Wahlberg’s film free of strike concerns
WHEN he’s not making a scene for a film, Mark Wahlberg makes a scene at the club.
On Thursday night, the
A-list actor and entrepreneur was again creating commotion behind a bar in Las Vegas.
Juliet Cocktail Room at
The Venetian was the scene. Engulfed by VIPS and invited media, Wahlberg poured shots of his Flecha Azul tequila during the grand opening of the new nightspot. The venue has taken over the space once occupied by the Dorsey (which it resembles) and, before that, the ’80s-themed Bourbon Room (which it does not resemble).
Wahlberg just wrapped the action thriller “Flight Risk,” directed by Mel Gibson .The two filmed in Mesquite for a couple of days in July. Most of the shooting was on location in Alaska.
Filming was done in the face of Hollywood’s ongoing actors and writers strike. Wahlberg said he and Gibson were able to complete the work because the project was an independent production.
“Luckily, we were able to finish. We only had two days before the film was complete, before the strike started, but we had a waiver to finish because we are an independent film,” Wahlberg said.
SAG-AFTRA, the union representing most actors and performers, has permitted several independent projects to continue filming during the strike.
The union typically doesn’t allow acting or promoting movies in any way that may be released while a strike is ongoing. Performers also cannot attend auditions or rehearsals or take part in any activity in the filmmaking process.
In “Flight Risk,” Wahlberg plays a pilot transporting a dangerous fugitive across the Alaska wilderness in a small plane.
According to Mesquite Local News, four firefighters —
Robert Ceja, Cody Cannon, Vincente Pinto and Logan Aug — from Mesquite Fire and Rescue took part in the filming.
“It turned out great,” Wahlberg said. “This is the second movie in Vegas now.”
Wahlberg, who moved his family to the valley in August, has also filmed the action comedy “The Family Plan” in Las Vegas. He has said he wants that film to premiere here, around the holidays.
This is an effort to create the blueprint for his studio operations to move to Southern Nevada, generating — by Wahlberg’s estimation — 10,000 jobs in the state.
Move it!
The “Pop 2000 Tour” show Saturday at the Palms is moving inside to Kaos because of outdoor chaos. Smash Mouth, Otown, The Calling and LFO are scheduled to perform. Chris Kirkpatrick of ’N Sync hosts.
Quiz time
Name the long-standing outdoor venue on the Strip that Sammy Hagar visited during his recent business tour of Vegas. Answer just before Cool Hang Alert.
What works in Vegas
The “Skankfest” comedy festival returns to Notoriety Live from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. The lineup includes Adam Carolla, Harland Williams, Dr. Drew and (as of this moment) Roseanne Barr. Notoriety will host 3,000 or so comedy devotees. Three-day passes went in a snap; some day passes are still available at Skankfest.com.
Speaking of funny …
Something we’ve learned over the years in Vegasville: If you pause a show and no one notices, then shutting it down was a good idea.
On that point, Comedy Cabaret at the Westgate Cabaret went dark in June to a collective “It did?” This move is typically to reset marketing/ ticket-selling strategies. Maybe adjust the set pieces. But the showcase is scheduled to return Sept. 13 and 14 with headliner Justine Marino.
We enjoyed the opening night in January and were impressed by the technical quality and vibe in that room. See y’all next month.
Might we recommend
Column fave Wassa Coulibaly’s Baobab Stage, anytime, especially Saturday night for “Cabaret Variety.” Aerial acts, live music, dancing and a fashion show kick off at 8 p.m. Tickets are $29 for GA, $39 VIP. Go to baobabstage.com for intel.
Your Vegasville moment
Ryan Gifford, manager of the Henderson All-star team playing in the Little League World Series, is my periodontist.
Social media moment
Rush fans, hear me now and thank me later. Newlyweds and wicked talented artists Brody Dolyniuk and Nina Digregorio have produced a cover of “Limelight” that is note-perfect. Nina on bass, Brody on guitar, drums and vocals. More than 400,000 views on Facebook, where you can catch the whole clip on Brody’s page or my own.
Ages ago, Dolyniuk left me a message in his Geddy Lee voice, singing “Tom Sawyer.” I saved that on my old Blackberry for years.
The answer …
Carnaval Court, between Harrah’s and The Linq Hotel. The Red Rocker caught The Whip Its, the great rock novelty band, Thursday afternoon. No mas tequila? Not hardly.
Cool Hang Alert
The Whip Its, making their second consecutive appearance in the column. Clad in leather and wielding the odd riding crop, the band plays from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Musically superior. Funny. And even a little unsettling. No cover; feel the vibe with this veteran act.
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 X, @Johnnykats1 on Instagram.