Newton signs pact with Tropicana

Wayne Newton is calling his upcoming run at the Tropicana "Once Before I Go," and he's hinting that he might be serious.

The 67-year-old Las Vegas legend will give his act more of an autobiographical focus for the six-month run beginning Oct. 14. "It's the only time that we'll ever do it," Newton told reporters Wednesday.

"I tell you that come March of next year, I will be making some very serious decisions about where I go with my own life, and one of those includes spending some time with my 7-year-old daughter," he said.

Newton cited his longtime friendship with the Tropicana's new chairman, Alex Yemenidjian. The two have known each other since the early '90s. Newton's aging fan base isn't exactly in sync with the new chairman's plan for a South Beach-style makeover of the property. But Yemenidjian said the conclusion of the limited run "coincides with the conclusion of phase one" of renovations.

Yemenidjian said Newton's run could be extended "by popular demand if people are tearing the house down." However, long-term plans for the showroom call for a production show developed by Nancy Gregory, the new vice president of entertainment. She has produced shows for Disney and Radio City Music Hall.

Citing the importance of keeping "an element of surprise," Newton was vague about the specifics of his new vehicle.

It's described in promotional materials as "an intimate journey through a life spent onstage" and "a celebration of 50 storied years as told by the man who shaped them."

The entertainer said it would feature guest stars, some in person and some via modern technology, which will be "an integral part of the show." It's staged by Newton without a third-party producer.

The production also calls for "an exhilarating full orchestra," according to press materials. But Las Vegas Musicians Union President Frank Leone says Newton is still on the national union's "unfair" list because of a three-year-old dispute over rehearsal pay.

The local chapter of the American Federation of Musicians is prepared to stage an informal picket, known as "leafleting," as it did when Newton last played the MGM Grand.

"I'd much rather come to the table and figure out a way to put this thing to bed," Leone said Wednesday. Using anything more than a small band, "I don't see how he can pull this show off without using AFM members."

Newton's agent, Jack Wishna, said via e-mail that Newton is "busy putting the finishing touches on the show, including orchestra size, etc. Wayne always liked a nice-size orchestra reminiscent of Las Vegas showrooms of yesteryear."

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