Columnist Kate Maddox: ‘Storm’ clouds brew at resort

Kate Maddox

Friday, Feb. 16, 2001 | 9:26 a.m.

Kate Maddox's column appears Fridays, Sundays and Tuesdays. Reach her at 259-2309 or kmaddox@lasvegassun.com.

A fresh round of pesky teasers are starting to arrive for the new production (finally) coming into the Mandalay Bay Theatre. From the same folks who brought us those cumbersome surfboards pre-Shark Reef opening come mini-rainsticks (the kind you turn upside down and hear what sounds like a summer shower). The educated guesser would assume, duh, that the anticipated "Storm" is just around the corner, but calls to the hotel's entertainment department were a dead-end.

Good thing I know a chatty insider or two.

We can expect to see "Storm" open in mid-March, and the show, brought to you by Ricky Martin's production team, will essentially center around, um, well, weather.

A Latin-inspired live band brings the sound of thunder and rain, while dancers and other cast members gyrate to nature's noises. I've gathered there isn't much of a specific storyline to "Storm," mainly just music and dance numbers.

One source says the show is designed almost completely from scratch and hasn't yet been performed anywhere else. The insider also says it's "kind of out there," and that initial production plans "were changed plenty of times before they settled on something certain."

As to whether Martin or another big-namer will participate in the actual show, sources say that idea was bandied about in the early stages, but now it looks like no one in particular will be she-banging for the opening. (Apparently, the reigning Miss Popularity, Jennifer Lopez, was rumored to have wanted in on "Storm," but her handlers have given word that the posteriorally-blessed singer/actress is too busy with other projects to commit.)

Dress rehearsals are in full swing and producers don't expect any lengthy delays. But I have a feeling those rain-inspired teasers will be arriving weekly, right up 'til opening night. Umbrella, anyone?

Regulars at New York-New York's Bar at Times Square got a thrill on Wednesday night when the Piano Man himself dropped by for a listen. Billy Joel took a seat at the pub/lounge and watched two dueling pianists entertain; one of them, Michael Cavanaugh, arranged the hourlong visit through Joel's tour manager, an old pal.

That Joel would listen to him play was pretty dreamy, but Cavanaugh got an even bigger surprise when Joel offered to come onstage to do a couple of songs. With Cavanaugh at one piano and his idol at the other, Joel sang "With A Little Help From My Friends" and "Don't Be Cruel."

A crowd of a few hundred gathered around the bar and soon Joel had to be whisked away by security. But Cavanaugh won't soon forget the performance, calling it a "truly amazing experience."

Joel kicks off the first of two concerts with Elton John tonight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Congratulations are in order for Cirque du Soleil's "Mystere." Tonight one lucky ticket holder will become the production's 5 millionth customer. The unsuspecting Joe will be plucked from the audience, introduced to Treasure Island President Scott Sibella and "Mystere" cast members, and treated to a prize package that includes hotel suite accommodations, VIP tickets to "O" at the Bellagio, pricey Cirque merchandise, free spa treatments and gourmet dinner packages at Treasure Island's finest eateries.

"Mystere" is the first Cirque production to reach the 5 million milestone. "Quidam," which is playing in Manchester, England, is about to pass 4 million, and "O" is hovering near the 2 million mark.