by Jackie Brett Send Me E-mail

Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus' global smash hit musical “MAMMA MIA!” will return to The Strip in Spring 2014 with an open-ended run at The New Tropicana in the newly renovated, state-of-the-art Tropicana Theater.

“MAMMA MIA!” set the precedent for stage musicals in Las Vegas when it performed more than 2,200 times when it played over six years at Mandalay Bay.

“MAMMA MIA!” has been seen globally by more than 54 million people, in 38 productions in 14 languages in more than 400 cities. Now celebrating 12 years on Broadway, it is one of only five musicals to have run for more than 10 years there. The show is inspired by the story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs.

CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT TO MODERNIZE ‘JUBILEE!’ AT BALLY'S

“Jubilee!” at Bally's, the iconic show running more than 32 years on the Las Vegas Strip, will undergo a major transformation in early 2014. Bringing the show into the contemporary age is Frank Gatson Jr., one of the most celebrated creative directors and choreographers in the world.

While the best of the show's main elements will be preserved as a nod to the past, including the signature costumes and a number of the most iconic sets, the choreography, staging and music will be refreshed for today's audience.

With more than 30 years of experience, Gatson has provided direction for commercials for brands such as L'Oreal, American Express, Pepsi and Samsung, and has collaborated in several movies including “Living Out Loud,” the famous “Respect” number with Aretha Franklin in “Blues Brothers 2000” and characters in the Disney movie “Hercules.” Gatson has choreographed and directed music videos, special appearances and tours for the world's most celebrated artists, including Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, J. Lo, Rihanna, Diana Ross, Vanessa William, En Vogue, Usher, Mariah Carey and The Band Perry.

‘FANTASY’ LADIES DEBUT 2014 ANIMAL PRINT CALENDAR

The seductive ladies of the Luxor's adult revue “Fantasy” will debut their 2014 “Unleash Your FANTASY” calendar Tuesday, Oct. 22 with a Red Carpet appearance at 6:45 p.m. Shot by renowned photographer Oscar Picazo, each calendar image captures each Fantasy showgirl in stunning animal print body paint and striking surroundings to complement the natural beauty of each animal.

‘LEGENDS IN CONCERT’ ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY PRODUCTION

“Legends in Concert” at the Flamingo will again bring the holly jolly spirit to the Strip with holiday-themed performances Dec. 2-30. The lavish production will showcase superstar tribute artists Madonna, Michael Bublé, Michael Jackson and Elvis, singing the chart-topping hits that launched their celebrity characters into superstardom, as well as a few heart-warming holiday favorites. The show will conclude nightly with a grand cast finale and tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's “Christmas Eve in Sarajevo” (“Carol of the Bells”). For the first time, local choirs and performing arts groups have been invited to perform in the production. Also appearing will be finalists from the inaugural nationwide Legends-sponsored Santa Claus look-alike contest, which will kick off the magical festivities this year.

“Legends in Concert” performs Saturday through Thursday at 4 p.m. with additional shows at 7:30 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. on select other days of the week.

ALIANTE OPENS NEW 24-HOUR CAFÉ: FARM 24-7

Aliante will offer farm-to-table dining with the opening of a new 24-hour café, FARM 24-7, on Friday, Nov. 1, coinciding with the resort's one-year anniversary as an independent property. The 2,200-square-foot, 200-seat diner will offer a casual and comfortable atmosphere, with homemade pies and pastries available upon entry and a variety of artistic photos and artifacts from the providing farms including Cowboy Trail Farms and Gilcrease Orchard adorning the walls. Individual menu items will be named after local streets. All dishes will be made entirely from scratch.

PHOENIX WILL PERFORM WEEKLY AT EASTSIDE CANNERY

Local Las Vegas classic rock band Phoenix will perform every Wednesday from 9 p.m. to midnight in Marilyn's Lounge at the Eastside Cannery starting Nov. 6. The band is comprised of five world-class musicians whose individual résumés include extensive work with major recording artists, national and international performances, radio and television appearances, songwriting, and countless studio recordings. Admission to Marilyn's Lounge for Phoenix is free.

MGM CELEBRATES 2013 PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS WORLD FINALS

The MGM Grand is the “Home of Champions” as the world's Top 35 bull riders take over Las Vegas Oct. 23 - 27 for the 2013 Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Built Ford Tough World Finals. As the Official Host Hotel of the event, MGM Grand will celebrate the PBR's 20th consecutive year in Sin City and host a week of bull riding-themed activities including nightly events at the “8 Second Lounge” starting on Monday, Oct. 21 with a red carpet at 7:30 and Welcome Reception. There will be a Champions Bull Riders Autograph Signing on Friday, Oct. 25 from 2-3 p.m.

Throughout the week, the “8 Second Lounge” will feature nightly drink specials, live entertainment and the live feed of each PBR World Finals performance at 6 p.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27. At 9 p.m., the Chad Freeman Duo will perform Oct. 22-23, Sam Riddle Oct. 24-25, and the Tony Marques Band Oct. 26. Riddle will headline the Finals Wrap Party at 8 p.m. on Oct. 27. The Official PBR After-Party and Top 15 Bull Riders Q&A will be on Saturday, Oct. 26.

DOWNTOWN GETS READY FOR FIRST LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL FESTIVAL

The inaugural two-day Life is Beautiful Festival featuring music, food, art and learning Downtown takes place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26 and 27 and is expected to attract tens of thousands of people. It will span more than 15 city blocks and include: five musical stages; two chef demonstration stages; The Culinary Village, themed after a Moroccan Bazaar; The Alchemy Gardens, dedicated to craft cocktails; Art Odyssey, a former motel transformed into a pop-up gallery space; and more than 12 murals created by international street artists. The Killers will close the first year festival

There are official parking and shuttle pass options available via ticketmaster.com and the main entrance is located on 6^th Street and Carson Avenue, visit http://lifeisbeautifulfestival.com/.

STRATOSPHERE HOSTS FIREFIGHTER WORLD CHALLENGE XXII

More than 400 firefighters from around the world will compete in the Firefighter World Challenge XXII in the parking lot directly across Las Vegas Blvd. from the Stratosphere Tower from Oct. 22-27. Firefighters wearing full protective gear compete in Individual, Tandem, and Relay Team races, through five challenging firefighting tasks. The event is free for all ages.

Preliminaries are Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Finals are Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. On Oct. 26 at 11 a.m., Stratosphere headliner Frankie Moreno will sing the National Anthem, and at 11:30 Stratosphere Pin Up™ starlet Claire Sinclair will conduct an autograph signing. Event also includes a Kid's Challenge, CPR demonstration, class car and fire truck show, community awareness fair and vendor booths and food trucks.

PHIL FLOWERS PERFORMS CONCERTS AT THE SILVERTON

The Phil Flowers Dance Party will be held at the Veil Pavilion inside the Silverton on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. Guests will be able to dance to Phil Flowers and all the classic R&B, soul and jazz favorites, spanning popular music. Following the concert, a DJ will spin until midnight. Admission is $5.

On Saturday, Nov. 9, recording artist and celebrity impressionist Phil Flowers will perform “A Tribute to Luther Vandross” featuring the Grammy Award winner's trademark music at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

POLE DANCING HELPS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Night School 4 Girls, the 70-minute sultry moves pole dancing class with showgirl instructors from shows such as “Fantasy” and “Jubilee!,” is held at the Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Tickets start at $39 for general admission, call 702-701-7778. On Oct. 25, a special class will be held at 3:30 p.m., with a portion of proceeds going to Hard Rock International's PINKTOBER™ campaign benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure^®.

TOP OF NEXT COLUMN

LaserSpectacular will present the music of Pink Floyd “Live” featuring a live performance by Brody Dolyniuk, the founder of classic rock cover band Yellow Brick Road, on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Henderson Pavilion. LaserSpectacular is a multi-media laser and light show. Tickets start at $15, call 702-267-4TIX (4849).

On Monday, Oct. 28 at 9 p.m., the public is invited to STK, the steakhouse inside The Cosmopolitan, for the maddest tea party of the year “Absinthe in Wonderland,” a Halloween spectacular starring the cast of acro-cabaret variety show “ABSINTHE.” Guests will be transported into a whimsical forest utopia with enchanting “Alice In Wonderland”-themed rooms including a Queen of Hearts area complete with life size chess game pieces. Las Vegas' original Mad Hatter, foul-mouthed The Gazillionaire of “ABSINTHE” will host alongside his raunchy sidekick Penny Pibbets. Spooky Alice-inspired treats will include such delicacies as eyeball pumpkin soup shots and scream cheese rangoons.

PURE Nightclub inside Caesars Palace will transform into a haunting haven and host three evenings, Oct. 26, 29 and 31, filled with music and Halloween reverie. On Saturday, Blink-182's drumming sensation Travis Barker will performance alongside the DJ Mix Master Mike. On Tuesday, the Halloween costume contest will give away an eerie $10,000 in total cash and prizes. On Thursday, partygoers will dance to the beats of renowned DJ Gusto.

On Saturday, Oct. 26, Heart Bar at Planet Hollywood will have a costume contest with the top three costumes taking home a share of $5,000.

Carnaval Court will have a costume contest on Thursday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 2. Contestants must be present between 8 and 11 p.m. and the winners will be chosen between midnight and 12:30 a.m. A total of $10,000 will be given away throughout the two days including a $1,500 cash prize.

The VooDoo Rooftop Nightclub at the Rio will have a costume party on Thursday, Oct. 31. The scariest costume, most original costume and sexiest costume will each go home with $2,000.

The Sports Bar at The Quad will award $5,000 in cash prizes for the best three costumes on Thursday, Oct. 31.

The 9Group will host “nights of the killer costume” Halloween parties with more than $35,000 in cash and prizes at Ghostbar, The View and Moon Nightclub inside the Palms. The Ghostbar's “Back 2 the Future” party is Oct. 26; The View's “Thriller” on Oct. 29, Moon Nightclub's $10,000 “Sexy Costume Contest” is Oct. 29; and Ghostbar's $10,000 “Zombie Prom” Halloween Costume Contest is Oct. 31.

Wear a costume and experience a frightening “Halloween Horror” edition of Hyde Bellagio's Lost Angels insider night hosted by Marilyn Manson on Tuesday, Oct. 29.

Cabo Wabo Cantina inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will celebrate “CABOWEEN” at the Strip-side restaurant with drink specials and “Trick or Tweet” Twitter giveaways by tweeting costume photos starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31 through Saturday, Nov. 2.

Nonprofit Nevada Arts Advocates (NAA) will celebrate its 14^th Annual Nevada Arts Advocates Gala, Friday, Nov. 1 at Santa Fe Station with radio and television personality Lark Williams as emcee. The event will feature a special performance by Spyro Gyra, the acclaimed American jazz fusion band, in Santa Fe Station's Chrome Showroom. The awards will be the following: Arts Advocacy Award to Michael Schivo, the legendary producer and promoter of rock and jazz concerts; Grammy-nominated American jazz fusion band Spyro Gyra; Adam Steck, the founder and CEO of SPI Entertainment, Inc., will receive the NAA's Leadership Award for the significant role he has played in making Las Vegas one of the world's leading entertainment destinations; and NAA's Legend Award to Dr. Douglas Peterson, director and conductor of the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society (SNMAS) for the past 45 years. Tickets are $100.

Blue Man Group celebrated its one-year anniversary at Monte Carlo recently with an appropriate cake for cast and crew. In the first year, Blue Man Group used 2,124 Twinkies; 18,585 marshmallows; 2,655 gallons of paint; and 3,186 drum sticks.

Blue Man Group offers a free Procession, an energetic luminescent parade, daily at 6:15 p.m. (excluding dark days) on the casino floor prior to the show. The Procession features custom-made instruments including the Percussipede, a musical centipede of percussion instruments, and a puppet co-created by world-renowned 3-D designer Michael Curry.

In honor of Nevada's 150th birthday in 2014, “Nevada Magazine” has published a special 159-page book titled “Historical Nevada: 150 Memorable Images in Celebration of the Silver State's Sesquicentennial.” This publication celebrates the state's heritage with the cover showing the Virginia and Truckee Railroad as it was in 1876 Carson City. The book sells for $29.95, visit nevadamagazine.com or call 775-687-0610.

The 2014 Nevada Historical Calendar is also produced by “Nevada Magazine” and costs $14.

In addition, “Nevada Magazine” is hosting Nevada Photographers Day II, Oct. 25-27. The magazine is inviting all photographers, statewide, to capture the Nevada Day spirit from small towns to big cities during a 72-hour period. Submissions and detailed photo descriptions are due by Monday, Nov. 11 at 5 p.m. For information, visit www.nevadamagazine.com/nevada-photographers-day.

Immediately following his sold-out show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Grammy Award-nominated hip-hop artist, J. Cole, will visit PURE Nightclub to host his “What Dreams May Come” official after-party and kick off Halloween weekend, Friday, Oct. 25.

To celebrate Nevada Day and the 75^th Anniversary of the Nevada Day Parade, Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort (LVSSR) is offering a one-day flash sale on the new Battle Born season pass for the 2013/14 Season priced at $349. Only 75 passes will be available for purchase starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25 online only at www.skilasvegas.com.

Country singer and songwriter David Nail, who made his first mark on the country music scene with the single “Memphis,” will appear at Santa Fe Station on Saturday, Oct. 26 with Brothers Osborne. Tickets range from $19-$39.

Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan will highlight legendary techno icon, Richie Hawtin, when he performs a late-night set on Oct. 26.

The Range 702 will celebrate the largest indoor shooting facility in Nevada's one-year anniversary by hosting a lively parking lot party on Friday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. complete with several action-packed vendors, a Beer Garden, a complimentary weenie roast, and a live raffle including more than $10,000 in prizes. The Range 702 is located at 4699 Dean Martin Drive.

The Nevada Ballet will perform “Swan Lake” Act II and “Sleeping Beauty” Act III (Aurora's Wedding) at The Smith Center on Nov. 1 and 2. Tickets are from $35.

Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Southern Nevada will host a kosher BBQ Cook-off & Health Fair fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 28 from noon to 4 p.m. at JCC of Southern Nevada's Summerlin campus. There will be activities for adults and children including a health and fitness fair and a kosher barbecue lunch. Tickets are $20 for JCC members and $25 for non-members; $10 and $12 for 12 and under.

The inaugural ArtWalk at Boca Park Fashion Village located at Rampart Blvd. and Charleston will be held all-day Oct. 25-27.

This year's Hispanic International Day Parade celebrating the Americas will be held at the Henderson Events Plaza from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Oct. 26. Admission is free.

Now in its 15th year, the ArtWalk at Trails Village Center in Summerlin Will have 80 booths of fine art and crafts, feature Sedona musician Vibhas Kendzia on the Starbucks patio, and have a Kid's Art Park. The day-long event dates are Nov. 2 and 3 starting at 10 a.m. at 1970 Village Center Circle.