Columnist Joe Delaney: All bets are off with incredible ‘Cheval’ production

Joe Delaney

Thursday, Nov. 29, 2001 | 8:28 a.m.

Joe Delaney's column appears on Thursday and Fridays. Reach him at 259-4066 or joe@lasvegassun.com.

This columnist has been contributing to improve the breed of the bookmaker for 69 of my 79 years ... My present status is involuntarily retired horse player ... I do get to make a bet or two on the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont, plus Breeders Cup each year ... One of the extra pleasures of seeing "Cheval" at Harmon and the Strip: No betting windows.

By now you should be aware that "cheval" is French for horse and, further, that the Gilles Ste-Croix creation of "Cheval" will be appearing in a specially constructed big-top tent through Jan. 6 ... It is a throughly delightful 90 minutes, including comedy, live music and incredible athleticism and artistic achievement, humans and horses in perfect harmony.

"Cheval" is scheduled to be performed through the December pre-holiday period ... The prices are comparatively reasonable at $49 and $56 for adults; $30 and $35 for children 12 and under, and $44 and $51 for seniors (55 and older) and students with a valid ID ... Lowering prices for children, seniors and students might result in a worthwhile increase in sales.

"Thunder From Down Under" is back at the New Frontier, this time for a longer run ... David Darkstone's "Illusions and Beyond" returns to doing shows at noon and 2 p.m. ... "Rock 'n' Roll Legends" is new and doing very well at 4 and 7 p.m., while "Old Blue Eyes," another tribute show, plays at 5:30 p.m. ... The makeshift showroom has been updated nicely.

Charo's "Bravo," featuring the comedy of Mario & Daniel, 16 dancers and live music has had the softest opening, at The Venetian, in recent ken ... The show opened on Nov. 17 ... She is a wonderful performer, a world-class flamenco guitarist; 'tis a puzzlement.

Thomas & Mack Center is setting up for the National Finals Rodeo this weekend ... Starting Monday Las Vegas' star-policy rooms will be like Nashville West, with top country music entertainers peforming through Dec. 16 ... Late-night post-rodeo action starts Dec. 3 with Ricky and the Redstreaks in residence in the Stardust Convention Center.

Star-policy rundown

It's Ayala (Caesars Magical Empire); the Amazing Johnathan (Golden Nugget); Natalie Merchant, Friday only (Hard Rock Hotel); Mac King, afternoons, Clint Holmes, evenings (Harrah's); Commodores and Society of Seven in separate theaters (LV Hilton); Blue Man Group (Luxor); Carrot Top, plus Rick Springfield starring in "EFX Alive" (MGM Grand).

Plus Paul Anka, starting Saturday, and Danny Gans in separate theaters (Mirage); Rita Rudner (New York-New York); Air Supply (Orleans); Kevin James (Paris Las Vegas); Ronn Lucas, afternoons, Scintas, evenings (Rio); Creedence Clearwater Revisited (Sam's Town); Michael Holly, afternoons, Steve Wyrick evenings (Sahara); Wayne Newton (Stardust); Rich Little (Suncoast); and Melinda, First Lady of Magic at 7 p.m., Charo at 9 p.m. (Venetian).

Make sure Opportunity Village's Magical Forest and the Sunset Park's Gifts of Lights Holiday Drive-Through Spectacular are on your family's list of things to share during December ... There are also elaborate seasonal displays in the various malls.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Nevada Conservatory Theatre season continues with "Endangered Species," opening Friday, through Dec. 9 in the Black Box Theatre ... Classical guitarist Richard Cobo appears in concert Saturday at 2 p.m. (Winchester Center) ... Community College of Southern Nevada presents student and faculty jazz combos, 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in the Little Theatre.

Rhythm 'n' blues legend Luther Vandross performs in concert Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Mandalay Bay Events Center ... We were especially impressed with his most recent album, "Luther Vandross," which is a more contemporary compilation ... His duet with Frank Sinatra on "The Lady is a Tramp" on the first "Duets" album is another favorite.

Also on Saturday, at the House of Blues, starting at 11:30 p.m., Golden Rainbow presents "Groove For A Cause" starring Tommy Boy recording artist Amber and DJ/Producer Barry Harris and DJ R.O.B. in Golden Rainbow's Inaugural Dance Event ... All proceeds go to Golden Rainbow to continue its vital work with people stricken with HIV and AIDS.

Tony Sacca's 16th annual "Merry Christmas Las Vegas" will be taped at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Stratosphere's Broadway Showroom ... Bill Acosta, Charo, Holmes, the Scintas, Society of Seven, Jimmy Hopper, Earl Turner and Wyrick will appear ... It's open to the public; a $25 donation is requested with the proceeds going to the Youth Foundation for the Performing Arts ... See you Friday.