‘Divas’ closure gets gaming board look
THE Strip’s embattled drag show is being reviewed by the State Gaming Control Board. The closing of “Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas” at Linq Hotel has sparked an investigation into the production’s handling of funds promised to Make-a-wish Foundation of Southern Nevada.
Mike Lawton, senior research analyst for the Control Board’s Administration Division, said Thursday that agents plan to meet with Caesars Entertainment officials to review what led to “Divas” closing last week, and whether Caesars violated any gaming regulations.
“This is an ongoing investigation,” Lawton said. “We are currently in the process of setting up our meetings with Caesars. Our agents are gathering information over the next week or so.”
Through a spokeswoman, Caesars Entertainment offered no comment on this development.
Lawton said he could not give a timeline as to when the board would conclude its investigation.
Lawton did confirm that the board acted after Caesars Entertainment notified it that “Divas” had closed, and that this is considered a self-reported incident. Such cases typically go to a Control Board investigator for review, and that agent’s report is then issued to the three-member panel.
Those officials, in turn, consult the state attorney general’s office on whether the licensee (in this case, Caesars Entertainment) should be penalized. The process can take several months to conclude.
A Strip staple for 33 years beginning at the Riviera, “Divas Las Vegas’s” final performance was June 26. Marino and Caesars Entertainment officials confirmed Saturday the show had indeed closed
J. Keith Moyer • Chase Rankin •
for good.
Marino then issued a statement Tuesday in which he accepted responsibility for shortfalls in donations to Make-a-wish. Caesars Entertainment said its own investigation into the issue was “solely” the reason the show closed.
Said Marino: “I’m saddened to say that due to my own negligence, Make-a-wish has not received a check from me for some time.” He had announced that money collected from the sale of such merchandise as handheld fans, DVDS, T-shirts and souvenir programs would go to Make-a-wish.
Marino says he has figured out the amount his show owes the charity and offered to add to that figure “substantially.”
He also said he wanted to continue to work with the foundation. Marino’s reps are conferring this week with Make-a-wish’s board members in Las Vegas to settle the matter. No timeline is offered in that process, either.
(Nitro) Circus act for the Strip
Sunday’s Travis Pastrana jump-fest also represents a leap of faith for a new show on the Strip.
Set to be announced, likely as early as Sunday afternoon as part of Pastrana’s spectacle, is a Nitro Circus production at a Caesars Entertainment property in spring 2019.
Nitro Circus and History channel are co-producing Pastrama’s triumvirate of motorcycle jumps on the Strip on Sunday. Tickets are expected to go on sale in October for the Nitro Circus show, a co-production of Base Entertainment.
The most likely venue for this production is Jubilee Theater, not only for its great “fly” space but because that venue’s current show, “Masters of Illusion,” will close Sept. 3. Expect that announcement Monday.
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For the Nitro Circus cycle show, Pastrana is a creative partner, but won’t be in the production. Instead, he’ll promote the show and make appearances to generate buzz. The motorcycle star is to this show as Channing Tatum is to “Magic Mike Live,” also a Base production, at Hard Rock Hotel.
Pastrana’s triple-jump spectacular is an attempt to surpass Evel Knievel’s leap of 50 crushed cars, 14 buses (a total of 16 in line behind Planet Hollywood, Paris and Bally’s) and a shot at clearing the Caesars Palace fountains. The jumps are set to air live at 5 p.m. Sunday; a viewing party for the event is set for Evel Pie on Fremont Street, where Evel’s son Kelly Knievel is a licensing partner — and where his father’s daredevil spirit is still sky-high.
Cool hang alert
Ex-“jubilee” and current “Alice” frontwoman Ashley Fuller sets up her “Standards and Soul” show at Piazza lounge at Tuscany Suites at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Fuller throws it down for a four-hour showcase in this no-covercharge gem. The first two sets are standards and the second two sets are soul.
Fuller’s husband, Aaron Fuller, is on guitar, Dan Ellis on keys and Aaron “Device” Carroll on drums. The show returns to Piazza on Aug. 7, Aug. 14 and Oct. 16.
Gotta make this right
Fixing a fact from Thursday’s column: The Pastrana jump and viewing party at Evel Pie are both scheduled for Sunday.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at jkatsilometes@ reviewjournal.com. Follow @ johnnykats on Twitter, @Johnnykats1 on Instagram.
Life, entertainment
As of 9 p.m. Thursday:
1. Travis Pastrana to attempt Evel Knievel jumps on the Strip on Sunday
Travis Pastrana is attempting to complete three jumps once on the Strip that were once attempted by Evel Knievel. 2. Las Vegas campaign to stop illegal fireworks use fizzles
Metro responded to 949 fireworks calls between 6 p.m. and midnight this year, more than twice the number from 2017. A new county website set up to let residents report use of illegal fireworks collected 25,000 complaints.
3. Kim Sinatra stepping down from role at Wynn Resorts
Kim Sinatra is stepping down as general counsel of Wynn Resorts.
4. Two adults, two baby girls killed in Mojave Desert crash
A couple and their two baby girls were killed Tuesday when their car veered into oncoming traffic and was smashed by a van on a Mojave Desert highway, authorities said. 5. Strip goes ‘Red, White & Boom’ for July Fourth
The United States of America celebrated its 242nd birthday Wednesday, and Las Vegas joined in the celebration with parades, barbecues and plenty of fireworks. As of 9 p.m. Thursday:
1. Flash flooding
Flash flooding in the Las Vegas Valley.
2. “Red White and Boom” July 4 Fireworks at the Stratosphere
Hundreds enjoyed the Stratosphere’s “Red, White & Boom” fireworks display over the Strip while lounging in and around the hotel’s rooftop pool.
3. Richard Harrison of ‘Pawn Stars’ honored at memorial service
A memorial service was conducted for Richard “Old Man” Harrison at Palm Mortuary in Las Vegas on Sunday.