John Kastilometes details reports about plans for the theater that was once home to ‘Hairspray’ at the Luxor

kats@lasvegassun.com

Thursday, July 6, 2006 | 7:25 a.m.

Plans for the theater vacated last month by "Hairspray" at the Luxor are coming into sharper focus, and familiarity seems to be the prevailing theme. As reported by Las Vegas freelance journalist and podcast host Steve Friess at www.thestrippodcast.com, the hotel plans to open yet another Cirque du Soleil production the sixth in Las Vegas that will revolve around a magic/illusion theme. Friess also said the Luxor is planning to bring in the legendary Liza Minnelli as one of a group of headliners while the production takes shape.

Apart from the podcast, we're hearing that extreme illusionist Criss Angel will front the Cirque production. Angel, the star of "Mindfreak" on A&E, has been rumored to be in the Luxor's long-term plans and has been spotted at a bevy of Las Vegas events (particularly those with red carpets leading to the entrance) over the past several weeks.

Also, the list of headliners the Luxor is eyeing is rumored to include Julio Iglesias, Tony Bennett and Engelbert Humperdinck. All have long histories as Vegas performers, and Humperdinck recently opted out of dates in September and November at the Orleans Showroom to pursue opportunities on the Strip. Humperdinck's final shows at the Orleans will be July 20-23.

In response to inquiries about a permanent production show at the Luxor Theater, MGM Mirage spokeswoman Jenn Michaels said, "We've been looking at a number of options for the former 'Hairspray' theater; we are close to signing a deal and will make an announcement as soon as we are able to do so." Michaels added that MGM Mirage doesn't have anything to announce regarding headliners and that plans for the Luxor's entertainment program still need to be firmed up.

As for the growth of Cirque in Las Vegas, reliable chatter is that there are preliminary plans for nine Cirque productions on the Strip by the end of the decade, including the new Luxor show, the Elvis-themed production at MGM Mirage's Project CityCenter, a production to replace "Mamma Mia!" once it plays out at Mandalay Bay, and show No. 9 at an unspecified hotel possibly a children's show at Excalibur to counter the adult-themed "Zumanity."

NoteMart

Flamingo flight: On Saturday night the Flamingo Las Vegas bid adieu for the second time to Wayne Newton, who is moving just up the Strip to Harrah's. Flamingo Assistant General Manager Geno Iafrate presented the 64-year-old Newton with a plaque commemorating his engagements at the resort. His most recent run began in November, and he first played there in November 1963, a 43-year gap between his first opening and final closing performances at the hotel. The plaque showed photos of the seemingly ageless singer yesterday and today

Keep it clean: The more than 300 costumes worn in "Love" at the Mirage require special treatment. Thus, they are sent weekly to Tiffany Cleaners at 953 E. Sahara Ave. "There are a lot of embellishments, sequins, beads and anything you can imagine that can be incorporated into a costume," Tiffany owner Dan Del Rossi said last week. "When they make these costumes the last thing on their mind is how they are going to be cleaned. We're like, 'Whoa! How are we going to do this one?'?"

From Rock to Sands: Las Vegas Sands Corp. made it official on Wednesday former Hard Rock Hotel exec Kevin Kelley is on board as senior vice president. Kelley worked with Hard Rock owner and founder Peter Morton for 3 1/2 years in Las Vegas before Morton sold to Morgans Hotel Group in June ...

Live Nation nation: Live Nation Inc., the world's largest producer and promoter of live entertainment, has purchased House of Blues operator HOB Entertainment Inc. for $350 million, it was reported Wednesday. That purchase includes House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, which is among the 10 House of Blues venues in amphitheaters across the country. Live Nation owns, operates or has booking rights to 150 venues in North and South America and Europe and produces concerts, touring Broadway shows and sporting events. The company is a former subsidiary of radio giant Clear Channel Communications; the deal is expected to close by the end of this year

Ratings bonanza: Good news for Nathan Burton, the publicity-seeking star of the afternoon comedy-magic show at the V Theatre at Desert Passage mall at the Aladdin. The show in which he is a contestant, "America's Got Talent," was the highest-rated prime-time program last week, according to Nielsen Media Research...

Not quite mathematically eliminated: A plate on a white Chevy Silverado pickup truck, owned by a person with unshakable optimism: DAHCUBS. Fabulous Las Vegas runs Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in the Las Vegas Sun. John Katsilometes can be reached at 259-2327 or 812-9812 or at kats@lasvegassun.com.