‘Blanc’ creator bubbles over with enthusiasm
THE show is called “Blanc de Blanc.” A fitting subtitle would be “The Hot Tub VIP Cabaret!” Yep. A real hot tub is to be a central stage effect in “Blanc de Blanc,” which opens at the Foundry at Sahara Las Vegas (formerly SLS Las Vegas) on Aug. 16. The show has been rumored to be arriving on the Strip for the past three years. The show is to run at 7 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays, with additional 9:30 p.m. shows Saturdays. Tickets range from $49 to $129 (not including fees, and hot tub tickets are priced for groups) and are on sale now at slslasvegas.com.
The resort’s main entertainment venue is being renovated specifically for this show.
“We’re reworking the whole space, and if you have been in the Foundry before, you won’t recognize it,” show creator and director Scott Maidment said Tuesday in an interview from Melbourne. “The audience is a lot closer, up close to the performers. The central thing is the hot tub, a ‘reveal’ where the emcee performs in a hot tub in the second half of the show, and audience members will also be in hot tubs. They can jump in with the emcee, too, we’ve had people sitting right in there with him.”
Splashy. Maidment says the aquatic seating option is “a great date night” (well, duh). This horseplay will take place in what is currently the Foundry’s general-admission section, which will be the primary, but not only, performance area for “Blanc de Blanc.”
“In Vegas, you can actually book a ticket where you can see the whole second half of the show from the hot tub,” Maidment said. “You can bring your swimwear, and you can sit in the hot tub, drinking champagne and watching the show. I think Vegas audiences will go for that.”
There will be two such large
tubs, suitable for six audience members (or, one nomadic columnist with an entourage of five).
Of course, there is much more to the international traveling production than just Jacuzzi action. Created by Australia’s independent Strut & Fret Production House, which produces multiple touring shows, “Blanc” offers a variety of interlocking sequences. These include acrobatic acts (such as a human-balancing team), spinning aerial performances and in-your-lap dance numbers.
The setting is a French cabaret hearkening to Moulin Rouge, with an Armani model-type emcee guiding the story line.
Maidment says word of “Blanc” coming to town has led to talk of other shows setting up in Las Vegas.
“We’ve performed in 32 countries across the world, and because this has taken so long to have our Vegas debut, we have two other shows in the pipeline for Vegas,” Maidment said, adding that Sahara Las Vegas is in talks for another of his shows. “We’re excited for Las Vegas. The two worlds finally aligned, and we’re off and running.”
That’s a lotta martinis
We could joke that, for Oscar Goodman, an 80-martini salute is a good start.
But no, the former mayor of Las Vegas is being celebrated appropriately for his 80th birthday. An 80-martini salute and street party is set for 6 p.m. (doors at 5 p.m.) July 18 at Main Street Stage at Fremont Street Experience.
A total of 80 bartenders have been recruited through the United States Bartenders’ Guild Las Vegas Chapter, pouring Goodman’s famous gin brand of choice, Bombay Sapphire. Master Las Vegas showman Frankie Scinta hosts; tickets are a $20 donation to Keep Memory Alive, the nonprofit that supports the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (go to www.keepmemoryalive.org/goodman80th for info). The event is for ages 21 and older.
Goodman’s actual birthday is July 26. On Monday, Goodman — the ex-mayor and iconic “mob attorney” was honored at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board meeting. Goodman, the LVCVA’S Host Committee chairman since leaving office in 2011, was to address the board to recognize unsung Las Vegas “hospitality heroes.”
Goodman began to speak, telling board member and Clark County Commissioner Larry Brown to stand by. “I can’t find my notes,” Goodman said. “Where are they?”
“You’re not here to talk about hospitality heroes,” Brown said to laughter. “You’re here to be recognized.”
Within moments, a singer performing “Birthday,” the ever-present showgirls and a tower of cupcakes topped by a gold “80” balloon display rolled into the boardroom.
“I’m surprised!” Goodman said. “And I am never surprised.” He sipped from a provided martini and said, “I’m sure I’m breaking some law here.”
Goodman can expect added surprises at the July 18 event. After the martini event, the party continues, post-toast, at Oscar’s Steakhouse at the Plaza. A “What Oscar Eats” three-course dinner will be available for $80 per person from July 18-26, with a portion of the tab also going to KMA (call 702-386-7227 for reservations).
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His Podkats! podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/ podcasts. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal. com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @Johnnykats1 on Instagram. As of 9 p.m. Tuesday:
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