This year’s hall of fame expands by four artists

Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2006 | 7:22 a.m.

When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday

Where: UNLV's Artemus Ham Concert Hall

Tickets: $25 general admission; $10 seniors and children; free to UNLV students

Information: 895-2787

THIS YEAR'S WINNERS

Frederic Apcar, the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, has produced shows from Paris to Las Vegas, where he was well known for his productions at the Dunes. Among his many shows were "Casino de Paris," "Vive Les Girls," "Bare Touch of Vegas," "Hot Streak" and "Showbiz."

Mary Healy Hayes began her career in film, television, stage and radio in the 1930s. The widow of Peter Lind Hayes, she was hostess of the "Peter and Mary Show" on television. Her film credits include "Miracle on 34th Street," "Star Dust" and the cult classic "The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T."

John Klai II is recognized for designing hotels and casinos. His firm, Klai Juba Architects, worked on remodels and expansions at the MGM Grand, Luxor, Hard Rock Hotel, Orleans and Silverton, and designed Mandalay Bay.

Wayne Newton, known as "Mr. Las Vegas," has performed more than 25,000 shows locally, in addition to his worldwide appearances, and can still be seen today performing at The Flamingo. Newton has been recognized for his enduring service to the USO - he serves as chairman of the USO Celebrity Circle.

Four people will be inducted into the Nevada Entertainer/Artist Hall of Fame on Thursday during the fourth annual ceremony at UNLV's Artemus Ham Concert Hall. It's the first year that more than one person has been honored.

The inductees are entertainer Mary Healy Hayes, architect John Klai II, singer Wayne Newton, and legendary producer Frederic Apcar, who will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. Apcar created many Las Vegas-style shows seen here and around the world.

"This year the board decided we wanted to go outside entertainment and also not just honor one person," said Jeffrey Koep, dean of UNLV's College of Fine Arts. "There are so many good people to recognize."

Hayes, Klai and Newton will receive the Sidney Award, named in honor of the late George Sidney, who was the first inductee in the Hall. Sidney, who was honored posthumously, directed such films as "Show Boat," "Annie Get Your Gun" and "Viva Las Vegas."

Tony Curtis was honored during the second ceremony, and Phyllis McGuire received the Sidney last year.

Koep says the Hall of Fame serves two purposes: drawing attention to those honored and raising money for future artists and performers.

Last year, more than $25,000 were raised for scholarships. The first year, $3,000 were raised.

Koep said nominations are solicited by the board of directors of the Hall of Fame throughout the year. Anyone who attends the ceremony is given a nomination ballot.

"Last year we had 40 nominations," Koep said. "This year it's going up."

The criteria for being considered is "overall contribution to the arts," Koep said.

"Not everyone works in all of the arts," he said. "It's all-encompassing - architecture, film, music, writing. Honorees don't have to have lived in Vegas all their lives. Sidney only lived here the last five years of his life, but he was a great ambassador for Las Vegas."

He said it isn't necessary for a nominee to have been involved with a "blockbuster."

"He or she could be quietly working in the background," Koep said.