Bugsy’s Cabaret features dual entrances
THE KATS! BUREAU at this writing is in the Patio Bar at the Flamingo, tapping away before the “X Burlesque” 17th anniversary show at a venue we’ve long known as Bugsy’s Cabaret.
But like the venerable desert rose, that name is flowering.
As earlier noted, the theater has been re-named for Piff the Magic Dragon, which character inhabitant John van der Put announced on “America’s Got Talent” in January. However, the venue now also reflects the title of its longest-running show, “X Burlesque.”
So as producers Matt and Angela Stabile explain, the theater has two names at its two entrances. It’s Piff the Magic Dragon Theatre at Bugsy’s Cabaret on Piff ’s side, closest to the hotel lobby. It’s X Burlesque Theatre at Bugsy’s Cabaret on the “X Burlesque” entrance, facing toward the Donny & Marie Showroom — where the theater name will also be changed, in November, when the sibling duo close their show.
The Stabiles have two hits on their hands, and have been working to re-title Bugsy’s Cabaret ever since Piff caught on about three years ago.
The dragon was characteristically piffy — er, pithy — when talking of the change.
“Next they’ll be putting signs on the vending machines,” says Piff, who was not fully aware of the multiple-name approach until Thursday afternoon.
But it’s a real achievement for someone who still refers to himself as “The Loser of ‘America’s Got Talent.’”
Bugsy’s Cabaret will remain the anchor title on all promotional signage. Be lucky there isn’t a third show there. Maybe we can ratchet this to simply the Piff X-perience, to cover
both shows. Or I can just stay out of it.
Date set for Haus
Lady Gaga has formally announced May 30 as the date to open the previously reported Haus of Gaga outlet at Park MGM. The retail shop and (it seems) display space is located at the entrance of Park Theater. It’s just to the left as you meet the theater’s security crew.
Gaga helped tease to this project by toting a red wagon marked Haus of Gaga during the Met Gala on May 6 in New York. The wagon was filled with unmarked products in the Gaga line, likely available for purchase on the Strip. I hope she has some stuff for boys.
Newman of Nomad
On the topic of Gaga … her expert bandleader and trumpet virtuoso has announced what, for this scribe, is a dream hang: “Brian Newman After Dark,” opening at 11 p.m. May 30 at Nomad Restaurant at NoMad Hotel at Park MGM. The swinging, big-band production runs through June 15, covering Gaga’s upcoming swing through Park Theater.
The show runs four nights a week, only because I can’t make five nights. Tickets start at $49 (not including fees) and are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
And we’ll be hearing from Mr. Newman directly, ASAP.
The Jackson 40
Janet Jackson knows how to assemble an entourage. Wednesday, the Park Theater headliner celebrated the birthday of one of her 14 backing dancers at On The Record speakeasy and nightclub. Saturday, she led about 40 members of her crew into the Juniper Cocktail Lounge and had food delivered from Nomad Restaurant.
Kramer’s network
Westgate Cabaret headlining magician Jen Kramer has been interviewed for a segment set to air on NBC’S “Nightly New With Lester
Holt” by the end of the month. Kramer is featured in a segment focusing on female magicians. Kramer, a Yale grad, helms the theater’s 5 p.m. spot. NBC’S focus on Kramer is clear: There are 20 magic/ mentalist/hypnotist productions either running or about to open in Vegasville; Kramer is the city’s only female headlining magician.
Cool Hang(s) Alert
Multiple hangs to check off here: Broadcast legend and multiple hall of famer Al Bernstein hosts at Tuscany Resort’s Piazza Lounge from 7:30-11 p.m. Saturday. No cover, and Bernstein also will emcee a sports/music trivia contest and give away copies of his book, “30 Years, 30 Undeniable Truths.” The 31st truth is that Bernstein can really deliver the standards …
Veteran singer/pianist Jimmy Hopper is set to rock it up at another favorite haunt, the Italian American Club, at 8 p.m. Friday. Hopper is wildly gifted, with a history in Vegasville dating to the days of the Fontana Room at Bellagio. His tickets are $30, a mere pittance …
And! Stirling Club at Turnberry Place is bubbling with live entertainment. Vegas mainstays Michael Johnson and Jamie Hosmer play from 7-10 p.m. Friday, and Trina Johnson Finn with Eddie Fluellen are up from 7-10 p.m. Saturday. No cover. It’s where the elite meet.
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.
Thursday’s show: Las Vegas resident James Holzhauer, 34, won his 26th consecutive game, adding $52,108 to increase his total to $1,991,135.
Intheformofa question: Daily Doubles: Final Jeopardy:
Single-game earnings: Holzhauer holds the singlegame record with $131,127 and owns the 14 highest daily totals in the 35-year history of the game show.
Chasing Jennings: Ken Jennings, of Edmonds, Washington, is the all-time regular play earnings leader with $2,520,700, winning 74 consecutive games in 2004. Holzhauer is second with $1,991,135.
Next show: 7 p.m.
Friday, KLAS-TV, Channel 8.
Source: As of 9 p.m. Thursday:
1. Las Vegas’ odd 2019 weather lingers with record-low high temp
Las Vegas has seen some strange weather so far in 2019, with colder, wetter conditions than people are used to in one of North America’s hottest, driest cities.
2. The $1.8B Las Vegas Stadium on schedule for completion
By nearly every standard, the stadium is about half finished but questions remain about transportation strategies and parking venues.
3. Former Bellagio dealer added to Nevada’s Black Book
The ringleader of a group that scammed Bellagio out of an estimated $1.2 million through craps has been the 36th person placed on Nevada’s “List of Excluded Persons.”
4. Las Vegas teen in motorcycle crash to have organs donated
Michael Sigler was taken off life support on Wednesday morning, and called a “true hero who will continue to touch the lives of others.”
5. Woman accused of pushing man off bus appears in court
Cadesha Bishop, the 25-year-old woman arrested May 6 on a murder charge in the death of Serge Fournier, will have a preliminary hearing on July 17 and remain on house arrest after being released on $100,000 bond. As of 9 p.m. Thursday:
1. UMC staff holds donor walk for Michael Sigler
UMC held its first donor walk Wednesday to honor Michael Sigler, whose organs were donated after he succombed to injuries from a motorcycle accident. 2. Man pushed off bus in Las Vegas
Las Vegas police arrested Cadesha Bishop on May 6, after she allegedly pushed Serge Fournier, 74, off of a parked bus near Fremont Street and 13th Street about 4:50 p.m. March 21.
3. Woman charged with sex trafficking an 11-yearold girl on the Strip
Gigi Mitchell faces seven felony charges including sex trafficking and child abuse for bringing an 11-year-old girl to the Strip to work as a prostitute.