Nothing says Vegas like T&A shows

This week, let’s cover (Freudian slip) the T&A shows such as the "Chippendales" at the Rio All Suites, the "PeepShow" at Planet Hollywood and "Crazy Horse" at the MGM – just to name a few. Let’s be real. It’s really all about sex, with a little comedy and variety thrown in.

The "Chippendales" at The Rio is a well-oiled production that continues to draw audiences, both young and old adults. It’s been around for a while, but their fans keep returning for another peek. Right now, the "Chippendales" offer a special ticket price of $25 for Nevada residents. Plus, let’s not forget these performers do a lot of charity work in Las Vegas. Good job, fellas!  

When "PeepShow" opened with Mel B and Kelly Monaco (pictured), it created a lot of excitement. But it really wasn’t until Holly Madison took over the lead role that it became a Strip favorite. Holly has what might be called a home brand with her own television show and her many appearances around Las Vegas for charity events. 

As I recall, she arrived in Vegas on the arm of Criss Angel but she really came from the Hugh Hefner stable. Meanwhile, "Crazy Horse Cabaret" at MGM Grand is probably the sexiest show on the Strip with its very elegant European flavor. 

Read more juicy gossip from Monti Rock III.

There are other adult variety shows, such as the "X Burlesque" at Flamingo that entices the late-night crowd. "Thunder From Down Under" at Excalibur is another great show. Its producer, Adam Steck, also produces Frank Marino’s show "Divas" at Imperial Palace and Louie Anderson, who just opened his own theater at Palace Station.

This brand of show (T&A) has always been a big part of Las Vegas and from all forecasts will continue to draw audiences. One of the very best, Don Arden’s "Jubilee" at Bally’s, has been headlining on the Strip for 29 years, while we had to say good-bye to the "Folies Bergere," which was probably the longest-running production of its kind. Don’t let "Jubilee" get away. 

Last week, there were so many mixed messages about "Fantasy" at The Luxor that my head was spinning. For months there was talk swirling around town that the star of "Fantasy" was unhappy. She has just handed the reins over to Lorena Peril, who has a voice and a look similar to Christina Aguilera. She’s fabulous! I’m sure there are going to be a lot of great reviews surrounding this new lead for "Fantasy." I love you, Anita Mann, for bringing this new star to the show and the ways you are constantly keeping the show fresh and exciting.

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We did get the opportunity to get to the official opening of David Saxe’s "Vegas, The Show."  This is probably the most upbeat show on The Strip.  Fabulous costumes, dancers, choreography and especially the singers combine to give us the kind of show that is really what Las Vegas is all about. Hats off to Mr. Saxe for bringing us this much needed type of entertainment.

Paris Las Vegas has just announced 27 additional performances have been scheduled for their headliner, singer-songwriter Barry Manilow. The new dates start in September, but tickets went on sale Aug. 7. The visual effects included in Manilow’s latest show at Paris have been well-received by audiences. 

With the slower economy hitting everyone from coast-to-coast, many of our favorite casinos are pulling out the stops when it comes to creating new marketing strategies, which seem to be working for them. The M Resort has become a local favorite and recently added Live Jazz Night at Hostile Grape. For August, Hostile Grape is featuring Martin Mancuso and Tommy Thompson. This fabulous wine bar is designed with contemporary flair and offers a grand selection of wines to enjoy with all that jazz.  

What’s happening to "American Idol?" It seems J-Lo doesn’t want another woman on the panel. All I can say is, "There you go my Puerto Rican sister, you’re right!" After all, I wouldn’t want another queen on my panel either. There are also rumors that Randy Jackson, who has a year left on his contract, may not be back. Producer Nigel Lythgoe has reportedly stated that he wants all new faces.

Another crisis for downtown. The Lady Luck has once again been put on hold. The Mob Museum is still in the works, but there’s no date for the opening. Meanwhile, another mob scene – Mob Experience at The Tropicana – had another preview last week, showing off a gift shop and featuring the grandson of Meyer Lansky joined by siblings to share stories about the old days.   

While writing about comedians last week I failed to mention my good friend Kevin Burke. Kevin is featured in John Bentham’s production of "Defending the Caveman" at Excalibur and also does a comedy stand-up at Fitzgeralds.  Kevin, I’m sorry... but here it is. So many comics I can’t cover them all but had to include Kevin in the rundown. John produces "Marriage Can Be Murder" also at Fitzgeralds. For everyone else, just be funny and shut up!

Polly Peluso was a newspaper and magazine columnist who passed away July 16. Polly was one of the great ladies who wrote every week, including her online features such as Hollywood/Vegas Connection and Vegas Community. A few weeks before Polly passed away, she was kind enough to call me and in her frail voice spoke about the Vanity Fair article she had read that featured yours truly. What Polly did for Monti Rock 11 years ago could never have been matched. Her kindness, her guidance and her love of life made her one of the great personalities, columnists and characters in Vegas history. We will miss her.

Glazier’s Food Marketplace has been selected by Review Journal as "Best Grocery Store in Las Vegas." And that it is. They have a huge selection of items, many of which are found only at this store. It is now the home base for  "The Finest Dishes in Vegas," a Las Vegas cooking show featuring celebrities, chefs and showgirls. Last week, yours truly was the guest celebrity. I think I tasted everything, and it was all delicious. Tune in to Fox 5 Las Vegas every Thursday at noon for new recipes, cooking tips and lots of fun. Glazier’s is located at Warm Springs and Durango and is open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.

The Rev. Monti, as always, wishes you all a great week.