Twenty-part celebration of Peace On Earth To serve stellar musical productions and gorgeous holiday feasts…
One month ago I penned what would end up being the most troubling article I’d ever published. Drained by disturbing events of violence this spring and summer, I closed out this difficult piece with the following statement:
Vegas Unfiltered Blog will be taking an indefinite break. If and when there is a reason to put Sin City back on your to-do list, you might see this site return. Until then…stay safe, stay smart and be well.
In the ensuing four weeks, this writer has monitored all of those troubling incidents and trends on the blog’s corresponding Facebook page. Along the way, I’ve been hoping for something positive to report…anything uplifting enough to justify a return to the keyboard. And it happened this past Thursday after a trip to my beloved new hangout…The Vegas Room.
Since the pandemic caused a total shutdown of dedicated live entertainment, one venue has been a godsend. Glamorous The Vegas Room supper club has preserved and protected the heartbeat of Sin City for everyone to enjoy. All summer and into the fall, this tribute to the Golden Era has safely offered a healing cocktail of music, merriment, and delicious meals to a city split asunder by COVID-19. It’s been an amazing place to share with friends old and new.
Click here and here for my previous write-ups of this amazing destination.
If it wasn’t for my regular visits to The Vegas Room, this entertainment addict might have gone completely bonkers (instead of just moderately imbalanced). And now that we’re heading into the holiday season, imagine my joy in learning that their team is about to fill the entire month of December with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas”!
During a return engagement by Eric Jordan Young (in a salute to Sammy Davis Jr.), I was asked by the proprietors to stay and discuss their upcoming holiday showcase. Surrounded by amazing talent like Michelle Johnson, Phillip Officer and Philip Fortenberry, entertainment director Brent Barrett gave me a little taste of what they had in store. Then Barrett and President Thomas Michel asked if Vegas Unfiltered Blog would be interested in chronicling their showcase from production meetings through the opening night. Ya think???
Throughout the month of December, The Vegas Room will feature rotating casts of four world-class artists, all known for their work in stellar productions. Most have already appeared at the venue or are slated to have their own events in the coming weeks and months.
I’ve been told that plans are underway to expand the performance space to accommodate a larger production, quite possibly the only month-long Christmas series in Las Vegas this year. General Manager Sean Stephenson is sure to have his hands full with all of the upcoming activities.
Sets and decorations will whisk you away to “Columbia Inn” of Pine Tree, Vermont. That’s the setting of White Christmas, Irving Berlin’s perennial film favorite. Stage Direction will be by Eric Jordan Young, with Musical Direction by Keith Thompson (Jersey Boys, Hairspray).
Talent will be culled from various shows including BAZ, Vegas! The Show, Mayfair Supper Club, Pin-Up, Rock of Ages and Phantom- The Las Vegas Spectacular. While it’s too soon to share further details on the event, it’s definitely one that you’ll want to put on your calendar….and order advance tickets for.
Chef David James Robinson will be creating memorable five-course meals as part of the heartwarming experience. Known for his daring twists on traditional dishes, Chef David creates everything from scratch in The Vegas Room kitchen:
“We care enormously about the food and service we provide. Our guests at The Vegas Room will see that for themselves when they experience the reality – both in look and taste – that everything we make is handcrafted and made from scratch”.
“For example, all of our salad dressings, soups, and stocks are uniquely ours and made fresh. Additionally, all breads, muffins, and biscuits were baked fresh that day, and every component of every dish was sourced and prepared with great care…and it always will be.” – Chef David James Robinson
As a personal fan of Chef David’s work, I’ve found great delight in every colorful dish…from ratatouille and a vegan “Southwestern Fiesta” to truffle chicken and slow-roasted beef loin. Even the July 4th appetizer course was “fireworks on a plate”. It’ll be exciting to see what he plans to do with traditional holiday favorites.
Despite the year we’ve endured, it’s incredible to realize that the holiday season is just around the corner. Thank goodness The Vegas Room is establishing a brand-new tradition of warmth and joy. Plan ahead by securing your reservation now. With all of the hardships this city has faced in 2020, we all deserve some peace on Earth, goodwill to men. And you’re sure to find it “A Vegas Room Christmas”.
Follow this link for complete information on pricing, schedules and reservations. The Vegas Room is located at 953 East Sahara Avenue E-18 in the historic Commercial Center complex.
Photos: Sam Novak, The Vegas Room, KTNV
VEGAS UNFILTERED BLOG by Sam Novak 