Ellen Sterling - Page 2

In the last couple of years, many of us who live in Las Vegas have noticed that - along with Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon and The Strip - visitors have expressed a desire to visit Gold & Silver Pawn, the shop made famous on History Channel's highly rated (1.3 million viewers each week) Pawn Stars. The family that owns the shop - Rick Harrison and his father Richard (the 'old man'), his son Corey ('Big Hoss'), along with Corey's childhood friend Austin ('Chumlee') Russell - have become familiar to people across the country and, now, they even have their own stage show in Las Vegas. Pawn Shop Live! opened at the Golden Nugget.

'Grand Illusionist' David Copperfield has become a Las Vegas staple, appearing in his home at the MGM Grand's Hollywood Theatre more than 40 weeks each year. Unlike venues in so many other cities, this one is relatively intimate, seating 740 or so people. The audience is thisclose to the stage so it is important that the performer - especially when the performer is a magician or illusionist - appear transparent.

As an audience member, if you can suspend your disbelief, you'll have a wonderful time at Panda!, the new show at the Palazzo Theatre and the first on the Strip imported from China.

'I have played behind Frank Sinatra all around the world and in the recording studios in Hollywood since 1959. Now along comes Robert Davi who, in my opinion, is the only one that comes close to having the voice, the acting chops, and the charisma that the Ol' Man had. Listen and become a life-long fan of this wonderful talent.'

2013 saw some really good, interesting shows that will be remembered and cherished by those who saw them or who will see them. Top among these is Michael Jackson ONE, Cirque du Soleil's newest entry in the Las Vegas market and its newest show anywhere. It is stunning, spectacular. The title comes from Jackson himself. He said, 'We're putting love back into the world. To remind the world that love is important. To love each other. We are one.'

It's Meat Loaf as you've never seen him before in a multi-media career retrospective that's loads of fun.

It's kind of embarrassing to admit, but it wasn't until the end of last month - after living here for more than eight years - that I discovered the Nevada Conservatory Theatre at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). But, as the cliche goes, better late than never and, though belated, it was a lovely discovery.

Classic, vintage Las Vegas entertainer Don Rickles brought back a taste of Golden Age Las Vegas when he asked Robert Davi to open for him.

The life of Michael Jackson has been the subject of speculation, accusation and rumor for many years. He's been vilified and lionized Now, Cirque du Soleil has opened its second show about the performer.

'Priscilla Queen of the Desert' has traveled from the Australian outback to the Mojave and will be in residence through August 18 at the Venetian Resort and Casino. The national touring company of the Broadway show is way more flamboyant than the source material in the 1994 movie.

On June 19, the attraction in Cabaret Jazz was Jim Caruso's Cast Party, with Billy Stritch on the piano. It is not only a fun way to pass a few hours, but it is the perfect showcase for all the first-rate talent in Las Vegas.

Even though the weather can be beastly in the summer, Las Vegas and environs still offer entertainment and entertaining things to do.

The Scintas - a Las Vegas staple for the first decade of this century - have happily found a new home at The D in downtown Las Vegas.

Celebrating 30 years, Legends In Concert is the second longest-running show in Las Vegas. Recently moved to a 4 p.m. slot Sunday through Friday, with 9:30 shows Sunday and Monday, Legends is now in the (appropriately legendary) Flamingo Showroom.

America's Got Talent differs from other TV talent shows in that the contestants aren't all singers or dancers. Each individual does what he or she does best and, sometimes, the skills are, indeed, unique.

A few weeks ago, after a sneak preview, I wrote that Million Dollar Quartet, 'based on its history and this 'sneak peek,' Million Dollar Quartet will be a major crowd-pleaser.' Well, it had its official opening at Harrahs in Las Vegas February 19 and, based on the performance and the crowd's reaction, it could run forever in Las Vegas.

The party has already started in celebration of Million Dollar Quartet, the latest Broadway import to open in a permanent home in Las Vegas. And, I must note that it seems it'll be a party well worth attending.