Took in two fabulous shows last week. The first one was Rich Little in the Shimmer Cabaret at the LVH (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel), and the second was Mary Wilson in the Cabaret Jazz Room at The Smith Center.

The Rich Little Show, titled “Jimmy Stewart and Friends,” is, without question, one of the best one-man shows I’ve seen in a very long time. Hal Holbrook’s “Mark Twain” was always great, and Little’s previous one-man show, “The Presidents,” was another wonderful presentation. But, personally, I think this effort is Rich Little’s Crowning Performance!

The opening is done very cleverly by a piano player, off-stage, playing a few theme songs from some of Stewart’s films, while video clips play showing Jimmy and Rich together over the years. Rich enters the stage (that has a couple props) and looks out to the audience, “Harvey are you here?” And, with that simple request, the man who has been entertaining us for what seems a lifetime, is off and running.

He begins with Jimmy being born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, on May 20, 1908. There are a few references to growing up in the small town, where his father owned a hardware store, graduating from a prep school (where he first stepped out on a stage), and eventually attending Princeton University, where he excelled in drama and music, and became a member of the Princeton Triangle Club.

From this point on, Little’s ability to change personalities and voices is in command. When he talks of the friendship between Jimmy and Henry Fonda, you hear and visualize Fonda. Robert Stack is right there as is Clark Gable. Alfred Hitchcock comes and goes, as does Gary Cooper, Paul Lynde and John Wayne. Of course Ronald Reagan and Johnny Carson are two more friends that played an important part in Stewart’s life. All total, Rich does from 26 to 28 voices during the 80-minute presentation.

The closer is a classic and becomes quite serious—in respect to the friendship the two men had over the years. Jimmy is now all alone, his beloved wife, Gloria, has passed on, as have most of his friends. It is July 2, 1997, and a stairway appears on stage. Rich walks towards the stairs, turns and with a tired Jimmy Stewart voice, calls out to Harvey to join him on stage. The two approach the stairs, they look back, and Stewart comments, as they walk up to Heaven, “Thank God…It’s been a wonderful life!”

Well, gang, I have to tell ya, this writer had damp eyes, as did a lot of the SRO audience. Rich Little deserved and received a standing ovation for a performance well done. You won’t see a better presentation anywhere!  So, I recommend that you grab your phone and call LVH for tickets right now. I have a funny feelin’ it’ll be SRO for quite some time!

Now, the second show was James Gavin’s “Stormy Weather: The Lena Horne Project,” starring the fabulous Mary Wilson of The Supremes fame! And, just as expected, this lady of music, who always surprises this writer every time I see her perform, knocked me over with her rendition of, not only “Stormy Weather,” but a slew of songs made famous by the beautiful lady, beginning in the ‘30s to the end of the ‘90s.

Gavin, who wrote the book this presentation was based on, and who narrates the entire show, and picked the many photos and film excerpts shown on a screen, is a noted freelance journalist, having written articles for the New York Times, Vanity Fair and other high ranking publications. His love of jazz and those who made it move with the times, such as Horne, Anita O’Day and Chet Baker (to name just few), are what moved him to write about other, lesser known jazz performers. His narration and Wilson’s interpretation of the great jazz songs, sung by Lena, makes for a wonderful evening.

The sold-out performance for both Friday and Saturday at The Smith Center was testimony to the love people still have for the great music of the past, if properly presented by the men and women who know how to play a tune, and sing a song.

Mary Wilson is a lady of world-wide fame, who honestly belongs on a Las Vegas stage every day of the year. Of course, we know that is impossible for any performer. But you would think that some smart entertainment buyer would snatch this icon of the music world, and offer her a deal she couldn’t refuse. If not, then as she tells it, she just might pack her bags and leave our little village, and go to Europe where they adore her! That would be a shame, and our loss! Just thinkin’ aloud!

Well, gang, that’s it for this week. I’m outa here!

Regis Galerie, a high-end art collections boutique located in The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, hosted a grand unveiling of its exclusive Dean Martin bronze sculpture, “The King of Cool,” designed to pay homage to the legendary entertainer.

This writer’s friend, Deana Martin, daughter of Dean, attended the event to celebrate her father’s contributions to the city and the sentimental tribute Regis Galerie portrays in the limited edition sculpture – of which only 300 were produced. Regis Galerie designated a percentage of sales from the event day ($3,500) to be donated to American Lung Association in Nevada.

“The King of Cool” is the third piece in Regis Galerie’s signature Rat Pack Bronze Collection. The Collection also features sculptures of Frank Sinatra from “Pal Joey” and Sinatra along with Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. performing together.

“Our family has always had a passion for the Rat Pack and the rich history of its’ members,” said Ike Dweck, general manager of Regis Galerie. “As one of the most iconic musicians of our time, we are excited to honor Dean Martin and share his legacy that is embodied in this piece.”

Los Angeles-based artist, Lance Richlin, was commissioned by Regis Galerie to design the limited edition sculpture that depicts a young Dean Martin performing on a marble staircase. Richlin specializes in sculptures, drawings and paintings and has created several pieces for Regis Galerie over the years. You may check out the gallery by going to: Facebook at www.facebook.com/RegisGalerie, and on Twitter @RegisGalerie.

University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Arnold Shaw Popular Music

Center and Stephens Press have announced the forthcoming publication of Cork Proctor’s memoir, “My Mind is An Open Mouth: A Life Behind the Mic.” The Arnold Shaw Center is sponsoring publication through the LifeStories Books imprint of Stephens Press.

Cork Proctor is a Nevada comedy legend, having performed for five decades in major hotel lounges and main rooms in Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Las Vegas. He has opened for stars such as the Supremes and Mel Tillis. His memoir describes how he began as a Reno musician, playing drums, and rose to a comedy career that has taken him all over the US and Caribbean.

The book will be dedicated to three entertainment columnists who supported Las Vega entertainers during the era: Bill Willard, Forrest Duke, and Joe Delaney.

As befitting a much-admired comedian, Cork’s narrative is poignant, upbeat, and at times, hysterically funny” said Carolyn Hayes Uber, president of Stephens Press “and we’re honored to have the opportunity to share his life story with fans and friends as well as preserve a slice of the Las Vegas entertainment history.”

The book will debut on Proctor’s 80th birthday, July 22, at a Comedy Roast at the South Point Hotel/Casino in Las Vegas. The Comedy Roast will benefit Proctor’s favorite charity, Opportunity Village. My Mind is an Open Mouth,” will be available as an eBook at major online retailers including Amazon.com, iTunes.com, BN.com, and Kobo and the print edition will be available from the publisher, online book retailers, and Las Vegas bookstores.

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:

Mary Wilson, who opens this Friday, May 11^th at The Smith Center with the hit show, James Gavin’s “Stormy Weather: The Lena Horne Project,” spent a few days at the Kentucky  Derby last weekend, where she attended, not only the Derby, but a few special parties. “Stormy Weather,” will be performed at 8:30 p.m. Friday, and 7 p.m. Saturday

The Mentalist, known internationally for his remarkable ability to get inside the minds of others, is celebrating seven-years of performing in Las Vegas on May 15th.  To mark this special occasion, the V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood is offering $7 tickets to locals now through May 20^th.

The Mentalist star, Gerry McCambridge, combines his unique skills with comedy and magic to astound audiences, turning skeptics into believers. Among his many national television appearances, McCambridge was best known as the executive producer and star of the NBC primetime TV show, “The Mentalist.” He also appeared on the reality show “Phenomenon” with Criss Angel.

A true stand-out in his field, Gerry was awarded “Mentalist of the Decade” by the International Magicians Society and the Las Vegas Weekly voted The Mentalist one of the “ten shows you absolutely have to see” in Las Vegas.

Locals who would like to take advantage of this limited time special offer must present their Nevada IDs at the V Theater box office when purchasing show tickets.  This offer cannot be applied to prior purchase.  Seating is limited.  (Please note: special pricing does not include taxes and fees). The Mentalist takes the stage Thursday through Tuesday at 7:30pm at V Theater. For more information, go to www.VTheater.com.

The 33rd Annual San Gennaro Feast, at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, is now underway. Comedian Louie Anderson has been named the Grand Marshal, and Lena Prima has been named Grand Lady. At 7 p.m., Thursday special guest Mayor Carolyn Goodman, along with Father Dave Cassaleggio gave the blessing over The Feast and officially proclaimed the Feast open.

The San Gennaro Feast will run May 9-13 in the northeast parking lot at the Rio, where the event was held last September with record crowds.  The gastronomic festival and love affair with Italy will feature more than 70 restaurant food booths, 60 amusement rides and midway games including a petting zoo, pony rides and the 250-foot Slingshot Ride, and complimentary headliner entertainment, coordinated and hosted by Tony Sacca, who has been part of the event for more than 25 years. The Feast goes from 4 – 11p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 4 p.m. – midnight on Friday; 11 a.m. – midnight on Saturday; and 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Sunday. There is free parking in the Masquerade Garage and Rio Pavilion self-parking. Tickets are $8 for adults and $7 for seniors at the gate with $6 coupons on the Website www.sangennarofeast.com. Children 54 inches and under are free. For discount tickets or group rates, visit www.sangennarofeast.com.

Well, gang, that’s about it for this week. I’m outa here!