Manilow’s husband/manager disputes report
IF nothing else, a report out of New York about Barry Manilow is unique because it refers to bonbon abuse.
The New York Post’s
Page Six reported Monday that Manilow’s run at Lunt-fontanne Theatre has been a “flop” because of sagging ticket sales and that Manilow and his husband/manager, Garry Kief, are fighting daily behind the scenes.
Kief, Manilow’s manager since 1980 and his husband since 2014, slapped back at the Post’s account of disarray in the production.
“It’s a great nonstop show of hits, it usually runs a couple hours, Barry sounds fantastic, audiences are crazy and we are going to gross over $4 million,” Kief, who also brokered Manilow’s residency deal at the Westgate Las Vegas’ International Theater, said in an email message. “Pretty (darn) good for only 17 shows, and beyond expectations.”
Kief added: “We’re having a lot of fun and a great time, though we miss our Westgate family and Las Vegas. It’ll be good to be home.”
Citing a source close to the production, the Post reported that Kief persuaded Manilow to take on a three-week run when he sought to perform only about 10 dates. The publication also reports that Manilow might actually lose money in the run because he relies on gate receipts to offset production costs, while Kief makes money because of his guaranteed salary as manager.
Manilow is due back at the Westgate on Sept. 19. Oddly enough, I’m seeing his closing show in New York on Saturday night, from the “No Bonbon Zone.”
Gossy giving
Matt Goss was honored for his charitable works during his raucous 10th-anniversary show at 1 Oak Nightclub at The Mirage on Sunday night. British Academy of Film and Television Arts board member Sandro Monetti presented Goss with a commendation from the United Nations Associations and a Royal Society of St. of America and the Royal Society of St. George Medal. Goss has been especially involved in the Susan G. Komen foundation’s battle against breast cancer.
The crowd was filled with several of Goss’ longtime friends and supporters. He welcomed his brother, Luke; longtime friend and recording star Debbie Gibson; Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin; Piero’s Restaurant mainstay Pia Zadora; Caesars Palace Cleopatra’s Barge headliner (as of Aug. 25) Daniel Emmet with vocalist Heidi Webster; Laugh Factory at the Tropicana magician Murray Sawchuck; and Jerry Lewis’ widow, Sam Lewis, with her daughter, Danielle Roberts, and son-in-law, Jason Roberts.
The mayor’s call
The mayors Goodman (Oscar and Carolyn) have never seen a Spiegelworld show in Las Vegas. But their London counterpart, Sadiq Khan, dropped into the Spiegeltent for “Atomic Saloon Show” at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on Thursday night. Apparently, he heard about “Atomic’s” acrobatic, shirtless mayor character.
Sadly, Khan was not inspired to join the cast after (or during) the performance.
Oh, Sarah …
We’ll say it, if no one else has: It is a show to die for.
Comic firebrand and ace musician Sarah Hester Ross is debuting the game show/ music production “Pianos to the Death” at 8 p.m. at The Space. It’s an audience-participation experience in which three musicians perform for the crowd, which judges their performances. Those who don’t make the cut are cut from the cast. The deaths are not real, but the rules are.
Ross, Jeff Celentano and Robert Ryan are the death-defying musicians.
Showbuzz!
After Goss’ show, Antin told me she is working on a “Pussycat Dolls” reunion production and has her eye on none other than the old Body English (and current “Club Domina” for “Magic Mike Live”) nightclub at the Hard Rock Hotel/virgin Hotels Las Vegas …
Hearing that audiences were blown away by Frankie Jordan’s tribute to Amy Winehouse at Myron’s Cabaret Jazz on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s show was sold out and Sunday’s almost. It is the latest production said to be interested in 1 Oak Nightclub, further indication that Goss won’t be there past this year …
On that topic, Gossy called out to Caesars Entertainment President of Entertainment Jason Gastwirth, who attended Goss’ anniversary show. No MGM Resorts officials were on hand. …
“Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel in Concert” celebrated its 100th show at Harrah’s Showroom on Thursday night. Cast members in the mix include Eddie Clendening (guitar and vocals); Matt Codina (guitar); Bill Morey (bass); Cole Maxwell (drums); Colte Julian (piano and music director); Geno Henderson (guitar); and Jackie Wiatrowski, Tymara Walker and Fana Hughes (vocals). Look for a guest star to join a performance in the coming weeks …
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. Monday:
1. Hawaiian Airlines to launch nonstop Las Vegas to Maui flights
Hawaiian Airlines will launch nonstop flights between the “ninth island” and Maui on Dec. 15, and the flights will be among the first using Hawaiian’s new narrow-body Airbus A321neo aircraft. 2. Freed’s Bakery plans Dessert Shop in Summerlin
Freed’s Bakery, a boutique version of the company’s flagship bakery, will start selling sweet tweets at Freed’s Dessert Shop near the 215 Beltway, with a grand opening in October.
3. Teaching vacancy problem worsens in
Clark County schools
The Clark County School District will start the school year Monday with more than 750 teaching vacancies — a perennial problem that the county and state have been struggling with for years.
4. Project Neon ends but more road projects coming to Las Vegas
Project Neon is history but orange traffic cones and barrels won’t go too far as a bevy of road projects already are in varying stages around the valley.
5. Slain Las Vegas teen remembered as ‘beautiful soul’ at funeral
Harlee Deborski was remembered for his vibrant smile, an infectious laugh and for his fun-loving personality as he was laid to rest Sunday afternoon, just over a week after his death. As of 9 p.m. Monday:
1. Project Neon celebrates completion after three years
Take an aerial tour of Project Neon, the largest and most expensive public works job ever undertaken by the state of Nevada, as it celebrates it’s “Grand Finale.” 2. Could the Arizona Diamondbacks relocate to Henderson?
The Arizona Diamondbacks have had discussions with the city of Henderson regarding the possibility of relocating the team to Nevada
3. Man flees officers at Speedee Mart
The Metropolitan Police Department released body camera footage Monday of a shooting last week in which an officer opened fire at a man as he was attempting to evade police.