Marriage, Murder, Farewells, and New Opportunities….

From Terry Fator to Frank Marino, this week’s PhotoDump RoundUp is heavy on emotion and sprinkled with laughter….

Last week, we spent three nights at Rio Las Vegas. Despite two years under new ownership and millions in room renovations, the once-exciting property remains a shadow of its former self. Most of the darkness dwells within Masquerade Village, a former casino and performance space that now doubles as an echo hall. Fortunately, a new source of light has moved into Masquerade Village. It’s the long-running dinner show MARRIAGE CAN BE MURDER.

Like a hard-working hooker, MARRIAGE CAN BE MURDER has spread its DNA through hotels around the city. Its most recent home was “The Venue” at Orleans Casino (with a short stint at an obscure events center in between). Rio‘s former DUOMO theater has been rechristened as “The Venue“, with staff and signage from the Orleans included in the move. It’s confusing, isn’t it?

THE VENUE at Orleans Casino now sits empty…

THE VENUE at Rio Casino hopes to put butts in seats…

Not having seen the show before, I incorrectly assumed that the premise was a murder during a wedding. Perhaps that was the original concept, but since the mystery and suspects change every three months, it was bound to take different directions… especially after more than two decades.

If there’s one label we can apply to MARRIAGE CAN BE MURDER, it’s the word “survivor”. So far, the show seems to be doing well in its latest home. Best wishes to the cast, crew, stars Eric and Jayne Post, and producer John Bentham. Tickets for MARRIAGE CAN BE MURDER start at $89.20 and can be ordered here. The show performs nightly at 7 pm.

‘Frank Marino’s DIVAS’ Goes From “Farewell” to “Extended”

A capacity crowd gathered at Virgin Hotel’s 24 Oxford on September 21st for Frank Marino’s DIVAS, DRAG, and Drinks. It was billed as the long-running show’s final performance. As it turned out, the audience had gathered for the announcement of an indefinite extension by the property’s President, Cliff Atkinson.

Longtime showbiz dignitaries and celebrities appeared in a video montage (below) that replaced the usual question-and-answer segment. Stars like Pia Zadora, Tony Orlando, Charo, Debbie Gibson, the Lawrence brothers, Wayne Newton, and Mayor Shelley Berkley congratulated Frank, whose Las Vegas career spans four decades.

After the performance, friends gathered at nearby Lucia Mexican Grill for an intimate party that included food, sweets, cake, and cocktails.

Frank Marino and his husband, producer Alex Schechter

Tickets for Frank Marino’s “DIVAS, DRAG, and DRINKS” start at $59.35 (inclusive) and can be ordered here. The show will return to 24 Oxford beginning October 12th and will perform one Sunday per month at 4 pm.

Terry Fator Abruptly Closes at The STRAT

When a headliner says they’ll be focusing on touring, that’s industry code for “My residency isn’t paying the bills.” Vegas entertainers typically do much better financially on the road (read my editorial on the subject here). Performers as varied as Barry Manilow, The Bronx Wanderers, and The Docksiders follow that business model. Now, after nearly two decades on Vegas stages, ventriloquist Terry Fator has decided to walk away.

On the morning of September 23rd, VEGAS 411 received notification that Terry Fator’s performance twelve hours later would be his swan song. It was no secret that sales for his STRAT Showroom residency were soft. Blame the economy, location, changing tastes…whatever you wish. But it was time for Fator to move on.

“Las Vegas will always be my home, and I’ve loved every moment performing at The STRAT for fans from all over the globe,” said Fator. “I can’t wait to bring my characters, comedy, and music to symphony stages, share some brand-new television projects, and expand my touring schedule with an all-new road show.”

Terry’s sudden announcement could lead one to speculate on a scandal. However, VEGAS 411 learned that Fator’s closure was already in the planning stages, then accelerated due to personal matters. Producer Adam Steck shared that another production is slated to move into Fator’s slot soon. He has high hopes that the coming project will be a big hit.

Las Vegas bids farewell to beloved Debra “Debbie” Yurinich

You might not have seen her name on a marquee. She didn’t have a show on the Strip. But you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone in the closely-knit Vegas entertainment community who didn’t know and love Debra “Debbie” Yurinich.

Known affectionately as “The Cookie Lady”, Debbie Yurinich was a gentle heart of the largest magnitude…a staple at charitable and entertainment functions throughout the city. The cat-loving jigsaw-puzzle enthusiast would visit multiple showrooms and events daily, delivering her baked goods to crews and entertainers.

Despite living on a retiree’s budget, Debbie generously supported live entertainment, offering funds and energy to events like MONDAYS DARK and Portnoy Gallery’s Wine, Art, and Music (aka ‘WAM’). Debbie’s children joined friends and family to honor this very special person. Singer Kelly Vohnn offered this moving tribute:

We at VEGAS 411 offer sincere condolences to those whom Debbie Yurinich touched throughout the years. She will be greatly missed.

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