The Press-Tribune from Roseville, California • 36

2 Friday, November 19, 1993 Spotlight THE PRESS-TRIBUNE Spotlight Las Vegas moving toward more family fun ft bling areas is another big reason for Las Vegas to diversify. Even though it still reigns as mecca for those with an itch to roll the dice, flip the cards or pull the handles, other facets of the diamond are now being polished to a high shine. Last month saw the opening of the Mirage group's new "adventure resort" Treasure Island. The pirate-themed hotel and casino sports a marquee with a gold-toothed skull and crossed swords leering down at the Las Vegas Strip. A "sea-battle" ensues at intervals throughout the day and night with a British man-of-war taking on a pirate ship anchored in "Buccaneer Bay." Cannon shots are exchanged and explosions roar through both craft.

Eventually one of the ships really sinks into the bay. The battles can be viewed from the sidewalk. But from a seat on the patio of Treasure Island's Battle Bar you can actually feel the heat from the fiery pyrotechnic displays. Treasure Island offers a nice hotel and an extensive casino. But the down-side may be that it does not do enough with what should be a killer concept.

An ominous and intriguing video greets visitors as they enter the establishment. But there really are no hordes of pirates running wild, demanding that patrons eat, drink and be merry. No suggestions that everybody sing a sea chanty or risk being skewered. Rowdi-ness does not seem to be encouraged despite the pirate trappings. The standard uniform of most employees is a sedate period-style livery.

There is not a hook, a cutlass, or a dirk to be seen except for the well-done wall displays. There are no blackjack dealers with patches over one eye even though that might provide patrons with an edge many could use. The Egyptian-themed Luxor, built by the Circus Circus group, has also opened recently. And too soon, according to some early visitors. Luxor's unique sphinx and pyramid design has captured much attention.

Radically different from any of the buildings around it, the pyramid can be seen from miles away across the desert. A lazer spotlight reportedly shoots abeam of light miles into the night sky. A morning stroll through the facility revealed that one part of Luxor's three-part Egyptian adventure attraction was already out of order. It would not be back on-line for several days. Tape on the bannisters was one of several indications that construction was still in progress.

Luxor features a number of quiet and inviting restaurants located just a few feet from the casino. Fountains and indoor pools lend to the tranquility of these spots. But an enjoyable breakfast was interrupted by the sounds of a jack hammer or some other loud power tool suddenly blasting away just overhead. But other features like Luxor's expansive outdoor swimming pool area promise a comfortable stay for visitors who are willing to give the pyramid a chance to work out its problems. Farther down Las Vegas Boulevard, Circus Circus has also unveiled its Grand Slam Canyon.

Located under a pink By DAVID RICHIE Of The Press-Tribune LAS VEGAS In booking the extended run of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Starlight Express," the Las Vegas Hilton is on track with the move toward more family entertainment sweeping this desert oasis some still call "Sin City." It also continues a shift away from individual head-liner acts that have been a Las Vegas staple for decades. For example, Elvis Presley played 837 shows in 15 engagements at the Las Vegas Hilton Showroom from 1969 until his death. Kathy Shepard, the Hilton's director of public relations, noted that more big stars are mounting lengthy national tours that give fans a chance to see them closer to home. The once-exclusive nature of a Las Vegas engagement has been eroded. The high salaries being demanded by major entertainers is another factor prompting the big hotels to seek other options.

"Starlight Express" was one of a number of properties considered when the Hilton went looking for a show with broad-based appeal. "You can really make it a Vegas-style show. You can make it glitzy and unique," Shepard said. She also reeled off almost a dozen places throughout the nation from Connecticut to Chicago to New Orleans where gambling has been or will soon be legalized. A full-service casino designed by the Caesar's organization will also soon be built on Indian reservation land near Palm Springs in Southern California.

The proliferation of gam Anthony T. Perry as Electra "Starlight Express." dome that is also visible from a distance, this amusement park features an indoor roller coaster and several other thrill rides. Animatronic dinosaurs are also on the prowl. Meanwhile, right next door to Treasure Island, and connected by a fast-moving enclosed train, the Mirage continues on its steady course. The eco-friendly rain forest Special to The Press-Tribune and Reva Rice as Pearl in motif may be especially soothing for environmentally conscious boomers.

In addition to the standard giant casino, the Mirage also offers a view of the white tigers used by resident headliners Siegfried and Roy. The dolphin habitat also offers a casual observation area where a group of dolphins can be viewed. MUSIC Jerry McClendon 7V 1 1 Starlight Express: Theater Dinners Luncheons Cocktails LIVE Starting Wednesday, Nov. 24th JERRY McCLENDON Country Music Oldies But Goodies Come enjoy Jerry M'Clendons versatile vocal and instrumentations on guitar, saxophone, fiddle, keyboards harmonica! NEW LARGERDANCE FLOOR WedThurs. FriySat.

7:00 PM 8:30 PM 5140 Pacific Street Rocklin 624-3610 redesigned nicians are also involved in the production to provide effects that range from lasers to fireworks. This production is no ticky-tacky sideshow attraction. It is loaded, suitable for all ages, and a recommended stop on any Las Vegas vacation schedule. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

and the anticipated long run will allow for advanced planning. Information about show tickets and special Hilton Hotel room and show packages can be obtained by calling 1-800-STARLIGHT. (Continued from Page 1) GreaSebsftl is a hoot and he flexes'' h'fs! muscles well with numbers like "Rolling Stock" and "Pumping Iron." Perry as Electra is fluid, flashy and so ultra-modern that he is almost scary, especially in his introduction number "ACDC." Electra and Greaseball also combine with the Red Caboose played by T. Robert Pigott to sing the funny and crowd-pleasing "One Rock n' Roll Too Many." Another nice solo is provided by Dawn Marie Church as the much dumped on Dinah who sings the country-western lament "U.N.C.O.U.P.L.E.D." Matthew D. Burns also has some good goofy fun with the role of Dustin, the overweight coal car that helps Rusty gain speed on the downhill runs.

The Hilton Showroom has been completely gutted, redesigned and renamed the Las Vegas Hilton Theater to house the extended run of "Starlight Express." Scenic and costume designer John Napier and his associate, Ray Huessy, have designed a 1 wraparound roller rink that extends out and circles the audience. It also has multiple levels and ramps. Lighting design and special effects are by Rick Belzer, Alan Henderson and Douglas Cox. More than a dozen other tech.