Columnist John Katsilometes: An intriguing list of questions posed by Dame Edna

Monday, Dec. 19, 2005 | 8:31 a.m.

Fabulous Las Vegas runs Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in the Las Vegas Sun. Reach John Katsilometes at kats@lasvegassun.com or at (702) 259-2327 or (702) 812-9812.

Several weeks ago when Las Vegas Sun reporter Jerry Fink was preparing to interview Barry Humphries (aka Dame Edna), we were passed along a memo bearing the title: "Questions For Journalist," with the accompanying note, "Please help us by answering these questions about the journalist, but without the journalist's knowledge. Please provide as much information as possible."

Eh?

I considered this odd request for a few days before contacting a go-between representing Humphries -- the 71-year-old comic actor who has been portraying Edna since 1969 -- to say we couldn't agree to the list. But after some delicate negotiating, we did offer a couple of factoids about Mr. Fink, such as his hometown (Tulsa, Okla.) and his full medical history (not really).

The interview was a smash; Jerry's story, previewing Humphries' Las Vegas debut at the Luxor, appeared on Dec. 12. "Dame Edna: A Dame in the Desert" opened Sunday and runs through Dec. 31 at the Luxor Theatre. Though working with scant information, Humphries certainly seemed to have fun with the interview.

"I wondered what was up when he said, 'Everyone will like the show, even those from Oklahoma,' " Jerry marveled last week.

A few other Humphries questions (unanswered) from the original list, which I keep as a memento:

Is he/she dating anyone? Or married? What is his/her partner's name?

Does he/she have a pet? What kind? Name?

Has he/she been on vacation lately? Where?

Is there an embarrassing story that you can tell us about the person?

Does he/she have an interest or hobby that he/she is known for?

As Edna, the 71-year-old Humphries portrays a widow with three grown children who is the founder of Friend of the Prostate and The World Prostate Olympics. But it is not too late to try journalism -- he/she is a natural.

NoteMart

Mr. Sandman: Though the money has not been tabulated from Saturday's noon-to-3 a.m. bluesfest at the Sand Dollar Blues Lounge, the event can be termed a success. At least there was some fun to be had. The benefit for accomplished Las Vegas keyboardist Junior Brantley, who fractured his hip in a fall in October and is "insurance-challenged," drew 12 bands over 15 hours.

I caught Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute band Cold Shot, Dr. Duck's Prescription and John Earl and the Boogieman Band, with dynamite guitarist/vocalist Chris Tofield, before it turned Pumpkin Time. I did not catch Scott Rhiner & Moanin' Black Snakes, who closed the show at 3 a.m., but it was good to see John Earl Williams blasting out the vocals and blowing into the harmonica until his face was red ...

Baby it's cold outside: On any list of distinctive duets, add Wayne Newton and Brittany Murphy, who teamed for "Baby It's Cold Outside" on Sunday during a benefit Concert at Harrah's Grand Casino Event Center in Tunica, Miss. The event was a benefit for first responders of Hurricane Katrina. Newton is back at Flamingo Las Vegas this week for his holiday show ...

Clothes call: It's pick on Paris Hilton time! People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued its "worst dressed" list last week. Hilton was named the year's worst-dressed celebrity by the animal-rights group, which chided the hotel heiress and sometime Internet adult film star for wearing fur coats. Hilton will shake off this potentially devastating piece of news and host a New Years' Eve party at Tao at the Venetian.

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