by Jackie Brett Send Me E-mail

The new year is beginning with numerous showroom changes. The Amazing Johnathan as previously announced will be opening back downtown at the Golden Nugget after a year at the Flamingo. His late night spot at the Flamingo will be taken over by veteran stand-up comedian George Wallace.

"Catch A Rising Star," which has been at the Excalibur since March 2000, will close on Jan. 31. This time slot will be taken over by a one-man show, "Jeff Hobson's Money and Madness." He's reuniting with producer Dick Foster who had him in the spotlight in the show "Spellbound" that played at Harrah's before Clint Holmes took over. In the meantime, Hobson hosted "V-The Ultimate Variety Show" at The Venetian and most recently emceed "The World's Greatest Magic Show" at the Sahara. He'll open on Feb. 9. The cost will be $29.95.

Laughter is taking over at the Hard Rock. After two years staging comedy shows at a 1,200-seat Supper Club ballroom in New York City, Jeff Beacher has launched his Beacher's Comedy Madhouse. The Madhouse stand-up comedy format includes the added atmosphere of fire-breathers, stilt-walkers and circus performers along with a dozen exotic dancers. Beacher will introduce his late night offering as a weekly Saturday night deal beginning Super Bowl weekend.

Malibu Chan's, located at 8125 W. Sahara on the corner of Sahara and Cimarron in the West Sahara Promenade Shopping Center, will host "105.7 The Oasis Smooth Jazz Nights" on Wednesdays through the end of March. Jazz music is performed by local artists from 7 to 9 p.m. while Malibu Chan's offers food and specials. This month's schedule includes: Jan. 14 - Jim Spoto; Jan. 21 - The Glen Rich Band; and Jan. 28 - Ali Brothers.

Malibu Chan's has received accolades such as being named "One of the Great Neighborhood Restaurants," in Bon Appetit Magazine's 9th Annual Restaurant issue - September 2002; named "One of America's Finest Eateries" in Zagat-2001-2002; and "Best of Vegas," in Restaurant Marketing Magazine.

Malibu Chan's is owned and operated by Hawaiian restaurateurs Warren and Cathy Seta. The ambiance is casually elegant with earth-toned walls and cozy lounge, a 14-seat sushi bar and 40-foot open kitchen as the focus of the main dining room. It is open for dinner Monday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., call 702-312-4267.

At Bally's the Super Bowl Party on Feb. 1 will be held at Bally's Event Center with five large screen TVs and a wagering room. Price for the 2 p.m. event is $75 plus fees and taxes and it includes all you can eat Stadium style food and drinks, call 1-800-7BALLYS or 702- 739-4111.

At the Flamingo, there will be three events starting at 1 p.m. The Super Bowl Party at the Redrock Room is $50 plus fees and taxes and it includes a buffet menu complete with Buffalo wings, hot dogs, jalapeno poppers, assorted chips and dips, fresh fruits and a host bar. The Super Bowl Party at the Eldorado Ballroom and Savoy Room is $75 plus fees and taxes and it includes a buffet menu with various finger foods and appetizers and host bar. The VIP Super Bowl 2004 Party at the Second City Theatre is $100 plus fees and taxes and it includes assorted buffet menu with Alaskan king crab legs, jumbo shrimp, assorted sushi, appetizers, desserts, and host bar. For information, call the Flamingo at 1-800-732-2111 or 702-733-3331.

At the Las Vegas Hilton, the 2 p.m. event is a Super Bowl Party at the Las Vegas Hilton Center with betting stations and Miller Girls. The $55 plus tax and fees includes all you can eat pizza, burgers, hot dogs, chips, cotton candy, popcorn, sub sandwiches, ice cream treats, keg beer, bottled water, soda and wine. For information, call 1-800-732-7117 or 702-732-5111.

TV's Jay Leno is booked into the Danny Gans Theatre at The Mirage on Jan. 16 and 17.

Bill Medley, after losing his longtime Righteous Brother partner Bobby Hatfield, has an 11-week ala solo deal at The Orleans. The first engagement in March will be billed as "Bill Medley Celebrates the Righteous Brothers" and Hatfield's presence will be felt via old video.

Las Vegas prop comic Joe Trammel is rattling Saddam Hussein's cage.

Trammel, the emcee and special guest star in "Crazy Girls" at the Riviera, said he's getting the biggest response of his career since adding a bit that shows the former Iraqi dictator behind bars. He starts out with Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock," turns his back on the crowd, puts on a Saddam mask, and then faces the audience with his head stuck through a cardboard cutout of the ace of spades. His biggest reaction is when he puts Hussein behind bars. "Now I'm getting ready for (Osama) bin Laden," said Trammel.

Effective Feb. 1, the ticket price for "Tony n' Tina's Wedding" at the Rio will be $78.95 plus tax. The price is currently $77 plus tax.

One recent addition to the businesses at the new Mandalay Place upscale shopping center is the Godt-Cleary Gallery that promotes the contemporary fine art limited editions and functional objects by contemporary artists. What's interesting is the store is owned by Glenn Schaeffer, who is president and CFO of the Mandalay Resort Group. The gallery springs from Schaeffer's own collecting and interest in Contemporary and Aboriginal Art.

Santa Fe Station is about to undergo a major expansion in the north end of the valley. Movie theaters an additional casino space will be the key new additions and the bowling alley is slated to be renovated. The property's existing ice rink will be demolished.

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