Columnist Kate Maddox: Stern policy awaits Howard

Kate Maddox

Friday, Jan. 12, 2001 | 9:21 a.m.

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

Howard Stern might be in a big bind if he tries to place his much-publicized $1million blackjack bet at the Hard Rock. The hotel, pleased to host the shockjock's radio show at the end of the month, has been given orders from owner Peter Morton not to take any bet over $250,000.

So either Stern splits the money into smaller hands, or else he shops for another casino willing to play major high stakes. Should Stern choose to break up the mil, a Hard Rock spokeswoman said a $250,000 bet would still be the largest in the hotel's history.

The Hard Rock is being as accommodating as possible, considering it ponied up a reported $350,000 to get the Stern show into the hipster hotel. I hear it also threw in all production expenses, airline costs and reserved swanky complimentary digs for Stern and his cronies.

In the meantime, the brass over at the Stratosphere is extremely interested in wooing Stern to place his $1 million bet at its property. Stratosphere owner Carl Ichan reportedly gave his personal OK, and since then his underlings have been scrambling to lure Stern to the tables.

A new showroom at Caesars Palace is finally in the works. It's been about four months since Circus Maximus was torn down to make room for luxurious high-roller suites, and some were wondering whether Caesars would ever build something new. Park Place Vice President of Entertainment Tom Pilkington confirms that a bigger, more grand showroom is scheduled to be completed within the next year and a half.

So, who'll be performing at the new theater when it's completed?

Pilkington is hoping the answer will be Celine Dion. The VP says to forget what you've heard about Dion talking to other Vegas hotels.

"Discussions are heavy and ongoing (with Dion)," Pilkington said. "Hopefully, we'll get her here."

Pilkington also confirmed news of a posh nightspot being built within the hotel, adding that it will be unlike any other club in town. "(Caesars) is raising the bar so high, no one's gonna touch it." The yet-unnamed hipster hangout is scheduled to be completed in about 10 months.

Regis Philbin is still hunting down co-hosts for his Las Vegas visit. Philbin is scheduled to tape at least four episodes of "Live" at the Rio on Jan. 22, 23 and 24. Tony Danza has apparently signed on to help Reege with hosting duties for one show, as has actress Whoopi Goldberg.

Scheduled guests for the Vegas tapings include Jennifer Lopez, Ted Danson, songstress Erykah Badu, Peter Frampton, Howie Mandel and cast members from the Rio's "De la Guarda."

Tickets are being distributed on a first-come, first-served basis starting at noon today at the Rio's Pavilion box office.

Female impersonator Kenny Kerr is apparently clamoring for a chance to get into the small showroom at the New Frontier once "Legends of Comedy" moves out at the end of January. But first Kerr has to come up with some dough. Sources say the hotel is charging $10,000 a month in rent and Kerr reportedly needs a backer with that kind of cash, as well as the ability to co-sign the lease. The flamboyant entertainer has apparently been asking pals for help, offering sweet percentages of show profits if the production takes off at the new theater.