‘Love’ will try not to be a pain

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005 | 8:54 a.m.

With all of the talk lately about Broadway coming to Las Vegas, Marvin Lashever is wondering if it's a one-way street, or a highway that runs in both directions. "The idea intrigued me that a production born in Las Vegas could go to Broadway," Lashever said.

He is general manager of "Love Is a Pain," a romantic musical comedy that is in rehearsal for a Dec. 26 premiere at the Riviera's La Cage Theatre.

Hopefully he will have better luck with "Pain" than he did with the ill-fated "Tropical Passions," a short-lived musical at the Sahara that was suppose to rival the hit "Havana Night Club" earlier this year.

"Passions" closed after a few weeks, but that can't be blamed on Lashever. The show had serious creative problems long before he became the production's general manager.

Lashever -- who spent years traveling with his brother-in-law Tony Orlando -- says he was burned out by the experience and wasn't too interested in jumping back into another show until he read the script for "Pain."

"It is hilarious," Lashever said. "It has all of the elements that a Las Vegas show should have."

It does have a lot of Las Vegas, including a topless scene, a transvestite Marilyn Monroe character and a dog -- portrayed by longtime local performer Karin Denise ("Splash").

The script was written by Chinese actress Shel Shine, a popular performer in her native country for many years.

"She wrote the script with the idea of taking it to Broadway, but the producers couldn't find a room in New York right away and so they decided to bring it to Las Vegas first," Lashever said.

Shine is in the cast, playing the role of an illegal Chinese immigrant. The story centers around a husband and wife who decide to divorce but can't afford to live alone, so they agree to continue to share their house.

To help make the mortgage payment, they rent a room out to Shine's character. "There's lots of comedy, romance, drama, dancing, singing," Lashever said.

The musical is being directed by Raymond Homer, who has directed almost 50 motion pictures.

One of the most unusual aspects of the production, Lashever said, is the set. "There will be some high-tech videography," he said. "We're using a combination of standard sets, augmented with hologram-type pictures."

My Favorito performer

Comedian Vinnie Favorito -- described as a "vicious Don Rickles" -- has a new show at O'Sheas.

Earlier this year Favorito became the first-ever headliner at Binion's. Favorito performs two shows daily at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m, Tuesdays through Saturdays.

For ticket information, call 733-3333.

A Stark Christmas

For the cynical, the Stark Theatre Co. is presenting an irreverent Christmas pageant Thursday through Sunday at Denny and Lee's Magic Studio, 5115 S. Dean Martin Road (formerly part of Industrial Road).

"Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You," starring Christopher Durang, is performed at 8 p.m. daily.

Tickets are $10.

For information, call 363-6784.

Plaid signings

The cast of "Forever Plaid" ("Plaid Tidings" during the holidays) will be on hand to sign copies of their CD at 6:30 p.m. Monday at ReJavaNate Coffee Lounge, 3300 E. Flamingo Road.

For information, call 253-7721.

The coffee lounge is owned and operated by "Plaid" cast members J. Gregory Davis and Bruce Ewing.

In addition to the CD signing, fans may purchase "Forever Plaid" souvenir items, and there will be a drawing for tickets to the show.

The cast album features the Las Vegas cast of "Forever Plaid," including Davis, Ewing, Douglas Frank, Mark Perkins and Dale Sandish.

Among the songs on the CD are "Three Coins in the Fountain," "Magic Moments," "Crazy 'Bout Ya Baby" and more. Jerry Fink can be reached at 259-4058 or at jerry@lasvegassun.com.