Besides the war, the only news anyone around Las Vegas was buzzing about recently was the opening of Celine Dion's "A New Day" show and the $95 million, 4,000-seat Colosseum showroom at Caesars Palace. Everyone was asking one question, "What do you think of it?"

The reviews have been mixed, but everyone agrees the sound is beyond superb, the Colosseum is very grand, and some changes or tweaking will be done to the show.

"A New Day" is an effort to combine Dion's powerful voice and superstardom with a dramatic bigger-than-life production show created by Franco Dragone, the wizard behind many of the Cirque du Soleil shows. Does it work? Yes and no.

The show is visually inspiring with a giant $6 million LED screen serving as the backdrop for an ever changing kaleidoscope of lighting effects. As with most Cirque shows, it takes on a surreal painting-like look with stylized dancing and movement by a dance troupe in black and white. Two male characters, one dressed as a bellhop and another in a white suite, wander through scenes in the show.

An example of a spectacular Cirque touch happens during the song "World on a String" when a parade of oversized musical instruments literally fly across the stage.

Another highlight and strong point is that Dion is on stage singing most of the time and that's really what people want. Her three costumes changes aren't terribly inspiring and the jury is probably out on her new short hair cut. But if you're a fan of her long hair, just visit her large shop next to the theater where all the gift items from t-shirts to limited edition handbags for $3,400 have her pictured the old way.

Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera, two of today's hottest music superstars, will bring their summer-long "Justified and Stripped" North America Tour to the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, June 21. Tickets are $48, $78 and $98 plus applicable service charges, call Ticketmaster at 702-474-4000.

Multiple Grammy Award-winner Christina Aguilera co-wrote and co-produced her latest album "Stripped," which is already certified double platinum. Aguilera's self-titled debut album sold more than 12 million copies worldwide.

Justin Timberlake co-produced and co-wrote his solo platinum debut album "Justified." His second single off it, "Cry Me A River" is one of the most played songs on radio and the video is also getting extraordinary exposure.

Along with a proliferation of nightclubs in Las Vegas, comes a plethora of Irish pubs. The newest one currently under construction is the 9,000-square-foot Nine Fine Irishmen pub at New York-New York slated to open in July. The interior will replicate in fine detail the styles of pubs found across Ireland with Victorian bars, cottage areas and shop style snugs. It is being designed by the Irish Pub Company and built by Ireland's craftsmen with Irish material.

Keeping with authentisity, the eatery, that will overlook The Strip, will also showcase the diversity of genuine Irish food and ingredients. The menu will be a collaboration of nine of Ireland's finest chefs from across the country. Having had an opportunity to taste some of the food they will be serving, it is without question mouthwatering and memorable.

The pub's name is inspired by a group of nine extraordinary Irishmen in the 1800s who led lives of great adventure and achievement.

Pudgy! (Beverly Wines), the "Queen of Tease," recently joined the cast of the late-night adult revue, "Skintight," which is in its third year at Harrah's. She provides audiences with a comic interlude as she works the room, careening from seat to seat encouraging audience participation and displaying her quick wit, astounding memory and hilarious sing-a-longs including "We're Gonna Have a Party!" Her freewheeling spontaneity assures no two shows are ever the same.

When Wines began her entertainment career, female comics were about as rare as female mechanics. Now a veteran of television, she is one of America's most beloved comediennes.

Also featured in the revue is dancer Shannon O'Keefe, who was last seen starring in "Playboy's Wet and Wild Live," and was also in "Playboy" magazine. Sensual lead singer Darryl Ross has performed all over the world and been highlighted in a number of Playboy revues.

"Skintight," choreographed by the award-winning Mistinguett, features male and female dancers performing racy, sexy routines set to lively pop and rock 'n' roll beats. The show produced by Greg Thompson, who also produces "Showgirls" at the Rio, is performed in the Clint Holmes Theater nightly except Thursday. Tickets are $39.95 plus tax.

Recently had a fun time celebrating Houdini's 129th birthday. Of course, the famous magician and escape artist wasn't physically present, but other magicians were on hand to perform some of his feats and other tricks. The press event began with a tour of the tiny Houdini Museum located next to the Houdini Magic Shop in the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. The museum, open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., houses a priceless collection of Houdini artifacts, photos and documents. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children, and $5 for families, call 702-796-0301 for information.

Have to add that the party following the tour introduced us to the dining spot located on the second floor of the Canaletto Restaurant at St. Mark's Square in the mall. The elongated room is a delightful hideaway for small groups and offers a view of the Shoppes from windows on both sides. The food was also excellent.

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The Stratosphere each year lines up name entertainment and boxing at its Outdoor Events Center. The season will begin with The Temptations on April 12. There will be boxing on April 26 and June 14. Other headliners will include Gin Blossoms with Spin Doctors, May 10; Leann Rimes, May 17; Hootie and The Blowfish, May 24; Kansas, Blue Oyster Cult and Paul Rodgers with Bad Company, May 31; and the ever popular Beach Boy, June 20 and 21.

Howie Mandel, best known for his award-winning role on NBC's drama "St. Elsewhere," will perform at the MGM Grand's 740-seat Hollywood Theatre, April 24 - May 7. For reservations, call 800-929-1111 or 702-891-7777.

The multi-talented actor and comedian's career has encompassed virtually every area of entertainment including television, film and stage. He recently starred in "Crown Heights," playing a Jewish youth leader attempting to unite both Hasidic Jews and African-Americans. The film debuting on Showtime is based on a true story. Mandel also produced and created the Emmy Award-nominated children's series "Bobby's World," hosted "The Howie Mandel Show," a daytime talk and variety show, and performed in countless television comedy specials.

A local columnist has discovered what he believes to be the name of the new Cirque du Soleil production show going into New York- New York and opening on July 31. Accordingly, he says, "Zumanity" will be a provocative exhibition of human sensuality, arousal and eroticism with human inhibitions both unveiled and discarded.

The Fremont Street Experience will hold its Seventh Annual Mardi Gras Celebration on April 11 and 12. The free two-day Big Easy Bash includes five city blocks rockin' all weekend long with entertainment on three stages, parades, light and sound shows, and food and drink specials. For more information, call 702-678-5777 or 800-249-3559.

The entertainment lineup both days includes Theo & the Zydeco Patrol and Louisiana Sue from 6 to 8 p.m., Lil' Brian and the Zydeco Travelers and Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Cha's from 9 to 11 p.m.

Festive parades include big heads, stilt walkers, Mardi Gras floats, jugglers, mimes, Dixieland bands and thousands of free beads. Parade times are Friday, April 11 at 8:10 p.m. and 11:10 p.m., and Saturday, April 12 at 3, 5, 8:10 and 11:10 p.m.

The LPGA Tour will take place at the Las Vegas Country Club, April 14-19. The $1.1 million tournament will feature most of the top women golfers in the world. Daily tickets, good for admission to the grounds from Tuesday, April 15 through Saturday, April 19, can be purchased for $11. Admission on Monday is free. A weekly Ground Pass is $30 and a weekly Clubhouse Pass is $50, call 702-898-4653.

When Wayne Newton isn't headlining in his showroom, the Stardust books visiting headliners. The Neville Brothers are booked July 3-5, and again Sept. 11-13. Tickets are $29.95 plus tax. Actor Burt Reynolds, who appeared at The Orleans last year, will visit Aug. 28-31. Tickets are $39.95 plus tax. Don Rickles changes his opening act and singer Lorna Luft, who is Judy Garland's daughter, will share his stage, May 29-June 1.

The Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya, will defend his world titles against former world champion Yory Boy Campas on Top Rank's "Night of Champions" fight card at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Saturday May 3. De La Hoya gave a riveting performance winning in the 11th round last Sept. 14, at Mandalay Bay. Tickets range from $100 up to $600, call 702-632-7580. The fight will also be televised live and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View.

World Featherweight Champion Marco Antonio Barrera from Mexico will defend his crown against two-time world champion Kevin Kelley from New York in a 12-round bout produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View on Saturday, April 12. It will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The undercard will also feature a title bout between WBA Featherweight Champion Derrick Gainer and Oscar Leon.

King of the Cage "Sin City," a unique brand of no-holds-barred fighting, will take place at the new Orleans Arena on Friday, May 16, at 5:30 p.m. Three "King of the Cage" World Titles will be up for grabs, including the World Super Heavyweight, World Light Heavyweight and World Welterweight Championships.

Tickets range from $35 up to$200 plus applicable service charges, call 702-284-7777.

Kathleen Madigan, winner of an American Comedy Award for "Best Female Stand-Up Comedian," along with funny cohorts Gene Pompa and David Gee, will headline The Improv Comedy Club at Harrah's, April. 8-13. Tickets are $24.95 plus tax.

St. Louis native Madigan is the middle child of seven Irish-Catholic kids. After graduating with a journalism degree, she had no intention of becoming a stand-up comedian. She worked as an editor for in-house corporate publications and a free-lance writer until she stumbled upon amateur night at the St. Louis Funny Bone Comedy Club. Her original, gender-neutral material, superb timing and likeable persona made her one of comedy's rising stars and gave her television exposure.

The 10th annual City of Lights Jazz Festival is set for April 26 in Desert Breeze Park. It will feature more than 10 main artists, including Richard Elliot, Peter White, Kim Waters, Brenda Russell, Jeff Golub, Phil Perry, Steve Cole, Bob Baldwin, Chuck Loeb, Marion Meadows and Michael Mansion. Tickets are $54 and $85. Kids younger than 19 pay $15; those younger than 11 get in free, call 800-969-VEGAS (83427).

Galleria at Sunset, a five anchor, million-plus-square-foot mall with 140 stores in Henderson, has announced a "Fun In The Sun" show, June 27-29. The show will showcase 40 sports-related exhibits and feature demonstrations, educational talks and instructions about various outdoor activities. Companies and groups interested in participating in the show should contact Robert Norins at 602-346-5018.

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