake, a unique take on the traditional dessert. Director of Pastry Kenny Magana created this mouth-watering temptation which is composed of fifteen savory layers of cake and adorned with candied walnuts, filled with a delectable cream cheese filling and complemented with ginger ice cream. For $12, the seasonal dish is available at Wolfgang Puck’s Chinois and Spago, located inside The Forum Shops at Caesars, as well as at the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, located inside MGM Grand.

Chinois Information

Spago Information

Wolfgang Puck’s Bar & Grill Information

Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino

MGM Grand Hotel and Casino

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Nevada Public Radio listeners and members have a special opportunity to support public radio while experiencing a little love. Two benefit performances of The Beatles LOVE at the Mirage Hotel and Casino are scheduled for 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 5. All of the proceeds will benefit Nevada Public Radio and must be purchased through Nevada Public Radio.

LOVE Tickets

A special feature to this benefit is the “Help! I need somebody” section. When a single ticket is purchased through Nevada Public Radio, that seat will automatically be placed with other single public radio fans. You never know, you might just “find somebody to love.”

Patrons who choose the 9:30 p.m. show will also be treated to a special question and answer session with cast and crew members.

Special ticket pricing of $125 is available for current Nevada Public Radio members. Listeners of News 88.9 KNPR and Classical 89.7 can purchase tickets for $150 each, which includes Nevada Public Radio membership. To purchase tickets, visit www.knpr.org, www.classical897.org or call (702) 258-9895 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

About Nevada Public Radio

Nevada Public Radio is the state’s premier non-commercial broadcaster of National Public Radio programming and includes News 88.9 KNPR FM, Classical 89.7 KCNV FM, plus a network of repeater stations including KTPH, Tonopah (91.7); KLNR, Panaca (91.7); KWPR, Lund/Ely (88.7); and KSGU, St. George (90.3). In addition, Nevada Public Radio operates a statewide radio reading service for the visually impaired.

Nevada Public Radio produces the national award-winning public affairs program “KNPR’s State of Nevada,” 10 hours a week of original content, which is also available on demand at www.knpr.org.

Nevada Public Radio, a not-for-profit organization, was incorporated in 1975 with its flagship station KNPR FM signing on the air in 1980. Since early 2008, Nevada Public Radio has provided digital (HD) programming with additional channels of Spanish language, contemporary eclectic music, and news broadcasts. Nevada Public Radio also publishes Desert Companion, a quarterly magazine. For more information, call 702.258.9895 or visit www.knpr.org.

LOVE Tickets

Mirage Resort & Casino

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Back by popular demand, a concert celebration featuring music’s premier songwriter and producer David Foster will take place Saturday, May 9 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.  The event will pay tribute to the 15-time Grammy winner and will feature Philip Bailey from the chart-topping band Earth, Wind & Fire, Brian McKnight, Peter Cincotti and Oprah Winfrey’s protégé, Charice.  Foster also will perform some of the hits he has written or produced during his 40-year musical career.  The event is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

The Show will Feature Philip Bailey, Brian McKnight, Peter Cincotti, Oprah Winfrey’s Protégé Charice and a Surprise Guest Performer

David Foster and Friends Tickets

Philip Bailey is an American R&B, soul, gospel and funk singer, best known as one of the longtime members of Earth, Wind & Fire.  The band has sold more than  90 million albums worldwide and is known for a number of hit singles including “Shining Star,” “September,” “Fantasy,” “Boogie Wonderland” and “Let’s Groove.”  Brian McKnight, singer, songwriter and award-winning pianist, has released 11 albums, seven of which have gone platinum.   Peter Cincotti, the 25-year-old singer, songwriter and pianist, brings to life a fresh and cinematic world on his new Warner Brothers album, East Of Angel Town.  Exploring musical styles that blend pop, rock, blues, funk and jazz, Cincotti’s percussive piano playing and rich vocals infuse each song with a startling energy.  Charice first attracted attention on the Internet when the FalseVoice channel of YouTube posted her Little Big Star performance of Whitney Houston’s hit, “I Will Always Love You.”  These videos brought Charice to the attention of Ten Songs Productions, a production company based in Sweden. She then traveled to Stockholm in June 2007 and recorded seven songs.

Foster, who has been nominated for an unprecedented 45 Grammy awards, won two Emmys and was an Oscar nominee, has discovered and nurtured the careers of megastars such as Josh Groban, Michael Bublé and The Corrs, as well as created chart-topping hits for legends such as Andrea Bocelli, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Madonna, Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan.  He entered the music business in 1973 and quickly established himself as a sought-after session musician and the industry’s premier keyboardist.   Most recently Foster produced Seal’s new album Soul that includes songs “A Change Is Gonna Come,” “I Can’t Stand The Rain” and “A Man’s Man’s Man’s World.”

Last spring Foster assembled a stunning collection of artists in Las Vegas for a spectacular night which honored his extremely successful four-decade career.  PBS filmed the spectacular evening and has since released “HIT MAN:  DAVID FOSTER AND FRIENDS” where Foster shines in the role of host as well as keyboard accompanist to a slew of stars.

David Foster and Friends Tickets

Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino

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