The Pumpkin King is to be a headliner on the Strip.
“Danny Elfman’s Music From the Films of Tim Burton,” backed by the Las Vegas Philharmonic plays Resorts World Theatre on Nov. 13-14 (tickets on sale 10 a.m. Pacific time Friday at AXS.com).
The show presents live adaptations of “Beetlejuice,” “Edward Scissorhands,” “Batman,” and “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” The latter features a performance by the 72-year-old Elfman as The Pumkin King.
Along with the full orchestra, the production promises “immersive visuals, with Burton’s original concept artwork and a career-spanning set list showcasing Elfman’s distinctive compositional style,” according to the release announcing the show.
Elfman has earned four Academy Award nominations, two Emmys, a Grammy and a Golden Globe.
Similarly impactful (in our estimation), Elfman is founder of ska-pop-rock pioneers Oingo Boingo. It’s a dead man’s party, who could ask for more?
The band called it in 1995 after a 17-year run, as Elfman took off as a renowned film composer. He was on his way already with the theme to 1985’s “Weird Science.”
The Burton link
Burton’s work was featured in the Neon Museum’s exhibit “Lost Vegas: Tim Burton @ The Neon Museum Presented by the Engelstad Foundation.”
Burton famously staged the Landmark implosion as the climactic scene in the 1996 farce “Mars Attacks.” Bootlegger Bistro owner Lorraine Hunt-Bono, who headed up the Nevada Film Commission at the time, was among those who hit the big red button to bring the tower down.
Hunt-Bono opened, and closed, the Top of the Landmark lounge in her performance days.
Murray’s (other) magic act
Ex-NSYNC member Joey Fatone is developing the documentary special “Boy Band Confidential,” and somehow a Las Vegas magician’s house is involved.
Fatone recorded his interview segments at Murray Sawchuck’s Las Vegas home in August. Sawchuck has rented his home for such projects. In December, Sawchuck turned the place over to a crew filming an upcoming doc on tennis great Novak Djokovic. Andre Agassi was interviewed in the home for that project.
Great Moments in Social Media
Rock legend Sammy Hagar posted a video on IG of an encounter with an individual on the Strip who was (as Hagar described) homeless and a Van Halen fan. The man called Hagar’s name as the Red Rocker walked past.
“I was surprised so I stopped to say hello and help him out with a little cash,” Hagar posted. “He told me a story of how he was at the launch of the Van Halen 1995 Balance Tour in Pensacola, Fla.. He told me what I was wearing that night, things I said. Remembered Jon Stewart introducing us.”
Hagar posted a couple of pics with the otherwise unidentified individual, including one of the two men hugging. “It was enlightening for me to realize how many people like him, families, etc., that have become homeless. I can see it. I just don’t know what to do about it.” An honest moment, and assessment.
May We Recommend …
The Sin City Stones at The Back Room at the Horseshoe. The band slams through such Stones’ classics as “Gimme Shelter,” “Midnight Rambler,” and “Start Me Up” in a cozy, rock-club atmosphere.
The musicians play it all live, reviving the Stones’ peak of the late-’60s into the early ’80s. Across the roster: Drew Johnson (lead vocals, as the Mick guy), Anthony Stasi (guitar), Jason Walker (guitar), Denny Hechevarria (bass), Paul Madafferi (drums) and Matt Green (keys).
Rock fans, and especially Stones fans, will dig it. Many opportunities to groove. Check it out 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Listen for the cowbell intro on “Honky Tonk Women” to find the place.
Combs gets it
Luke Combs gave his backing band, The Wild Cards, ample time to shine in his show at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday night. Band mates Jamie Davis (guitar) Korey Hunt (guitar and steel-slide guitar), Tyler King (guitar), Kurt Ozan (guitar), Dustin Nunley (guitar, banjo), Mat Maxwell (bass) and Jake Sommers (drums) were allowed a spotlight moment to play and sing.
A lot of superstar headliners are not so generous. But Combs, who says his band is more talented than he is, cedes the stage.
The Wild Cards also tore it up Friday night at Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Las Vegas.
“It was massive,” Ole Red General Manager Ryan Klaasen said. “The place was packed. It was one of the best shows we’ve had.”
Look for duck-in performances at Blake Shelton’s Ole Red during the Academy of Country Music Awards in May. And Shelton and Gwen Stefani are in town that month for their residencies, Shelton at the Colosseum and No Doubt at Sphere. Long-term, there will be cross-promotion opportunities with Ole Red and Combs’ Category 10, both owned and operated by Ryman Hospitality Group.
Manilow to People
We’ve heard from Barry Manilow in an exclusive interview in People magazine. The recording legend confides that he also had hip problems in November, along with his recent cancer scare and bout with bronchitis.
After performing an MRI on Manilow’s pelvis, doctors checked his lungs and found a spot that was removed near the end of the year. That move likely saved Manilow’s career.
Manilow told the magazine he was determined to return to touring. But there is no mention of Manilow’s return to the Westgate, where he has headlined nearly 700 shows. I believe those dates, starting May 7-9, will hold. At 82, Manilow still has a zeal to be on stage, and also the studio. Manilow’s 33rd studio album, and first in 15 years, “What a Time” drops June 5.
Cool Hang Alert
Westgate’s International Bar runs live entertainment daily, lounge hours from 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. No cover for this place just off the main entrance. Rizzo & Carlo are Wednesday, Brooke Wilkes Trio on Thursday, Mach Five on Friday, San Fernando Band on Saturday and April & Brian on Sunday. Go to westgateresorts.com for intel.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.