Columnist Kate Maddox: Is ‘Sammy’ set to pack bags?

Kate Maddox

Saturday, Jan. 27, 2001 | 10:46 a.m.

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

Look for the ugly back-and-forth between David Cassidy and Tony Tillman to heat up again. A source inside "The Rat Pack is Back" cast says Tillman is on the outs with producer Cassidy, and this time he's ready to pack it in for good. The two have had a tempestuous relationship since December, when Cassidy heckled Tillman during a performance. Tillman stars as Sammy Davis Jr. in the "Rat Pack" tribute show at the Sahara.

The insider has been telling a select group of friends that Tillman "will definitely be replaced before April 1," and that "there's a guy already working on the role to takeover."

After turning down the Sahara's offer to renew the show for a full year, effective Feb. 18, Cassidy reportedly signed for the shorter six-week extension so he could have more time to shop the "Rat Pack" to other properties. The Rio is one of the hotels rumored to be lobbying hard for the production.

Tillman couldn't be reached for comment, and Cassidy's L.A.-based publicist, Jo-Ann Geffen, said she "hadn't heard anything on that," but that she would "look into it."

Wesley Snipes apparently caused quite a late-night stir at Mandalay Bay earlier this week. In the wee hours of Thursday morning the actor was interrupted while playing cards and informed by hotel personnel that his room would have to be changed due to a slight mix-up with reservations. No biggie, right?

Wrong. This minor inconvenience allegedly caused Snipes to snap and launch a verbal tirade against the staff. The episode escalated when hotel security was called to the scene. Snipes, an expert in Capoeira (some kind of African-Brazilian fighting technique), reportedly began to wrestle with his subduers and a full-blown battle ensued, according to one witness, who added that Snipes looked as though he had "been partying." There was talk that Metro police had to be called in, but that report was unconfirmed.

No word on how things ended up, but Snipes at least appeared peaceful earlier in the evening at "Soul Train's" 30th anniversary bash at the House of Blues. Donning a fisherman-style hat and dark shades, Snipes slipped into the common area, shunning the VIP'ers, and watched Smokey Robinson and Destiny's Child give outstanding performances. Mike Tyson also made the show, as did TV star Kevin Sorbo. The party was taped and is scheduled to air in prime time in June.

If the screaming hordes of middle-aged mamas at Studio 54 were any indication, Rick Springfield should do just fine drawing crowds to "EFX Alive."

On Thursday night Springfield had a party to celebrate the release of his latest CD, "The Greatest Hits ... Alive," and the fans couldn't have been more excited (read: loud). Most had been in line since the morning and many were clutching dozens of roses. (He does this thing where he plays guitar with the bouquets. I don't get it, but it drives the chicks wild.) Sure, he's not the greatest singer, and he looks goofy doing his rock 'n' roll strut, but the 51-year-old performer apparently still has "it."

Springfield kicks off the latest incarnation of "EFX" on Tuesday.

Also this week Barbara Eden gets to try that whole jumping-out-of-the-lamp trick again at the Aladdin. For the 35th anniversary of Eden's sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie," Mattel is unveiling a Barbie doll that looks just like Jeannie -- pink costume, blonde ponytail, genie bottle, the works.

The last time Eden attempted the lamp trick was at the grand opening of the Aladdin, but something went wrong and she ended up riding in on a camel, or some such thing. This time event organizers promise Eden will "magically appear from a life-size genie bottle."

If you want to check out the "Jeannie"/Barbie festivities, be in front of the hotel on Wednesday at 11 a.m.