Las Vegas Weekly

May 4, 2009 · 3:02 PM

Exclusive: Larry King to debut showbiz act in Danny Gans theater

By Robin Leach

Larry King and his wife, Shawn Southwick King.

Photo: Kirvin Doak Communications

It is the most extraordinary turn of events at the Danny Gans theater. Less than 96 hours after the death of longtime Strip entertainer Danny Gans, CNN talk show host Larry King has confirmed that he will star at the Encore venue June 19 and 20.

The deal was wrapped up about four hours ago by owner Steve Wynn and Larry while he was visiting Las Vegas over the weekend.

Larry, 76, who describes it as “good news,” also has confirmed that his wife, Shawn Southwick, will open for him. He promises to reveal more details shortly.

It’s believed that Larry will be a storyteller in a format that allows him to reveal behind-the-scenes anecdotes of his long-running The Larry King Show and friendships with worldwide political leaders and showbiz superstars.

Larry and Shawn were in Las Vegas this past weekend, as I reported earlier today, and Shawn was due to perform a medley of Motown hits in a duet with Danny on Friday night. Gans, sadly, died in his sleep at 3:45 Friday morning.

Photo: Harrah's

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

Stunning TV personality Shawn, 48, has been married to Larry for nearly 12 years. She is his sixth wife. Her father was a longtime business associate of the Osmond family, and she is a close childhood friend of Marie Osmond.

I personally don’t know of previous concerts that the King duo have performed together, but I am told that this will not be the first time. It appears to be reminiscent of the Burt Reynolds act that once played The Orleans here where he told stories about his film career and played never-before-seen outtakes.

Superstar singer Beyonce also has been confirmed for a run at the theater at the end of July and beginning of August for four nights to end her current world tour.

Not yet confirmed is that Whoopi Goldberg and Liza Minnelli are rumored to also be inked to Encore deals.

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.

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