Your columnist has been busy, busy this week.  Full of weddings and events which I might add included being honored by the Meatball Awards held downtown at the Plaza Hotel.  Since I couldn't attend due to a previous commitment, and you know I hate to miss any spotlight, my good friends and local journalists Mike Weatherford and Jerry Fink accepted on my behalf.  Thank you gentlemen. 
 
Sunday's previous commitment included the huge 16th birthday bash for Kiki Posner, daughter of my friends  Lance and Eva Posner.  It was an extravagant affair at Vox Restaurant that included dinner, entertainment and surprises for everyone including the birthday girl.  It was my pleasure to attend especially when I think back to my own youth.  Not sure if I ever had a birthday party and certainly not anything like this. 
 
 
The Lion King arrives at Mandalay Bay in April replacing the highly successful Mamma Mia which brings down the curtain after a six year run.  Lion King is a Disney product which means it's a family affair.  Since the Lion King, like Mamma Mia, has had such a successful run on Broadway it may find a long term venue here in Las Vegas. This will be the only  "permanent" production  other than Broadway, thereby allowing the complete staging and sets.
The family scene also includes Donny and Marie Osmond at the Flamingo, who have just extended their 6 month engagement to 2 years  Seems business has been that good and the show is delicious. Yes, Mr Marandino has another hit on his hands. As I wrote last week the show is well oiled and a true entertainment delight.  The audience leaves with a smile every night so what's not to like.  Marie has lost a lot of weight, she's fresh from a divorce and after last season's Dancing With the Stars she has a whole new appeal to today's audiences.  Makes me ask myself why can't I get on Dancing With the Stars.... Oh!  That's right, I have Disco Ball.
 
It's amazing that in today's economy Caesars Colosseum manages to fill those seats every night.  Everyone was happy to see that Cher returned after taking four days off due to her health.  Plus, I just received a press release that Bette Midler is extending her Colosseum show and will start the New Year at the Colosseum.  It really is true, The Showgirl Must Go On!  With Cher, Bette and Sir Elton John as "regulars" plus throw in the likes of Jerry Seinfeld,  the Colosseum is pretty well covered.
 
To say it was a big night for Neal F. Boyd from America's Got Talent would definitely be an understatement.  The former insurance salesman from Missouri just earned one million dollars and a chance to headline a show in Las Vegas.  Well done Neal.  Who knows, maybe Neal's operatic recordings will fill the air during the fountain show at the Bellagio one day. 
 
Downtown Las Vegas was busy last week.  First it was the O.J. Simpson trial which finally went to  the jury.  The lunch counters downtown will miss the media when this is over. And over it is, for now.  Guilty on all 12 counts and sentencing on Dec 6. Will it be life????????
 
Another highlight for downtown was the introduction of the "mob" museum.  Excuse me, it's actually The Las Vegas Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement.  We've got to hand it to Mayor Goodman who's been involved with the planning for the museum from the beginning.  He never gives up on the possibilities for downtown, does he? This original downtown post office will be the home for the museum which isn't scheduled to open until 2010.  That gives everyone time to blow the dust off any thing that might be of interest and be included in the museum.  Let's face it, Las Vegas has a colorful past and a history like no other city.  
 
The Las Vegas Hilton and Ira David Sternberg continue to demonstrate that it's possible to present three completely different shows to the world and have all three do well.  Barry Manilow seems to have a great fan base, Menopause the Musical with my friend Paige O'Hara is still drawing a crowd and maybe, just maybe the Scintas have found a real home.  It seems to be a magical mix at the Hilton
 
Raw  Talent, the show that I.ve mentioned several times has  finally openen at the Sahara . The show fuses music and technology and  and features some of the dancers from  producer/choreographer Niclole Durr's Havana Night Club show.  This is a new concept and hopefully be a success.
 
Dick Feeney has two shows at the Plaza Hotel & Casino.  Viva Las Vegas which is Dick's most successful production, and the longest too, and The Rat Pack is Back.  All eyes will be on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars when Dick receives his star which will be placed on Las Vegas Boulevard right in front of New York New York on October 17th.  Las Vegas producers, performers and residents know Dick Feeney for more than his shows.  He's been active in community affairs and charities as well as his entertainment endeavors since 1985.  Congratulations to Dick as he joins other celebrities and well known Las Vegans from all areas of our lives.    
 
The Reverend Monti Rock performed three wedding ceremonies this week all at the beautiful home of Chuck St. Troy.  The first ceremony was a celebration and renewal of vows for Chuck's parents, Nick and Terry Troiano in honor of their 60th, yes I said 60th, wedding anniversary.    Nick and Terry had arrived from New York City earlier in the week and were completely surprised by the whole affair.  The second ceremony was for Chuck and his lovely fiance Lisa followed by a third ceremony for Rick and Sara Steele.  What a delight it was, even Reverend Monti was moved to tears.  Chuck St. Troy is a miracle himself having survived cancer in such a gallant fashion.  Chuck and Lisa invited  friends and relatives from all over for this special occasion.  After all, it's not often you have three ceremonies at one time.  The ceremonies were traditional, the outside gazebo setting was beautiful for the sunset weddings.  Check U Tube for weddings by Reverend Monti Rock III. 
 
My dear friend Wes Winters closed his show at the Steve Wyrick Theater in the Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood last week.  Wes had a three month run and last Friday celebrated a new beginning, we don't celebrate closings,  by hosting a party at home for close friends. 
Wes had a very successful run at the Liberace Museum with his  tribute show and his one man show at Carluccio's Tivoli Gardens for 5 years. It seems that , for some reason, very few shows succeed at  The Steve Wyrick Theater. Mr. Monti predicts a new home in the near  future for Wes.   We.  love you, Wes,.