Newman ‘over the moon’ about return
THE musician and master of ceremonies who has taken the Cool Hang to the next level is back in August. We speak of Brian Newman, Lady Gaga’s celebrated band leader, trumpet master and sometime vocalist. He and his cast of characters return “After Dark” to Nomad Library — formerly Nomad Restaurant — on Aug. 12, 13 and 14; and again on Aug. 19, 20 and 21.
“We are anticipating mayhem,” Newman said during a phone chat Tuesday from his home in Brooklyn. “Maybe not total mayhem, but some mayhem.”
Naturally, the progression of questions is when Gaga will return to the Strip. She will, we are confident. But her dates are not yet finalized. Gaga and Newman typically work in partnership, as his shows have previously been paired with Gaga’s appearances at Park Theater, which is about to be renamed, BTW.
The only exception to the proven Gaga-“after Dark” dual approach was Newman’s shows in February 2020, when he followed Cher at Park Theater. Newman’s showtimes for August are the same as they have been, pre-pandemic, 11 p.m. That leaves time for folks to make his gigs after the earlier Park Theater shows.
Newman opened “After Dark” in May 2019. Gaga has shown up to the party several times, singing with Ashanti one memorable night and blowing the covers off the books on New Year’s Eve 2019.
That said, eventually Newman and MGM Resorts officials want “After Dark” to stand on its own. It should, as Newman brings striptease to the dance with his wife, Angie Pontani, leading a talented roster of burlesque performers.
Musically, Newman is backed by veteran musicians (dubbed The Cats)
Alex Smith on piano, Daniel Foose on bass, Steve Koryka on sax and Nolan Byrd on drums. Guitarist Tim Stewart, who backs Gaga (and has performed with Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears and Rihanna) is in for the first six shows.
Vocalists Morgan James and Jaclyn Mcspadden (both of whom have sung with Postmodern Jukebox) lead what should be a series of singers dropping in on the show. And
Newman has expanded his repertoire to include such co-stars as the clown character Puddles Pity Party and Laugh Factory at the Tropicana headliner Murray Sawchuck.
“I’m so excited because it’s such an honor to play in Vegas,” says Newman, who in April was recognized with the first Las Vegas Newcomer Award by the UNLV College of Fine Arts. “We were just getting going when the carpet was ripped out. We are over the moon about coming back.”
Lights on at Reynolds Hall
Reynolds Hall lit up, and so did Myron Martin’s face.
“I am so emotional. I hadn’t expected to be without shows for 482 days,” Martin said Wednesday afternoon after a ceremonial dimming of the ghost light on the Reynolds Hall stage. “You don’t know what that will be like until you live through it.”
Wednesday’s event was for media members, who had not walked into the venue in at least 17 months. “Once on This Island” was the last pre-pandemic show to play Reynolds Hall, closing abruptly on March 12, 2020.
Martin has spent ample time, on his own, in the venue.
“I walk out here, all the time,” he said, gesturing to the again-illuminated theater. “I am always moved by the ghost light and knowing that nobody has been here in so long.”
As Martin finally dimmed that light, the hall’s house system came to life. He then introduced members of the cast of “An Officer and a Gentleman,” which is making its theatrical touring debut Oct. 26-31 as part of the 2021-2022 Broadway Las Vegas Series lineup.
The cast performed a few numbers, including the famous “Up Where We Belong” scene, with the song originated by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes.
The 2021-2022 season begins with “Cats,” making its first appearance at The Smith Center, from Oct. 12-17.
Sign of the times
We’re told the letters on the Park Theater sign facing the Strip are being taken down for cleaning. This much is clear.
But we’re wondering how many letters, and in which order, will soon be hung from the building. Park Theater was missing its PAR as of Tuesday afternoon, the sign reading K THEATER.
Word from the hotel’s PR (two of the missing letters, right there) department has said this is “sign maintenance work” and declined further comment Wednesday. But we’re also hearing reliably of a name change being planned at the venue.
The facts: Park Theater has installed a Dolby sound system, which was in place
in time for Bruno Mars’ relaunch this month. There is already Dolby Theatre (formerly known as the Kodak Theatre) in Hollywood. MGM Resorts International, which owns the theater and Park MGM, has a recent history of corporate-name partnerships. Michelob Ultra Arena, formerly Mandalay Bay Events Center and the lounge Rhythm & Riffs by TYLT (the wireless phone-charging company), also at Mandalay Bay, are leading examples. Of course T-mobile Arena, and MGM Resorts partnership, opened with that name.
Thus, we are charged up
(if not cracking an Ultra) for word, either way, on what to call Park Theater.