Columnist Kate Maddox: New show has universal appeal

Kate Maddox

Friday, Sept. 29, 2000 | 10:46 a.m.

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

Another new show had a grand opening on the Strip Thursday night. "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" celebrated its launch at the Flamingo Las Vegas, and famed relationship author John Gray was in attendance to see how his tales of tackling romance and commitment fared in a musical setting.

The revue played well to the packed house. Even the men (most of whom had that my-wife-dragged-me-here look on their faces) seemed festive.

"I thought it was spectacular," Gray crowed, post-show. "All the couples were leaving with smiles on their faces and holding hands, and that's what I like to see."

Well, of course you do, buddy. You've made a fortune making temperamental relationship-phobes see the light at the end of Singles City.

And the guy's on a roll. Thursday night Gray mentioned he was in L.A. celebrating the start of yet another "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus"-inspired concept. A nationally syndicated talk-show version of the book has just begun its run on the tube, hosted by Cybill Shepherd.

Cost to attend a reception with the first lady: $1,000. To stay on for dessert with her afterward: $5,000. A phone call to Mom from said first lady: priceless.

That was the theme at Wednesday evening's fund-raiser for Hillary Rodham Clinton. A brief stop at the home of Las Vegas Sun Vice President Daniel Greenspun and his wife, Robin, apparently made the first lady feel so at home that she obliged two guests with phone calls to their mothers.

Clinton was more than happy to dial up dear old Mom for her New York Senate campaign donors. The shocked mothers had trouble believing the calls were the real deal, which had Clinton emphatically responding, "No, no. It's really me. Hillary." Guests were impressed, money was pocketed and it was off to California for another shindig. Today Hillary does tea with Cher. How very L.A.

And speaking of Democrats hitting Nevada this week: Vice President Al Gore's daughter Kristin Gore will stump for her pop on Saturday when she delivers a speech to the National Federation of Filipino American Associations.

But the 23-year-old Gore will also take some time to chill with her peers at a local coffeehouse, which has yet to be selected. Kristin, a comedy writer in Hollywood, who like her dad is a Harvard grad, will try to enlighten as many 18- to 35-year-old voters as she can during her brief visit.

Looks like the buzz on Sylvester Stallone's new movie isn't so hot. The producers of "Get Carter," a significant portion of which was filmed in Las Vegas, have decided not to screen the film early for critics. Screening is a common practice for most Hollywood big-budget flicks hoping to get a positive blurb or two before the official release. However, studio execs are going to let Sly's acting speak for itself on Friday, with their fingers crossed, of course.

And just when you think life's big chances have passed you by and you'll be shackled to that desk job forever ... Siegfried & Roy need dancers!

Always wanted to impress the big cats, make things disappear and have an excuse to wear that jumbo-sized codpiece? Well, now's your chance. Step up and make it happen on Oct. 14 at the Siegfried & Roy Theatre at the Mirage.

Whoa, not so fast there, shorty. Women under 5-foot-5 inches and men under 5-foot-10 inches won't make the cut. Everyone else, bring a resume and some dance experience and don't say I never tried to change your life.