The Kats! Bureau at this writing is the red carpet entrance of “America’s Got Talent Live!” at Luxor. Show creator Simon Cowell and fellow “AGT” TV show judge Howie Mandel are in town to accept the Key to the Las Vegas Strip, and also to review the stage show. Mandel asked earlier, “What if you lock the key in your car? I want the Coat-Hanger to the Strip, too.”
Howie is always on, believe it. More from this scene and beyond:
Ukraine all-star show set
In April 2011, during the opening night of “Absinthe” at Caesars Palace, I experienced a first in Las Vegas. For the first time I gave a standing ovation to an act — twice. And this was before the act even finished.
We speak of the wonderful, forever spinning Skating Aratas, or Victor and Jenny Arata, amazing artists and proud Las Vegans. The couple is now a favorite act in “V — The Ultimate Variety Show” at V Theater at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. E-mail boxoffice@vtheater.com for tickets and details. Get there quick, as it should easily sell out.
The Aratas are building an all-star production of Ukrainian acts for their V Theater stage at 9 p.m. March 31. Jenny’s family is originally from Kyiv. Her sister has made it out of the country safely, and is now in Poland.
The Aratas have taken part in protest and support events in Las Vegas since the Russian invasion was launched, including a Feb. 26 event on the Strip.
They have also been busy contacting acts from the war-ravaged region. Every act in the March will be from Ukraine. Balance artist Vladimir Dovgan and acrobatic juggler Vladik Miagastupov (also a touring Cirque du Soleil artist) are signed. World champion rhythmic gymnast Tamara Yerofeeva is also expected to perform.
Performers are introducing videos describing their home towns. The Aratas will perform, too.
As Jenny said Saturday, “We will be working hard to continually raise money for Ukraine, as the rebuilding will take years after the destruction that has been caused.” Jenny waves the Ukrainian flag in every show. “We are getting great support.”
Sweets’ spot
“You’re truly unique. I’ve never met anyone like you before,” was Jeff Golblum’s snap review of Melody Sweets after Goldblum headlined two shows Saturday night at 24 Oxford at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Sweets donned a dress with a giant heart as a cape (and pulled smaller hearts out of her bra, tossing them to the crowd).
With Sweets delivering curves and charisma, Goldblum and his band sashayed through “My Baby Just Cares for Me,” “Love Me or Leave Me,” “Come On-A My House” and “Straighten Up and Fly Right.”
Goldblum riffed on Sweets’ name, “She’s Sweets, so sweets …” and the two displayed some genuine chemistry on stage. Off stage, there was bubbly chatter of the Rat Pack, Elvis and Jerry Lewis (Golblum spoke with Lewis about playing Lewis’ son in “Max Rose” before the role went to Kevin Pollak).
Goldblum — a terrific jazz pianist — met with every audience member before and after each show. We’d be in favor of more of this show. The buzz about a possible return, even an extended engagement, starts here.
Keith to Utah
Sadness befalls the column as Randal Keith is departing our city.
As Keith said on his Facebook page, “It is with a heavy heart the I have to announce that I’m leaving Las Vegas.” He’s committed for six months at Tuacahn Center for the Arts in Snow Canyon State Park in Ivins, Utah.
We met the great actor and bellowing baritone just after he arrived in town to open “Phantom — The Las Vegas Spectacular” at The Venetian. Keith also co-starred in “Showstoppers” and “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” both at Encore Theater; and in “Baz” at Palazzo Theater. Keith was known across the country as Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables” on tour and Broadway.
We’ve also seen Keith in several appearances as The Composers Showcase of Las Vegas, as part of The Phat Pack of…
Read More: Kats: The Skating Aratas developing Ukranian all-star show on The Strip