Sam Novak

MAIN STREET STATION – The Last Downtown Buffet

Garden Court Buffet off Fremont Street is still worth a visit.

Garden Court Buffet near Fremont Street Is Still Worth a Visit

If you visit the official website for MAIN STREET STATION Casino Brewery Hotel, you’ll barely see a mention of Garden Court Buffet. There’s one single photograph, a line that says “Open for brunch/limited dinner” and that’s it. No list of themed dinners, pricing structure, or specific hours, There’s really nothing to entice you into visiting. The casino’s Facebook page ignores it, too. And that’s a damned shame.

Once a must-visit spot for downtown diners, the gorgeously appointed Garden Court Buffet has inexplicably become a red-haired stepchild, a dirty little secret. Nevertheless, this writer recently visited on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon and was thrilled to relive memories of many past visits.

Despite its name, Main Street Station is operated by Boyd Gaming, not Station Casinos. The charming hotel casino is brimming with antiques, vintage slot machines, memorabilia from historic landmarks, and even a section of the Berlin Wall. All of this makes Main Street Station a treat to stroll through. And like the adjacent California Hotel, it’s very popular with Hawaiian tourists.

Main Street Station was the final downtown Las Vegas casino hotel to reopen after the COVID-19 shutdown…and the only location to keep its buffet. Once a popular institution, the Las Vegas buffet has become a novelty. For a pleasantly-priced one like Garden Court Buffet, it’s also a rarity.

As you can see from the above photographs, Garden Court Buffet is modeled after a turn-of-the-century train station. Like Durango Casino‘s new SUMMER HOUSE, it’s bright and airy, boasting live plants, plenty of windows, and natural sunlight.

An attentive server will take your drink order before you help yourself to any of the many food stations. There are sections devoted to salads, fresh fruit, pizza, breakfast foods, and Mexican specialties.

A carving station, made-to-order omelets, hot soups, Asian dishes, all-American standards, and outstanding Hawaiian specialties are among the many choices. A separate dessert section includes soft-serve ice cream, pies, cakes, and more.

In addition to the pleasant decor and service, the serving stations at Garden Court Buffet get plenty of TLC. They are consistently maintained, well-stocked, and kept in an appealing state by a caring staff.

Longtime visitors will be pleased to know that Garden Court’s much-revered Kalua Pork with Cabbage is as sweet and flavorful as ever. And their steak chili is absolutely incredible…some of the best this writer has ever enjoyed.

As VEGAS 411 visited during weekend brunch, one section of the serving area was cordoned off. One would assume that its entirety is utilized during dinner hours. Then again, the unimpressive patronage during my visit, combined with a lack of advertising, has me wondering if Boyd Gaming would prefer to get out of the buffet business entirely.

With high-end buffets at Wynn and Caesars Palace approaching the one-hundred-dollar mark for dinner, it’s a delight to revisit the days of the old tyme Vegas bargain buffet. South Point, Palms, and Rampart Casinos have the right idea, and their buffets thrive.

So do yourself a favor and gather the family for a trip to Garden Court Buffet inside Main Street Station. It’s one of the best dining bargains in Las Vegas and deserves to be supported for years to come.

Photo by Rickelle N Kaleo via Facebook

MAIN STREET STATION IS LOCATED AT 200 N. Main Street in downtown Las Vegas, two blocks from Fremont Street Experience and Plaza Hotel Casino.

Production Construction – ‘MEN OF THE STRIP’

Men are hard at work as ticket sales go live and an opening date looms nearer for Men of the Strip.

The following is a reprint of an article from 5/17/17…

THREE YEARS AGO

The number of details that have gone into producing Tropicana‘s Men of the Strip, like any production, have been daunting. Hours of planning, casting, networking, legalities and preparation must bring those elements together before a single performance is tallied. But they all get traced back to one thing…an idea.

Singer/writer/producer Jeff Timmons is the brains (and considerable brawn) behind Men of the Strip, the new show bowing this month at Trop’s Havana Room. As the story goes, Timmons was guest-hosting Chippendales at Rio a few years back when he became inspired to create his own cutting-edge male revue.

From there, the inevitable avalanche of brainstorming, financing, auditions and show creation yielded a nationwide tour that culminated in a triumphant Vegas showcase. Alas, things came to a grinding halt after a tragic event. Despite the successful run and a ravenous fan base, Men of the Strip was shelved indefinitely.

Inside the Henderson, NV dance studio during costume fittings…

FOUR WEEKS AGO

This spring, the creative process is back again in full swing. Earlier in April, three key players from Men of the Strip‘s creation converged in Las Vegas for a relaunch…this time on a much larger scale (last month I reported on the expanded show/nightclub/pool party concept here). And as promised, I was there to capture some of the preparation and speak with members of the team…both new and returning.

Timmons was front and center…and all around the studio…during auditions for new dancers. An open casting call had been announced in Los Angeles and Las Vegas for the first two days of April, with candidates encouraged to pre-submit video demonstrations of their skills.

Mike Foland arrives at Tropicana with rookie Tyler Froehlich…

Social media plays a big part in casting these days. Show choreographer Glenn Douglas Packard, returning from MOTS’s initial run, reached out to various dancers in the industry. He also stepped out of the box by direct-contacting newbie Tyler Froehlich, whose Instagram page he happened upon.

Both Timmons’ and MOTS’s Facebook pages broadcast the auditions live, with viewers encouraged to chime in on their favorites. The show’s financier Mike Foland told me that the cast would constantly be interactive with fans, both online and after each performance. He wants the audience to get to know the men as individuals and enjoy their unique personalities as much as their looks and dancing skills.

With a projected start date looming and ticket sales about to go live, only one week passed before the cast was chosen, notified and assembled to begin rehearsals. I stopped by the following Monday at The Stage, a professional studio in Henderson, where the men were already sweating through their paces.

Choreographer Packard (far right) and Men of the Strip 2.0

Timmons wasn’t present on the day of my visit. As has been the case since announcing the residency, he was making the rounds of a media publicity blitz. That means traveling to various cities, appearing on talk shows and doing interviews to promote his baby.

Mike Foland greeted me and showed me around as costume fittings were underway. I immediately recognized the uber-cool biker costumes that opened up the show in 2014. Over in the main studio, choreographer Packard was shouting out instructions for that very same number: “Okay, helmets on your shoulders. One-two-three, thrust, turn, turn!” (or something to that effect).

After putting the dancers through their paces, Packard discussed his goals for MOTS 2.0. The multi-talented choreographer/dancer/TV star is fresh from directing his first film, PITCHFORK, a horror thriller (released on Blu-ray and DVD this month).

With creativity in overdrive, Packard said he has taken the best of the Mandalay Bay show and pared it into a fast-moving 90 minutes designed to leave audiences out of breath.

“We’ve got a great bunch,” he said. “They’re deep into the third number, and it’s only been one week. It took a month to get this far the last time around. We’re lucky to have gotten a really good group. The challenge now is to teach what we already have to a whole new cast of men…” Packard confided.

Advertising materials inside the resort will soon blanket the city…

Fortunately, he’s inherited ample support from the group’s mentor-figure, returning performer Joel Sajiun. Dominican Republic native Sajiun moved back to South Florida after MOTS disbanded, waiting for a phone call. “Three years I wait. Three years! I was about to take a construction job next week when the phone rang” he said. “It was fate.”

Foland echoed that sentiment. “We waited a long time for Men of the Strip to come back together. We had to heal first. When we were ready, it was hard to find the right place”. He and others scoped numerous locations in Vegas and came close to signing a deal with The Stratosphere (the former Poly Esther’s nightclub). “Then Havana Room was presented to us, and we knew this was it. Everything fell into place”.

Mike Foland surveys the Havana Room after meeting with Tropicana execs…

Now that the team is back in action, Joel Sajiun finds it hard to keep his emotions in check. He choked up several times during our conversation. The dancer recounted stories of special-needs audience members who attended the nationwide tour, and one dedicated fan whose family sent a message of gratitude after she had passed away.

“What we’re doing here is special. It isn’t just a male stripper show. In some way, we’re making people feel better and affecting lives. Anybody can give extra attention to a pretty girl in the audience, but to us, everyone is special.”

As he stood up to rejoin his partners, Sajiun stopped and looked me in the eye. “This sounds funny, but what we’re doing here…somehow it’s special. It makes a difference to people. I know it does…and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

LAST WEEK

Timmons and Foland sat down with me at the Tropicana‘s casino lounge last week to discuss their progress. They’d just come from a meeting with hotel execs. Both were energized by the challenges involved in organizing a residency versus a tour.

“Last time around was easy!” said Timmons. “When we were touring, we just advertised at a city, showed up in our bus and performed. Now it’s a whole different game. I’m trying to make sure we’ve got coverage in People magazine, US Weekly, TMZ. We’re learning the intricacies of Vegas marketing…taxi ads, ticket brokers, hotel concierges, timeshare people. You can’t just erect a billboard here and expect people to line up.”

“Havana Room never had a resident show before” Foland added. “We’ve needed to work with Ticketmaster to map out the space, arrange seats and decide on price points. Glenn has to rework production numbers for the uniqueness of the floor layout and audience placement. It’s tough!”

Timmons and Foland chat with industry colleagues outside of the Viva Vegas awards….

With only two weeks to go before opening night, I joined the cast and management of MOTS for the Viva Vegas TV Awards celebration at nearby Mandalay Bay. That industry-centric event had already nominated MOTS for “Best Male Revue” (their showcase performance at MB in 2014 made them eligible). They ended up taking the prize over more established brands like Chippendales and Thunder From Down Under.

Clearly, the word has gotten out that Men of the Strip will be a formidable entry in Vegas male revues. Coming out of a three-year holding pattern, that’s encouraging to Timmons: “You know, we waited a long time for this. Tragedy struck and nearly wiped us out…but I never gave up hope. The universe has aligned for us”.

“Now is the time. And we’re ready!”

Men of the Strip will perform Thursday through Sunday at 9 pm at Tropicana beginning ~~May 25th~~ July 14th. Tickets start at $49.99 (plus taxes/fees) and are available via this link. Use offer code “PARTY” for a 30% discount.

Photos: [Sammasseur, Men of the Strip]

Terry Fator – AGT’s Biggest Winner Is Sin City’s Biggest Loser

Scandal-laden puppet-master rides his shit-spewing rocket to New York NY’s obscure upstairs banquet room…

People often say that you shouldn’t kick a man when he’s down. But it’s hard to resist when the person in question is ventriloquist Terry Fator. Once the jewel in The Mirage’s entertainment crown, this walking tabloid magnet tumbled so hard and so fast that he was asked to leave the property.

Even his Tery Fator store was replaced with a shop that sold Kim Kardashian’s nasty-ass underwear. Refusing to admit defeat and fade off into memory, the controversial mouthpiece “Man of a Thousand Voices” vowed to return and rise again. Sound like anyone you know?

Fator managed to secure a holiday gig last year inside the former Zumanity Theater of New York NY. The news didn’t sit well with Christoper Kenny, creator of “Edie“, Zumanity’s host for more than a decade. You see, through his residency Fator has garnered a well-documented reputation of being a homophobe and bigot.

Click here to continue reading via VEGAS 411.

‘Vegas Unfiltered Blog’ Is Making the Big Move to ‘VEGAS 411’

As we begin year #5, ‘Vegas Unfiltered’ joins a well-established network of News, Reviews, Best-of/Worst-of lists and much more…

It’s been quite awhile since I’ve devoted space on this blog to things about myself. From the beginning, it’s always been about you, the reader. I started Vegas Unfiltered Blog with the goal to offer advice, recommendations, warnings, and ways to make the most of your hard-earned dollars.

But sometimes I’ve told you a little bit about my own personal matters, too. Like when I decided to move to Sin City from rural Oregon. And when I shared my personal loss of beloved pets. And the time I stayed up all night, traumatized by seeing the Las Vegas Strip being boarded up and chained on Pandemic Shutdown Night.

Now I’m going to share another personal event, but this one will affect people in the entertainment industry, hospitality workers, and regular readers just as much as myself. In the weeks ahead, Vegas Unfiltered Blog will become part of a larger family: VEGAS 411. This multi-purpose website is a hub for Vegas-centric writers, commentators, and freelance workers such as myself.

VEGAS 411 also is also home to TicketKite, a ticket vendor where you can reserve seats to big productions like Mystere and Blue Man Group. It’s main focus, however, is ready-to-discover fare like Rock Candy, The Hilarious 7, Amazing Magic with Tommy Wind, and The BIG little Variety Show. It’s worth remembering that not every treasure performs inside an arena or a $60 million showroom.

My responsibilities at VEGAS 411 will grow far beyond integrating and maintaining Vegas Unfiltered Blog. As their new Deputy Editor and part of the senior management team, I’ll be working with our writers to make a larger impact, expand our reach, and create sizzling new features. And I’ve already brought Clay Bushes, a like-minded no-nonsense colleague, on board to stir up some shit.

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I’ll also be VEGAS 411‘s “Man About Town”, so to speak. Throughout the year, I’ll attend events and openings, giving you up close and personal glimpses into everything VEGAS 411 covers. So get used to this smirky mug…it isn’t going away anytime soon.

I don’t sugarcoat shit. I’m not Willy Wonka.

You can be assured that I’ll continue to give you the clearest and most helpful information available. When something is worth your time, you’ll know it, but I won’t spare any feelings when another asshole like Criss Angel or the next train wreck production like Magic Mike Live or R.U.N comes into town. As always, it’ll be with the intention of helping you make the most educated choices for your Vegas vacation.

“Probably Biased. Definitely Honest” – Sam Novak, Vegas Unfiltered/VEGAS411

APERO Is Sexy, Sassy, and a Whole Lotta Fun

My latest for CHIC Compass Magazine revisits the fabulous show with DNA from ZUMANITY and Le Reve…

The state of entertainment in post-pandemic Las Vegas is one of turmoil and flux. Long-running productions have permanently shuttered, and legendary stars have been shown the door. Fortunately for some entertainers and creative minds, new opportunities have arisen. That’s how APÉRO was born.

APERO is a sexy new revue presented at Baobab Stage. A swanky, intimate showroom within Baobab Café, Baobab Stage is located at Town Square on South Las Vegas Boulevard. Featuring talent from nowshuttered ZUMANITY by Cirque du Soleil and Wynn’s long-running LE REVE – The Dream, APÉRO takes the finest ingredients of those world-famous spectaculars and blends them into a delicious, fizzy cocktail delivered right to your seat.

APÉRO‘s premise is built around the aperatif, an oh-so-French tradition of early-evening libations and nibbles (something you’re invited to partake in before and during the show). An ultra-hot cast of men and women meet, flirt…and try to impress each other with feats of grace and strength. A threadbare concept to be sure, but who cares when the antics are this sexy?

Continue reading by clicking here via CHIC Compass Magazine…

Hot Guys of Vegas: Guitar Heroes

Songs sound so much better when the visuals match the music

“Hey, don’t objectify me. I’m a serious artist”. Yeah yeah yeah….we’ve heard it a thousand times. Beautiful people often complain that they aren’t respected for their talents. Yet most of us grew up in a time when you had to be MTV-ready to make it in the music industry. Just ask Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees.

Perennial “Hot Guys” recipient Jeff Timmons doesn’t play guitar

These days, TikTok and Instagram have made “models” out of millions, so very little has changed. Luckily for readers of this column, three Vegas hunks have been strumming their guitars like they’re pumping iron at the gym. So here they are…Hot Vegas Guitar Heroes of 2021 –

Michael Shapiro – singer/guitarist/producer

Do you remember that old Burger King jingle “It takes two hands to handle a Whopper“? Well, Michael Shapiro not only has two full hands, but he also wears hats in two separate bands. As front man to both Many Miles Away and Reckless In Vegas, Shapiro does more in one evening than most do in a week.

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I first chatted with the handsome musician when we were guests on What The Cluck, a topical comedy chat-fest by The Bronx Wanderers‘ Vin A. Prior to that, I’d enjoyed Michael’s tribute to Bruce Springsteen in World’s Greatest Rock Show at The STRAT. During the pandemic, Shapiro was busy writing music for his newest musical venture.

Produced by Paul Fletcher, MANY MILES AWAY debuted their new songs in a showcase at The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails (inside Cosmopolitan) earlier this week. It was a star-studded affair attended by movers and shakers like man-about-town Mark Messina, comedian/actress Elaina Bhattacharyya, Paula Maggio, Vin A. (of course), his behind-the-scenes muse Elizabeth Hunt, Review-Journal entertainment columnist John Katsilometes and singer Travis Cloer (see below).

This coming July 15th, Shapiro’s Reckless In Vegas will be back onstage at Italian American Club. Overflowing with style and sexiness, the retro-cool Reckless In Vegas takes vintage swagger and turns it on its ear with modern interpretations. Seating is 6:30 pm and you can get tickets/info by clicking here. This is one night on the town that you won’t want to miss.

Travis Cloer– singer/guitarist/actor

Photo by Dianne Davis

It’s impossible to follow Vegas music and NOT know Travis Cloer. A rip-roaring bundle of positive energy, Travis is beloved not just by fellow musicians and fans, but by the entire Sin City community. And because he’s smokin’, Travis has made it onto my Hot Guys of Vegas column twice.

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Last November, I told you about the Jersey Boys star’s Christmas single Holiday With Me. Now he’s prepared to heat up the summer charts with Standing Here. Releasing this week, Standing Here finds the crooner fresh off a sold-out Composer’s Showcase at NOTORIETY, where he performed the new ballad.

Produced by popular Vegas entertainer Frankie Moreno, Standing Here is the type of song you play during a relaxing summer drive. Close your eyes, imagine you’re riding along a country road with the windows down, and listen to a sample right here. Standing Here is available for pre-order via the same link.

Thanks for the great vibes, Travis!

Miles Schon – singer/guitarist/songwriter

Miles Schon is as handsome as he is talented

If I have to explain why our final Guitar Hero made the list, perhaps it’s time to visit an optometrist. Miles Schon is the ultimate hot musician. Handsome, humble, charismatic and an ace on the strings, he’s got the DNA to back up his impending super-stardom.

Miles is the son of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Neal Schon. Dad has been involved with such legends as Journey, Santana, Joe Cocker, The Allman Brothers, and Sammy Hagar. When you grow up in that type of household, you’re bound to have a passion for great music, too.

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Music is always a collaborative effort, and Miles found his perfect partner in Michael Shapiro (above). The two formed MANY MILES AWAY, a moniker undoubtedly inspired by the younger Schon’s first name. The two even wrote a single sharing the same title, which they performed in Salt Lake City earlier this year:

Miles cites R & B, pop and metal as his primary musical influences. An avid jock, he enjoys the great outdoors, which explains his stunning physique. Excited about a successful first Las Vegas performance at The Barbershop last Monday, Miles is eager to learn what comes next:

“We have no idea what the future holds. Looking back on looking into the future…I had no clue and still don’t. Just keep grinding and be the best you can be.” – Miles Schon

Photos from recipients’ social media and websites. Caricatures by Neal Portnoy.

Brent Barrett – Celebrating 40 Years On Broadway

Most entertainers put their heart and soul into a performance. But actor/singer Brent Barrett once put his life and limbs on the line for a role. While preparing for a German production of Phantom of the Opera, Barrett suffered a painful accident that resulted in a badly broken leg.

With only two weeks to go before opening night, the handsome Vegas resident underwent surgery and rehabilitation so that the “Phantom” could go on. Still sporting a metal plate in his lower leg three years later, he laughs it off as just another chapter in a stunning career…one that spans four glorious decades.

This July 11th at the Italian American Club, Brent Barrett will be presenting 40 Years on Broadway, a single-night career retrospective. Click HERE to continue reading via CHIC Compass Magazine.

Las Vegas To Host PRIDE XR – The World’s First Hybrid Pride Event

All eyes will turn to sin city for a groundbreaking new virtual reality/live LGBTQ experience

Remember last summer when we were all going batshit crazy with cabin fever thanks to a certain virus? Well, the brilliant minds at Fresh Wata Creative decided to host events outside of their home base at 3905 W. Diablo Drive (near Allegiant Stadium). Topless revues, drag shows, comedy acts and more drew crowds of locals and visitors alike And just like that, Dreamland Drive-In was born.

Fast forward twelve months, and now Fresh Wata‘s interior has been transformed into StarBase, a hybrid event center for in-person and virtual-reality functions. Born out of the entertainment needs of a deeply-changed society, StarBase is fully equipped with high tech, ten rooms of excitement and a team that’s ready to welcome revelers to our new reality.

StarBase’s creators believe hybrid events are the future for companies and brands post-pandemic and wanted to give event planners a turn-key solution by booking the event space. In hosting your conference or party at StarBase, you have the option to live stream content out to Facebook, Twitch or into the StarBase building.

There are many firsts at StarBase from the first NFT gallery in Las Vegas, to being the first fully operable hybrid event venue in the world featuring a digital twin in Microsoft’s Altspacevr called StarBaseXR. Attendees can meet at StarBase physically and virtually. StarBase XR is a world presented by a group of developers and professional producers at Fresh Wata, to replicate the venue as a 360 environment online.

StarBase XR can be visited in virtual reality from a headset, like an Oculus 2, or a Mac computer or PC. In other words, the venue is not limited to the physical location in Las Vegas and in general the team believes the sky is not the limit! Engagements will be held virtually inside StarBase XR for those unable to visit in person.

This weekend, Pride XR will lift off from the StarBase launching pad. PrideXR is the world’s first live/VR global LGBTQ Pride event:

StarBase and Dreamland presents PrideXR, the world’s first hybrid live/virtual reality Pride event on June 25 and 26, presented by Bud Light Seltzer and InterPride, a nonprofit dedicated to producing Pride parades, marches, festivals and events.

Revelers can celebrate two ways – through a custom-built virtual reality world via VR headset, or in person. Hosted on social platform AltspaceVR, the VR world features a full Pride experience with a dance floor, red carpet, vendors, hologram DJs, charity auctions and a PrideXR parade.

Friday, June 25 at 7 p.m. – Failed to Render Comedy Show

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Stand-up comedians from Failed to Render, the first-ever hybrid comedy show, will take the stage in real life for the first time while simulcasting their show in VR. Following the show, DJ Celeste and DJ Skye will perform at the after party, along with live performances by Puerto Rican trap artist DAmire MAjor and more. Tickets are $35 and include a complimentary drink. Click here to order. Table and bottle service also available for the live show.

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Saturday, June 26 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. – Starfire Saturday

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Edie from Faaabulous! The Show will host the hottest LGBTQ+ dance party in the galaxy, featuring hybrid live/virtual reality performances by DAmire MAjor, Kristine Mirelle, Vanessa Lynnae, DJ Celeste, DJ Skye, DJ Aravi and DJ Luke Dice, along with surprise guest appearances throughout the night.

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Tickets give you general access to all PrideXR events at StarBase on Saturday, June 26th, featuring the world’s first hybrid live/virtual reality nightclub experience presented by Bud Light Seltzer. With dazzling out-of-this-world performances hosted by Edie from ZUMANITY, and special celebrity guest appearances all night.

Tickets are $39.05 and include a complimentary drink. Vegas Unfiltered readers can get $20 off by using code “sam20“. Click here to purchase tickets. Bottle service available first come first serve or book in advance via email at info@dreamlandxr.com. StarBase is located at 3905 W. Diablo Drive in Las Vegas, near Allegiant Stadium.

‘NSFW’ – UNCENSORED Is The Biggest Surprise Of The Season

Treasure Island’s New male revue comes out of Nowhere and Blows The Rest Away…

This is one of the rare times that I feel guilty for writing a rave review. Why? Because I’m about to state that the newest male revue in Las Vegas is far superior to anything we’ve seen before. And that’s a pretty significant claim to make. Get ready for Uncensored International Show at Treasure Island Hotel Casino.

Regular readers know that I’m a big fan of Chippendales and Aussie Heat. I’ve also enjoyed Rock Candy and the vastly-improved Thunder From Down Under (Magic Mike Live will undoubtedly remain a steaming pile of shit when it moves to Sahara this fall). So how can Uncensored International come out of nowhere and blow the others away?

First and foremost, Uncensored International has the hottest collection of guys you will probably ever see on one stage. Their tagline is “Younger. Stronger. Harder”. The flawless faces, stunning physiques, perfect skin and stimulating body language truly are of the highest caliber. Believe me when I tell you that the cast is huge! There are at least eight jaw-dropping gentlemen onstage at any given time, and each one is sheer perfection in talent and size (ahem).

Uncensored International is performed in the second-level event space of Senor Frog’s, known to many as the home of the world-famous Voss Events Drag Brunch. The unusual, sprawling layout of this venue would be a challenge for most productions, but Uncensored International transforms it into something both intimate and epic at the same time.

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There are three performance platforms inside Senor Frogs – a wide central stage and two smaller ones. All of them are utilized simultaneously, enveloping the audience in the action from every angle. The guys crisscross from one spot to the the next, leaping across tables, swinging on poles and running from end to end. Live video feeds are broadcast on floor-to-ceiling digital screens, ensuring that you won’t miss a second of the sizzle.

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Never before have I seen a male revue packed with such energy and power. Lighting and effects are amped to the max, accompanied by a pulsating soundtrack that dares you to sit still. Thankfully, chit-chat is kept to a minimum, aside from the priceless emceeing of the Supreme Queen herself, Shannel. This world-famous drag star is known to millions via her appearances on television’s RuPaul’s Drag Race, as well as her Vegas stints at 53X and Drag Brunch.

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Uncensored International begins with a bang. Actually, lots of them, as the guys position themselves behind large drums across the entire space. When the music begins, their pounding causes a Blue Man Group-inspired water spray which drenches their clothing. So begins a striptease that gives way to pole dancing directly over the audience.

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Various set pieces include Game of Thrones-inspired barbarians, a classy Vegas crooner number, locker room showers, and a prison transport sequence. Looking to heat things up even more? Wait until the stage is literally set on fire. Audience members are frequently pulled in for some seriously raunchy antics, so don’t expect to remain a wallflower for long.

Alas, there are a few minor caveats to the new production. Despite the fact that at least one quarter of the attendees on premiere weekend were men, guys are barely acknowledged by the dancers. My companion questioned a cast member on this issue, and the response was something along the lines of “We’re working on that”. Let’s hope so. My two-part article (here and here) compares other Vegas male revues for inclusivity, an important matter these days.

Update 6/16/21 – I’ve seen Uncensored International two more times since posting this review, and the cast, producers and host have taken major steps to making the show inclusive. Shannel now acknowledges the gentlemen in the audience with jokes and banter, the performers make eye contact, give close-up dances and more.

My friend and I were drawn into the action this past Saturday, as these photos demonstrate. They even came over after the show to chat with us in the casino. Way to go, everyone!!!!

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My second beef has to do with cocktail service. There was only one bartender, who was located in a dark, grungy corner far opposite the entrance and stages. I had to ask an employee where to get a drink, then missed the beginning of the show due to a long line. A cocktail server eventually came around, but by then the show was more than half over. Everyone knows that the real money is in alcohol sales, so Senor Frog’s needs to step up their game right away. More bartenders plus more cocktail servers equals happy Vegas partiers.

Update 6/21/21 – I have now seen UNCENSORED five times since it opened, and drink service has improved dramatically. There are now cocktail waiters and waitresses on the floor during seating and canvassing the showroom throughout the performance. Since my initial complaint, I’ve had no problems getting served. It’s nice to see improvements actually taking place in an era where service and amenities are constantly being chipped away. Dollars and sense…

As for the production, it was created in 2014 and at one point featured Latino actor/heartthrob William Levy. Producer Omar Suárez is known throughout Latin America for his work on Perfume de Gardenia, the largest stage spectacle ever seen in Mexico. It was choreographed by Eitan Tellez, who specializes in jazz, hip-hop, ballet and Latin fusion. Together, they’ve delivered a scorching 75 minutes that Las Vegas audiences expect and deserve.

I was extremely pleased with Uncensored International Show, and plan to visit again and again. Sin City might still be in shock by Chippendales‘ ouster from Rio Las Vegas, but there’s new crop of bad boys to scratch that itch. And they’re more than welcome on the Strip.

Senor Frog’s is located off the casino floor at Treasure Island. Showtimes are as follows:

Tuesday: 8:30 pm
Wednesday: 8:30 pm
Thursday: 7:00 pm & 9:30 pm
Friday: 7:15 pm / 9:45 pm
Saturday: 7:15 pm / 9:45 pm
Sunday: 7:00 pm & 9:30 pm

Audience members must be 18 and over. Tickets start at $65 (plus taxes/fees) and can be ordered here.

Photos: Sam Novak

Voices United: MUSIC FOR LIFE Concert at Westgate Las Vegas

Stellar talent raises awareness and funds to combat opioid crisis through ‘Victoria’s Voice Foundation’

Ah, freedom…it feels so wonderful. Gone are the capacity limits, mask requirements and temperature checks. Restaurants are back to serving great meals, clubs are opening and entertainers have taken to the stage. As Las Vegas welcomes back conventions, sporting events and concerts, one of the first fundraisers out of the gate is MUSIC FOR LIFE: An Evening to Save Lives at Westgate Las Vegas.

If you caught my article from a few days ago, you know that June 5th will be an exciting evening with actor Mark Patton (A Nightmare On Elm Street 2) to benefit LGBTQ youth. As luck would have it, the star’s host hotel Westgate will have their own spectacular show on the same evening. On June 5th at 7 pm, a collection of world-renowned names will donate their talented vocals for Victoria’s Voice Foundation.

The story behind Victoria’s Voice is one of tragedy and inspiration. Westgate Resorts patriarch David A. Siegel and wife Jacqueline lost their lovely daughter Victoria to a drug overdose in 2015. Only 18 years old at the time, Victoria left behind a secret diary that her parents found with the help of a friend. The grief-stricken parents decided to publish the diary, along with helpful resources, as a book. Their hope is that Victoria’s first-hand account might change the path of other youth facing the same demons.

In the ensuing six years, Victoria’s Voice Foundation has grown into a a massive initiative of projects, events, videos and resources. They’re aimed at ultimately ending the tragedies that result from drug dependency and abuse, especially in our young population. You can learn more about the services available from Victoria’s Voice Foundation by visiting here.

After the chaos of 2020, the nation needs charities like Victoria’s Voice more than ever. That’s why Westgate Las Vegas is bringing the power of entertainment to their International Theater for a one-night concert like no other:

Music For Life

A tribute to life, this momentous program aims to feature the country’s top talent and recognizable artists to parents and kids alike, such as AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys, Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC, and Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees, in one of the most exclusive venues in all of Las Vegas, The International Theater of Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

Known to be the home of music icons Elvis Presley, Dionne Warwick and Barry Manilow, this venue now becomes the site where David and Jacqueline’s friends and partners will come together once again to take the mission to the next level.

An Evening to Save Lives: MUSIC FOR LIFE is a special event to support the critical mission of the Victoria’s Voice Foundation to end the opioid crisis and save our youth. The work of the foundation is even more urgent now as the current COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an alarming increase in the number of overdose-related deaths. All of your support and donations from this invitation-only event will help us continue our fight.

Music for Life is being produced by Johnny Wright, one of the most successful music executives in the industry. Wright has played a key role in the careers of multi-platinum acts like Janet Jackson, Menudo, Jonas Brothers, Backstreet Boys, Justin Timberlake and NSYNC. The concert line-up definitely reflects his background, with the inclusion of some significant performers from the boy band era.

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World’s greatest party rocker DJ Lux will bring the crowd to its feet. Then Chris Blue, one of the brightest new stars on the scene, will take to the stage. Chris is the winner of season 12 of The Voice and is rising up the charts with his new single “Moon”. Watch the video here.

The roster of entertainers should thrill a broad spectrum of attendees. Fans of Detroit-style R & B can groove to the smooth, sultry sounds of Soul of Motown. This five-person act, which sets a new standard for tribute groups, just returned to Westgate Cabaret with their residency show. In addition, members Sean and Brandon Godfrey have risen to new heights with their NPerson duo gigs at Westgate’s International Bar.

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Vocalists include Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC, AJ McLean of Backstreet Boys, and my personal favorite….Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees. Jeff and I go back a number of years, and this Sin City mega-hunk is always ready to dive into charity events…especially ones that take place in his hometown.

To reserve your seats for this one-of-a-kind evening, follow this link. Tickets start at only $39.95 (plus taxes/fees). If you’d like to learn more about Victoria’s Voice Foundation, head here.

MUSIC FOR LIFE will be held Saturday June 5th at 7pm inside Westgate International Theater. Tickets start at $39.95 (plus taxes/fees). To better accommodate accessible ticket needs, Westgate Las Vegas Resort has requested that all special seating accommodations be solicited only through their representatives. Please contact a Westgate Las Vegas Resort representative for further help with your ticket purchase. Advance ticket purchase may be required.
Telephone Number(s):702 732-5755 OR 800 222-5361