Theater News

Las Vegas Spotlight: October 2010

Return to the Bronx

Chazz Palminteri in A Bronx Tale
(© Joan Marcus)
Chazz Palminteri in A Bronx Tale
(© Joan Marcus)

October is here, and thankfully, there are more “treats” than “tricks” this month in Vegas. Following its prior successful Vegas engagements, Chazz Palminteri’s A Bronx Tale returns to The Venetian Showroom, October 7-18, written by and starring Palminteri, and directed by four-time Tony winner Jerry Zaks. If you haven’t seen it already, don’t miss your chance to experience this tour-de-force about a young boy’s life on the mean streets of the Bronx during the 1960s, and the memorable characters he encountered.

The Nevada Conservatory presents Ted Tiller’s Count Dracula, a witty version of Bram Stoker’s novel. The Halloween treat for all ages plays at UNLV’s Judy Bayley Theatre from October 29-November 7. And in the Black Box Theatre, Nevada Conservatory presents Lanford Wilson’s The Hot L Baltimore (October 8-17) about the goings-on in a rundown hotel so seedy that the “e” is missing from the marquee.

Looking for a real nail-biter? Then check out Las Vegas Little Theatre’s production of the Ira Levin thriller Veronica’s Room at the Fischer Black Box (October 29-November 14). The chilling drama tells the story of college coed Susan, who soon finds herself recruited to impersonate a couple’s long-deceased daughter… and gets more than she bargained for.

RagTag Entertainment and the Onyx Theatre present the Tom Jones/Harvey Schmidt musical romp I Do! I Do! (October 1-9), the generation-spanning tale of a marriage. And Off-Strip Productions and the Onyx Theatre present the ultimate Halloween-themed show: Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show (October 14-30). It’s the cult-classic story of Brad and Janet’s unforgettable night with that “Sweet Transvestite,” Dr. Frank-N-Furter. You’ll be doing the “Time Warp” again at this one!

And the hills really are alive in Vegas when Signature Productions presents Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s The Sound of Music (October 18-November 20) at the Summerlin Library. It’s the memorable story of musically inclined governess Maria, who has to take on nuns, a brood of children, and their seemingly uncompromising WWI Captain father.

At Planet Hollywood, it’s time for the annual Justin Timberlake and Friends: A Special Evening Benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children (October 23). Not only has JT lined up a star-studded roster for the benefit, but this is his only official concert appearance of the year. Joining him will be Christina Aguilera, Lady Antebellum, Diddy and his Dirty Money Crew, Selena Gomez & The Scene, T-Pain, and those legendary ladies of hip-hop, Salt-N-Pepa. At the CHI Showroom at Planet Hollywood are the always hilarious Wayne Brady (October 1-2, 8-9) and Wanda Sykes (October 15-16).

At The Colosseum at Caesars Palace is the always entertaining America’s Got Talent Tour (October 8). Hosted by Jerry Springer, the live tour will feature Season 5’s winner, singer Michael Grimm, along with many other fan favorites and finalists.

You’ll also be screaming this October… with laughter as perennial Mirage Las Vegas headliners Jay Leno (October 1-2), Lewis Black (October 22-23) and Ray Romano and Kevin James (October 29-30) bring huge laughs when they hit the stage. Other acts this month include Weezer, who will be at The Mirage Poolside on October 1.

70s rockers Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald and Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen team up for The Dukes of September Rhythm Revue at The Joint at Hard Rock on October 2, treating audiences to a wide variety of their own songs, as well as material by some of their other favorites. Also at The Joint this October are Van Morrison (October 3) and Alice In Chains with guest stars Deftones and Mastodon (October 16).

October has a treat for all you “Parrot Heads” when Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer Band come to the MGM Grand Garden Arena on October 23. Also at MGM are ountry singer Vince Gill (October 23) and rockers Nickelback (October 30).

At The Orleans, The Temptations (October 8-10) and The Osmonds (October 22-24) are featured music acts in the Orleans Showroom, while in a more comedic vein are Dennis Miller (October 1-3) and “Mr. Warmth” himself, Don Rickles (October 16-17). And in the Orleans Arena, bring the kids to Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show (October 9-10). Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, along with Snow White, Cinderella, and all your other Disney favorites, as they put on a dazzling magic show that will delight children of all ages!

Over at The Pearl Concert Theater at The Palms, Slayer and Megadeth, with special guest Anthrax, bring some old school 80s metal to Vegas on October 20. And on the opposite end of the musical spectrum, Garth Brooks continues his critically-acclaimed one-man show at The Wynn (October 1-3, 22-24).