The Kats Report Podcast
KWTD — Travis Cloer's new Christmas album; Kats recalls Goodman-Trump summit
John Katsilometes talks about an interview with Oscar Goodman where the former Las Vegas mayor rehashes conversations with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump about building a hotel in downtown where Container Park is now local. Also, Kats and co-host Tricia McCrone talk with Travis Cloer of "Jersey Boys" at Paris about his holiday album.
The Kats Report Podcast
Kats With the Dish from October 30, 2015
John Katsilometes and Trish McCrone talk arts and entertainment in Las Vegas
The Kats Report Bureau at this writing is the Fed Ex Business Center at MGM Grand. Somehow, a person I see quite often around VegasVille but never at MGM Grand, Bryce Krausman of the ticket brokerage House Seats, just swept by and called out my name.
Then, similar to the Flash, he vanished. Weird.
The reason for this visit is to reconnect with the masked men of Jabbawockeez. In an opening softer than an oversized feather pillow, the relentlessly gyrating dance troupe has taken over Beacher’s Madhouse across from the David Copperfield Theater.
The troupe’s latest production is titled “Jreamz,” proving that the Jabbaz are just as inventive with the language as they are with their distinctive boogie moves.
The key stat here is that the Jabbawockeez are playing what is easily their smallest venue in Las Vegas: the newly minted Jabbawockeez Theater seats 350. Their former haunt at the Luxor was 830.
The show is smaller than it has been in its recent past, but as the troupe is quick to remind, this all started as a sidewalk act on the streets of Sacramento, where they usually played to far fewer than 350 fans at a time.
The theater is really that, too — proper seats, all facing the stage. Those can be hauled out to make way for Beacher’s assortment of tables, booths and such props as an inflatable elephant.
Beacher’s Madhouse lives on with Saturday night performances and the occasional Friday night shindig. But this room, coveted by many entertainment types with their respective concepts, is centrally the home of the Jabbawockeez.
More from the scene:
• The first formal indication I’ve spotted that “Rock of Ages” is leaving the Venetian’s in January is the most recent show schedule. Ticket sales stop Jan. 3. At this moment, you can’t buy a ticket for “Rock of Ages” past that date.
Mark Shunock as Lonny and Troy Burgess as Dennis Dupress in Rock of Ages at The Venetian on Thursday, January 30, 2014.
I’m still feeling the show is targeted for Crown Theater at the Rio, renovated in extensive fashion by Dodgers Theatrical for “Duck Commander: The Musical,” which closed May 17 after a monthlong run.
Another move by the show that seems to tip its plans for 2016 was the return of Justin Mortelliti to the cast. The original Drew in the Las Vegas cast, Mortelliti left the cast to return to New York to pursue a solo recording and acting career. He marked his return to the cast Monday night.
It’s highly doubtful that the producers would have brought someone of Mortelliti’s caliber and experience to the show for just a two-month run.
• Las Vegas production company Red Mercury has quietly but relevantly partnered in a trio of major Strip headlining productions. The company produces “MJ Live” at the Stratosphere and also, in a partnership with Paragon Gaming, books the entertainment at Westgate Las Vegas (including Dirk Arthur’s “Wild Magic” at International Theater).
This week, Darin Feinstein, who co-founded Red Mercury with ex-Caesars Entertainment exec Carlos Reynoso, confirmed that the company is an equity partner with Live Nation and Caesars Entertainment in the Britney Spears, Lionel Ritchie and Jennifer Lopez productions at Axis at Planet Hollywood.
This business relationship is likely to expand, too, as Red Mercury looks to grow its empire in Las Vegas (the company’s employee roster now exceeds 50 staffers).
“We’re excited to be part of those three shows, arguably three of the biggest residencies in the U.S.,” Feinstein said Thursday afternoon. “We have two great partners, and we are exploring other opportunities with them.”
• On the topic of what’s happening at Westgate, look for an update on the Superbook in my column in The Sunday, which comes out on ... Sunday. Groovy upgrades, playing out in two phases, being enacted at the big book.
Over at Westgate Cabaret, Jennifer Romas’ “Sexxy” has moved to a time uncommon for a topless show — 7 p.m. Tickets should move as swiftly as those dancers (ha) in that time slot. “Sexxy” was previously staged at 10:45 p.m., kind of late even for an adult revue.
The change in time did not quite answer a pressing question about the anticipated residency of Cameo at Westgate, but expect Mr. Word Up to move into that venue by spring 2016.
It’ll be interesting to see when Cameo’s show will be set.
I’d expect him to want that choice 7 p.m. slot, but we know it is already taken. In the mix, too, is the great Prince revival starring Jason Tenner, “Purple Reign,” at 9 p.m.
• Yuletide update: Travis Cloer is hosting the release party for his holiday CD, “Christmas at My Place,” at the Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday. The event is a benefit for HELP of Southern Nevada.
Donations are being requested, and a raffle is involved.
A highlight of this release, produced by “Jersey Boys” music director Keith Thompson, is the Thompson composition “Christmas Is My Favorite.” That song could be a radio hit, if such a thing still exists.
Cloer also is hosting a holiday show Dec. 7 at Cabaret Jazz featuring such guest stars as Frankie Moreno, Mark Shunock and NIki Scalera.
Cloer says he has lived and breathed this project since recording commenced this summer. During that period, “Jersey Boys” at Paris Las Vegas whittled its schedule from eight shows to six. That boosted individual house numbers and rekindled excitement in the show, but it took a nibble out of the cast members’ paychecks.
What not to expect is a cutting of the lead performers to reflect the reduced show schedule. Cloer and Graham Fenton continue to toggle the role of Frankie Valli. Because that role is particularly difficult to master, the two performers will continue to share the workload.
• On the topic of workload: Long one of the city’s busiest artists, Bill Fayne is launching INC Productions with a performance at 8 tonight at Sam’s Town. Formerly Clint Holmes’ music director at Harrah’s, Fayne has recruited a 32-piece orchestra for concert versions of Broadway favorites.
Fayne also foresees educating young artists in Las Vegas by bringing them onstage and behind-the-scenes to help produce these shows. Tickets for tonight are $27; $43 for VIP seating. For information about the project, email [email protected].
Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at Twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow “Kats With the Dish” at Twitter.com/KatsWiththeDish.
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