Columnist Joe Delaney: Anka and Allen are a pair of local favorites

"A BODY OF WORK" is the title of Paul Anka's new CD on Sony's Epic label. ... It arrived at home last Saturday. ... Our first chance for a good listen was Monday after reluctantly conceding the Monday Night Football game to the Dallas Cowboys. ... Paul's new CD is a very good listen; he is a lyricist-poet, a consummate musician whose works have a lasting quality.

"She's My Woman, She's My Friend" is a much more mature Anka, a far cry from 1973's No. 1 hit, "Having My Baby." ... Celine Dion joins him for "It's Hard To Say Goodbye," sure to get air play. ... Daughter Anthea duets with dad on "Do I Love You?" ... Our personal high spot is "You Are My Destiny" with Patti Belle, an inspired reading by both artists.

Tom Jones reprises his Anka hit, "She's A Lady" with Paul, and the closer is an Anka duet with Frank Sinatra on the latter's original recording of "My Way," a nice, timely, nostalgic touch.

Bernie's back

Bernie Allen is headlining at the Riviera Comedy Club through Sunday. ... His life story is worth making into a feature film. ... An octogenarian, once a comedic madman, now a sweet, gentle, very funny storyteller, one of the few left in this world of set-up and punch line that dominates comedy today. ... Allen is a master communicator.

Bernie once appeared on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, originating in New York, to win a $20 bet with a bookie customer in his Bronx luncheonette. ... His was a non-scheduled walk-on, still wearing his apron, carrying a box of sandwiches, and Jerry did let him make a pitch for MDA that day.

Martha Raye and boxer Rocky Graziano got Bernie into show business and another impromptu walk-on, at a Friar's Club Roast of the late Joe E. Lewis, so impressed Sinatra that it led to a booking in the Sands lounge in 1966. ... Allen has lived in Las Vegas ever since.

"30-30" Dinner news

Those smart enough to have ordered tickets early for the "30-30" Dinner and Entertainment, Oct. 4 in the Stardust Convention Center, will be able to enjoy Bernie Allen, back by popular demand, Peggy Ryan and her wonderful dancers, comedian Peter Anthony, and The Four Freshmen, celebrating 50 years in show business. ... Call Ken Johann Realty, 382-6336, for tickets.

This weekend's main event has to be Andre Agassi's Fourth Annual Grand Slam for Children Gala at 9 p.m. Saturday in the MGM Grand Garden Arena. ... Mick Fleetwood, David Foster, Amy Grant, Dennis Miller, Stevie Nicks, Lionel Richie and Robin Williams will perform for this most worthy local cause. Be a participant.

Nevada Shakespeare in The Park presents three free performances of "Two Gentlemen From Verona," Friday through Sunday, at Foxridge Park in Henderson's Green Valley. ... Showtimes are at 7 p.m., 6 p.m. Sunday.

More local events

The Arts Factory and City of Las Vegas combine to present the first "Gateway Arts & Music Experience," Friday through Sunday, behind the Arts Factory on Boulder Avenue and First Street, just off Charleston and Main. ... There will be exhibits by more than 100 artists, food, beverages and entertainment plus a farmer's market. ... There will be a $5 admission charge.

Last chance to catch the LV Little Theatre's excellent production of Neil Simon's "Brighton Beach Memoirs," closing Sunday. ... Also recommended: Clatyon Campbell's "At The Edge Of Time," a collection of paintings, drawings and installations, currently at the Marjorie Barrick Museum on the UNLV campus, through Oct. 30.

Wayne Newton closed Wednesday at the MGM Grand. ... Monday night, he created an outstanding portrayal of a Howard Stern-type radio personality on Fox's "Ally McBeal."

Star-policy rundown

It's Louie Anderson (Bally's); David Copperfield (Caesars); Dana Carvey (Desert Inn); Mickey Finn Show (Gold Coast); Tori Amos, tonight only (Hard Rock); Engelbert Humperdinck (MGM Grand); Siegfried & Roy (Mirage); Lance Burton (Monte Carlo); Lou Rawls (Orleans) and Danny Gans (Rio). ... Also worth a visit, "Broadway Cabaret" (San Remo). ... See you Friday.

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