Columnist Kate Maddox: Producer’s attention rejected

Kate Maddox

Saturday, Oct. 21, 2000 | 2:50 a.m.

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

If the story behind why Riviera entertainment notable Norbert Aleman got into trouble at the hotel is true, no wonder he's under tight security.

At last month's 15-year anniversary party for "An Evening at La Cage," starring Frank Marino, Aleman, the show's producer, allegedly got a little too friendly with the hotel help.

Eyewitnesses say that Aleman got into a lively discussion at the private post-show fete with a Riv female manager about his other Riviera production, the topless review "Crazy Girls," that led to his unwelcome decision to literally size her up for a job.

The enraged woman, who was not interested in a "Crazy Girls" position or an Aleman analysis, struck back. One eyewitness says the manager "slapped him -- hard" and walked away, later filing a formal complaint with the hotel against Aleman.

A potentially lengthy investigation is under way. After learning about this incident, two other female Riviera employees jumped on the bandwagon with charges against Aleman. Until things are settled he is under tight security whenever he sets foot on hotel property.

Aleman is currently in Aruba, where he has an ownership stake in two productions at a hotel-casino there, and could not be reached. A spokesman for the Riviera had a curt "no comment."

Steve Wynn was in the audience at the Venetian's Friday news conference to unveil plans for the Guggenheim Las Vegas museum. Wynn, who was credited by Venetian Chairman Sheldon Adelson for starting the culture boom in Las Vegas, ducked out early.

Well, at least he lent support. Adelson was later overheard fuming about the absence of Mayor Oscar Goodman. The two Vegas powerhouses have had a well-known feud going for the past couple of years, making for a not-so-friendly relationship.

On Friday Adelson was apparently upset that Goodman didn't present the key to the city to Russian Minister of Culture Dr. Mikhail Shwydkoi (who was on hand to represent his country's Hermitage museum) at the hotel's press conference, opting instead to do so the day before, on his own turf at City Hall.

More facts about the Guggenheim project: A grand opening is expected in the spring of 2001, with celebrities and plenty of artsy types in attendance. The museum is no doubt going to cost the Venetian a pretty penny. When asked for a figure, hotel President Rob Goldstein deadpanned, "It'll be expensive ... the numbers keep going up." He also added that ticket prices for adults will be in the $15 range, with a seniors discount and free admittance for kids.

Those of you waiting for "Last One Standing," the million-dollar reality show coming to Vegas, might not want to hold your breath. Cable network USA has postponed the filming date until late spring of next year.

Not to worry. In the meantime log onto darefordollars.com. The webcast game show will be in Las Vegas in November to challenge locals to do some outrageous stunts for big bucks.

The key to this one is that contestants get to pick what they want to do and for how much. Some money-grubbers have volunteered to go grocery shopping naked or stop talking for a year, others have have made meals of bugs, worms and other nasties. Whatever you suggest, and for whatever your price, log on and cross your fingers in hopes that producers will take you up on your dare when they get to town next month.