A look at my Top 10

Well, I guess seeing this is New Year’s Day and most of my colleagues on the print side of the Review-Journal have chimed in with their 10 Best of whatever for 2008, I might as well tell you my Best 10 in entertainment in our fair city. In no particular order -- drum roll please -- they are:

Cher at Caesars Palace. I remember seeing her when she first played Caesars Palace back in the late '70s and without doubt it was the best show to ever hit our town and in my opinion still is in the top 3. Her show is what a true production show should be.

I also interviewed her when she first arrived back then and found her candid, funny and very sexy. In fact, the day before I interviewed her, I was sitting poolside at Caesars with artist Leroy Neiman who was there to do a painting for Playboy magazine of a new tattoo Cher had in what Neiman called “a very private place.”

Bette Midler, also at Caesars. If you looked up the word "broad" in the dictionary, I’m sure you would find a picture of Midler. She’s everything any guy wants in a woman -- funny, bawdy, talented, down-to-earth, and can give as much as she gets with any man. If you don’t come out of her show feeling good, head for the nearest hospital and tell them you need a lobotomy.

"Menopause: The Musical" at the Las Vegas Hilton. Doesn’t matter if you’re a gal or a guy, or if you’ve gone through or are going through menopause, this is one hilarious rollercoaster ride performed by four exceptional entertainers. All with different characters to play, and all equally good. I have recommended this show since it opened and have taken everyone who has ever visited me to see it. The reaction has always been the same -- sides hurting from laughing so hard and lots of tissue used to wipe the tears of laughter. No wonder it’s had such a successful run.

"KA" at MGM Grand is just one of the hugely successful Cirque du Soleil shows that have dominated our entertainment scene over the past few years, but when a show’s great, it’s great and deserves all the accolades it receives. I enjoy all of the Cirque shows, but to me, there is something special about "KA." I love the storyline, the pageantry, costumes and of course, the very talented cast -- and the incredible set is something to behold.

David Copperfield, who also performs at MGM Grand. Hard to describe this show, as who the hell knows how he does any of his illusions. Suffice it to say, they are mind-boggling, creative masterpieces and done with a flair that Copperfield didn’t always have. I remember when he first appeared on the scene more than 25 years ago. He had the talent, but very much lacked a stage presence. He seemed awkward and his rapport with the audience was almost non-existent. But oh how time has changed this master magician. Today, he oozes confidence and feels very much at home with the people who fill the room almost every night he performs.

The Scintas at the Las Vegas Hilton have always been one of my favorites. This family affair (Frankie, Joey, Christina) is the ultimate feel-good show. If there’s ever a time when you’re down and need an instant pickup, run, don’t walk, to see them perform. Not only are they talented (some of the best impressions I’ve ever seen) but their interaction with the audience will have you falling off your seat. This is a fun show with a capital F. Unfortunately, I hear they may be leaving the Hilton in the spring to pursue other interests, so if you haven’t as yet seen them, make sure you do.

Barry Manilow at Las Vegas Hilton. Never thought I’d say this as I’ve never been a great Manilow fan, although I’ve enjoyed his music over the years. But I gotta tell ya, I went to see him perform his revamped show and it was, as the Hollywood Reporter might write, BOFFO! A flawless performance of all his hits and sung with passion, power and a lot of fun thrown in for good measure. I’m really getting to believe in that saying, “You’re not getting older, you’re getting better.” Having seen guys like Manilow and Tony Bennett and Tom Jones perform this past year, it makes you a believer.

And speaking of Tom Jones, I would be remiss if I didn’t have him on my list. Here’s a guy I have watched over the past 30 years -- that’s how long he’s been performing in our town. He makes his home at MGM Grand and is one of the few headliners who comes here for a week or two at a time, rather than the standard one or two-night gig. And every night, he pours his heart out, never letting up on the voice pedal. As well, you might also catch him doing an impromptu performance at a local restaurant after his show.

I remember the first time I interviewed him way back when he was performing at Caesars Palace. I asked him when we could meet to do the interview. This was in the days when entertainers did two shows a night -- one at 9, the other at 11:30 or midnight. He said, “Let’s do it after the second show. I’ll meet you in the spa at 3” (that’s a.m., folks). It was an unusual site, but turned into what would be the first of many interviews I had with him over the years.

"Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular" at The Venetian is proving that our city can and will support a Broadway-type show. Of course, "Phantom" came to town with impressive credentials and has been able to keep its high standards with brilliant performances from all of its cast members. This story that has captured the hearts of thousands of theater-goers also gives us unforgettable music as well as beautiful set designs and costumes, set in one of the most spectacular venues in the country.

Penn & Teller at the Rio provide a unique look at the world of magic and illusion. This odd couple (Penn is almost 7 feet tall, while his “silent” partner tops out about 5-feet-5) give us not only masterful illusions but plenty of laughs as well. Their form of magic has been appropriately called “sophisticated” which I take to mean, out of the norm, but with class.

So there they are, like it or not. I’m sure some of you will agree with my choices, others will not, but however you feel, Las Vegas offers you the finest entertainment within a two-mile stretch that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It may not hold title to the “best” or “greatest” city in the world, but it certainly is, without doubt, the “Most Exciting City in the World.” Happy New Year!

Good luck and I'll see you on the Strip. And don't forget to check out eNeon each Thursday by subscribing (free of charge) to the Review-Journal's weekly newsletter. If you have a question or a Las Vegas experience you would like to share with my readers, please e-mail me at lennylv@netzero.net. Please include your full name and the city or town where you live.