Rick Springfield will be the next star of "EFX" at the MGM Grand starting on Jan. 30, 2001. Coincidentally, that will be the same day Springfield's first album in 12 years, "Rick Springfield Alive -Greatest Hits Live," will be released by Universal.

Springfield's new role in "EFX" will be created to showcase the diverse talents of the multi-platinum recording artist. As the new star of the show, there will be an infusion of rock `n roll elements to the 2001 edition to capitalize on Springfield's 30-year musical career. He's already written a new opening number for the show and the incoming director will be Jerry Mitchell, who just choreographed "The Full Monty" and "The Rocky Horror Show" on Broadway.

Springfield has just completed a 150-date concert tour, new acting projects such as a role in `Suddenly Susan," and a Broadway run in "Smokey Joe's Cafe." He has sold more than 18 million records in a 13-album career.

"EFX" opened in March of 1995 with Michael Crawford as the show's star. David Cassidy followed until nine-time Tony Award winner Tommy Tune took over. Tune's final performance will be Saturday, Jan. 13.

After a successful two year run at the Luxor that began as a 16-week trial experience, Bill Acosta's "Lasting Impressions" show has moved to the Flamingo Hilton. Known as "The Man of 1001 Voice," Acosta pays tribute to an amazing array of diverse celebrities. His signature routine is the "Twelve Days of Christmas," where he demonstrates his technique of vocal chasing and amazes audiences with his impressive talent.

Acosta's new show is bigger with 11 dancers and a live eight-piece orchestra. Tickets range from $39.95 to $69.95, call 702-733-3333.

The television quiz show "Jeopardy!" is coming to Las Vegas to tape two weeks of shows on a new set at the Las Vegas Hilton on Jan. 23 and 24.

The first week of shows will feature stars from show business and sports competing on behalf of their favorite charities during "Celebrity Jeopardy!" The second set of shows will feature the world's best players in the "International Championship." Players from "Jeopardy!" productions in Denmark, Hungary, Russia, Israel, Sweden and the United States will square off for a $50,000 grand prize. For information on applying for viewer tickets, call 702-639-9963.

The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, will appear at the Blue Note Las Vegas, Dec. 29-31. Tickets to see the energetic 67-year-old singing legend are $85 for Dec. 29 and 30. On New Year's Eve general admission is $150 and $300 with dinner included. For information, call 702-862-8307.

"Legends of Comedy" is a new impersonation show playing at the New Frontier. The cast of five is currently portraying Jay Leno, George Burns, Roseanne, Rodney Dangerfield and Jack Benny. The show opens with the cast's version of "Comedy Tonight" from "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."

"Legends of Comedy" enjoyed success in Atlantic City when it played at Trump's Castle. The 70-minute production is the creation of actor/comedian Bill Kirchenbauer and producer Art Vieluf. Krichenbauer is best known for his role as Coach Lubbock on the hit comedy show "Growing Pains" and was the star in ABC's "Just the Ten of Us." Tickets to see "Legends of Comedy" are $26.95 with a $2 service charge call 702-794-8200 or visit www.Legendsofcomedy.com.

Gladys Knight will headline at the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts on Dec. 30. Tickets are $35, $50 and $75. "Riverdance" will be staged at the Aladdin, Feb. 13-18. Tickets are $45, $55 and $75. For information, call 702-785-5000.

The girlie show at the Luxor, "Midnight Fantasy" recently celebrated its first year anniversary. The appealing topless revue has new costumes, new production numbers and new show times. Even the 350-seat Pharaoh's Theatre on the Luxor's Attractions Level has been remodeled.

The 65-minute provocative show is a voyeuristic voyage through a world of erotic dreams incorporating a series of sexy vignettes and fantasy scenarios. In addition to the eight beautiful dancers, there's a sexy vocalist and a couple of specialty acts. Tickets are $29.95 inclusive, call 702-262-4400.

A special end of the year entertainment event happening on Dec. 30 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center will feature the powerhouse sounds of Journey and REO Speedwagon. Tickets are $25, $35 and $50 with a limited number of Golden Circle tickets priced at $100, call Ticketmaster at 702-474-4000.

The musical adventure for Journey was launched more than 25 years ago. The band has since achieved eight multi-platinum albums and earned a place in history as one of rock's most popular bands. In February 2001, Journey will be releasing a new CD entitled, "Arrival."

REO Speedwagon scored thirteen Top 40 singles and produced 17 critically acclaimed albums. "The Ballads" was their last album released in the fall of 1999.

TOP OF NEXT COLUMN

Harrah's Las Vegas closed its poker room on Dec. 13, following the Venetian closing its card room on Dec. 3. In the past several years other poker rooms have shut down at the Rio, the MGM Grand and Treasure Island.

The poker room at Harrah's will make way for a retail shop that will sell cameras and film. The Venetian space will be used to expand its race and sports book.

Singer-impressionist Bob Anderson is performing at the Stardust in the 920-seat Wayne Newton Theater through Dec. 22. He enjoyed a well-received engagement at the resort earlier this year when he appeared with a quartet in an intimate cabaret-style nightclub located in the hotel's Conference Center.

Anderson has been a Las Vegas performer since 1973. He's toured internationally and made frequent network talk show appearances including 13 shots on the NBC "Tonight" show. He recently released his first CD, "To Love And Be Loved." Tickets to his Stardust show are $19.95 per person with tax, tip and one beverage included, call 702-732-6325.

Wayne Newton, the Stardust's year-round star headliner, will return Dec. 26 and continue through Jan. 7. His next engagement will be Jan. 22-Feb. 1.

The New Year's Eve action at the Fremont Street Experience will include entertainment on two stages from 6 to 11:30 p.m., an all new 3-D light and sound show, fireworks, food and drink specials, a confetti drop and party favors. Live performances will feature Kool & The Gang, Morris Day & The Time, The Dazz Band, and Rain-A Tribute to the Beatles. Admission is now $30 and tickets are available at downtown member properties, the Fremont Street Experience Offices at 425 Fremont Street, or the gate the day of the event.

Frankie Randall and the Vincent Falcon 20-Piece Orchestra will bring in the New Year at the new Suncoast Grand Ballroom with dinner preceding the show. Tickets are $89.95 per person. Randall will be performing in the Suncoast Showroom, Dec. 28-30. Call 702-636-7075 for ticket information.

Another Coast off-Strip property, The Orleans will hold two parties. In the Mardi Gras Ballroom, the headliner will be Debbie Reynolds plus a contemporary dance band. This event will feature a four course dinner, open bar and midnight champagne toast. Tickets are $129.95 all-inclusive, call 702-365-7075. The Esplanade Room will highlight the contemporary dance band Front Page. This party will have hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, two drinks, and midnight champagne toast for $59.95 all-inclusive.

Numerous Strip hotels open their ballrooms and convention areas to public parties on New Year's Eve.

The Flamingo will have two celebrations. There will be a Motown New Year's Eve in the Silver State Ballroom with Dane Reinhardt's 5-piece band presenting the sounds of The Supremes, The Temptations and Aretha Franklin. Dinner is included for $195. In the Savoy Room, disc jockey Jamie G. will spin disco-era songs. The price is $175 per person and hot and cold hors d'oeuvres are included.

At the Riviera in the Royale Pavilion, the Dec. 31 party will feature The Supremes starring Mary Wilson. The New Year's Eve package includes a gourmet dinner, champagne, open bar and party favors. Tickets are $210 inclusive, call 702-794-9280.

The Sahara's sit down dinner party in the Golden Room will have live entertainment provided by Smooth and Area 51. Cost is $125.

For 13 years, the Clark County Museum on Boulder Highway in Henderson has presented a one-day Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration. This year for the first time, the new event Hometown Holiday is month-long and running through Dec. 23.

Hometown Holiday features displays that utilize more than 1 million lights forming the shapes of snowflakes, reindeer, angels, castles, penguins and other designs. Some of the creative displays are more than 200 feet long and 20 feet high.

There's also food and beverages available, online photo opportunities with holiday caricatures, an interactive creative craft corner, musical entertainment by street performs, sleight wagon rides and sing-alongs in the "Carole-Ok" tent.

Admission is $3 for adults 16-60, and $2 for everyone else. For information, call 702-455-7955.

The Four Seasons At Mandalay Bay has been ranked No. 5 among the top 50 hotels in the United States and number one in Las Vegas overall in the new 2001 Zagat survey of top U.S. hotels, resorts and spas. The Las Vegas resort is also the city's first and only American Automobile Association Five Diamond property.

The Las Vegas Art Museum is now a part of the Smithsonian Affiliates Program. As an affiliate, the LVAM will have access to long-term loans of Smithsonian artifacts and to the Institution's educational and program resources.

Although there are more than 55 affiliates nationwide, the local museum is one of the few fine arts museums to join the program, which is largely dominated by museums focusing on science and history.

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