St. Louis Post-Dispatch from St. Louis, Missouri • Page 130

Advertising Supplement ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH Advertising Supplement SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1992 0 1 i I i 11 ri ri rn ri mm n-n 4T a. 1 1 1 1 Planning A Las Vegas Trip? Here's The Latest By Jackie Brett ghat's doin' in Las Vegas? The biggest news comes from the Desert Inn. At an old-fashioned, high-powered press conference the Desert Inn spelled out its new entertainment policy, which in essence is the packaging of a new "Rat Pack" that will get a piece sounds around them through headphones that contain a receiver and an adjustable volume knob. The sounds of the show are picked up and transmitted to the lightweight Walkman-like headsets by infrared signals mounted on each side of the showroom and above the stage.

The listening devices can becobtained from the maitre d' upon entering the showroom and returned after the performance. On Friday, Jan. 10, a new television series filmed largely on location at Caesars Palace debuted on CBS. Aaron Spelling's "Hearts Are Wfltr looks behind the glamour, glitter and dreams of Las Vegas into the lives-of all those who pass through its portals. A little bit like "Hotel," there's a steady cast representing the owner Of Caesars Palace, a casino manager, heaWof guest releatlons, etc.

Guest stars appear in each episode and the stories devolve around them. At least six episodes of "Hearts" will air before it's determined if it will become a TV fixture like the old series. Three movies filmed largely in the Las Vegas area over the prist several months will be released this year. Keep an eye out for the following? Disney's "Honey, I Blew Up The Baby," writer Nora Ephron's directorial debuViThis Is My and "Honeymoon in Las Vegas" starring James Caan, Nicholas Cage and hundreds of Elvis impersonators. Sinatra Returns To Desert Inn complete with pirates.

Construction is suppose to begin next summer with completion in mid-1994. Both of the above announcements followed an earlier groundbreaking for the MGM Grand theme park and hotel. This project is being built across the street from the Tropicana and it will cost $l-billion. Two Las Vegas hotels are in the process of changing their names. The Holiday Casino on the strip will soon become "Harrah's Las Vegas" as the result of its acquisition by the Promus Company, which owns Harrah's.

With 1,725 rooms, the hotel will become the largest to carry the Harrah's name. Jackie Gaughan, owner of the Union Plaza hotel in downtown Las Vegas, has officially changed the name of the property to "Jackie Gaughan's Plaza." One of the upcoming shows that will be the most interesting will be Natalie Cole at Caesars Palace March 6-8. Having watched her work over the past 15 years in Las Vegas, the one element that's been consistent with her act on stage is change. In the beginning she struggled desperately to do her "own thing" which was defiantly different from her famous father, Nat King Cole. The drugs she used at the start were obvious to even the least astute viewer.

Her recovery was more than commendable, however, musically she continued to struggle with only an occasional hit. Her first post-rehab album, "Dangerous" flopped in 1985. "Everlastingly" in 1987, did better with two hits. Last June, Natalie released an album of 24 of her father's songs called "Unforgetable" which is what it is. It's a three-million seller album and proof that at least she knows what audiences want to hear.

Seeing Natalie Cole at Caesars Palace this year will be a real treat because she's arrived. She may even have the "Song of the Year" this year. If you're looking for George Burns over the next five years in Las Vegas, his contract is with the Riviera Hotel. Last month he turned 96 years young. Burns' career is unreal.

He's always in the news. Just last month, he was on the cover of Penthouse Magazine for the third time, posing with Brandy, the 1992 Penthouse Pet of the Year. George Carlln will be at Bally's February 13-19. He's probably best known for his routine on "The Seven Words You Can't Use On Televison." In his latest foray into the boob tube medium, those seven words were definitely not heard. The UNLV Jazz Program and Performing Arts Center is going to present a series of events February 14-17, celebrating the birthday of bandleader Stan Kenton.

The festival will feature trumpeter Maynard Ferguson, special guests The Four Freshmen, and other Kenton alumni. On Feb. 14, there will be a free panel discussion at 7 pm. in the Richard Tarn Alumni Center at UNLV covering "The Kenton Legacy." On Feb. 15 at 8 pm.

and February 16 at 2 pm. there will be two special shows at the Judy Bayley Theater. Both cost $10 and will be band tributes and reunions. Jackie Brett writes for the Las Convention and Visitors Bureau. INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE PROVIDED BY ADVERTISERS of the financial pie.

Jeff Kutash's "ShowStopper," after nothing but poor reviews, closed at the Desert Inn on Jan. 19, thus making room for the star headliner to take over. The lead star out will be Frank Sinatra on Feb. 12. He'll be followed by the rest of the pack: Dean Martin, Shirley MacLaine, Liza Minnelll, Steve and Eydle Gorme, and Paul Anka.

Each performer has signed a two-year contract to do at least five weeks a year in the small 636-seat showroom. This will be Sinatra's first engagement at the Desert Inn since 1951, and he'll appear through Feb. 16. The new policy includes an opportunity for the entertainers to purchase stock options in the Desert Inn. The resort is a private company that is expected to go public in the near future.

The new image for the Desert Inn includes a wall of memorabilia from the stars, and the addition of a star to the hotel logo with a new moniker, "The Stars' Desert Inn." This expensive endeavor on the part of the Desert Inn is being done to try and retrieve the mystique and excitement generated by these stars who literally helped put Las Vegas on the map. The Desert Inn is also a high-roller house with the right audience for these well seasoned "saloon singers." Other names are also being sought to join this team who will be "hanging out" at the Desert Inn. though every star spoke at the press conference, all agreed that MacLaine's description of what the hotel is doing was the best, "It's creating the future, in the present, against the backdrop of the past." Another aspect of this new star policy includes the remodeling of the lounge into the Starlight Theatre, an intimate cabaret style showroom. This entertainment arena will feature some of the most popular musical and comedic talents in the country. Hold onto your hats, because more changes are in the offing.

Rich Little will be opening at the Sahara on Feb. 15 with a revue. This wouldn't be a hot item but the show he's displacing is Melinda's, the First Lady of Magic. The fact that they are past lovers and their current feud has been all over television and the tabloids makes this a curious move. However, the bottom line is Melinda needs to find a showroom for her magic show and she'll be getting "Little" help.

Robert Goulet has just announced that he'll be performing in concert with no opening act at the Dunes Feb. 4-23. This is a good time to catch him before he heads back east to start rehearsal on "Camelot." Once again he'll play the king and take the famous show on a world tour. "Keep Smilin' America," the Holiday Casino's flag-waving musical production show, closed a three-year run on New Year's Eve. A hotel spokesperson said they're looking to institute a more unified entertainment policy with the Other Harrah's resorts in Lake Tahoe and Atlantic City.

The hotel plans to reopen the showroom with a new production show over the President's Day holiday and let it run until Memorial Day as the Holiday continues its name-change transition to Harrah's Las Vegas by next fall. The word now is "Spellbound" is the show that will open on Feb. 14, for 14 weeks at the Holiday Casino. "Spellbound" was once the headlining show at the old Landmark Hotel and it garnered good reviews. Las Vegas-based producers Dick and Lynne Foster have signed a third contract extension with the Aladdin to keep "Alakazaam" at the resort at least through July.

Wayne Newton has signed a new contract with the Las Vegas Hilton. He'll be headlining there 19 weeks this year. The legendary Newton always sings to sold out crowds. For reserved seat tickets call (702) 732-5755. The Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil will establish a permanent home at The Mirage this year.

The premiere performance is scheduled for Nov. 22, which will commemorate the third anniversary of the hotel. Cirque du Soleil is not just another circus. It was founded in 1984 by Guy T-akiberte, and it's been described as a total theater experience with a unique )lend of circus acts. One of the things that makes cirque different from other circuses is the absence of performing animals.

There's still a lot of details to be worked out. Tickets will probably be about $45 with shows daily that follow the Las Vegas tradition of 90-minutes in length. Some exciting new construction is on the horizon. At last, Circus Circus ii Leas gjeos 'V, LIVELY ACTION, GREAT VALUE OH THE LAS VEGAS STRIP! it ill On Feb. 17, the festival will move to "Monday Jazz Night" at the Four Queens.

There will be three shows at 7:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 1 1:30 pm. featuring Kenton greats trumpeter Conte Candoli and tenor saxophonist Bill Perkins. The admis sion for these performances is a one-drink-minimum and reservations are suggested call (702) 385-4011. For details on the whole weekend call (702) 739-3801.

HG0r1S AT SENSIBLE RATES McCarran Airport is keeping up with the latest trend in the fast food industry. Fast-food restaurants are popping up in airports all over the nation and now McCarran has four new Taco Bell Express restaurants. The new Taco Bells join a pair of mini-Pizza Hut restaurants and several TCBY yogurt outlets already in Blackjack Roulette 950,000 Keno 14 Liberal Dollar Slot Salons Lunch Dinner Buffet. Nightly ENJOY THE EXCITEMENT OF OUR CASINO, FEATURING LOOSE SLOTS, LIVE GAMES, TERRIFIC FOOD, AND SENSIBLY PRICED ROOMS. operation in the nation's 17th largest airport.

Incorporated in all four Taco Bells at McCarran are Arriba Margarita Bars, This is a pilot project for MarriottHost which runs all the food outlets at the airport. The bars, which resemble Mexican cantinas, serve 16- or 30-ounce Make vour reservations: premium margarits in different flavors, made with Cuervo Gold Tequila. DIAL 1 -0Q0-654-6Q05 FREE Rio Rita's Jackpot Jungle is the newest slot carousel concept in Las Vegas where 100 slot and video poker machines are grouped in a jungle setting amidst Call 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. PST.

as you dial, pnone charges billed automatically to hotel. WO COSt tO VOU! OK WU TWIB THAWBL HCBHT. 20 live palm trees, what different is each machine supports its own television monitor and displays selected Rio videos. On the 6-inch television screen you YOUR BEST BET! True Las Vegas Hospitality terrific fOOO and nightly entertainment. Choose the ca-Fae for 24-hour dining, Including a delicious lunch and dinner buffet.

may catch everything from live keno to movies, or cartoons to sporting events, Baseball season is never over at the Las Vegas Club located downtown. Baseball enthusiasts will enjoy the Sports Hall of Fame there and it free. On Jan. 26, the Americans with Disabilities Act went into effect. One major 2900 Las Vegas Blvd.

So. Las Vegas, NV 89109 MAM requirement of the new disabilities act is all showrooms, lounges, meeting rooms, movie theaters and concert halls, have to be equipped with assistive listening systems for the hearing impaired. The Las Vegas Hilton and the 5) CASIIMO LAS VEGAS Enterprises has announced its plans to build a hotel complex on the Strip adjacent to the Excalibur. The new resort with a working title of "Project will cost approximately $279 to $290 million. Construction will begin in the early part of next year with completion slated for autumn 1993.

Project will be a soaring pyramid featuring a bronze reflective glass exterior and a 30-story interior atrium. The timeless pyramid will evoke a theme of exploration. Steve Wynn has also announced a new project for The Mirage Resort Inc. The theme for this resort is Treasure Island and it will be adjacent to The Mirage. The plans call for a hotel exploring the Caribbean atmosphere Imperial Palace have already responded.

The Imperial Palace has introduced a revolutionary audio system in the showroom so hearing impaired people can enjoy the sound of the "Legends In Concert" show. It's the first hotel in Nevada to equip its showroom with a communication system called the Sennheiser Infrared Assistive Listening Device. The system enables hearing impaired persons to clearly distinguish the hi ir-ni lift itmm 15995Fom20995 From Per Person Air Hotel Per Person Air Only FITZGERALDS 20995 HACIENDA GARDEN 20995 LADY LUCK GARDEN 21995 STARDUST TOWER 21 995 SAHARA BUDGET 21 995 MAXIM 22995 DUNES GARDEN 23995 Air and 4 nights' hotel from $215. Monday departures from $179 and Sunday departures from $199. Thursday and Friday departures from $229.

Nonstop flights via Sun Country Airlines. Choose from 16 popular hotels on the strip and downtown. Car rental or transfer option also available. First day Alamo car rental free. The following prices include $179 airfare, 4 nights' hotel and MLT's exclusive discount fun book: Palace Station from $215 Imperial Palace from $275 Golden Nugget from $255 Mirage from $305 With MLT, you can count on a worry-free Las Vegas vacation.Jwfact, MLT is the only vacation wholesaler to win the Las Vegas Whilwler of the Year award three times.

And only MLT has a 99 custoJJIef, satisfaction rating. Prices listed represent the best values; they may only be available on certain departures, are subject to change, and are not retroactive. Due to limited allocation of airfares, certain prices may not be available at time of booking. Air and hotel prices are per person based on double occupancy and vary with choice of hotel and departure date. Seats and rooms are subject to availability.

Cancellation penalties may apply. MLT passengers will receive an OperatorParticipant Contract containing complete charter program information, A signed contract must accompany the first payment to MLT. fr Prices listed represent lowest fares offered and are available only on certain departures. Air and Hotel prices are per person based on double occupancy and vary with choice of Hotel and departure date. Seats and rooms may be limited and are subect to availability.

Prices are subject to change and are not retroactive. Terms and conditions including cancellation penalties apply and can be obtained at time of booking or inquiry. Discounts are not retroactive and apply to new bookings only. -For Reservations or Information Call: ASTA vmiiBiis -Call a travel agent listed below for reservations ALOHA TRAVEL 3350 McKelvey Rd. 291-1234 Ftatort63UK)0 Bellefontaine 867-6666 ATLAS TRAVEL 845 N.

Hwy.67 921-4600 BLACK JACK TRAVEL Black Jack 355-78311-800-886-5225 BLITZ WORLD WIDE TRAVEL 8918 Manchester 961-2700800-473-6096 BOB WADE'S CASINO JUNKETS 441-5555 BON VOYAGE TRAVEL 153 S. Florissant 522-1144 (800) 327-3579 12027 Manchester 821-2333 BRENTWOOD TRAVEL Clnvton 961-5333 FAMOUS BARR TRAVEL BLACKJACK TRAVEL TRAVEL BOUTIQUE INC. 314-230-9000, 1-800-999-5592 355-78311-800-886-5225 421-1295 BLITZ TRAVEL SERVICE 389-9099 THE TRAVEL 291-6783 CENTER, INC 8918 Manchester 961-2700 Downtown Clayton Northland Northwest West County South County Alton St. Clair 1-800-473-6096 2365 Hampton Ave.w647-7900 St. Louis 1-8PP-879-3361 966-3443 487-5750 (618)465-7205 (618) 632-5955 CHESTERFIELD TRAVEL 265 Lamp 8c Lantern Village 394-5500 CLASSIC TRAVEL INC.

10120 W. Florissant Ave. 869-0388 CREATIVE TRAVEL CENTER Granite City (61 8) 877-3000 Troy (61 8) 667-3040 Edwardsville (618) 692-1660 FAMOUS BARR TRAVEL Dowtown 421-1295 Clayton 726-6121 Northland 389-9099 West County 966-3443 South County 487-5750 Alton (61 8) 465-7205 Northwest 291 -6783 St. Clair Sq. (61 8) 632-5955 GULLIVERS TRAVEL 9-9 Daily12-6 Sunday Mid Rivers Mall 279-1900 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL CRUISE Dierbergs Plaza 837-2220 1-800-848-1819 JEFFCO TRAVEL 1331 Jeffco Blvd.

Arnold 296-4700 Mccormick travel 1601 Vandalia Collinsville. IL (618) 344-7011 MID RIVERS TRAVEL St. Peters, MO 278-6444 PATHflNPER TRAVEL Arnold, MO 296-3296 (800) 373-7023 Warrenton, MO 456-7284 THE TRAVEL CENTER 2365 Hampton Ave. 647-7900 1-800-879-3361 TRAVEL AGENTS INTERNATIONAL Ballwin Plaza 394-3500 l-270 8i Olive 469-8080 7315 Watson Rd. 832-8200 South County 487-8887 Jefferson County 671-0661 Woods Mill Clayton 391-7540 TRAVEL ASSOCIATES 6762 Chippewa 352-6220 TRAVEL CONNECTION Chesterfield 532-5990 TRAVEL EXPRESS So.

County 892-8882 632-1200 Alton (618) 466-8080 Edwardsville (618) 656-8100 Waterloo (61 8) 939-3838 Columbia (61 8) 281-8200 TRAVEL EXPRESS Belleville, IL (618)234-1046 BOB WADE'S CASINO JUNKETS 441-5555 TRAVEL EXPRESS South County 314-892-8882 In Illinois: -n Y- 800-634-3450 OH (702i 734-Q41 0 Suites, Weekends, and Holiday Periods Higher. Rates Do Not Apply To Groups and Are Subject to Change. Sun. Thru Thurs. Only (800) 466-0024 or 527-1 059 BON VOYAGE TRAVEL 153 S.

Florissant Rd. 522-1144 Edwardsville Fairview Godfrey Waterloo 618-656-8100 618-632-1200 618-466-8080 618-939-3838 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL CRUISE 204 N. Hwy. 67, Dierbergs Plaza 314-837-2220 or 1-800-848-1819 JAN'S TRAVEL LTD. 11048 Manchester Road St.

Louis 1-800-327-3579 BRYANT TRAVEL 965-1005 or 839-8100 Lindbergh Center St. Louis 831-0206 UNLIMITED TOURS TRAVEL, INC. 5423 Chippewa SI: 1,1 353-4020 or 1-800-264-UTTI WELCOME ABOARD TRAVEL Las Vegas Specialists Northwest Square 344-8844 LET'S TRAVEL 1515 N. Warson Road COMPASS TRAVEL BRYANT TRAVEL 3379 N. Hwy.67 Ste A 831-0206 (800)966-8416 CARDINAL TRAVEL INC.

Hazelwood 895-101080 0 325-4133 CARLSTROM TRAVEL 1139 Olive St. 241-4727 CAVE SPRIN6S TRAVEL 4101 Mexico Rd. St. Charles 441-5400 355-64001-800-525-6320 991-2860 or 423-1010 CONRAD TRAVEL LTD. MANCHESTER TRAVEL 12027 Manchester Road 618-281-55551-800-535-3260 HOTEL CASINO LAS VEGAS St.

Louis 821-2333 APOLLO HOLSKE TRAVEL CONSULTANTS RUNAWAY TRAVl 3840 Parker Roa4. J831-6100 10002 Bellefontaine 467-6666 11884 Gravois 849-6440 Mccormick travel Collinsville, IL 618-344-7011 ft.