Theater News

Las Vegas Spotlight: January 2007

When You Got It, Flaunt It!

David Hasselhoff and Mel Brooks
(© Michael Portantiere)
David Hasselhoff and Mel Brooks
(© Michael Portantiere)

Well, it’s finally here! Las Vegas audiences will get to see those unlikely heroes Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom pursue their wacky scheme to create the most profitable flop in Broadway history when the Mel Brooks comedy extravaganza The Producers begins performances at the Paris on January 31.

The role of Bialystock. the conniving producer who swindles litte old ladies out of their life savings, will played by Brad Oscar, who received a Tony Award nomination for playing crazy German playwright Franz Liebkind in the original production. He eventually inherited the lead role after original star Nathan Lane’s departure, and has played Max to rave reviews throughout the country.

But it’s the casting of the flamboyant, cross-dressing Roger DeBris that has really been generating the buzz. None other than Knight Rider and Baywatch star David Hasselhoff will be assaying the role of the wretched director-turned-actor who accidentally saves the doomed production of Max and Leo’s Springtime For Hitler with his campy portrayal of Der Fuhrer.

This month on the mainstage at Las Vegas Little Theatre is Steven’s Dietz’s Fiction (January 12-28). Directed by Paul Thornton, the play features Tressa Bern and Robb Turney as Linda and Michael Waterman, a married couple who are both successful writers. But the happy and honest relationship that they enjoy is shaken when the pair decides to share their diaries with each other.

Heading over to the casinos, the hilarious Howie Mandel (January 4-17), taking a break from hosting NBC’s hit game show Deal or No Deal, and eternal sex symbol Tom Jones both perform over at the MGM Grand (January 18-21). Meanwhile, the Venetian continues to host the popular musical Phantom — The Vegas Spectacular; Cirque du Soleil’s latest extravaganza, LOVE, set to the music of The Beatles, continues to delight fans at the Mirage; and Shag with a Twist, newly ensconced at the Plaza Hotel & Casino, is a murder mystery told through dance.