Columnist John Katsilometes: Basking in the splendor that is the annual Nevada Ballet Theatre Black & White Ball

Mon, Jan 30, 2006 (8:14 a.m.)

Fabulous Las Vegas runs Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in the Las Vegas Sun. Reach John Katsilometes at [email protected] or at (702) 259-2327 or (702) 812-9812.

Maybe it was the moment when Steve Wynn, gripping crutches, leaned forward to tell Rita Rudner, "You are the cleverest, coolest girl ... I have been watching comedians since I was a little boy and you're one of the best" that you realized this was indeed a top-shelf Las Vegas soiree.

Saturday night's Nevada Ballet Theatre Black & White Ball at Wynn Las Vegas drew an audience of about 650 to the Latour Ballroom. The annual fundraiser attracted a bevy (gaggle?) of Vegas celebs and newsmakers; in one Kodak moment I spotted "American Idol" pistol Paula Abdul chatting up local clothing mogul and sometime vocalist Fred Nassiri.

Most of the VIP crowd spent the early part of the evening jockeying for position to be photographed with NBT Woman of the Year Rita Rudner, the night's honored guest.

Those on hand included honorary chairwoman Elaine Wynn; Robert Goulet and his wife, Vera; Smokey Robinson; Tony Curtis (whose art in giclee was part of the evening's live auction); former Supreme Mary Wilson; David Brenner; Danny Gans; Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt and her fiance, Dennis Bono; and the ubiquitous Robin Leach.

NBT dignitaries were well-represented: Executive Director Harris Ferris, Artistic Director Bruce Steivel and co-founder Nancy Houssels all made brief comments to the audience.

Brenner, Gans and Rudner each took to the stage for 10- to 15-minute sets. Brenner (whose first gig in Vegas, at the Golden Nugget, was nearly 35 years ago) seemed a bit distracted and off his game, conceding he was uncomfortable wearing a tux onstage "for the first time in 15 years." But he had one great line: "Every magician in America lives in Vegas -- they're all trying to make each other disappear."

Gans, who returns to the Mirage on Feb. 7 after spending more than three months on hiatus while mending a torn rotator cuff, appeared fit and moved freely while killing with his impression of Jeff Foxworthy ("If someone yells, 'Hoedown!' and your date hits the floor ... you might be a redneck.") Rudner, who earlier had said, "Just remember to say I'm funny," uncorked one of the best Vegas jokes I've heard:

"Since I live in Vegas, I've hired a Rita Rudner impressionist to baby-sit ... And he is one of the best." She is funny.

NoteMart

About those crutches: Sorry to keep you waiting on this: Steve Wynn suffered an injury to his right knee over the weekend while skiing in Sun Valley, Idaho. Hence, the crutches ...

Abdul update: Vegas has factored prominently in the success of "American Idol," Abdul noted before the dinner presentation. "When we had auditions here they were absolutely fantastic, great stories, great characters. We had one 24- or 25-year-old guy who was prematurely gray and sang the standards -- Perry Como, Frank Sinatra -- a total Vegas guy." The highlights of the Vegas auditions air Tuesday night from 8-9 on Fox.

Abdul also figured in the live auction. She made the high bid for a tiny (as in, a pocket-sized 14 ounces) female teacup Yorkshire terrier puppy for $10,000. Too bad it wasn't a male; "Simon" is a nice name ...

A character draws a caricature: One of the more distinctive auction items was a caricature of the highest bidder to be drawn by Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman. That prize went for $6,500 ...

Table rap: Seated across the table was Luxor President and Chief Operating Officer Felix Rapapport, who is eagerly awaiting the opening of "Hairspray" at the Luxor Theatre (previews begin Feb. 6). He noted that the pressure is heavy amid Strip shows. "Someone told me the other day there are now 65 shows on the Strip. There is so much competition to be different." But the show's leads, Harvey Fierstein and Dick Latessa, should draw attention (and fans) to the production ...

Oscar odds: Academy Awards nominations will not be announced until Tuesday, but Wynn Las Vegas sports book director Johnny Avello has already handicapped the best picture, best director, best actor and best actress categories.

Avello likes "Brokeback Mountain," at 2-to-1, to take best picture. Sitting at 8-5 for best director is "Brokeback Mountain's" Ang Lee. Favored for best actor is Philip Seymour Hoffman of "Capote" (7-5), and setting the pace for best actress is Reese Witherspoon of "Walk The Line" (2-1).

Avello said the numbers -- for recreational purposes only -- will be adjusted Tuesday morning, after the Oscar nominations are announced. He'll also post the supporting actor and supporting actress categories ...

Precious moments: Spotted on a gleaming Mercedes Benz sedan over the weekend, the vanity plate PRESHUS. And one more, on a red Chevy Cavalier: NATATUD, which makes sense if you know the name of the driver with an attitude is Natalie.

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