Frankie Moreno calls his show “Vegas Remastered.” The venerable Las Vegas showman is a master at many facets of entertainment, especially building an audience.
Moreno is casting the net to first responders, veterans and their families for his Thursday return to the Westgate’s International Theater (showtime is 7 p.m.; tickets start at $64.10 at westgateresorts.com). Those folks receive free tickets to the performance.
Moreno and the Westgate are partnering with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Las Vegas Fire Department and seat-filling platform VetTix in this first-of-its-kind campaign. All participating organizations have been issued links allowing eligible parties to request the tickets.
Moreno’s famed dancing wife, Lacey Schwimmer, co-stars in what has grown into an ongoing series at the Westgate. The hotel has just announced he will perform a third show Aug. 15, following his sold-out opener in April.
Moreno qualifies as the room’s busiest headliner, until Barry Manilow returns (hopefully) in July. As a counter to Manilow’s residency, “Vegas Remastered” is a mix of remixed Vegas-centric standards and Moreno’s top-charting iTunes hits.
This is a production, not just a concert. Moreno employs extensive video throughout. He’s built a set with staircases and platforms. There is a permanency to this effort. And the bandleader rolls out a booze cart, a way to remind the crowd of when the Rat Pack set up a bar on stage (a fabulous moment for fans of communal imbibing).
Musically, Moreno rotates such originals as “Biggest Cat in Town,” “Gimme That Whiskey” and “Good Ol’ Days” alongside a medley of Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life,” Bobby Darin’s “Mack the Knife,” and Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
But this series is designed to bring something new to the stage in every performance.
“I want every show to be something special and unique, and to make the place feel a little like Elvis’ opening night in Vegas,” Moreno says. “I don’t want to play the same show. I think everyone coming in wants to see something new.”
Moreno’s debut at the Westgate’s big room drew scores of Las Vegas entertainers and dignitaries. Ex-major league star Orel Hershiser joined Moreno on stage. Recording legend Tony Orlando, who headlined many times at the old Las Vegas Hilton, was in the crowd. Over the years, Moreno has developed shows populated by the Vegas creative community. The International seems next.
“We want this to be a real Vegas scene, something you want to come back to,” Moreno says.
As Westgate President and General Manager Cami Christensen said after Moreno’s opener, “This is like hanging out with 700 of your friends, who are now Westgate’s friends.”
Elvis, not in the building
On the topic of the Westgate, the resort is the Elvis capital of Las Vegas with its recurring retro shows (“1969 Live! The King Returns” is back July 31); the terrifically talented “The King Comes Home” residency production at the Westgate Cabaret; and “My Brother Elvis,” featuring Presley’s stepbrother, David Stanley, in an onstage multimedia storytelling presentation at the International Theater.
Priscilla Presley premiered at the International Theater this month. I’d wager she’ll be back.
This month, the “Viva Legacy and Tribute Festival and Tribute Competition” was abruptly called off. The event was scheduled for July 28-31, leading to the “1969” show, which will again feature established Elvis tribute artist Travis Powell.
The pull-down was prompted by “scheduling conflicts,” Westgate officials have said, and what DDM Productions’ official website termed “unforeseen circumstances.” Such conflicts and circumstances are often related to soft ticket sales.
Powell, who is a superb ETA, has posted on social media explaining that the event’s cancellation policy does not allow refunds. As the performer noted, the announcement was made outside of the 30-day window notifying ticket holders the event had been called off.
Powell also posted that fans angry about the festival’s cancellation insulted him and his family through direct messages. Bravo, brave hearts.
This all leaves Alexis Park’s “Viva Elvis Fest” running Thursday through May 31 as the city’s Presley festival and competition. The event is licensed by Elvis Presley’s Graceland and produced by Kurt Brown’s tribute show company Brown Productions (tickets at vegaselvisfest.com).
Expert Presley persona inhabitant Travis Allen of Alexis Park’s “All Shook Up” leads a host of veteran Elvis tribute artists headlining the event. And about 20 ETAs are in competition in a battle royale for Elvis supremacy! Or, maybe just a good time for fans of the King.
Tease this …
A legendary Las Vegas headliner, who stars in a show of which I am a big fan, has a book coming out soon. The title involves an elf with violent tendencies. Also, this author has a follow-up already planned, which will be riddled with mistakes. All of it will make sense; just hang with us.
Cool Hang Alert
Columbia, South Carolina, alt-rockers Crossfade, celebrating their 35th anniversary this year, are up next at the Downtown Rocks Summer Concert Series at the Fremont Street Experience on May 30. Special guest is Trapt, which charted with “Headstrong” from its eponymous debut album in 2023.
As FSE reminds, these shows have no cover, no wristbands and no velvet ropes (but some velvet briefs, we’ve noticed). Go to vegasexperience.com for intel.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykatson X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.