Norm Johnson
Home ] Cast Members ] Silver Cast ] Cast Support Members ] The Press ] Photographs ] News ] Final Curtain ]

It's The Norm
October 15, 2004 NEWEST - PRIOR WEEK - ARCHIVES
"It's The Norm" - Las Vegas Entertainment Events

"SPOTLIGHT" AT BOURBON STREET

by Norm Johnson
Send Me E-mail

Went to the Bourbon Street Hotel / Casino the other evening to see and listen to a friend of mine, singer Michael Cagle. He was being spotlighted in a show oddly enough titled "Spotlight" which is produced and hosted by magician and juggler Will Roya and comedian Michael Johns.

Got to be honest with you readers out there, I had no idea what to expect. I'm well aware of Cagle's talent. but had no idea who the other performers would be or what the show was all about. I sure learned quickly. This is a darn good show!

Right off the bat, after host Johns' makes with a few jokes, the Kold Karacters take to the stage. This is an act that gets some of its inspiration from a national group called "Stomp" and also our own "Blue Man Group." First they do a robotic type opening (much like those San Francisco Mimes you see on the streets), then wearing masks they do a few various dance movements (very good too) and close with some acrobatics.

Next it was my friend's turn to entertain the audience, which was a mixture of invited and paying guests. He nails the audience to their seats with a fabulous "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" followed by a great blues number "If You Ever Have Forever in Mind." Michael, who when not performing at Bourbon Street, or hosting a Karaoke night at the Stardust, or guest singing at the Bootlegger can be heard on a new radio show, "The Spin Cycle" on KLAV 1230 on the dial every Friday at midnight. He is also hosting a singer's showcase on Fox Television called "Singsations." Michael returns later in the show to sing "When You Say You Love Me" and wraps it up with a sensational "Big Time" from Broadway. This is a young man who has nowhere to go but straight up the magic ladder to stardom!

 

Michael Cagler

Grag Steele, a very talented and good looking escape artist (and magician) is also a very funny dude. His escape from a straight jacket is really a classic (considering it's an old escape), because of the music he uses while escaping: "Let's Do the Twist" to "Honky Poky."

Then this real tall (6'6") dude dressed in a glittering (like Liberace) jacket appears on stage. Mark Bennick is a young Las Vegan who combines youthful charm and personality with some great illusions (especially his close-up hand tricks) to mesmerize the already well entertained audience. He too will definitely be someone to watch in the future.

After a little over an hour Will Roya is ready to close the show (he has appeared now and then on a "Uni-Cycle" and doing a "Whale Song" while annoying the host / comedian Johns). But this time Roya is serious in that he does a very nice "Magic Bottle" trick followed by some great juggling. His closer is without question one of the best Yo-Yo exhibition I've seen in a long time. He does all the tricks possible even adding a couple I've never seen before. His Yo-Yo, however, is not the usual palm sized but an enlarged version visible from anywhere in the showroom. Here again I have to use that word "Classic" when referring to Roya and his closing number. Overall gang, this is a great little show and for more information call (702) 737-7200. Oh, yeah, some of the acts are changed on a weekly basis so be sure to call "Spotlight."

 

Will Roya Producer of Spotlight

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: It's that time of the month again when the CAST, Inc. gets together to honor one of its members. And this month, on Monday, Oct 25th a very good and personal friend Rich Little will be the honoree. Just a few of the people who will be semi-roasting Rich include Bill Acosta, Pete Barbutti, Kathleen Dunbar, Babe Pier and Joey Villa. You can bet your shorts that others will get on that stage and do a bit aimed at Little. It all takes place at the Greek Isle Hotel / Casino beginning at noon. For non-members its $27.00 and includes a nice lunch. For reservations call (702) 734-0711... Hawaii's favorite, Frank De Lima will be appearing at the California Hotel / Casino downtown for one night Saturday, Nov. 6th at 8 pm. His zany humor has made him a star for over 25 years on the Islands and here. Showtime will be 8 pm... Tony Bennett has been named "Ambassador of Cool" by the Golden Nugget. He inked a contract for one year making him the official spokesperson for the hotel in a new advertising campaign, and also including a 15-show engagement beginning Nov. 4-6... Those Thunder Guys from the NHRA will be returning to The Strip (the 1/4 mile drag strip) on Thursday, Oct. 28th for the annual ACDelco Powerade Las Vegas Nationals. The meet runs through Sunday, Oct. 31st. Two of the big guns in NHRA competition are Tony and Cruz Pedregon who will be competing in the Funny Car Division. They have joined forces with Carlos Santana to benefit and promote Santana's wife's Deborah's Milagro Foundation with two new and very special "Santana" paint schemes, which will debut at The Strip. Tickets range from $16 on Thursday to $63 (reserved) on Sunday. There is a four day ticket for $105 or $126 (reserved). Call (702) 644-4444 for info.


 
June 4, 2004 NEWEST - PRIOR WEEK - ARCHIVES
"It's The Norm" - Las Vegas Entertainment Events

TONY SACCA'S "LAS VEGAS SINGS FOR AMERICA"


by
Norm Johnson
Send Me E-mail

Tony Sacca is a friend of this writer. I must say that out front since I do seem to give him a lot of space when he's doing something special. And that's the case again. Tony's always involved with one benefit or another during the year and come this Sunday he will pull off the First Annual "Las Vegas Sings for America" at the Stratosphere.

Tony appears in our homes every week with his television show, "Entertainment Las Vegas Style" and of course produces the annual Christmas Show at the same hotel. This particular benefit performance is a tribute to America for our liberties, freedom and pride of country Tony, who also will host the show, commented. There will be performances by singer / impressionist Bill Acosta, the brother act and fantastic pianist Mark & Clark, lounge legend Cook E. Jarr, comedian Sandy Hackett, popular international singing star Patricia Welch, singer Laurence T, Charlie Daniels impersonator Johnny Potash, the American Super Star Dancers, Nellis Air Force Base Color Guard and the Helen Joy's Young Entertainers. Mike Tramontana will once again provide musical support for all the acts with the Michael T Orchestra.

The live performance will begin at 2:00 pm. in the "Theatre of the Stars Showroom" and will be taped for later viewing on local and national television. There is no actual ticket sales other than a requested donation of $25 per person. All proceeds from this show go directly to benefit the Youth Foundation for the Performing Arts, a non-profit organization that awards grants and scholarships to students and teachers in our community. This is truly a grand cause and I urge you to take a break from watching that baseball or basketball game and head for the Stratosphere Hotel on Las Vegas Blvd., this Sunday. You not only will be helping out a great cause, but hey, you'll see some fabulous entertainment! Although opened to the public there is limited seating so I suggest you call (702) 889-3587 for reservations.

Oh, yeah, nearly forgot. Tony and the kids from Helen Joy's Entertainment have been invited to perform at the White House in Washington, DC during the Holiday season representing the City of Las Vegas.

The Rio Hotel & Casino over on Flamingo is busy again metamorphosising itself once again. The other day the a press conference and groundbreaking was held to announce that the company will be spending another $39 million to expand its Pavilion Convention Center from 100,000 square feet to 160,000 square feet, thereby making it the eighth largest hotel meeting space in Las Vegas.

But that's not all that is or will be taking place at the hotel. It just recently opened its new and reinvented buffet. And, this is no ordinary buffet either. It is "Absolutely Fabulous Darlinkkkk!" The Carnival World Buffet, at a cost of some $10 million, has once again raised the bar in fine buffet dining, offering a wide variety of fine food and deserts, and should you like there is plush seating in a very comfortable location within the area. Oh, yes, if you're a Nevada resident just show you're I.D. and you'll get in for a very special price for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The exterior also is being worked on. In May work began on the Porte Cochere, front desk, lobby and Impanema bar area and is set for completion in late August. The new entrance area will entice guest with a sleekly designed Porte Cochere allowing for more valet parking and easier navigation. The Impanema Bar will carry on with the Rio's motto, "Exotic, Uninhibited and fun." The World's best flair bartenders will perform elaborate bottle routines around a 15-foot tall Fiber Optic and oil art piece that will light up to synchronize with music.

Renovation on the very popular All American Bar & Grill is already underway and is scheduled to re-open in early September. The Voodoo Café & Lounge, which has maintained a position as a great viewing location, will undergo major remodeling on the 50th and 51st floor outdoor patios. There will be a new outdoor staircase connecting the two patios, an aerial deejay platform and go-go platforms will be suspended between the two floors. This is set to be completed by December. Total cost for all this new stuff is around $80 million.

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: Casa Mia Marks will introduce the first works of its Italian artists to Las Vegas at a "Italexpo" inside the Tuscany Hotel & Casino June 11-12, from 2 to 8 pm. on Friday and 3 to 9 pm. on Saturday and it's opened to the public. From what I've heard this is some of the most beautiful pieces of artistry to be seen anywhere... The Riviera Hotel has been watching the audience count continue to climb for the "Amazing Johnathan" show in its La Cage Showroom. Show time is 10 pm. nightly except Thursday and tickets are priced at $39.95 plus tax and fee... David Saxe has put his money where his heart is: he purchased the former Ovation Theatre inside Desert Passage at the Aladdin Hotel. He also got a lot of the surrounding stuff including a restaurant. He immediately brought his award-winning show "V - the Ultimate Variety Show" to the theatre and has re-named it The "V" Theatre. More on this later... Closing out this Sunday at the Comedy Stop inside the Tropicana Hotel is Billy Elmer along with comedy funnymen John Knight and Kathleen Dunbar. Show times are 8 pm. (non-smoking show) and 10:30 pm., with tickets priced at $19.95 inclusive with two drink tickets... It's been a long time since Joan Rivers performed in a showroom in our little village, but she's coming to the Stardust and the Wayne Newton Theatre June 23-26. It'll be a single show each night at 8 pm. and tickets are priced at $29.95 and $39.95 plus tax... Las Vegas Motor Speedway is busy installing the new Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) barriers prior to the Sept. 25 Las Vegas 350 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race...


 
May 28, 2004 NEWEST - PRIOR WEEK - ARCHIVES
"It's The Norm" - Las Vegas Entertainment Events

C.A.S.T. BAR-B-CUE & LA FEMME EXPOSED


by Norm Johnson
Send Me E-mail

As you readers know I am a big supporter of the C.A.S.T. and what they do for former entertainers who need a helping hand now and then. Well, come this Monday (Memorial Day) the organization is holding a huge Bar-B-Cue party for members only at Buddy and Lezlie Greco's little ranch. It should be terrific with Buddy in charge of entertainment.

But, what is very important is you too can attend this gathering of Las Vegas entertainers. If you were a member and have not paid your dues, hey come out and pay the annual dues of $150.00 and you're at the party. If you have never been a member but would like to become one, same deal. Become a member it's really for a great cause.

Let me tell you just a few things they have done with the dues and funds raised since its inception a couple years ago. First they started delivering food parcels to a lot of former entertainers who needed some help, and they continue to do that to this very day. They purchased a $6,000 electric wheelchair for Ms. Fay McKay and presented it to her at one of the monthly get-togethers. The C.A.S.T. presented three checks for $5,000 each to the Performing Arts Departments of the Clark County School System, UNLV and Community College. They have helped pay funeral expenses for a couple of former entertainers when the families were unable to cover all the expenses. And, most importantly, they do this most of the time without anyone knowing about it. A good friend of mine and of most entertainers in town for any length of time named Nelson Sardelli founded the organization. It was and is a great group of people. What's nice is you do not have to be an entertainer or a former whatever to become a member. Everyone is welcomed to join. Another perk if you're a member: every five or six weeks they have a luncheon where they honor a certain person. The food is good, the comradeship is terrific and as a member you get a special discount when you attend. There's also the annual Gala. What more can be said?

So if you want to see some of the greats from the past and a lot of the new breed who are taking over the stages of today, then join me and come out for some great food and entertainment. It all gets underway at Buddy's place at 3 pm. and will go until at least 7 pm. But knowing this crowd they'll just be getting warmed up by that time. Oh, yeah, guess who's doing the cooking? Two Italians of some reputation for entertaining and of course cooking: Freddie Bell and Steve Lippia. For information or directions call (702) 366-7760 or go to the website at www.Thecastinc.com.

Three years ago this reporter covered the arrival of a bevy of beautiful ladies at a private airfield just a few blocks from that big green giant called the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. The ladies were from Paris, France and were the first imported ladies to make up the cast of La Femme, the French cultural phenomenon that has been the talk of the town ever since.

Well, gang, Wednesday evening (May 26) the MGM pulled out all the stops to introduce, for the first time, seven new members to the cast of 13 dancers. This is without question a very unusual, sexy revue of the female body. I know that nudity conjures up obscene visions for some people. However, in this case it is a true art form! It has class! It has unusual lighting (if I was to describe it I would have to say it's a Kaleidoscope of lights) that literally hides things you think you are seeing. It is ladies dancing as you have not seen ladies dance.

The opening is neat: A line of dancers, sorta marching to the beat of the music in what they titled "God Save Our Bareskin." It is precision dancing ala "The Rockettes." Each lady gets a solo spot in front of the unusual lighting throughout the 75 minutes. One of the new numbers was really beautiful and unusual. It consisted of two ladies covered by fabulous lighting dancing within a metal hoop titled "Attitude." Every act is unusual and extremely exotic and the music by renowned French producer Laurent Gueneau, and one-of-a-kind couture costumes by accomplished fashion designer Gaspard Yurkievich just ads to the experience.

Preferred Public Relations, headed up by Michele Tell and husband James, handled the pre-party (and show) invitations held inside the nightclub "Tabu." Gina Yager, an important clog among a staff of top PR people, made sure everything went smooth for her boss. We do not usually compliment a PR company for doing a good job, for that's why they get the big bucks. But this particular company goes out of its way to make sure things are done right. They remember why they were hired: to promote the event to everyone within reach. You are never ignored by this PR firm.

Anyhow, gang, I would say anyone from 18 to 90 can and should see this show. Show times are Wednesday through Monday at 8:30 and 10:30 pm with tickets priced at $59 inclusive. Drinks are extra. For reservations or information call (800) 929-1111 or (702) 891-7777.

That's about it for another week. I'm outa here!

CONTINUE ON TO...:
>It's The Norm Article Archives
>LVLG "Heard Around Town"
>Las Vegas Leisure Guide
 


Editorial Content Copyright(c) 2002-2004 It's The Norm - Las Vegas Entertainment Events; Internet Presentation Format Copyright(c) Las Vegas Leisure Guide/PCAP 

 

 

 


It's The Norm
May 14, 2004 NEWEST - PRIOR WEEK - ARCHIVES
"It's The Norm" - Las Vegas Entertainment Events

NEVADA OPEN ROAD CHALLENGE WINNERS
& ANNUAL MEATBALLS AWARD WINNERS

 
What a week this has been for this particular writer. No kiddin'! First, as many of you know, I always look forward to the third weekend in May because that's when the Open Road Race season begins in Ely, Nevada.

I have been participating in the two big races promoted by Silver State Classic Challenge, Inc., and Steve Waldman and staff, ever since they got started in the late 1980's. Then in 1995, after the final race in September, I had open heart surgery which stopped me from participating for a couple of years. But in 1998 we (my navigator Jeanine Hefflin) roared down highway 318 and captured third place. You might say this driver was back and "lookin' good." I had color in my face again. I have figured out that I must have competed in and finished at least 20 races between the May and September events, which works out to about 1900 miles of racing.

Last weekend was the ultimate for this driver and my navigator. We entered the 135 mph class with an allowable top speed of 165 mph. There were a total of 132 cars signed to take the starting flag, with seven of those in my class. Of the 15 classes, four were won by Southern Nevadan's. The four local winners are: Norm Johnson and navigator Jeanine Hefflin driving a 1999 Camaro Z28 with an average of 135.0267 mph; 130 mph class won by Fred Wagner driving a 1996 Porsche TT averaging 130.0007; 125 mph class won by Duane Bily and navigator Heather Bily in a 2003 Ford Mustang averaging 125.0021 mph, and the 110 mph class was captured by Bob Peck and navigator Jim Mackie in a 2003 Corvette averaging 109.9980 mph. That's right gang, you read it right. We won our class at last!

Of the 132 cars entered the biggest class was the 110 mph with a total of 26 entries. That's the one Peck had to race in. With that many entrants you better be on top of your game because the difference between first and sixth is usually less than a second. The Unlimited class, where the top speed is whatever you feel you and the car can handle, was won by Jerry Mall of Temecula, Calif., driving a 1997 Dodge Viper. He averaged 180.5456 mph over the 90 mile course between Lund and Hiko. At one speed trap he was clocked at over 208 mph. That's movin' it out I would say!

The Touring Division with its four classes (95-100-105 and 110 mph) is without question the biggest. It is usually full of new comers or those not wanting to modify the car to meet stricter safety requirements as you climb in speed.

 

The Touring Division with its four classes (95-100-105 and 110 mph) is without question the biggest. It is usually full of new comers or those not wanting to modify the car to meet stricter safety requirements as you climb in speed. The next Division is Grand Touring with three classes (115-120 and 125 mph) and requires more experience and safety equipment. Grand Sport Division (mine) is a big division with five classes (130-135-140-145 and 150 mph). This is a division that requires lots of racing experience by the driver and of course very rigid safety equipment for the car. Super Sport Division has three classes (160-170 and 180) and the Unlimited are really full blown race cars with full roll cages, etc. You can come out and have a grand time no matter the experience, age (must be 18) or car. There is a very strong technical inspection team that doesn't waiver a second on your safety and that's good! The next race July 15-18 is fairly new and takes place in Eureka, Nevada on highway 278. It consists of a challenging 55 mile course that you race up and back on for a total 110 miles. The final race in Nevada takes place again in Ely and is September 16-19. For more information go to www.silverstateclassic.com.

The next event that was a total surprise was the Annual Meatball Awards held last Tuesday evening at The Orleans Hotel & Casino. This award show, produced by Grant Griffin with Marvin Lashever as co-producer, and sponsored by Senior Life is designed to honor those who helped make Las Vegas what it is today from entertainers, politicians, hotel executives, chefs and media. Cork Proctor was the Master of Ceremonies and as usual did a fabulous job. A total of 24 awards were presented to various personalities including entertainers such as Carol Siskind (Comedian), Myram Borders (Historical Preservation), Maynard Sloate (Producer), Tony Sacca (Television), Cook E. Jarr, Lena Prima (Keeping the Tradition Alive), Jerry Tiffe (Male Singer), Corrie Sachs (Female Singer), and four Life Time Achievement Awards were presented to Babe Pier (Comic Impressionist), Norman Kay for the Mary Kay Trio, Joey Villa (Comic) and Freddie Bell. During the show many wonderful people entertained the audience with music and jokes. About midway through the show Review Journal Columnist Norm Clarke was on stage and began talking about some guy I knew. Me! I was the Surprise Secret Winner for the evening as a Journalist. I'm sure of one thing, it took me by total surprise and I had to make a short speech, which I have no memory of. It was a great evening and of course we all look forward to next year.


It's The Norm
APRIL 30, 2004 NEWEST - PRIOR WEEK - ARCHIVES
"It's The Norm" - Las Vegas Entertainment Events

STEVE & EYDIE

He was born Sidney Leibowitz in the borough of Brooklyn, New York, while Edith Gormezano was raised in another borough known as the Bronx. Both are legendary today. How these two came to meet is amazing, considering they were separated by another borough (Queens) and the East River. Had it not been for the pioneering efforts of a television icon we (you, me and everyone else who enjoys the great songs of the past 100 years) perhaps would never have had the privilege of seeing and hearing Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme entertain us these past 43 years.

It was on a Friday, October 6, 1960 to be exact, when the pair stepped out onto the stage of the Lotus Inn and performed for the first time as "Steve & Eydie. Steve was at the time a specialist fourth class in the Army, stationed at Fort Meyers, Va. "When not doing K.P. duty or practicing how to become a soldier, we (Eydie) would hang out and sing at the Lotus. Besides it had great Chinese food and was the only large nightclub in town," Steve explained, as we sat down to discuss their appearance at the Stardust Hotel this week..

"You know the Stardust should be a little worried," Steve said with a grin, while Eydie began to laugh. "We've closed every place we ever worked in Las Vegas." He began to name all the hotels and showrooms that have thus far been imploded or closed. The pair will be appearing at the Stardust Hotel in the Wayne Newton Theatre on Thursday, April 29 through Saturday, May 1, as part of their "One More For The Road" final tour.

The two New Yorkers began their careers as far apart as possible. Both were raised in tenements with Steve singing in the chorus at his father's synagogue at age seven. Eydie began singing in high school and went to work as a teenager, lying about her age to get various jobs. Steve at 16 won a radio contest and became a member of the Arthur Godfrey radio show, while Eydie at 19 was on the road singing with the Tex Beneke band. Neither was aware of the other until they met in 1953.

Lawrence had met a fellow entertainer while performing with Godfrey and the two became friends. "One of these days we'll work together again," his friend said. The two stayed in touch and in July, 1953 Steve Allen called his friend and asked him to be on his new television show called "The Tonight Show."

The original show aired in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and was on for one-hour-and-forty-five minutes "We went on the air and became an instant hit," Steve explained. "Allen and the producers were still looking for a girl singer who knew more than five songs," he smiled, a slight twinkle in his eyes. "In September, Eydie came in, auditioned and got the job" Both singers signed two week contracts. Those contracts were renewed every two weeks for the next five years. Of course Eydie kept her day job as a secretary and kept recording for Coral Records, where her first record, "Frentasy" had became a local hit. Steve continued to work the lounges around 55th street and as an opening act for other entertainers.

"You could say that those five years with the gang on the Tonight Show were the best basic training course anyone could ask for," Eydie said. "We, both of us, learned so much about timing and especially comedy. In those days everything was live...there wasn't any taping. If we goofed everyone saw it."

"That's what made it so great," Steve added. "The show was fun and comradery was absolutely the best, with guys like Dwight Hemion (who would go on to become a famous producer of other television shows) and drummer Bob Rosengarden to work with. They were part of the original show."

The original show aired in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and was on for one-hour-and-forty-five minutes "We went on the air and became an instant hit," Steve explained. "Allen

In 1956 Ms. Gorme made her first appearance in Las Vegas at the original El Rancho Hotel as the opening act for the great Joe E. Lewis. During rehearsal it was discovered that both singers were going to sing "Chicago." She had just recently had a hit with the song, while it was also his theme song. The two worked it out, however, by having her sing the song as her closer. She would slowly start to walk off stage while singing, when Lewis picked up the beat and finished singing it as he appeared on stage. "It was a great set up," she smiled remembering that time long ago. "It was also the first time I had equal billing on the marque. He insisted upon it!"

In December, 1957 Steve and Eydie were married in Las Vegas. "We spent our honeymoon with Steve Allen working in Cuba," Steve laughed. Both by now had flourishing careers with individual recordings: Eydie with "Blame it on the Bossa Nova" and Steve's "Go Away Little Girl" as an example. In 1958 they were named the summer replacement for the Steve Allen Show. In 1960 their first son, David was born followed by Michael two years later. David is a very successful composer in Los Angeles. Michael passed away at the age of 23.

Sinatra and another great singer named Buddy Clark (who died in a plane crash on Oct. 2, 1949 at the age of 38) were Lawrence's biggest influence, while the great Sarah Vaughan was Eydie's. "Those three had more to do with how we sang and what songs we sang than anyone else in the music business," Gorme said.

"In those days everyone watched out for each other," Steve added. "If someone got sick and was unable to work, we (entertainers) would fill in until they were able to return."

Another dream shared by most entertainers and especially those from New York, was to perform at Carnegie Hall. In 1982 their dream came true when they starred in a series of sold-out concerts at the Hall, returning in 1984 to repeat their earlier success. " Another highlight of their career occurred in 1990-91 when they did the "Diamond Jubilee Tour" with Sinatra. Playing before SRO audiences around the world, receiving rave reviews and accolades from every corner of the globe the tour culminated at New York's Madison Square Garden, with a television special later aired on CBS. "Steve and Eydie represent all that is good about performers and the interpretation of a song...they're the best," Sinatra said in an interview at the time.

Jon Maas, writing in the Los Angeles Tribune on April 6, 2003 wrote: "They killed....Singing the great American songbook from Gershwin to Porter in front of a large orchestra, is the kind of act that the real headliners used to do in the glory days of Vegas....."

Steve & Eydie's consummate artistry has earned them acclaim in every area of the entertainment industry. Their television specials saluting the great American songwriters such as Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin and Cole Porter garnered a total of nine Emmy's, plus many other awards. In addition, the pair received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York. The award, presented by Merv Griffin, honored the duo's on-going tributes to American songwriters. They share also a Grammy Award for their album, "We've Got Us," and Eydie won a second Grammy for her solo recording of "If He Walked Into My Life." Steve earned the New York Drama Critics Award and a Tony nomination for his Broadway debut as the star of "What Makes Sammy Run." The couple subsequently shared a Broadway stage in the musical comedy-drama, "Golden Rainbow." Steve & Eydie won the Las Vegas Entertainment Award as "Musical Variety Act of the Year" four times, three of them consecutively. They also have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The duo have recorded over 100 albums during their lustrous career with both of them very proud of Steve's latest album, "Steve Lawrence Sings Sinatra." Steve explained that one Christmas a gift box was delivered to us with these fantastic orchestrations from Mr. Sinatra, with a note that read: "I know how much you love this music. So take it with you wherever you go and keep this kind of music playing. Just tell everybody where you got it." This writer has listened to the album, which includes 14 of the orchestrations given to them by The Man, and all I can say this is a must listen for anyone who loved Sinatra and his music. It's definitely a work of love by a man who also loves his music.

In June, 2003 Bill Friedwald of the New York Daily News wrote of the pair: "Let me say this plainly: Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme are among the great treasures of American showbiz and pop music...."

They will be appearing for three nights at the Stardust Hotel with a 27 piece orchestra conducted by Vince Falcone (who incidentally was Mr. Sinatra's conductor for 10 years). "We have a few set songs we always do," Steve said, explaining the show."It's not a show set in concrete...we'll float from song to song depending on the mood of the crowd."

"Yeah, and we don't talk to each other for hours before the show either,"Gorme smiled at her husband of 46 years.

The "One More For The Road" tour was decided upon in 2002, while they were on a city-to-city tour. They had done enough one-nighters to last a lifetime. So in February 2003 the final tour began.

As Larry King wrote in his national column: "If Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme don't entertain you, then no one can entertain you!"

 


It's The Norm
January 23, 2004 NEWEST - PRIOR WEEK - ARCHIVES
"It's The Norm" - Las Vegas Entertainment Events

 

BERNIE ALLEN PASSES AWAY

One of the real nice guys in the business of entertainment has joined his pals in the Biggest Showroom of all. Bernie Allen was a pal. He was truly a person who could say, "He never met a person he didn't like!" And once you met him you knew you had a friend.

I remember the first time I saw this little guy perform. It was at the Sands Hotel in late 1966 and I had gone to see Louis Prima & Keely Smith (who were the lounge headliners at the time). This particular night, prior to them, a rather funny thing happened. Some crazy guy in a German Army uniform was coming down the aisle, screaming in what I thought was German (but later learned was gibberish) and climbed on stage and began a tirade. I was sitting in the rear of the lounge along with another well-known comic who was working at the Sahara Hotel: Johnny Carson. Carson already knew the act and was cracking up. It was my introduction to a life-long friend, Bernie.

Our paths continued to cross over the years and every time we would meet we would hug and he would always pat my cheek. He continued to work as a stand-up almost to the end of the path. My only regret is that I did not go see him when he last performed at the Riviera. He asked me to drop by and I failed to show up. But I was there when his peers at a luncheon staged by The C.A.S.T honored him. I was also there when he was inducted into the Legends Hall of Fame. I truly believe, don't know this for a fact, that as he fell down last week he had a joke on his lips. He now joins his three great friends who did so much for him during his lifetime: Francis Albert Sinatra, Rocky Grazino and Blackie Hunt. Actually he'll be with hundreds of buddies who have been waiting with a special mike just for him. He will be greatly missed!


Website design by DENNY JONES        Currently Maintained & updated by Robert S. Ensler
The Cast Inc logo was conceived by LT GRAPHICS of New Jersey LTgraphixnj@aol.com