Columnist Kate Maddox: Gray show enters black hole

Kate Maddox

Friday, July 27, 2001 | 4:53 a.m.

Kate Maddox's column also appears Tuesdays and Fridays in the Las Vegas Sun. Reach her at 259-2309 or kmaddox@lasvegassun.com.

The planets could have predicted the end was near for "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus." After a lukewarm start and a dismal spring/summer, the John Gray self-helper-turned-musical will close for good on Aug. 5.

Most cast members, though disappointed with the news, had already realized their time was about up long before they were notified late Thursday night. Back in June producer Bill Cohen announced drastic paycuts that would affect the 37-member troupe. That low blow left some of the actors so despondent they walked out of the meeting in tears.

According to insiders, Flamingo Las Vegas entertainment brass and show producers agreed to ditch the production after heavy financial losses and weak ticket sales. "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" opened in September.

On the phone from San Francisco, producer Cohen said he was "disappointed" with the show's demise and said "economically (the show) couldn't attract enough buyers." But he also added "there will be a life after this" for "Men Are From Mars." Cohen said he will try to re-assemble the cast for a U.S. tour next year.

I'm guessing the closing of Cohen's production will only intensify the latest buzz that the Flamingo's "Bill Acosta: Lasting Impressions" has only a little shelf life left as well. According to entertainment observers, Acosta's show is suffering from the same low ticket numbers that imploded "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus."

Rumor has it that former ace investigative reporter Glen Meek is vying for a spot at KVVU Channel 5. The award-winning newsman has had at least two meetings with executives this week at the local Fox affiliate.

Meek, who recently left KTNV Channel 13 after contract negotiations broke down, is actively looking to get back into the reporting game as soon as possible.

Good news for locals who want to swim with the sharks -- the easy way.

"Shark Reef," the underwater habitat at Mandalay Bay, is apparently trying to find a way to allow willing certified divers to get into the shark-filled tanks -- kind of as a hands-on experiment/entertainment adventure, minus that whole messy Florida Factor.

Amy Wolfe, public relations manager for the aquarium, stayed mum on the the project, but said there is currently "lots of demand" for a swim-along program. Wolfe added that "(The idea) is something we've talked about getting up and running since our opening." While Wolfe wouldn't elaborate on exactly when the public diving would commence, insiders speculate the new deal will go into effect in the fall.

Do you miss the courtroom drama that was the Sandra Murphy/Rick Tabish murder trial? Long for the days of Sandy's panties, the escaped house arrest, mobsters, molls, money and mystery?

Well then, you're in luck.

"Murder in Sin City," Las Vegas Sun Senior Investigative Reporter Jeff German's in-depth account of the Ted Binion saga, hits bookstores Tuesday.

German's expert take on Las Vegas' most scandalous trial is the result of more than three years of intense coverage of Murphy, Tabish and the troubled life and death of Horseshoe Club heir Binion.