Las Vegas Weekly

June 19, 2009 · 9:24 AM

Larry King is challenged by Steve Wynn and winds up as Encore headliner

By Robin Leach

Larry King and his wife, Shawn Southwick King.

Photo: Kirvin Doak Communications

CNN talk show host Larry King takes to the stage of Steve Wynn’s Encore Theater tonight with his country singer wife Shawn Southwick King as his opening act. The unusual Strip entertainment appearance is a long way from the safety of Larry’s TV studios in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

It’s all because of a dare that the two men had over dinner long before the recent death of the Encore’s entertainer Danny Gans. Steve had told the master of the mic that Danny had nights off and asked if he wanted to do an act. That began the challenge, and tonight’s date was written down before Danny’s sudden death.

The concert is Larry’s debut as a raconteur, although he did preview the one-man show once before for theater owners. He says that as much as he would like to do a Broadway run, his duties with CNN prevent it. Larry’s nephew is Scott Zeiger, who runs BASE Entertainment with Jersey Boys, Phantom, Wayne Brady and Peepshow already running here, and the two did once discuss a New York show but it proved impossible.

Photo: Harrah's

Larry King and Shawn Southwick King with Donny and Marie Osmond.

I’ve had two long sit-down TV interviews with Larry over the years in addition to appearing on his show. My own TV career began in the early launch days of CNN, so we’d often bump into each other. During his 52-year career in broadcasting, he’s interviewed more than 40,000 celebrities, politicians, newsmakers and other VIPs.

However, Larry, who has a new book My Remarkable Journey just published and 20 cameo movie appearances, says if it’s successful tonight, he’s certain that Steve will invite him back. Shawn was on tour with The Donny & Marie Osmond Show as a backup singer and has a new album In My Own Backyard.

Our Las Vegas Sun colleague Jerry Fink interviewed Larry ahead of tonight’s show -- click HERE for the story.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter HERE.

Share This