Published Wednesday, April 29, 2009 | 3:45 p.m.
Updated Thursday, April 30, 2009 | 6:56 p.m.
When it was announced last summer for the showroom at the Venetian resort in Las Vegas, "The Real Deal!'' production was called "a new paradigm in entertainment" in which the audience would interact with professional poker players in a show combining humor and action.
Things didn't work out with the show, and following its collapse the Venetian claims the show was mismanaged and is suing longtime Hollywood producer Merv Adelson for more than $1 million.
The Venetian, in a suit filed last week in Clark County District Court, alleges Adelson owes the Venetian $1 million it advanced his company to establish the show, along with more than $68,000 in interest. Adelson personally guaranteed payment, the lawsuit said.
Adelson, however, responded Thursday that the Venetian had reneged on the $1 million commitment.
Adelson is known for making and losing fortunes with his various ventures. His Lorimar Telepictures was responsible for the TV hits "Dallas," "Falcon Crest," "Eight is Enough," "The Waltons" and "Knots Landing."
No relation to Venetian founder Sheldon Adelson, Merv Adelson was called an entertainment industry icon by the Venetian when "The Real Deal!" was announced.
"Working in partnership with the world’s most renowned poker professionals, the show will introduce a new paradigm in entertainment, establishing a completely original live show format that combines humor, the latest in wireless technology, and abundant prizes in wildly-fun, fast-paced action that will entertain poker enthusiasts and nonplayers alike,'' the Venetian said at the time.
"The Real Deal!" was to empower the audience to participate both on-stage and from their seats through the use of wireless touch screen devices.
"The Real Deal! will use a revolutionary multi-player platform with interactive content in conjunction with technology from TimePlay Entertainment Inc.," the Venetian said at the time. "Playing both against and alongside the pros, audience members will earn points to vie for prizes ranging from 'The Real Deal!' logo’d merchandise to spectacular home electronics and more, including a chance to win a $1 million grand prize."
But, the lawsuit charges, 'Defendant failed to continuously conduct the production and defendant subsequently stopped production, thereby breaching the lease."
Adelson disputed this, saying, "The Venetian stopped the show, not me." He had no other comment.
Adelson also is accused of "misrepresentations, concealment, fraud and deceit;" and the resort says he has failed to allow the Venetian to conduct an accounting of the show's books and records.
In the spirit of Venice, The Venetian is a little piece of romantic Italy right here in Las Vegas. The Venetian is an "all-suite" hotel, with rooms accented with plush linens and Italian marble. The 4,027 suites are divided into two towers: The 36-story Venetian Tower that offers guests a taste of luxurious Las Vegas and the Venezia suites, which guarantee 12 floors of high-end elegance. The top five floors are the hotel's highest level of luxury with its private access, concierge lounge, upgraded features and even a dedicated staff.
Entertainment at the Venetian includes shows such as Tim and Faith - Soul2Soul, featuring Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, and Rock of Ages.
The flagship of Venetian nightlife is TAO, an ultra-hip nightclub located inside of TAO Asian Bistro. V Bar is The Venetian's super smooth ultra lounge, made by the owners of New York City's club Lotus and Los Angeles' super swank Sunset Room.
The Venetian features 19 restaurants including Thomas Keller's award-winning French restaurant Bouchon, Mario Batali's B&B Ristorante, Aquaknox for fresh seafood and the 42,000 square foot TAO Asian Bistro. There's also the food court inside the Canal Shoppes for those looking for a quick bite.
Guests can float along The Grand Canal Shops in an authentic Italian gondola ride and pass stores like Burberry and Kenneth Cole along the way. And if you haven't caught a real celeb, on the street in Vegas, you can head over to Madame Tussauds to check out a wax version.
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