Las Vegas Weekly

August 19, 2009 · 3:39 PM

A look at Monte Carlo’s newest headliner, Frank Caliendo, in action

By John Katsilometes

The new headliner at the Monte Carlo “does a drop-dead, on-the-money, call-the-cops John Madden.” That’s the assessment of David Letterman (see the accompanying clip) of Frank Caliendo.

The deft impressionist who gained national fame portraying Madden on Fox Sports’ NFL coverage and also appeared on the cable skit shows “Frank TV” and “MadTV,” has signed a residency contract with the hotel running though 2019. His list of impressions includes Al Pacino, George W. Bush, Dr. Phil McGraw and Jay Leno. He has performed at The Comedy Festival at Caesars Palace and appeared on all the relevant network late-night talk shows.

In a statement, Caliendo said: “I’m excited to call Monte Carlo my new home. This is Vegas, so this show is going to be bigger and have a higher production value than traditional standup. I’ve got a live band, we’ll have video segments and maybe even some guest appearances. It’s going to have all of the excitement of a TV show, but it will be live onstage, and no two shows will be exactly alike.”

Caliendo’s performances are nightly (dark Wednesdays) at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $59 to $95, taxes and fees included.

It has been an active week at the Monte Carlo. Just yesterday, the hotel unveiled its new boutique-style suites, Hotel 32. Of the hotel’s newest performer, Monte Carlo President and COO Anton Nikodemus said: “We are thrilled to have Frank Caliendo become part of our family. Frank is an incredible talent who we know will bring laughter and top-notch entertainment to Monte Carlo for years to come.”

Caliendo, who begins his engagement Oct. 12, joins Zowie Bowie in a retooled entertainment lineup at the Monte Carlo, which for a decade has been home to Lance Burton’s popular, traditional magic act. He performs after Burton’s 7 p.m. show wraps.

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