The column notes are akin to a collection of menacing attackers, and I am Jackie Chan:¥¥¥The pulse is quickening at Tiffany Theatre, the ÒTerminatorÓ of Strip showrooms. It was supposed to be shut down by this time for a major renovation. Then it was supposed to be shuttered in July. Now, not so sure.
But what is certain at the Trop Zone is that Paul Rodriguez is moving into Tiffany Theatre. RodriguezÕs stand-up showcase, ÒPaul Rodriguez and the Whole Enchilada,Ó moves into the theater for a limited engagement May 17 and closes June 20. Opening for Rodriquez is ÒRocket Scientist Turned ComedienneÓ Shayla Rivera.
Before launching a career in stand-up comedy, Rivera earned a bachelorÕs degree in aerospace engineering at Texas A&M and worked on the space shuttle program for McDonnell Douglas Space Systems at NASAÕs Johnson Space Center in Houston. So sheÕs a real blast, yes? SheÕs also Puerto Rican, keeping with the TropÕs aggressive attempts to reach a Latin/Hispanic audience.
The Rodriguez Experience includes two all-Spanish shows, at 7 p.m. June 5 and JuneÊ12. Headliners performing full shows in two languages on the same night is believed to be a first on the Strip, although it could be argued that Charo has spoken both languages, simultaneously.
Regular show times are 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; tickets are $39-$49, absent fees. (Go to the Tropicana website for information.)
Rodriguez made national news a couple weeks ago when, in protest of ArizonaÕs undocumented immigration bill — Senate Bill 1070 — he canceled a MayÊ1 show at Wild Horse Pass Casino in Chandler, Ariz. He then reversed the decision, playing the show, but donating the proceeds to the League of United Latin American Citizens.¥¥¥I spoke at length with Lance Burton on Thursday night, and he insists he does not know what he will do once his run ends at Lance Burton Theatre.
A Monte Carlo headliner since the hotel opened in 1996, Burton and MGM Mirage parted ways, unexpectedly, in April. Reportedly, resort officials wanted Burton to shave some expenses (and in effect, some of the entertainment quality) of his elaborate illusion production show.
Under contract until 2015, Burton instead negotiated out of his agreement with MGM Mirage and issued the company his six-monthsÕ notice. His final show is Sept. 4, and he says he is unsure about when and where heÕll resume his headlining career, saying only that he wants to continue to perform in his Las Vegas home and, ÒIÕm learning a lot about TiVo.Ó (The interview will air on ÒOur MetropolisÓ on KUNV 91.5-FM at 6 p.m. MayÊ25.)
Also, through the rest of the month, Burton is offering a two-for-one ticket package for Nevada residents with valid ID, and a special Sunday Memorial Day Weekend matinee performance at 4 p.m.¥¥¥In March, when it was still unclear whether Manny Pacquiao would win his congressional race in the Philippines, I asked a journalist from the Philippines how the wildly popular boxing champ wouldnÕt win that seat. I was told it was because Pacquiao is so highly regarded and beloved in his country that many voters might consider him too good to be tied into that nationÕs chronically corrupt government.
But Pacquiao won anyway.
PacquiaoÕs promoter, Top Rank founder Bob Arum, is being given credit for helping Pacquiao pull out the KO victory at the polls. Arum is scheduled to be honored at the FriarÕs Club in New York on June 3, two days before the June 5 Miguel Cotto-Yuri Foreman bout at Yankee Stadium.¥¥¥Signing on as a principal performer in ÒVegas! The ShowÓ at Saxe Theater at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood is vocalist Reva Rice.
A singer who can blow the roof off the place unless the roof is uncommonly heavy, Rice has performed in productions of ÒStarlight Express,Ó ÒChicagoÓ and ÒSmokey JoeÕs Caf≈.Ó She was also one of the ÒLady of the LakeÓ cast members in ÒMonty PythonÕs SpamalotÓ at Wynn Las Vegas.¥¥¥The Lon Bronson All-Star Band kicked it up once more Thursday at Ovation at Green Valley Ranch. Chris Phillips (aka Zowie Bowie) sang ÒDelilahÓ with his former backing band during his ÒVintage VegasÓ effort at Monte Carlo. Santa Fe & The Fat City HornsÕ Tony Davich and Tyriq Johnson joined the band and it was great fun.
The next show, which is no-admission, is June 10, and Bronson and the band play again JulyÊ8.kats@lasvegassun.com / 990-7720
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