April 2020 – VEGAS UNFILTERED BLOG by Sam Novak

Cirque du Soleil Marches Forward with ‘One Night for One Drop’

Clean-water benefit show gets reinvented amidst the pandemic shutdown…

The annual One Night for One Drop has become quite an anticipated event. For just one evening each year, acrobat, artists, and alumni from several Cirque du Soleil productions come together for a spectacular gala. The purpose is to raise money for One Drop Foundation, an organization whose goal is to provide “sustainable access to safe water and sanitation for the most vulnerable communities through innovative partnerships, creativity and the power of art.”

While that mission statement is quite a mouthful, what it boils down to this: a reliable source of clean water for regions desperately in need of such. One Drop Foundation makes that happen by raising funds through performance arts, most notably Cirque du Soleil.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

It seems only fitting that Las Vegas, a haven in the middle of the desert, would focus this amount of intensity on the importance of water resources. So each year the entertainment community of Sin City rallies around One Drop Foundation to draw attention to that vital necessity.

Since its inception in 2013, One Night for One Drop has raised over $40 million. While prior entries had assembled talent from the various resident Vegas productions under one roof, 2020 was slated to be a bit different. Instead of a uniquely-created event, the organizers decided to showcase R.U.N (Cirque’s abominable new production at Luxor) with a special performance. Alas, a critical drubbing and anemic ticket sales of the now-shuttered stunt show jettisoned those plans.

December 5, 2019 – One Night for One Drop is not a traditional fundraising event. The evening begins with an intimate pre-show cocktail reception followed by a blue carpet filled with celebrities and guests. Prior to the R.U.N performance, a live auction spotlighting once-in-a-lifetime experiences and unique luxury items will be presented in the R.U.N Theater.

R.U.N‘s moment in the spotlight was chased away in favor of a single-night edition of The Illusionists. That existing product was acquired by Cirque through a 2019 purchase of The Works Entertainment. The plan was for The Illusionists to use R.U.N‘s theater at Luxor, a choice that hinted at the permanent closure of their mega-flop a short while later. And now that all theaters are shuttered thanks to the pandemic, The Illusionists had to retreat with their rabbits and top hats as well.

Undeterred, Cirque and One Drop are soldiering forward with a virtual offering of their annual event. Previously-filmed footage has been edited into a one-hour presentation that will be available for you to view at home. (Click THIS LINK for my article on other Vegas-inspired virtual offerings.)

Here is the official press release with details on how you can experience the spectacle of Vegas-style Cirque du Soleil from the comfort of your living room:

On May 1 at 12 p.m. PDT / 3 p.m. EDT, the One Drop Foundation and Cirque du Soleil will premiere a 60-minute special featuring unforgettable moments from previous editions of One Night for One Drop™, the annual fundraiser to benefit international water foundation One Drop™ showcasing Cirque du Soleil artists alongside celebrity guest performers.

Taking place annually since 2013 around World Water Day, One Night for One Drop imagined by Cirque du Soleil and presented by MGM Resorts International recently had to be canceled in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The unparalleled livestream episode, available on the CirqueConnect platform, will highlight the impressive collaborative work between One Drop and Cirque du Soleil over the years and will feature surprise guest appearances.

United by the power of art, One Drop and Cirque du Soleil are proud to connect their creativity to provide entertainment when it may be most needed, while making a commitment towards a better world. Moved by a desire to stay connected, the CirqueConnect content hub provides a source of high-quality entertainment for fans to enjoy from the comfort of their homes, as safety measures to combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19) have suspended live entertainment across the globe.

“As we face this unprecedented pandemic, One Drop’s mission of providing access to safe water and sanitation has never been more critical,” said Marie-Anne Tawil, Chief Executive Officer of the One Drop Foundation. “The world may seem to be apart right now, but coming together to safeguard the vulnerable communities on this planet where water is scarce has never been more important. Everyone should have access to water, soap, and adequate conditions for a healthy life, but also to properly prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19 on a global scale.”

This One Night for One Drop 60-minute special will be the sixth edition of the CirqueConnect weekly series, and will remain available after its premiere at cirquedusoleil.com/cirqueconnect.

How to watch the special?

On May 1 at 12 p.m. PDT / 3 p.m. EDT, tune in to the 60-minute One Night for One Drop special at cirquedusoleil.com/cirqueconnect.

So, despite a number of hiccups and obstacles along the way, One Night for One Drop will make its mark on 2020 after all. With Vegas live entertainment facing a frightening and uncertain future, this is a golden opportunity to witness the marriage of Cirque du Soleil and Sin City in a unique format. So, be sure to tune in and contribute if you can.

Learn more about One Drop’s safe water access and sanitation projects and how to support here: https://www.onedrop.org/en/events/special/. To bid on an amazing item/experience on their online auction, visit Charitybuzz at http://www.charitybuzz.com/onenightonedrop

Photos: Cirque du Soleil, One Night for One Drop via Facebook

Get ‘Portnoyed’ With Sin City’s Philanthropic Artist

Famed caricaturist Neal Portnoy donates talent and funds to furloughed Las Vegas performers…

Update 7/12/20 – In addition to the wonderful effort that Portnoy Gallery has put forth to assist entertainers in the community, this year it will be hosting a benefit for St. Jude Ranch for Children. The announcement from Dorothy Cannata Portnoy is as follows:

We are excited to announce our Annual Christmas in July event and Raffle Fund Raiser. Limited tickets for social distancing during event and unlimited virtual tickets available. The day will be broken down to 4 sessions each having different raffle prizes and one grand prize at last session including all who bought tickets Pick the group you like best or all. The virtual tickets are set up the same way. Click here for full details. Looking forward to a great day of supporting St Jude’s Ranch for Children.

Donations of household items are also being accepted – you can request a copy of the wish list from Dorothy Cannata Portnoy by clicking here.

UPDATE5/17/20 – Neal Portnoy messaged me to let me know that my oversized mug had been “Portnoyed”, too. The honor is overwhelming…and I’m thrilled that he made the decision to include me in this illustrious collection. You can obtain yours and help the unemployed entertainers of Las Vegas by clicking here.

Hey, my mug is on a mug!

For many entertainers, the benchmarks of success are seeing their name in lights and perhaps, someday, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But you’ll know that you’ve really made it when your likeness has been “Portnoyed”.

Neal Portnoy is a successful artist who specializes in caricatures (or “cartoon portraits”) of famous performers and sports figures. His Portnoy Gallery in Las Vegas is a veritable shrine to pop culture and the entertainment world. Its centerpiece is the Wall of Honor, a collection of Portnoy’s most revered work.

Once a year, the Gallery holds a red carpet induction ceremony that’s attended by public figures, prominent athletes, celebrities and one very special doggie. Neal’s background as a baseball player and sleight-of-hand entertainer gives him a unique insight that few artists possess. His portraits, most often created with felt markers, capture the dedication of his subjects along with their humor, talent, and charisma.

Working with felt markers is a unique and challenging medium. As Neal explains it:

Markers…unlike oils, unlike acrylics, unlike water colors…is a stain. You can change colors in water colors, acrylics and oils, and kind of put what you want down. But with marker, every line you put down, stays down. If I make a mistake, I make it into something else…’cause every line is an expression.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

When it comes to being charismatic, the Massachusetts native exudes a wonderful degree of warmth and confidence. It’s easy to understand why some of the most powerful names in entertainment have entrusted their images to Neal. From members of the Las Vegas Raiders to Barry Manilow, Freddy Mercury to Aretha Franklin, each work of art is timeless and unforgettable.

My first opportunity to chat with Neal was earlier this year. It was at the Summerlin birthday party of influential power-player Mark Messina, where I shared a table with the artist and his charming wife, former New Yorker Dorothy Cannata Portnoy. During our conversation, Dorothy told me that she is the gallery’s Director. She also tirelessly assists her husband in his efforts to support the local community.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The Portnoys invited me to their studio to check out Neal’s collection. Alas, a certain pandemic became headlines soon after, placing my visit on a to-do list for when life returns to normal. In the interim, I’ve researched the gallery via websites and social media. There I learned about a heartwarming effort that the couple and Mark Messina have created to assist out-of-work Vegas entertainers.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

As you may recall from last week’s article on the Mondays Dark Live Stream Telethon, the residents of Sin City are unparalleled when it comes to taking care of their own. That’s why Portnoy Gallery has decided to donate 50 percent of sales from Portnoyed.com:

Las Vegas has been hit particularly hard due to quarantines and venue closures. Our entertainers have been among the hardest hit. We would like to give back to the community, by providing our out of work entertainers 50% of proceeds from our current online products. Please browse our store for your favorite Las Vegas entertainer, and together we can help them get through this period.

Up for grabs are 76 uniquely-designed coffee mugs, each featuring a beloved Vegas celebrity. Musicians like the Bronx Wanderers, Niki Scalera, David Tatlock, Mark O’Toole, Michael Shapiro, and Zowie Bowie can join your coffee break, along with comedians Carrot Top, Mike Hammer, and John Di Domenico. Even Messina and my colleagues Gabe Ginsberg, Chet Buchanan and Johnny Katsilometes have their mugs committed to a mug.

To obtain one or more of these uniquely Vegas collectibles (while simultaneously fueling the movement to keep Las Vegas entertainment alive) visit this link. Until the gallery reopens, you can browse and purchase prints of Neal’s creations by clicking HERE.

Portnoy Gallery is located at 1537 W Oakey Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102. Phone 702.685.2929 for more information.

Photos: Neal Portnoy, Dorothy Cannata Portnoy, David Orlov, Dianne Davis, Jonathan Scott

Bring the Excitement of Vegas to Your Home with ‘Virtual Experiences’

‘Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition’ and ‘Chippendales’ are just two of many Sin City favorites to enjoy under your own roof…

So, you’ve binge-watched every Netflix series and reruns of “FRIENDS” are making you want to hit the “unfriend” button. What’s a quarantined Vegas junkie to do? Well, if you saw yesterday’s article on the Mondays Dark Live Stream Telethon, you know that Sin City is doing its best to make you happy…while keeping its own artistic muscles in shape for an eventual ramp-up.

As efforts to assist furloughed entertainers are underway, you’re undoubtedly going through your own form of Sin City withdrawal. Now you can gather your fellow Vegas fans (following social-distancing guidelines, of course) and organize a virtual party for honest-to-goodness Las Vegas experiences. They’re brought to you by the same people who make your in-person visits so memorable.

Followers of my contributions to Las Vegas Magazine and BestOfVegas.com know that I’ve penned several articles on TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition. This self-guided attraction is the biggest collection of recovered articles in this world. Inside are splendid recreations of the decks, staterooms, cabins and more. Immersive special effects allow you to experience the freezing air, feel the throb of the massive engines, and listen to voices from the past.

TITANIC: The Virtual Experience, is a newly-launched 3-dimensional tour of Luxor‘s 25,000 square foot attraction. It’s accessible on computers, tablets, and mobile devices. The virtual experience is available at two price levels – the Light Version for $5 and the Full Version for $15. Both price levels are accessible for one week and can be renewed at the point of purchase. Options include these benefits:

Light Version – $5

Virtual walkthrough of the 13 galleries inside the 25,000 square feet exhibition
Detailed information and photos of each artifact on display
View what life was like aboard the “Ship of Dreams” through full-scale room re-creations of the Grand Staircase, Promenade Deck, Veranda Café, and more
View the largest piece ever recovered, a 15-ton portion of the Ship’s hull
Learn about conservation and recovery efforts of the artifacts recovered from the ocean floor

Full Version – $15

All offerings of the basic tour experience
Audio tour available in multiple languages
Exclusive video content
- Dive Expedition 2010 – Video of artifacts as they are being recovered from the wreck site at the ocean floor
- Dive Expedition 2010 – Video of curators on board the recovery ship discussing the artifacts immediately after they were pulled from the ocean floor
- Dive Expedition 2010 – Video from Titanic’s wreck site, including underwater footage of the Ship’s bow, stern, vast debris field, and more
Animated timeline of Titanic from the point of striking the iceberg to the sinking
Additional facts and information about Titanic, the wreck site, artifacts, personal stories of her passengers and crew

For more information, visit Titanic.live.

If you’re looking for something a little less “educational” and a lot more “titillating”, then perhaps you might want to investigate Chippendales@Home, a new interactive virtual experience. Chippendales@Home allows you and your squad to hang out and party with the world-famous hunks live in your own homes.

Chat, flirt, play games, get or give a virtual lap dance – you’ll get to know the Chippendales performers in your own intimate group setting as they host your party making sure your night is special and memorable. Each 30-minute party will feature at least two Chippendales cast members and utilizes the streaming platforms ZOOM, House Party, FaceTime, and Google Hangout.

In addition to Chippendales@Home, the brand has been cranking out online experiences as people are urged to stay inside. Recent digital offerings include at-home workouts with cast members, Instagram Live chats with alumnus of the brand, and light-hearted digital content such as one of its current cast members performing a lap dance for a 12-pack of toilet paper.

As a limited-time thank-you to those who are keeping us safe and healthy, Chippendales is offering Chippendales@Home free to health care workers and first responders. Ticket-holders whose shows were postponed also receive the experience free of charge. For more info or to arrange your own virtual party, visit this link or call 866-CHIPP999.

If you’re a fan of the long-running SUPERNATURAL series on CW Network, you were probably excited for the annual convention at RIO Las Vegas in March. Sadly, the virus was just beginning to spread and some of you might have opted to avoid the crowds and wait for next year’s star-studded gala.

Now in an innovative move, Creation Entertainment has scheduled a virtual SUPERNATURAL convention with the participation of three fan favorites. Beginning Saturday, April 18th and running through Saturday, April 25th, director Richard Speight, Jr. and stars Lisa Berry (Billie) and Ruth Connell (Rowena) will host a series of Q & A sessions, chats, tarot card readings, invocations and more.

What makes this event unique is that a portion of proceeds will go to charities and non-profits like Meals On Wheels, St. Michaels Hospital (Toronto) and Random Acts. For some sessions, participants are asked to pay what they can. Auctions will be held to join in on events designed for a limited number of fans.

To register for the SUPERNATURAL Virtual-Con, click HERE. Participants should create user accounts on the platforms ZOOM and StageIt in advance. Creation Entertainment also brings the official Star Trek Convention to Rio Las Vegas each year.

In addition to these large-scale offerings, there is a wide variety of concerts, intimate performances and live chats being broadcast, as well as the at-home workouts and dance classes I told you about right here.

Bellagio‘s beloved lounge pianist Whitney Phoenix and singer/actress/comedienne wife Marianne LeMoine Phoenix (50 Pounds From Stardom) shared this marvelous evening recently.

Whitney also took to the keyboard for a solo set while Marianne fielded requests from viewers:

The smooth and classy Craig Canter has been giving regular performances from his own virtual lounge that he calls “The Piano Room”:

Westgate‘s favorite crooner Mark O’Toole brought us some big band highlights. He sent video clips and updates from the cruise ship he was “stranded” on for an extended time, hoping for a port to disembark at and return to the States. Combine that with canceled flights and missing luggage, and it’s safe to say that poor Mark endured the kind of adventure that movies are made about.

Despite weeks of madness and uncertainty, Mark took a break from relaxing to assist in beloved artist Neal Portnoy‘s efforts to raise funds for out-of-work performers. Portnoy created a collection of custom mugs, each featuring a local entertainer immortalized in the artist’s unique style. Get yours by clicking here, and check out this extremely funny video:

The marvelous David Goldrake, whose IMAGINARIUM magic production at Tropicana garnered my “Best New Show of 2018”, has been entertaining internet audiences with a series of tricks and lessons:

If you know of any other Vegas virtual experiences, online entertainment or events that you’d like to be added to this article, please leave a comment or email me: Sam@VegasUnfiltered.blog

‘Mondays Dark’ to Host/Stream Telethon for Vegas Entertainment Community

UPDATE 4/21/20 – The official entertainment line-up was released today and is posted immediately below. Expect even more performers to be added in the days leading up to the event.

“When Vegas goes dark, the Stars come out.” That statement takes on a deeper meaning in our harsh, new reality. Now thanks to the team at Mondays Dark and The Actors Fund, Sin City’s entertainment community will be on the receiving end of founder Mark Shunock‘s charitable organization for the first time.

Mondays Dark variety show at The Space has donated to dozens of charitable organizations since its inception six years ago, raising over one million dollars in total. Every event benefits a different organization/cause and presents a unique theme. Performers from all over the city have gathered on a bi-weekly basis, offering their time and talents. Now they’re the ones in need of assistance.

Perpetually shirtless Colin Cahill will join wife Makenzie Fly for “Mak and the Cheese”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, all performance venues in Las Vegas have been shut down. Thousands of entertainers, artists and support crew are without work, and very few are receiving temporary compensation to get by. The Actors Fund, best known in Los Angeles and New York City, has partnered with Mondays Dark to help raise money for the Vegas entertainment community during this desperate time.

Mark Shunock and comedian Brad Garrett…

With all of the joy that these special people have given us, along with the pain and sacrifices inherent in their profession, now is the best time to show our appreciation and support. Beginning 5pm PST on April 27th, local and national entertainers will take to the virtual stage. The six-hour event features Brad Garrett, Joey Fatone, Dot Marie Jones, Jon Taffer, Clint Holmes, John DiDomenico, Bucky Heard (The Righteous Brothers), Colin Cahill & Makenzie Fly (aka “Mak and the Cheese“), cast members from Cirque Du Soleil and more. A complete lineup of entertainers for the evening will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Live Stream Telethon will be broadcast free of charge on the Mondays Dark website and all their social platforms. Mondays Dark will donate 100 percent of funds raised to the local entertainment community through The Actors Fund.

93186154_10157276828153176_280710481121902592_o

92273847_10219964514530762_1740197560087216128_o

91626986_10214334426509483_6151593963418550272_o

89883915_1875613812570406_5037770293431500800_n

93606906_3291774620852589_6326051832720261120_o

93374127_10214338838018280_8140121808096460800_n

In addition to the telethon, Mondays Dark has been selling the FUCOVID hat, an extremely unique baseball cap to benefit the same effort. So far the project has raised more than $5,000.00 for struggling entertainers. Hats are just $20 and proceeds go to the Mondays Dark Performers Fund – dedicated to helping performers who have been affected by the pandemic. Get yours by following this link.

“President Trump” aka John Di Domenico, tells you how to get yours in this amusing clip:

It’s clear from events of the past decade that when people of Las Vegas are hard-hit, they come together and push back with twice as much force. Sin City will rebound…it may take a long time and there will be tough moments along the way. Please show your appreciation for the people who’ve made our lives so joyful and contribute to this special cause.

Members of the Las Vegas entertainment community seeking assistance are encouraged to visit The Actors Fund website at www.theactorsfund.org. Those interested in donating may visit www.mondaysdark.com. If you’d like to send funds in advance of the telethon, you can do so by clicking on this link.

Photos: Mondays Dark, The Actors Fund, Mark Shunock, The SPACE via Facebook, Vin A., Andrea Dupper, Jim McCoy

COVID-19 Aftermath – Shows Most Likely (and Least Likely) To Return

Taking a hard and painful look at the Vegas entertainment landscape as Sin City’s quarantine drags on…

As a devoted enthusiast of Sin City entertainment, it pains me to think of the hundreds of gifted performers currently out of work during the pandemic shutdown. Devoted to a volatile industry in which success is never guaranteed, many artists work multiple jobs and/or share living expenses just to get by. Combine this with a lack of adequate health care and spotty unemployment compensation, and it wouldn’t be surprising if many struggling entertainers decide to leave the city…or the industry altogether.

Sadly, there’s a likelihood that numerous residencies and production shows will decide to fold (or have their lifeline unceremoniously yanked) once the ramp-up begins. How this plays out is anyone’s guess, but I’ve been doing my own pondering on what changes lie ahead. Keep in mind that my conclusions aren’t in any way a reflection of quality…or lack thereof. Instead, I’ve considered factors such as pre-virus buzz, operation overhead (costs), post-virus marketability, name recognition, longevity, and brand loyalty.

I might be completely wrong on these predictions or right on the money. Your guess is as good as mine. We won’t know until it actually happens, but here’s my list of shows that might weather the storm. And those that I believe will most certainly blow away.

Very Likely To Return –

David Saxe Productions – the long and colorful list produced by David Saxe amounts to a well-oiled machine. His self-named theater inside Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops and nearby V Theater churn out hits like Vegas! The Show, Zombie Burlesque, V – The Ultimate Variety Show and many more. Saxe is a master of efficiency and knows how to run and market his business. His children will survive just fine.

ABSINTHE – (Update – reopened on October 28th with vastly reduced seating)

Spiegelworld‘s naughty alternative to Cirque du Soleil is an instant hit that would have celebrated its ninth anniversary on April 1st. The bawdy burlesque ABSINTHE has spun off two successful companion productions and shows no sign of slowing down. Relatively low overhead (an outdoor tent, pre-recorded music, and simple props) should help it to last through a sluggish restart (if that’s how things play out, that is).

Other Spiegelworld titles OPIUM and ATOMIC SALOON SHOW might not have it so easy. Their out-of-the-way locations inside expensive Cosmopolitan and Venetian/Palazzo might prove to be a bigger challenge in the long run. Cosmo‘s costly parking fees make OPIUM an easy pass for locals, too. (Update 5/19/20 – Cosmopolitan has announced its intentions to discontinue parking fees)

“O” at Bellagio – Despite a mountain of debt that Cirque du Soleil is carrying, it’s unlikely that they’ll allow their highest-profile Vegas production to fold. Since “O” is synonymous with the Bellagio image (just like its outdoor fountains and seasonal conservatory displays) it’s easy to envision the resort taking ownership of the show if it came down to that (Steve Wynn did that with Le Reve). “O” is still a very popular draw despite two decades and thousands of performances. Not my cup of tea, but for many tourists, it’s a must-see.

CELESTIA – my insiders at CELESTIA assure me that the fledgling big-top production is on solid ground. STRAT Hotel Casino has a strong financial stake. which seems to be a common thread in the current make-or-break environment. Four-wallers (independent contractors) will suffer while casino-owned shows are likely to last. It all comes down to money.

Sex Tips For Straight Women from a Gay Man – This is an easy one to envision continuing. An extremely Vegas-y premise, an attractive local cast and very low overhead within an intimate theater setting. What’s not to love?

41758828_1978305348856322_6681964584149975040_o

64785287_2753935387969657_5891508460712886272_o

Solo and Lounge Acts – Our deeply-fractured economy is going to have a ripple effect on both consumers and the products they offer. Returning guests with limited discretionary income will most likely avoid the high-ticket attractions. That’s where one-man/woman shows come to the rescue.

73388414_10156871004181917_6723312466236801024_n

With low overhead and a simple format, solo acts can offer solid entertainment and a retro vibe while passing the savings onto their audiences. Look for returning favorites like Mike Hammer, Murray Sawchuck, Carrot Top, Xavier Mortimer, Jen Kramer and maybe even the once-popular Gordie Brown to shine brighter in the spotlight. I anticipate that bloated, self-serving star vehicles like Criss Angel – Mindfreak Live and Mariah Carey‘s endless residencies will go down in flames, though. Darn.

Expensive mega-residencies could also feel the same heat. Last year people were forking over a grand or more to StubHub for Lady Gaga tickets. Who has that kind of money now? Even though Paula Abdul‘s lip-syncing stomp-fest at the Flamingo couldn’t warrant a $49 price tag last fall, her short-lived residency now seems like a million years ago. Look for a glut of similar shows (like Derek Hough: No Limit), along with the resurgence of intimate lounge acts, to tide us over until the economy…and Vegas…rebounds.

Say Farewell –

Blue Man Group – (Update 6/30/20 The cast of Blue Man Group has been laid off by parent company Cirque du Soleil)

They’re old, tired, and as cliched as the fanny pack strapped around your cargo shorts. The trio of silent weirdos known as Blue Man Group is as annoying as those outdoor escalators that are constantly “under service”. Luxor‘s long-running production returned to the pyramid a few years ago, after more than a decade at Venetian and Monte Carlo. Now they’re in a much smaller venue and it’s easy to forget that they’re still around. Maybe COVID-19 will be the nudge that gets them to squeeze their final Twinkie.

Human Nature (Update – permanent closure announced 6/10/20) –

It really upsets me to have this one on the list, but the Aussie quartet known as Human Nature appears to have been struggling for a while. I’ve been to the show a number of times in the past twelve months, and attendance has been anemic during each and every visit. Their live band has been downsized as a cost-cutting measure and the dancers were given a pink slip before that. They’ve also jettisoned the “Jukebox” format and returned to the Motown sound that put them in the U.S. limelight.

Magic Mike Live (Update – Sahara opening postponed once again to August 2021) –

102960421_2458503854365672_4264881349891237637_n

We can wait even longer for this execrable slop to return….

The movie-inspired male revue received a scathing write-up from me upon its debut (deservedly so). Yet, the man-bashing mess, hosted by a shrill, leather-clad harpy who never shuts her f*cking mouth, somehow managed to become a hit. Still, the closure of Hard Rock Hotel sent the ~~strippers~~ dancers off into the sunset last year.

Audiences were promised a spring relaunch at the newly-rebranded Sahara Hotel, yet an official debut date was never set and tickets have yet to go on sale. The 360-degree format requires a custom-built arena that Sahara didn’t have, so costly construction was required. Alas, an insider told me that the venue’s build-out was halted many weeks before the shutdown, suggesting that the bump-and-grind may actually be over. Today’s visit to the official website reveals that the word “spring” was removed, most likely due to the shutdown. Or are revised negotiations holding things back?

During the interim, MML has gone global with residencies in London, Berlin, Sydney, and Melbourne, so a pricey Vegas space is no longer a top priority for the franchise. Sahara Hotel has yet to prove itself as a hip destination, as demonstrated by the premature shuttering of similar-themed Blanc de Blanc. Combine that with the perpetual postponements of nearby Fontainebleau/The Drew and Resorts World, and things are looking pretty dead for Magic Mike Live.

Cirque du Soleil –

Update 6/30/20 – Cirque du Soleil announced today that they have filed for bankruptcy protection and have eliminated 3,500 jobs…

I know what you’re thinking – “But you just said that “O” was safe?!?!?!?!”. True enough. But in our new reality, Vegas cannot sustain six (already down from eight) of what is basically the same show…especially at $150 and up for decent seats.

According to FinancialPost.com, Cirque owes more that $1.25 billion to creditors. MGM Resorts operates five of their six Vegas shows and is known to brutally slice away expenses wherever and whenever possible. So who gets their trapezes pulled? I’m looking at KA, The Beatles LOVE, and maybe Michael Jackson ONE.

Hanging In The Balance/Probably Safe –

MYSTERE – the longest-running Vegas Cirque show follows its own set of rules since Treasure Island operates separately from MGM Resorts. MYSTERE is smaller in scale and has the lowest ticket prices. The others have massive sets, live musicians, huge casts and expensive automation that requires an entire team of technicians to operate and maintain. SO…..overhead…

ZUMANITY – (Update 11/16/20 permanent closure announced)

Never a critical darling or fan favorite, but this one might not be in real jeopardy. It has many of the advantages that MYSTERE enjoys (smaller cast, intimate venue, lower ticket prices), and has already trimmed back its musicians and singers. But despite the adult-skewing format, ZUMANITY now pales in comparison to raunchy offerings from Spiegelworld. So once again, your guess is as good as mine.

Le Reve – (Update 8/14/20 permanent closure announced)

Wynn‘s signature production was never an out-and-out hit (some still believe it’s part of Cirque du Soleil fifteen years in), but it’s a critical darling and those who know it, love it. Le Reve is also owned by Wynn/Encore, which has deep pockets and an image to protect. When Steve Wynn’s own SHOWSTOPPERS was shuttered, massive shockwaves rippled through the entertainment community. That’s unlikely to happen again.

WOW: The Vegas Spectacular – another budget-friendly production that hung in there despite the competition, WOW could in fact raise its profile and attendance numbers in the months ahead. Room rates at host hotel RIO start at a ridiculously-cheap $10 (plus resort fees/taxes) for the first half of May, so if the city actually opens, expect a pilgrimage to the aging off-Strip resort.

Sister production EXTRAVAGANZA missed its debut date at Bally’s last month and could possibly be in jeopardy. The cast of performers came from Israel and has yet to log a single hour in front of a paying audience. Housing the entire cast during quarantine is no doubt chipping away at the show’s reserves. Whether that could bring WOW down as well involves legalities that aren’t known to me. But from the outside looking in, it’s a pretty grim picture for EXTRAVAGANZA.

What are your thoughts, predictions and opinions? Feel free to add your comments or email me at Sam@VegasUnfiltered.blog.