Columnist Kate Maddox: ‘De la Guarda’ de la gone-a

Kate Maddox

Friday, July 20, 2001 | 9:14 a.m.

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

The financial troubles plaguing the Rio are going to have an impact on entertainment at the property.

This week insiders confirmed rampant speculation that "De la Guarda" is on the verge of closing. The production, which opened in October, will reportedly not make it to the one-year mark.

Sources say the show has been a money-loser for the property from its inception, and audience response has been lukewarm. "De la Guarda" has also suffered from "obscurity syndrome," as one entertainment expert defined it.

"No one can describe the thing," the insider said. "What is it anyway? People flying around, splashing water, playing loud music?" I guess that's one way to put it. Either way, "De la Guarda" was a new concept in Vegas entertainment, but just because it was a hit with New York audiences doesn't mean it was going to be a hit here.

Look for an announcement from Rio executives in coming weeks.

Another Rio source is saying that the Masquerade Village "Show in the Sky" will also be affected by budget cutbacks. The floating casino musical, which features Carmen Miranda-esque character Rio Rita, will most likely not feature anyone else. Secondary cast members have been told to expect layoffs, but the show itself is scheduled to survive the ax.

And, as popular as he is among local entertainment lovers, RioBamba Cabaret singer Earl Turner is also said to be facing an uphill climb. The source said that even though his numbers are consistently above average, Turner "may not be around much longer," as a cost-cutting measure.

The slow summer has also taken a toll on Robert Goulet over at the Showroom at the Venetian.

Sources say Goulet is "scrambling to get out of his deal" with Showroom operators H&H of Nevada. After high-balling ticket prices, Goulet suffered pitiful sale numbers since his opening 2 1/2 weeks ago. One insider said the legendary singer and Broadway star is selling somewhere in the neighborhood of 80 seats per show -- Goulet's deal requires him to sell at least 400 just to break even. On Thursday Goulet's camp announced lower ticket prices (from $50-$75) but the last-minute move may be a case of too little, too late.

Goulet's guest star, Paige O'Hara, was overheard telling friends she thinks the show will probably close shortly, and Goulet's wife and manager, Vera, is also said to be "nervous" and "frantic" about the situation, according to one source.

But whether Goulet can get out of the room may not have an impact on his rent. If he does decide to close, Goulet could still be responsible for the $15,000 a night rent he signed on to pay when agreeing to the deal.

Why battle it out with other singles, couples -- or combinations of the two -- when you can include the whole family?

Yes, it was only a matter of time before a reality show would open the pool to Mom, Dad and the kids. Now UPN offers audiences "Culture Shock," the show where four families fight to the finish in a fancy house somewhere in the South Pacific.

The families will spend several weeks in the island paradise, competing in games and missions until only the strongest clan is left. The winners take the 4,000-square-foot house plus a substantial cash prize. The losers must swim home.

Interested in a little real-life Swiss Family Robinson? Then show up with your brood between noon-8 p.m. today at Gordon Biersch, Saturday at Planet Hollywood or Sunday at Wet N Wild and try out.