Tuesday, June 15, 2004 | 10:35 a.m.
Tensions between Steve Wynn and execs at MGM MIRAGE have started to bubble up over personnel issues.
Bellagio management is said to be especially angry about the recent defection of stylist director Jorgen Nielson from its salon to Wynn Las Vegas.
The high-profile hair man does all the celebrity guest coiffure at the hotel, and also restored one of Andy Warhol's wigs before it was put on display as part of the big Warhol show last year at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art.
He is also Elaine Wynn's personal stylist.
"We clearly understood his value, and sometimes people just have to make a change," she told us. "They may be bored or tired of where they are after a few years and if an opportunity comes along you can't blame someone for taking it."
Steve Wynn used to own Bellagio, along with The Mirage and Treasure Island, until he was bought out by Kirk Kerkorian, who now controls MGM MIRAGE. Wynn's current human resources director, Arte Nathan, helped Wynn hire staff for all three of those properties when they opened.
"Jorgen Nielsen has played a large role in the success of the Bellagio salon," Randy Morton, Bellagio vice president of hotel operations, told us in an e-mail. "We are sorry to see him leave and wish him the best of luck in everything he does. He is an extraordinarily talented man."
"I think that people who have worked for him feel a certain loyalty to Wynn, and even if you haven't, everyone is excited about Wynn Las Vegas opening next year," a Wynn worker wagged to us.
"Even the hourly workers and the valets at the other hotels are approaching us. Their thinking, and it is not so far off, is that we'll have the most affluent clientele, which will trickle down in larger tips, among other things," the source said.
First grade magic
It is one of those "Only in Vegas" things.
Where else do you get world-class entertainment at a first grade graduation party?
It all started when Dean LaMar Elementary School first grader Ian Hobson asked his father, comic-magician Jeff Hobson, star of "V -- The Ultimate Variety Show" (Desert Passage at the Aladdin), to perform a few tricks for his end-of-the-year class party.
Daddy Hobson, ever the showman, immediately had bigger plans, and promptly arranged one heck of a show.
"I decided to make this a show the kids will never forget," Hobson said. So he has recruited pals Michael Holly from "The World's Greatest Magic Show" (Greek Isles), magicians James Dimmare and Kevin James and illusionist group The Majestix.
The party takes place this afternoon at the school on West Hammer Lane.
Play time
CineVegas creative board chairman Dennis Hopper and VEGAS Magazine Publisher Michael Carr are both awfully busy these days, but not too busy for a round of golf.
The duo hit the links at Southern Highlands the other day.
Who won?
"Well, I did get an eagle on the fourth hole, but it is not always about beating people," Carr told us at the CineVegas/VEGAS Magazine party at Caesars Palace on Friday night. "Golf is about the enjoyment of the game and the camaraderie that goes with it.
"But yeah, I won," Carr smiled.
"I didn't play that well," Hopper added. "But Michael did have a good long game."
International press
Not only is the American media obsessed with Las Vegas, but the Brits are jumping on the bandwagon.
"Bringing Down the House: How Six Students Took Vegas for Millions," Ben Mezrich's book about the Massachusetts Institute of Technology students who successfully counted cards while playing blackjack, is now out in England.
The book got a favorable review this week in the austere (London) Times literary supplement.
Best line from the review: "Conning a casino is a favourite get-rich-quick fantasy, but alchemy is probably more viable."
Kate buy
A two-day auction of property belonging to Katharine Hepburn, who died at 96 in June 2003, brought in an unexpected $5.8 million, with many items selling for far above the estimated price, according to Sotheby's New York.
Among the buyers was Wayne Newton, who purchased Gertrude, the canoe from the movie "On Golden Pond," where Hepburn listened to the loons with Henry Fonda.
He paid $19,200 for the item.
VegasBits
Social Security: Roy Horn hosted a private 65th birthday party for Siegfried Fischbacher at their "Little Bavaria" home and animal preserve in the northwest section of Las Vegas on Saturday (his actual birthday was Sunday). Horn gave his professional partner a red Hummer golf cart to use as transportation on the 100-plus-acre site ...
Art: Jason Alexander of "Seinfeld" fame took in the big Monet show at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art on Saturday afternoon ...
Late night: Sometime after Snoop Dogg performed at the Maxim party at Body English (Hard Rock) late Saturday night and dawn Sunday -- about a one-hour window -- Paris Hilton, Jimmy Kimmel and Owen Wilson all had breakfast with friends at Mr. Luckys ....
Cool pool: 'N-Sync-er JC Chasez, Wilmer Valderrama ("That '70s Show"), Jared Leto and countless professional athletes lounged around the pool at the weekly Rehab party at the Hard Rock Sunday afternoon ...
Twin: Two of our favorite local performers, the dueling pianist twins Mark & Clark, are back at the Imperial Palace's Kabuki Lounge nightly through Sunday ...
Live: The new CD from Diva Las Vegas, "Celine Dion Live in Las Vegas," hits stores today. It includes 13 cuts from her "A New Day ..." show at Caesars Palace, two new studio tracks and a 45-minute bonus DVD of backstage footage and show preparation.
From Sun wires
Bon Jovi supports Kerry: Musician Jon Bon Jovi says criticism and intimidation won't stop him from speaking out in support of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, who raised $1 million at the singer's home in Middletown, N.J., Monday night.
"I've received hate mail at my house. I've had people drive by my home and shout things out," Bon Jovi told guests. "And I think that they question my patriotism because I decided to stand up and have a voice."
Brown pleads guilty: James Brown pleaded guilty in Columbia, S.C., Monday to a domestic violence charge stemming from an argument with his wife and was let off with a $1,087 fine.
The 71-year-old Godfather of Soul was arrested in January and accused of pushing his wife, Tomi Rae Brown, to the floor and threatening to kill her.
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