Thursday, Dec. 28, 2000 | 10:07 a.m.
Joe Delaney's column appears on Thursdays and Fridays. Reach him at 259-4066 or [email protected].
This is the penultimate column for 2000 ... Here are some capsule comments and a suggestion or two, taking Las Vegas performers alphabetically ... Bill Acosta: It was time for the move to the Flamingo, but the cost of that many musicians and dancers may not leave you as well off as you were at the Luxor ... Keep the musicians but halve the dancers, if necessary.
David Brenner: You picked the right room and right hotel (Golden Nugget); other hotels in Casino Center should benefit from an entertainment standpoint ... Lance Burton: (Monte Carlo) Yours is definitely a win-win deal with the community, as an added beneficiary for your contributions in time and money to benefit disadvantaged children, especially.
George Carlin: Bally's cupidity is the MGM Grand's gain in both the Hollywood and "EFX" theatres ... David Cassidy: (Rio) A case of maximum mileage with minimal originality ... Andrew "Dice" Clay: If you were less graphic, would you also be less successful? ... Most likely.
More comments
David Copperfield: (MGM Grand) The Hollywood Theatre is good for close-up magic, but you really need a 1,200-seat room (Paris Las Vegas?) and an opportunity to sit down for three or four weeks at a time ... Dixie Dooley: (Plaza) You deserve credit for perseverance, hang in there ... Andre Philippe Gagnon: (Venetian) Your time will come -- elsewhere.
Danny Gans: (Mirage) Your time is now and your fellow impressionists are the beneficiaries ... You are the Siegfried & Roy of that genre ... Clint Holmes: (Harrah's) You made it through 2000 but you need something extra ... Why not try a different jazz guest star each week?
Mac King: (Harrah's) You've made a nice niche for yourself, afternoons in the Improv room, ride it for another year or so then try to move to evenings ... Jerry Lewis: (Orleans) Just changing the running order is no longer enough ... Ease up and try going one-on-one with your audience once more.
And even more
Melinda, First Lady of Magic: (Venetian) We wish you a room where you can do your full show and not have to lay out so much of your own money to get the audience you deserve ... Wayne Newton: (Stardust) You and the Stardust came together at the right time for both parties ... You are now at your best ever because you have a reason to be.
Penn & Teller: (Rio) The Rio's Samba Theatre should be made to order for you ... I predict longer engagements after your Jan. 5-17 date ... Debbie Reynolds: (Orleans) We know you will always be an LV attraction; we also know you will make your Hollywood Museum dream come true as well.
Rita Rudner: (MGM Grand) When they let you go Sunday, it will be a mistake, one that some other hotel should pick up on in a hurry ... The Scintas: (Las Vegas Hilton Nightclub) You deserve to be in a main showroom, but have to be patient and continue proving your point.
And still more
Siegfried & Roy: (Mirage) Your success and that of Las Vegas has run a parallel course these past two decades ... Other magicians owe you at least their thanks ... Rick Thomas: (Tropicana) You've established yourself nicely with nighttime counts in the afternoon ... Enjoy it a while longer ... Justin Tranz: (O'Sheas and the Flamingo Las Vegas) You may be the first hypnotist-comedian to deserve a steady, small main showroom since the late Pat Collins.
Tommy Tune: (MGM Grand "EFX" Theatre) It has been a good run, and our town was fortunate to have your presence this long, but it's time to apply those creative juices where they belong -- on Broadway.
Steve Wyrick: (Sahara) You put in your time at the Lady Luck, and a lot of money was spent on creating a special showroom and advertising, especially during those months before you actually opened ... You have a long hard row to hoe to amortize the outlay of time and money prior to opening.
In conclusion
Caesars Magical Empire features magicians and practitioners of the illusionary acts ... With a good meal and a variety of entertainment, it is a marvelous evening for less than the cost of many of the magic acts ... We have a special word of praise for Michael La Rocca, who continues to present his musical theater tribute nightly, always giving full measure, at the World Trade Center, off the beaten path.
More capsule comments and a few New Year's Eve suggestions on Friday.
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