Documentary on Danny Gans in works
DGANS is returning to headliner status in Las Vegas — in the form of a documentary being co-produced by his son, Andrew.
Andrew Gans’ Glanzrock Productions is teaming with the Superfilms! production company of Los Angeles on the yet-untitled project. The crew is beginning interviews in Las Vegas next week, with several individuals who knew Gans being sought to participate. There is no set lineup or time line, but such figures as Donny Osmond, Terry Fator, Clint Holmes, Gordie Brown and Frankie Scinta have either been contacted or are on the producers’ wish list.
A major draw on the Strip from 1996-2009, Gans was an expert impressionist who headlined at the then-stratosphere, Rio, Mirage and Wynn Las Vegas. Gans was the first star headliner to command a $100 (well, $99) ticket in his days at the Rio.
Gans’ peak period was his run at The Mirage from 200009, when Steve Wynn built a theater named for him, which has since been renamed for Fator. He and Shin Lim headline that venue today.
Wynn then pulled Gans to Encore Theater in early 2009 as the replacement for “Monty Python’s Spamalot.”
Gans died on May 1, 2009, at his home in Henderson. The Clark County coroner’s office ruled the cause and manner of death was a pre-existing heart condition exacerbated by an adverse reaction to the prescription opiate Dilaudid. The death was ruled accidental. Gans was 52, and still a top draw on the Strip.
Donny on the run
On the topic of Gans, and Osmond, the two were friends in the days when Donny & Marie opened at the Flamingo, and Gans had moved to Encore Theater. The two were known to text jokes back and forth to use in their respective shows. Upon Gans’ death, Osmond vowed to host the annual Danny Gans Memorial Champions Run for Life benefit for the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation for as long as Osmond was a Strip headliner.
Osmond closes that remarkable commitment Saturday morning at Town Square.
“I might be flying in once in a while just to check on the kids I’ve grown to love over the last 10 years,” Osmond says. “Bottom line, it’s all about those sweet kids and what they are going through in their lives. I’ve been so fortunate to take over what Danny started.”
Foundation President Jeff Gordon adds, “Not only has Donny so beautifully kept Danny’s legacy and love for the Foundation alive, but he has become so loved by the children, as he has made them feel so special and important each year. Our love and admiration will always go with Donny, a very special man.”
Osmond’s dedication to this cause is one of the many reasons he, and Marie, are going to be sorely missed in this city.
Steve Smith’s Journey
Journey drummer Steve Smith is being featured away from the band’s residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace this month. He’s set to appear at 7 p.m. Oct. 17 and Oct. 24 at Carnevale Gallery at Caesars Palace. Smith opened this series Thursday. Journey’s residency, which runs through October and returns in December, opened Wednesday night.
Using customized drum sticks, Smith will demonstrate how he creates abstract art pieces while performing. His drumming motion is captured through a photosynthesis process, creating these dazzling works. Go to stevesmithdrumart.com/caesars for info.
Smith is also appearing from 3-5 p.m. Sunday with
Las Vegas drumming icon Bobby Morris at Family Music Centers at 2714 Green Valley Parkway in Henderson for a dual signing of Morris’ memoir, “Bobby Morris: My Las Vegas,” and Smith’s own “Pathways of Motion” instructional book. Publisher Rob Wallis is also flying in from New York to take part in the event.
Cool Hang Alert
Stirling Club at Turnberry Place on Saturday night is presenting a night of magic, and food, and some more magic and even more food. The Conjurer is the sleight-ofhand artist headlining a fourcourse dinner experience at The Spirits Lounge from 6:309:30 p.m. Cost is $69, which is not a mere pittance, but Stirling Club is in a regal revival under new owner Richard Ditton and president Debbie Kelleher. This event is open to the public, non-members welcome. Go to stirlingclublv. com for info.
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. Friday:
1. $4 billion Resorts World Las Vegas on track to open late in 2020
It will have taken a decade, but the first megaresort to open on the Strip since late 2010 is on track for a late 2020 opening.
2. Wayne Newton fighting for prized possessions in Shenandoah aftermath
Mr. Las Vegas is now in a court battle to retrieve items from his life and career still stored at Shenandoah (above).
3. Las Vegas man was killed by shotgun blast to the head as he slept
The Clark County coroner’s office has determined that a man shot to death early Thursday was killed with a shotgun as he slept.
4. Wayne Newton’s former ranch in Las Vegas sells for $10.53M
Wayne Newton’s former 36-acre ranch,
Casa de Shenandoah, and surrounding commercial property, has been sold for $10.53 million as part of two real estate transactions.
5. Dayna Roselli leaving KTNV Channel 13
The popular morning personality on Las Vegas TV since 2004 marked her final day at KTNV Channel 13 on Friday.