Columnist Kate Maddox: Earl’s show takes Turn for worse

Kate Maddox

Friday, Aug. 10, 2001 | 9:15 a.m.

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

It's true. After almost four months as a pay-to-see performer in the Rio's Rio Bamba Cabaret, Earl Turner is leaving. Turner's last show is scheduled for Sept. 2.

Before his nightly performances became ticketed (at $21.95) in April, Turner was packing in crowds for his boisterous 90-minute shows. Audiences would literally line up outside the 200-seat Cabaret just to get inside the show. Turner has been a local favorite and one of Las Vegas' best-kept entertainment secrets since opening at the Rio in September 1999.

The Rio's decision to upgrade Turner to ticketed production seemed a like a good one initially. However, recent financial setbacks at the property have forced executives to reconsider. The Rio plans to reopen Rio Bamba with free nightly entertainment beginning Sept. 7.

Kim Koury, a spokeswoman for Turner, said the singer is still in negotiations with the hotel. But word is Turner's departure is a done deal.

Well, don't look for John Cleese in Las Vegas. Ever again.

Cleese, who spent a significant amount of time in town earlier this year filming "Rat Race," said in an interview with the New York Daily News that he was "deeply disappointed" with Las Vegas.

And he thought he wasn't the only one. Because, you know, Vegas just isn't one of those places known for good times. Hello, John?

"I didn't get the impression that too many people were having a wonderful time ... everything is extremely expensive, and you're paying huge quantities of money to eat, in one or two cases, very good food," he said. This from an actor who spent most of his time in a $700-a-night suite.

"I thought Las Vegas would be fun, but I was appalled by what a rip-off joint it was .... I shall never go again," Cleese huffed. " ... Americans have it wrong. When they go there, all their ordinary sensible behavior goes out the window ..."

Girls, get out the tissues, I'm afraid it's time to say bye, bye, bye to Vegas' own boy band, 4 Now.

The four handsome young crooners, who are frequently spotted on the town (they would attend the opening of an envelope if invited), are packing up their pop-star plans and heading for the bigger lights of Hollywood.

One member plans to continue his college education, another wants to be the next Tom Cruise and the other two just need to get jobs and work again. And even though the 4 Now members assured me they would try their best to stick together in Tinseltown, I'm hearing privately they aren't thinking they'll make it.

4 Now's manager, Laura Herlovich, said the boys are still seeking a producer and a record label, but are committed to making the band happen, even if they have to happen in L.A. for survival's sake.

In the meantime, catch the boys on "Spy TV" Tuesday at 8 p.m. on KVBC Channel 3. They play themselves in a segment called "Boy Band on Demand" in a repeat of a show that aired Thursday.

Add Mike Milner to the list of local noteworthy's axed from "Rush Hour 2." Milner, the suave-looking director of operations for Studio 54, says he was in the same scene as Mayor Oscar Goodman -- and we know what happened to the mayor.

Broadway is going to happen on the Strip, thanks in part to the Aladdin Theatre for Performing Arts. I hear the lineup of upcoming shows scheduled for next year include "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," "Guys and Dolls," "Tommy," "Rent" and something called "Blast."