by Jackie Brett Send Me E-mail

The $139 million expansion of the Forum Shops at Caesars has made room for 57 new retailers and restaurants. The first phase of the Forum Shops opened in May 1992 with 283,000 square feet of retail space and five-and-a-half years later the center expanded to 500,000 square feet. The mall's sales average more than $1,400 per square foot, which is more than four times the U.S. average for enclosed shopping centers.

In the new addition, four multilevel, spiral escalators flanking the lobby are making for a grand entrance. The escalators, made by Mitsubishi Electric - the world's only manufacturer of spiral escalators - are the first of their kind in Las Vegas and only the second in operation in the United States.

Other visual impacts hitting the mall's 50,000 daily visitors are the spacious three-level atrium centered by a 44-foot diameter domed skylight.

The new wing also offers street front entrances to Las Vegas Blvd. and an exterior that is just as ornate and grand as the interior. Outstanding exterior opulence is displayed by a 60-foot-by-30-foot reflecting pond with a two-thirds scale replica of the Italian Trevi Fountain. The exterior also includes 57 classical statues, the tallest stands 38-feet high, while deep reliefs on the exterior hold many of the smaller statues.

"Forbidden Vegas," a satirical production from the creator, writer, and producers of the 23-year New York hit "Forbidden Broadway," has announced the show's world premiere at the 250-seat Westin Theatre in The Westin Casuarina on Flamingo across from Bally's.

"Forbidden Vegas" will be an all-new musical comedy revue with more than 30 parodies of famous Las Vegas headliners and entertainment productions. Four cast members accompanied by on-stage musical director Kim Steiner will spoof well-known celebrities, attractions and productions that have made Las Vegas the Entertainment Capital of the World. "Forbidden Vegas" will cover the likes of Celine Dion, "Mamma Mia!," Blue Man Group, Wayne Newton, the Cirque du Soleil shows, and many more in a very witty, creative tongue-in-cheek format.

As is the custom for Broadway productions, "Forbidden Vegas" will offer previews at a special rate starting Friday, Nov. 19. Preview ticket prices are $39.95 plus applicable taxes and fees and the world premiere is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2005, when tickets will be $49.95 plus taxes and fees. For tickets, call 866-212-7026.

Harrah's recently renovated the space previously known as La Playa Lounge and re-opened it as The Piano Bar, a sophisticated music hall reminiscent of a cozy and comfortable neighborhood New York City tavern.

The combined efforts of the upbeat bartenders, the TJ's All-Star Karaoke and the dueling piano players, make the lounge a happening place.

The Twin Keys act features identical dueling piano twins, Kimberley and Tamara Pinegar. These ladies perform an all-request, sing-along show that incorporates audience participation and comedy. The twins began playing piano duets at the age six on a family piano they shared. They've toured internationally and worked for Disney Cruise Line. In March 2003, the Twin Keys signed with Harrah's Las Vegas and have been performing at the former La Playa Lounge, renamed The Piano Bar, ever since.

The Piano Bar is open nightly with the dueling pianos at 9 p.m. and TJ's All-Star Karaoke Party from 6-9 p.m. nightly except Saturday and Monday.

Three more restaurants have opened in the Fashion Show Mall. Joining the Café Ba Ba Reeba tapas restaurant are the Capital Grille steakhouse, RA Sushi Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy.

Maggiano's specializes in southern Italian dishes served up in lavish family style portions in a warm 1940s atmosphere. The restaurant features dark woodwork, old family photographs, checkered table linens and signature gladiola floral arrangements with a view of the famed Las Vegas Strip directly across the street from Wynn Las Vegas.

The bar seats more than 150 and currently offers live piano entertainment five nights a week. Dining on the second level balcony can be reserved for private parties, along with a fabulous private wine room that offers intimate seating for 10, and three private banquet rooms. The main dining room accommodates 300 guests and there are two outdoor patios. Maggiano's is open for lunch and dinner everyday of the year except Christmas.

There are currently 31 Maggiano's restaurants located throughout the Untied States.

Country superstar Tim McGraw will headline at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Feb. 4 next year. Tickets are $50, $70 and $90, call 702-632-7580.

TV talk show host Regis Philbin has a gig planned at the Golden Nugget downtown with a 22-piece band on Jan. 14 and 15, 2005. Philbin is supporting an album he recorded recently, "When You're Smiling." His music supports the standards.

E! Entertainment Television is joining forces with Wayne Newton to discover the city's next superstar performer in an elimination-style series. "The Entertainer" will be a new 10-eposide realty drama series starting in January that will feature Newton. The last contestant will perform alongside Newton during the series finale and also get a chance to become a featured performer in his Vegas show.

Hotel heiress Paris Hilton is lending her name to a handful of nightclubs planned for Las Vegas, New York City, Miami Beach, London and Paris. The first Club Paris will open on New Year's Eve in Orlando, Fla. Hilton's obligation will be to appear at the club at least twice a month.

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