Columnist Kate Maddox: Harding worth an icy stare

Kate Maddox's column also appears Tuesdays and Fridays in the Las Vegas Sun. Reach her 259-2309 or [email protected].

Tonya Harding wants to make a comeback. And she wants to do it in Las Vegas.

After taking a few stabs at singing and acting with (surprise) very little success, the skater from the other side of the tracks plans to doff her top for an ice spectacular on the Strip.

Harding and her handlers have put together a production proposal and are in talks with Vegas properties about a topless Ice Capades, of sorts.

Skating's bad girl, who has been rumored to have undergone breast enhancement surgery after the demise of her professional career, is reportedly interested in making Vegas her new home. One source close to the deal says Harding is, "very serious about her Las Vegas options, and considering them in a long-term scenario."

Harding's first attempt at a skating comeback in Reno in 1996 deteriorated into two minutes of cat calls, boos and flying beer cups. She performed as a warm-up for a minor-league hockey game.

Following the Nancy Kerrigan incident in 1994, the most profitable business deal Harding has had was her infamous "Honeymoon Video," for which she reportedly received profits.

One entertainment insider says capitalizing on Harding for a show that would coincide with the 2002 Winter Olympics might be a way "to make some big bucks and then quietly go away."

Don't be surprised if Bellagio announces plans to expand in coming months. Sources inside the hotel insist the luxury property will add 2,100-2,500 rooms, bringing the total to the 5,000-plus range. The goal is to make the Bellagio the largest "first class" hotel in the world.

Expansion rumors circulated when Steve Wynn was still at the helm, but on a much smaller scale. Seems MGM MIRAGE has dusted off the old plans and added to them.

It's official. Carmen Electra has sealed her deal with the Aladdin and will open in "Lumiere" by the end of January.

Producers David Tumaroff and Gary Oulette signed a 30-year lease agreement this week, which includes developing the showroom and a nightclub space. "Lumiere's" Aladdin theater will include seats that disappear into the walls after the show to reveal a gigantic dance floor.

Vortex, the club, will have terrace space on the Strip facing the Bellagio, as well as a private VIP entrance for celebs who want to duck in and out without having to deal with crowds.

As for Electra, one source says her role in "Lumiere" will resemble the one Rick Springfield plays in MGM Grand's "EFX Alive." (So, she'll lip sync, too?)

"It'll be like 'EFX' meets 'Mystere,' " said one entertainment biggie who worked on the show deal. "She'll be dancing and she'll play the lead role. And ... she wants to sing." (I gathered the singing option was still being considered.)

A spokesman for the Aladdin didn't return calls for comment, but the hotel is expected to announce the plans this week.

Bob Stupak, Tony Alamo, Rep. Shelly Berkley, Mandalay Resort Group Chairman Mike Ensign, Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson, UNLV President Carol Harter and golf developer Billy Walters were among the movers and shakers who reportedly attended the $1,000-a-head fund-raiser for Sen. Harry Reid at Wolfgang Puck's Cili at Bali Hai on Thursday night.

Elton John and Don Henley are two of the big names who have already signed on for Andre Agassi's sixth Grand Slam for Children Benefit. The star-packed concert and auction will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 29.

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