Mob back in Vegas, but don’t worry

Friday, April 14, 2006 | 7:21 a.m.

The mob is back on the Strip.

But the feds don't need to worry - these gangsters are onstage, performing in two musical comedy dinner theaters.

"The Sopranos' Last Supper," which is a spoof of the hit HBO series "The Sopranos," premiered a few days ago at the Krave nightclub adjacent to the Aladdin.

"Ba-Da-Bing," a show that has had several venues around town during the past five years, resurfaces Tuesday at Giorgio's Italian restaurant at Mandalay Bay.

The productions are similar.

Each is interactive. Each has a premise of the audience being part of various crime families gathering for a party - "Ba-Da-Bing" is a birthday party, "Last Supper" is a going-away party for Tony Baritone.

Each is pricey, with "Last Supper" charging $95 to $150 (and up) and "Bing" $88 ($39 for children).

And the "Last Supper" ostensibly takes place in the Bada Bang Nightclub.

Ba-da-bing, ba-da-bang.

Catchy.

A lot of effort goes into trying to make sure the audiences at both productions have a good time.

At "Last Supper" people are prodded into dancing to songs sung by various cast members. There are a couple of conga lines, with entertainers leading dancers around the showroom.

Unfortunately, at least the night I attended, a large number of fans conga-ed right out of Krave.

By the time the tortuous two-hour, 15-minute production gasped its last breath, the room was half empty.The show is too long by almost an hour.

It's too unfocused, too unfunny and it takes itself too seriously.

A lot of talent is wasted in "The Sopranos' Last Supper," not the least of whom is Janien (Masse) Valentine, a vocalist who has been around town for awhile - she sang with Clint Holmes at Harrah's; she was Esmerelda in "Notre Dame de Paris" at Paris Las Vegas.

The food at the "Last Supper" was decent but not spectacular. Served buffet style, the menu will vary.

Fans should fare better at Giorgio Caffe & Ristorante, which will prepare a three-course meal.

"Last Supper" begins at 6 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Doors open at 5 p.m.

For information, call 733-8669.

"Ba-Da-Bing" begins at 7:30 nightly. Doors open at 6 p.m. for preshow entertainment.

For information, call 257-0297.

Luau

The 15th annual luau season begins at the Imperial Palace on Tuesday.

The festivity, which includes a South Seas revue, will be held evenings Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through Oct. 28 at the Shangri-la pool.

Among the items on the buffet are roasted suckling pig, Haleiwa BBQ pork ribs, baked salmon, pan-seared tuna, pork loin, huli huli chicken and more.

After the feast there will be hula lessons, sing-a-longs and a musical/dance revue.

For information, call 794-3261.