Gans was ‘down in the dumps’ before death

David Graham, a personal pastor and golf buddy to the late impressionist, said his friend was "unusually low in spirits" when they golfed on the day he died.

But Graham said "heavens no" to the idea that it had anything to do with the coincidental on-sale announcement for Beyoncé doing four shows at Encore in late July.

Gans "liked Steve (Wynn) a lot" and Wynn was "very happy with him," Graham said.

Besides, Gans had plenty of time to get used to the notion of big names crowding in. The impressionist’s move from The Mirage to Encore was announced on April 17 of last year, and the story in the next day’s Review-Journal included this quote from the Wynn Resorts chairman:

"I’m going to have another four shows at least in that theater," Wynn said. "It will take me a while to get up to speed booking them, but that’s the goal."

Graham, a former golf pro who founded Christian City Church on Las Vegas Boulevard, said he "doesn’t have a clue" about why his friend was so "down in the dumps."

But he dismissed published reports of Gans having premonitions about his death, saying the two parted with the usual reminder of their next tee time and that Gans asked his friend to pray for guidance "about what he wanted to do in the future" beyond the live show.

Wynn officials will need a little guidance now in trying to figure out what to do with the theater where Gans was booked for about 40 weeks each year.

Whoopi Goldberg performs there Memorial Day weekend. Hotel spokeswoman Jennifer Dunne said the contract was in place before Gans died. However, the on-sale date for tickets was postponed for a week because of his death.

Dunne said casino executives are in the "very early days of planning" the theater’s future and deciding whether to book another resident show or star. Gans manager Chip Lightman might continue to be involved with the theater. "He has ideas, and right now all ideas are welcome."

Lightman and Gans brought Donny and Marie Osmond to the Flamingo under the name GansLight Entertainment. …

"Peepshow" is officially topless now. The Planet Hollywood burlesque review has "lost a lot of the pasties" worn on opening night, confirmed show spokeswoman Kate Whitely.

The false modesty was originally the artistic choice of director Jerry Mitchell, based on the policy of his annual "Broadway Bares" in New York. But he has since yielded to local custom. However, the show’s two stars, Mel B. and Kelly Monaco, are keeping theirs. …

If you’re feeling charitable, there’s no shortage of benefit entertainment on Sunday, with three worthy efforts to choose from.

Veteran entertainer Nelson Sardelli organized and hosts Sunday’s benefit for Italian earthquake relief, "An Affair of the Heart … To Italy with Love." Shecky Greene, Clint Holmes, Rich Little and Charlie Callas are among those who signed on for the 1 p.m. benefit at The Orleans. Tickets are $35.

Stephen Sorrentino hosts "Stars Among the Angels," a televised variety show for The Children’s Service Guild of Southern Nevada. Admission is free, with donations encouraged, for the 2 p.m. Sunday taping at Sunset Station.

Bobby Darin fans celebrate the entertainer with "Music from the Heart" for the Children’s Heart Foundation at 6 p.m. at South Point. The lineup includes a Darin tribute from Dennis Tufano, who voiced "Kind of a Drag" with The Buckinghams. …

Two shows open Friday in a new space inside the V Theater in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. "The Mentalist," comic mind-reader Gerry McCambridge, relocates from Hooters to take the 7:30 p.m. berth.

That’s followed at 9 p.m. by "Sin City Comedy," which combines two comedians with two burlesque performances. Producing comedian John Padon also is the first headliner. "Men of X" producer Angela Stabile said the male revue will stay in the 9 p.m. time slot at Hooters. She wants to run another show in the 7 p.m. slot abandoned by McCambridge, and recently staged a showcase for casino executives. …

"Menopause the Musical" will reconvene at Luxor on May 26, nearly two months after it closed at the Las Vegas Hilton. It will reopen with "America’s Got Talent" singer Queen Emily, who came on near the end of the Hilton stretch as the show’s first billed star, as well as Paige O’Hara and other local veterans. …

Afternoon magic headliner Dirk Arthur is starting a 7 p.m. show at the Tropicana to fill the void left by "Folies Bergere" closing, but management says it’s more of an interim move than a permanent one.

Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.