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May. 16, 2008
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

NORM: For fans, things are just Cher-rific

NORM CLARKE
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A bunny flag flies over a building where you know who is rehearsing.
Photo by Louie Traub/Review-Journal

For Cher fans, the universe has never been more perfectly aligned.

Having Cher finally headlining in Las Vegas at the same time as the wildly popular Cher Convention is nothing short of a harmonic convergence, says one of her biggest local fans.

"What are the odds? It's so perfect," said Larry Edwards, a longtime Tina Turner impersonator in "An Evening at La Cage" at the Riviera.

The convention, set for Aug. 11-12, will "definitely" be the biggest and best ever, he said, because "she's performing in Las Vegas, and everybody will be hoping she will come this year."

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    • "No excuses this time; she has to show up," said Edwards, adding, diplomatically, that her schedule didn't fit in the past.

    Here's how big the Cher Convention is: Two years ago there were 66 unlicensed T-shirts on sale, and Cher impersonators included two with severe English accents.

    "All the Cher fans from all over the world will come because they love Las Vegas, and they love Cher," Edwards said. "It's a big convention to celebrate her music and Cher's persona."

    WE'RE ALL EARS

    As you may know by now, the temperamental star-in-training of the upcoming magic show at Luxor has issued an edict: Don't even think about asking for an interview with him, and there will be no mentions of his name in this space, or else.

    That means we'll have to pull some rabbits out of the hat to keep you informed about the Cirque jerque.

    So here's what we know: Our big-eared, eagle-eyed spies have noticed he's parking his $300,000 Rolls-Royce in a red-curbed no-parking zone at the front door of the massive warehouse where he's rehearsing his illusions.

    Flying at half staff over the building, near West Lake Mead Boulevard, is a black flag with a white bunny in the middle.

    That fits with months-old rumors we've heard that Cirque du Soleil was hunting for a bunny act to be part of the show, which opens in September.

    Another thing, he's got people buzzing about his new leaner, muscled-up look -- and a new honey bunny after recently breaking up with Miss Nevada USA 2008 Veronica Grabowski.

    Yes, after all that drama.

    THE SCENE AND HEARD

    It's Viva Hoff Vegas tonight when former headliner David Hasselhoff launches his new Web site at www.hasselhoff.com from a suite at Planet Hollywood Resort. He'll be going live at 8 p.m. Pacific time, midnight and 4 a.m., and the burgermeister is promising some celebrity guests. He's been in town shooting NBC's "America's Got Talent."...

    Hockey legend Gordie Howe today and Saturday, from noon to 5 p.m., will be at the Field of Dreams memorabilia store at the Forum Shops at Caesars.

    MAY I RECOMMEND

    Country music sensations Randy Owen and Sugarland kick off the big weekend leading up to the 43rd Academy of Country Music Awards with free concerts at the Fremont Street Experience. Owen, the former lead singer of Alabama, performs at 10:30 p.m. today at the Third Street stage. Sugarland, nominated for four awards this year for the multi-platinum-selling album "Enjoy the Ride," plays at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday. The awards are nationally televised Sunday from the MGM Grand Garden.

    SIGHTINGS

    Nancy Sinatra, ordering the meatballs Wednesday at Café Martorano, in the Rio, on the 10th anniversary of the death of her father, Frank. She got the VIP treatment from owner-chef Steve Martorano, who idolized her father so much that he has a tattoo of Ol' Blue Eyes on his back left shoulder. ... Pop superstar Jesse McCartney, meeting with Hard Rock Hotel officials on Thursday. ... Sirio Maccioni, the legendary restaurateur and owner of Le Cirque in New York City, and Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen at Simon at Palms Place on Wednesday. ... The cast and crew of "Jersey Boys," including lead Jeremy Kushnier, who plays Tommy DeVito, taking in "Mamma Mia!" on Wednesday night at Mandalay Bay. ... Boxer Zab Judah, ordering water Wednesday night at LAX, in the Luxor.

    THE PUNCH LINE

    "Don't worry, Jessica. I know this sort of thing is tough, but you'll be fine. There are plenty of chickens in the sea." -- Jimmy Kimmel, on Jessica Simpson's reported breakup with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo

    Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.



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    Matthew wrote on May 24, 2008 04:08 PM: Sorry Veronica is old news - here is a message for GISELLE DIAZ his new g/f.

    Giselle do you hear that????? It is your 4 month old son that you had. LISTEN he is saying "Mommy please close your legs and come home to me I need a mother" You made the choice to have me so stop spreading your legs and be my MOMMY!!!!!!!. I need you!!!! PLEASE PUT DOWN THE DRINK CLOSE YOUR LEGS AND COME HOME!!!! I AM HUNGRY!!!!


    Dr. Evil wrote on May 17, 2008 02:59 PM: Oh, Penelope, I'm just shaking in my little space boots.


    Penelope wrote on May 17, 2008 11:27 AM: Well well well...you just don't know when to give it a rest ; do you Norman?
    Obviously; someone forgot to tell YOU and your little ENTOURAGE ; that the "building with the bunny flag" could very well be the PRIVATE warehouse ..where Angel keeps his expensive equipment for his Cirque show and you sir; have just violated a rule of conduct ; did you not?

    Shame on lvrj for keeping you around this long. If you keep up with your "not-so-discreet" comments about Angel and some other people in V. Town..my guess is that the whole dam lot of you will soon be looking else where for a job.
    Clocks ticking people ::::::::


    Ken wrote on May 16, 2008 02:43 PM: Criss Angel is a washed up has been already who has no talent. They need to fire him and find someone with talent.


    Flat Tire wrote on May 16, 2008 12:37 PM: Will Hasselhoff's website have downloads of his drunken stupor video his daughter made? That is classic.


    native wrote on May 16, 2008 12:23 PM: Ms. Woolson: The reason Harrahs guests can't obtain the R.J. newspaper is because they give a minute by minute report of the building safety issues that multiple Harrahs properties have been beseiged by in the past year due to an employee whistle blower. This is the last thing they want their guests to know about


    The Saint wrote on May 16, 2008 11:12 AM: It might be easier to come up with a list of men who HAVEN'T slept with Cher. Here is a very short, and very partial list of those that entered the kingdom of Cher: Sonny (maybe?), Warren Beatty, Greg Allman, Gene Simmons, Les Dudek, David Geffen, Garreth Crawford, Eric Stoltz, Val Kilmer, Tom Cruise (? he is gay right?), Rob Camilletti, Josh Donen, Richie Sambora, Eric Clapton, Mark Hudson, Ray Liotta, Matt Dillon, John Heard, John Loeffler, Ron Duguay, and other countless one night stands. Yep, she is the poster girl for music!!


    Stan Mikita wrote on May 16, 2008 10:58 AM: Don't get excited sports fans. Just found out Gordie Howe and the band of thieves over at "Field of Dreams' were going to charge $200 + for any autograph, etc. Forget About It.


    Ox wrote on May 16, 2008 10:50 AM: Sorry Tom, you are wrong. Cher is no saint. Her drug induced days with Greg Allman were much publicized and documented. Anyhow, besides that, her time and come and gone. Her show will use backing taped vocals with a live mike - the usual m.o. for these aged 'performers'. The audience will suck it all in and be none the wiser. Whatever.

    Straight out of Wikipedia: "Allman struggled with drugs both legal and illegal, primarily cocaine, DMT, heroin, and alcohol, from the 1970s onward. Allman has been married at least seven times, most famously to singer/actress Cher from 1975 to 1979. Together they had a son, Elijah Blue Allman."


    Bobby Orr wrote on May 16, 2008 10:45 AM: "Hockey legend Gordie Howe today and Saturday, from noon to 5 p.m., will be at the Field of Dreams memorabilia store at the Forum Shops at Caesars."

    Just called that place and they said for him to sign a jersey you bring in - $200. For him to sign ANYTHING -at least $100. What a friggin rip off. Sorry Gordie, I like you, but not that much. These memorabilia stores are such jokes. Overpriced crap that half you can't even authenticate or not. Only morons would shop at "Field of Dreams".


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