Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2001 | 10:08 a.m.
Kate Maddox's column appears Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at 259-2309 or [email protected].
The Flamingo Las Vegas today announced the "official" arrival of Chicago's famous Second City comedy troupe. Scheduled to open in early March, "The Second City," as the new Strip show is being tagged, will highlight some of the group's popular sketch and improv comedy routines.
Actors George Wendt (bar buddy Norm from "Cheers"), Fred Willard (most recently seen in the movie "Best in Show") and Richard Kind (of "Spin City") were scheduled to be on hand at a midday press conference. At one time or another all three comedians were members of the original Second City.
The creators of the Vegas version, as well as hotel entertainment brass, are hoping to emphasize the potential celeb power a show such as "The Second City" could generate. All the noteworthy Second City alums (Bill Murray, Robert Klein, Martin Short, Mike Myers, to name a few) have a standing invite to take the stage in Vegas with the new production.
"The Second City," which will take over the 200-seat Bugsy's Celebrity Theatre from the guys of "Forever Plaid," plans two 75-minute shows a night with tickets in the $25 range.
Yes. For the nerdy herd that got to watch Lenny Kravitz jam at the House of Blues courtesy of Intel on Saturday night, that was Denzel Washington who joined the sexy singer onstage.
Washington sang backup for Kravitz on his hit "Mama Said," and joined in for a couple of other tunes at the private bash. If Washington's presence wasn't enough to make the computer lovers let loose, well, um, comedian Sinbad was there, too. And if music and celebrities still didn't do it for the CES crowd, at least all the guests left with parting gifts. Intel threw in free digital pocket PC cameras and Blue Man Group DVDs as party favors.
On Sunday night at the Microsoft fete, Dennis Miller performed (before the Goo Goo Dolls and Big Bad VooDoo Daddy went on) at the House of Blues. Miller and pal Rob Lowe were later spotted vying for front row space as the bands took the stage.
Todd Baldwin works eight-plus hours a day on movie sets in Vegas. He's an extra, one of those stand-around actors who clamor for just a wee bit of face time in a big-budget blockbuster. Baldwin busts his hump for around $50 bucks a day (plus free grub). Last year Baldwin and about 15 of his pals who also work the Vegas extras circuit were in "Pay It Forward," "Get Carter," "The Mexican" and "3,000 Miles to Graceland."
And now they're on a crusade. Baldwin wants tickets. Free ones. To the world premiere of "3,000 Miles to Graceland," which is scheduled for next week at the MGM Grand.
The part-time actor has tried the hotel, his casting agent, the movie's production company, the media, even the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, but no one's giving him or his pals any passes. And the guy's not giving up here, people. He's been annoying, I mean, asking anyone and everyone to hear his story and offer assistance. So if he calls, throw him a bone. The plight of the movie extra is a long and rather tedious tale. Save yourself some time. Trust me, get the man his tickets.
Undeterred by his very strange and very public breakdown at the Blue Note on New Year's Eve, the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, made another Vegas appearance this week. Brown was spotted wheelin' and dealin', throwing money all over the place at the blackjack tables on Sunday night at the Mirage.
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