Las Vegas Weekly

November 3, 2008 · 1:50 PM

Strip Scribbles: TV stars set for Strip strip

By Robin Leach

Danny Gans.

Photo: TVT

*Wicked whispers & racy rumors: Just asking if it is true that March 31 is the debut date set for a major reality TV star to follow in the high heels of other famous names to make her debut on the Strip as a burlesque beauty. I know rehearsals will commence in January but am sworn to secrecy about her identity for now. … Just asking if it is true that a major off-Strip nightclub will be turned exclusively into an after-hours club when its hotel home opens a much larger nightclub in its new tower next year. … Just asking which two TV star names will surprise on Nov. 17 when they’re introduced to us ink-stained wretches as the new headliners of a very ambitious and expensively staged adult cabaret attraction at center Strip. … Just asking if it is true that major changes will be made to a Strip show to give it an entire new look and feel as a new director is brought in. I already know the names of who’s coming and who’s going and who’s already here for the takeover but am sworn to total secrecy by three absolutely solid sources who confirmed the upcoming changes over the next two weeks. … Just asking if one of the largest theaters on the Strip will be kept dark to undergo a major makeover renovation and reopen in spring with a whole new entertainment philosophy.

*We broke the exclusive story last night about original downtown restaurateur chef Andre Rochat calling it quits after 29 years at his historic South 6th Street location. Andre told me that he’ll continue his tradition of hosting the Jean-Louis Palladin Foundation by moving it to his Alize restaurant at the Palms, directly opposite The Rio where Palladin had his upscale fine-dining kitchen before its untimely death in 2001. Chefs from the Strip and across the valley meet annually for an extraordinary 14-course dinner to raise funds for Palladin’s foundation to support scholarships for budding chefs and also provide aid for needy chefs unable to continue working in later life. We raised nearly $50,000 with incredible silent auction gifts and a live auction that I conducted with a spa weekend at the Palms and meals with chefs Barry Dakake (N9NE) and Geno Bernardi (Nove) raising $2,000 alone. I bought the turkey Thanksgiving dinner for 10 for $800.

*Hypnotist Terry Stokes from Hypnosis Unleashed at the Krave Theater in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile was enjoying breakfast at IHOP on Boulder Highway when a group of Sen. Barack Obama supporters came in. Terry decided to pick up their $200 bill for pancakes and eggs. When the supporters came over to thank Stokes, they asked why he picked up the tab. Said Terry: “Because if your guy wins, I won't be able to do this next year.” The group left and didn’t tip the wait staff!

*After watching the new Cirque du Soleil Criss Angel Believe show, Lost actress Evangeline Lilly and co-star Dominic Monaghan showed up 24 hours later to watch Cirque’s KA show at MGM.

*With just one day left until the election, celebrities made a last-minute push to show support for their candidate. Funny lady Julia Louis-Dreyfus flew into Vegas to campaign for Obama. After a day out on the stump in her Obama T-shirt, she shared a meal with her friends and family at Stack in The Mirage. They dined on hand-rolled Pigs-in-a-Blanket, Spicy Crab and Surf & Turf, ending the meal with Chocolate Cake and Jelly Doughnut “Munchkin” holes.

Today’s top tip

For the 14th consecutive year, entertainer Danny Gans hosts his “Partee Fore Kids” celebrity golf pro-am. The excitement tees off at 10 a.m. today and continues through to tonight’s after-golf party and awards presentation. It all takes place at the DragonRidge Country Club at MacDonald Highlands. Some of the sports stars taking part include LPGA sensation Stephanie Louden, Olympic gold medalist Dan Jansen, Green Bay Packers’ Sterling Sharpe, former NFL player Greg Truitt and my old friend Richard Karn, Tim Allen’s sidekick on Home Improvement. … Controversial hip-hop star Chingy will make a special appearance tonight at Prive’s “Money for Nothing Monday” inside Planet Hollywood. As one of today's top rappers, he’ll also perform his hits “Gimme Dat” and “Fly Like Me” while shooting greenbacks and Benjamins over the dance floor at the stroke of midnight. … Remember that Patron tequila fan Bow Wow has not only dropped Lil’ from his name, but also has canceled his show at the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay tonight. … The World Bull Riding Championships continue at the Thomas & Mack, and afterwards the leading cowboys host after-parties at the Silverton along with a $1,000 bikini contest on a mechanical bull.

Tomorrow’s teases

Is Celine Dion’s deal to return to Caesars Palace all set for 2010? If she replaces Sir Elton John after his run ends, does that mean all three divas will headline in rotation and with one incredible joint show?

VegasDeluxe.com also will have the early overnight judges’ votes from Dancing With the Stars, plus an update on Julianne Hough’s recovery from surgery and a shocking admission from another dancer that she suffers the same medical problem.

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