Las Vegas Weekly

May 11, 2010 · 5:05 PM

Strip Scribbles: More secrets revealed about Hilton’s fall spectacular

By Robin Leach

Flyleaf performs at Friday Night Live at the Hard Rock Hotel on May 7, 2010.

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com

Two tantalizing mini-videos have been posted online to promote the Las Vegas Hilton’s mysterious new fall spectacular Triumph. I broke the news of its arrival and also that the production will be the first to use time travel as a theme of the show. Now I’ve learned a little more: the storyline will center on two sons who fight for a mystical sword, but one turns out to be a fallen son.

I’m also reliably told that the producers began dance auditions yesterday for the backup cast. In addition to signing confidentiality agreements, the dancers will rehearse away from the main showroom so that they are unaware of the show’s content until previews start in mid-September.

The fall extravaganza is under tight wraps to prevent details leaking out, but I’m hearing that one of Britain’s most recognizable VIP business leaders is involved and will be front-row center opening night. Later this week, the first video vignettes will be available to watch at TriumphLVHilton.com and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/triumphlvhilton.

*The fourth season of live poolside concerts at the Hard Rock Hotel kicked off with rockers Flyleaf, and contributing photographer Erik Kabik was onsite to capture the performance. Flyleaf’s debut album in 2005 went platinum. Follow the Royal Robin Rundown in Strip Scribbles each Friday here at Vegas DeLuxe for the listings of the Hard Rock’s outdoor poolside concert performances.

*At the annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on the Brooklyn Bridge at New York-New York, personal trainer Ben Monson, 22, of Twin Peaks, Calif., downed an incredible 29 hot dogs (and buns!) in 10 minutes, earning him a spot in the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, N.Y. The rookie sent shock waves through the Major League Eating Circuit when he defeated Joey Chestnut, the reigning hot dog-eating champ with a world record of 68 hot dogs in 10 minutes, in a flauta-eating contest five months ago.

STAR SURVEILLANCE

Actor, comedian and TV host Drew Carey and chef Pierre Gagnaire of Twist at Mandarin Oriental were in separate parties at Viva Elvis in Aria at MGM’s CityCenter. … Peepshow star Holly Madison hosted a beach blanket bikini bash for Hypnotiq at Tao Beach. She arrived in a floral mono-kini with her reality TV show friends, including Peepshow co-star Josh Strickland, Laura Croft and Angel Porrino. … Gretchen Rossi of The Real Housewives of Orange County hosted at Jet in the Mirage, and then returned the next day to soak up the sun at Bare Pool Lounge, lounging on a poolside daybed, mingling with fans at the lounge, and then making the rounds to dance the night away between stopping by her other favorite Light Group hotspots Caramel and The Beatles Revolution Lounge. … TV correspondent and actress Maria Menounos dined at N9NE Steakhouse in the Palms in a party of six that included New Kids on the Block singer Jordan Knight. NKOTB came with a group of 16 when they returned the following night and also made an appearance at Rain and performed an impromptu set. Also at N9NE Steakhouse were DeMarcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns corner back Joe Haden and Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas. Upstairs in The Playboy Club, Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee enjoyed the scene with Joe Jackson. Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. had a cabana at Palms Pool & Bungalows, where poker player Phil Gordon stretched out on a daybed. C.J. Watson of the Golden State Warriors partied at Moon. … Comedian Paul Reiser attended The Donny & Marie Show. Figure skater Johnny Weir, poker champion Chris Ferguson and Cher’s choreographer Dorian Sanchez attended Matt Goss’ show in Caesars Palace. … Fifty of Cirque du Soleil’s artists, dancers and acrobats received a master class from Jabbawockeez at MGM Grand’s Hollywood Theater.

TONIGHT’S TIPS

Motown legend Smokey Robinson joins his discovery Human Nature at Imperial Palace to sing and celebrate their new two-year contract extension, as we reported this morning. … Las Vegas author Deborah Coonts -- a neighbor of mine -- launches her book Wanna Get Lucky with a cocktail party at Sedona Lounge, where I’ll give a congratulatory opening toast. … Kim Thomassen and Gust Alexander are a duo act at Harrah’s Improv with Chipper Lowell and Joan Fagan through Sunday. … The annual Bartenders Ball hoists a few awards to the best bartenders in town at Blush in the Wynn. … Tattoo titan Mario Barth launches the first of his Inked Out industry parties at his new King Ink in The Mirage.

*The weeklong celebrations at the Liberace Foundation & Museum leading up to what would’ve been Liberace’s 91st birthday Sunday continue with performances in the Cabaret Showroom by Philip Fortenberry, Otto Ehrling and Christopher Joel Carter, plus Anna Nateece signs autographs in the costume gallery.

TOMORROW’S TEASES

Mandalay Bay chefs Susan Feniger and Rick Moonen do battle once again and fight to stay on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters. They serve dinner to The Simpsons tomorrow! It’s another feast for the eyes with the extraordinary photos of Rodney Lough at CityCenter and then for the stomach an exclusive photo gallery with acclaimed French chef Pierre Gagnaire at his Twist in Mandarin Oriental, plus we wrap up our coverage of 2010 Vegas Uncork’d.

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 at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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