Star-studded lineup has navigated Riviera

By Jerry Fink (contact)

Tuesday, April 19, 2005 | 8:07 a.m.

When Michael Bolton performs as part of the Riviera's 50th birthday celebration Friday, he will be on hallowed entertainment ground.

Some of the world's elite have trod the boards at the casino that opened on April 20, 1955.

Liberace was the headliner in the showroom -- lured from the New Frontier, where he earned $750 a week, with a salary offer of $50,000 a week.

Actress Joan Crawford hosted the grand opening. The legendary Treniers performed in the lounge.

The following year Marlene Dietrich and actor/director Orson Welles appeared in the showroom, a venue that over the years featured such luminaries as Red Skelton, the Andrews Sisters, Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, George Burns, Red Buttons, Sid Caesar, Carol Channing and Cyd Charisse.

Others included Vic Damone, Dennis Day, Totie Fields, Eddie Fisher, Joel Grey, Buddy Hackett, Dean Martin, Tony Martin, Mills Brothers, Patti Page, Rowan & Martin, Sarah Vaughan, Roger Miller, and Paul Anka, who made his Riviera debut in 1981.

Ann-Margret signed a $40,000-a-week contract with the Riviera in May 1967, and while there married Roger Smith. Engelbert Humperdinck made his Las Vegas debut there in 1969.

In 1970 a Friars' Club roast of comedian Joe E. Lewis brought together some of the legends in entertainment under one roof.

Dean Martin hosted the affair, which was emceed by George Jessel.

Roasters included Marty Allen, Jack Benny, George Burns, Vikki Carr, Jimmy Durante, Buddy Hackett, Jack E. Leonard, Tony Martin, Jan Murray, Toots Shor, Phil Silvers, Ed Sullivan, Louis Armstrong, Pearl Bailey and Telly Savalas.

Among the 1,300 guests in the audience were then-Nevada Gov. Paul Laxalt, the Sands Hotel's Jack Entratter (an original investor in the Riviera) and Caesars and Circus Circus creator Jay Sarno.

Frank Sinatra performed twice at the Riviera in 1990.

On June 21, 1985, "Splash" made its premiere, followed in September by "An Evening at La Cage" (starring Frank Marino). "Crazy Girls" debuted on Sept. 21, 1987.

Almost 20 years later all three productions are still going strong.

But one headliner that has been there only a year will depart after its April 20 birthday.

That will be the day of comic magician Amazing Johnathan's final performance. He is departing for the Sahara, with a target debut date of May 6.