“Sexxy” performed for the last time at the Westgate Cabaret on October 17. The upstart burlesque extravaganza created by star Jennifer Romas in 2015 has been a prominent piece of the live entertainment scene at Westgate Las Vegas since owner David Siegel took control of the property (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton and the International) more than seven years ago. After the pandemic closure, “Sexxy” reopened on August 6.
Romas explained this week that cutting ties with Westgate was a mutual separation. The other shows at the 350-seat room — “The Magic of Jen Kramer,” “Soul of Motown” and “The Bronx Wanderers” — opened after “Sexxy” and all have different deals with the casino, mostly “four-wall” operations where the production essentially pays to rent the space. Romas owns the “Sexxy” show and brand and said she had an advantage deal at Westgate.
“I had an amazing deal and we did it for six years and I’m very thankful for the opportunity to grow there,” she said. “The team there is great and it’s a little bittersweet but I think it’s time to move on and to keep growing. Sometimes we need to make a change to make those things happen, to push ourselves.”
Romas is looking for a new home for “Sexxy,” possibly another casino venue on or near the Strip, and is also continuing the “Sexxy After Dark” edition she launched last year at Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club. She’s also getting ready to launch a vodka brand and exploring touring possibilities.
The Westgate Cabaret has one less show but excitement has not been diminished there, proven by this week’s grand opening celebration for “The Bronx Wanderers.” The New York-born family rock band officially began performing there on September 20 (after bouncing around three different Caesars Entertainment venues in recent years) and threw a local celebrity-laden bash Tuesday night to mark the new beginning. Friend and mentor to the group Tony Orlando traveled for the festivities and introduced the show, also attended by producers Kathi and Alan Glist and loads of other Vegas performers and entertainment execs. And the show itself is more powerful than ever, with dad Vinny Adinolfi and son Vin A. sharing stories and leading an incredible backing band through everybody’s favorite rock-and-roll hits. It was a must-see before but feels like an ideal fit in this historic, intimate space at Westgate.
There were plenty of new concert and show announcements this week besides Monday’s big news of the Metallica-Billy Joel weekend at Allegiant Stadium in February. “Long Island Medium” TV star Theresa Caputo will appear at the Orleans Showroom on November 5 and 6; Kristin Chenoweth will return to the Smith Center to ring in the new year, performing at Reynolds Hall on December 31; Comedian and podcast host Bert Kreischer will bring his extended national tour to the Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on January 28; Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators will perform at the Theater at Virgin on February 19; Country-pop singer Jessie James Decker will play Brooklyn Bowl on May 27; And reunited electronic dance music powerhouse Swedish House Mafia’s first tour in 10 years will stop at T-Mobile Arena on September 2.
Sting, who will finally open his “My Songs” residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace after pandemic-related delays on Friday, October 29, strolled out to the big white tent to catch “Absinthe” Tuesday night. Actor Steve Buscemi was at the same show and both ducked backstage for some quick pics with the cast.
Speaking of Spiegelworld shows, the company’s often hilarious, sometimes poignant YouTube series “Vegashitshow” celebrated 52 episodes and a full year of behind-the-scenes antics this week. The show has detailed Spiegelworld’s struggle to get its three Vegas shows back on their stages as well as opening the company’s first restaurant, Superfrico at the Cosmopolitan. The anniversary episode features two key artists, Petra Massey from “Atomic Saloon Show” and Grace Lusk from “Opium,” looking back on a wild year.
“America’s Got Talent Las Vegas Live,” set to debut at the Luxor Theater on November 4, has added three acts from the recently completed 16th season of the TV competition show of the same name. Winner Dustin Tavella, an innovative illusionist, will join the cast of the show along with finalists Jimmie Herrod and Leá Kyle.
It got a bit of a late start so it’s extending its stay on the Las Vegas Strip. Lío, the acclaimed cabaret dining experience from Ibiza, recently launched its temporary takeover of the Mayfair Supper Club at Bellagio and will now continue its performances and presentations through November 3. Reservations are available here.