Red Carpet Report: Criss Angel, Celine Dion, Stan Allen, ‘Solid Gold,’ Michael Mina, Penn Jillette
Criss Angel’s 1-year-old son Johnny Crisstopher has flown to America from his home in Australia where he has been undergoing chemotherapy for his fight against cancer. The MINDFREAK LIVE! at The Luxor star took his son to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. “It was one of his better days,” said Criss.
“Johnny has had a rough time going through chemo, his treatments, blood transfusions, spinal taps, but he loves to watch Mickey Mouse. When he met Mickey Mouse in person, he had a smile from ear to ear. So excited, we had such a beautiful time together as a family. I just want him to be happy, and I want him to live a long, happy and fruitful life.”
Johnny lives in Australia with his mom, model Shaunyl Benson, and both will be here Sept. 12 for his Heal Every Life Possible fundraiser at The Luxor. Although in remission, Johnny undergoes cancer treatments.
Criss has a $1 million goal for HELP, with Jerry Lewis, Wayne Newton, Cirque du Soleil artists and Blue Man Group performing and boosts from Celine Dion, Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez, who have donated meet-and-greet VIP passes for the auction.
MAGIC MOVES
Magic Magazine publisher Stan Allen made it official this morning that his 300th issue of Magic ends with the current August issue. He confirmed our story last week that he’s retiring the Las Vegas-based publication, the Bible for illusionists.
He’s ending his 25-year run with a final 25 issues of a new companion titled Magic Legacy, which is only available as a set and by subscription. The new paper-and-ink editions start in November to be released at intervals over the next two years.
In a note to me, Stan said: “The publication will not be sold or rebooted in any form. This is it!” Stan’s first 10,000 subscribers had logged on by noon today to secure their editions that include a Legacy deck of cards to perform tricks.
I’LL TAKE THE CHECK
Caesars Palace headliner Celine Dion told everybody dining at Schwartz Deli in Montreal that she was treating them to lunch and promptly picked up their checks. Celine had dropped by the lunch spot because her late husband and longtime manager, Rene Angelil, and she became part owners in 2012.
Celine says it is one of the most unique restaurants in the world. After picking up the tab, Celine signed autographs and posed for photographs, then teamed with her business partners to donate food to charities in Montreal.
SOLID GOLD SOUL
Our TV company that produced LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS and STAR SEARCH, among many others, first began with the pop countdown show SOLID GOLD. Now producer Nanette Barbera is bringing her new show SOLID GOLD SOUL to Windows Showroom at Bally’s premiering Sept. 29.
It will star America’s top Motown impersonators with singing, dancing and a live band.
GARAGE SALE
It’s known that Rio headliner magician Penn Jillette, his wife, Emily, and their kids are moving from their prison-style house lovingly nicknamed The Slammer, but it’s newsworthy in that they’re having a garage sale to sell everything.
This Saturday, go buy some of their stuff, and bring anything you want to sell along with you. Filmmakers are shooting the garage sale for a future movie being shot at The Slammer.
HALLOWEEN COMES EARLY
Horror king Jason Egan has turned his Fright Dome at Circus Circus into one of the top-ranked Halloween attractions in the world. Now heading into its 14th season with new haunted attractions at Adventuredome, Jason is thrilled about his debut movie, THE NEIGHBOR.
The thriller premieres tonight with a star-studded red carpet at Brenden Theaters at The Palms. Jason says it’s a natural transition from Halloween attractions to films and hopes that it’s the first of many collaborations to terrify film audiences.
HEADING WEST
Congratulations to celebrity chef Michael Mina in taking a cue from his ultra-successful Strip Steak at Mandalay Bay: He’s opening a Hawaiian twist to the classic American steakhouse in Waikiki.
