Today, much of the media attention of the entertainment world is focused on the Beatles re-issues, sonically updating their legendary recordings. Having been among the first to hear the results of such mastering in listening to the music to Cirque's "Love," the world is right to rejoice.

Much less noticed, of course, last month, touring stalwarts Cheap Trick issued their tribute disc "Sgt. Pepper Live." The Beatles never (and, given the technology of the time probably couldn't) went on stage to play the material from their masterpiece. But Cheap Trick, a heavily Beatles-inflected band in the first place, strike the right balance between respect for the material and allowing the songs to breathe in these interpretations. Despite what you might expect, the canny veterans of Cheap Trick have put out a fun record, paying homage to one of the high points in the Beatles' catalog. They will be reprising this performance at Las Vegas Hilton Sept. 13-15, 17-19 and 21-23.

Penn & Teller continue to prove the most creative and surprising headliners in town. The newly released Folger addition of "Macbeth" has a special forward co-authored by Teller along with a DVD of the stage version of the play he co-directed last year.

Holly Madison (pictured) has signed on for another year with "Peepshow" at Planet Hollywood, and therefore changed the show's plan for three-month rotating stars in the two major roles. This is just as she predicted she would. By the way, this is also a tribute to hard work. I don't think anyone expected much from Madison, best known for her ex-boyfriends and unknown for any stage experience. At best, Madison brought a good amount of name recognition, considering what I guess to be her price range in a recession. That said, she grabbed this opportunity and made more of it than I thought possible. I have seen her at almost every local charity event or celebrity opening I've covered since she started at "Peepshow." She has learned the names of most of the local press corps and all the local VIPs and I hear she is even willing to chat up high rollers for the casino hosts. I've seen her stop and talk with fans in the casino, and in general she has spent every day working herself and "Peepshow" into the Vegas entertainment community as a relentless promoter. She has also been a promoter of Sin City at a time this city needs one. Say what you want about what unique circumstances gave her a shot at the Vegas stage, but she has earned the right to stay on as a headliner. Madison's tweets have also demonstrated an unsuspected arty streak with references from the Factory to Fellini.

 

It will be interesting to see if the reality show that documents the Hard Rock's popular Rehab Pool Party will cover the eight drug and prostitution arrests that took place there, the Sun reported Sunday.

 

Earlier this year, Beacher offered his Madhouse audience his latest innovation: a midget Britney Spears and midget Kevin Federline, feuding. I saw that one. The audience loved it. I am told his most recent Madhouse had the midget Britney reuniting with a midget Justin Timberlake.

 

Today I received an e-mail about the new show "Little Legends" at a club at Planet Hollywood. The press release promises: "You will see Mini Elvis, Mini Britney, Mini Tina Turner, Mini Milli Vanilli, Mini Sonny and Tall Cher along with two Mini Michael Jacksons."

Anyone who can explain the appeal, please help me.

(Photo of Beacher's Madhouse by Sarah Gerke)

 

2. On the subject of Robin Williams and health, the comic still owes local gossip Czar Norm Clarke an apology for a too long, too extreme attack a couple years ago on Norm's signature eye patch. The eye patch, of course, is not a gimmick, but a result of Norm's very serious health struggles. Anyway, Norm reports this morning that Sahara headliner Amazing Johnathan may need a heart transplant. An optimistic Johnathan is quoted in Norm's column: "If I lose the weight and keep my blood thin, I should be alright. They are seeing what they can do without doing the transplant." In all sincerity, I wish Amazing Johnathan good luck and many more happy and healthy years ahead.

 

 

3. I am to interview Dita Von Teese later this morning. As always, readers are encouraged to e-mail me their questions for her: Movablebuffet@aol.com

4. Some of you have noticed that I have not reported on the latest Michael Jackson rumors. There have been a handful ranging from illness, to a giant Michael Jackson robot in the desert to a seemingly fake invitation to a show at Luxor. Here is the deal: I've come to the conclusion that until something is officially announced, nothing continues to happen in the world of Michael Jackson. I suspect that will be the case for the foreseeable future especially if he is trying to get a resort to hire him in Vegas. If I interview Michael Jackson, or I get something solid about Michael Jackson, you'll read it here first. But until then, I am off the gloved one.

(Photo by Sarah Gerke)