Theater News

Las Vegas Spotlight: April 2010

Tell the Tale

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

Chazz Palminteri’s semi-autobiographical A Bronx Tale returns to The Venetian for another limited run, April 28-May 9, following its huge critical success. For those who missed it when it came to Vegas last fall, the solo play is a vivid depiction of a young boy’s life on the mean streets of the Bronx during the 1960s, and the characters he encountered. This truly unforgettable coming-of-age story is written by and stars Palminteri, with direction by four-time Tony winner Jerry Zaks.

Can we talk? Legendary comedienne Joan Rivers, known for her brash, no-holds-barred humor — and multiple plastic surgeries – also returns to The Venetian (April 8-10, and April 15-17). Meanwhile, comedy superstar Jerry Seinfeld brings huge laughs to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace (April 30-May 1).

There are even more big laughs this month, and that’s no April Fools’ joke. Hang with Mr. Cooper himself, Mark Curry, at The Hilton (April 1-4). Cigar smoking, scotch drinking “Blue Collar Comedy Tour” favorite Ron White brings the funny to The Mirage (April 9-10). Deadpan comic Steven Wright is at The Orleans (April 10). Former Saturday Night Live “Weekend Update” host and all-around funnyman Dennis Miller is also at The Orleans, April 16-18. Broadway veteran Cedric the Entertainer, one of the Original Kings of Comedy, stops by Planet Hollywood (April 30), and Joel McHale of the hit sitcom Community performs at Mandalay Bay (April 30).

If you’re in the mood for more traditional theater fare, Las Vegas Little Theatre’s Fischer Black Box presents William Mastrosimone’s Extremities (April 9-18), directed by Daneal Doerr. The gripping drama tells about a woman who turns the tables on a rapist. And at the Las Vegas Little Theatre’s Mainstage is Paul Rudnick’s Regrets Only (April 2-18), directed by Walter Niejadlik. The comedy of manners takes on marriage, the upper class and how gay politics affects a friendship.

Nevada Conservatory Theatre presents William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, at the Judy Bayley Theatre (April 23-May 2). One of The Bard’s most uproarious comedies, it’s the tale of love, lust and mistaken identity in the woods. Also, The Las Vegas ArtHouse Theater presents Community Relations (April 9-11), by Evan Farber, about newlyweds who quickly come to the realization that married life is harder than they both thought.

April brings a huge event for fans of country music. The Academy of Country music honors country superstars Brooks & Dunn with the taping of their TV special, Brooks & Dunn – The Last Rodeo, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena (April 19). Celebrating the duo for being the all-time leading ACM award winners, the show features a killer line-up: Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban, along with many others.

Additional music acts this month include Melissa Etheridge at Star of the Desert Arena (April 3), AC/DC at the MGM Grand Garden Arena (April 9), Alicia Keys, with special guests Robin Thicke and Melanie Fiona at Mandalay Bay (April 9), Earth, Wind & Fire at the Las Vegas Hilton (April 16-17), Them Crooked Vultures at The Joint at Hard Rock (April 17), and Daughtry at the Orleans (April 29).

For those of you looking for a show for the kiddies, Sesame Street Live: 123 Imagine! With Elmo and Friends will be at the Cox Pavilion at the Thomas and Mack Center, April 15-18. Join Elmo, Grover, Ernie, Bert and the rest of the Sesame Street gang as they teach kids that with the power of imagination, you can do anything.