Elvis show ideas falling into place

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The first look at Cirque du Soleil’s Elvis show at the $7.4 billion CityCenter is weeks away.

A storyboard outline presentation is scheduled for July 22, said Bobby Baldwin, president and CEO of Mirage Resorts.

“We’ve already broken ground for the showroom,” which will be in the 60-story CityCenter hotel and casino near the Monte Carlo pool area, Baldwin said.

The production is a collaboration involving MGM Mirage, Cirque and Elvis Presley Enterprises, which is owned by Robert Sillerman, chairman and CEO of CKX, Inc.

Scenes from Elvis’ films and memorabilia probably will be folded into the production, Baldwin said.

Cirque will start assembling the talent about 10 months before rehearsals start in the 1,800-seat theater in June 2009. CityCenter and the Elvis show will open in December 2009.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

The Spice Girls are reuniting for an 11-city, international tour, including a Dec. 8 stop in Las Vegas after opening in Los Angeles the night before. They will perform at the MGM Grand Garden, according to a tour schedule posted on wikipedia.org. The group broke up in 2001 after selling more than 55 million albums worldwide. …

Pamela Anderson returned to Las Vegas and Hans Klok‘s “The Beauty of Magic” on Thursday after a quick trip to Finland to see her grandfather. She’s celebrating her 40th birthday here on Sunday with her children. …

Michael Jackson is concentrating on his album project and has no plans for a European tour, spokeswoman Raymone Bain said. As far as any plans to leave Las Vegas, she said he has not left.

MAY I RECOMMEND…

Tom Colicchio‘s Craftsteak at the MGM Grand is marking its five-year anniversary with a $55 summer special menu, from Monday through Sept. 15. Appetizers: quail, roasted red peppers or mixed lettuces; entrees: grilled Kobe sirloin or roasted chicken or sautéed Diver sea scallop; sides: sautéed corn, Yukon Gold potato puree or Shiitake mushrooms; and dessert: chef’s selection of pastries, ice creams and sorbets. Reservations: 891-7318.

SIGHTINGS

UNLV star Kevin Kruger, watching the official NBA draft party on Thursday at Buffalo Wild Wings on Eastern. … Tony Award-winning legend Chita Rivera, attending Barry Manilow‘s show Wednesday at the Las Vegas Hilton. … Boxing champion Ricky Hatton, celebrating Wednesday at Tangerine nightclub in Treasure Island. … Comedian Louie Anderson, stopping by the grand opening of Dick’s Last Resort at Excalibur on Wednesday.

THE PUNCH LINE

“There was a huge blackout in the Upper East Side of New York. New York hasn’t seen a blackout this bad since Lindsay Lohan was in town.” — Craig Ferguson

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.