Thursday, April 2, 1998 | 12:51 p.m.
"VIVA LAS VEGAS," afternoons at the Stratosphere, is a mini-production show that qualifies as a maxi-entertainment bargain at $10 plus tax, drinks extra. ... If you are a slot player there, you can see the Dick Feeney opus for the price of one drink. ... Shows are at 2 & 4 p.m., but get there early or you could be shut out.
Tom Wallek is a smooth emcee with a fine comedy sense and timing. ... Laurie Caceres capably handles the vocal responsibilities, doing justice to the big ballads as well as the up-tempo numbers.
Comedian Bruce Mickelson is a super-strong recent addition. ... His macho "Barbecue Man" is a comedy classic. ... Golden Joe Baker's Elvis is another. ... Kimberly Curtright, Jeannie Duran, Shelly Franken, Shannon Peirolo and Jennifer Turner are comely and talented dancers, rounding out a small but mighty entertainment ensemble.
More matinees
Magic fans have two excellent choices with Nick Lewin's Comedy Magic (Maxim) at 1 & 3 p.m. and "The Illusionary World of Rick Thomas" (Tropicana) at 2 & 4 p.m. ... Lewin is very funny and his magic is more intimate. ... The $9.95 tab includes two drinks, tax and gratuity. ... For $12.95, you can have brunch as well. ... The Tropicana ticket is $12.95, drinks extra.
Visitors with children can have an interesting, inexpensive day visiting Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and the Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage plus the White Tigers exhibit and the erupting volcano. ... Take time out for the buffet and Selma Wynn's rice pudding.
After you finish at the Mirage, take the free tram to Treasure Island for the Battle of the Frigates; check starting times. ... Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden is closed on Wednesdays. ... Nick Lewin is off on Sundays; the Rick Thomas show is dark Fridays.
Star-policy rundown
It's Natalie Cole (Caesars); Kenny Kerr (Debbie Reynolds Hotel); Engelbert Humperdinck (MGM Grand); Siegfried & Roy (Mirage); Lance Burton (Monte Carlo); Crystal Gayle (Orleans) and Danny Gans (Rio). ... One nighters: It's Pablo Cruise (Arizona Charlie's) and Don Williams (Boulder Station) on Friday. ... Pauly Shore (Sunset Station) on Saturday.
Friday jazz: We recommend both Marv Koral's All-Stars at Brittany's and Irv Kluger & Friends (Pogo's). ... Sunday's best is The Jazz Organ-ization, noon-3 p.m. (Santa Fe Pavilion). ... Monday belongs to Don Menza & his Big Band (Riviera). ... Weekends, try Joe Darro (Ruth's Chris West). ... Support good jazz, everywhere.
Just received word that this year's Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation, presented by American Express and Calphalon, will be at the Riviera on April 23, 6-9 p.m. ... Call 226-3254 for details.
Nobody asked me
The Hilton brass should have checked out "Elvis, The Concert" which just had a successful tour and sold out the 6,000-seat NYC Radio City Music Hall last weekend. ... Elvis belongs at the Hilton, if anywhere, certainly more than the present two-day weekend star-policy format. ... Showrooms should be active at least six days a week.
Bonnie Saxe puts together good revues. ... There would never have been a Melinda, First Lady of Magic, if it wasn't for her mother Bonnie. ... The Golden Nugget might have a long-term winner if they would let Bonnie update and enhance her present show at the San Remo.
Two worthy events the same night: "Celebrating Charlotte Hill," 6:30 p.m. CCSN Cheyenne Campus; and the Augustus Society Sam Butera Tribute, 7 p.m., Orleans Hotel; both are on Friday. ... We sent checks to both but, regretfully, can only attend one affair.
Thursday addenda
Believe it or not, we were watching Monday with a ticket at 6-1 on Kentucky to go all the way and rooting for Rick Majerus and his Utah Utes in the NCAA finals. ... Both teams will be back battling next year. ... So will our UNLV Rebels. ... This was the most exciting three weeks of March Madness we can remember.
Nevada Dance Theatre's "Romeo & Juliet" will be performed tonight through Sunday in UNLV's Judy Bayley Theatre, highly recommended. ... See you Friday.
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