Was invited by long-time friend, Ms. Lorraine Hunt-Bono, to attend her husband, Dennis’, taping of his nationally syndicated radio show at the South Point Hotel & Casino on Thursday afternoon (last week). Bono’s special guests were Deana Martin, who I had interviewed earlier in the week, Ron Crews, Eddie Mekka and Mrs. Bono.

One does not turn down the former Lt. Governor of our state. Besides I wanted to see Deana in action. I was joined in the booth by fellow scribe, Jackie Brett, Annette Falcone (wife of conductor Vince Falcone) and Nancy Barr’s grandson, Devon Barr, who was visiting his very proud grandmother for the week.

The show started promptly with host, Dennis Bono, singing “If I should Lose You,” followed by Lorraine belting out a very special “How About You,” which included some very unique words.  Next up was Deana who sang her dad’s famous hit, and one she has practically made her own, “Somebody Loves You.”

The difference between the Dennis Bono Show and Toast of the Town at Sam’s Town is that Dennis sits down with each guest, and they have a casual conversation—I find this very charming and Bono is so good at doing the interviews (discussions).  Deana talked easily about her famous father, Dean Martin and Uncle Frank (Sinatra). Deana returned to center stage and closed out her portion of the show with, “Everybody Loves Somebody.”

Eddie Mekka, who gained fame as Carmine on the Laverne & Shirley Show in the ‘70s, sang “Luck Be a Lady Tonight.” During Mekka’s conversation with Dennis, it was learned that he had just finished a tour with “Fiddler on the Roof,” and was preparing for a 35 week tour of “Grease.”

Bono closed out the show with a very beautiful ‘Always On My Mind.” The Dennis Bono Show tapes every Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in the beautiful South Point showroom. The show is free to the public, with club members getting first dibs on seating. The afternoon we attended, it was SRO.

When Robert Goulet was first at the Dunes Hotel (where the Bellagio now stands) in 1982, he would rotate his opening acts just about every week or two. He loved the comedians who used to work the Catskills. As he often said, “Normie, they paid their dues and learned all the tricks of how to read an audience. You can’t go wrong with a Catskill comedian—they are the best!”

One of those comedians was a young man named Sal Richards, who had been hired by Arthur Shenker, owner of the Dunes Hotel, to work at the “Top of the Dunes”—a super nightclub that overlooked the Las Vegas Strip. Goulet, his wife Vera, and this writer would find our way to the “Top” just about every night, following Robert’s second show (in those days the stars performed two shows every night). Eventually, we convinced Mr. Shenker to allow Richards to open for Robert in the Dunes Showroom. We had a lot of fun with Sal, including walking through the audience and dropping serving trays to having someone paging Sal from the audience. Whatever we could do to get a laugh we did it! And Richards loved it.

Why am I mentioning the above? Simple! I just finished reading Sal’s book, “Behind the Laughter, Hidden Tears,” which is one of the easiest books I’ve ever read. It took me about five hours to read the 159 pages, packed with quick little stories of his career and life. It quickly takes you through all the foibles of being an entertainer—the loss of his son, his bout with drinking and fighting with various people, who could’ve made him disappear. He admits to a lot of faults, but the one thing consistent in the book is: Richards tells ya the truth from beginning to end. He may have left out a couple of issues, but very little is missing.

You can purchase “Behind the Laughter, Hidden Tears,” on Amazon. It’s a great read!

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:

Speaking of Lorraine Hunt-Bono, she was informed that the August issue of “Playboy’s Guide to America’s Greatest Bars,” has named her establishment, The Bootlegger Bistro on Las Vegas Blvd. South, as Playboy’s Best Bar in Las Vegas. Between the original Bootlegger on Eastern at Tropicana, and its present location, the Bootlegger has been in operation a total of 36 years. Some more good news: If you are looking for a location to hold a company party, a wedding reception or any type of event from 20 to 400 people, the Bootlegger now has the perfect venue. Give them a call. And, if you are an event planner (and there’s a lot of them in Las Vegas) then you should take a look at what they have to offer. You will be amazed! Call (702) 736-4939 for more information.

Just a reminder that Jay White, who without question is the best Neil Diamond impressionist in the business today, will be at the Suncoast Casino Showroom this Saturday and Sunday, July 31-August 1, with a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets start at $29.95 plus tax and fees. I’ll see ya there!

Got a note from former Las Vegas resident, and a fabulous entertainer, Loretta Holloway, informing me about the television series she is starring in, “The Bishop’s House,” which has received great revues in the markets where its been seen. She also reports she’ll be leaving for Shanghai, China, August 17 for an extended tour.  Oh, yeah, she still radiates the beauty and charm that made her so popular when she lived and worked in Las Vegas. Loretta also worked at the “Top of the Dunes.”

Another quick reminder: Ron and Lisa Smith will be at the Starbright Theater in Summerlin this Saturday night (July31) with their show, “Back to Broadway.” Showtime is 7:00 p.m. with tickets priced at $15 for residents, and $18 for non-residents.

Well, gang, next week I’ll give you a complete rundown on the great show I saw last weekend at the Suncoast, starring Deana Martin. It was fabulous! And, I’ll also do a review of her book, which is a great read.

That’s it for another week. I’m outta here!

The first time I met Deana Martin was at a “Toys for Tots” benefit boxing event, at the old (now destroyed) Moulin Rouge nightclub on Sunset Blvd., in Hollywood. At the time, this writer was employed as director of public relations and promotions by the former Heavyweight Champion of the World, Joe Louis. Deana must have been about 12 years old. Of course, she was accompanied by her famous father, Dean Martin. Frank Sinatra had rounded up a bunch of his buddies to come out and support the Christmas benefit. I remember Jayne Mansfield was there, as were the gang from the “Perry Mason” television show. It was one of the most successful “Toys for Tots” promotions, that year, for the U.S. Marines.

So, when I talked to Ms. Martin over the phone the other day, it was like old times, and we had a lot of catching up to do. I had met her a few times after that first meeting, when the Chairman of the Board (Sinatra) would call a gathering of the (Clan or Rat Pack) at the Sands Hotel in the ‘60s. I was fortunate enough to be allowed back stage following their performances. As was usually the case, Deana was accompanied by her adopted mother, Jeanne.

“I used to love sitting in the audience and watching my father perform,” Ms. Martin said. “I knew he was an entertainer, because I had watched him on television, but when I saw him in person the first time, it was something very special. I was around nine or 10 then. He was so magnificent.”

The gangly girl from the ‘60s has turned into a beautiful 5”2 ½ svelte entertainer, who can belt out a song as good as anyone. It’s in the genes!

Deana Martin will be performing in the Suncoast showroom in Summerlin this Saturday and Sunday, July 24-25, with the show, “Deana Sings Deano—a Tribute to Dad,” set to kick off at 7:30. Conductor to the Stars, Vince Falcone, will have Joe Lano on guitar; Mike Mechem, drums; Bob Sachs, bass; and Dale Rampton, percussion, backing the 62-year young singer. Martin will be singing some of the songs made famous by her father, plus special selections form the “Great American Song Book.” You’ll hear songs like “Memories Are Made of This,” “That’s Amore,” “Everybody Loves Somebody,” as well as “Ain’t that a Kick in the Head,” Sway,” “Mack the Knife,” and “That Old Black Magic.”

Deana is one of Dean’s seven children.  She is the only one who has made a career of walking out on a stage and singing. Dean’s first wife, Betty, who passed away in 1989, was the beloved mother of Stephen, Claudia, Barbara and Deana in that order. Jeanne, Dean’s second wife, was the mother of Dean Paul, Ricci and Gina. Claudia died in 2001 from cancer and Dean Paul was killed when his National Guard jet crashed into a mountain outside of Palm Springs in 1987. In a weird turn of events, Frank Sinatra’s mother, Natalie “Dolly” Sinatra, died when the private jet she was aboard  crashed into the very same mountain, exactly 10 years earlier.

Deana confirmed, what I’ve known for a long time, that her father never drank liquor on stage. “It was always tea,” she explained. “As a matter of fact, dad was a very casual drinker when he was home. He might have a glass of wine with dinner and perhaps a cocktail later…but that was about it!”

when she was 17, Ms. Martin traveled to England to study drama at the Dartington College of Arts in the United Kingdom, amassing an impressive array of theatrical credits. In 1966, after returning to the states, she made her television debut on “The Dean Martin Show.” Frank Sinatra was the special guest star for that particular show.

Deana Martin is constantly on the go, performing in more than 200 concerts a year. In 2004 she penned the best selling book: “Memories Are Made of This: Dean Martin Through His Daughters Eyes.” The book is currently in the process of being made into a movie, with the screenplay being written by actor/writer, Bonnie Hunt.  Actor Joe Montegna is set to direct.

“It should be a great movie,” she said. “I personally can’t wait to see it start production.”

A wee bit of trivia: Dean Martin died on Christmas Day, 1995. His mother, Angela, died on Christmas Day, 1967.

Deana is married to John Griffeth and they have a son, Mickey (40) who works in the legal department at Warner Bros Studios. John and Deana fly to most of their engagements in their Cessna 310, named “Volare.” John has been a pilot for more than 40 years, with his wife getting her pilots license in 2004. They have two homes, one in Beverly Hills, Calif., and the second home in Branson, Ms.

“We love Branson so much. It’s our real escape home. I can go anywhere, and there’s no paparazzi following you around. Everyone is so calm and laid back. It’s just so peaceful.”

So, now, I hope you have learned a little bit more about a tremendous lady who has lived and had it all—lots of love, plenty of laughs, tragedy and unbelievable experiences, and still has her two feet firmly planted on good old terra firma.

Oh, yeah, I wanted to remind you that First Thursday will be August 5, at the Corner Galley in Boulder City. Artist Lee Moses will be on hand at 6:30 to discuss his unique art works in metal. Drop by, and while you are there, ask to see this writers sculptures.

Well, gang, that’s about it for this week. I’m outa here!

What can one say about a legend? How can this writer let people know what kind of a guy Rich Little really is? Simple.  Do some research and then interview your friend of approximately 30 years, as if this was the first time we have ever talked. So, that’s what I’ve done. Hope you enjoy.

Little will be performing this Saturday, July 10, in The Club at The Cannery Casino in North Las Vegas at 8:00 p.m.

Little was born on Nov. 26, 1938, in Ottawa, Canada, to Dr. Lawrence Little (he passed away in 1957) and Elizabeth (who died in 1998 at the age of 94).  Rich shared his birth date with his friend of more than 35 years, Robert Goulet. Rich was the middle of three sons, Fred the eldest and, Chris, who died in 2004.

As a teenager, Little began entertaining his fellow students with impressions of local and national (Canadian) politicians. He would also use his ability to do voices of famous entertainers to get dates with the cute students, by calling them on the phone, and talking to them as if he was their favorite actor. The trick worked. “I had lots of dates, but they would usually end early when I showed up.”

Around that time (1952), he met another teenage impressionist in school, Geoff Scott, and the two decided to team up. By the time 1955 rolled around, the two teenagers were performing in nightclubs around Ottawa, and gaining quite a reputation..

In 1955, Little and Scott heard Ed Sullivan would be bringing his CBS television show, “Toast of the Town,” to Canada. Rich tells the story of how he and Scott (filled with thoughts that they were the best impressionists in Canada) snuck into the theater and cornered Sullivan in his dressing room. “Mr. Sullivan allowed us to do a short audition, while he was doing makeup. He was very nice and told us to, ‘Come back in 10 years.’” “We thought that was wonderful. Well, we learned latter, that was like the kiss of death,” Rich laughed.

Rich and Scott decided to break up the act soon after the Ed Sullivan encounter. Little began acting in little theatre productions, and also become a disc jockey, enriching his time on air with frequent impressions Rich recalled. Scott went on to indulge his dream of one day becoming a major force in Canadian politics, and in 1978, was elected as a Member of Canada’s Parliament, where he served for 15 years, losing during the 1993 elections.

In 1963, an American singer was listening to the radio and heard Little doing some amazing impressions. Mel Torme, who at the time was producing a new television show for Judy Garland, asked Rich if he would come to the states and do an audition for him. Little (as, they say in showbiz, killed) and he made his American television debut in 1964 on CBS’s Judy Garland Show. Rich had a special impression up his sleeve—he would do James Mason as Norman Maine from the 1954 movie, “A Star is Born,” starring Judy. His impression litterally thrilled the great singer, and from that memorable performance, Rich Little has never looked back.

In 1965, exactly 10 years after the audition in Canada, Little made his first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show (Toast of the Town), in the same episode singer Jerry Vale performed on. Rich returned in 1967, in a show where Nancy Sinatra sang her chart-busting hit, “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.” Little made two more Sullivan appearances in 1967 and 1970.

This writer remembers attending a very special showing of a new concept produced by Little, in the main showroom at the Paris Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, near the end of 2002. It was titled “Rich Little Does the Presidents.” I still personally, believe this was one of the best shows I’ve had the privilege of seeing. It involved Little doing nine Presidents from John F. Kennedy, including Richard Nixon, James Carter, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Busch, in full costume, and make-up in front of nine different Oval Offices. It ran for a month at Paris, and then Rich took it on the road for three months in 2003.

Something a lot of the general public is unaware of is that Rich Little is a prolific artist. His charcoal drawings of celebrities, numbering about 30 (most of whom he knew or knows personally), including Presidents, are so darn perfect–it’s like you’re actually looking at the person. You can see some examples by going to  HYPERLINK “http://www.richlittle.com” www.richlittle.com and clicking on art works.

As most people are aware of (I’m pretty sure of this statement), Little is known as “The Man of a 1000 Voices.” And, indeed, he can do that many voices, ranging from Prime Minister Winston Churchill to President George W. Bush, with all the celebrities in the world in between.  One of his favorites was his long-time friend, Jimmy Stewart, who passed away in 1997.

For nearly two years, Little has been working on a play using the voice of Jimmy Stewart as the main character, with the voices of many of Stewart’s friends coming in and out of the play. “I broke it in at a theater in New Mexico and it got good reviews,” Little said. “I’m still tweaking it,and when I feel it’s perfect, I may bring it to Vegas like I did The Presidents.”

Rich Little is a giving man. He and his wife, Marie are involved in many charities including the Rich Little Special Care Nursery in Ottawa, Canada, Las Vegas Rescue Mission, Child Haven, Heart Association of Las Vegas, Lied Animal Shelter, Southern Nevada Rape Crisis Center and Ronald McDonald House to name a few.

Rich Little is also one of the few entertainers to be honored with a star in four different locations: The Hollywood Walk of Fame, Palm Springs Walk of Stars, Toronto Walk of Fame and the Las Vegas Walk of Stars. On December 13, 2009, Marie Little was honored with her own Las Vegas star, for her Humanitarian Achievements.

So, now, I hope you have learned something new about Rich Little, a fabulous performer who, after more than a half-a-century, continues to entertain with the same enthusiasm he and Scott had when they cornered Ed Sullivan in his dressing room in 1955.

That’s it for this week. I’m outa here!

Believe it or not, Nancy Barr and this writer were part of the reported 1800 who attended the Fourth Anniversary of The Phantom of the Opera Las Vegas Spectacular, at the Venetian Resort last week. And, to prove it, there is a photo of us with our face partially covered by a Phantom mask. This was a promotion by the producers to create the most ‘Phantoms’ (the mask) ever assembled, and therefore make it into the Guinness Book of Records.

We have been very fortunate to attend all three of its previous anniversaries, plus the opening back in 2007. If you have not taken the time to stop whatever you’re doing for a couple of hours, and travel to the Venetian, then shame on you. The Phantom is a wonderfully produced show, with top notch performers, sets and music. Of course the cast has changed over the four years, but there has been no loss in excitement and vocals.

Tony Award winner, Anthony Crivello (he has a list of awards a mile long) plays the Phantom and has, in this writer’s opinion, a true and beautiful voice, and when he sings the hit song, “The Music of the Night,” you will hear perfect pitch and a sense of reality in his voice. It’s a rare moment in the play.

Basically the plot of the show is that The Phantom has his eyes on only one person, who he is in love with, and that person is the beautiful Christine, as played by Kristi Holden (or Kristen Hertzenberg on Wednesday and Thursday), who is also the lady being pursued by Raoul, portrayed by Andrew Ragone.

What sells this play, besides the wonderful performers and music, is the fabulous stage and its fantastic sets, lighting and unbelievable effects. Of course the showroom, which was specially designed and built just for the play, adds greatly to the entire evening, and the costuming is unbelievable. Oh, yes, and one must not forget the huge Chandelier, that scares the hell out of you, as it falls from the ceiling into the audience (a beautiful touch by the way).

Tickets for The Phantom Las Vegas Spectacular range in price from $69.00 to $165.00 plus fees. Showtimes are 7 and 9:30 p.m. Monday and Saturday with all other nights 7 p.m. (dark most Sundays).

Tim Walkoe, a very talented musician and one funny guy, headlines this week at Bob Kephart’s Comedy Stop at the Sahara Hotel. Walkoe is a story teller, as well as a quick-on-the-trigger comedian, who uses his favorite prop, a guitar, to keep the audience laughing. Sharing the stage with Tim, is the equally talented Karen Rontowski, a former cigarette girl at Caesars Palace (Las Vegas), and Chris Coccia, a native of Philadelphia, who uses his personal life situations to create funny stories everyone can relate to.

Tickets for the 9 p.m. show are priced from $24.95 plus tax and fees, with a very special $19.95 ticket for locals (with proof of residence). For reservations call the Sahara box office at (702)737-2878.

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to interview one of my favorite entertainers (and a personal friend), Rich Little, who will be appearing in The Club at the Cannery Casino in North Las Vegas, Saturday, July 10. It’s an interesting look back at a career, and a man, who has entertained us for more than 47 years. It will be my lead item in next weeks’ column. But, hey, you can get your tickets now, as it’s sure to be a SRO crowd for this one-night only performance.

Known throughout the world as the premier Neil Diamond tribute artist, my friend and fellow Las Vegan, Jay White, will do his very special tribute show in the 500-seat Suncoast Showroom, July 31 and August 1, with show times set for 7:30 p.m. More on this as the date gets nearer. Tickets are priced from $29.95 plus fees.

The Fremont Street Experience continues its “Summer of the 70s” promotion with a weekend full of fun and music for the Fourth of July celebration. The multi-platinum recording artists, Little River Band, will play on the 3rd Street stage Saturday, July 3 at 9 p.m. as part of the downtown festivities.

Ron and Lisa Smith, she of the fabulous “Shades of Sinatra” and “Dangerous Curves,” will perform a unique revue at the Starbright Theatre, Saturday, July 31 at 7 p.m. The title tells it all, “Back to Broadway–A musical Revue.” The very talented husband and wife team covers the gamut of musicals from “The Music Man” to “Les Miserables” and some of the newer hits from the Broadway of today.

Well, gang, that’s about it for this week. I’m outa here!