Today in Las Vegas Magazine

Afternoon Delight

Some good things are meant to last, and Dick Feeney is making sure that “Viva Las Vegas” continues its reign as “Las Vegas’ longest-running day time show”. Currently there’s simply not a better value for showroom entertainment, day or night in Las Vegas, than Viva Las Vegas, which is now entertaining audiences twice a day at the newly-remodeled Plaza Hotel and Casino.

Feeney created and produced Viva Las Vegas in 1991, where it has played at the Sands and Stratosphere and now found a home at the Plaza. The show has changed acts and has grown over the years but it has always held true to its reason for existence, and that is to give the afternoon crowd a little break from the tables and slots and to entertain them at a reasonable price.

Viva’s price is beyond reasonable, it’s a steal. $9.95 plus tax, add on a buffet and it’s only $12.88 plus tax. Make sure to do the latter, their buffet is excellent. I’ve had buffets over twenty bucks that didn’t have the selection and flavor that the Plaza offers.

Show times are at 2 and 4 p.m., and the only day the hard-working Viva performers take off is Sunday. I took my mom to the later show, and for a Thursday, there was a bigger crowd than I had anticipated in the ravishingly rich, Plaza showroom.

I’ve never been to an afternoon show like this in Vegas so I had a sense that I was getting away with something, sort of playing hooky but it felt great. Reminiscent of skipping class in college and playing pool with the guys (you kids stay in school now).

After getting some unexpected VIP treatment from the always gracious and upbeat Scotty Jones, one of the key players in the hotel’s marketing department working to re-energize the Plaza, a short slide show commenced showing various magazine covers that Viva has graced throughout the years (was that Today in Las Vegas Magazine I saw up there a couple of times?).

Speaking of the Plaza and its employees, it’s evident in all of their faces and attitudes that the Plaza is going places. Every time I have been down there, they treat everyone like family - not the kind that embarrasses you or ruins Christmas but the kind that is friendly and is always there for whatever you may need.

I think every Vegas show should start with showgirls and Viva certainly doesn’t disappoint. Cue the song “Viva Las Vegas” and enter five sexy showgirls (Darlene, Cymberly, Micheline, Bonnie and Debra) who all exude such vivacious energy that one just can’t help but get caught up in all the excitement.

Two holdovers from the Stratosphere’s version of Viva are the boisterous Bruce “Big John” Mickelson and the gifted Max Clover. Mickelson’s chauvinistic rants are hilarious and I’m positive my dad, John Wayne and all the macho men that have passed on, are all looking down with approval. Emcee Clover makes certain that all are entertained during this matinee of merriment with his quick wit, magic and animal acts (dog lovers need to see his act).

New to the show is the sweet Kataline from Hungary who is the show’s other skillful magician. She’s got more gloves than Michael Jackson but her expressions of presentation are absolutely infectious.

Although my mom brought it up to me twice to make sure that I mention how great that singer Laurie Caceres is, there was no way that I would forget her incredible vocal range and talent. Caceres also adeptly dances along with the gorgeous showgirls during the several numbers that we are lucky enough to see. My favorite number – ‘Think Mink.’

Caceres, Clover and Mickelson all broke the fourth wall and took their turns effectively interacting with the audience. It was refreshing to see how genuine these performers are, and if you don’t believe me, see for yourself after the show, as all the cast cheerfully sign autographs, take pictures or just simply take the time to chat a bit with you.

Johnny Maher, fellow audience member said after the show “It’s an excellent show, clean; one you are not afraid to bring the kids to. I’d give it 10 out of 10.” He and his wife have been coming to Las Vegas from Chicago for years and he told me he is a Notre Dame and Bears fan so these days, he certainly was in need of getting entertained without being let down.

Local or tourist, it’s time to treat yourself to a little afternoon indulgence. Come on downtown and catch the best showroom entertainment that Las Vegas has to offer!

-Brett Revell

Viva Las Vegas
Showroom, Plaza Hotel. 800-634-6575. Show times are 2 and 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Tickets are $9.95 plus tax; with buffet, $12.88 plus tax. www.plazahotelcasino.com