The Magical Forest in North Pole Nevada is Spectacular

The Magical Forest in North Pole Nevada Is Spectacular

Photos by Nikki Artale

This is the 21^st anniversary of the Magical Forest winter wonderland at Opportunity Village that hundreds of thousands of visitors have enjoyed seeing. Millions of bright lights and decorated trees and displays are set up on the two acre parcel of land at 3600 Oakey Blvd.  www.opportunityvillage.org/magical-forest 

The Magical Forest is dazzling and enchanting and one of my favorite displays was the Cinderella Carriage that twinkled brightly, creating winter wonderland of fantasies.

 http://youtu.be/ncmkwgembxU              

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer was housed in a cozy house and kids of all ages loved seeing his big beautiful eyes.

The sights and sounds were awesome and the spirit of Christmas and the holiday tunes playing was warming to the heart. Giant Polar Bears and a Mouse Soldier towered over the children who gazed up at them in awe.

The magic of riding an antique carousel brought back the memories of the times I sat upon the stunning wooden horses and whirled around to the sounds of the carousel music with a never ending smile on my face.

What better way to see the Magical Forest is there but to ride the Forest Express Passenger Train around the two acre property and to experience the trees up close and personal.

http://youtu.be/tcFo6FqWjng    

A must stop place is Santa in his workshop, sitting in his huge green velvet chair and greeting all the children and taking pictures with them. Those pictures will be a forever memory of their childhood belief of Santa and the wonderful Magical Forest. I captured that moment with two beautiful children, two year old Avril Ashworth and her sister four year old Natalia Ashworth. (Avril Ashworth and Natalia Ashworth)

Gingerbread Houses are a must thing to have at Christmas time and there were many on display from the local hotel casinos.

Students from Basic High School Chamber sang Christmas Carols.

http://youtu.be/xkFjBcgCec4 

The Magical Forest will be open until January 6, 2013 and is located at Opportunity Village, 6300 W Oakey Blvd. Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Friday & Saturday: 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm. All proceeds benefit people with disabilities at Opportunity Village. Come and visit the Magical Forest and you will find the inner child that is still within you and just wanting to come out.

Leg Warmers Also Warmed Our Hearts

Legwarmers Also Warmed Our Hearts

Photos by Nikki Artale

There is never a dull moment in the fabulous story of The Legwarmers, now playing in the V Theater at Planet Hollywood. Sirc Michaels, who produced, directed and wrote Legwarmers, has once again brought Las Vegas another big hit. A VIP Media event was held on Wednesday, November 28 with a catered event and Karaoke party and everyone dressed up in their best 80’s theme. 

John Tamasello was first introduced to the media event as he rounded up the Karaoke participants in the media crowd and tossed jelly bracelets and pop rocks.

John Tamasello

Legwarmers have a perfect cast and they are energetic, playful and stay in character with each other for the entire performance.

Evan Schmalz and Sarah Willick

Several audience members were brought on stage and they were funny and entertaining and we especially enjoyed seeing Joe Buda, editor of my publication “Las Vegas Informer”. 

“Whip It”, I Want You To Want Me” and “Video Killed the Radio Star” were all favorites and the outfits, hair bands, suspenders and video screens in the background all added to the 80’s theme.

Russell Slouffman

Russell Slouffman and Stephanie Killian

Legwarmers is worth the trip to the V Theater to see and while you are there, check out Sirc Michaels other show “Evil Dead the Musical” which is getting rave reviews

The Red Dress is a Tremendous Play

The Red Dress is a Tremendous Play

Photos by Nikki Artale

With sold out performances, The Red Dress is receiving great reviews at the Baobab Theater in Town Square. 20 talented dancers, singers, actors and musicians perform in the 90 minute show. Some of the artists are Cirque performers from the top shows on the strip.

www.baobabstage.com 

Wassa Coulibaly wrote and produced the show in 2008 in which she tells the story of a prostitute and the rejection she endures. The story is told through the music and dance, showing love and tenderness. Wassa has worked on several versions of the play, which was formerly known as “The Art of Prostitution”. Wassa a native of Senegal West Africa,  is an original cast member of “Zumanity” at New York  New York Casino Hotel.

                                         Wassa Coulibaly

Jean-Paul Loppo Martinez is the director and he has received many awards for his illustrations and children’s books. He puts his heart and soul into the production as the story begins in an African Village, with flashbacks and heart pounding African music.

                                                       Wassa and Loppo

All the beautiful costumes were designed and made by Wassa and the clothing can be purchased in Wassa Wear boutique in the theater. 

Wassa

There is a touch of humor, tenderness and innocence that shines through the work that shows the love of women. Wassa presents the play in a spiritual way with the best talented actors in Las Vegas,singing and dancing in this great show. This late night show at the Baobab Stage Theater, next to the Rave Movie Theater, opens the doors on Fridays at 11:59 pm and the show begins at 12:30 am on Saturday.

The cast list:

Zallo:    Wassa

Doul /dancer:    Wade

Yourdy /Judge/chorus tute:        Sherida

Mary:   Maia

Moussi /dj voice/Chief Villagers:           Gabe

Star /Tutes:       Emily

Daouda /Uncle/village cop/restaurant manager:  Mateo

Michael:           Tony

Momoko /Tutes/dancer            Kanako

Nuts /chorus of Tutes:               Mateo

Beauty Queen /Tutes/dancer     Lina

Rosy /sister1/Tutes:                   Paris Red

Village 1 drummer:        Massamba

Village 2 drummer:        ibu ba

Internet Launches Flights to Las Vegas

Interjet Launches Flights to Las Vegas

Photos by Nikki Artale

It was an exciting day on November 15th as Interjet launched its twice weekly service from Las Vegas Nevada to Mexico City’s Toluca Airport. The new service operates on Thursdays and Sundays, departing from McCarran International Airport at 11:40 pm, arriving at 5:10 am the next morning in Mexico City. The flights fly from Mexico City’s Toluca Airport to Las Vegas at 7:50 pm, arriving at 9:45 am. Interjet removed 30 seats to make a 150 seat Airbus A320 to give maximum comfort and excellent quality service to the passengers.

Oscar Goodman, along with a band and his famous Showgirls were on hand to greet the VIP’s and dignitaries to the VIP media event. The food was delicious and so were the margaritas which were served by an excellent staff of waiters and waitress’s.

http://youtu.be/BPM1SMj-Dfc

Miguel Aleman, President of Interjet spoke to everyone about the service features and added perks to travelers, such as a 20% discount year round for seniors, in-flight entertainment programs, take-off/landing cameras and much more.

Miguel Aleman

 http://youtu.be/T2Me2S9_puE

Randi Sundquist, Miss Nevada and Priscilla Perales, Miss Mexico

Video 02 (Miguel Aleman)


                    Las Vegas Grille hosts Media Night

If you are looking for the best in meats, sides and salads then head on out to the Las Vegas Grille at 7865 W. Sahara Ave. Six nights a week you will find Phil Holec cooking up the most delicious ribs and chickens in his smokers and BBQ grill. www.vegasgrille.com

Phil Holec

The Las Vegas Grille is known for its Handmade Sausages and the best smoked chicken wings on the planet. Also on the menu are Italian Fennel Sausage, Artisan’s Bratwurst, and Kielbasa Polska.

Kevin O'Neal and Philip Peredo

An added plus is the comedy show every Saturday night at 7:30 pm by TickleMe Entertainment who stand up for kids in the hospital and Critical Care Comics. TickleMe puts on off-strip shows around Las Vegas.


      Glittering Lights Light up the Motor Speedway

Once again the Las Vegas Motor Speedway was lit up with over 450 Animated light displays around the 2.5 mile race track for the start of the holiday season. A VIP/media event was held to cover the event and the red carpet arrivals. We had a private show by Terry Fator and Winston, his impersonating turtle.

http://youtu.be/koQkyhLLlJc

Walking the red carpet was Kevin Burke, Terry Fator and Jayne Post who stars in the murder mystery show “Marriage Can Be Murder”.

Terry Fator, winner of “Americas Got Talent” stars in his show at the Mirage Casino Hotel in Las Vegas, assisted by his beautiful wife Taylor. Terry is a fabulous ventriloquist and features many puppets in the show.

Terry Fator and Taylor

The lights were turned on and shuttle cars rode through the tunnels, the avenue of trees and the beautiful, colorful animated displays.

The Motor Speedway is located at 7000 Las Vegas Blvd. N, hours nightly through January 6, 2013 are Monday-Thursday 5:30-9:00 pm, Friday-Sunday 5:30-10:00 pm.