Zach Dilgard / A&E / AP
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014 | 6:50 p.m.
The most famous bearded entertainers to hit the national scene since ZZ Top released “Eliminator” are beating a path to VegasVille.
The gentlemen from the A&E reality-TV series “Duck Dynasty” are reportedly backing a musical based on their story. The show is to be titled “The Duck Commander Family Musical,” and it is to be staged at the Rio beginning in February, according to a story about the production in The New York Times.
The show is to be a 90-minute adaptation of the family’s uniquely American saga stemming from humble beginnings in the swamps of Louisiana to a lucrative hunting-merchandise business. No formal announcement has been made by the show’s producers or Caesars Entertainment officials, but out of New York the show is being described as a done deal.
A cast of actors will portray the Robertson clan featuring brothers Phil and Si and Phil’s sons Jase, Willie and Jep. The family has full authorization over the show’s content.
The story in the Times outlines the show’s potential for controversy, reminding of comments by Phil Robertson, who has compared homosexuality to bestiality.
“The show will end up challenging the views and assumptions of people across the political spectrum, more than most theater does,” said Michael David, the show’s producer, who also has helmed “Jersey Boys,” a version of which is performed at Paris Las Vegas and will compete with the Robertsons’ saga. As Phil Robertson said, the show has been “a great ride so far.” The show is named for his creation, the Duck Commander bird call, and based on his own book about the family.
In a twist of irony, Robertson was replaced as quarterback at Louisiana Tech after an injury by a rising star named Terry Bradshaw, who also took a shot at the Las Vegas stage with his own musical at the Mirage in June 2013.
Carnival lasts all year at the Rio. With a float occasionally passing overhead and dropping beads while feathered dancers fire up the gamblers below, the Rio tries to keep its 120,000-square foot casino jumping with excitement. Special Brazilian mixed-drinks are also served throughout the casino. The hotel suites tend to be larger than similar priced rooms on the Strip and many offer excellent views with floor to ceiling windows.
The Rio offers some quality shows like "Penn & Teller" and "Chippendales." Many come to the Rio for the nightlife at the VooDoo Lounge, located on the 51st floor, or McFadden's Irish Pub on the casino level.
Others come for a bit relaxation at the Rio Spa or pool area and still others come to shop at the hotel's 60,000 square feet of shops. In each of these endeavors, the Rio attempts to make the experience a bit more fun and spontaneous.
The Rio also offers guests a variety of dining choices from all-American food at the All-American Bar & Grille to Gaylord India Restaurant for something a little spicier and even Carnival World Buffet for the indecisive.
Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at Twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow “Kats With the Dish” at Twitter.com/KatsWiththeDish.
Join the Discussion:
Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.
Full comments policy