Feature: Travis Cloer is special guest in THE COCKTAIL CABARET at Cleopatra's Barge in Caesars Palace

The holiday spirit has captured the "The Cocktail Cabaret," the intimate show celebrating the cocktail hour. After performing with the Las Vegas Philharmonic and headlining "Christmas at my House," special guest Travis Cloer will join the regular cast bringing his powerful vocals to Cleopatra's Barge in Caesars Palace Dec. 5-8.

Niki Scalera ("Tarzan," "Hairspray," "Footloose"), Eric Jordan Young ("Vegas! The Show," "Rock of Ages," "Chicago," "Ragtime," "Seussical the Musical," "Dreamgirls"), and Maren Wade ("50 Shades! The Parody," "America's Got Talent," "Confessions of a Showgirl," "Pin Up,") make up the incredible cast.

The fantastic four-piece band led by co-producer and renowned pianist Philip Fortenberry ("Behind the Candelabra") includes drummer Don Meoli ("Jersey Boys"), saxophonist Eric Tewalt ("Celine Dion's orchestra), and bassist Josh Jones ("Million Dollar Quartet").

"We've created a knock-your-socks-off musical tour de force, so we're more than excited that Caesars Palace is home to The Cocktail Cabaret," says Keith Thompson, director, arranger, and co-producer. Thompson has wowed audiences with "Jersey Boys," "Idaho! The Comedy-Musical" and emcees and produces "The Composers Showcase" at The Smith Center.

The original idea was to present a modern musical twist to a show reminiscent of Vintage Vegas a time when the great entertainment played the smaller venues on the Strip. The cocktail hour is celebrated with an elegant and fun show before dinner or a night-on-the-town."

Cloer portrayed Frankie Valli for about a decade in the Tony Award-winning musical, "Jersey Boys." As Cloer admits, "Other than Frankie Valli, I have been Frankie longer than anyone else." Musically, he embraces the cool sound of jazz and standards to showcase his style.

Cloer is influenced by the singers of the past and he states that if people were to listen to contemporary singers today, there is a big jazz influence. "Mel Torme is the biggest influence in my vocal styling and the music I like to sing."

Original cast member Daniel Emmet made it to the finals of NBC's "America's Got Talent." Fortenberry recently completed a three-week, 14-city solo concert tour of China. The critically acclaimed pianist is a veteran of 10 Broadway shows and eight national tours including "Cats," "Ragtime," and "The Lion King." He was the concert headliner with his newest release, "Give My Regards." His hands were used as the Liberace hand/body double in HBO's biopic, "Behind the Candelabra.

A variety of songs, including some holiday classics, are performed by the stellar talent. Thompson wrote some original music, (including the title song), for the show.

Truly a piece of Caesars Palace's history, Cleopatra's Barge offers a classic vintage experience. The luxurious floating barge is an ornate replica of the graceful craft that transported the royalty of Egypt on the Nile River in the time of Julius Caesar. Its intimate size with red and gold décor is the perfect venue for "The Cocktail Cabaret."

A rotating line-up of special guest stars is scheduled to appear including vocalist Ron Remke ("Vegas! the Show," "BAZ") Dec. 26-29, and guest emcees Broadway star Brent Barrett ("Chicago," "Annie Get Your Gun," "Grand Hotel," "Phantom, The Las Vegas Spectacular") and veteran comic Tony Arias on various dates throughout the holiday season.

Performances are 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (dark Sunday through Tuesday) with dark days Dec 12-15. Tickets can be purchased at any Caesars Entertainment box office, calling 702-777-2782 or visiting at www.CocktailCabaret.com.

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