Anthony Curtis’ nationally syndicated weekly column.
April 21, 2010
If you thought that the Las Vegas building slowdown might also spawn a moratorium on new Cirque du Soleil shows, you were wrong. Following the licensing of Beatles music for LOVE at the Mirage and Elvis music for Viva Elvis! at Aria, Cirque has announced that it will create a Michael Jackson-themed show. The production is scheduled to debut in late 2011 as a live touring show featuring the songs of the King of Pop. It will then become a permanent production in Las Vegas in 2012, playing at an MGM Mirage casino to be named later.
Name Change: Further to the subject of MGM Mirage and names, the casino giant is asking shareholders to permit the company to change its name to MGM Resorts International. Company officials were quick to dispel any thoughts that this might mean the Mirage is for sale, explaining that the proposed identity change is to reflect the diversification of the company into foreign markets and non-gaming properties.
Nickel Beer: That’s right, you can now get 5¢ beers in Las Vegas and at one of its classiest bars to boot. On Tuesdays from 9 p.m. to midnight, the sparkling new Todd English P.U.B. at CityCenter sells 8-ounce cups of Pabst Blue Ribbon for a nickel apiece. The place also serves some mean pub grub (though it’s priced a bit higher).
Lose Two: As expected, the troubled Privé nightclub and Living Room ultralounge at Planet Hollywood have closed. Neither club is expected to reopen and no plans for use of the space have been revealed by the casino’s new owner, Harrah’s.
Gain One: Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall and Bar-B-Que has returned to the Las Vegas Strip after a hiatus following the closure of the New Frontier.
Question: Does Las Vegas still have its minor-league baseball team?
Answer: The Las Vegas 51s are the AAA affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. They play at Cashman Field, just north of downtown and tickets start at $9.
