Welcome to our annual Entertainment issue, and, oh boy, you are in for a treat. With so many fantastic shows on the Las Vegas Strip it’s hard not to put together a brilliant entertainment issue. It’s our biggest ever and it’s chock full of good stuff.

Celebrity scribe Marsala Rypka gets Up Close and Personal with Wayne Brady. The improv performer actually set out to be a dramatic actor but took a turn toward comedy and here he is today with his own show on the Las Vegas Strip.

Cindi R. Maciolek interviewed two of the city’s newest arts leaders - Las Vegas Philharmonic Conductor/Music Director David Itkin and world-renown figurative sculptor Richard McDonald. Both have brought their innovative ideas to Las Vegas. Itkin is intent on bringing a Pop series to life during this, the 10th anniversary of the Philharmonic. McDonald uses Cirque Du Soleil performers to create his impressive acrobatic sculptures. Selling his pieces for up to $350,000, his goal is to sell the most expensive item ever in a hotel.

Writer Ellen Sterling takes us on a backstage journey to see the inner workings of Cirque Du Soleil’s “Love” and “Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular” in her story “Backstage Pass”. From props and costumes to wigs and make-up, Sterling finds the backstage world to be one of wonder and intrigue, and we think you will too.

And speaking of wonder, Rypka and I attended the opening of the “Jersey Boys” back in May and were completely awestruck with the fabulosity of the show. We didn’t want it to end. In fact, as soon as it ended, I left my seat and marched out to the box office and purchased tickets for the very next weekend. It was then that I knew this show would definitely have a prominent place in our Entertainment issue. Rypka agreed and took the assignment on the spot to interview four very talented artists for her story “Oh What A Night! – Conversations with the Jersey Boys” on page 58. If you haven’t seen the show, it’s a must, especially if you have family coming to town for the holidays.

If you are having holiday visitors, then you must flip to Senior Food and Wine Editor Marilyn LaRocque’s story “Say Cheese”. It’s almost the perfect food – great for snacking, as an hors d’oeuvre, and even paired up with a nice port for dessert. She endeavors to get the lowdown on fromage so you will have something new to serve guests this holiday season.

And that’s not all we have on the subject of food. The last month has been a foodie’s gourmet bonanza. We received invitations to the Michelin awards, the Rising Star Chefs awards, the James Beard Foundation Taste America weekend and Odyssey Las Vegas 2008. Needless to say, it was quite a gastronomic expedition and we, with a few pounds added to our waistlines, recounted them all in our Vignettes section and in “An Odyssey Like No Other”.

Have a peaceful holiday season. Cheers!

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