Las Vegas Weekly

January 22, 2013 · 5:02 PM

Performing in ‘Rock of Ages’ piques Holly Madison’s interest

By John Katsilometes

Holly Madison arrives at the grand opening of Andrea's at the Encore on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013.

Photo: David Becker/WireImage

There is a reason behind the multiplicity of sightings of Holly Madison at “Rock of Ages” -- first at Helen Hayes Theater in New York and more recently at the Venetian: She wants to be in the show.

During the red-carpet walk at last week’s grand opening of Andrea’s at Encore, Madison specified her long-held desire to be in a “legitimate musical” when she returns to live entertainment sometime after her boyfriend, Pasquale Rotella, and she start their family. The couple’s baby girl is due in early March, but Madison qualifies that time frame by saying, “I don’t even pay attention to that. She’ll come whenever she’s ready.”

As for a return to the stage, I presented the question to Madison by asking about her “far-off” plans. Her quick rejoinder: “Who says it has to be far off?” Then I asked about her keen interest in “Rock of Ages,” and Madison said that she was interested in the show in part because her former “Peepshow” cast mate Allie Meixner is in the “Rock of Ages” ensemble. However …

“That would definitely be a show I would love to do,” she said. “It would be a big challenge for me, but I love that show. I think it’s great.” The lead role of Sherrie is particularly enticing, easily the most prominent female role in the cast.

Madison has seen a few shows around the Strip since she left “Peepshow” in October. She has returned to “Love” at the Mirage and watched the updated Blue Man Group production at Monte Carlo. She still has not returned to see the show that made her a Strip headliner, saying of “Peepshow,” “I keep saying I’m going to go back, especially when Sophia (Monica) is in because she is a close friend of mine.”

Monica steps into the Bo Peep role when the show’s star, Coco Austin, is out.

Madison added, “ I want to see (Monica) in the role, but I don’t like going back and lingering around old things, either.”

In talking of something new -- so new it has not yet opened -- Madison says she’s eager to see Claire Sinclair in “Pin Up,” set to open Feb. 25 at Stratosphere. Any advice for the 2011 Playmate of the Year as she helms a show featuring vocalist Autumn Madill (“Bite,” “American Superstars”), five dancers and six musicians?

“I think she’s doing all the right things,” Madison said. “She’s very committed to promoting the show and working as hard as she can. Just be open to change. If they need to change anything, be flexible, because sometimes you think you have everything perfect, and they want to make an adjustment.

“I say just go with the flow.”

Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at Twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow “Kats With the Dish” at Twitter.com/KatsWiththeDish.

Share This