Keeping you up to date on live entertainment happenings….
The times are a-changin’, as 2024 yields a fresh beginning. And so it is that some live productions find new homes as others debut or take a final bow. Here are noteworthy entries in our first Show Shuffle of 2025.
NEW – HairLarious Deceptions with Murray SawChuck at The STRAT
Popular magician Murray Sawchuck is fresh from a summer stint at CENTERFOLDS CABARET. MURRAY’S MISFITS found the wild-haired comic hosting wacky variety acts in a stripper joimt (why not?). Now he’s front and center with HAIRLARIOUS DECEPTIONS at L.A. Comedy Club.
Appropriate for ages five and up, HairLarious Deceptions will perform on Saturday and Sunday at 4 pm. Tickets start at $39.95 (plus taxes/fees) and can be reserved here.
Moving – STEVE CONNOLY SPIRIT OF THE KING to Notoriety Live
Celebrated Elvis tribute artist Steve Connolly has played at numerous venues through the years, most recently at Four Queens Casino and LaMarre Theater. We’re happy to see Connolly at Notoriety Live instead of the maligned LaMarre. Definitely a step up.
“With an unparalleled ability to capture Elvis’s sound, appearance, and charisma, Connolly’s act combines artistry and comedy, bringing joy and happiness through rock ‘n’ roll entertainment.”
SPIRIT OF THE KING opens on January 7th and will play on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights at 7 pm. Tickets start at $44.95 and can be ordered here. Audience members should be 18 or over.
New – Michelle Marshall – A Tribute to Tina Turner
There may be only one Tina Turner, but Sin City has no shortage of Tina tribute artists. From the wonderful Cookie Watkins to drag star Larry Edwards (aka “Hot Chocolate”) and the ladies at FLASHBACK: Tina Turner and Friends, Tina’s songs are covered in style.
Even so, fans of “The Best” will have another option with the return of Michelle Marshall. The longtime entertainer returns with a resident show next month. Backed by a live band, additional vocalists, and dancers, THUNDERDOME QUEEN promises “high energy, glamorous costumes, and note-for-note renditions”.
Thunderdome Queen opens on February 16th at NOTORIETY LIVE. It will play on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 pm, along with a 5 pm Sunday performance. The show is suitable for ages eight and up. Order tickets here.
New – VINNIE FAVORITO UNFILTERED – Notoriety Live
It’s been quite a while since saucy comedian Vinnie Favorito had an ongoing show, so we’ll classify this as an “opening” rather than a move. The longtime favorite begins his latest residency at downtown’s NOTORIETY LIVE on January 11th. This is an adult-only night of laughs, so leave the rugrats with grandma. Tickets can be ordered online by heading here.
Moving – CHIPPENDALES to The Linq Hotel
They’re heading to the Strip and back with Caesars Entertainment, but is this a good move for CHIPPENDALES? Farewell to a self-named custom theater, free parking, Flirt Lounge, and the Chippendales Boutique.
In return, the showrunners promise an all-new production with fresh faces. The guys needed a reboot, as some numbers have been playing for the better part of a decade.
CHIPPENDALES opens at Mat Franco Theater on January 14th, It will play Tuesday through Sunday at 9 pm with an 11 pm performance on Saturday nights. Tickets start at $57.95 (plus taxes/fees). Order here. Audience members must be 18 or over.
CLOSED – Aussie Heat at OYO Hotel
Have the men of AUSSIE HEAT offered their final “g-day”? December 30th was the last performance of the long-running male revue at OYO Hotel.
Emcee Aaron Michael Lucey assures me that the troupe is looking for another venue to continue their outback bump-and-grind.
In the meantime, we hear whispers of another shirtless dance-fest in the works. More on that when we get confirmation.
STAYING PUT – Piff the Magic Dragon at Flamingo Hotel
AGT superstar “Piff the Magic Dragon” closed out 2024 with a sad farewell to his canine costar. Mr. Piffles passed away and has been replaced by a clone named “Mr. Piffles II”. The comic magician issued an announcement earlier this week:
“Let’s start 2025 with some good news: the powers that be at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, have decided that they simply can’t get enough of me, Jade and the dogs, so my residency has been extended until 2027. Yes! Three more glorious years of shows, snacks, and posing for moody press shots like this…”
OPENING – FOREVER FRANKIE at Alexis Park Resort
Legendary Frankie Valli has been on many lips lately…for the wrong reasons. Recent videos of the Four Season frontman shuffling onstage while barely lip-syncing have led to accusations of elderly abuse. There’s no denying that Mr. Valli should have hung up his velcro sneakers by now, but his hits will live forever.
That’s where respected entertainer Mark Maynard comes in. FOREVER FRANKIE is Maynard’s tribute to the hits of everyone’s favorite Jersey boy. The show opens on January 25th at Modern Showrooms at Alexis Park Resort. Curtain time is 5 pm, with dates every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Tickets start at only $37.95. Order here.
“Frankie Valli’s music is timeless, and we’re thrilled to bring this tribute to the stage,” said Pete Housley, Executive Producer. “Mark Maynard’s uncanny portrayal and the live band’s energy will transport audiences straight to the golden era of Valli’s music.”
“Mark Maynard brings Frankie Valli’s signature voice, charisma, and charm to life in a high-energy performance that pays homage to one of the most iconic singers in music history. From Valli’s groundbreaking work with The Four Seasons to his unforgettable solo hits, Forever Frankie is a nostalgic journey through chart-topping classics that defined a generation.”
COMING (?) – QUEEN TRIBUTE at OYO Hotel
Freddie Mercury tribute artist Jeaux Archambeault aka “JJ Midnight” performed his CELEBRATING QUEEN show at OYO Hotel on December 27th. While this writer was unable to attend, this clip from appearance at Silverton Casino last summer will fill in the blanks:
JJ hopes to turn his one-off appearance into an ongoing residency. Do you think Las Vegas would respond to a full-fledged Queen salute residency? Do you know of any show closings/openings/moves that weren’t mentioned here? Drop me a line at samnovak@vegas411 and let me know your thoughts.
