Columnist Kate Maddox: Has ‘Storm’ finally run its course?

Kate Maddox

Friday, Sept. 7, 2001 | 4:42 a.m.

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

Depending on who you talk to, those old rumors about "Storm" blowing out of town are resurfacing. Sources on the cast side of the production were furious last week when a number of dancers were let go, according to an insider, and replaced by performers reportedly willing to work for less money.

The original dancers whose contracts were renewed were apparently told there would be paycuts in the near future. One source said morale backstage is so low that even cast members who were asked to stay on are looking for work elsewhere, because they fear the show "is on its way under."

However, Gordon Absher, a spokesman for Mandalay Bay, says the cast changes were strictly "standard operating procedure," and that the new dancers were brought in to "keep the show fresh." Absher also shot down rumors that the changes in the cast were the result of a financial crackdown, saying that the only possible belt-tightening would be combining roles for performers.

Absher also said "Storm" was consistently gaining speed and that "word-of-mouth remains strong."

A ninth show will also be added to "Storm's" weekly schedule next month, but sources on the cast say this is a last-ditch effort by producers to pull in a higher audience count.

Absher maintains the addition is in response to demand, which is questionable in light of various two-for-one deals for locals and the distribution of hundreds of free tickets to Mandalay Bay employees.

One insider claims that in order to keep its head above water, "Storm" must pull in audiences of at least 400 per performance in the 1,800-seat theater. And the backstage mole claims the houses are "nowhere near that."

So will "Storm," Mandalay Bay's $20 million production, make it? Or will the rumors of its demise by year's end persist until the hotel settles on a replacement? Absher says that closing the show is "not being considered."

It's true. In response to the overwhelming demand for tickets to Danny Gans' Sept. 30 locals' appreciation night performance at his Mirage theater, the impressionist has pledged to do it again in December.

For the upcoming September show, however, organizers expect that by the Sept. 17 drawing, up to 20,000 locals will have entered the contest to win discounted tickets. Of those, only 300 will be selected. Not to worry, though. Those who don't make the cut this time around will be returned to the pool for the December performance.

Look for Gladys Knight to move to the Flamingo Las Vegas in January. Knight, who recently lost her niece Aaliyah, wants to stick close to her family in Las Vegas and get off the hectic touring circuit. Knight's reported contract with the hotel will be lengthy and will include an opening act, comic George Wallace.

Boy, do I hate to do this, but having checked out the packed crowd at "Temptation Island II's" local casting call a few months back, I figure Las Vegans are still strong on sleazy reality projects. So here goes: show up at Candlewood Suites (on Paradise Road, across from Gordon Biersch) between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Bring a photo, be between the ages of 21-30, and you could be a contestant on Warner Bros.' newest reality dating spectacular, "Elimidate."

The show will be in Vegas in coming weeks to tape five episodes, which are scheduled to air in the fall.