Trop ends big freeze with magic, Timmons and ice
Latent no longer, Tropicana Theater and the adjacent Havana Room are showing signs of life. Red Mercury Entertainment of Las Vegas took over the box office and booking at the hotel Feb. 22, and it is already firing up programming in both venues.
The theater has been devoid of ticketed shows since “Band of Magicians” closed after a three-week run in November. The Havana Room has been used expressly for private events for nearly four years.
Red Mercury co-founder Carlos Reynoso confirmed Friday the longstanding rumors that a live version of “Masters of Illusions” will open in late April or early May. The show will fill the nightly 9 p.m. slot, with tickets costing between $60 and $90. “Masters” currently runs on the CW, with a rotation of top magicians performing illusions in front of a live audience.
In the Havana Room, which has been home to Club Nikki, RPM nightclub and Club Bagatelle over the past seven years, Jeff Timmons is launching his male revue “Men of the Strip,” likely in late May.
Also likely, though not formally signed, is an ice-themed production at Tropicana Theater. This would be the first frozen- “Baz” and the new “Twerk”) are among the singers. BERNSTEIN TO SING
Boxing broadcast legend Al Bernstein, one of the highlights of Sunday’s “One Card Short” charity show benefitting the St. Baldrick Foundation (which was also my birthday shindig), will host his own show March 31 at Tuscany’s Piazza Lounge. Bernstein is a fine singer and just a great guy to spend time with in a VegasVille lounge. Show time is 8:45 p.m., with Bernstein taking the stage at about 10 p.m.
There is no cover. Touch gloves, and come out singing. HIGH-WIRE TEAM ON ‘TODAY’
The eight members of the acrobatic team that fell from a 30-foot high wire at Circus Sarasota in Florida on Feb. 8 will be featured on NBC’s “Today” show March 23. That group includes “Absinthe” high-wire coach Lijana Wallenda, who suffered numerous fractures in the fall. The segment is the first formal interview with the troupe, led by Wallenda’s brother Nik Wallenda of the famed Flying Wallendas family of circus performers. John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section, and Fridays in Neon. He also hosts “Kats! OnThe Radio”Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on KUNV 91.5-FM and appearsWednesdays at 11 a.m. with Dayna Roselli on KTNV Channel 13. Contact him at jkatsilometes@ reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.