Syndicated column in Casino Player Magazine, and Gaming Today.
by Michele LaFong
(click on articles to enlarge)
Comedian/Actor John Pinette was a favorite recurring guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show. He was found dead recently in a hotel room in Pittsburgh, where he was attending a family function. He was only 50. The apparent cause of death was a pulmonary embolism, his manager, Larry Schapiro, said. John was expected to return on LVBST in mid-May to promote his return engagement at The Orleans Showroom. I was looking forward to it because he always made me laugh on and off stage. I was an avid fan of all of his stand-up specials “Show Me the Buffett,” “I’m Starvin’!” and “Still Hungry.” I laugh just thinking about them! He was working on another stand-up project when he died. He will be greatly missed. On April 10, I re-aired my first interview with him. It covered everything from his legendary stint on the last episode on Seinfeld, to his starring role in “Hairspray” on Broadway. The interview is worth listening to and is archived on lasvegasbackstagetalk.com
Felix Cavaliere and The Rascals put on a rockin’ high energy, “crowd pleasing” show at The Suncoast Showroom last month. I loved that he continuously got up from behind the keyboard to dance! Not only did Felix play all his hits as promised in our interview like “Good Lovin’,” “Groovin’,” “A Girl Like You,” “A Beautiful Morning,” “People Got to Be Free,” and How Can I Be Sure?,” but he also threw in many surprises like when he sang “You Better Run” by Pat Benatar. I had no idea that Cavaliere had written that song! He’s a tremendous talent. It’s no surprise that he is a Songwriter’s Hall of Fame inductee.
Legendary Comedian Marty Allen performed a string of show dates together with his wife Singer Karon Kate Blackwell, at The Plaza in celebration of his 92nd birthday. Marty has not lost any of his timing, charm, or connection with his audience. He still delivers a solid, “old school” updated, throw-back to vaudeville type of show. I just love him! He’s “old school” and iconic, always doing a Meet & Greet at no charge following every show. Some of the celebrities that attended were Terry Fator, Rich Little, and even Marty Allen’s former Comedy Team Partner, Steve Rossi. Wonders never cease. Who knows… in another10-20 years perhaps Allen & Rossi will reunite on-stage as well! Since both Marty Allen, and Steve Rossi have guested on LVBST separately, when I compared their videotaped interviews, I couldn’t help but notice how hilariously different their recollections are of their past history together. The edited video is posted on gaming today.com
After interviewing Comedian Tommy Davidson, one of the original cast members of “In Living Color,” on Fox TV, I went to see him perform in the “In Living Color Reunion Tour” with David Alan Grier, at Aliante Casino. David opened the show. His stand-up was honest and well-paced. His political material was very strong. Both David, and Tommy’s comedy had substance and depth, were animated, and engaging. Both used their voices well, and performed creative sound effects.
Tommy’s show had less of a stand-up feel to it and was more stylized. His impressions and characters were spot-on, and his take-off of President Obama was hilarious. It was nice to see these two skilled comedy veterans perform back to back. The only thing that would have made the evening perfect is if at the end of the show they would have done something together.
Comedian George Wallace ended his show on April 26, after a ten year run at The Flamingo. Wallace expects to do a little bit of everything while moving on from the 10-year run at Flamingo Las Vegas. “I may tour the world, the US, do some radio and television and continue to make people laugh and enjoy my life. I am blessed and we will see what lies in store for me. Although there is no word yet of who or what will replace Wallace in the 10pm slot, Rumor has it that it could possibly be going to Tommy Davidson. He is fresh, popular, and versatile enough to pull off a one-man show in Vegas. He has paid his dues in show-biz, and deserves the slot.
Speaking of deserving the slot, many of you have been thanking me for recommending Singing Funnyman Pianist Michael Shane who by popular demand has recently been given his own nights at Bootlegger Bistro. Shane is scheduled every Thursday, and Friday in May from 6pm, as a solo act, and has Special Guest drop-ins as well. With no cover charge, great food and atmosphere, Michael’s show at Bootlegger Bistro should be a no-brainer!
Picks for May: Comedian Tom Dreesen, May 2 & 3 Smith Center, Olivia Newton John May 6-10, Flamingo, Jane’s Addiction, The Linq, May8-10, Gary Puckett and Union Gap, May 9-11, South Point, Ray Romano/Kevin James, May 9 & 10, Mirage, Eli Young Band, May 10, Palms, LeAnn Rimes, May 9 & 10, The Orleans, Leslie Gore and Peggy March 11, Suncoast, Lilly Tomlin, Danny Wright, May 11, Smith Center, Cheech & Chong, May 16, Hard Rock, Lewis Black, May 17 & 18, Mirage, The Oak Ridge Boys, May 16, Eastside Cannery, Jeffrey Osborne and Peabo Bryson, May 17, Cannery, Ben Vereen, May 17 & 18, Suncoast, Kansas, May 17, Redrock Resort, Guns N’Roses, May 21-June 7, Hard Rock, Air Supply, May 23-25, Orleans, Kathy Griffin, May 23, Mirage, Ralphie May, May 23-25, South Point, Ron White, May 24, Mirage, Bruce Bruce, May 24 & 25, Suncoast, Cher, Cyndi-Lauper, May 25, MGM, Katt Williams, May 25, Hard Rock, Backstreet Boys, Avril Lavigne, May 30 & 31, Planet Hollywood, Paula Poundstone, May 30 & 31, The Orleans, Johnny Mathis, May 30, Smith Center, Paul Rodgers, May 31, Eastside Cannery.
Tommy Davidson and David Alan Grier guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong to promote their upcoming one night only “In Living Color Reunion Tour” at Aliante Casino on March 21, 8pm and 10:30pm.
Tommy’s elasticity as a performer has led him through a diverse array of roles including the lead in the Disney animated series The Proud Family and his hilarious character in Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls. Tommy has starred in four successful Showtime specials to date (On Strength of New York, Illin’ in Philly and Takin’ it to DC and Chocolate Sundaes). Most recently, Tommy has been working on the just-renewed second season of his hit series, Black Dynamite, Adult Swim’s #1 top-rated show. Next up on the feature film front is the extraordinary story of the international celebrity Sammy Davis Jr. whose outsize talent couldn’t save him from himself in, “Deconstructing Sammy,” which Tommy bought the rights to last year and is in development on.
Known for the indelible characters he created on the iconic variety show and spot-on impersonations from iconic figures like Sammy Davis Jr. and President Obama, Tommy is truly the ultimate all-around performer. Selling out every venue in which he performs, Tommy Davidson promises an unforgettable in-studio of incisive wit, hilarious panel, memorable takeaways and big laughs.
David Alan Grier
The three-time Tony and GRAMMY Award nominee was trained in Shakespeare at Yale where he received an MFA from the Yale School of Drama. Grier has enjoyed many accolades and awards throughout his career, not the least of which was his inclusion on Comedy Central’s list of the “100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time.”
On the big screen, David Alan Grier was recently seen starring in WE THE PEEPLES, produced by Tyler Perry, opposite Kerry Washington and Craig Robinson. Grier made his film debut in STREAMERS (1983), directed by Robert Altman for which he won the Golden Lion for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival. He also appeared in the Wayans Brothers’ spoof movie DANCE FLICK (2009).
Grier’s television work is highlighted by a turn as principal cast member on the Emmy Award winning In Living Color (1990–1994) where he helped to create some of the show’s most memorable characters, DAG (2000–2001) and Life with Bonnie (2003) which earned an Image and Golden Satellite nomination. David created, wrote and executive produced a show for Comedy Central called Chocolate News (2008). Last fall, David starred in THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM, a Hallmark Channel adaptation of Paul Curtis’ 1996 Newbery Award-winning novel by the same name.Grier recently wrapped shooting a starring role as ‘Principal Carl Gaines’ in a new series for CBS, Bad Teacher.
Grier began his professional career on Broadway as Jackie Robinson in The First, for which he earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and won the Theatre World Award (1981). He then joined the cast of Dreamgirls before going on to star opposite Denzel Washington in A Soldier’s Play, for which both actors reprised their roles in the film adaptation, A SOLDIER’S STORY (1984).
In 2009/2010 Grier starred in David Mamet’s acclaimed play RACE opposite James Spader and Kerry Washington at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on Broadway for which he received his second Tony Award nomination. Grier received the third Tony Award nomination of his career in 2012 for his performance in the “stand-out role of the rakish, drug-dealing Sporting Life” (NY Times) in The Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess. Grier received his first GRAMMY nomination when the cast recording of The Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess received a 2013 GRAMMY Award nomination for Best Musical Theater Album.
Comedian Bill Maher, a favorite guest on “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” radio show, with Comedian Michele Lafong which now airs on KLAV, 1230 am in Las Vegas, and The Web, answers questions about his personal experiences on other talk shows, his feelings on Elizabeth Hasselbeck’s treatment of him when he guested on “The View,” and Barbara Walter’s response behind the scenes. He also speaks about the republican party, President Obama, and the upcoming presidential election.
For the last 18 years, Maher has pushed the boundaries of how far political humor and satire can go on American television. First on “Politically Incorrect” (which first aired on Comedy Central before moving to ABC), and for the last seven years on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Maher’s combination of unflinching honesty and scathing humor have garnered him 21 EmmyR nominations. In October 2008, this same combination was on display in Maher’s swipe at organized religion, “Religulous,” which went on to become the seventh-highest grossing documentary ever.
In addition to his television program-which has featured such regular visitors as Ben Affleck, Robin Williams, Arianna Huffington, Alec Baldwin and Michael Moore-Maher has written four bestsellers: “True Story,” “Does Anybody Have a Problem with That? Politically Incorrect’s Greatest Hits,” “When You Ride Alone, You Ride with Bin Laden” and most recently, “New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer.”
Bill Maher is featured in Comedian Michele LaFong’s Syndicated “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” column, in Nov. issue of Casino Player Magazine. He will also be LaFong’s Cover/Feature Interview in “Getting Personal with the Stars” in November’s 2013 edition of CP Magazine.
For more about Bill Maher click here. For more about “Real Time with Bill Maher” click here.
Bill Maher is appearing at The Pearl at The Palms H&C Nov. 2 & 3
Finis Henderson
Singing Impressionist Finis Henderson guests on LV Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong. In a backstage interview at The Laugh Factory, Finis tells us in detail how he does those amazing impressions.
Being part of Finis Henderson’s audience is equivalent to being invited to a reunion of some of the entertainment industry’s greatest legends and contemporary favorites, Sinatra, Boyz II Men, Elvis Presley, Alan Jackson, Nat King Cole (and daughter Natalie!), Sammy Davis Jr., and many others gather on stage for an evening of music, dancing, and comedy. Weaving the comic personas of the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Rodney Dangerfield and Mike Tyson through the crowd, one is apt to forget they’re not watching a crazed chorus, but the versatile talent of one dynamic performer.
The sound is theirs… The voice is pure Finis Henderson. And as the evening draws to a close, it isn’t a legend that brings the audience to its feet, but the intensely melodic strain of Mr. Henderson’s own rendition of “Music of the Night.”
It was only natural that Finis would go into show business. His father was a successful song and dance man, and one time Vice-President of Sammy Davis Jr. Enterprises. Afterwards, he took his act to Los Angeles and polished it at the famed Comedy Store. He has also opened for such superstars as Jackie Mason, Smokey Robinson, Barbara Mandrell, and Alan King, to name a few.
In addition to live club, casino, and coporate appearances, his television credits include Make Me Laugh, The Jackson (mini-series), Nashville Now, Comic Strip Live, Crazy Horse Saloon, and A Little Bit Strange. Films encompass Wired and I’m Gonna Get You Sucka! – See more at: http://www2.eaglestalent.com/Finis-Henderson/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=example&utm_term=finis%20henderson#sthash.4uRCf6PD.dpuf
Finis Henderson is headlining at The Laugh Factory through Nov. 3, 8:30 & 10:30 nightly
Last week, Donald Trump was a guest on Barbara Walter’s TV show, “The View,” where he announced that for the first time he was considering to run for president as a candidate for the Republican Party. Some may say he would have no chance. I too might have said that.
However, after what I call the “Sharon Angle scare” when the NV senate race was so close in the election last week, one just never knows.
I can see the lure of Donald Trump for president in these hard economic times because it would be tempting to see the country being run like a business for a change, by the tough no nonsense businessman that Donald Trump portrays himself to be, complete with full accountability, embarrassment of the “wrong doers” and of course the FIRINGS.
If what happened in The Bush Administration in the last four years of his presidency would have happened under Donald Trump, maybe then we would at least have the satisfaction of tuning in to the “big boardroom meeting,” where all those responsible would be slammed and shamed in public after giving their lame excuses for the state of affairs that has led to where we were when President Obama first took
office.
What a rating bonanza that would have been. Oh, and bring the banks into the boardroom meeting too!
“President” Donald Trump: “Dick Cheney…you’re fired! Donald Rumsfeld…you’re fired! …And on and on. Now all of you just get out of here”.
Adam Carolla Al Bernstein Alicia Jacobs Al Jardine Alain Nu Alonzo Bodden Amazing Johnathan Amy Hanley Anjelah Johnson Anthony Cools Anthony Lewis Ariann Black Arnez J Arturo Sandoval Ben Stone Ben Vereen Bethany Owen Bill Bellamy Bill Cosby Bill Engvall Bill Haley Jr. Bill Maher Bill Medley Billy Davis Jr. Billy Garan BJ Thomas Bob Anderson Bob Cowsill Bob Cummings Bobby Figueroa Bobby Kimball Bobby Rydell Bobby Vinton Bob Zany Burton Cummings Carl Labove Carlos Mencia Carnie Wilson Carol Scibelli Charlie Daniels Charlie Murphy Chuck Negron Clint Holmes Cody Collins Cory Wells Coty Alexander Cowboy Bill Martin Crystal Gayle Dana Carvey Dave Attell David Brenner Dave Mason Deana Martin Debbie Reynolds Demond Wilson Dennis Blair Dennis Bono Dennis Miller Desi Arnaz Jr. D.L. Hughley Dom Irrera Don Barnhart Don Barnes Don Brewer Don Felder Don McLean Donny Most Don Rickles Doug Gray Dr. Julio Garcia Dustin Diamond Earl Turner Eddie Money Emilio Castillo Esteban Felicia Michaels Felix Cavaliere Finis Henderson Frank Caliendo Fran Capo Frank Sinatra Jr. Frank Marino Fred Turner Gallagher Gary Owen Gary Puckett Gary Wilner Gerry Bednob Gerry McCambridge Gloria Loring Gordie Brown Graham Russell Grand Funk Railroad Grandma Lee Greg London Gregory Popovich Hal Sparks Harry Basil Heather Marianna Heather McDonald Helen Reddy Henry Fambrough Ian Anderson Jack Jones Jack Walker Jackie Martling Jacob Lusk Jarrett & Raja Jay and The Americans Jay Johnson Jay Leno Jay Leslie Jay Siegal J.Chris Newberg Jeff Capri Jeff Tracta Jeff Richards Jen Kirkman Jennifer Harman Jim Belushi Jimmy Emerson Jimmy Shubert Jo Koy John Basedow John Bizarre John Melendez John Mulaney John Mulrooney John Pinette Jon Manfrellotti Jon Taffer Joy Behar Judy Collins Judy Tenuta Julie Budd Kaci Machacyk Kathy Griffin Kathleen Madigan Kato Kaelin KC & The Sunshine band Kelly Clinton Kelly Hansen Kenny Cetera Kenny Wayne Shepherd Kevin Burke Kevin Cronin Kevin Downey Jr.
Kevin Farley Kevin James Kevin Meaney Kevin Nealon Kevin Pollak Lachlan Patterson Lainie Kazan Larry Chance & the Earls Larry Gatlin Larry Stewart Laura Hayden LeAnn Rimes The Lennon Sisters Lisa Dawn Miller Lisa Gay Lisa Lampanelli Lorna Luft Louise Duart Lou Ragland Luenell Lynda Carter Marc Price Margaret Cho Marilyn McCoo Mark Mayer Marlon Wayans Marty Allen Mary Wilson Mathew Nelson Meat Loaf Melissa Manchester Michael “Wheels” Parise Michael Godard Michael Shane Michelle Johnson Mick Foley Mickey Gilley Mickey Jones Mickey Joseph Mickey Thomas Mike Saccone Mitchell Walters Mitzi Gaynor Monti Rock III Murray Langston Murray Sawchuck Nelson twins Neil Giraldo Neil Sedaka Nick Olate Nick Turturro Norm Johnson Olate Dogs Otis Williams Ottavio Gesmundo Pablo Francisco Paige O’Hara Paul Reiser Paul Rodriguez Pauly Shore Paul Williams Paula Poundstone Pia Zadora Ralphie May Randy Couture Ray Romano Restless Heart Reverend Bob Levy Rhonda Vincent Ricci Martin Rich Hall Richard Hatch Rich Little Rich Natole Richard Marx Richard Olate Ritch Shydner Richard Spasoff Richie Minervini Rick Faugno Rickey Smiley Rick Springfield Rita Coolidge Rita Rudner Robert Klein Rob Schneider Robert Nash Robin Jay Robin Leach Robin Meade Rod Man Ronn Lucas Rudy Ruettiger Russell Peters Sal Richards Sammy Shore Scott Record Shang Forbes Shawn Wayans Shayma Tash Sinbad Sommore Sonny Turner Stephen Sorrentino Steve Byrne Steve Howard Steve March-Torme Steve Mittleman Steve Rossi Steven Wright Sunda Croonquist Susie Essman Ted Lange Three Dog Night 38-Special Teresa Joy Terry Fator Todd Aaron Jenson Tom Cotter Tommy Davidson Tom Dreesen Tom Papa Tommy Roe Tom Stevens Tommy Savitt Toni Braxton Tony Butala Tony Drake Tony Orlando Tower of Power Uri Geller Vic Dibitetto Wanda Sykes Wayans Brothers Weird Al Yankovic Wendy Mazaros Wild Willy Parsons Willie Tyler & Lester Wilson-Phillips Whitney Cummings Wynonna Zan Aufderheide