Pastrana’s three-for-three sets stage for show
IT took about two years to prepare for less than 10 seconds of motorcycle flight on the Strip. But Travis Pastrana easily stuck the landing — well, three of them — at “Evel Live” on Sunday. He soared over 52 crushed cars of varying makes and 16 Greyhound buses on two ramps on the east side of Planet Hollywood, Paris Las Vegas and Bally’s. He then cleared the fountains in front of Caesars Palace, and the guy made it look so easy. He couldn’t have seemed more leisurely if he had been tooling around on an old 10-speed bike.
The made-for-tv event was a winner for Caesars Entertainment, which is bringing a Nitro Circus show (with Pastrana’s creative vision) to Bally’s Jubilee Theater in spring 2019.
“This is a concept we had talked with the Knievel family about two years ago and have been working since to bring it to fruition,” Caesars Entertainment Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Ryan Thompson said Sunday after Pastrana safely cleared his fountains attempt.
Thompson referred to Pastrana as “a new icon in Las Vegas,” and after his roaring reception at two venues, it’s hard to argue. Though Pastrana is not to be a regular onstage performer in that show, his promotional skills and creative passion will spark interest in the production.
“For the first time, guests will be able to see these action sports athletes up close and personal in an intimate setting where the stunts will be all the more impressive,” said Jason Gastwirth of Caesars Entertainment.
Evel intent
The Nitro Circus show
J. Keith Moyer • Chase Rankin •
scheduled for Bally’s is not the first time a Knievel-inspired event has been designed for the stage. David Saxe attempted to develop a live tribute to Knievel’s 1967 Caesars Palace jump about five years ago for “Vegas! The Show” at Saxe Theater.
The theater dimensions were a concern. Another problem: Thecrowdwouldnotbeaware that a costumed motorcyclist was about to leap over their heads.
“Jumping from stage right to left wouldn’t have been impressive enough, so I really wanted him to come from the back of the theater and jump over the audience, landing on the stage,”
Saxe recalled
Sunday. “The problem was that the audience wouldn’t have turned around or seen enough of the jump.”
Instead, footage of Knievel’s violent landing is played as the show’s Elton John character performs, “Rocket Man.”
Hart pumps at 39
Kevin Hart made short work of Drai’s Live at The Cromwell on Friday after his show at the MGM Grand Garden. Hart, star of “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” celebrated his 39th birthday in quite public fashion.
The hot-selling stand-up star partied with his wife, Eniko, and several friends .Trey Songz, a buddy of Hart’s, performed “Na Na” and “Bottoms Up” from the rooftop terrace.
Those reported to be swaying in the scene included Plastic Cup Boyz (Joey Wells, Spank Horton, Na’im Lynn); French actor and singer Patrick Bruel; NBA players Chris Paul, Lamarcus Aldridge, Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Rudy Gay,quincy Pondexter, Dion Waiters;
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and Grammy Award-winning rapper Nelly, who performed “E.I.”
Hart wound up onstage, of course, in full flourish, performing a quick post-show set. Every time Hart hits town, he makes it count.
Beast & bout champ
Chateau Nightclub at Paris Las Vegas hosted Raiders running back Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch on Friday night, then resident bad man and UFC champ Daniel Cormier on Saturday night.
Lynch was hosting a fundraiser for the Fam 1st Family Foundation, which he co-founded with former Raider Joshua Johnson. The organization provides mentors for underprivileged youth, focusing on education, literacy and self-esteem.
Cormier hit the scene Saturday after his first-round knockout of Stipe Miocic to win the UFC heavyweight title at T-mobile Arena. He imbibed Veuve Cliquot as cocktail servers paraded the requisite “GOAT” signs in his honor.
Marino on mute
In a development I never thought I’d ever see in Vegasville, Frankmarino is not talking to the media.
The legendary Strip entertainer and expert self-promoter has been instructed to keep quiet by his legal counsel, Marktratosoflas Vegas.
The dispute between the star of the now-closed “Divas Las Vegas” and Make-a-wish Southern Nevada is ongoing.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at jkatsilometes@ reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @ Johnnykats1 on Instagram.
Life, entertainment
Asof9p.m.sunday:
1. Travis Pastrana lands Caesars Palace jump in Las Vegas
Paying homage to legendary daredevil
Evel Knievel, Pastrana successfully re-created three of his most iconic jumps on a sweltering Sunday in Las Vegas.
2. Travis Pastrana to replicate 3 Evel Knievel jumps in Las Vegas
In a made-for-tv event that Evel Knievel would have admired, 11-time X Games gold medalist Travis Pastrana will attempt to clear 52 cars and 16 Greyhound buses before jumping the fountains at Caesars Palace all on the same day.
3. COMMENTARY: Democrat Party continues to be clueless in the face of Donald Trump’s triumphs
“In their infinite wisdom … Democrats have chosen illegal immigration as their main issue for the upcoming election. And (Alexandria) Ocasio-cortez as their poster gal,” writes columnist Wayne Allyn Root.
4. Travis Pastrana to attempt Evel Knievel jumps on the Strip on Sunday
Travis Pastrana is attempting to complete three jumps on the Strip that were once attempted by Evel Knievel.
5. Nitro Circus will ‘be a pretty amazing show,’ says Travis Pastrana
Travis Pastrana says, “Nitro Circus is all about the stunt aspect, where you can make mistakes.” Asof9p.m.sunday:
1. Travis Pastrana talks about paying homage to Evel Knievel
Action sports star Travis Pastrana talks about replicating three of daredevil Evel Knievel’s most iconic jumps all on one day in
Las Vegas in a made-fortv event on the History channel.
2. Kelly Knievel chats about father Evel’s continuing legacy
Kelly Knievel, a son of iconic daredevil Evel Knievel, talks about his father’s legacy before “Evel Live,” a History channel event in which extreme sports star Travis Pastrana will attempt to replicate three of Evel Knievel’s most iconic jumps in Las Vegas.
3. Inside the new Raiders stadium in Las Vegas
The planned Las Vegas Raiders stadium will have 10 levels.