Columnist Kate Maddox: Flamingo to bare ‘Bottoms Up’

Kate Maddox

Sunday, July 2, 2000 | 10:52 a.m.

Kate Maddox's column appears Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Reach her at kmaddox@lasvegassun.com.

Looks like it's a go for "Best of Bottoms Up" at the Flamingo Las Vegas. After weeks of rumors about bringing back more topless entertainment to the Strip, producer/director Breck Wall and his partner, Patrick Maes, have secured the Flamingo for the return of their notorious comedy revue.

"Best of Bottoms Up," which will feature original cast members David Harris and Sue Motsinger in addition to Wall, is scheduled to open on Aug. 14 with two daily shows, at 2 and 4 p.m. And both shows will be topless.

Wall says he's thrilled to be bringing back the comedic institution to the Las Vegas Strip -- the last time "Bottoms Up" had a home here was at the Riviera three years ago.

"We've been doing this on and off for the past 38 years," Wall said. "It's the same slapstick revue. Pure fun from top to bottom."

With this move toward more adult-oriented afternoon entertainment, the Flamingo takes a bold risk, luckily with an old favorite. A hotel spokesman was reluctant to admit that "Best of Bottoms Up" would be topless, but he did hint that it would be the case. Wall confirmed the bareness factor, assuring that the cast of 10 would bring the same fun and risque humor that they have in years past.

The June 12 fire that damaged Utopia, the Strip nightclub, has led the way for what insiders say will be a newer and more updated look for the popular hot spot. The improved space should be up and running by Sept. 1.

Nightclub impresario John D. Guzman has apparently been in talks with Utopia's management to bring his popular and naughty Naked Hollywood night to the new club. Guzman, who has worked with Ra and C2K in the past, as well as with a number of other nightspots around the country, has also been approached by folks at the soon-to-open Aladdin hotel-casino.

The Strip's newest megaresort has lots of nighttime space, including what is rumored to be a gigantic club/showroom (in the same vein as C2K) in addition to a club space at the front of the property with a coveted Strip entrance. Guzman is reportedly interested in both of these venues. He has told friends that he's looking to take Vegas night life to a whole new level (and secure a hefty piece of the financial pie in the making).

The strangest thing about Thursday night's opening party for Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay was the line to get the phony tattoos. Party planners hit the jackpot when they decided to set up a booth where the 650 VIP guests could stop and get temp-tattooed. Casino execs, media types, TV personalities and even PR gurus couldn't resist the chance to get one of those bad-boys applied to their bodies. No one was embarrassed to drop trou for a friendly dolphin or a pink fishie. Men rolling up shirt sleeves, women lowering necklines ... forget the sharks, the "artists" got all the action.

Shark Reef has been drawing high-number crowds in its opening weeks. Even the hotel is surprised, albeit pleasantly, with the aquarium's impressive debut. And despite some grumblings about high ticket prices, it's still the coolest new thing to happen to Las Vegas (see the story on it in Monday's Accent section).

Looks like not getting renewed at the Flamingo Las Vegas was the best thing that could ever have happened to magician/singer Darren Romeo. Young Romeo has snagged one of the best entertainment management teams around. Producer Kenneth Feld (see story below) and manager Bernie Yuman announced that they will represent the 24-year-old talent.

Even Magicians of the Century Siegfried & Roy are getting into the act (on the management side, that is). Romeo, who captured the attention of Siegfried some months back, is delighted to have these guys on his side. An announcement on a new show and venue for Romeo is expected in the coming weeks.

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