‘Ocean’s‘ cast makes a splash

Kate Maddox

Friday, March 16, 2001 | 5:30 a.m.

The super-private, super-luxe Bellagio villas are seeing some action these days. The boys from "Ocean's 11," (minus a couple who are reportedly bunking very VIP at the Mirage) have turned the fourth floor of the Strip swankitorium into party central.

Since the cast, which includes George Clooney, Don Cheadle, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and (current luckiest girl in the world) sole female Julia Roberts are all reportedly good friends, I'm hearing there have been some late, late nights. Most of the actors have worked together before -- Cheadle and Clooney in "Out of Sight," with "Ocean's" director Steven Soderbergh; Pitt and Roberts in "The Mexican," and castmates Casey Affleck and Damon are pals through their Bostonian brotherhood.

One Bellagio employee says the Villas "resemble a college dorm. Everybody's dropping by to visit everyone else." Another insider acknowledges, "It's one big party. They're all tight."

Smooth sailing is expected for the rest of the shoot. Right now the late nights are attributed to filming hours, which begin when the sun goes down. Want to know where to get the best stake-out spot? Look for action at the Bellagio's porte cochere and the front desk area in the next couple of weeks.

Some staffers at KTNV Channel 13 are blaming Nate Tannenbaum for the recent employee layoffs. They say it's nothing personal against the popular and pleasant meteorologist, but there are those who believe Tannenbaum's pricey salary and the expensive legal battle he (unsuccessfully) waged to get him out of his non-compete with KVBC Channel 3 have cost good anchors their jobs at Channel 13.

Tannenbaum reportedly made a six-figure deal when he jumped stations, and one legal eagle estimates the recent litigation set Channel 13 back $300,000.

Alyson McCarthy, a respected anchor at KTNV for more than 10 years, has yet to return to the newsroom since being told she was being demoted to reporter status. McCarthy may have to fulfill some contractual obligations, but one source insists she's way too upset to agree to management's terms.

Kim Sherwood, another longtime employee, along with Mark Sayre, a nine-year vet, were also inexplicably stripped of anchor privileges. Both are said to be on the lookout for other jobs -- the only problem is, they face non-compete issues should they want to stay in the Vegas TV news market. One Channel 13 employee says "(It's) not a happy situation. People are being lined up and dismissed. Everyone's worried they're going to be next."

"Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" has found a replacement for Janien Masse, who left the production to sidekick for Clint Holmes at Harrah's.

Audra Blaser, a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and veteran of numerous theatrical productions, is scheduled to take the stage on March 26. "Men Are From Mars" director/choreographer David Bell conducted an extensive search on both coasts before deciding on Blaser late last week.

Ben Affleck is at it again. Does this guy (have a problem) love to gamble or what?! Back again to hit the tables, Affleck settled in at his fave lucky haunt, the Hard Rock Hotel. On Thursday the friend of Matt/brother of Casey (see previous item) hooted and hollered in the casino's semiprivate, high-stakes area with three lady friends and one other hombre. As usual Affleck's game of choice was blackjack. No word on his winnings, or his tips, but he did manage to draw a pack of googly-eyed female admirers.

Actor/comedian/playwright Steve Martin brings his impressive art collection to the Bellagio's Gallery of Fine Art on April 7. The deal was reportedly put together a few weeks ago, following a meeting with Martin and the MGM MIRAGE's sister corporation, MGM Studios.

The six-month-long Phillips Collection installment, which started the hotel's cultural commitment to prominent touring exhibitions, closes March 25 after visits from more than 200,000 patrons.

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