Las Vegas Backstage Talk column-Casino Player Magazine by Michele LaFong

Sept. edition 

Online version: http://digitaleditions.walsworthprintgroup.com/publication/?i=172620

Casino Player-Las Vegas Backstage Talk

What a great summer this has been for entertainment in Las Vegas!  Last weekend I did a backstage interview at The Eastside Cannery with Little Anthony.  What fun!  We both played The Catskill circuit for years, and one time were even billed together on a show.  I thought only comedians had “nightmare stories” about their first experiences playing to that tough “seen it all,” aloof, Catskill crowd, but according to Little Anthony, he was not at all spared!  “It took some getting used to…” but all pros find a way to adapt, and luckily Little Anthony Gourdine was no exception.  Having learned about comedy timing from his good friend Comedian Redd Foxx, he had no trouble adding a little “shtick” together with Jewish songs which he learned phonetically, and sandwiched them between his hits, “Tears on my Pillow,” “Hurt So Bad,” “Going out of my Head,” and “Shimmy Shimmy Ko-Ko Bop.”  Can you imagine a sprinkle of Halvah Nah Gila in that mix?  What’s really scary is I’m sure it seemed very normal to me at the time!

Now, at 73, this Vocal Group Hall of Fame inductee sells out in casinos nationally.  I never expected to enjoy their music as much as I did!  Their contemporary musical arrangements and great choice of covers keep the show relevant. (Edited portions of our backstage interview will be posted on casinocenter.com.)

Mickey Thomas, legendary singer from Starship, known for hits including “We Built this City,” “Jane” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” was another fun guest on my radio show.  He was promoting his stint as “special guest performer,” in RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT, at The LVH. Following the interview, I went to see the show, and I’m really glad I did.  It was impressive with an all-star lineup, consisting of original members of various known bands, they featured classics from The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, the Eagles, Queen, Van Halen, AC/DC, Journey, Free, Bryan Adams, Supertramp, Toto, Deep Purple, and more.  This show had great energy, but the only problem was it was too loud; however it was still a terrific presentation none the less and had a really entertaining storyline. Mickey Thomas, added even more excitement and authenticity to the show.  Singer Stephanie Calvert joined him on-stage.  It was simply fantastic!  Mickey will also be at The Silverton on Sept. 13.

I went to see YouTube Sensation, Comedian Pablo Francisco’s sold-out show, at The South Point Showroom, and I must say, The South point Casino seems to be successfully drawing a younger crowd.  I’ve never seen so many loyal fans, lined-up to buy things following a headliner’s performance at The South Point Casino!  Not bad for a comedian that many people are still not familiar with.  Yet, he is a popular ticket especially with young people in the casino circuit.   His brand of comedy consists mostly of high energy, characters, impressions, and sound effects.  He’s like a wind-up toy that never stops!   Having a serious conversation with Pablo during my interview proved to be almost impossible, but funny… as he seems to be one of those performers that are always on!  If he doesn’t have ADD…he should!  However he was entertaining, and a really nice guy.

Two comics that I was really excited to finally get on LVBST radio show were Kathy Griffin and Margaret Cho, who not surprisingly are friends.  Kathy, who recently had her own talk show, “Kathy,” on Bravo, was promoting her up-coming performances. “I just love Las Vegas,”  “I love everything about it…slots and all!  She was constantly promoting…”If you come see me at The Mirage, you will hear different material than you’ve heard any time before. If you come see me a month later, you’re going to hear different material than last time.”   I let her know that I was a big fan of her reality show “My Life on the D List,” “Thanks,” she replied…but was quick to correct me…  “It’s “Two-time Emmy Award- Winning- My Life on the D List!  I’ve also just broken the record for having the most comedy specials, male or female, with my latest Special called “Calm Down Gurrl.” Boy was she “working it,” and sure knows how.  I just love her.  Kathy will return to The Mirage on Sept.8.   If you missed the interview, the audio is archived on lasvegasbackstagetalk.com

Margaret Cho’s interview was much more low-key and cerebral.  Promoting her Stand-up Tour “Mother,” she had this to say about what can be expected from her Sept. 6 date at The Mirage. It’s different every day.  With stand-up comedy, you really have to change with the audience, and change the way it’s done, taking into consideration the way things are happening in the news.   The “mother” in the title, refers to “I’m like the mother of comedy now…I’m like everybody’s mom.  It’s kind of like achieving mastery in the art form, where you can do a lot…it’s almost like you’re giving birth to it.  Margaret’s full interview will air on Sept. 5.

Tony Orlando, my friend, as well as one of my favorite performers is returning to The South Point Showroom on Sept 20-22. I never miss his show when he is in town.  Tony is an “old school” showman that simply knows how to entertain, still has great chops, uses killer musicians, and consistently delivers a “feel good,” up-beat, contemporary show.  I also love that he incorporates blues, country, and Led Zeppelin in his repertoire. Believe me… there is a reason his show is always sold out.

Watch for Heather Marianna,  Host of” Beauty Kitchen”-An extremely popular and successful internet show, that specializes in teaching us how to use food combinations that double as Beauty Products.  She has generously donated gift bags made exclusively for our celebrity guests, made from her own Beauty Line of products without the spa prices.   Heather and her products have been extremely well received. Marianna is scheduled to host the Pool Party at The Luxor, on “Gay Day,” on Sept. 6, 10am-6pm.  She is destined for big things!

As always, I look forward to your feedback at Michelelafong@gmail.com