Sting extends Strip production into 2023
Sting in ‘23 is happening on the Strip.
The rock superstar has added six shows next April to his “My Songs” residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The dates are April 1, 2, 5, 7, 8 and 9, onsale 10 a.m. Friday at Ticketmaster.com. Sting’s upcoming shows are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (tickets start at $59, not including fees).
The series debuted in 2021. In the Vegas-designed production, the 70-year-old co-founder of the Police performs “Roxanne,” “Message In A Bottle,” “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” and “Every Breath You Take,” along with several fan favorites from his solo career. He also performs selections from his latest album, “The Bridge.”
The show is booked in Caesars Entertainment’s exclusive partnership with Live Nation.
Sting has also been spotted at Las Vegas Strip productions, visiting Carrot Top and “Fantasy” on the same night last week. He was reportedly bemused at Carrot Top’s stage attire, and enjoyed “Roxanne” in the “Fantasy” lineup.
‘A Strange Loop’ connection
We have a Vegas angle from Sunday’s Tony Awards presentation in New York. Emily Jillette and Mark Shunock are both investors in “A Strange Loop,” which won the Tony for Best New Musical. The story of a gay, Black theater performer battling cultural disapproval was backed by nonprofits and took several years to make it to the stage.
Jillette is the wife of Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller and a passionate Broadway fan. She told Shunock, founder of The Space and Mondays Dark, about the project, and he also invested. Jillette is a backer of “Mrs. Doubtfire” as well.
‘Clown’ town
The noir comedy-crime drama-mystery piece “Clown Bar 2” closed its first run Sunday night at Majestic Repertory Theatre at 1212 S. Main Street in the Arts District. The production was genuinely immersive. I wound up with glitter all over my shoes. The crooning clown (Musty, played by Robert Ryan) and talking mime (Angel Mendoza) were personal favorites. The cast smashed a whipped-cream pie in to theater proprietor Troy Heard’s face at the close. Heard directed, Adam Szymkowicz the writer, in a spirited production.
“Clown Bar 2” returns next spring, paired with “Clown Bar,” The first part had a lengthy run in Vegas, and also played the Viper Room in Hollywood and in Kansas City. “Oleanna” by David Mamet is up next at Majestic, July 14-24. Then it’s “Pink Velvet,” a burlesque vehicle from Heard and RJ Owens of “Mystere,” opening Aug. 11.
Cool Hang(s) Alert
A double dose from The Stirling Club at Turnberry Place. The ever-versatile Joelle Righetti, who is also righteous, plays Spirits Lounge from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursday. No cover. Then it’s “Kelly Clinton and Friends” is from 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday in The Stirling Room. Jerry Lopez of Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns, veteran Vegas vocalist Avana Christie and Lorena Peril of “Fantasy” at Luxor guest star, $25 for members, $35 for non-members. Very cool hang.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.
