Thursday, Jan. 3, 2002 | 8:18 a.m.
Well past the halfway point in my 35th year covering entertainment for the Sun, I offer the following observations: The Boyd Group made a strong move in its deal with Wayne Newton at the Stardust, rather than compete with production shows ... Don Rickles is another winner on weeks that Newton is away; Rickles would be stronger with Bob Anderson as his regular opening act.
Anderson is entertaining in the exclusive Stirling Club at Turnberry Place but could be "lost" there ... I've long advocated building identification; having certain artists, main room and lounge, exclusive with hotels, just as Wayne Newton has become synonymous with the Stardust and just as Ricky & the Redstreaks are during the National Finals Rodeo.
Sam's Town, now with entertainment, has been a winner for the Boyd Group since it opened its doors ... The Fremont should be joining the Golden Nugget, Lady Luck and Plaza in offering entertainment ... The California and Main Street Station are other Boyd hotels that have developed a special clientele, a very strong draw from the Hawaiian Islands.
The Lady Luck has really been spruced up under new management, with updated restaurants and with an afternoon show bargain, "Stars of the Strip," starring Robbie Howard and the Walkers, evening showroom action and a lounge as well ... Look for Fitzgerald's, also under new management, to become a factor in the entertainment field during 2002.
The Amazing Johnathan magic/comedy show at the Golden Nugget has been extended once again ... The 7 p.m. slot is vacant with the departure of David Brenner but it shouldn't be ... Look for an announcement in this area shortly ... in upcoming columns, we shall address Mandalay Bay Resorts, MGM MIRAGE and Park Place Entertainment, the independents and neighborhood hotel-casino chains.
Star-policy rundown
It's the "Stars of Saturday Night Live" (Aladdin); Honky Tonk Angels (Gold Coast); Mac King afternoons and Clint Holmes evenings (Harrah's); Society of Seven (LV Hilton); Blue Man Group (Luxor); Carrot Top, plus Rick Springfield starring in "EFX Alive" (MGM Grand); Siegfried & Roy and Danny Gans, in separate theaters (Mirage); and Lance Burton (Monte Carlo).
There's more: The Four Tops and the Village People plus Richard Jeni, who is in a separate theater; Brenda Lee (Orleans); Sinbad (Paris Las Vegas); Ronn Lucas afternoons and Scintas evenings (Rio); Steve Wyrick and "The Rat Pack Is Back" in separate theaters (Sahara); Chicago (Stardust); Rick Thomas (Tropicana) and Melinda, the First Lady of Magic, 7 p.m., Charo at 9 p.m. (Venetian).
Certain hotels are successful with multiple choices such as the Riviera with "Splash," "An Evening at La Cage," "Crazy Girls" and Comedy Club ... Harrah's has four choices in Clint Holmes, Mac King, "Skintight" and the Improv, a comedy club ... "Thunder From Down Under" is a hit at the New Frontier that usually has shows at noon, 2, 4, 5:30, 7 and 9 p.m.
The MGM Grand is another with shows in the Hollywood Theatre, the "EFX" Theatre, "La Femme" Theatre and top touring attractions and sporting events in the MGM Grand Garden Arena ... This supports our contention that it can be done and should be done at more hotels ... It would also help if showrooms were once again operating two shows a night, seven days a week.
Entertainment is still one of the primary reasons people come to Las Vegas ... There are plenty of excellent entertainers and good working concepts, old and new ... What is sorely needed are creative entertainment directors who are responsible for a decent annual bottom line but not under the thumb of marketing, accounting and legal departments.
It would also be wise for each hotel to take responsibility for its entertainment areas and not create rental agents who sublet to the performers as was the case with Robert Goulet and still obtains with Melinda and Charo at The Venetian ... Lots more to come ... See you Friday.
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